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Exploring Freedom and Help: A Glimpse into the Church of Scientology in Budapest

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In an episode of “Destination; Scientology,” a travel show that explores various Scientology churches worldwide, viewers were treated to an exclusive glimpse inside the Church of Scientology in Budapest. The episode, which aired on September 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Scientology Network, highlighted the qualities of this vibrant European city and how the Church contributes to its ethos of freedom and support.

Budapest, known as Hungary’s center and a hub for culture, finance, and entertainment, boasts a rich historical heritage as the gateway to Western influences. The city is famous for its festivals, especially during the summer months, and its cuisine is renowned globally for its excellence.

“We take pride in being Hungarians,” says Szusza, an executive from the Church. “Budapest is often referred to as the City of Freedom. The most fulfilling aspect of my work is witnessing individuals transform their lives positively. Life isn’t about challenges; it can genuinely be enjoyable, with true freedom waiting to be attained.

“Atilla, another member of our church, explains that when we established this church, my personal goal was to contribute to extending the assistance that Scientology can provide to the people of Hungary. We wanted to create a place where anyone can come and experience their spiritual growth while also supporting their groups, friends, and family.”

One individual who discovered answers and achieved success through Scientology is Ferenc. He is a TV personality who came across Scientology just as he was launching his career. Eventually, he became the host of a popular cooking show in which he interviewed grandmothers from different regions about their cherished recipes. Ferenc credits his accomplishments to the knowledge he gained through his Scientology courses. According to him “When you are able to find happiness and freedom you can genuinely write your life’s story.”

The Scientology Network made its debut on March 12th, 2018. Has since reached audiences in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The network aims to present the teachings of the Scientology religion along with information about its founder L. Ron Hubbard while highlighting the outreach efforts and programs, for social betterment initiated by the Church. Additionally, it features documentaries created by filmmakers that reflect diverse cultures and faiths – all with a shared objective of uplifting communities.
The network has received more than 125 industry awards, including prestigious accolades like Tellys, Communitas, and Hermes Creative Awards which highlights its dedication to delivering cutting-edge content.

The Scientology Network is broadcasted from the Church’s media center located in Los Angeles called Scientology Media Productions. It can be accessed through platforms such as DIRECTV Channel 320 DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse, and also through streaming on Scientology.tv. Additionally, it is available on apps and popular devices like Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV.

Since its establishment by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard in 1954 in Los Angeles, the Church of Scientology has experienced growth. Today it comprises, over 11,000 Churches, Missions, and affiliated groups worldwide with millions of members spread across 167 countries.

Haiti: Children facing triple threat of insecurity, malnutrition, disease

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Haiti: Children facing triple threat of insecurity, malnutrition, disease

The spread of violence from Port-au-Prince to Artibonite, Haiti’s main rice-growing region, is exacerbating an already critical humanitarian emergency, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday.

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Ukraine: Report documents mounting deaths, rights violations

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Ukraine: Report documents mounting deaths, rights violations

It reveals the lethal toll of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Ukrainian civilians, with nearly six individuals killed and 20 wounded on common each single day between February and July of this 12 months.

“In just six months covered by this report more than one thousand civilians died and nearly four thousand were injured,” said Danielle Bell, the Mission’s head.

Fear and destruction

Russian missile assaults in opposition to residential areas and very important infrastructure, in addition to grain and agricultural amenities, proceed to sow worry and destruction throughout Ukraine.

Meanwhile, civilians in areas occupied by Russia face torture, ill-treatment, sexual violence and arbitrary detention.  Hundreds stay imprisoned, with their households unaware of their destiny. 

The battle has prompted thousands and thousands of Ukrainians to fall beneath the poverty line, a scenario that has been worsened by broad financial and social hurt brought on by assaults on very important infrastructure and agricultural amenities.

‘Horrific legacy’

The destruction of the Khakovka dam in June is one instance. The breach triggered main flooding and prompted an environmental catastrophe which the report stated can have long-term hostile results on the rights and well-being of individuals dwelling within the space.

“The battle has wreaked havoc within the lives of thousands and thousands of Ukrainians, together with kids who should reside with the horrific legacy of human loss, bodily destruction, environmental injury, significantly contamination from explosive remnants of battle, for a few years to come back,” Ms Bell stated.

Widespread torture

Human rights screens continued to doc widespread torture and ill-treatment in opposition to civilians and prisoners of battle (POWs) over the reporting interval, together with extreme beatings, electrocution, mock executions, sexual violence and degrading remedy.

Appalling circumstances of detention additionally continued, marked by lack of meals and medical providers, overcrowding, poor dwelling circumstances and sanitation, sleep deprivation, and no entry to the skin world. Russia to this point has refused to permit any entry to the UN’s human rights screens.

In distinction, Ukraine continues to grant them unfettered entry to interned POWs, and circumstances at its POW camp close to the western metropolis of Lviv have improved, in keeping with the report.

Update on Olevnika assault

The UN Mission has additionally referred to as for additional investigation into the July 2022 assault on the penal colony at Olevnika, which killed 51 Ukrainian POWs and injured no less than 139.

The report dominated out {that a} HIMARS rocket was used within the assault. Russia was additionally criticized for protecting POWs close to the frontline, in violation of humanitarian regulation, and for not giving the UN entry to the positioning.

Other points lined embrace Russia introducing its personal administrative and schooling techniques within the territory beneath its management. Residents of those areas had been beneath stress to simply accept Russian citizenship, for instance, and males have been coerced to hitch the armed forces.

While highlighting progress on some points in areas managed by Ukraine, the report famous the continued prosecution of 1000’s of people accused of collaboration with Russia in areas beforehand beneath occupation.

Child transfers and deportations

The report additionally raised concern over the destiny of Ukrainian kids, together with some in institutional care, who had been transferred to different areas inside occupied areas or deported to Russia.

Specific point out was product of the circumstances of youngsters who had been despatched to summer season camps in Russia, purportedly with their mother and father’ consent, however then weren’t returned house.

Russia to this point has did not establish the kids and reunite them with their households, the report stated, urging the return of all deported and transferred people, together with kids and individuals with disabilities. 

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ODIHR will address, together with experts, Anti-Religious Hate Crimes in a side event

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The OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will be organizing a side event called “Addressing Anti-Religious Hate Crime in the OSCE Area.” This event is scheduled to take place on October 5 2023 from 2;00 p.m. to 3;00 p.m. at Meeting Room 1 – Belweder in Sofitel Hotel of Warsaw. The main objective of this event is to address the increasing concern about intolerance and hate crimes targeting groups within the OSCE region.

These incidents not only jeopardize individual safety but also undermine social unity often leading to violence and larger disputes. The event will emphasize the importance of establishing a security framework that fully respects, protects and upholds freedom of religion or belief. This principle plays a role in fostering positive relationships among participating states within the OSCE and forms an integral part of its security concept.

During the event, there will be discussions on aspects related to anti-religious hate crimes in the OSCE area. This includes analyzing how such incidents are reported and dealt with. Additionally, attention will be given to ODIHR’s upcoming resources, like community security guides and factsheets. Furthermore, gender-related dimensions of religious hate crimes will also be addressed.

The ODIHR with the support of the FoRB Roundtable Brussels EU is hosting an event conducted in English.

Tatjana Perić, an Adviser specializing in combating racism and xenophobia at OSCE/ODIHR will be moderating the panel. The esteemed panellists include Eric Roux, Co-Chair of FoRB Roundtable Brussels EU; Christine Mirre, Director of CAP Freedom of Conscience; Alexander Verkhovskiy, Director of the SOVA Research Center; Isabella Sargsyan, Program Director at Eurasia Partnership Foundation and a member of ODIHR Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief; and Ivan Arjona Pelado, President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights.

The event will end with a statement from Kishan Manocha, Head of Tolerance and Non-Discrimination at OSCE/ODIHR.

The speakers possess experience and expertise in various fields such as political extremism, nationalism, xenophobia, religion and politics misuse prevention regarding anti-extremism policies. They are also well-versed in human rights issues, freedom of religion and belief matters. Additionally skilled in conflict transformation among areas. These individuals have dedicated their careers to tackling discrimination and intolerance. Undoubtedly their insightful contributions will shed light on the issue surrounding anti-religious hate crimes, within the OSCE region.

The upcoming event is expected to serve as an opportunity for discussions and initiatives aimed at combating hate crimes based on religious beliefs. It represents a move towards fostering inclusivity, understanding and the protection of religious freedom, within the OSCE region.

The event will conclude with a closing statement from Kishan Manocha, Head of Tolerance and Non-Discrimination at OSCE/ODIHR, summarizing the key takeaways and emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts to combat anti-religious hate crimes in the OSCE area.

In a world where religious diversity should be celebrated and protected, this event serves as a crucial platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative action to combat anti-religious hate crimes and promote tolerance, understanding, and freedom of religion or belief within the OSCE region.

Using ‘biochar’ to combat climate change

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Using ‘biochar’ to combat climate change

A new review of research suggests that the nature-based technology biochar – a carbon-rich material – could be an important tool to use in agriculture to help mitigate climate change. 

Made by pyrolysis, which involves heating organic material in a low-oxygen environment, biochar – a charcoal-like, porous substance – has long been utilized for crop production as a soil amendment or carbon sequestration agent.

Researchers have recently seen a resurgence of heightened interest in the technology due to its unique physical structure and various agricultural and environmental benefits.

For these reasons, biochar’s potential to remove large amounts of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere deserves to be re-evaluated, said Raj Shrestha, lead author of the study and a research associate in horticulture and crop science at The Ohio State University.  

Soil in a hand - illustrative photo.
Soil in a hand – illustrative photo. Image credit: Zoe Schaeffer via Unsplash, free license

“When farmers grow their crops, they apply fertilizer and/or manure and use different machinery to till the soil,” said Shrestha. “In the process, greenhouse gases are produced and released into the atmosphere.”
But farmers could lessen this impact by applying biochar to their fields, according to the paper recently published in the Journal of Environmental Quality.
“If we can convince farmers that converting biomass to biochar is good for the long-term sustainability of soils, the economy, and good for the environment, then we’ll be able to see wide adoption of this technology,” said Shrestha.

Biochar produced from residual wood.
Biochar produced from residual wood. Image credit: K.salo.85 via Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

The researchers reviewed more than 200 field studies conducted across the globe that examined the impact of biochar application in agriculture on emissions of nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide – heat-trapping gases that cause Earth’s atmosphere to warm.

The team found that the amount of biochar in the soil does have variable effects on local greenhouse gas emissions, which range from a decrease to an increase, and, in some cases, no change. But in general, the team discovered that the use of biochar in field settings lowered the amount of nitrous oxide in the air by about 18% and methane by 3%.

Biochar alone was also not effective at reducing carbon dioxide emissions, but did help when combined with commercial nitrogen fertilizer or other organic materials, like manure or compost. 

“We can achieve negative emission in our agroecosystems by reducing the carbon source and enhancing carbon sink,” said Shrestha. Reducing Earth’s carbon source can be achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our activities, and enhancing carbon sink – increasing the technology’s ability to absorb more carbon than it releases into the atmosphere – can be done by increasing the long-term soil carbon pool through conversion of organic waste into biochar, he said. 

“What’s good about biochar is that it contributes to both these aspects to create net negative agriculture,” said Shrestha.

Right now, when farmers leave crop residue on the field, only about 10% to 20% of the residue carbon is recycled into soil during the decomposition process, but by converting the same amount of residue to biochar and then applying it to the field, we can store about 50% of that carbon into stable carbon forms.”

As biochar-carbon placed in the soil can also last anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of years, it’s currently one of the proposed best management practices for achieving negative emissions and preventing Earth’s average temperature from increasing to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. 

According to the study, between 2011 and 2020, global greenhouse gas emissions rose: carbon dioxide by about 5.6%, methane by 4.2%, and nitrous oxide by 2.7% – and agriculture accounts for about 16% of these emissions.

While such levels have already led to irreversible changes to the global climate system, Shrestha said that future damages could be slowed by helping to curb the extent of emissions from the farming and forestry sectors. 

Yet despite biochar’s potential as a negative emission technology and the recent increase in biochar-related research, it’s difficult to get farmers to apply it, partly because it hasn’t been commercialized for widespread use or promoted well, said Shrestha. 

To better deliver more science-based, practical information about the technology and its benefits to farmers and agriculture-related businesses, many lawmakers have enacted policies meant to investigate its effectiveness across many different soil types and environmental conditions. It’s an objective that Shrestha shares, as the main goal of his team’s review paper is to improve farmers’ confidence in biochar so that more of them choose to adopt it sooner. 

Women and girls continue to be killed, based on gender alone

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Women and girls continue to be killed, based on gender alone

“Women and girls continue to be killed on the basis of their sex and gender, rendered more vulnerable to femicide when being women and girls intersect with other grounds or identities,” said Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on the issue – whose brief includes examining the causes and consequences of attacks.

She stated that “they continue to be unable to organize freely, believe and speak and suffer the consequences.”  

Ms. Alsalem’s remarks followed the presentation of her report to the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York.  

“In some countries, we have witnessed concerning regressions in their ability to access education, to move freely and to access sexual and reproductive health.  

“These regressions are happening while the world navigates multiple crises of war, climate change, poverty and pandemics that clearly have a gendered impact and affect women and girls unequally,” Ms. Alsalem added.  

Violence against women

We are at the halfway point in the race to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and “we have painfully realized that we are nowhere near achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (on gender equality and empowerment)” the expert said.

According to the World Health Organization,  Around 736 million, are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner – a number that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade.

Intimate partner violence is the most common form suffered by women, with around 641 million affected globally.

The organization said younger women remain particularly at risk of such violence, with one in four women aged 15 to 24 suffering violence at the hands of an intimate partner by the time they reached their mid-twenties.

Gender-based discrimination

“Gender equality cannot be achieved without ensuring that women and girls can enjoy their fundamental human rights and can participate in society equally and without discrimination,” Ms. Alsalem noted.  

She said today, 50 countries continue to have nationality laws that contain gender-discriminatory provisions and in 24 of those countries, women are denied the right to confer nationality on their children on an equal basis with men.

Statelessness

The independent expert went on to say that sex and gender-based discrimination in nationality laws is one of the major causes of statelessness.  

“Make no mistake: Statelessness and gender discriminatory nationality laws are tantamount to violence against women, as they constitute severe forms of discrimination against women and girls as defined by the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women.”

“They result in a vicious circle of human rights failures and violations, directly and indirectly exacerbating psychological, sexual, and physical violence,” Ms. Alsalem concluded.  

She called on States to “uphold the objective, spirit and meaning of fundamental human rights obligations”.

Special Rapporteurs and other UN experts are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and receive no salary for their work.

SDG 5: EMPOWER ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS BY 2030

SDG 5

 

  • End all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls
  • Eliminate such harmful practices as early and forced marriages and female genital mutilation
  • Adapt and strengthen legislation to promote gender equality and empower women and girls
  • Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership in political, economic, and public life
  • Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care

 

Globally, almost half of all married women currently lack decision-making power over their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

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UN supports ‘monumental step’ for cancer sufferers in northwest Syria

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UN supports ‘monumental step’ for cancer sufferers in northwest Syria

The first radiotherapy machine to treat cancer arrived in northwest Syria over the weekend, the UN’s aid coordination office (OCHA) said on Tuesday.

It marks a “monumental step” for cancer treatment in the region said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.

Radiotherapy sessions have historically not been available in local health facilities, forcing Syrian cancer patients to become dependent on cross-border referrals to Türkiye, he added.

The announcement comes on the heels of multiple advocacy efforts led by the UN and its partners, with the support from the Government of Türkiye.

Syria has been in the grip of brutal civil war for more than 12 years, and the northwest is home to the final pockets of opposition and resistance to the Government in Damascus. 

Impact of earthquake

Previously, 90 to 100 Syrian cancer patients each week were crossing from Syria into Türkiye for treatment, via the referral system.

This system was severely disrupted following the devastating earthquakes in February, emphasising the need for local radiotherapy capabilities.

The machine – which can provide more than 40 radiotherapy sessions a day – is now set up in the largest hospital in Afrin. 

The hospital is adjusting to meet the operational standards and safety requirements of a radiotherapy centre.

Once ready, the facility is expected to meet the needs of up to one-third of all cancer patients in northwest Syria.

Turkish support

Turkish health authorities have pledged their support for the effort, with Turkish technicians and oncologists operating the machine on-site and training Syrian health workers. 

Since the devastating earthquakes struck, there has been an uptick in cancer cases reported in the region. Mr. Dujarric urged the international community to do more to support OCHA’s efforts.

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Atrocity crimes still being committed in Ethiopia, UN experts warn

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Atrocity crimes still being committed in Ethiopia, UN experts warn

The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia said it was vital independent investigators continue to review the country’s dire human rights situation.”

“We are gravely concerned about the situation in Ethiopia and the potential for future atrocities,” said Mohamed Chande Othman, Chairperson of the Commission.

Risk factors remain

“Our report shows that the overwhelming majority of risk factors for future atrocity crimes are present in Ethiopia, including ongoing serious violations, widespread violence and instability, and deeply entrenched impunity.”

The warning follows another Commission report, presented to the UN Human Rights Council last month, which concluded that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Ethiopia since 3 November 2020.

That was the date that hostilities began between Government forces and forces of the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front, which spread to much of northern Ethiopia. A ceasefire was agreed in November 2022.

According to the commission, “the latest detailed findings are based on an assessment of the risk factors for atrocity crimes, which are the most serious crimes against humankind,” highlighting that “these crimes – including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity – are identified in the UN Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes.”

The Commission’s report found that all eight of the common risk factors are now present in Ethiopia.

“There is a very real and imminent risk that the situation will deteriorate further, and it is incumbent upon the international community to ensure that investigations persist so human rights violations can be addressed, and the worst tragedies averted,” said Steven Ratner, one of the independent experts.

Atrocities against civilians

Despite the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, the Commission has determined that serious violations are continuing in the Tigray region.

It has confirmed the ongoing presence of Eritrean forces in Ethiopia, and continuing atrocities against civilians, in particular rape and other forms of sexual violence.

The Commission has also expressed alarm about the deteriorating situation in the Amhara region, including emerging reports of extrajudicial killings and mass arrests. Most, if not all, of the structural drivers of violence and conflict remain unaddressed.

Human rights violations

“One of the Human Rights Council’s most important roles is to help prevent human rights violations and respond to human rights emergencies,” said commission member Radhika Coomaraswamy. “The situation in Ethiopia clearly merits such attention and it is vital that this continues.” 

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Pineapple and our body

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Yellow Pineapple

When Christopher Columbus returned from one of his trips to America, back in the 16th century, he brought with him a fruit completely unknown in Europe and which was named pineapple because of its resemblance to the pine cone.

Its scientific name is Ananas Comosus, and in South American countries it is known as “ananas”, translated as “delicious fruit” in Portuguese.

In Spain, the cultivation of this fruit occurs entirely in the Canary Islands.

Originally from Brazil, currently, according to experts, the best pineapple in the world is produced in Costa Rica in the “plane pineapple” variety.

For those inexperienced in choosing a pineapple, it must be said that the ripening point is known when, gently pulling on the leaves, and if they come off, it means that it is perfect for consumption. We can also see the pointed green tip, known as the frond and there, depending on its darker color, it will be ripe.

Pineapple deteriorates at temperatures below 7ºC, so it is not advisable to leave it unopened in the refrigerator, since a cool, dry place is ideal to preserve it. Now, if it is peeled and cut, we should leave it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap and consume it as soon as possible.

We all know it and have eaten its refreshing pulp, or drank the juice obtained by squeezing it, even the most daring have perpetrated a dialectical struggle with it over tastes, specifically whether it is appropriate to use it or not as an ingredient in a pizza. But for tastes…

What not all of us know is the amount of benefits that its intake brings us. Thus, we must know that 86% of its weight is made up of water, which makes pineapple an important source of hydration and that its calories are minimal, tending to deceive its sweet flavor.

For every 100 grams, pineapple provides us with about 50 kcal, 13.12% carbohydrates, but be careful, these are slow absorption and are beneficial for the body; It has 18% ascorbic acid and 9.85% sugars, these being sucrose, glucose and fructose and which depend on the ripening time of the fruit. The more time in the tree, the more caloric intake. We will have verified this when eating a pineapple that is rather tender to the touch, its flavor is much sweeter, from which we can deduce that the proportion of sugar has increased in the fruit.

Pineapple has minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as vitamin C. In addition, its consumption is excellent for people with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.

What we don’t usually use about this fruit is its rind. From this part of the pineapple you can obtain dietary fiber and phenols. It is good to know that pineapple peel, boiled and infused after meals or between meals, serves to reduce inflammation and also pain and combats constipation. This will not provide us with fiber, but its moisturizing action helps to soften stools.

Thanks to pineapple we can regulate our intestinal transit, due to its high fiber content compared to other fruits. It is also beneficial for improving the digestive system, avoiding intestinal problems such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Of course, it should be taken fresh, since heat cancels the action of bromelain, which is a proteolytic enzyme present in the stem and fruit of pineapple and that helps us lose weight.

There are aspects of pineapple that are often unknown, such as the fact that it is anti-inflammatory and, therefore, very good for cases of tendinitis and rheumatic conditions with edema in the limbs.

It improves eye health, thanks to the beta-carotenes that this fruit has, and helps keep bones strong due to the calcium it provides and the regeneration of its cells.

It is recommended for the liver if consumed regularly and helps eliminate the water that we retain in the body’s tissues and that can cause pain in our legs and hands, gout or weight gain or cellulite.

If you are cold and have mucus, do not stop taking pineapple, as it helps eliminate it. It is also indicated for the good condition of blood vessels and thus helps us avoid blood circulation problems, increased blood pressure and the formation of clots or the risk of embolisms.

It protects our skin by helping the healing of skin ulcers and burns.

Finally, we will highlight that it interferes with the development of malignant cells and reduces the risk of metastasis of some types of cancer. Its help in chemotherapy treatments is being investigated, and it seems to have a positive effect by enhancing its effects.

It must also be taken into account that there are risks in consuming this food, especially for people who suffer from gastroduodenal ulcer and gastritis, due to its acid content and its ability to increase the production of gastric juices.

Originally published at LaDamadeElche.com

Looming hunger emergency for South Sudanese families fleeing war

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Looming hunger emergency for South Sudanese families fleeing war

A hunger emergency is looming for scores of South Sudanese families fleeing the war in Sudan, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday. 

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