Brief World News: Backing for Haiti Mission, Struggle with ‘Commodity Dependence’, Iran’s Stringent Hijab Law

Kenya has stepped up to lead a multinational mission aimed at restoring order in the country, which has been plagued by gang rule and violence in recent months. The mission, supported by countries such as The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica, aims to provide much-needed backup to the national police force.

With $18 million already deposited in the support mission’s Trust Fund by Canada, France, and the United States, efforts are underway to regain control of the streets from armed gangs. The situation remains dire, especially in Port-au-Prince and the Ouest Department, with ongoing armed violence and attacks on critical infrastructure like the Varreux fuel terminal.

Despite the challenges, humanitarian efforts are ongoing, with organizations like the World Food Programme, WHO, UNICEF, and IOM providing essential services to displaced people. However, the situation remains volatile, requiring urgent action to address the root causes of the crisis.

In a related development, the President of the General Assembly has raised concerns over commodity dependence in countries, highlighting the vulnerability of developing nations to economic instability. With a call to break free from commodity dependence, urgent action is needed to ensure sustainable development and economic resilience.

Meanwhile, in Iran, the enforcement of strict hijab rules on women and girls has raised alarm, with reports of arrests and harassment of young girls. The UN Human Rights Office has expressed concern over the potential for corporal punishment under new laws, calling for the repeal of harmful practices and policies that discriminate against women. The international community is urging the Iranian government to uphold human rights norms and standards to protect the rights of all individuals.