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Press Release
13 October 2025
IOM Chief highlights record disaster displacement and calls for resilience funding
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Story
13 October 2025
UN urges restraint as US strikes in southern Caribbean escalate tensions with Venezuela
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Story
04 October 2025
A new era of opportunity—Safe and orderly freedom of movement in the Caribbean
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The Sustainable Development Goals in the Caribbean
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the Earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. The United Nations in the Caribbean is supporting delivery on all 17 goals:
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16 October 2025
Perceptions of AI fairness and online safety among women and girls in the Caribbean
Calling Caribbean women and girls: UNESCO wants to hear about your experiences with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and online safety.
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Story
20 February 2024
Decide to join the United Nations as a UN Volunteer
You can decide to change the lives of others while changing your own as a United Nations Volunteer (UNV). Volunteering for the UN is a full-time commitment to peace and sustainable development with a UN agency, fund or programme, in your country or abroad. RIGHTS AND BENEFITSThe United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme encourages broad and inclusive participation, and as such ensures a variety of benefits to secure a basic standard of living while serving as a UN Volunteer. Benefits include: Monthly living allowance Medical insurance (including dependents) Annual leave (2.5 days per month served) Learning opportunities Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities Travel allowance for international UN Volunteers See more on the UNV Conditions of Service : https://bit.ly/UNV-COS PROFESSIONAL PROFILESBuild on your professional experience and knowledge - whether in development, emergency response, education, health, environment, communications, social work and much more. ASSIGNMENT TITLESSome of the most popular volunteer assignment titles are: Field Officer (in a wide variety of areas) Community Development Officer Communications Officer Protection/Human Rights Officer Monitoring & Evaluation Officer MAIN PARTNERSAs a UN Volunteer you can serve with the following UN entities, among others: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) International Organization for Migration (IOM) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) World Food Programme (WFP) In 2022, over 2,500 UN Volunteers served with over 30 UN partners in Latin America and the Caribbean! LEAVING NO ONE BEHINDThe UNV programme is committed to representing the diversity of the world's societies. If you are a person with disabilities, a member of the LGTBQ+, afro-descendant or indigenous communities, or any other minority, you are encouraged to apply. CATEGORIESAssignments are offered into four volunteer categories, which determine eligibility: Expert: candidates must be at least 35 years old and have more than 15 years of professional experience. Specialist: candidates must be at least 27 years of age and have at least 3 years of professional experience. Youth and University: candidates must be between 18 and 26 years of age, and no previous professional experience is required. Community: No previous professional experience or academic requirements needed but must live in the community they serve. Before applying, we recommend carefully reading the specific requirements of your selected assignment. DECIDE TO APPLYRegister in UNV’s Unified Volunteer Platform: app.unv.org, complete your professional profile and apply to vacancies NOW. When filtering vacancies, verify the volunteer category (Expert, Youth, etc.) you fit in and define whether to volunteer in your country or abroad. UN Volunteer opportunities reflect the evolving needs of UN agencies, funds and programmes. We encourage you to visit the UNV platform regularly, so as not to miss any opportunity. VOLUNTEER ONLINEWith the Online Volunteering service, you can undertake volunteer tasks for up to 20 hours a week and for a maximum of 12 weeks with different United Nations entities, governments, public institutions and civil society organisations. As the Online Volunteering service is a free time commitment, selected individuals are not under contract with the UN Volunteers programme or the host entity. As such, Online Volunteers are not eligible for the entitlements and benefits stipulated in the Conditions of Service. Their contribution is recognised with a certificate. Know more here: https://www.unv.org/become-online-volunteer
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Story
13 October 2025
UN urges restraint as US strikes in southern Caribbean escalate tensions with Venezuela
This prompted Venezuela to declare a state of emergency and denounce the attacks as a breach of international law.Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča said the US operations, conducted between 2 September and 3 October, have heightened tensions in the region and drawn sharp criticism from Caracas.“Venezuelan authorities have announced that they remain on high alert since the United States military deployments were first reported in August,” he said, noting that President Nicolás Maduro has mobilized 4.5 million members of the Bolivarian Militia to support the armed forces.Mr. Jenča said that according to US authorities, the strikes targeted vessels in international waters carrying illegal drugs bound for the United States. Eleven individuals were reportedly killed in the first attack on 2 September, with subsequent operations bringing the total reported fatalities to 21.The exact locations of the incidents have not been publicly disclosed, and the UN is not able to independently verify these reports. Trading of allegationsMr. Jenča stated that Washington has defended its actions as consistent with the laws governing armed conflict and necessary to protect American citizens from the flow of illicit drugs from South and Central America.“A White House spokesperson said that ‘the President acted in line with the law of armed conflict’, seeking to protect the US ‘from those trying to bring deadly poison’ to its shores,” he told the Security Council.Venezuelan officials, however, view the strikes as provocative and a violation of sovereignty.The Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the UN wrote to the Security Council on 9 October, stating that the “ulterior purpose” of the US actions continues to be to “advance its policies of regime change”.Caracas has also reported overflights by US fighter jets near its shores and the detention of a fishing boat in Venezuelan waters, while Washington said that two Venezuelan military aircrafts flew over a US Navy vessel in international waters. Repeated calls for restraintThe UN has repeatedly called on both parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through peaceful means.Ms. Jenča emphasised that efforts to counter drug trafficking “must be carried out in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter,” and that any use of force in countering illicit trafficking must respect human rights standards.“The United Nations recognises the devastating impact of violence driven by transnational organised crime, which affects production, transit, and destination countries alike,” Mr. Jenča said.“We continue to emphasize the need for all efforts to counter transnational organised crime to be conducted in accordance with international law.”He said the UN would continue to support diplomatic dialogue and measures to prevent further escalation, calling on both Washington and Caracas to prioritise de-escalation and constructive engagement.............................................................................................This story was first published by UN News.
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Story
04 October 2025
A new era of opportunity—Safe and orderly freedom of movement in the Caribbean
Earlier this week, on Wednesday 1 October 2025, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines took a historic step by implementing full freedom of movement under the Enhanced Cooperation Protocol to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. This bold initiative allows nationals from these four CARICOM member states to live and work freely across each other’s countries, eliminating the need for work permits or visas, and granting access to rights such as public health and education. It is a milestone that meets and reflects both the aspirations towards regional integration and the realities of the Caribbean region.Addressing Fears, Embracing OpportunityChange often brings uncertainty. Some citizens worry about the potential for job competition, pressure on public services, or the loss of national identity. These concerns are valid and deserve careful attention. But freedom of movement in the Caribbean is not new, for the citizens of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), it has been a reality since 2011. This experience shows that with the right policies and cooperation, such fears can be managed while unlocking real benefits.The new protocol is not about open borders without rules. It is about safe, orderly, and regular migration, ensuring that movement is managed, rights are protected, and opportunities are shared. Participating countries will work together to monitor not only the number of entries, but also the broader impacts on employment, social security, education, health, and housing. This collaborative approach will help address concerns as they arise and ensure that migration supports, rather than undermines, national development and security.Migration as a Driver of Growth and ResilienceMany CARICOM States are experiencing labour shortages in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, construction, tourism, and education. At the same time, declining fertility rates and net outward migration are leading to an aging and shrinking workforce. Freedom of movement offers a way to match skills with opportunities, fill critical gaps, and support economic growth and sustainable development.Barbados, for example, is seeing rapid growth in construction and tourism, but contractors report difficulties finding enough workers. Belize and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines face similar constraints, while Dominica’s health sector has been affected by the outward migration of healthcare workers. Agriculture has been prioritized for food security in the region, but struggles in some countries to attract sufficient labour. By allowing skills, talent, human resource to move where it is needed most, the new regime can help all four countries—and the wider CARICOM community—become more resilient and prosperous.The Power of Evidence-Based PolicyPerhaps the most important opportunity created by this new era is the chance to capture and analyze data on migration in real time. For the first time, participating states will be able to systematically track the impact of free movement—not just on migration flows, but on wages, social services, and community well-being. This evidence will empower all CARICOM Member States to make informed decisions about their own migration policies, both nationally and as part of the Caribbean Community.A Shared FutureMigration has always been part of the Caribbean story, shaping our societies and economies over centuries. With this groundbreaking adoption of free movement by Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, CARICOM is boldly embracing a future where migration is recognized as a catalyst for positive change, provided it is managed with care and foresight. As the International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues to support CARICOM to develop a Regional Migration Policy Framework, it is vital that all voices are heard and engaged in shaping this shared vision. We hope that the citizens of the four pioneer States can seize this moment and step confidently into a new era of freedom and deeper integration, where they feel mutually welcomed, and where they realize for themselves the transformative potential of safe, orderly migration for the prosperity and resilience of the Caribbean..........................................................................................This Op-Ed was first published by IOM UN Migration | Latin America and the Caribbean
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Story
30 September 2025
Barbados Prime Minister calls for defence of rules-based world order
She warned that truth, trust and fairness were fraying under the weight of war, inequality and climate crisis.“Countries of different sizes, capacities and cultures can only survive in the world in which we live if we maintain a rules-based system,” Ms. Mottley said in her address to the UN General Assembly.“The law of the jungle does not guarantee any of us a future or a liveable planet.”She said the “crisis of truth” is undermining institutions that once promoted order and prosperity, eroding trust between citizens and governments, and turning news, science and law into a tawdry spectacle.“When we lose shared truth, our countries and our global society lose their center of gravity,” she warned. Conflicts and crisisTurning to the proliferation of warfare, Prime Minister Mottley reiterated the need for peace in Ukraine but also pressed governments not to ignore suffering elsewhere.“The world must not ignore the horror in Sudan and...it must not ignore the horror in Gaza,” she said. She called for the release of hostages, while denouncing disproportionate attacks on Palestinians.She underlined the need for urgent humanitarian funding, saying $66 million was needed for Gaza’s children and $200 million for Sudan over the next three months – largely for food, water and health needs.Climate changeOn climate change, Ms. Mottley urged leaders to act with honesty and urgency.She welcomed international court opinions affirming states’ obligations to curb emissions and proposed a binding global framework on methane to slow temperature rise.“The fossil fuel industry is not the enemy – it is the emissions,” she said, urging political will to unlock $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to finance the green transition.The Barbadian leader criticized the chronic underfunding of climate finance and the “grossly under-capitalised” Loss and Damage Fund.Ms. Mottley also tied the climate and development agenda back to the central question of global governance. She warned that debates risk becoming “performative exercises” unless backed by resources and a functioning system rooted in fairness.“If we are to be protected by a rules-based system, then we must step up to the plate and provide the funds to bridge the gap to deliver the results that we desire,” she said.Ms. Mottley also touched on UN reform, insisting the Security Council must reflect today’s multipolar world.“You cannot ask us really to show up for family photos and votes when you need them and then exclude us from the family’s decision making. As if you are the grown-ups and we are the children.”A Palestinian girl’s messagePrime Minister Mottley ended with the image of a young Palestinian girl aged six or seven walking through the rubble in Gaza with hollow eyes and her sister on her shoulders.“It was clear she was in great pain, yet she recognised it was she who would have to carry the burden of taking them to safety,” she said.Calling the scene “the ultimate picture of hope and resilience,” Ms. Mottley urged leaders to draw strength from it.“If a six-year-old can push past the physical and emotional pain and still find hope that there is a better moment ahead of her, then we, with much more and with an obligation to many more, must summon that same will. The world needs it now more than ever.” More UNGA80 Messages from the CaribbeanThe Prime Minister joined other Caribbean leaders in striking a common chord around four urgent priorities: Safeguarding the Caribbean as a zone of peace;Accelerating climate action, with emphasis on fully capitalising and simplifying access to the Loss and Damage Fund, which provides predictable financial support to vulnerable countries for climate-related loss and damage;Advancing a fairer, more inclusive multilateral system that reflects the growing role of emerging powers while ensuring the vulnerabilities and voices of small island states are fully recognised;Reforming the global financial architecture to ensure affordable, predictable finance, including vulnerability-based eligibility, concessional terms and debt relief. Access the full playlist of addresses delivered by Caribbean Heads of State and Government and their representatives at the General Debate of 80th Session of the UN General Assembly High-level Week: CLICK HERE............................................................This story was first published by UN News and has been adapted to include more information about the Caribbean region's participation in the UNGA80 General Debate.
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25 September 2025
UNCTAD and CARICOM sign first cooperation agreement to support Caribbean resilience
At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly this week, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) signed their first cooperation agreement to strengthen the region’s resilience and unlock new sources of growth.UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett formalized the agreement on the sidelines of the Assembly. It sets out collaboration in key areas: strengthening statistics, fostering innovation and industrial policy, supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, boosting services and the digital economy, improving trade facilitation and enhancing food security.Why it matters to small island developing StatesFor the Caribbean, one of the world’s most vulnerable regions, the stakes are high. Small island developing states (SIDS) face repeated external shocks – from climate events to global financial volatility – while depending heavily on sectors such as tourism. Diversification across sectors – from digital services and e-commerce to resilient food systems and innovative industrial policies – is not just an option but a necessity for long-term sustainability.“The Caribbean’s creativity and dynamism are well known,” Ms Grynspan said. “But to turn potential into real transformation, countries need reliable data, stronger digital infrastructure and policies that empower entrepreneurs. UNCTAD stands ready to accompany CARICOM on this journey.”Concrete way forwardThe agreement marks a concrete step forward in implementing UNCTAD’s strategy to support SIDS. It builds on ongoing initiatives, including a joint project on trade in services statistics with CARICOM and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.By pooling efforts at the regional level, UNCTAD and CARICOM aim to translate today’s opportunities – from creative industries and digital finance to trade facilitation and food security – into inclusive growth, jobs and a more resilient future for the Caribbean............................................................................................This news was first published by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
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Story
23 September 2025
Sign language: A gateway to human rights and inclusion in the Caribbean
Every person deserves the right to communicate, learn, and participate in society. For deaf children and adults, sign language provides that critical gateway.Globally, more than 70 million people are deaf, and over 80% live in developing countries. Recognizing and promoting sign language is not a niche issue - it is a matter of fundamental human rights
On 23 September, the world marks the International Day of Sign Languages, a United Nations observance that highlights the essential role of sign language in ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights.In Caribbean small island developing states, members of the deaf community continue to face significant challenges of access, inclusive education, and civic participation. Deaf individuals must be able to communicate in their own language to fully exercise their rights – and policies affecting deaf people must include their voices and leadership.The UNESCO (United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Atlas of Languages, which documents more than 8,000 spoken and signed languages, reminds us that each one is part of humanity’s shared heritage. When deaf individuals are included, communities benefit from richer cultural expression, stronger civic engagement, and a more equitable social fabric.According to UNESCO, education remains a critical entry point for inclusion. Sign language improves learning outcomes and preserves cultural heritage, and its early exposure supports cognitive, emotional, and social development.Across the world, more than 300 sign languages exist, yet only 78 countries legally recognize them. It is critical that in the Caribbean we move swiftly to further advance recognition and integration of sign language into education.Ensuring access to media and information are also central to inclusion and civic participation. In this regard, the United Nations System is supporting Caribbean countries to advance inclusive digital transformation strategies.In Antigua and Barbuda, for example, the UN supports the national Digital Transformation Framework, including through a public communications campaign interpreted in sign language to promote inclusive digital readiness and affirming the right to be informed.Caribbean governments, civil society, and educators all have a critical role to play in supporting early education in sign language, ensuring accessible public services, and fostering inclusive participation in civic life.UNESCO’s upcoming "Knowledge Series on Empowering Persons with Disabilities in Caribbean SIDS" will offer valuable insights into inclusive policies, adaptive technologies, and accessible infrastructure; initiatives that are all vital for creating opportunities where people with disabilities, including the deaf, can thrive.These efforts reflect the UN’s shared commitment to disability inclusion outlined in the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy. By recognizing sign language rights, we advance human rights, promote inclusion, and empower citizens to contribute fully to society. Preserving and promoting sign language is more than a means of communication, it is a gateway to dignity, equality, and opportunity. Inclusion is not charity—it is smart development and social cohesion.When we recognize and support sign languages , we celebrate human potential and embrace diversity. When we include all voices, we build a Caribbean that is vibrant, resilient, and truly equitable.
On this International Day of Sign Languages, let us commit to building an inclusive Caribbean, where every deaf child, student, and adult is heard, seen, and valued and no one left behind.
On 23 September, the world marks the International Day of Sign Languages, a United Nations observance that highlights the essential role of sign language in ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights.In Caribbean small island developing states, members of the deaf community continue to face significant challenges of access, inclusive education, and civic participation. Deaf individuals must be able to communicate in their own language to fully exercise their rights – and policies affecting deaf people must include their voices and leadership.The UNESCO (United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Atlas of Languages, which documents more than 8,000 spoken and signed languages, reminds us that each one is part of humanity’s shared heritage. When deaf individuals are included, communities benefit from richer cultural expression, stronger civic engagement, and a more equitable social fabric.According to UNESCO, education remains a critical entry point for inclusion. Sign language improves learning outcomes and preserves cultural heritage, and its early exposure supports cognitive, emotional, and social development.Across the world, more than 300 sign languages exist, yet only 78 countries legally recognize them. It is critical that in the Caribbean we move swiftly to further advance recognition and integration of sign language into education.Ensuring access to media and information are also central to inclusion and civic participation. In this regard, the United Nations System is supporting Caribbean countries to advance inclusive digital transformation strategies.In Antigua and Barbuda, for example, the UN supports the national Digital Transformation Framework, including through a public communications campaign interpreted in sign language to promote inclusive digital readiness and affirming the right to be informed.Caribbean governments, civil society, and educators all have a critical role to play in supporting early education in sign language, ensuring accessible public services, and fostering inclusive participation in civic life.UNESCO’s upcoming "Knowledge Series on Empowering Persons with Disabilities in Caribbean SIDS" will offer valuable insights into inclusive policies, adaptive technologies, and accessible infrastructure; initiatives that are all vital for creating opportunities where people with disabilities, including the deaf, can thrive.These efforts reflect the UN’s shared commitment to disability inclusion outlined in the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy. By recognizing sign language rights, we advance human rights, promote inclusion, and empower citizens to contribute fully to society. Preserving and promoting sign language is more than a means of communication, it is a gateway to dignity, equality, and opportunity. Inclusion is not charity—it is smart development and social cohesion.When we recognize and support sign languages , we celebrate human potential and embrace diversity. When we include all voices, we build a Caribbean that is vibrant, resilient, and truly equitable.
On this International Day of Sign Languages, let us commit to building an inclusive Caribbean, where every deaf child, student, and adult is heard, seen, and valued and no one left behind.
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Press Release
13 October 2025
IOM Chief highlights record disaster displacement and calls for resilience funding
Geneva, 13 October 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urging greater investment in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts, warning that intensifying disasters and climate impacts are driving record levels of displacement and demand a decisive shift in global financing priorities. This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) takes place under the theme Fund Resilience, Not Disasters, a call to redirect resources from costly response to proactive prevention and preparedness. “We must reaffirm a simple but urgent message: fund resilience,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Every dollar invested in resilience saves many more in avoided losses and protects the dignity of those most at risk. The choice is ours. We can continue to fund disaster response or we can invest in resilience. This is the message IOM will take forward as we work with partners to ensure climate and disaster financing reflects the needs of people on the move.”In 2024 alone, nearly 46 million people were displaced by disasters, the highest number ever recorded. Despite this, disaster risk reduction efforts remain severely underfunded. Most governments allocate less than 1 per cent of their budgets to prevention, while international assistance continues to decline.
IOM is urging governments, donors, and the private sector to scale up investments that reduce the risk and impact of disaster on displacement and strengthen resilience for vulnerable communities. This means integrating human mobility into risk-informed development and climate finance, ensuring that communities can adapt, relocate safely, or rebuild with dignity after disaster strikes.Looking ahead to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), IOM will advocate for disaster and climate risk reduction to be at the heart of climate finance negotiations, in line with the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group and the outcomes of the Financing for Development Conference. Through innovative tools such as the Risk Index for Climate Displacement and the Climate Catalytic Fund, IOM aims to demonstrate how predictive analytics and community-driven finance can target hotspots, prevent displacement, and protect development gains.
For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre.
IOM is urging governments, donors, and the private sector to scale up investments that reduce the risk and impact of disaster on displacement and strengthen resilience for vulnerable communities. This means integrating human mobility into risk-informed development and climate finance, ensuring that communities can adapt, relocate safely, or rebuild with dignity after disaster strikes.Looking ahead to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), IOM will advocate for disaster and climate risk reduction to be at the heart of climate finance negotiations, in line with the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group and the outcomes of the Financing for Development Conference. Through innovative tools such as the Risk Index for Climate Displacement and the Climate Catalytic Fund, IOM aims to demonstrate how predictive analytics and community-driven finance can target hotspots, prevent displacement, and protect development gains.
For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre.
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Press Release
11 September 2025
United Nations Supports Staging of 2025 WIFA Regional Women’s Football Tournament
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, we reaffirm the UN’s founding principles of peace, dignity, and equality, anchored in a vision of inclusive development and empowerment. This is exemplified in women's active participation in sports, where every woman and girl has the right to lead, compete, and thrive.“The Caribbean is a collection of communities, of which sport is a vital component. This is critical as sport can drive social change through promoting fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for everyone,” said Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.One year after Hurricane Beryl, Caribbean islands have shown extraordinary strength. Sports, and football in particular, have remained a cornerstone of the Caribbean community, bringing people together, lifting spirits, and helping communities heal. The United Nations is pleased to partner with the WIFA Women’s Tournament, which will also serve as a powerful platform for women and girls to lead, inspire, and play ball!“This event is more than a competition; it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and recovery," said Isiuwa Iyahen, Head of Office a.i. UN Women Multi-Country Office - Caribbean. “As we approach Beijing+30, your dedication on this field reflects how far we have come and reminds us of the journey ahead to secure equal opportunities for women and girls in all arenas, including sports. To each athlete here, your strength and skill are not only breaking barriers in football but also inspiring a new generation of women leaders, proving that true progress happens when women are visible, valued, and victorious—on and off the pitch."As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, we are encouraged in the fact that this tournament exemplifies its key priorities. These include, creating a space where women lead on and off the field, amplifying women’s voices in decision-making, and creating access to equal opportunities for growth, education, and visibility. The UN team remains committed to supporting member states to further accelerate efforts towards achieving gender equality.UNESCO’s International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport, also recognizes a fundamental right to physical education, physical activity and sport, including at all supervision and decision-making levels. It further specifies that “equal opportunity to participate … is the right of every girl and every woman that must be actively enforced.” Global evidence shows that sport has the capacity to propel gender equality, mobilize the global community, and bridge national barriers and cultural differences. It is also a powerful advocacy tool to convey important messages to mass audiences. To every woman, girl, and supporter involved in this important tournament, your participation goes beyond the scoreboard. It is a bold statement that equality, resilience, and unity will define our future. Every match played is not only for a trophy, but for a promise of a bright future for every girl in the Caribbean.As our region rebuilds, investing in women and girls in sports is an investment in stronger, fairer, and more resilient communities. Media Contacts:La Fleur Cleopatra Quammie (Ms)UN Country Coordination Officer - St. Vincent and the Grenadines / Gender Equality Focal PointUnited Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office Kingstown, St. Vincent and the GrenadinesMobile: +1 784 534 8099 / +1 784 530 8602Email: lafleur.quammie@un.org Sharon Carter-Burke
Communications Analyst
UN Women Multi Country Office - Caribbean
UN House, Marine Gardens
Hastings, Christ Church, Barbados
Tel: +1 246 467 6000 Ext 6124Email: sharon.carter-burke@unwomen.org
Communications Analyst
UN Women Multi Country Office - Caribbean
UN House, Marine Gardens
Hastings, Christ Church, Barbados
Tel: +1 246 467 6000 Ext 6124Email: sharon.carter-burke@unwomen.org
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Press Release
08 September 2025
PAHO launches award to recognize Caribbean leadership in the fight against superbugs
Nominations open until 30 September 2025Bridgetown, Barbados, 5 September 2025 (PAHO/WHO) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the Suzan McLennon-Miguel Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Leadership Award, a new regional honor recognizing exceptional leadership in the fight against antimicrobial resistance—a growing global health threat often referred to as the “silent pandemic.”The award celebrates the legacy of Dr. Suzan McLennon-Miguel, a Jamaican veterinarian whose three-decades career spanned veterinary public health, disaster response, food safety, and AMR advocacy. Affectionately known as “Doc Sue,” she was a passionate champion of the One Health approach, which unites human, animal, and environmental health to tackle complex health challenges like AMR.PAHO welcomes the nominations of individuals or organizations from across the Caribbean who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to addressing AMR. Eligible nominees may include those who have led impactful community-based AMR initiatives; contributed to education, policy, or public health solutions; or advanced research or innovation using a One Health lens. Self-nominations are encouraged.Nominations are open until 30 September 2025, and the winner will be announced on 18 November 2025, during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.Celebrating a legacy of Caribbean leadershipDr. McLennon-Miguel passed away in July 2023 after a battle with cancer, but her influence continues to shape public health in the Caribbean. She led animal health responses during the 2021 volcanic eruption in St. Vincent and served as a food safety specialist at the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) in Suriname.Her impact extended beyond science and policy. In Jamaica, she created “Doc Sue’s Happy Rooms”—colorful spaces in hospitals where sick children could play, learn, and dream. “It’s more than a playroom,” she said. “It’s a place where children can start dreaming of what they want to be in the future.”The awardee will be invited to PAHO’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C. for meetings with regional experts, participation in strategic AMR discussions, and the opportunity to showcase their work. They will also receive a commemorative plaque.“AMR threatens lives across the Caribbean, from routine infections to critical treatments like cancer care,” said Pilar Ramon-Pardo, Chief, Antimicrobial Resistance Special Program at PAHO. “This award celebrates Dr. McLennon-Miguel’s legacy by recognizing leaders who are building a healthier future.”A panel of experts from PAHO and international partners will select the winner based on impact, innovation, collaboration, and sustainable contributions to AMR efforts.Why AMR mattersAntimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites stop responding to the medicines used to treat them. This makes common infections harder—and sometimes impossible—to cure. In the Caribbean, AMR threatens everything from routine infections to surgeries and cancer care, placing decades of public health progress at risk.PAHO is stepping up its efforts to combat AMR in the Caribbean by strengthening surveillance, expanding laboratory capacity, promoting responsible use of antibiotics, and fostering One Health partnerships. These efforts are supported by the UK Government’s Fleming Fund and new South-South cooperation initiatives.By honoring leaders like Dr. McLennon-Miguel, this award aims to inspire bold action to curb superbugs and safeguard the region’s health.Download the nomination form (PDF) and read the full call for nominations (PDF).For questions or to submit a nomination, please contact Franka Des Vignes at desvigfra@paho.org or Nathalie El Omeiri at elomeirin@paho.org, using the subject line: Suzan McLennon-Miguel Award nomination.
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Press Release
30 July 2025
UNAIDS hails historic court ruling in St Lucia decriminalizing consensual same-sex relations
Kingston/Geneva 30 July 2025—UNAIDS celebrates the groundbreaking decision by the High Court of Justice in Saint Lucia declaring sections 132 and 133 of the Criminal Code unconstitutional for criminalizing consensual adult sexual acts in private. This triumph upholds LGBTQ+ people’s rights to protection of the law, privacy, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, and equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by the Constitution."This landmark decision underscores the transformative power of the law in protecting human rights and public health," said Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. "In a region where punitive laws hindered progress towards ending AIDS, Saint Lucia's High Court has set a powerful precedent. UNAIDS stands ready to support all governments and communities in ensuring everyone can live free from discrimination and access the services they need to thrive healthily and safely," said Ms. Cabal.The case is one of the five country strategic litigation initiatives of the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE) which has been working closely with LGBTQ+ organizations, individuals and allies to protect and promote the community’s basic human rights. The case removes outdated, colonial-era barriers that fuel stigma, discrimination and violence. The Court modified the laws relating to exclude private consensual acts between adults (section 132) and those aged 16+ (section 133), paving the way for dignity and equality to be respected.Saint Lucia now joins Belize (2016), Antigua and Barbuda (2022), St. Kitts and Nevis (2022), Barbados (2022), and Dominica (2024), which decriminalised same-sex intimacy in recent years. This chronology reflects a surging momentum against outdated laws, fostering more inclusive, rights-based societies across the region."The ruling in Saint Lucia gives us hope, demonstrating that justice and equality can prevail and that our courts are advancing public health initiatives by protecting human rights," said Richard Amenyah, UNAIDS Country Director for the Caribbean. "By removing these outdated criminal provisions, we open doors for LGBTQ+ individuals to seek HIV prevention and care without fear, ultimately strengthening our regional fight against HIV and saving lives."UNAIDS champions this move as a key stride toward zero discrimination and ending AIDS by 2030. By erasing these discriminatory provisions, the ruling removes an obstacle to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, vital in a region where gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender women have disproportionately high rates of HIV and often are kept away from health services for fear of stigma, discrimination and criminalization.UNAIDS urges remaining countries where these discriminatory laws remain on the books to repeal such laws and prioritize rights-based HIV strategies for healthier futures and more equitable societies.****** Contact UNAIDS LAC | Daniel de Castro | +507 6998 3175 | decastrod@unaids.org UNAIDS Caribbean | Jaevion Nelson | tel. +1 876 459 3211 | nelsonj@unaids.org UNAIDSThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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Press Release
11 July 2025
Spreading gang violence poses major risk to Haiti and Caribbean sub-region, UN human rights report warns
The report, by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the UN Human Rights Office, details the evolution of violent gang incidents since October 2024 up to June 2025. It also shows how violence increased sharply in recent months, especially in the Lower Artibonite and Centre departments, as gangs continue to extend their influence along key routes in the north and centre of the country, and towards the Dominican Republic.“Human rights abuses outside Port-au-Prince are intensifying in areas of the country where the presence of the State is extremely limited. The international community must strengthen its support to the authorities, who bear the primary responsibility for protecting the Haitian population,” said Ulrika Richardson, ad interim Head of BINUH and UN Resident Coordinator.Between 1 October 2024 and 30 June 2025, at least 1,018 people were killed, 213 others injured and 620 abducted in Artibonite and Centre, as well as in Ganthier and Fonds Parisien, west of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, the report says.Over the same period, the total number of killings across Haiti was 4,864.*The report notes that the mass killing in Pont Sondé (Lower Artibonite) in October 2024, which left over 100 people dead, marked a major turning point in the cycle of violence between gangs and the so-called ‘self-defence’ groups. Several other mass killings followed, causing mass displacement, including in the town of Mirebalais (Centre department) which earlier this year saw all its 100,000 residents flee.The Haitian authorities have deployed specialised police units, supported by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, to some extent slowing the gangs’ advances. Ultimately, however, given their lack of resources, they have been unable to reassert control over the affected areas.Against this backdrop, human rights abuses by self-defence groups have increased. Summary executions involving Haitian security forces have also been committed against individuals accused of supporting gangs, the report says.“Caught in the middle of this unending horror story are the Haitian people, who are at the mercy of horrific violence by gangs and exposed to human rights violations from the security forces and abuses by the so-called ‘self-defence’ groups,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.“The human rights violations and abuses that we have documented are further evidence of why Haiti and the international community urgently need to step up to end the violence,” he added.The expansion of gang territorial control poses a major risk of spreading violence and increasing transnational trafficking in arms and people, the report says.Among its recommendations, it calls on the Haitian authorities to ensure police have the necessary resources to tackle the gangs, in full respect of international human rights law. It calls for specialised judicial units to combat corruption and mass crimes, including sexual violence, to be established as soon as possible.The report also calls on the international community to maintain BINUH’s full operational capacity so that the office can continue to advise and support the Haitian government in its efforts to strengthen good governance and ensure the respect for, and promotion of, human rights. The strengthening of MSS mission and the full implementation of the arms embargo will be equally essential to restore security and the rule of law in Haiti.To read the full report, click here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/intensification-criminal-violence-lower-artibonite-centre-department-and*** ENDS ****Between 1 January 2025 and 30 June at least 3,141 people were killed.For more information and media requests, please contact:Ravina Shamdasani - + 41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.orgLiz Throssell - + 41 22 917 9296 / elizabeth.throssell@un.org
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