United Nations Radio

A Mexican journalist who has faced repeated death threats and was even jailed has been awarded the World Press Freedom prize from UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Lydia Cacho Ribeiro (photo) was hailed for her courage in exposing political corruption, organized crime and domestic violence. Ms. Cacho Ribeiro, who was on her way to Mozambique for the May 3rd award ceremony, says it was her mother's example that led her to become a journalist.

Indigenous people are on the frontlines when it comes to experiencing the effects of climate change.

Severe weather conditions like floods and drought are destroying their lands, and threatening centuries' old hunting or pastoral traditions. And, sometimes, even their health. But it's the women of these communities who are bearing the brunt of climate change as chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, explains.

Giving birth should not be a matter of life and death.

Yet each year, more than 500,000 women die from pregnancy-related causes. Gerry Adams spoke with Katja Iversen of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) about progress on improving maternal and newborn health as laid out in the UN-backed Millennium Development Goals (or "MDGs") to be achieved within the next seven years. The effort includes a recent meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa, called Countdown to 2015.

Producer: Dianne Penn

(duration: 14'00")