Americas

UNICEF dispatches aid to flood-hit Venezuela

11 February 2005
Aiming to ease the emergency conditions caused by recent flooding in Venezuela, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has allocated $100,000 for initial relief efforts being carried out in coordination with the country's Government.

UN eager to probe Oil-for-Food scandal, Annan's top aide tells US lawmakers

9 February 2005
A senior aide to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan told Congressional staffers in Washington D.C. today that the world body is undergoing managerial reforms while working to determine the truth about allegations of corruption and mismanagement surrounding its now-defunct Oil-for-Food Programme for Iraq.

UN launches $3 million flash appeal for floods in Guyana

8 February 2005
The United Nations today launched a $3 million flash appeal to meet the immediate needs of over 300,000 Guyanese – nearly half the South American country’s total population – affected by recent floods, including provision of safe water, adequate sanitation and healthy food and re-establishing health services and education.

Annan chief of staff heading to Washington for talks with lawmakers; deputy resigns

8 February 2005
In the wake of an independent panel's interim report on the United Nations' handling of the Oil-for-Food programme for Iraq, Secretary General Kofi Annan's new chief of staff is scheduled to visit Washington tomorrow for talks with Congressional leaders involved with investigations and international relations.

UN rights experts raise ‘serious concerns’ over detainees at US naval base

4 February 2005
United Nations human rights experts today expressed “serious concerns” over detainees held in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, by the United States on grounds of terrorism, including “the need to objectively assess” allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in relation to methods of interrogation.

UN prepares for early landmark in 60th anniversary year – its 38 millionth visitor

2 February 2005
Some time this month, in an early landmark during the United Nations’ 60th anniversary year, a man, woman or child will become the 38 millionth visitor to take a guided tour of the UN’s New York Headquarters in a series that began 52 years ago to bring home to the general public the importance of the world body’s role.

US engagement vital for UN success in tackling global challenges, Fréchette says

2 February 2005
With the United Nations and the United States collaborating on "causes of great importance," they are moving forward in reforming the world body for its contemporary role and have held successful elections in Iraq and Afghanistan, UN Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette said today.

UN preparing flash appeal to help Guyana recover from floods

1 February 2005
The United Nations country team in Guyana is preparing an international flash appeal that would help the South American nation with flood recovery activities for the next six months.