Americas

Haiti: UN envoy hails successful elections

30 April 2007
The senior United Nations envoy to Haiti has congratulated the country’s people on the successful conclusion of a number of local, municipal and legislative elections which culminated a three-round process as part of broader efforts to consolidate democracy in the Caribbean country.

UN gears up to support weekend elections in Haiti

27 April 2007
The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has announced plans to continue its support for the country’s electoral process when polls are held this weekend to fill a number of public offices.

Blue helmets in Haiti return school once used by drug gangs to local authorities

26 April 2007
Brazilian peacekeepers working with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) have handed back to local authorities in a notorious district of the capital a school that was seized from drug gangs earlier this year.

Haiti: ECOSOC team sees progress but renews call for ongoing development aid

25 April 2007
Just returned from a mission to Haiti, the leader of a team from the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) today painted a mixed picture of the Caribbean country, which has experienced greater political stability and security in recent months but still faces numerous development challenges which he said must be met through a determined international response.

Independent UN rights expert calls on United States to re-examine gun laws

25 April 2007
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to education has called on the United States to consider reforming its gun laws in the wake of last week’s shooting rampage at a university campus where a man killed 32 others and then himself.

UN political chief chairs meeting on bringing peace to Colombia

24 April 2007
he top United Nations political officer has presided over a meeting bringing together the world body’s senior officials and high-level representatives from the Government of Colombia to discuss efforts to bring peace to the South American country which has seen more than 40 years of fighting between the Government, leftist rebels, right-wing paramilitaries and criminal gangs.

Wanted gang leader arrested in Haiti – UN

23 April 2007
Haitian National Police officers this weekend apprehended a gang leader who had been on the run since late February when law enforcement officials and United Nations peacekeepers seized control of his headquarters in Cité Soleil, the notorious slum area in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

UN welcomes New York City’s ‘green initiative’

23 April 2007
Plans unveiled by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Earth Day to reduce the strain on natural resources such as water, air and land were warmly embraced by officials with the United Nations department that promotes sustainable development.

Rising fears about conservation of Machu Picchu site prompt UN mission

19 April 2007
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is sending a mission next week to the Incan archaeological ruin of Machu Picchu in Peru amid mounting concern about the conservation of the World Heritage Site as tourist numbers increase and urban development encroaches.

Saddened by United States college shootings, Ban Ki-moon voices hope for healing

17 April 2007
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced sadness at the shooting rampage yesterday at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in the United States, while expressing hope that the many affected individuals and communities would be able to embark on a deep process of healing.