Focus

In eastern Ukraine, the de facto border separating the government-controlled west from the separatist-held east has barely moved in two years of conflict. But that doesn't mean that the battle between Kiev and the pro-Russian rebels isn't continuing. Just last month, government forces nudged slightly ahead to retake the frontline town of Novoluhanske. Gulliver Cragg reports on their battle for local people's hearts and minds. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

It was one of President-elect Donald Trump's main campaign promises: to bring back manufacturing jobs that American firms have outsourced abroad. Yet several major US companies, such as Reebok, have already started investing in production sites at home. Many had been producing in Asia - where workers' wages are lower - but have found new ways to cut costs, mainly thanks to new technology. This report takes a closer look. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

Over the past five years, human rights groups say hundreds of people have been killed in fighting in the Nuba Mountains in southern Sudan. Rebel groups there have clashed with the government in a bid for regional autonomy from Khartoum. Activists say civilians are caught in the crossfire, especially in government aerial assaults. And with the area difficult to access, it's an ongoing challenge to get humanitarian assistance to those who desperately need it. Our team on the ground reports. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Phoebe Lanzer Wood and Elom Marcel Toble.

Some 55,000 pupils study Arabic at France's state schools. Most of them are the children of immigrants who want to stay in touch with their roots. While supporters argue these students are simply broadening their horizons, some conservative politicians warn the classes could hinder integration. The fact that Arabic teachers are recruited abroad and paid by their countries of origin is an additional source of concern. But France's education minister backs the classes, as this report explains. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett.

Ever since the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia has been searching for an ideology and a faith that can help unite its people. In recent years, authorities have turned to the country's Orthodox Church and its conservative values. But in doing so, they have given a voice to fringe Christian groups - whose influence is on the rise. Thomas Lowe and Ksenia Shaykhutdinova report from Moscow. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

Since last July's failed coup, the Turkish government has closed down some 200 opposition media channels and arrested more than 100 journalists, accusing them of terror links. So what kind of media landscape has this left behind? Our team in Turkey reports. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

In 2016, the British government took in some 750 vulnerable underage migrants, known as unaccompanied minors - four times less than originally pledged. These youngsters now face the challenge of integrating into UK society while dealing with traumatic memories of their journey, as well as cultural differences and bureaucracy. Our reporters Julien Sauvaget and Jessica Sestili travelled to London to meet one of them: 17-year-old Afghan refugee Haris, who is living with his uncle's family. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Aline Schmidt.

Every year in Pakistan, hundreds of people - mostly Hindus - are forced to convert to Islam. To address this problem, the Sindh province recently passed a bill that criminalises forced religious conversions. But it's been labelled "anti-Islam" by hardline Islamists, who want lawmakers to amend it. Our correspondents in Pakistan report. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Aline Schmidt.

High tensions, demonstrations, deadly clashes with riot police - all because of language. It's happening in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon. The unrest began with lawyers protesting against the use of French in courts, soon followed by teachers who have been on strike ever since. They blame Cameroon's central government for imposing the domination of the French language. Our correspondents report. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known as Ahok, the Christian and ethnic Chinese governor of Jakarta, recently went on trial for blasphemy for disputing an interpretation of the Koran. Few could have imagined that the governor's comments could result in a charge when he made them, but authorities have been pressured by hardline Muslim groups that have poured onto the streets of the capital in recent months. Rights campaigners say Ahok’s case illustrates growing concerns for freedom of speech. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett.