Americas

UNESCO

UNESCO chief speaks out against murder of Mexican photographer

27 February 2009
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with upholding press freedom today condemned the murder of a Mexican news photographer in an attack that also seriously injured another journalist, calling for the those behind the act of violence to be brought to justice.

Colombia: UN relief chief urges greater efforts to alleviate humanitarian suffering

26 February 2009
Although progress has been made in addressing the humanitarian suffering in Colombia, particularly high levels of displacement due to conflict and natural disasters, the top United Nations relief official said that more needs to be done.

Colombia: UN relief chief meets with minority groups affected by floods, violence

25 February 2009
Meeting with members of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities impacted by floods, displacement and violence in Colombia, the top United Nations relief official today called for stepped up assistance for these minority groups.

Needs of displaced persons in Colombia must be met, top UN official says

24 February 2009
The United Nations’ top humanitarian official, on the first day of his mission to Colombia to assess relief operations for victims of natural disaster and civil strife, saluted actions taken but said much more must be done to protect civilians and aid displaced persons.

Guatemala: progress made on justice system, says head of UN-backed probe

24 February 2009
Despite strides made in dismantling organized criminal networks in Guatemala, substantial work is still necessary to consolidate the rule of law in the Central American nation, the head of a United Nations-backed commission investigating the presence and activities of these groups said today.

Regional action against crime crucial for stability in Haiti, UN mission chief says

20 February 2009
For lasting stability in Haiti, neighbouring countries must help foil trans-national crime through the sharing of information, patrolling, and coordinated operations, according to the head of the United Nations mission in that country (MINUSTAH).

Top UN official visits Colombia next week to assess relief operations

20 February 2009
The United Nations humanitarian chief is slated to visit Colombia early next week to see for himself the response of relief agencies working in the country, and meet with indigenous communities, Government officials and representatives of civil society groups.

UN agency urges Government to protect indigenous Colombians forced to flee violence

13 February 2009
The United Nations refugee agency today called on the Colombian Government to fulfil its obligation to protect civilians after some 200 indigenous people, many suffering from very poor health and severe hunger, were forced to flee a massacre on their home territory.

Haiti set to recover plundered Duvalier assets from Switzerland with UN help

13 February 2009
Haiti is on the way to recovering $6 million of assets allegedly plundered by former President Jean-Claude Duvalier and stashed in Switzerland thanks to an initiative backed by the United Nations.

UN agency calls for probe into murders of indigenous Colombians

10 February 2009
The United Nations refugee agency is calling for an independent probe into the reported murders last week of 17 Awá indigenous people in a remote area of south-western Colombia that suffers from some of the worst violence and forced displacement in the country.