Brief World News: Human Rights Concerns in Haiti, 750,000 Affected by East Africa Floods, Health Milestone in Namibia

The experts have sounded the alarm on the dire situation in Haiti, where violence and lawlessness have plunged the country into chaos. The Human Rights Council-appointed experts highlighted the devastating impacts of the violence, including loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, displacement, and the collapse of essential services like education and healthcare.

Of particular concern is the use of sexual violence by criminal gangs as a tactic to instil fear and control territories. Women and girls living in displacement sites are especially vulnerable to sexual violence, with a rise in trafficking for sexual exploitation and slavery.

The experts also criticized the Haitian authorities for failing to protect vulnerable populations and being complicit in gang activities. They called for a return to democratic and constitutional governance based on respect for human rights, transparency, and accountability.

Meanwhile, in East Africa, deadly rains continue to wreak havoc, impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. The UN is providing support to governments in the region as heavy rainfall and floods have left close to 750,000 people affected and 234,000 displaced.

In Somalia, more than 160,000 civilians have been affected by the rains, exacerbating the ongoing cholera epidemic. In Kenya, over 285,000 lives have been impacted, with more than 200 reported deaths. The UN and its partners are working to support these countries through flood response plans, evacuation efforts, and healthcare.

On a more positive note, Namibia has made significant progress in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B, becoming the first country in Africa and the first high-burden country in the world to reach this milestone. WHO has awarded Namibia for its achievements, highlighting the importance of committed leadership and effective public health implementation.