Americas

International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) Director General Charles Grant (left) and Johann Antoine, Head of the Nuclear Analytical Lab, are shown assembling a low enriched uranium (LEU) core for use in Jamaica’s Slowpoke research reactor.
ICENS

Caribbean region becomes free of highly enriched uranium – UN atomic watchdog

30 October 2015
The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today announced that Jamaica completed the conversion of its research reactor to low enriched uranium this month, decreasing proliferation risks and making the Caribbean region completely free of highly enriched uranium.
Displaced by Colombia’s armed conflict, this family now lives in Arjona, an impoverished community outside Cartagena on the northern coast.
Kristy Siegfried/IRIN

Ceasefire in Colombia would be ‘decisive step toward ending conflict’ – UN

30 October 2015
The United Nations welcomes the intention expressed by both the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to establish a bilateral ceasefire by the end of the year, a spokesperson for the world body said today.
Sulma Ortega and her family were victimized by the MS-13 drug cartel in Guatemala and granted asylum in Mexico. But they have received no help from the Mexican government to rebuild their lives there, and they are now looking to reach the US.
Amy Stillman/IRIN

UN agency warns of ‘looming’ refugee crisis as women flee Central America and Mexico

29 October 2015
Women in Central America and Mexico are fleeing their countries in rising numbers to escape a surge in deadly, unchecked gang violence, fuelling a looming refugee crisis in the Americas that demands urgent and concerted action by the States of the region, the United Nations refugee agency is warning.
The General Assembly adopted for the twenty-fourth consecutive year a resolution calling for an end to the United States economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba. A tally of the vote is displayed electronically on two screens.
UN Photo/Cia Pak

UN General Assembly renews long-standing call for end to US embargo against Cuba

27 October 2015
In a near unanimous vote, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly today adopted a resolution renewing its call for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, while also acknowledging the restoration, after nearly 50 years, of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Final shipment of sensitive electoral material arrives at Haiti’s international airport in Port-au-Prince, 17 October 2015, for use in the second round of parliamentary and first round of the presidential elections due to take place, on 25 October 2015.
UN/MINUSTAH/Srdan Slavkovic

Ban welcomes next phase of Haiti’s electoral process, set for Sunday

22 October 2015
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the next phase of the electoral process in Haiti, which will take place on Sunday with the first round of presidential elections, the second round of legislative elections and the holding of municipal elections.
Brazilian Peacekeepers with the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) on patrol in Cité Soleil.
UN/MINUSTAH/Victoria Hazou

Security Council renews mandate of UN mission in Haiti, maintains recommended troop levels

14 October 2015
The Security Council this morning extended the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for one year, until 15 October 2016, at the UN Secretary General’s recommended force levels of up to 2,370 troops and 2,061 police.
Secretary-General addresses the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Defense of Life. Cochabamba, Bolivia.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

In Bolivia, Ban urges action on climate change, says caring for planet is 'moral issue'

11 October 2015
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking in Bolivia at the Peoples World Conference on Climate Change and the Defence of Life, said that the subject of the conference was both “important and timely.”
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivers speech at Interactive Panel Discussion entitled "From Today to 2030". The event is part of the 2015 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Lima, Peru.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

In Peru, UN chief meets with World Bank, highlighting its 'major role' in sustainable development

10 October 2015
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the important role of the World Bank today in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, noting it could “step up capacity building and the mobilization of resources for sustainable development by drawing on its rich technical expertise.”

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (second left) speaks at Climate Finance Ministerial lunch in Lima, Peru.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

‘The stakes are high,’ UN chief tells climate finance meeting in Peru

9 October 2015
Stressing that financial resources are central to meeting the goals of the transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Agenda, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said that in order to create a low-carbon, climate-resilient future that benefits everybody, allocating appropriate finance is of key importance.
Officials in Haiti begin counting ballots at the end of polling on election day, 9 August 2015.
UN/MINUSTAH/Logan Abassi

Haiti taking ‘resolute’ steps towards renewal of democracy and stability – UN envoy

8 October 2015
With the holding its first round of elections 9 August this year, to renew the executive legislative and local leadership of the country, Haiti is taking “resolute” steps in renewing its democratic institutions, the top United Nations official for the country told the Security Council today.