UN condemns killing of presidential candidate in Ecuador — Global Issues

UN condemns killing of presidential candidate in Ecuador — Global Issues

Fernando Villavicencio, 59, was shot dead after leaving a campaign rally at a school in the capital, Quito, on Wednesday evening, according to news reports. Nine other people were injured, including a candidate for the legislature and two police officers. The attack occurred just two weeks before the election on…

‘Unimaginable violence’ against women, children, reports UNICEF — Global Issues

‘Unimaginable violence’ against women, children, reports UNICEF — Global Issues

According to UNICEF, nearly 300 confirmed cases were reported in the first six months of 2023, almost matching the total number documented over 2022 and close to three times the number in 2021. “The stories we are hearing from UNICEF staff and partners on the ground are shocking and unacceptable,”…

Land and basic services are ‘your rights, not favours’, UN deputy-chief — Global Issues

Land and basic services are ‘your rights, not favours’, UN deputy-chief — Global Issues

Ms. Mohammed on Friday wrapped up a week of development-focused meetings with Government officials in the vast South American country with a stop in Belém, capital of the northern state of Pará, gateway to Brazil’s lower Amazon region. During roundtable discussions about the future of the Amazon region with representatives…

Guterres welcomes start of ceasefire between Government and ELN — Global Issues

Guterres welcomes start of ceasefire between Government and ELN — Global Issues

The six-month truce between the authorities and the largest remaining rebel group in the country followed 10 months of negotiations and marks the next step in an ongoing peace process. “By adhering to the ceasefire in good faith and with a clear commitment to alleviating the suffering of civilians, the…

Record crossings of perilous Darién Gap underscores need for safe migration pathways — Global Issues

Record crossings of perilous Darién Gap underscores need for safe migration pathways — Global Issues

Crossing the Darién jungle – on the border between Colombia and Panama – and its infamous and so-called Darién Gap, is an arduous undertaking, involving hikes over steep mountains, enduring torrential rain and fording swift rivers. Those on the move are also at risk of robbery and rape. The dangerous…

UN Mission to monitor ceasefire with ELN rebel group — Global Issues

UN Mission to monitor ceasefire with ELN rebel group — Global Issues

The truce with the ELN, the Spanish acronym for National Liberation Army, comes into effect on Thursday and will last for 180 days, according to media reports. The development follows nearly 10 months of negotiations and is part of the “total peace” policy of President Gustavo Petro, who took office…

WFP forced to slash food aid as half of all Haitians go hungry — Global Issues

WFP forced to slash food aid as half of all Haitians go hungry — Global Issues

This reduction in aid comes at a time when Haiti is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, with almost half of its population, approximately 4.9 million people, unable to access sufficient food. Further cuts possible “It’s tragic being unable to reach some of the most vulnerable Haitians this month. These…

OHCHR ‘very concerned’ over militarization of public security in Honduras — Global Issues

OHCHR ‘very concerned’ over militarization of public security in Honduras — Global Issues

OHCHR Spokesperson Marta Hurtado told journalists in Geneva that the Government had issued a 45-day extension on Wednesday. “The state of emergency, in force in 17 of the 18 departments in Honduras, enables the military police to support the national police in carrying out public security tasks. It also derogates…

Guterres appeals for humanitarian, security and political action to end Haiti’s ‘living nightmare’ — Global Issues

Guterres appeals for humanitarian, security and political action to end Haiti’s ‘living nightmare’ — Global Issues

He said citizens of the Caribbean nation are “trapped in a living nightmare” as armed gangs encircle the capital, Port-au-Prince, blocking roads, controlling access to food and healthcare, and undermining humanitarian support. Mr. Guterres was speaking at UN Headquarters fresh from a visit to the country and a summit of…

‘Generations of Haitians’ at risk, warns Guterres, calling for international force to help quell gang violence — Global Issues

‘Generations of Haitians’ at risk, warns Guterres, calling for international force to help quell gang violence — Global Issues

The UN chief expressed deep concern at the extreme vulnerability faced by the Haitian people – especially women and girls – because of brutally violent and “predatory” armed gangs, like those encircling the capital, blocking main roads and controlling access to water, food, health care. “I condemn in the strongest…