Americas

UN calls on Latin America to take preventive steps against possible dengue outbreak

13 February 2007
The entire Latin America region needs to take preventive measures to prepare for what promises to be a “difficult year” for dengue fever following an outbreak of the mosquito-borne infection in Paraguay, United Nations health officials have warned.

Haiti: UN security operation brings stability to area wracked by gang violence

13 February 2007
Some of Haiti’s poorest people can now go about their daily business free from the fear of being terrorized by armed gangs following a large-scale United Nations security operation in the Boston area of the Cité Soleil quarter of Port-au-Prince, the capital, according to the top UN commander in the country.

Top UN human rights official kicks off visit to Bolivia

13 February 2007
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today began a visit to Bolivia where she is expected to wrap up an agreement to establish a presence for her office there.

UNESCO offers help to restore burned down World Heritage Site in Chile

9 February 2007
The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today offered Chile assistance in repairing damage caused by the fire that destroyed part of the historical centre of the port city of Valparaiso last week, killing several people.

Haiti: UN peacekeepers launch large-scale operation against criminal gangs

9 February 2007
United Nations peacekeeping soldiers in Haiti launched an early morning operation today in Port-au-Prince, the capital, to establish the strongest security presence ever in the Boston area in the continuing battle against criminal gangs.

Bolivia: UN agencies rush aid and support to flood victims

7 February 2007
Several United Nations agencies have rushed logistical assistance and humanitarian support to Bolivia, which has been battered by heavy rains killing almost 30 people and affecting about 135,000 others.

Colombia: UN agency voices ‘extreme concern’ at continued attacks on displaced

6 February 2007
The United Nations refugee agency today called on all armed groups in Colombia to respect international humanitarian law and leave civilians out of the more than four-decades-long conflict which has uprooted some 3 million people in fighting between the Government, leftist rebels and right-wing paramilitaries.

Development, drugs focus of talks between Ban Ki-moon and Colombian leader

6 February 2007
Marking the first official meeting with a head of State at United Nations Headquarters in New York since taking office on 1 January, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon held talks with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe today.

UN agencies step up aid as heavy rains continue to ravage Bolivia

2 February 2007
United Nations agencies are stepping up assistance to Bolivia, where El Niño-induced heavy rains have caused over a dozen deaths and continue to displace civilians.