This special feature looks back on the 1976 downing of Cubana Flight 455.

Find out what caused it to crash off Barbados' coast and whether the perpetrators were brought to justice.

CUBANA 455 - I REMEMBER YOU

- Afghanistan quake: Aid teams scramble to reach most remote survivors 
- Alert over worsening situation for Myanmar’s remaining Rohingya: OHCHR 
- La Niña likely to return but global temperatures still set to rise: WMO 

Audio credit: Daniel Johnson, UN News
Audio duration: 4'8"

#unitednations

UN News Today 02 September 2025 - Afghan quake support, Rohingya crisis, La Nina weather

The numbers of dead and wounded following the deadly earthquake in remote eastern Afghanistan – as well as the needs of survivors – are going to climb in the days ahead, the UN warned on Tuesday.

The head of the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) in Afghanistan, Amy Martin, told UN News’s Sachin Gaur that 20 emergency rapid assessment teams have been deployed, amid major access challenges, a disastrous drought – and shrinking aid budgets.

‘Numbers are going to climb’, warns UN aid coordinator as response to deadly Afghanistan quake ramps up

Nearly four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and 11 years since conflict began, the toll on people’s mental health is severe. 

Women and girls are disproportionately affected, facing displacement, economic uncertainty, heightened risks of gender-based violence, and the constant pressure of protecting their families during repeated attacks.

Speaking from the capital Kyiv, which suffered deadly strikes last week, and following a visit to the frontline region of Sumy, UN Women’s Representative in Ukraine Sabine Freizer Gunes described both the emotional exhaustion and resilience of women. 

She told UN News’s Nathalie Minard that empowering women and restoring a sense of normalcy are crucial steps to help relieve the stress of war.

Audio credit: Nathalie Minard, UN News


Empowering women key to easing stress amid war in Ukraine: UN Women

• Afghanistan quake: Aid agencies call for emergency funding - WFP
• Gaza: Desperate aid-seekers killed every day trying to get food - OCHA
• Funding cuts will have big impact on Human Rights Council, says President

Audio credit: Daniel Johnson, UN News


UN News Today 03 September 2025 - Afghanistan, Gaza, funding cuts

Catch up on information you might have missed during the week.

This week's programme features:
1.	Interns at the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs
2.	Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
3.	Upcoming podcast BARP President on retirement

This Week’s In Case You Missed It Opportunities – September 3 - 9:
-	Teaching/school vacancies (download)
-	Office of the Attorney General Tender (download)
-	NHC Finance Officer vacancy (download)
-	Companies (Economic Substance) Act, your Economic Substance Declaration must be filed every year. File online through the Ministry of Energy and Business’ secure portal - https://apps.energy.gov.bb/admin/login
Email meb.escompliance@barbadosbusiness.gov.bb.  

To download a copy of these opportunities, go to https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/download/in-case-you-missed-it-september-3-9-2025/ 


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT SEPTEMBER 3 - 9 (2025)

This episode highlights why Barbados’ new Family Leave legislation is a game-changer for families across the island. Minister of Labour and the Third Sector, Colin Jordan, breaks down how this progressive step strengthens support systems, safeguards workers, and puts families first.

FAMILY MATTERS | PUTTING CHILDREN FIRST | PART 1

Nearly one million people, half of them children, are seeking refuge in Gaza City as fears mount over an intensified military offensive. The UN warns any further escalation would be unthinkable and disastrous for families already exhausted, displaced, and traumatised after nearly two years of war.

“I met a four-year-old girl whose brain fluid still leaks after surgery to repair her shattered skull,” Tess Ingram from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) told UN News. “And just steps away, an 11-year-old who lost her leg, her mother and siblings in an air-strike. These are not numbers; they are families enduring preventable suffering,” she added.

In recent days, families have fled their neighbourhoods in the middle of the night, with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. Many have been displaced yet again, separated from their loved ones, or mourning children lost to starvation and bombardment. Hospitals are overwhelmed with young patients bearing fresh trauma injuries.

Ms. Ingram issued an urgent appeal for moral clarity and international action, in particular, a reinstated ceasefire to prevent famine and protect civilians, a review of military rules of engagement to uphold international humanitarian law and the opening of all crossings to allow a surge of aid to reach those who need it most, swiftly and with dignity.

CLIP – Ceasefire is the best medicine for Gaza’s children: UNICEF

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, expressed alarm on Thursday over reports that Israel is preparing to “extend sovereignty” over parts of the occupied West Bank, warning of catastrophic consequences for Palestinians already facing settlement expansion, forced displacement and daily restrictions.

“Any declaration of sovereignty would accelerate settlement growth, legalize outposts, expropriate Palestinian land and natural resources, and put entire communities at imminent risk of expulsion through violence and demolitions,” said Ajith Sunghay, head of OHCHR's office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. “This would further undermine Palestinians’ right to self-determination and deepen segregation.”

Mr. Sunghay noted that Israel has already incorporated large areas of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Area C, through settlements, checkpoints and the forcible transfer of thousands of Palestinians. He also raised grave concerns over the recent escalation of military operations in northern Gaza, where almost one million people are being pushed into smaller areas under dire humanitarian conditions.

Between 26 August and 1 September, 813 Palestinians were reported killed — nearly double the toll of the previous week, according to OHCHR. As aid convoys struggle to enter, attacks on civilians and aid seekers have continued, leaving many trapped without safety or access to relief.
UN officials have called for urgent international action to halt annexation plans, protect civilians and ensure unimpeded humanitarian assistance across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

CLIP – West Bank annexation would be catastrophic: UN human rights office

• As Afghanistan quake toll jumps to 2,200, aid agencies continue relief mission 
• Gaza: Families fleeing need a ceasefire desperately, says UNICEF worker
• Papua New Guinea is in frontline of climate change, warns UN’s Guterres

Audio credit: Daniel Johnson, UN News


UN News Today 04 September 2025 - Afghanistan quake, Gaza update, climate change

• DR Congo crisis: funding cuts curtail assistance to victims of sexual violence warns OHCHR
• Pakistan’s monsoon flood-hit communities face more misery: WMO, IFRC
• Air pollution is on the rise but China, Europe offer glimmer of hope 

Audio credit: Daniel Johnson, UN News

UN News Today 05 September 2025 - DR Congo crisis, Pakistan monsoon-flood, air pollution

The Barbados Government Information Service has been established since 1958 as the Barbados Government's public relations and information arm.   This dynamic channel profiles Barbadian people, places and programmes which make up this Caribbean island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.  We hope you enjoy and feel free to comment.  We want to hear from you.

CUBANA 455 - I REMEMBER YOU

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