AFP

AFP Video - Social Issues

Gypsies seen as outcasts in new, ultra-conservative IraqPlay

Gypsies seen as outcasts in new, ultra-conservative Iraq

AFP - Mon Nov 23, 7:18 PM ET

Gypsies, or Rom, have lived in the Middle East for centuries and until the fall of Saddam Hussein, played an important, if marginal, role in the local culture. But since the war in 2003 and the subsequent rise of religious extremism, they have been pushed even further into poverty and exclusion.

  • Magic way out of poverty for township teens Play
    Magic way out of poverty for township teens AFP - Sun Nov 22, 10:41 AM ET

    From crime-ridden African township to the bright lights of a Las Vegas stage. Nkombuzo Nkonyana is forging an innovative way to make his problems vanish into thin air, as he carves out a career as an aspiring magician. The 19-year-old sees magic as his best chance to get out of Khayelitsha township, one of the poorest areas near Cape Town -- and the World Cup next year might just give him his big break. Duration: 01:51

  • The risky life of wine lovers in Gaza Play
    The risky life of wine lovers in Gaza AFP - Tue Nov 17, 9:34 AM ET

    The Islamists of Hamas have imposed their socially conservative rule on the Gaza Strip since taking over in June 2007. But not everyone practices in private what is publicly preached. Since no alcohol is for sale in stores, some Gazans now brew their own at home -- at great personal risk. Duration: 01:45

  • More women in France living on breadline Play
    More women in France living on breadline AFP - Mon Nov 16, 12:36 PM ET

    The poverty gap between men and women has continued to widen in recent years, according to the United Nations, with women being increasingly disadvantaged. Although the trend has been largely visible in the developing world, developed countries are not immune. AFPTV went to meet one Frenchwoman trying to survive on society's margins. Duration: 01:38

  • Peru battles growing cocaine production Play
    Peru battles growing cocaine production AFP - Thu Nov 12, 10:11 AM ET

    Peru threatens to surpass Colombia as the world's largest producer of coca, the main ingredient in cocaine. But former coca farmers in one region of the country are switching away from the illegal activity, and growing Fair Trade cocoa instead. 

  • Squatters make most of empty London homes Play
    Squatters make most of empty London homes AFP - Thu Nov 5, 2:35 PM ET

    Central London is one of the most expensive places to live on the planet. But hundreds of properties -- amongst them mansions and former embassies -- are left empty by their owners, often leaving the way open for communities of squatters to set up home. One multi-million pound property, in London's famous Leicester Square, has been taken over by an art collective offering a rent-free space to cash-strapped performers.

  • French anti-poverty organisation Emmaus turns 60 Play
    French anti-poverty organisation Emmaus turns 60 AFP - Thu Oct 29, 7:08 AM ET

    Emmaus, France's biggest NGO fighting poverty across the world, is 60 this year. The organisation was founded by Catholic priest Abbe Pierre who was a thorn in the side of French politicians, relentlessly lobbying for the poor, and becoming France's most popular personality. Duration: 02:31

  • Football brings hope to poor South African kids Play
    Football brings hope to poor South African kids AFP - Mon Oct 26, 12:53 PM ET

    A FIFA-backed football project in Johannesburg is helping to educate hundreds of children in one of its poorest neighbourhoods. 'Football for Hope' teaches youngsters important health messages and will culminate in its own World Cup with teams from deprived areas coming to compete from all over the globe. Duration: 02:21