Americas

Mexico’s recovery from hurricane damage to resorts can serve as role model – UN

28 March 2006
The rapid recovery programme carried out in Mexico’s leading Caribbean resorts after the devastation caused by Hurricane Wilma last year can serve as a blueprint for other tourist regions facing similar catastrophes, the head of the United Nations tourism body said today.

Haitian President-elect visits UN, Annan and Council Members pledge support

27 March 2006
With many of its members represented by Government ministers, the United Nations Security Council, along with Secretary-General Kofi Annan, called for sustained international support to the efforts of Haitian President-elect René Préval to fight instability and poverty in his country, as they warmly welcomed him to their midst.

Haitian children face greatest challenges to life in Western Hemisphere – UN

22 March 2006
More children are likely to die during early childhood in Haiti than in any other country in the Western Hemisphere, with one in eight likely to succumb before the age of five, according to a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report released today.

Ecuador: UN agency to feed 5,000 families who fled floods

22 March 2006
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has made plans with the Ecuadorian Government to provide food for some 5,000 families forced to flee their homes after torrential rains caused renewed flooding along the country’s coast.

UN refugee agency warns of migration scam by Colombian con artists

21 March 2006
People pretending to work for or to be associated with the United Nations refugee agency are running an illegal migration scheme for Colombians wishing to leave the country, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned today.

As rains continue, UN assists flood victims in Ecuador

20 March 2006
With some 17,000 families directly or indirectly affected by flooding and landslides in Ecuador, United Nations agencies today announced plans for emergency relief focusing on food, drinking water, medicines and sanitation supplies as well as assistance for the repair and reconstruction of homes.

Colombian rebels commit war crimes in killing civilians, says UN rights office

14 March 2006
United Nations human rights officials have yet again condemned the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – Popular Army (FARC-EP) for attacks on civilians, condemning the murder of a former governor of an indigenous reservation and his wife as war crimes within the jurisdiction of International Criminal Court (ICC).

Thousands of flood victims in Bolivia need immediate assistance: UN

9 March 2006
More than 1,000 Bolivian families affected by flooding need immediate food assistance, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said today, highlighting an emergency that has affected almost 30,000 people.

Colombia: UN rights office again condemns leftist rebels for killing civilians

7 March 2006
For the third time in a week, United Nations human rights officials have condemned the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – Popular Army (FARC-EP) for attacks on civilians.

In Guatemala, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator helps region gird for storms

3 March 2006
With meteorologists predicting a fierce hurricane season this year, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator today in Guatemala met with victims of a recent storm, capping his recent efforts to spotlight the region’s need for preparedness.