UN Daily News 31 December 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
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Entries posted on “December 2009”
UN Daily News 30 December 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 29 December 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 28 December 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN expert calls for pressure on Israel to end blockade of Gaza
The United Nations independent expert for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Richard Falk, is calling for pressure on Israel to end the blockade of Gaza.
A tribute to UN peacekeepers
View our photo gallery of peacekeepers and the UN Day concert This is United Nations Radio in New York. Hello, I am Diane Bailey with a special programme today devoted to peacekeeping. At our United Nations Day celebration here in New York, a concert to honour peacekeepers took place, and the General Assembly hall echoed [...]
UN Secretary-General welcomes adoption of UN budget for 2010-2011
United Nations Secretary-General on Thursday welcomed the approval by the General Assembly of the United Nations budget of over $ 5.1 billion for the biennium 2010-2011.
UNICEF Chief not pursuing a second term.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement on Wednesday in which he expressed regret that Ann Veneman, UNICEF Executive Director, is not pursuing a second term.
Heartbreak and hope five years after deadly Indian Ocean tsunami
Saturday, December 26, 2009, marks five years since the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami. The entire UN system and countless NGOs and other global partners joined together to respond to the disaster which killed more than 200,000 people. As Sri Lanka and Indonesia were among the hardest hit countries, we look at some of the progress [...]
Security Council calls on UN mission in DRC to protect civilians
The Security Council on Wednesday renewed the mandate of the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the end of May. The resolution gave top priority to protecting civilians, perhaps in response to criticism by human rights groups that a UN-backed operation by the Congolese army to rid the eastern part of [...]
Heartbreak and hope five years after tsunami
Saturday, December 26, marks five years since the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami. The entire UN system and countless NGOs and other global partners joined together to respond to the disaster which killed more than 200,000 people. As Sri Lanka and Indonesia were among the hardest hit countries, we look at some of the progress made [...]
Code Pink supports Gaza march
More than 1,300 people from countries as diverse as Canada and Indonesia, Greece and Australia, are planning to march on the 31st of December to mark the one-year anniversary of Israel’s military incursion into the Gaza Strip. Starting from Egypt, they will be met by 50,000 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. They are all appealing [...]
UN Refugee chief calls on Thailand not to deport Lao Hmong
Deporting ethnic Lao Hmong to their native land would not only endanger the protection of refugees but set a grave international example, the UN Refugee Chief, Antonio Guterres, said in his appeal to the Thailand government on Thursday.
Humanitarian chief calls for protection of Congolese civilians from LRA attacks
The United Nations humanitarian chief is calling for stronger measures to protect civilians still vulnerable to attacks by Ugandan rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UN Expert urges China to cancel scheduled execution
The United Nations independent expert on executions, Philip Alston, on Thursday called on the government of China to cancel the scheduled execution of a man convicted of drug trafficking.
France wants Guinea President to be brought to Justice
France has qualified the report of the International Commission of Inquiry into the September 2009 events in Guinea as overwhelming.
Nobel prize-winning economist says agriculture is crucial for Myanmar
A Nobel prize-winning economist says that agriculture is crucial for Myanmar to reduce poverty and meet the Millennium Development Goals.
UN Chief appoints new envoys for DRC and Iraq
The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon announced on Wednesday the appointment of Fidele Sarassoro of Ivory Coast as his Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC).
United States is concerned about referendum law in Sudan
The United States is deeply concerned by the decision of the Sudanese parliament to pass a referendum law that removed language agreed with southern politicians.
Security Council imposes sanctions against Eritrea
The Security Council has imposed sanctions against Eritrea because of its support for armed groups which are destabilizing Somalia.
New action plan focuses global mine action
One hundred million uncleared landmines lie in the fields and alongside the roads and footpaths of one-third of the countries in the developing world. Claiming over 500 victims a week, landmines are often called “weapons of mass destruction in slow motion”. But global mine action is making progress. Recently, Albania, Greece, Rwanda and Zambia announced [...]
Postal services answer letters to Santa
More than 6 million letters every year are addressed to Santa Claus, North Pole, or some variation of that. According to the Universal Postal Union, 20 countries around the world employ over five million helpers or “elves” to answer these letters. UN Radio’s Elena Vapnitchnaia spoke to Marie Geoffroy at Canada Post, which answers more [...]
UK Pledges Millions More to CERF
The Central Emergency Response Fund was established by the United Nations in 2005 to enable more timely and reliable humanitarian assistance to those affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts. One point six billion US dollars has been pledged to the fund since 2006 and Briton recently accounted it will be injecting millions more. But [...]
2009 a sad year for the UN, says Ban
In a message to the organization, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, recalls 2009 as a year of sadness for the UN family.
Security Council extends UN mission in DR Congo
The Security Council on Wednesday extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as MONUC, by five months.
Assembly President hopeful about future climate talks
We will finish in Mexico next year what we started in Copenhagen, the UN General Assembly President, Ali Trekki, told reporters on Tuesday at the UN Headquarters in New York.
IFRC marks fifth anniversary of Asian tsunami with a call for prevention
On the fifth anniversary of the 2004 tsunami, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling on governments in the Asia/Pacific region, donors, the media and the global public to come together to support and promote preventive action.
Greening the UN one tree at a time
The Spokesperson for the Secretary-General revealed future plans to suspend the distribution of printed copies at United Nations headquarters in New York starting with the New Year.
In Philippines Volcano Mayon set to erupt
Philippine experts announced on Monday that Volcano Mayon in the Philippines is set to erupt any day now. Some 120,000 people living in the eight-kilometre danger zone have been evacuated, says Elizabeth Byrs of the UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, and contingency plans were prepared in advance. “Several agencies such as the United Nations Children’s Fund [...]
UN humanitarian agency says situation in Chad is deteriorating
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says the security situation in Eastern Chad is getting worse, following an attack on a humanitarian convoy over the weekend.
Cost of tea expected to come down in 2010
Tea lovers can breathe a sigh of relief as tea prices, which reached record levels this year, are expected to ease in 2010. FAO, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, says a key factor has been weather patterns, which returned to normal in the main tea-producing regions of Asia and Africa.
WHO: Q fever reported in the Netherlands
The World Health Organization says Q fever, which is characteristically an animal disease, has been spreading rapidly in Netherlands.
WHO to distribute much needed H1N1 vaccine to developing countries
Azerbaijan and Mongolia will receive the first shipments of the H1N1 vaccine next week, according to the World Health Organization’s Gregory Hartl.
UN chief: 2010 the year of the Millennium Development Goals
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging leaders to redouble their efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals, or MDGs, over the next five years.
Financial crisis impacts women’s progress in Europe
It’s been 15 years since the Fourth World Conference on Women took place in Beijing, China. Every five years since then, a global review is held to measure and assess the progress of the world’s women. To find out how women in Europe are faring, UN Radio’s Patrick Maigua in Geneva sat down with Malinka [...]
Building child-friendly and climate-resistant schools
While world leaders struggled to hammer out a deal at climate talks in Copenhagen, UNICEF school designer and architect Carlos Vasquez showed the Children’s Climate Forum there how to design child friendly schools and minimize risks from disasters especially those caused by climate change. Duration: 3’53″ Basically, I went there as a facilitator and a [...]
Ban sets deadline for signing climate treaty
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is appealing to world powers to secure a legally binding climate deal before the next Climate meeting in Mexico.
UN minorities expert wants access to the Uyghur Region
The UN Independent Expert on minority issues, Gay McDougall, is calling on the Chinese government to allow her access to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region where violence erupted in July 2009.
Alarm raised over forcible return of ethnic Uygurs to China
The UN Special Rapporteur on torture, Manfred Nowak, is gravely concerned about the forcible return of 20 ethnic Uyghurs from Cambodia to China, in blatant violation of the principle of non-refoulement.
UN Chief cautions Guinea government to protect victims, witnesses
The Secretary-General has transmitted a report on the 28 September 2009 events in Guinea to the Government of Guinea, the Security Council, the Commission of the African Union, and the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The report of the International Commission of Inquiry flows from investigations carried out in Conakry, [...]
Copenhagen accord is open for signature
The Copenhagen accord is open for countries to sign, the UN Assistant to the Secretary-General, Robert Orr, told reporters at the United Nations Headquarters on Monday.
African Union panel briefs the Council on Sudan
The High Level African Union panel is giving the Security Council this Monday a first hand briefing on the situation in Sudan.
WFP launches safe stoves initiative
At the climate conference in Copenhagen last week, the World Food Programme unveiled a pilot project to provide fuel-efficient stoves to women in Sudan and Uganda, to reduce the risk of violence they run while gathering firewood and at the same time protect the environment. Bissera Kostova has the story. Duration: 4’07″ NARR: The World [...]
Lord's Resistance Army attacks civilians in southern Sudan and the DRC
Two reports on LRA activities in southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo chronicle a series of brutal attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army. Spokesman Rupert Colville of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights speaks to UN Radio’s Patrick Maigua about the attacks which occurred approximately from September 2008 to [...]
Global Fund resumes funding of grants to The Philippines
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has resumed funding of four suspended grants in The Philippines.
UN Daily News 21 December 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Climate talks “an essential beginning”: UN chief
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling the climate talks that ended this weekend in Copenhagen an “essential beginning”, even as he acknowledges that the outcome did not go as far as many would have liked.
LRA accused of crimes in South Sudan and DRC
A series of brutal attacks on civilians by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo “may amount to crimes against humanity,” according to a new report released on Monday by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Ban: Launching a new era of green growth
Finally we seal a deal, and it is a real deal, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told reporters at the closing of the Copenhagen conference on Saturday.
Ban praises climate deal as essential beginning
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday praised the deal at the Copenhagen Climate Summit as an essential beginning but he admits it did not achieve all that was hoped for.
Religious freedom is questioned in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
UN Calling Asia – a weekly magazine programme, in English, that keeps you in touch with UN developments covering Asia and the Pacific
St. Lucia’s Prime Minister expresses concern as the climate change talks go into overtime
Caribbean News Round-Up: a weekly 15-minute news magazine on developments at the United Nations concerning the Caribbean.
Migrants are not second class human beings, UN Human Rights Chief warns
The UN Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay, has called upon all States to stop treating migrants as second class human beings and to ensure their fundamental rights.
More Africans crossing the Gulf of Aden
The number of people making the perilous journey across the Gulf of Aden into Yemen has risen by 50 per cent.
Africa's voice at Copenhagen Climate Meet
A brief walk-out by African delegates during the second week at climate change talks in Copenhagen highlighted some of the challenges to reaching an agreement to set targets to reduce emissions and help developing countries adapt to the effects of climate change. African countries are insisting on a maximum 1.5 degrees Celsius increase in the [...]
Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai addresses the historic climate change conference
Before departing for the landmark climate change conference in Copenhagen, the UN Secretary-General announced the appointment of a new UN Messenger of Peace. With the world focused on greenhouse gas emissions, and all things “green” in general, it’s no surprise that the new ambassador is Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel laureate. Professor [...]
Small islands say climate summit is of utmost urgency
The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is in Copenhagen to engage constructively, deliberately and in good faith over the next remaining days of the Climate Summit. That’s what the chair of the 43-member grouping Dessima Williams of Grenada told reporters Thursday. The islands around the world as well as low lying coastal states, are [...]
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights talks about her own prejudices on Human Rights Day
On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stated for the first time that all human beings were born equal in dignity and rights. With more multi-ethnic and multi-cultural societies, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay is asking the world to embrace diversity and end discrimination – starting with herself. Domestic [...]
On treaty's anniversary, torture still "a grim reality"
The committee monitoring compliance with the UN Convention against Torture is warning that the practice has not decreased, 25 years after the convention's adoption.
How the UN women's rights treaty has changed discriminatory laws 30 years later
At the 30 year celebration of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, known as CEDAW, last week in New York, activists told UN Radio’s Diane Bailey how the treaty has enabled them to successfully demand changes in laws that discriminated against women. A US actress uses her talent [...]
New Africa Champion for climate risk says Africa must take responsibility
• The issue of climate change is on the front burner as world leaders meet in Copenhagen for their summit on climate change. In Africa, the newly-appointed Africa Champion for climate risk, Rachel Shabeshe, says Africa must play its part in tackling the problem of climate change. AIDS Orphans received assistance in Africa • As [...]
International experts attend WMO meeting on drought
Scientists from across the globe are meeting in the American heartland to develop better ways to warn the world about drought.
UN humanitarian chief pleased with donor pledges to emergency fund
Countries have pledged most of the $450 million needed to support the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund in 2010.
Peacekeepers committed to Darfur
Despite recent deadly attacks which killed five of their colleagues, peacekeepers in Darfur remain committed to their mandate.
Secretary-General calls for donors to UN Central Emergency Relief Fund
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on countries to give generously to a UN fund that helps the victims of natural and man-made disasters.
Protesters form a human wave to highlight climate change action
A series of demonstrations took place across Europe over this past weekend demanding action on climate change wahead of the summit in Copenhagen. Our reporter, Ratko Petrovic, followed the events in the United Kingdom: Presenter: More than 50 thousand people have joined the biggest ever UK climate change demonstrations demanding fast and effective action on [...]
The pressing need to stop the warming of the planet
As the climate change conference continues in Copenhagen, we bring you snippets of people’s climate related stories from around the world and why we are in this predicament. UN Radio’s Donn Bobb reports: NARRATOR: Long, long ago, Mustapha Adamou´s ancestors used to fish in Lake Chad without any problem. It covered over 25,000 square kilometers [...]
Climate talks continue in Copenhagen
On the third day of climate talks in Copenhagen, discussions took place behind the scenes to resolve differences after developing countries reacted to leaked documents which some say will put them at a disadvantage.
Aid groups launch 2010 appeal for the Palestinian people
UN agencies and other aid organizations are appealing for $664 million to assist the Palestinian people in 2010.
Corruption can hinder development goals: UN Secretary-General
Realization of the Millennium Development Goals is the focus of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for International Anti-Corruption Day, observed on December 9.
FAO reports rise in global food prices
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that, global food prices are on the rise again.
WHO calls for urgent action on smoke-free laws
The World Health Organization (WHO) says more than 94 per cent of the world’s population is not protected by laws against tobacco smoking.
Funding shortfall threatens humanitarian work in Somalia
A potential funding shortfall in 2010 could affect the delivery of humanitarian services to Somalia, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the country warns.
UN calls for global measures to fight drug trafficking in Africa
The UN Security Council on Tuesday called for better cooperation in fighting drug trafficking.
UN official visits peacekeeper injured in Darfur attack
A senior UN official currently visiting the joint African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur has extended his condolences to staff there in the wake of two separate attacks that killed five peacekeepers from Rwanda.
UN report says financial crisis will slow growth in maritime trade
A UN trade body predicts rough seas ahead for the shipping industry.
Secretary-General strongly condemns deadly Baghdad car bombings
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned car bomb attacks which killed more than 120 people in Baghdad on Tuesday.
A sober reflection on 60 years of working with Palestinians
Sixty years ago today, the United Nations Relief Works Agency, UNRWA, was voted into existence as a temporary body to assist some three quarters of a million Palestine refugees. In spite of 60 years of statelessness, of exile and of dispossession for the Palestine refugees, says Chris Gunness UNRWA spokesperson, much has been achieved along [...]
SG expects “robust agreement” at climate change summit in Copenhagen
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed optimism about the outcome of the climate change summit in Copenhagen next week.
WHO reports success in curing TB, but says millions still lack access to care
Although nearly 40 million people have been cured of tuberculosis since 1994, millions are still unable to access treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. WHO credits progress in TB treatment to the introduction of the DOTS strategy, which stands for Directly Observed Therapy Short-Course. It consists of five elements including supervised treatment and patient [...]
Climate change impacts Small Island Developing States
Sea level rise and an increasing number of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and storms are all evidence of climate change. Delegates meeting at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this week and next have an historic opportunity to come up with a deal to help the world transition to green [...]
FAO launches programme to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched a new programme to promote sustainable low-emission agriculture in developing countries.
EU donation funds WFP feeding programme in Northern Kenya
The World Food Programme (WFP) is set to begin a feeding programme for thousands of young children, pregnant women and nursing mothers in Northern Kenya.
Year 2009 is likely to rank in the top 10 warmest on record
The year 2009 is likely to rank in the top ten warmest on record since the beginning of recording climatic conditions in 1850, according to the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
UNHCR meeting looks at the plight of urban refugees
Mayors from 20 cities are meeting in Geneva on Tuesday to focus on the challenges faced by refugees in urban areas.
Drug use fueling AIDS in Asia
It is drug use which is fueling the AIDS epidemic in Asia, according to the World Health Organization, WHO. The agency reported on Monday that several studies show that the epidemic is poised to spread explosively to the sexual partners of people who use drugs.
Bananas resist economic crisis
Bananas are withstanding the impact of the global economic crisis more than most agricultural commodities, according to a new report issued by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
Humanitarian agencies launch 2010 appeal for Zimbabwe
Humanitarian agencies are seeking $378 million for Zimbabwe.
Secretary-General urges Sudanese leader to help with release of UN staff
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called Sudan's President to urge his direct engagement in securing the release of two staff members who have been held hostage in Darfur for 100 days.
ILO warns against premature "exit" from economic support measures
A new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) is warning against an "early exit" from support measures implemented by countries in the wake of the global economic crisis.
Climate change: how did we get here?
No deal in Copenhagen means climate change will only increase the magnitude and the frequency of weather related disasters. Mother Nature is not waiting for a bureaucratic resolution and she does not accept compromises. UN Radio's Donn Bobb looks at the impact of climate change, and how we got here.
Iraq adopts election law
Iraq's Council of Representatives has finalized the country's election law, paving the way to hold parliamentary polls next February.
Half of the world's refugees live in cities: UNCHR
Up to half of the world's refugee population is now living in cities and towns, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reports.
UNIDO opens general conference in Vienna
The General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) opened its five-day session in Vienna on Monday.
World leaders meet in Copenhagen to 'Seal the Deal' on climate change
The landmark global conference on climate change is underway in Copenhagen, Denmark.
WHO to help Africa curb tobacco epidemic
WHO is launching an initiative to help Africa strengthen its tobacco control efforts. With the help of a 10 million dollar grant from Bill Gates Foundation for the next 5 years, the health agency will assist African governments to enforce five basic measures under the WHO Framework Convention for tobacco control. UN Radio’s Patrick Maigua [...]
Greatest victims of climate change in Vietnam are women
Vietnam’s economy is finally thriving after decades of war, but a new and insidious enemy – global warming – is hitting this Southeast Asian country, with deadly force. And its greatest victims are women. Matthew Graham has the story. Thuc: Climate change already impact Vietnam, very strong impact to Vietnam. Dr. Tran Thuc, Ministry of [...]
Two Rwandan peacekeepers killed in Darfur
Two UN peacekeepers from Rwanda were killed and three others wounded on Friday as they escorted a tanker to a water point on the outskirts of a north Darfur settlement.
CITES and INTERPOL provide training to stop tiger poaching
Law enforcement officials from a dozen countries in Asia and from the Russian Federation received training on combating the poaching of wild tigers.
WHO launches new tobacco control effort in Africa
The World Health Organization is stepping up its efforts to prevent tobacco use from becoming as prevalent in Africa as it is in other parts of the world. WHO will help African governments to create smoke-free environments and provide treatment for smokers who want to give up the habit.
Four new countries land mine free
Four countries were declared free of landmines at the close of the Cartagena Summit on a Mine-Free World. They are Albania, Greece, Rwanda and Zambia.
UN sees signs of optimism for Copenhagen climate conference
Fifteen thousand people are expected to attend the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen next week, making it the biggest meeting on climate ever held, according to the Director of the Secretary-General's Climate Change Support Team.
UN Daily News 4 December 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Stevie Wonder becomes a UN Messenger of Peace
When iconic singer, composer and Grammy Award winner Stevie Wonder was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace for the United Nations on Thursday, the organization, for a few hours, was mesmerized. Gerry Adams reports: SG 1: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s no wonder why we are so excited today to have Mr. Wonder as UN [...]
Prosecutor: Sudanese president refuses to cooperate with International Criminal Court
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court told the Security Council on Friday that Sudan is still refusing to cooperate with the Court.
More displaced people leave camps in Sri Lanka
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, says it is encouraged by Sri Lanka's long-awaited move this week to allow internally displaced people to leave the camps, where they have been detained for more than six months.
One-woman show illustrates progress on women's legal equality
The United Nations on Thursday celebrated the 30th anniversary of CEDAW, the women’s anti-discrimination convention. To illustrate the progress made in legislation around the world to bring about women’s equality, US actress Sarah Jones, updated her one-woman show, which she first performed in 2000 at the five-year review of the Beijing women’s conference. Jones: The [...]
WHO: Somali attack a blow to country's health system
Somalia's Minister of Health, Dr. Qamar Aden Ali, was among those killed in Thursday's terrorist attack in Mogadishu.
Security Council condemns attack in Somalia
The Security Council has joined UN officials in condemning Thursday's terrorist attack in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.
UN chief condemns suicide attack in Somalia
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned Thursday's suicide attack in Somalia.
Basic services could prevent maternal and newborn deaths
Family planning and routine delivery care could save the lives of millions of women and the babies they deliver, a new study has found.
UNIDO conference discusses effects of economic crisis on poorest countries
The Least Developed Countries, or LDCs are being hit hard by the second round effects of the economic crisis, says Kandeh Yumkella, Director-General of UNIDO, the UN Industrial Development Organization.
Former Yugoslavia court seeks to arrest two remaining fugitives
The International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia is on track to complete its work, with five trials expected to be completed in 2010 and three during the first half of 2011.
UN Daily News 3 December 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Global measles deaths fall globally, but not in Southeast Asia
The World Health Organization and its partners in the Measles Initiative announced Thursday that measles deaths worldwide fell by 78% between 2000 and 2008.
UN women's rights treaty celebrates 30 years
Women’s rights activists this month are celebrating 30 years of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, known as CEDAW. At the UN on Wednesday, some of these activists told journalists how the treaty has enabled them to successfully demand changes in laws that discriminated against women. Diane Bailey [...]
Clusters of drug resistant H1N1 reported
The World Health Organization says there have been some mutations in the H1N1 flu virus that have made it resistant to one of the two anti-viral medications used to treat those infected with it.
HIV and AIDS response in the Pacific Island region needs boost
Countries in the Pacific Island region need to scale up their response to HIV and AIDS, the Commission on AIDS in the Pacific revealed in their very first report on Wednesday. The epidemic in the region is being fuelled by violence against women, stigma and unprotected sex, it adds. Maire Bopp Dupont, Chief Executive Officer [...]
Stevie Wonder becomes UN Messenger of Peace with focus on disabled
The world-renowned US recording artist Stevie Wonder has been designated a United Nations Messengers of Peace.
Google and UNESCO team up to offer virtual visits to World Heritage sites
The UN cultural agency, UNESCO has formed an alliance with the Internet giant Google to provide virtual visits to sites inscribed on the World Heritage List.
UN Somalia expert condemns Mogadishu killings
The Independent Expert on human rights in Somalia, Dr. Shamsul Bari has called for a nationwide grassroots effort to prevent a repetition of Thursday's killings in the capital Mogadishu.
Women's anti-discrimination treaty turns 30 this month
The United Nations is marking the 30th anniversary of the international treaty that outlawed discrimination against women.
Ensuring disabled people benefit from the MDGs
As we heard in the news, Thursday is the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. And this year’s theme looks at how to ensure the disabled are included in the Millennium Development Goals. To find out more about this, UN Radio’s Dianne Penn spoke to Akiko Ito, chief of the Secretariat on [...]
Better integrated AIDS response needed in Pacific
An independent Commission on AIDS in the Pacific says HIV cannot be managed in isolation; it should be considered in the overall development context of the region.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Observed
Today, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, serves as a reminder to all that millions of people around the world continue suffer from this form of abuse. Gerry Adams spoke with the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Ms. Gulnara Shahinian, who explains why we should be concerned: Shahinian: Unfortunately, many [...]
UN Daily News 2 December 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
South-South cooperation to help meet global challenges
The UN Deputy Secretary-General on Tuesday called for stronger and more innovative cooperation between developing countries to tackle global challenges such as poverty, hunger and climate change.
CO2 Cubes: Visualize a Tonne of Carbon exhibit will be unveiled
The United Nations will meet at the intersection of art, science, and technology to help make visual the monumental scale of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere by human activities.
FAO calls for funding agriculture to address climate change and food security
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says investing in agriculture in developing countries can address both climate change and food security.
UN Daily News 1 December 2009
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Afghanistan's future under intense scrutiny
While the world waits for US President Obama to unveil his strategy for Afghanistan, the Head of UN mission to Afghanistan, Kai Eide, is hoping to regain the momentum lost during the election process. The international community needs to re-assert its long term commitment to Afghanistan, he says, and benchmarks needs to set, with a [...]
Using energy to reduce poverty
Over two million people die annually simply because they cannot access modern energy. Cooking with coals for example, is causing respiratory problems and lung cancer, just one of many challenges faced by three billion people in developing countries. But with global efforts focused on reducing energy consumption to save the planet, how do we balance [...]
The world observes UN AIDS day
Today is World AIDS Day. With the theme “Universal Access and Human Rights,” we hear about a young woman who, although orphaned by AIDS in Uganda in the 1990s, still managed to become a doctor who now helps AIDS orphans. Gerry Adams has the story: Narrator: Dr. Julian Atim is a member of the Action [...]
New chief of UN nuclear watchdog starts his work
The new Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, (IAEA) took up his duties on Tuesday.
Insecurity continues to impede humanitarian work in eastern Chad
The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) says that banditry continues to impede humanitarian work in eastern Chad.
UNHCR starts distribution of winter supplies to Afghans
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, began distributing winter supplies today in Kabul to 1,500 returnees and internally displaced people.
UN envoy calls for long-term int'l commitment to Afghanistan
Afghanistan will need long-term commitment from the international community, the head of the UN Mission in the country told reporters on Tuesday.
Human Rights Chief says banning minarets is discriminatory
The United Nations has termed the move by Switzerland to ban the building of minarets as discriminatory and deeply divisive.
On World AIDS Day UN calls for end to discriminatory laws
World AIDS Day this year is being marked under the theme "universal access and human rights".
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