On this edition of Newsline: Sharia law for Dutch Muslims?; Racism row between South Africa and Canada; and is the world failing Somali refugees?

Listen to the programme:

Sharia law for Dutch Muslims?
Dutch politicians are concerned that informal Sharia courts are spreading in The Netherlands and being used to deal with family issues such as divorce according to Islamic precedents. Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin believes there may be a place for such courts in limited circumstances - but warns that people must not take the law into their own hands. Our correspondent reports live from today's parliamentary debate on the question.

Racism row between South Africa and Canada
South Africa is calling on Canada to review a decision to grant asylum to a white man because he was subject to racist attacks. South African, Brandon Huntley, claimed that he was attacked seven times by Africans because of his skin colour. Canada's decision to grant him residency has been greeted with outrage by South Africa's ruling ANC party.

Read more, includes audio link.

Is the world failing Somali refugees?
Refugees are pouring into camps in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, fleeing the escalating conflict in Somalia. Oxfam Novib says the refugees face in inhuman conditions, with overflowing camps lacking the most basic amenities. The NGO's partner organisations on the ground are overwhelmed. Is the international community turning its back on a forgotten refugee crisis? Newsline speaks to Robbert van den Berg, Oxfam Novib's regional manager for the Horn of Africa.
 

lead photo of Justitia by Dierk Schaefer at Flickr.com
under CC Licence