UN Daily News May 29 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Home » 29 May 2009
Entries posted on “May 2009”
General Assembly announces a rescheduling of the Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and its Impact on Development
The General Assembly this week announced its decision to reschedule the Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and its Impact on development to 24 to 26 June, from its previously-scheduled dates of 1-3 June. General Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann said he has heard the concerns expressed by some Member States and reiterated [...]
Asia and the Financial Crisis: Lessons Learned
The General Assembly has scheduled a conference next month on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and its impact on Development with an aim to identify long term solutions to the crisis and discuss a restructure of the global financial system. Focusing on the Asia and Pacific region, Michael T. Clark, Senior Adviser to President [...]
Remembering Helvi Sipilä: UN pioneer and women's rights activist
In May the UN said farewell to a champion of women’s rights. Helvi Sipilä, 94, died on May 15 in her native Finland. In 1972 Ms. Sipilä became the first woman to hold the post of Assistant Secretary-General at the UN when she was appointed head of the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs. [...]
UN Daily News May 28 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Foreign Direct Investment to Latin America and Caribbean to drop sharply
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows to Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to drop sharply this year, according to a report of the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
Number of displaced people in Pakistan reaches 3 million
The Deputy Representative of the UN Children's Fund in Pakistan, Luc Chauvin, has said that the number of people displaced by fighting in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province has reached three million.
UN Daily News May 27 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN report says world economy is expected to shrink further
The world economy is expected to shrink by more than two-and-a-half per cent this year. That, according to a United Nations report launched Wednesday.
UNHCR and UN-Habitat join hands to help displaced people in Pakistan
United Nations agencies dealing with refugees and human settlements have joined hands to provide shelter supplies to the people displaced by conflict in Pakistan.
WHO wins Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation
The World Health Organization has won the prestigious Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation.
Red Cross says cholera cases continue to rise in Zimbabwe
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Organizations (ICRC) on Tuesday warned that cholera still remains a threat in Zimbabwe.
WFP expands operation to cover most vulnerable people in Iraq
The World Food Programme announced on Tuesday that it is expanding its food assistance programme in Iraq to reach the most vulnerable people in the country.
UN Security Council condemns North Korea's nuclear test
The UN Security Council has condemned North Korea’s nuclear test as a “clear violation of the council’s resolutions. Cuts and stakeouts available below Ambassador Vitaly I. Churkin Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the momth of May. Ambassador Susan E. Rice United States Mission [...]
France urges new sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
France has described Monday's Security Council's action on North Korea's nuclear test as a firm and swift reaction.
DPRK's nuclear test a direct threat to peace and security of Japan and Asia
Japan says North Korea's nuclear test on Monday was not just a direct threat to the peace and security of Japan and Asia but also a global threat.
United States wants a strong resolution
The United States says the Security Council was unanimous in its strong condemnation and opposition to the nuclear test by North Korea.
UN Security Council condemns North Korea's nuclear test
The UN Security Council has condemned North Korea's nuclear test as a "clear violation of the council's resolutions.
Global condemnation of DPRK nuclear test
There's been swift global reaction to North Korea's latest nuclear test.
Smart card project to advance radiation safety
Advances in imaging technologies like CT scans allow doctors to make ever more accurate diagnoses without resorting to invasive procedures, like surgery.
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
In addition to the usual challenges women are subjected to, indigenous women have to deal with even more problems associated with their ethnicity or race. UN Radio Nick Baker has the story.
UN Daily News May 25 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Health systems critical to expansion of HIV treatment for women and children
Health experts have called for urgent action on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and paediatric care and treatment in Eastern and Southern Africa.
46 countries now reporting H1N1 virus: WHO
The World Health Organization–WHO says 46 countries have officially reported more than 12, 500 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
Aid work in Mogadishu grinding to a halt
Local non-governmental organizations -NGOs in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, have set up a task force in a bid to mobilize urgent help for thousands of displaced civilians.
IAEA marine scientists warn of dangers of ocean acidification
Scientists at the International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA, have joined forces with experts around the world to call for urgent action to control what they refer to as the "other C02 problem".—ocean acidification
Pakistani internally displaced camps offer surprise polio vaccination opportunity
The presence of thousands of children from Swat and other northern areas in Pakistan’s camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) offers an unexpected opportunity for anti-polio teams to vaccinate those who could not previously be accessed.
Ban challenges business leaders to retool global economy to a cleaner, greener one
Business leaders have been challenged to be in the vanguard of an unprecedented effort to retool the global economy into one that is cleaner, greener and more sustainable. The call comes from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in an opening address Sunday to the World Business Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen. Cut and full speech available [...]
Ban challenges business leaders to retool global economy to a cleaner, greener one
Business leaders have been challenged to be in the vanguard of an unprecedented effort to retool the global economy into one that is cleaner, greener and more sustainable.
UN chief strongly deplores DPRK underground nuclear test
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly deplores the conduct of an underground nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), in clear and grave violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.
UN Security Council to meet in emergency on North Korea's nuclear test
The UN Security Council will hold emergency consultations at 4 p.m. Monday afternoon to discuss North Korea's nuclear test.
Close to 500 Bangladeshi peacekeepers join UNAMID
Nearly 500 Bangladeshi soldiers and police are arriving in Darfur this week to join the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).
UN-HABITAT and USAID join forces to improve literacy in Afghanistan
UN-HABITAT and the USAID, the USA Agency for International Development have joined forces in a new drive to improve Afghanistan's literacy rate.
World Business Summit on Climate Change opens in Copenhagen
A World Business Summit on Climate Change opens in Copenhagen, Denmark Sunday.
UN Radio's Donn Bobb spoke with Mathias Stausberg, Spokesman for the UN Global Compact which is a co-organizer of the conference.
Head of UN health agency close monitoring of H1N1
The head of the World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan on Friday called for the close monitoring of the H1N1virus. In her closing remarks to the World Health Assembly in Geneva, she warned that the virus is very contagious and is expected to continue to spread to new countries and within the countries already affected. [...]
Secretary-General calls for 'new multilateralism' in nitze school commencement
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s commencement address as delivered at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, “Global Leadership in a Time of Crisis”, in Washington, D.C., on 21 May:
UN drugs chief congratulates Ghana for seizing drugs
The head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Antonio Maria Costa, on Friday congratulated Ghana for stopping smuggling of cocaine in Port Tema this week.
Ban urges support for Humanitarian Response Plan for Pakistan
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the international community to show their solidarity with the people of Pakistan by supporting the Humanitarian Response Plan launched Friday in Islamabad, and the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan presented by the Government of Pakistan.
FAO launches animal welfare Internet portal
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Friday launched a new Internet portal to provide the latest information about the welfare of livestock.
UNFPA says displacement in Pakistan places pregnant women at risk
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warns that the massive displacement of civilians in the North-West Province of Pakistan has placed pregnant women at special risk.
UNEP says demand for energy threatens gorillas and their habitats
The United Nations Environment Programme has warned that the ever-growing human demand for energy is an omnipresent yet invisible threat to gorillas and their habitat.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits Sri Lanka
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is visiting Sri Lanka on Friday to seek progress on immediate humanitarian relief, reintegration and reconstruction as well as a sustainable and equitable political solution.
UN Envoy hopes displaced return to Mogadishu
Thousands of people have fled Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, following two weeks of intense fighting between government forces and opposition groups. UN humanitarian agencies and their partners are also affected by the fighting: the insecurity means they are unable to deliver food and other desperately needed aid. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Somalia Full [...]
UN Envoy hopes displaced return to Mogadishu
Thousands of people have fled Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, following two weeks of intense fighting between government forces and opposition groups.
The battle for life on earth
The United Nations proclaimed May 22nd the International Day for Biodiversity with an aim to increase awareness and understanding on the issue.
UN Daily News May 22 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN and partners launch $543 million appeal for Pakistan
The UN and its partners are appealing for $543 million to help civilians in Pakistan.
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Marie Okabe, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
UNHCR is concerned about death threats against its partners in Colombia
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has expressed deep concern about a recent wave of death threats against human rights workers and activists in Colombia.
UNRWA says Israeli blockade is hampering aid to Palestinians
The Director of the health programme of the United Nations agency assisting Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA, has warned that the Israeli blockade is hampering the agency's ability to provide assistance to Palestinians.
Secretary-General says invasive alien species are harming the ecosystem
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned that invasive alien species are harming the ecosystem services, livelihoods and economies throughout the world.
UN refugee agency calls on government to protect civilians in DR Congo
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) on Friday urgently appealed to the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to protect civilians in the eastern part of the country.
UN and partners call for $543 million to help displaced people in Pakistan
The United Nations and its partners have appealed for more than half a billion dollars to help people displaced by fighting in northwest provinces of Pakistan.
Head of UN health agency close monitoring of H1N1
The head of the World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan, on Friday called for the close monitoring of the H1N1 virus.
Number of displaced people in Pakistan surpasses 1.7 million
The number of people displaced by fighting in north-west Pakistani has surpassed 1.7 million, according to the United Nations refugee agency.
UN envoy condemns bombings in Baghdad and Kirkuk
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Staffan de Mistura has strongly condemned the bombings in Baghdad and Kirkuk.
UN drug agency and South-eastern Europe tackle corruption
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime and a group of south-eastern European countries on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding to fight illicit drugs and organized crime in the region.
Bad weather forces UN official stop visit to IDP camps in Sri Lanka
Bad weather on Thursday forced the United Nations Chief of Staff Vijay Nambiar to abort a visit to camps housing internally displaced people in Sri Lanka.
Eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission by 2015
The Joint UN Programme on HIV/UNAIDS, has called for the virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV by 2015. The call came from the head of UNAIDS during the week-long World Health Assembly in Geneva, which ends on Friday. UNAIDS says evidence shows that timely administration of antiretroviral drugs to HIV-positive pregnant women [...]
Eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission by 2015
The Joint UN Programme on HIV/UNAIDS, has called for the virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV by 2015.
Global seed bank to save humanity
At a meeting of the Food Agricultural Organization in Rome last year, The United Nations approved the idea of a "doomsday vault" or global seed bank to save humanity.
WHO reports a sharp drop in child mortality rates
As we heard in the news, more children are living to see their fifth birthday. The World Health Organization says global child mortality rates have fallen by nearly 30 per cent since 1990.
UN Daily News May 21 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
WHO reports 27 % drop in child deaths
The number of children dying before the age of five has dropped by close to 30 per cent globally since 1990. That according to the latest estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO). In its first progress report on the Millennium Development Goals related to health, WHO estimates that 9 million children under five years [...]
UNEP completes fieldwork in Gaza Strip
A team of experts form the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) left Gaza on Thursday after completing its fieldwork.
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Marie Okabe, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Security Council delegation impressed with progress in Liberia
A UN Security Council delegation visiting Liberia is pleased with the progress the country has made so far.
UN relief agencies call for access to conflict zone in Sri Lanka
United Nations humanitarian agencies are calling for unrestricted access to the conflict zone in North East Sri Lanka to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians trapped in the zone by the war. The agencies say they have no information on the numbers of sick or wounded still in the conflict zone. Ron Redmond, Spokesman, UN refugee [...]
Secretary-General reiterates two-state solution in Middle East
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the international community supports a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Joint AU-UN envoy calls for end of fighting near Chad-Sudan border
The representative of the United Nations and the African Union in Sudan, Rodolphe Adada on Wednesday called for an end to recent fighting near the border between Chad and Sudan.
FAO trains poor farmers in agribusiness on line
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization announced on Wednesday that its manual to help farmers run their agriculture business is now available on line.
Thousands flee fighting in Somali capital
Fierce fighting between government forces and opposition groups in Somalia has forced thousands to flee the capital, Mogadishu.
Mother Earth Day calls for preserving our natural heritage
The United Nations General Assembly this year designated April 22nd as Mother Earth Day.
UN Daily News May 20 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Marie Okabe, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
WFP air drops food to beat rains in DR Congo
The World Food Programme is air dropping food for people cut off by heavy seasonal rains in the north eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons appointed Goodwill Ambassador
The group of Caribbean states supported by the African Union on Wednesday launched a trust fund for a memorial to honour the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. At a ceremony held in New York, they also introduced hip-hop pioneer and renowned celebrity, Russell Simmons as Goodwill Ambassador for the project. Speeches and [...]
Fighting displaces 45,000 Somalis in Mogadishu
Forty-five thousand people have fled fighting in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR).
CARICOM and AU launch trust fund to honour victims of slavery
The group of Caribbean states supported by the African Union on Wednesday launched a trust fund for a memorial to honour the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.
UN relief agencies call for access to conflict zone in Sri Lanka
United Nations humanitarian agencies are calling for unrestricted access to the conflict zone in North East Sri Lanka to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians trapped in the zone by the war.
UNESCO chief is concerned about trial of Myanmar opposition leader
The Director-General of UNESCO, Koichiro Mastuura, has expressed grave concern about the arrest and trial of Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Head of UN Gaza probe is disappointed by lack of positive response from Israel
Members of a mission to probe human rights violations during Hamas-Israeli conflict in Gaza five months ago are disappointed that they have not received a positive response from the Israeli government.
Rights Council to hold special session on Sri Lanka
The Human Rights Council will hold a special session on Monday, 25 May to address the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.
Security Council concludes visit to DR Congo
The Security Council 15-member delegation visiting Africa on Tuesday concluded its trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UN assists civilians in NE Sri Lanka
Thousands of civilians in northern Sri Lanka who were caught in fighting between government forces and Tamil separatists are now in temporary camps.
Rights of the indigenous peoples on the global agenda
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York with some 2,000 representatives to discuss ways to further implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
UN Daily News 19 May 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
World Health Assembly in Geneva
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon is calling for global vigilance and solidarity in the fight against the spread of the AH1N1 influenza virus. Addressing the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Mr Ban noted that while geography was not a guarantee to immunity against the virus, it was still not clear fast the virus will [...]
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Marie Okabe, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Secretary-General appoints Bill Clinton as envoy for Haiti
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed former United States President Bill Clinton as his special envoy for the recovery of Haiti.
UN chief calls for a process of national reconciliation in Sri Lanka
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a process of healing and national reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
U.S. health official says controlling H1N1 is a "balancing issue"
The impact of aggressive steps to controlling and containing the H1N1 virus is a balancing issue, according to Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of Health of the United States.
WHO reports H1N1 virus present in 40 countries
More than 70 people have died from Influenza A (H1N1) according to the World Health Organization. The agency reports there are nearly 9,000 cases of the virus in approximately 40 countries, the majority in North America-that is the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Dr Margaret Chan, Director General-WHO Dr Keiji Fukuda, Assistant Director-General-WHO Cuts available [...]
Forum on Indigenous Issues begins its session in New York
A top UN official has called on all governments to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in 2007. Deputy Secretary-General Asha Rose Migiro made the call while addressing the opening session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Cut and full speech available below
Security Council delegation arrives in DR Congo
The Security Council delegation visiting Africa arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo early on Monday, where it visited the Kwanja camp for internally displaced people near Goma in North Kivu.
UN is relieved fighting is over in Sri Lanka, says senior official
The United Nations is relieved that the fighting is over in Sri Lanka.
Forum on Indigenous Issues begins its session in New York
A top UN official has called on all governments to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in 2007.
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Marie Okabe, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Mothers key to survival in Hiroshima
International Family Day was observed on Friday under the theme "Mothers and Families:
WHO reports H1N1 virus present in 40 countries
More than 70 people have died from Influenza A (H1N1) according to the World Health Organization.
UN Daily News 18 May 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
World Health Assembly
Health ministers from 193 countries are gathered in Geneva Switzerland for the annual World Health Assembly.
More than 11 million displaced in Central and East Africa: OCHA
The combined number of internally displaced persons –IDP's and refugees in 16 countries in Central and East Africa now exceeds 11 million.
Sudanese rebel leader appears before World Criminal Court
A Sudanese rebel leader appeared before the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Monday to face crimes related to an attack against the African Union mission in Darfur, Sudan in 2007.
Health officials under pressure to make urgent decisions: WHO
The prospect of an influenza pandemic rightly deserves the highest attention of governments, health ministries, public health officials and industry.
Secretary-General calls for more investments in disaster reduction
Heads of governments and political leaders around the world have been urged to invest more in disaster risk reduction.
Brazilian President receives ITU award
President Lula da Silva of Brazil and two other prominent personalities have received this year's International Telecommunications Union's award.
Myanmar children in the grip of armed forces
One in five children in the Myanmar conflict areas dies before the age of five according to human rights groups in the area. Children caught in the conflict also fall prey to forcible recruitment by the militia and regular army. Esther Lay is a living testimony to that. An active member of the Burmese NGO [...]
UNFPA Steps Up Assistance to Pregnant Women in Sri Lanka Conflict
Civilians continue to flee a conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka as fighting rages between government forces and the Tamil Tigers. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that at least 3,000 pregnant women have escaped the fighting, and 350 of them will give birth in the next month. UNFPA representative in Sri Lanka Lene Christian [...]
Celebrating Astronomy: Rediscovering Our Place in the Universe
To celebrate the International Year of Astronomy, the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization are encouraging activities to help broaden our understanding of the universe. These include 100 Hours of Astronomy where people around the globe had the opportunity to observe the sky through telescope. The experts say [...]
UNHCR chief in Pakistan to observe how agency deals with recent displacements
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres is in Pakistan, where he's expected to visit UNHCR's area of operations through Sunday and examine how the agency is dealing with the recent displacements.
Ban gravely concerned about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed grave concern over the news that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved to the Insein Prison to face criminal charges.
Still a strong commitment to reach climate agreement in Copenhagen: de Boer
The head of the UN climate change negotiations believes there is still a strong commitment to reach an agreement in Copenhagen at the end of this year. But Yvo de Boer says that agreement will not be easy to reach. Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Cut and full [...]
Overcrowding a major problem in Sri Lankan camps: OCHA
In Sri Lanka, overcrowding has become a major problem as nearly 200,000 Tamil civilians are being accommodated in 41 camps in four districts, including Vavuniya, Jaffna, Mannar and Trincomalee. Word of this comes from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). And UN Spokesman Gordon Weiss says conditions inside the camps are [...]
UN & partners study lessons learned from the tsunami
In the aftermath of the deadly 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the entire UN system and more than 2,000 NGOs and other global partners joined together to respond to the disaster.
Sri Lankans flee conflict zone
There are reports that thousands of Sri Lankans under fire waded across a lagoon to escape the war zone in the north of the country.
Still a strong commitment to reach climate agreement in Copenhagen: de Boer
The head of the UN climate change negotiations believes there is still a strong commitment to reach an agreement in Copenhagen at the end of this year.
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Marie Okabe, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Humanitarian assistance can no longer reach civilians: ICRC
In north-eastern Sri Lanka, hundreds of seriously wounded or ill patients trapped in the conflict area have been waiting in vain for several days for desperately needed medical care. According to the International committee of the Red Cross-ICRC, for the third consecutive day, a chartered ferry anchored only a few kilometres away from the patients has been unable to evacuate them because of continuous heavy fighting.
Environment-led Green revolution key to future food security in Africa
Delivering food security to an additional 1 billion people in Africa will become ever more challenging over the next four decades unless more intelligent management of natural resources and emerging opportunities are brought to bear.
UN humanitarian fund gives $8 million to help aid efforts in Kenya
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes has allocated more than $8 million in emergency aid from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund –CERF- to bolster ongoing aid efforts to help hundreds of thousands of people in Kenya.
Rights expert calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi
A United Nations expert on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, expressed serious concern Thursday regarding the unlawful detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of the National League for Democracy (NLD).
Overcrowding a major problem in Sri Lankan camps: OCHA
In Sri Lanka, overcrowding has become a major problem as nearly 200,000 Tamil civilians are being accommodated in 41 camps in four districts, including Vavuniya, Jaffna, Mannar and Trincomalee.
UN urges Sri Lanka to expedite screening of civilians
The UN has urged the Sri Lankan government to expedite the screening of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) now staying at dozens of government camps in the north.
UN Security Council expresses grave concern over worsening Sri Lankan crisis
The members of the Security Council on Wednesday voiced "grave concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in northeast Sri Lanka, in particular the reports of hundreds civilian casualties in recent days."
Heavy fighting prevents evacuation of wounded and sick from combat zone
Heavy fighting made it impossible Wednesday for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to evacuate wounded and sick people and their accompanying relatives from the combat area in north-eastern Sri Lanka, and to deliver 25 metric tonnes of food for thousands of civilians stranded there. ICRC Spokesman in Geneva Marcal Izard says ICRC [...]
We need to criminalize human trafficking: Ban
There’s been a call to criminalize human trafficking and for all countries to ratify the UN anti-trafficking Protocol. The call comes from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in remarks to the General Assembly’s thematic debate on human trafficking. Other speakers included. Full speeches available below
UNICEF calls for safe humanitarian access for children in Sri Lankan war zone
It is unacceptable that children continue to be the innocent victims of the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka.
UN concerned about clashes among ethnic groups in Southern Sudan
The United Nations has expressed serious concern at the reported killing of over 60 women, children and men in Jonglei state in southern Sudan this month following attacks between two ethnic groups.
The path to durable peace in Somalia lies with Somalis: Le Roy
Recent events have demonstrated the extreme fragile situation of the Somali peace process.
Afghanistan can benefit from cooperation with its neighbors
In Islamabad this week, neighbors of Afghanistan are meeting to discuss how to increase cooperation with each other to grow economically and reduce poverty.
Fighting claims life of Red Cross worker in Sri Lanka
Despite international calls for a truce, heavy fighting rages between government forces and Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka.
Heavy fighting continues in the conflict zone in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, heavy fighting in the conflict zone is reportedly continuing, with heavy casualties.
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Michele Montas, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Some developing countries more vulnerable H1N1 virus due to weaknesses in public health: WHO
33 countries have officially reported 5728 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
That's up from a total of 30 countries Monday.
Investing in an African green revolution will result in progress in MDGs
Investing in an African green revolution will serve not just food security but progress across all the Millennium Development Goals, including environmental sustainability.
Violence threatening to displace another 800,000 in Pakistan: WHO
The World Health Organization has received over US$ 500 000 to help meet emergency health needs for nearly 550 000 people displaced in northwest Pakistan since August 2008.
Heavy fighting prevents evacuation of wounded and sick from combat zone
Heavy fighting made it impossible Wednesday for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to evacuate wounded and sick people and their accompanying relatives from the combat area in north-eastern Sri Lanka, and to deliver 25 metric tonnes of food for thousands of civilians stranded there.
We need to criminalize human trafficking: Ban
There's been a call to criminalize human trafficking and for all countries to ratify the UN anti-trafficking Protocol.
UN urges an increase in aid to the Horn of Africa
The United Nations has appealed for donors to increase aid to Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia where more than 19 million people are in urgent need of food.
States rush to beat midnight deadline for submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf
State parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea have until midnight Tuesday to file their submissions, through the Secretary-General, to the Commission on the Limits of Continental shelf.
Fighting continues in conflict zone in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, fighting in the conflict zone is continuing. Shelling of the makeshift hospital in Mullivaikkal Tuesday reportedly resulted in loss of life and injuries among civilians.
ILO says cost of forced labour is over $20 billion a year
The International Labour Organization estimates that legitimate economies lose over $20 billion a year as a result of forced labour. The ILO report, titled “The Cost of Coercion”, launched in Geneva on Tuesday, says this practice is worldwide. Yun Gao, Legal Officer at ILO. Caroline O’Reilly, Senior Specialist at ILO. Roger Plant, Head of the [...]
US among 18 members elected to Human Rights Council
A total of 18 countries won seats Tuesday for a three-year term on the UN Human Rights Council. Among them: the United States, the Russian Federation and China. It’s a first for the United States on the 47-member, Geneva-based body. US representative Ambassador Susan Rice told reporters the United States is very pleased to be [...]
ILO says cost of forced labour is over $20 billion a year
The International Labour Organization estimates that legitimate economies lose over $20 billion a year as a result of forced labour.
Security Council calls for renewed vigor on Middle East peace process
The United Nations Security Council on Monday called for renewed vigor in pursuing peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
US among 18 members elected to Human Rights Council
A total of 18 countries won seats Tuesday for a three-year term on the UN Human Rights Council.
OCHA says it's witnessing increased suffering of Pakistan civilian population
The United Nations says it is witnessing an increased suffering of civilian population that find themselves in the crossfire of different conflicts in Pakistan.
WHO says it has no access to Sri Lanka's conflict zone
The World Health Organization -WHO says it has no access to the conflict zone in Sri Lanka and is unable to ascertain the health status of those trapped in the zone or how health facilities are coping with the fighting.
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
WFP using three-pronged approach to feed Sri Lankans affected by conflict
The World Food Programme – WFP says it is using a three-pronged approach in Sri Lanka.
UN agencies steeping up humanitarian effort in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan security forces continue operations in the conflict zone.
ILO says cost of forced labour is over $20 billion a year
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) says a large proportion of the global workforce remains trapped in forced labour despite increased efforts to eradicate the practise.
Hard-won trade capacities of developing countries should be protected
It is important to protect the significant progress developing countries have made in recent decades in producing viable exports and in participating in the world economy so that trade can help them recover from the global economic crisis.
H1N1 has "full pandemic potential": Researchers
Researchers are warning that the current outbreak of H1N1influenza infection has “full pandemic potential”, spreading readily between people and is likely to go global in the next six to nine months.
UN envoy condemns violence in Mogadishu
The top UN envoy for Somalia has strongly condemned the continuing aggression in Mogadishu targeted at the legitimate Government of Somalia.
UNHCR moves to ease the plight of thousands fleeing fighting in Pakistan
More than 360,000 people have fled fighting between the Pakistan military and Taliban in just over a week. And humanitarian officials are expressing fears that the number could double by the end of this year. Spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency – UNHCR Arianne Rummary tells UN Radio the agency has set up a number [...]
Secretary-General Ban urges Israel to change settlement policies
The time has come for Israel to fundamentally change its policies in the occupied Palestinian territories as it has repeatedly promised to do, but not yet done. That’s what UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council Monday during a meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Other speakers included.
Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in Northeast Asia
As parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the NPT, are meeting at the UN in New York to prepare for a review of the treaty next year, Japanese and South Korean civil society and peace activists are rallying behind the establishment of a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in Northeast Asia as a means to achieving peace and stability in the region.
UN is concerned about civilians trapped in fighting in northern Sri Lanka
The United Nations is concerned about the civilians still trapped in a tiny area of land in Sri Lanka controlled by the Tamil Tiger rebels.
UN holds grave fears for population trapped in fighting in northern Sri Lanka: Weiss
The UN has condemned the steady increase in civilian deaths in northeastern Sri Lanka following two days of shelling in the conflict between government forces and the Tamil Tigers-LTTE. UN Spokesman in Sri Lanka Gordon Weiss says “the UN has consistently warned against the bloodbath scenario as we’ve watched the steady increase in civilian deaths [...]
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Michele Montas, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Secretary-General Ban urges Israel to change settlement policies
The time has come for Israel to fundamentally change its policies in the occupied Palestinian territories as it has repeatedly promised to do, but not yet done.
UNHCR moves to ease the plight of thousands fleeing fighting in Pakistan
More than 360,000 people have fled fighting between the Pakistan military and Taliban in just over a week.
UN holds grave fears for population trapped in fighting in northern Sri Lanka: Weiss
The UN has condemned the steady increase in civilian deaths in northeastern Sri Lanka following two days of shelling in the conflict between government forces and the Tamil Tigers-LTTE.
The killing in Sri Lanka must stop: British foreign secretary
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband says he's appalled by reports out of Sri Lanka over the weekend of mass civilian casualties.
Holmes urges increased cooperation to respond to humanitarian needs in Sudan
The UN humanitarian chief has called for increased cooperation in responding to urgent humanitarian needs, and genuinely constructive future operating environment for humanitarian actors in Sudan.
Lake Victoria communities could be key to millions of climate change dollars for poor countries: UNEP
Village communities in western Kenya, others in Niger, Nigeria and China, could become the key to unlocking the multi-billion dollar carbon markets for millions of farmers, foresters and conservationists across the developing world.
30 countries report cases of H1N1 virus
30 countries have officially reported more than 4,600 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.
UN Daily News 8 May 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Marking World Press Freedom Day with a focus on women
Journalists in the line of duty face many challenges ranging from detention to murder. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that 125 journalists around the world are currently serving jail time. UN Radio’s Jocelyne Sambira reports on a World Press Freedom day event in New York, with a campaign for the release of three women [...]
Grenada tells the Commission on Sustainable Development small island developing states are strongly dependent upon sustainable development strategies
The current session of the Commission on Sustainable Development is taking place during an unprecedented global economic crisis unraveling before us. That’s what Grenada’s representative Ambassador Dessima Williams told the Commission this week as it opened a two-week session attempting to chart a sustainable course of action to strengthen long-neglected agricultural sectors and ensure that [...]
UN representative in Nepal discusses what lies ahead following the resignation of the country's Prime Minister on May 4th
Despite progress in Nepal’s peace process, the recent resignation of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal could create a new power struggle. Nepal last year declared itself a republic, following the signing of a 2006 peace accord between the government and Maoists which ended a decade of civil war. The Prime Minister-who is known as “Prachanda” [...]
UN Daily News 7 May 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN attaches great importance to work of Inter-Parliamentary Union: Ban
Parliamentarians make indispensable contributions across the United Nations agenda and today, the world needs their influence in addressing a number of urgent, inter-related global concerns.
UN Daily News 6 May 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
US ambassador calls on Nepal’s political parties to ensure continuity of government
The Security Council met Tuesday to hear the latest report from the UN Mission in Nepal. US Ambassador Susan Rice said the resignation on Monday of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal-who is known as “Prachanda”-must not be allowed to create a vacuum in the country. And she urged all parties in Nepal to ensure the [...]
UN Daily News 5 May 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 4 May 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
WHO raises alert on H1N1 Influenza
UN Calling Asia – a weekly magazine programme, in English, that keeps you in touch with UN developments covering Asia and the Pacific
More than 170,000 cross out of Sri Lanka's conflict zone: OCHA
Sri Lankan security forces continue their operations in the northern conflict zone with heavy fighting reported.
Political and security situation continue to improve in Lebanon: Ban
The domestic political and security situation in Lebanon continue to improve markedly over the past six months.
Relief agencies say victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar still need help
United Nations relief agencies say much remains to be done to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis which ravaged through Myanmar on 2 and 3 of May last year. The cyclone affected more than two million people, leaving 140,000 dead and 800,000 displaced. The World Food Programme (WFP) says it has delivered food aid to [...]
Helen Clark welcomed with Maori ceremony to UNDP
The blowing of a conch as a call of gathering started off a Maori celebration at the UN. The powhiri is the traditional Maori ceremony, which takes place when visitors and people of the land meet.
Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan faces challenges
The UN Security Council on Thursday extended the mandate of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for another year.
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Marie Okabe, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Relief agencies say victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar still need help
United Nations relief agencies say much remains to be done to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis which ravaged through Myanmar on 2 and 3 of May last year.
No documented evidence of clinical interactions between influenza A /H1N1 and HIV: WHO
There are many questions concerning the potential impact of emerging influenza A(H1N1) on people living with HIV, as they are more susceptible to opportunistic infections.
H1N1 virus continues to evolve rapidly: WHO
The World Health Organization says the situation with the H1N1 virus continues to evolve rapidly.
End Palestinian demolitions in Jerusalem, UN tells Israel
The United Nations has called on Israel to end its programme of demolishing homes in east Jerusalem and tackle a mounting housing crisis for Palestinians in the city.
UN extends mandate of UN mission in Sudan
The Security Council on Thursday extended the mandate of the UN Mission in Sudan for another year.
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