Rising numbers of people migrating through Latin America toward the US have driven up the number of migrant deaths on the route and Latin America has now displaced the Mediterranean crossing as the deadliest route for migrants in the world, according to the International Organization for Migration. A decline in circular migration in Latin America has led smugglers to resort to more dangerous methods to turn a profit, says IOM spokesperson Joel Millman.

Members of the United Nations Security Council observed a moment of silence Friday in honor of the victims of a deadly attack on two New Zealand mosques, warning that acts of terrorism are never justifiable. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet spoke about the attack before the UN Human Rights Council, calling it "yet another terrible reminder that racism kills."

More than 200 people are dead and approximately 1.5 million have been affected by a cyclone that swept across Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe last week, causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure. United Nations agencies are working with the International Red Cross and local governments to assist with rescues and deliver food, water and medical supplies.

Officials from the US have suggested dropping the word "gender" from the Commission on the Status of Women's outcome document and replacing it with references to women and girls. The US is also reportedly refusing to reaffirm its commitment to the Beijing Declaration, which is widely viewed as the blueprint for women's rights around the world.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded the efforts of tens of thousands of students around the world who last week walked out of classes to protest government inaction in the face of climate change. "These schoolchildren have grasped something that seems to elude many of their elders: we are in a race for our lives, and we are losing," Guterres says.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concerns about escalating military action in Syria and is urging all parties to respect the cease-fire agreement in Idlib. Geir Pedersen, the new UN envoy to Syria, says he is hoping for progress in implementing the UN Security Council's resolution on Syria, which he says could lead to a political process that is owned and led by Syrians.

Media can shine a spotlight on women's rights

"Map of the Day: Where Women Serve in Parliament"

UN Peacekeepers come from different countries, cultures & backgrounds -- but share a common purpose to protect the most vulnerable. peacekeeping.un.org/service
#ServingForPeace
@UNICBeirut