Americas

Coast Guard/Kyle Niemi

UN experts sound alarm on mounting rights concerns in Puerto Rico in wake of Hurricane Maria

30 October 2017
More than a month after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, the island remains without an effective emergency response, a group of United Nations human rights experts warned on Monday, as they called on United States and Puerto Rican authorities to remove regulatory and financial barriers to reconstruction and recovery.
UN Photo/Pierre Albouy

Citing Uruguay’s commitment to human rights, UN rights chief urges more efforts to tackle violations

27 October 2017
While Uruguay’s commitment to human rights at home and abroad is clear, a series of challenges must be addressed, including “inhumane” prison conditions and widespread violence against women, the UN human rights chief said Friday.
OHCHR South America

UN-Americas action plan seeks to strengthen protection of human rights defenders in region

26 October 2017
The United Nations human rights office and its counterpart in the Americas have launched a new and deeper cooperation plan to address one of the most pressing problems in that region – the protection of human rights defenders.

UN will accompany Haiti in shaping a sustainable future, deputy Mission chief says

25 October 2017
The United Nations will remain side by side with Haiti on the country’s path to sustainable development, the Organization’s senior official in the island nation has said.
UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

Peru must place human rights at heart of development, urges UN rights chief

25 October 2017
While Peru has made great strides over the past decade in reducing poverty, it needs to stand up firmly for human rights to ensure an economy that is sustainable and benefits all, according to the United Nations human rights chief.

UN urged to help countries devastated by recent natural disasters to 'build back better'

24 October 2017
Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Maria may be over, but the devastating impact they had on the countries in their path continues, likewise the effects of successive earthquakes in Mexico, said senior United Nations officials Tuesday, calling for more action at all levels to manage disaster and climate risk and to prepare for future extreme weather events.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

UN chief Guterres, US President Trump commit to work together to address common challenges

21 October 2017
Peace and Security

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres met Friday with United States President Donald Trump and discussed, among others, tensions in the Korean Peninsula and the fight against terrorism.

Logan Abassi/MINUJUSTH

Secretary-General welcomes launch of new UN mission in Haiti

16 October 2017
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterrs welcomed the establishment Monday of the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), following the closure of its predecessor peacekeeping mission.
Chile’s Syrian Refugee Resettlement Programme

Chile becomes latest nation to resettle Syrian refugees through UN-backed programme

13 October 2017
Sixty-six Syrian adults and children arrived in Santiago, Chile from Lebanon on Thursday, making the South American country the newest to resettle Syrian refugees under a United Nations-backed programme.
UN Photo/Logan Abassi

INTERVIEW: Haiti on path to stability, development thanks to UN mission, says envoy

13 October 2017
Peace and Security

After 13 years, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) will close its doors on 15 October. The Mission was established by the Security Council at a time when State authority had been weak and limited to parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with the three branches of power either non-functional or non-existent, and a national police force that was overwhelmed by the multiple threats to public order and the rule of law.