Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster ManagementMonday 2 December - The 13th edition of the Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM 13), is scheduled to take place from 2-6 December 2024, at the the Marriott Hotel in St. Kitts and Nevis. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and UNICEF are among the partners supporting this year's Conference, themed: "Road to Resilience - Checkpoint 2024: Levelling Up for a Dynamic Future." Billed as the region's leading forum on disaster management, the Conference will gather experts, decision-makers, and practitioners from both regional and international backgrounds to explore cutting-edge approaches to disaster management and enhancing resilience across the Caribbean. There will be participation by Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and other UN agencies, such as the 
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).Click Here for Registration DetailsConversations on Migration in the CaribbeanWednesday 4 December - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) UN Migration will join partners to host episode 9 of its “CONVERSATIONS on Migration in the Caribbean” panel discussion series. The webinar will feature a dynamic panel from academia, media, youth, and the private sector, aimed at helping to shape the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) regional migration policy framework. Click Here to Register UNDP Trinidad and Tobago "We Ting" Community Caravan FinaleSaturday 7 December - UNDP Trinidad and Tobago will host the grand finale of its "We Ting" uniTTy in Motion Community Caravan 2024 at Fiesta Plaza, Movie Towne in Trinidad. Since 19 October 2024, the Caravan has been set up in several Trinidad and Tobago communities, including Siparia, Arima, Diego Martin, Chaguanas, Tobago, and now finally Port of Spain. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Community Development in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caravan has sought to boost social cohesion, empower youth, and promote gender equality across the twin island Caribbean country. This event is open to the public. For more information, please email: undpinfo.tt@undp.org ECOSOC Special Meeting – Haiti’s Children Cannot WaitThe United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will convene a special meeting on “Haiti’s Children Cannot Wait: Supporting Stability, Resilience, and Prosperity in Haiti” on 2 December 2024 at 10:00 am at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event will be broadcast live on UN Web TV at 11 am (AST).Learn More Here Upcoming UN ObservancesMonday 2 December – International Day for the Abolition of SlaveryTuesday 3 December -  International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be observed under the 2024 theme, "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future."Wednesday 4 December - International Day of BanksThursday 5 December – International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social DevelopmentThursday 5 December – World Soil Day will be observed under the 2024 theme, "Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage."

Observed annually from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the global campaign for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence invites individuals and communities to stand together in the hope of creating a world where everyone can live free from violence.This year, the “Red Shoe” event held in Guyana on November 25 offered a heartfelt and moving tribute to the lives affected by gender-based violence. Each pair of red shoes on display carried its own silent story, urging attendees to consider the resilience of survivors and the need for collective support.Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator, spoke to the significance of the event. “This Red Shoe event is more than just a gathering—it is a powerful symbol of solidarity, resilience, and hope,” she said, emphasizing the shared commitment to ending violence and supporting those who have been affected.Reflecting on Progress and UrgencyThis year marks 25 years since the United Nations General Assembly first designated November 25 as a day dedicated to eliminating violence against women. The campaign also comes ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark global framework for achieving gender equality.Ms. Kamau reminded attendees that while progress has been made, the work is far from over. “It requires all of us—leaders, civil society, governments, private sector, academia, and every individual—to partner, engage in dialogue, and undertake deliberate, collective actions to deliver tangible and meaningful change,” she shared. Building a Stronger Support System in GuyanaIn Guyana, the UN System works with government, civil society organizations, and other partners to address gender-based violence. This collaborative effort focuses on improving data collection, enhancing legal and policy frameworks, and ensuring that support services for survivors are accessible and effective.A recent milestone in these efforts was the launch of the Hope and Justice Centre in Region 3. This Centre brings essential services—including police reports, medical exam and report, counseling, free legal services, temporary shelter and for the first time a forensic interview programme—together in one location. The UN supported this initiative by aiding the development of the operational aspect of the Centre, as part of the implementation of the Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls programme, which ended in 2023. By streamlining support for survivors, the Centre reduces the additional burdens they might face when seeking help. Such integrated approaches reflect the compassion and determination of those working tirelessly to create safe spaces for those in need.The 16 Days of Activism is also a time to honor the courage of survivors who have risen above their experiences to build new lives. Their stories of strength remind us of the human capacity for resilience and the importance of creating environments where everyone feels supported and protected.The “Red Shoe” display not only represented those who have experienced violence but also served as a call to action for communities to stand together and advocate for change.The event was organised by the Civil Society National Reference Group, in collaboration with the United Nations and Women and Gender Equality Commission-Guyana.........................................................................This story was first published by UN Guyana.

As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2024 under the theme, “Take the Rights Path,” we are reminded that the fight against HIV and AIDS transcends medical advancements. It demands a commitment to human rights and social justice. For Belize, this theme resonates powerfully as the country grapples with a concentrated HIV epidemic that disproportionately impacts marginalized populations.Tackling Belize’s HIV Epidemic: An Urgent PriorityBelize, with an HIV prevalence of 1.3% among the general population, has one of the highest prevalence rates in Central America and ranks above the Caribbean average of 1.2%. An estimated 3,700 people are living with HIV in the country with about half of them on treatment. While new infections have declined by 29% since 2010, surpassing the regional average reduction of 22%, challenges persist.Young people aged 15-24 years accounted for 18% of all new infections in 2023, signaling a need for tailored interventions. Key populations, particularly gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), face disproportionately high prevalence rates, underscoring their heightened vulnerabilities.AIDS-related deaths have risen by 14% since 2010, with more males than females succumbing to the disease, underscoring the urgent need for better early diagnosis, treatment coverage, and retention in care. For the second consecutive year (2023–2024), national data indicates that males aged 20–49 are being newly diagnosed with HIV at a rate 1.5 times higher than females in the same age group. Furthermore, over 40% of people living with HIV who are linked to care are lost to follow-up, highlighting significant gaps in appointment adherence. The management of advanced HIV disease remains a major challenge, threatening Belize’s progress toward achieving its National Strategic Plan goals.Despite these challenges, Belize has achieved notable milestones. The elimination of Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV and syphilis was a landmark public health achievement in 2023. Additionally, Belize decriminalized the transmission, exposure, and non-disclosure of HIV through a legislative amendment of its Criminal Code in 2023—a progressive step that reflects the country’s commitment to reducing structural barriers. This will go a long way to lessen stigma and boost support for those living with HIV, promoting openness and better healthcare access. However, stigma, discrimination, and inadequate resources continue to hinder access to critical services, particularly for people living with HIV and for key populations. The high demand for psychological and legal aid services highlights the diverse challenges faced, including domestic violence and substance abuse. According to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), in its 2023 Annual Report, women, girls and adolescents -  including indigenous women, migrant women, and those facing intersectional marginalization - often experience gender-based exclusion from the community, discrimination in employment, police brutality and harassment. Such acts against marginalized groups create fear and discourage individuals from seeking essential health services, perpetuating health disparities and social exclusion. Despite the country’s progress - including legislative advancements such as decriminalizing consensual same-sex activities - LGBTI individuals, sex workers, and people living with HIV continue to face societal discrimination that limits their ability to access justice and healthcare safely. This highlights the importance of addressing structural barriers and creating a legal and social environment that respects and protects human rights for all​.Prioritizing Human Rights for long term impact Human rights are fundamental to the health and well-being of every individual and central to ending AIDS as a public health threat. Respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights ensures the dignity of all and is critical for achieving Belize’s development goals.Human rights violations, such as pervasive stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV and key populations, exacerbate the HIV epidemic. Many of them experience judgment and breaches of confidentiality in healthcare settings, leading to delayed testing, treatment interruptions, and missed prevention opportunities.To address these barriers, Belize must focus on:Expanding Prevention Efforts:
Scale up pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programs. Ensure access to STI screening and treatment services, particularly for MSM and young men, using innovative approaches such as digital media, self-testing, index testing, and partner notification through social and sexual network testing.Addressing Stigma:
Implement culturally sensitive, evidence-based anti-stigma training for healthcare workers and community actors. Create inclusive, judgement-free environments where individuals feel safe seeking care.Strengthening Health Systems:
Build integrated data systems to track progress, improve retention in care, and protect patient autonomy and confidentiality as well collaborating with Civil Society and communities in tracking violations of human rights and seeking redress. Ensure that services are available, accessible, acceptable, of good quality and safe for all.Empowering Communities:
Strengthen community-led initiatives to deliver HIV services and expand safe spaces for Persons living with HIV, and key populations and other vulnerable populations. Capacity building and certification of Lay Testers (peer navigators) should be expanded to enhance their role in bridging gaps in care and to assist in bringing people back to care.A Call to ActionBelize has demonstrated resilience and progress in its HIV response. Landmark achievements, such as the elimination of Mother-to-Child transmission and recent decriminalization reforms, are testament to the government’s commitment. However, the rise in AIDS-related deaths and persistent barriers to care highlight the need for urgent, rights-based interventions. In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable. But reaching this goal requires breaking down the barriers keeping people from vital services.”On this World AIDS Day, the United Nations urges policymakers, civil society, and healthcare providers in Belize to take bold steps to end AIDS by 2030:Further Dismantle Barriers:
Build on the success in repealing discriminatory laws, including reducing the age of consent for adolescent access to medical services in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Belize has domesticated as part of its national laws. Advocate for legal protections that reduce stigma and discrimination in all settings. Push the Equal Opportunities Bill through the legislature. Invest in Prevention:
Expand comprehensive prevention services, including PrEP, HIV self-testing, and STI care, targeting MSM and young men.Support Community Leadership:
Empower civil society organizations to lead the response through capacity-building and sustainable funding mechanisms.Commit to Data-Driven Interventions:
Strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems to guide evidence-based programming and ensure accountability.Ensure Sustainable Financing:
Mobilize domestic resources to complement donor funding and secure the long-term sustainability of Belize’s HIV response.By prioritizing human rights, empowering communities, and fostering strategic partnerships, Belize can accelerate its journey toward ending AIDS and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3: ensuring health and well-being for all. Let us commit to taking the rights path, ensuring a future where health, dignity, and equality are universal realities for all Belizeans..............................................................This story was first published by UN Belize.

On 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day, reflecting on the progress made in responding to the HIV epidemic and recommitting to the journey ahead. This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path,” underscores the indispensable role of human rights in achieving disease elimination nationally and the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. For Guyana, this theme holds particular significance as the country confronts a rise in new HIV infections, which disproportionately affects key populations and young people.The Current Landscape of Guyana's HIV Response Guyana has made considerable progress since the first reported case of AIDS in Guyana in 1987, and today the country continues to invest strategically in the achievement of 95-95-95 targets, that is, the ambition to ensure that 95% of all persons living with HIV know their status, 95% of persons who know their status are on treatment and 95% on treatment are virally suppressed.At the end of last year, Guyana recorded results of 94% - 72% - 87% against these benchmarks, (National AIDS Programme 2023 Annual Report). According to the 2024 Global AIDS Monitoring (GAM) Report, about 7,000 of the estimated 10,000 people in Guyana who live with HIV already access free HIV treatment that is provided by the Government. National authorities have also taken steps to provide Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to key populations and improve coverage of social protection measures for persons living with HIV who are eligible for social assistance.In this broader context of investment and advancement, Guyana is facing up to a concerning rise in new infections, highlighting the urgent need for sustained and targeted action. According to the 2024 GAM Report, new infections have increased by 19% in the period since 2010. HIV prevalence is 1.5% among the general population while high HIV rates persist among gay men and other men who have sex with men (7.7%), transgender persons (11.1%), and sex workers (2.2%) as reported in the 2021 Bio Behavioural Social Survey (BBSS). Hence, the HIV epidemic in Guyana is mixed in characterization, with marginalized key populations being disproportionately affected, further amplifying the challenges faced by these groups.   Adolescents and young people, aged 15-24 years, are particularly affected: these demographics accounted for 14% of the 580 new infections recorded in 2023 (UNAIDS HIV Spectrum Estimates 2023). Over the past decade, HIV prevalence in this age group has increased slightly, from 0.2% to 0.3%. Young women have become more vulnerable, with incidence rates rising by 12% since 2010 Global AIDS Monitoring (GAM) Report 2024.Late diagnosis of people living with HIV is a real concern because advanced HIV disease contributes significantly to preventable AIDS-related deaths and exacerbates the health and economic burden on families and the healthcare system. To reverse the trend in new HIV cases, it is critical to break down these systemic barriers and ensure equitable access to prevention, testing, and treatment services, with a focus on the human rights and the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Removing Barriers and Prioritizing Human RightsHuman rights are fundamental to the health and well-being of every individual. They are central to ending AIDS as a public health threat, and their full realization is an essential element of human dignity. The universality, indivisibility, interdependence, and interrelatedness of human rights are critical to achieving our collective development goals. Ending HIV in Guyana, therefore, demands a rights-centered approach. That means taking another close look at laws that have real-world discriminatory effects, including those that make same sex relationships a crime. It means scrutinizing laws that inadequately protect the interests of key populations or are insufficient to combat stigma. It means stopping the breaches of confidentiality that deter persons living with HIV from seeking care, and the social judgement that accompanies such breaches.The ongoing Stigma Index 2.0 survey will provide good data on the experiences of people living with HIV and key populations on the impact of stigma and discrimination on their ability to access services. Empowering community-led organizations is vital as they can be effective in creating safe spaces for vulnerable groups. This can only happen with sustained funding and partnerships to scale up their impact.To end the HIV epidemic trajectory, we call on lawmakers to once again review all laws that have discriminatory effects and limit access to HIV and broader health services. We further call for renewed efforts to reduce stigma through targeted training for healthcare providers, to address self-stigma at the household and community level and implement mechanisms to document and address rights violations. Investing in community-based interventions to scale up services across the regions, at the primary healthcare level, especially for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis via the innovative “Lash Bags” or sex baggies which contains self-testing kits, PrEP, condoms and lubricants will be critical.Additionally, educational information provided during outreach services by healthcare workers or community workers; expanding access to combination prevention tools and leveraging digital platforms for outreach are essential steps and are equally important. Strategic prioritization of human rights across health and social sectors, meaningful and greater involvement and empowerment of communities living with or affected by HIV and civil society, and most importantly continuous commitment of the Government to sustainable financing of the HIV response from domestic resources will be key to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The United Nations commends the Ministry of Health for its exemplary leadership in forging strategic partnerships with civil society and development actors to address the public health challenge of HIV. Through this collaborative effort, Guyana is poised to regain control over the epidemic and ensure a sustainable HIV response for the future.A Call to ActionOn this World AIDS Day, the United Nations urge policymakers, civil society, and communities in Guyana to embrace bold and decisive actions:Dismantle Barriers: Repeal discriminatory laws and policies, while strengthening protections that reduce stigma and ensure equitable access to services. Address stigma and discrimination by integrating human rights and patients’ rights awareness into healthcare worker training and institutional policies.Prioritize Prevention: Scale up access to comprehensive prevention tools, including PrEP, HIV self-testing, and peer-led education, with a focus on key populations and young people. Expand digital platforms for virtual outreach and HIV self-testing to reach hidden populations.Empower Communities: Support CSOs to lead the HIV response, ensuring their expertise and reach are leveraged to address the epidemic’s root causes. Support peer-led interventions and community-based outreach to increase uptake of testing and prevention services and to respond to violations of rights and to seek restorative justice.Ensure Sustainability: Invest in domestic funding mechanisms to secure the gains made and build resilience against future challenges. Explore innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, to ensure the long-term sustainability of HIV programs.As stated by the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, "Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable. But reaching this goal requires breaking down the barriers keeping people from vital services." Guyana’s leadership in financing its HIV response and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations reflects a commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3: ensuring health and well-being for all. However, the rise in new infections among young people and key populations highlights the need for urgent, rights-based interventions.By taking the rights path, Guyana can achieve an AIDS-free future—one where health, dignity, and equality are not privileges, but universal rights for every citizen. ..............................................................This story was first published to the website of UN Guyana.