Baton-wielding riot police broke up protests in Harare and detained dozens of unionists on Wednesday, as Zimbabwe's health and economic crises worsened with more than 560 people now killed by a cholera epidemic.

Trade unionists who staged a protest against limits on cash withdrawals from banks were beaten by security forces in central Harare.

The anti-union repressions in Africa have affected thousands of men and women who were calling for decent work and a future for their children.

ITUC's latest Annual Survey on Violations of Trade Union Rights has shown that the undemocratic nature of many political regimes, the absence of the rule of law and inadequate labour legislation in Africa have allowed many managers and employers to exert intolerable pressure on unions and their members

To the editor:

The start of the holiday shopping season also is the start of the most active time of year for charitable giving. But in the midst of an economic crisis, Americans are considering what, or even if, they can contribute to charity this year.

With that in mind, what about the notion that our shopping - the way we choose to spend our dollars - can create positive change? When you choose to buy a sweater for your son or socks for your sister, you can affect the world around you.

A group of students from the Columbus area wants shoppers to do a little research before purchasing clothing this holiday season. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports.

Jo Ingles reports (2:42)