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16 April 2014: World Events

Countries
Nicaragua
+ 2 more
Sources
ECHO
Publication date
Origin
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1. NICARAGUA – Earthquake (UN, GDACS, USGS)

• As of 15 April (UN Resident Coordinator), due to the recent (10-11 April) earthquakes, there were: two dead, 41 injured, 3 775 houses affected (1 035 of which collapsed) and 1 585 people evacuated, housed in one shelter in Managua and another two in Nagarote. Most affected were the municipalities of Nagarote and La Paz Centro (Leon Department), three municipalities around Managua as well as the capital itself. The country remained in Red Alert as of 15 April.

2. SYRIA - Humanitarian access and human rights violations (ECHO)

• Serious concerns prevail regarding the situation of children, women and the elderly in the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk. According to UNRWA, full, regular access to Yarmouk is not yet secured with fighting and clashes occurring intermittently.
• On 14 April, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay released a report documenting the rampant use of torture in detention facilities across Syria by Government forces and some armed opposition groups. The UN Office is also aware of serious allegations of torture and ill-treatment of children in Syria.
• Pillay stated that torture constitutes a war crime and when used in a systematic or widespread manner, it also amounts to a crime against humanity. She urged the Government of Syria and armed opposition groups to immediately stop the use of torture and release all those who have been detained arbitrarily in breach of international human rights standards. Pillay reiterated her request to the Government to allow regular and unannounced access to all detention facilities to impartial international observers, including her office, the Commission of Inquiry on Syria and relevant UN independent human rights experts, to enable them to effectively monitor the situation in the country.

3. REPUBLIC OF KOREA – Ferry Disaster (International and local media)

• On 16 April a ferry was sailing to the island of Jeju when it capsized (on board: 477 people, 150 vehicles). As of 16 April, there were four dead, 164 people rescued, 291 people still unaccounted for. 18 helicopters and 34 rescue vessels have been sent to the area. There is no indication yet what has caused the ship to list and roll on its side.