Regarding the massive scandal involving chief executives of big NGOs, the situation must be considered through the lens of how we have dealt with sexual abuse. But we must be wary of how this is used to justify budget cuts. Español

Haitian women who are living and organising in the displacement camps, together with international partners, have produced an essential blueprint for addressing rape. If adopted by the Haitian Parliament as revisions to the Haitian legal code, this would be a major advancement in legislation addressing gender-based violence and discrimination, says Yifat Susskind.

One of the most powerful international organisations is pitted against vulnerable people in the poorest country in the Americas. The accusation: that the UN is responsible for Haiti's cholera epidemic. What measures should now be taken? Who, if anyone, is to blame?

Haiti, an already very poor country, was shattered by the earthquake of January 2010 centred on the capital, Port-au-Prince. In the aftermath, a rigorous economic programme was imposed by rich-world agencies and governments that took no account of Haitians' true needs. A forensic investigation of how this blueprint has overridden the hopes of a new generation of Haitians, by Matt Kennard.

The UN continues to have an active presence in Haiti after the earthquake. It is necessary for the organization to uphold and implement international human rights law in its missions and operations.

Haiti is in political stale-mate; the return of Baby Doc and the possible return of Aristide will not help focus attention on the nation's real and pressing problems

President-elect Alassane Ouattara has called for a West African intervention force to remove Laurent Gbagbo from power in Ivory Coast. Women face an increased risk of sexual violence in post-quake Haiti, says new Amnesty report. Police kill two protestors and detain opposition leaders in Arusha, Tanzania. All this and more in today's Security Briefing.

The Haitian government’s handling of the situation has been spectacularly poor. But the international aid sector's record has also been dismal.

The hope that out of the tragedy of the January 12th earthquake might emerge a chance for better government seems set to be dashed at this Sunday's election. Few Haitians expect change to come from the political class and the public sphere anymore

Calls for calm after riots target UN over cholera. State of emergency declared over post-election violence in Guinea. Attempted 'coup' as Madagascar votes on constitutional referendum. All this and more in today's briefing...

Rights groups call for international probe into violence in Western Sahara. Cholera reaches Port-au-Prince, confirming health workers’ worst fears. Iraqi politicians finally negotiate government after months of deadlock. Former Navy admirals slam decision to scrap Harriers, claiming the move will jeopardise the Falklands. All this and much more in today's Security Briefing...

UK terrorism strategy fails to take comprehensive approach to threat from Yemen and Somalia. Spike in Haiti cholera cases. New constitution approved by electorate in Niger heralds return to civilian rule. Kenya denies entry to Somali refugees. All this and more in today’s security briefing...

Six months after the catastrophe in Haiti’s capital, the realities of insecurity, displacement and poverty co-exist with opportunities and agents of reconstruction. Johanna Mendelson Forman offers a view from the ground.

Earthquake in Chile causes mass destruction and displacement. Islamist opposition orders the World Food Programme out of Somalia. Colombia’s election race begins as President Uribe denied third term. Northern Liberia under curfew following the outbreak of religious violence. Malaysian peace monitors arrive in the Philippines in an attempt to revive talks. All this and more in today's update.

Military officers take power in Niger. NATO suffers casualties in Afghanistan. The IAEA launches warns of Iranian warhead development. The head of the UN’s humanitarian office criticises relief efforts in Haiti. All this and more in today’s security update.

Israeli government disciplines soldiers responsible for the white phosphorous attack on a UN compound in Gaza. Gaddafi’s bid for AU leadership rejected. Russian police disperse demonstrators. British couple claim ill treatment at hands of Somali captors. Haiti withholds Americans accused of smuggling children. All this and more in today's update.

The daunting task of post-earthquake reconstruction in Haiti amounts to a long-term challenge in state-building, say Mariano Aguirre & Tone Faret of the Norwegian Peacebuilding Centre.

The existing levels of human insecurity in Haiti make the country’s post-disaster recovery even more difficult. All the more important that the world gets the response right and makes a sustained commitment, says Johanna Mendelson Forman.

Haiti announces that 400,000 people made homeless in last week’s earthquake are to be relocated outside the capital as the situation on the ground begins to slowly improve. The president of Afghanistan unveils a plan aimed to attract Taliban insurgents to the side of the Afghan government. The US and EU announce a united front in responding to the continuing standoff surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. All this and more in today’s security briefing.

US military presence in Haiti sparks controversy. Religious riots kill 200 in Jos, Nigeria. UN warns Israeli blockade puts Gazans’ health at risk. Yemen strikes house of suspected al-Qaeda militant. FBI 'fabricated terror emergencies' to get access to phone records. Suicide attack on Iraqi army HQ in Mosul. All this and more in today’s security briefing.