charitable

aid for Gypsy families.

BBC News

The United Nations in Afghanistan says last month was the worst for civilian casualties for at least four years, with 368 civilian deaths as a result of their current conflict. The UN said insurgents were responsible for more than 80% of the deaths, and pro-government forces for 12%.

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has delivered a

eulogy

at the funeral of the anti-apartheid activist, Albertina Sisulu, calling her a "national heroine". He was speaking at the 40,000-capacity stadium in Soweto, where Mrs Sisulu's coffin had been brought by military generals for an

elaborate

service.

"We are proud to be associated with Mama Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu. We are bidding farewell to a national heroine who produced many cadres of the liberation movement and shaped our political thought."

Earlier, the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, described Albertina Sisulu as "one of the greatest South Africans".

Thousands of people have attended the funeral in Kenya of the Olympic marathon champion, Sammy Wanjiru, who died last month after falling from a balcony. Investigations are still continuing into the circumstances of his death.

Police have said that Wanjiru died either by accident or by suicide after his wife found him with another woman.

China is reported to have given the go-ahead for a