World News Briefs: Cycle of violence continues in Haiti, sailor deaths off Somalia, food insecurity in the Middle East

In an update to Human Rights CouncilThe High Commissioner welcomed the operation of the first Gang Suppression Force, mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

This will help improve security in Haiti “but the strength of the Force is still far below the required strength”, stressed Türk, to support “full and accelerated deployment of troops” accompanied by human rights protections.

The toll is grim

At least 5,700 people have been confirmed killed or injured by gangs – or during operations against them – since January 1, according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR.

Gang members have also kidnapped more than 230 people and raped at least 1,000 women and girls. The actual figure is probably much higher, Türk said.

In his update, the High Commissioner for Human Rights also warned that “extortion, looting and destruction of property” were paralyzing economic activity in Haiti.

“Constant danger” prevents people from reaching schools, hospitals and essential services, Türk stressed.

Five sailors died as three hijacked ships were freed from Somalia

Three hijacked ships have been freed after months of being held hostage, but five sailors died while rescuing one of them, the boatswain. International Maritime Organization (IMO) says.

IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez expressed his condolences following the operation to free HONOR 25 in Somali waters on September 29, which left several other crew members seriously injured.

Dominguez said sailors “should not lose their lives for the service they provide to the world”, and called for new resolve, targeted cooperation and the necessary resources to stop piracy in the region.

Repatriation efforts are underway

HONOR 25 was one of three ships freed this week, along with SEAMULL (also known as SIBU 1) and MT EUREKA, all of which were seized between April and August by pirates and armed robbers.

In total, 44 sailors have been released and their governments are working to arrange their repatriation. Dominguez thanked the Somali Government for its efforts, but noted that 22 sailors were still held captive at ASANA.

He urged the government to bring new initiatives, such as the proposal by the Group of Friends of the Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, to the IMO, and stressed the importance of EUNAVFOR operations Aspides and Atalanta for maritime security in the region.

Millions of women will face hunger as tensions in the Middle East escalate

As many as 11.7 million women and girls in 28 countries will face food insecurity by the end of this year due to escalating conflict in the Middle East and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

These crises raise food prices and strain household livelihoods and resources, UN Women speak a new language analysis published on Friday.

Presenting the findings to journalists in Geneva, UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda said the estimates were potential scenarios, not estimates, and the numbers were in addition to the 208 million women and girls estimated to experience food insecurity or malnutrition in these countries.

“Past conflict experience shows that when food is scarce, women often reduce the amount they eat or skip meals so that children and other family members can eat,” he said.

The largest numbers of women and girls at risk are in densely populated countries, while South Sudan, Sudan, Haiti, Yemen and Palestine face the highest concentrations of overlapping vulnerabilities.

Call for immediate action

UN Women recommends linking food and cash assistance to nutrition, protection, employment and agricultural services. Women must also have access to land, credit and productive resources.

The agency also highlighted the need for better data collection showing where food insecurity is worsening and who is eating less, losing income and bearing the brunt of unpaid care work.