Labour : 600 million jobs needed to spur growth over next decade (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Geneva)
Projecting a possible double-dip recession in advanced countries, increasing unemployment and under-employment, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said the world must rise to the urgent challenge of creating 600 million productive jobs over the next decade in order to generate sustainable growth while maintaining social cohesion.

United Nations : "Outraged" at sexual abuse by peacekeepers in Haiti (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
The Caribbean nation of Haiti, still struggling to recover from the devastating 2010 earthquake, is once again trying to cope with the sexual abuse of minors by UN peacekeepers - for the third time in five years.

Britain : Boosts economic ties with the Caribbean (PRIV)
(IPS, St George's)
As China sees its influence continue to grow in this part of the world, a delegation from the United Kingdom arrived in Grenada last weekend with a proverbial carrot for its former colonies, vowing to create new opportunities for trade, investment and innovation "in our respective economies".

Burma : Dismantling a dictatorship - peacefully (PRIV)
(IPS, Bangkok)
As he dismantles a 50-year military dictatorship without a shot being fired, Burmese President Thein Sein is resorting to the political art of compromise.

Chile : Recovery from forest fire could take 80 years (PRIV)
(IPS, Santiago)
"It's extremely serious, a full-blown environmental catastrophe," environmentalist Sara Larrain told IPS, describing the impact of the fire that has been raging through the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia since December 27.