© UN Women Remittances not only allow recipients to buy essentials, but also help support small businesses and create jobs in destination countries. Top news of the day | Tuesday: Haiti, refugees, mines, remittances UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: the head of the UN is on a visit to Haiti, the UN calls on the international community to urgently expand refugee resettlement programs, at least 58 states and territories are contaminated with anti-personnel mines, June 16 is International Family Remittance Day.
Visit of the UN chief to Haiti
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is on a visit to Haiti. He visited the Vertier military base, where the Anti-Banditry Force is stationed. Guterres heard a report from their commander, and UN staff in Haiti briefed the secretary general on the operational and logistical support they are providing to these forces in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2793. The Secretary-General also met with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Haitians affected by violence in the country and representatives of civil society.
Refugee resettlement programs
The international community must urgently expand refugee resettlement programs as current quotas are insufficient. This is stated in a new report by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The Office projects that in 2027, about 2.4 million refugees worldwide will need resettlement as they continue to face problems in their countries of temporary refuge and are unable to return to their home countries due to security concerns. At least 58 states and territories have been contaminated by mines, and millions of mines continue to be stored in warehouses. This is stated in a new report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). According to the report, in 2024, at least 1,945 people were killed by mines and other explosive devices, and more than four thousand were injured. The highest numbers of victims were recorded in Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Mali, Yemen and Burkina Faso.
International Remittance Day
Migrants send almost $700 billion to their families in low- and middle-income countries every year. The UN reminds us of this on International Family Remittances Day, which is celebrated on June 16. Remittances enable families to buy basic necessities, pay for housing, receive healthcare, and help support small businesses, create jobs, and reduce poverty in destination countries.