World news summary: Haitian gang massacre, Taliban crackdown continues, Ukrainian civilian deaths soar

According to local reports, the elderly victims were massacred on the orders of an area gang leader who consulted a voodoo priest after his son fell ill and died. , who blamed the mysterious illness on elders who used witchcraft.

UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said: “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the continued gang violence and loss of life in Haiti,” and conveyed “deep sympathy and condolences.” Mr. Guterres to the families of the victims of this terrible act.”

The Secretary-General also called on the Haitian authorities to “conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators of these acts and all other human rights abuses and violations are brought to justice.” ”.

Increase international support

Mr. Guterres also emphasized the urgent need for international support, calling on all “Member States to provide the Multinational Security Assistance mission with the necessary financial and logistical support to support success of the Haitian National Police in addressing gang violence.”

UN human rights chief Volker Türk also condemned the killings and highlighted the number of gang-related violence that arose in a political vacuum, noting that “5,000 people are now have been killed in the Caribbean Island Nation alone this year.”

He called on governments to “stop the flow of weapons into Haiti” as well as Sudan and Myanmar.

Afghanistan: UN condemns Taliban ban on medical training for women

Independent United Nations human rights experts have condemned the Taliban’s recent move to tighten an already draconian education ban on women and girls in Afghanistan by banning female students from studying in Afghanistan. medical facilities.

This restriction comes at a critical time, as Afghanistan continues to grapple with an ongoing humanitarian crisis and weak health care infrastructure. Human Rights Council– said the appointment expert.

The ban threatens to severely impact Afghanistan’s healthcare system, where only female medical professionals are allowed to treat women and girls.

“If implemented, the reported new ban would be an inexplicable, completely unjustifiable blow to the health, dignity and future of women and children,” experts said on Monday. Afghan sister”. girls”.

Medical crisis

Since taking control in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically stripped women and girls of their basic rights, including the rights to freedom of movement and expression, as well as the right to live without suffered violence.

The experts – who are not UN employees and do not receive a salary for their work – warned that the decision could lead to “unnecessary suffering, illness and possibly death.” of Afghan women and children and now future generations, could lead to the genocide of women.”

Afghanistan currently suffers from one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. This latest restriction threatens to create devastating health care consequences for future generations of Afghan women and children. Experts note that “maternal and child health care in Afghanistan is in crisis, with high maternal and infant mortality rates.”

Experts have called on the international community to act immediately, calling for “solidarity and action with Afghan women and girls.” They also emphasized that the Taliban must “take responsibility for their actions.”

“The world must unite and act with Afghan women and girls to ensure that their fundamental rights are respected and that the Taliban is held accountable for their actions,” they declared.

The number of civilian deaths increased in Ukraine as attacks continued

Dozens of civilians, including several children, were killed or injured in attacks across Ukraine’s frontline regions of Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

This is happening as humanitarian conditions worsen amid falling winter temperatures.

“Local authorities are telling us that attacks have killed or injured dozens of civilians, in There were some children there.”

The attacks have destroyed homes and civilian infrastructure, including schools and gas pipelines, exacerbating hardship as winter temperatures continue to fall.

Heat and water, major concerns

In response, UN humanitarian workers are providing hot meals, drinks and psychosocial support as well as shelter kits and supplies to repair homes.

“Humanitarians in Ukraine are increasingly concerned about disruptions to water and heating services in frontline areas in Donetsk, Kharkiv and Sumy,” Mr. Dujarric said.

He added that “winter repairs and assistance are essential to help vulnerable populations this winter.”