Americas

UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

UN rights office troubled by accelerated executions in US with expiring drug a factor

28 April 2017
The United Nations human rights office today expressed deep concern about the executions of four men in the United States state of Arkansas, which were reportedly done within the span of eight days to make use of an expiring lethal injection drug.

Latin America loses billions of dollars to ‘double burden’ of undernutrition and obesity – UN study

25 April 2017
Undernutrition and obesity are the two sides of malnutrition, and together they contributed to the loss of billions of dollars for economies in Latin America, a United Nations-backed study has found, warning that unless more is done to mitigate this health burden, the region faces a “frightening” future.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Cuba needs new laws and stronger action targeting human trafficking – UN rights expert

21 April 2017
A United Nations human rights expert has urged Cuba to consider introducing new legislation to ensure that everyone who falls victim to trafficking in persons can be identified and helped, and the authorities can take action against offenders.
<a href=http://bit.ly/2pWiOlj>Meridith Kohut/IRIN</a>

Venezuela: UN urges all efforts be made to lower tensions in Venezuela

20 April 2017
The United Nations today expressed concern about the latest developments in Venezuela, calling for on the Government and the opposition to address the country’s challenges for the benefit of the people.
Logan Abassi/MINUSTAH

Haiti: UN inaugurates water supply system in Lascahobas as part of anti-cholera fight

17 April 2017
Historically, the people in the Madan Mak and Loncy areas of the Lascahobas Commune have always had serious problems with access to safe drinking water.
UN Photo/Marco Dormino

Security Council decides UN Mission in Haiti will close by October; approves smaller follow-on operation

13 April 2017
Recognizing the “major milestone” Haiti has achieved toward stabilization following recent elections, the Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations mission in the island nation for a final six-month period and authorized a smaller successor peacekeeping mission.

Haiti: Recent political advances set stage to address pressing challenges, says UN envoy

11 April 2017
Highlighting improvements in Haiti’s political situation, including the recent elections and opportunities to address longstanding disputes, the senior United Nations official in the island nation has urged the international community to continue its partnership with Haiti and its people to help consolidate the gains achieved.
IOM Colombia

UN agencies in Colombia stepping up response efforts in aftermath of devastating landslides

7 April 2017
Responding to the devastating landslides in Colombia's Mocoa municipality that have claimed at least 300 lives, left more than 370 missing, and destroyed hospitals and infrastructure, United Nations relief agencies have stepped up their response to alleviate humanitarian suffering among the affected people.
Mónica Suarez Galindo/UNDP Peru

UN, humanitarian partners to launch $40M appeal for flood-hit Peru

7 April 2017
The United Nations and humanitarian partners in Peru are expected today to launch an appeal for $39.2 million to provide urgently needed aid to people affected by the latest flooding in Peru.
PAHO/WHO

Zika could end up costing Latin America and the Caribbean up to $18 billion, UN report finds

6 April 2017
In addition to the impact on public health, the tangible impact of the Zika outbreak, such as on gross domestic product (GDP), could cost the Latin American and the Caribbean region as much as $18 billion between 2015 and 2017, a new United Nations report has revealed.