Focus

One year after Colombia signed a historic peace deal with FARC rebels, a key challenge is to clear the soil of anti-personnel mines and other explosives. After Afghanistan, Colombia is the world’s most densely landmined country, with the devices responsible for thousands of deaths in recent decades. The military and an army of NGOs are now working hard to uproot the explosives. But the process is proving difficult. Our correspondents report. Programme prepared by Emerald Maxwell and Florence Viala

Sandstorms have long been known to cause chaos in the Middle East - blocking out the sun in the middle of the day, or leaving passenger jets grounded on the airport tarmac. But the phenomenon is becoming increasingly common, with both the effects of global warming and local conflicts having an important impact. Our colleagues from France 2 report, with Alex Jennings. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Emerald Maxwell

Asia is increasingly weighed down by electronic waste and it's in Hong Kong that the situation is the most alarming. The city produces nearly 200,000 tons of electronic waste every year - that's more than 20 kilos per inhabitant. The situation has been exacerbated by mainland China tightening its controls on waste - meaning that computers, printers and monitors are now piling up in Hong Kong. Our correspondents report on the environmental consequences. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Gaëlle Essoo and Florence Viala.

At just 4.2%, Denmark boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and those looking for work receive up to 90% of their former salary. However, rigorous controls apply to all jobseekers, who have to be active in their search in order to continue receiving these generous benefits. Our France 2 colleagues report, with Ellen Gainsford. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Laura Burloux and Claire Pryde.

Mexico is dealing with a disturbing trend: mass robberies from pharmacies, hospitals and medical vehicles. The stolen medication is then sold on the black market, along with fake medication. Both types can be dangerous, as our correspondents Laurence Cuvillier and Matthieu Comin report.

A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Laura Burloux and Claire Pryde.

When it comes to environmental awareness and waste management, Sweden is one of the world's champions. The country recycles nearly all of its waste and - in the process - generates electricity and heating. France 2's Claire Colnet reports, with Nicholas Rushworth. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Laura Burloux.

The Philippines was the world's deadliest country for land rights and environmental activists last year, according to a report released in December. Rights advocacy group PAN Asia Pacific recorded 61 deaths, many related to conflicts over mining and agribusiness. Those who resist big business often find themselves in the firing line of private security companies and state forces, this amid a growing climate of impunity under President Rodrigo Duterte. Our correspondent reports. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Laura Burloux.

A group of 30 young women in Afghanistan have chosen to start playing music – despite this decision putting their lives in danger. They are members of the all-female Zohra orchestra; they also go to high school. And because they’ve decided to do these things, they face a constant threat of violence from the Taliban. Our France 2 colleagues Nicolas Bertrand and Thomas Donzel report, with Emerald Maxwell. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Laura Burloux.

At just 5.9%, Canada's nationwide unemployment rate is at its lowest since 2008, with nearly 400,000 jobs created in the last year alone. The French-speaking province of Quebec is faring even better, with a 5.4% jobless rate - the lowest in more than 40 years! The challenge now is to recruit much-needed workers, and local companies in Quebec are trying to attract candidates worldwide, with French speakers of particular interest. Our correspondents report. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Laura Burloux.

At least one million Ukrainians are currently working in Poland, according to estimates. The economy in Ukraine, still hampered by war and corruption, is sluggish, while across the border, there's been uninterrupted growth and even a labour shortage – partly because so many Poles have moved further west. Ukrainian businesses, meanwhile, are finding it increasingly hard to hold on to their workers. Our correspondent Gulliver Cragg reports from Ukraine and Poland. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Emerald Maxwell and Jimena Morales-Velasco.