UN Daily News 31 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Home » 31 Aug 2010
Entries posted on “August 2010”
Caribbean countries acutely aware of enormous suffering caused by natural disasters: CARICOM
With the international community having grasped the true scope of the devastation in flood-ravaged Pakistan, the UN General Assembly urged the international community, particularly donor countries, world financial institutions and relevant organizations, as well as private sector and civil society to extend full support and assistance to Pakistan’s government in its efforts to cope with [...]
The vulnerability of human settlements a major factor for disasters;
The vulnerability of human settlements is a major factor for disasters and governments and communities need to address it. That according to a senior United Nations official. Salvano Briceño of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) says although climate change is an aggravating factor, there is a need to look at other critical [...]
UNESCO head condemns murder of Honduran radio journalist
The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has condemned the murder of a veteran Honduran radio journalist on Tuesday of last week.
UN Daily News 30 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
INDONESIAN #31: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
In this week’s programme: UN Secretary-General travels to Japan to pay tribute to victims of the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki 65 years ago. and an interview about decentralization issues which focuses on the lack of synergy between central and local government. Source: UNDP Duration: 7’31″
INDONESIAN #32: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
In this week’s programme, the UN Office on drugs and Crime – UNODC presents an award to an Indonesian parliamentarian for her commitment to fight corruption in the country; and the World Food Programme-WFP steps up its assistance to flood victims in Pakistan. Duration: 7’32″
Advancing global health essential to the MDGs: Ban tells Melbourne DPI/NGO meeting
In a video message, United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon has called on the DPI/NGO Melbourne Conference to do more to “keep the promise” of saving the lives of women and children.
Australia raises awareness for global health
100829-f100829-fFor the first time ever, Australia will host a major United Nations conference focusing on global health. It will take place at the contemporary Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 30 August until 1 September. Melburnians were urged on Sunday to think, pray, listen, learn and act on global health as their city steps into [...]
Australia hosts NGO conference on global health
Representatives from hundreds of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will meet in Melbourne, Australia, next week for the 63rd UN Department of Public Information NGO conference. The twin goals of the event are to galvanize support for improving global health and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This is only the third time the conference is being [...]
IOM helps sick and stranded Ethiopian migrants in Djibouti
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing emergency material assistance to a group of 700 Ethiopian migrants stranded in Djibouti.
UN chief congratulates Kenyans for new constitution
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has congratulated Kenyans for promulgating a new constitution.
UN is concerned about threats faced by journalists in Nepal
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal is concerned about continued reports of threats and intimidation faced by journalists in some eastern districts of the country.
UN expert on Somalia urges Somalis to condemn recent hotel attack
The UN independent expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia has appealed to all Somalis at all levels of society to strongly condemn the attack on the Muna Hotel on 24 August which killed 33 people.
UN Daily News 27 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Over 2 million people remain affected by earthquake in Haiti: UNICEF
The UN Children’s Fund estimates that over 2 million people remain directly and indirectly affected by the earthquake which struck Haiti on 12 January.
An update on efforts to help victims of the floods in Pakistan
The United Nations continued its relief operations in Pakistan, with a number of organizations reporting their updated activities on Friday in Geneva. Gerry Adams reports. Duration: 3’34″ The World Food Programme says that despite residual floodwaters and infrastructural damage continuing to impede access to all affected areas, the food agency has now provided 24,000 metric [...]
UN marks the International Day against Nuclear Testing
There are renewed calls to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty into force, to mark 29 August the first International Day Against Nuclear Testing. CTBTO’s Kirstie Gregorich Hansen reports. Duration: 4’04″ HISTORICAL RECORDING – Man’s voice: “Five, Four, Three, Two, One. [SFX: bomb exploding] GREGORICH HANSEN: It started early morning on 16 July 1945, at a [...]
Secretary-General welcomes release of American in North Korea
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the release of a United States national during the visit to Pyongyang by former US President Jimmy Carter.
UN urges all States to ratify global treaty banning nuclear tests
The United Nations is urging all states to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
UN Gaza flotilla fact-finding mission concludes visit to Turkey
The international independent fact-finding mission appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council to investigate the Gaza flotilla incident has concluded its one week visit to Turkey.
Voluntary returns of Afghans from Pakistan and Iran exceed 100,000
The number of people returning voluntarily to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran has exceeded 100,000, almost twice as many as last year, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) reported on Friday.
Cases of suspected malaria increase in flood-affected areas of Pakistan
Cases of suspected malaria are increasing in the flood-affected provinces of Sindh and Balochistan in Pakistan, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
UN human rights chief condemns killing of 72 migrants in Mexico
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Friday strongly condemned the killing of more than 70 migrants in the north of Mexico.
Rebels in the Congo go on rampage, commit mass rapes
Women: a weekly 14-minute news magazine that looks at issues affecting women around the world.
Melbourne committed to MDGs heart and mind
Australia is hosting a major United Nations Conference on global health issues and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The 63rd annual UN Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organization Conference will be held in Melbourne from 30 August to 1 September 2010, marking the third time this event has been held outside of UN Headquarters in New [...]
Security Council urges DRC government to investigate mass rapes
The members of the Security Council have called on the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to swiftly investigate the recent case of mass rape in the eastern part of the country.
A road safety campaign links basketball with safe driving
”We play and drive by the rules.” That’s the motto of the global road safety campaign launched by the UN Economic Commission for Europe, UNECE, and the International Basketball Federation, FIBA, on Thursday. Gerry Adams has the story: SFX: BASKETBALL PROMO Narrator: The campaign will coincide with the Basketball World Championship 2010, which will be [...]
UN steps up flood relief in Pakistan as number of people affected tops 17 million
United Nations agencies and their partners in Pakistan are stepping up relief efforts as the number of people affected by the floods tops 17 million.
UNAMID and Sudan agree on improving security in Darfur
The joint United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and the government of Sudan on Thursday agreed to cooperate closely to improve the security situation in Darfur.
UN Daily News 26 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Fact-finding Mission on Gaza flotilla awaits Israeli response
The three-member fact-finding mission appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council to probe the attack on the Gaza flotilla is currently in Turkey investigating the incident. UN Radio’s Reem Abaza caught up with Juan Carlos Monge, coordinator of the fact finding mission asked whether the Israeli Government is cooperating with the mission. Duration: [...]
UNICEF welcomes reduction of maternal and infant mortality in Angola
UNICEF has welcomed the Angolan government’s campaign to reduce the number of mothers who die while giving birth and infants who die before the age of five years.
UNESCO chief condemns murder of journalist in Indonesia
The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has condemned the murder of television journalist Ridwan Salamun in Indonesia.
ESCAP kicks off International Year of Youth with lively roundtable discussion
On August 19th, 200 youth from the Asia-Pacific region gathered at the headquarters of ESCAP – the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok. The gathering featured a roundtable discussion where five youth representatives joined Heads of UN agencies and Government officials from across the region. The discussion focused [...]
UNECE and FIBA launch global road safety campaign
The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Thursday announced a new information campaign on road safety.
BANGLA #34: Jati Shongher Protidhoni
Feature No. 1: We learn how to count before we can read. After all, the use of numbers is a way to measure almost anything – including our well-being. Some 60 countries around the world are counting people this year as part of the 2010 round censuses. The data collected will be used not only [...]
Brazilian President joins global anti-hunger campaign
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil on Thursday joined a global anti-hunger campaign organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
UNIFIL completes probe into fire exchange between Israel and Lebanon
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says it has completed the investigation into the exchange of fire incident between the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Defence Forces in El Adeisse area on 3 August of this year.
UN Fact-finding Mission on Gaza flotilla awaits Israeli response
The three-member fact-finding mission appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council to probe the Gaza flotilla incident is awaiting a response for its request for cooperation with the Israeli government.
UN mission in DR Congo reviews activities following mass rapes
The head of the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) says the mission is reviewing its activities in the eastern part of the country following mass rapes by armed groups.
Security Council debates legal options for pursuing pirates off Somali coast
In the past seven months, says UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, there have been 139 piracy-related incidents off the coast of Somalia. Thirty ships have been hijacked while 17 ships and 450 seafarers are being held for ransom. The Secretary-General, therefore, welcomed the open debate of the Security Council on the subject of Somalia piracy, held [...]
UN Daily News 25 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Secretary-General speaks out against “savage rape” in DRC
Two senior UN officials have been dispatched to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo following a recent brutal mass rape. Dianne Penn has the story. Duration: 4’26″ NARR: Piracy off the coast of Somalia topped the agenda of the Security Council on Wednesday. But following his address, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon took the opportunity [...]
HINDI #35: Antar Rashtriya Patrika
PART I Our oceans: opportunities and challenges.3’50” PART II Call for investing in maternal health. 5’19” PART III Toxic waste dumping a breach of human rights. 3’15” Narrated and Produced by Ambalika Misra Duration: 15 minutes
HINDI #34: Antar Rashtriya Patrika
PART I UN wants more female police officers in the peacekeeping operations. 2’00” PART II Maldives taking action to adapt to climate change. 3:07 PART III Appropriate anti-venoms for snakebites save lives. 3’22” PART IV Mr. Ban goes to Hollywood. 3’52” Narrated and Produced by Ambalika Misra Duration: 14’30″
Timor-Leste becomes 192nd member state of ITU
Timor-Leste has become the 192nd member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the agency announced on Wednesday.
Security Council debates legal options for pursuing pirates off Somali coast
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday underlined the need for legal regimes to effectively fight piracy in international waters.
UN needs more helicopters to provide relief aid to flood victims in Pakistan
As the flood crisis continues in Pakistan, the United Nations humanitarian agency estimates that 800,000 people in need of assistance across the country are only accessible by air.
UN Daily News 24 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
IOM and partners distribute family kits to Agatha victims in Guatemala
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its partners have distributed 900 emergency kits to families affected by Tropical Storm Agatha, which dumped more than 400 mm of rain at the end of May.
Vulnerability of human settlements is responsible for the scale of disasters.
August in Pakistan is the traditional month of the monsoon, best described as summer seasonal winds accompanied by heavy rainfall. But this year’s rains have brought on the worst flooding in Pakistan’s history affecting 20 million people, and reportedly killing 1,500. The Director of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, Salvano Briceno, notes that [...]
UN expert urges acceleration of progress for Russia’s indigenous people
The United Nations independent expert on the rights of indigenous peoples is calling on Russia to do more to improve the protection of the human rights of indigenous people.
First Senegalese Formed Police Unit joins UN mission in Darfur
The joint United Nations African Union mission in Darfur has become the first UN mission to receive Senegalese Police.
UN voices outrage at mass rape by rebels in eastern DR Congo
Secretary-General says he is outraged by the rape and assault of at least 154 Congolese civilians during an attack by two armed groups in North Kivu Province in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
UN envoy strongly condemns suicide attack in Mogadishu
The top United Nations envoy for Somalia has strongly condemned the attack on a hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Tuesday in which several civilians, including members of parliament were killed.
UNHCR launches shelter project in Kyrgyzstan
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) and its partners are rushing to construct transitional shelters for families who lost their homes during inter-ethnic violence in southern Kyrgyzstan in June.
Situation remains extremely difficult in Pakistan
The humanitarian situation remains extremely difficult in Pakistan, especially in the south as United Nations relief agencies and their partners press ahead with helping the people affected by floods.
WFP warns that lack of funding may force it to cut feeding in CAR
The World Food Programme (WFP) is warning that it may have to cut food rations to people in need in the Central African Republic because of a lack of funds.
Preventing Violence against Girls
Fifteen years ago in Beijing world leaders promised to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls. Yet today, thousands of young girls all over the world still face violence that no one, let alone a child, should ever know. It can take different forms: daily physical and psychological abuse, rape, forced marriages, sex trafficking, [...]
Locust swarms threaten agriculture in Madagascar
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that Madagascar is at risk of a significant plague of crop-eating locusts. The government estimates that 460,000 rural families are potentially at risk. FAO has sent a mission to the island to assess the situation and prevent the devastation that the locusts can cause. FAO notes [...]
Sudan unveils new strategy to resolve Darfur crisis
The government of Sudan says its new strategy to resolve the crisis in Darfur is oriented towards the domestication of the resolution of the issue.
Two million Somalis still need humanitarian assistance
Two million Somalis still need humanitarian assistance despite a good rainy season that boosted food production and livestock farming, according to a new report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Security Council condemns instigation of violence in Kalma camp of Darfur
The Security Council on Monday condemned the instigation of violence in the Kalma camp for internally displaced people in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Armed bandits rape women in eastern DR Congo
A joint United Nations human rights team has verified allegations of rape of more than 150 women by armed groups in North Kivu Province in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Head of UNESCO calls for reflection on benefits of cultural diversity
The head of UNESCO is inviting the agency’s partners, including national authorities, civil society as well as international and non-governmental organizations, to provide opportunities for exchange and reflection on cultural diversity.
UNAMID Chief concludes visit to West Darfur
The head of the joint United Nations African Union mission in Darfur, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, concluded a two-day visit to El Geneina and Zalingei in West Darfur on Monday.
UN Daily News 23 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN warns situation in southern Pakistan could worsen as flood relief continues
The United Nations humanitarian agency (OCHA) says the situation of people affected by floods in Pakistan is extremely difficult and warns that it could worsen.
Nuclear energy agency supports affordable cancer care in developing countries
Cancer patients in developing countries often lack access to the technology to treat their illness. For this reason, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established an advisory group which challenged radiotherapy equipment manufacturers to come up with affordable, safe solutions. The group recently held its inaugural meeting in Vienna and will convene again later [...]
UN Fact-finding Mission on Gaza flotilla begins work in Turkey
The three-member fact-finding mission appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council to probe the Gaza flotilla incident began a two-week visit to Turkey on Sunday.
WHO records over to 3,000 cases of cholera in three West African countries
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded over 3,000 cases of cholera in northern Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger.
Jamaica: pulling the plug on cyber crime
Cyber crime reaches across all borders. In this programme, we take a look at its effects. NARRATOR: Fifty-two year old Maria Guerra lives in Houston, Texas. These days she works three jobs just to make ends meet. But this isn’t the way she lived before those phone calls; calls from Jamaica, a Caribbean island less [...]
Asia and Pacific explores potential of people with disabilities
Representatives of countries in Asia and the Pacific region concluded a two day meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, by agreeing to tap potential of people with disabilities in the region.
The Pakistan emergency: UN Officials share first-hand stories of devastation
UN Calling Asia – a weekly magazine programme, in English, that keeps you in touch with UN developments covering Asia and the Pacific.
UN Daily News 20 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Middle East Quartet calls on Israel and Palestinians to launch direct negotiations
The Middle East Quartet has called on the Israelis and the Palestinians to join in launching direct negotiations on September 2 in Washington, D.C. to resolve all final status issues and fulfil the aspirations of both parties.
FAO says millions of livestock in Pakistan need food and medicine
Millions of livestock have been affected by the floods in Pakistan and there is urgent need for animal feed to prevent further economic destruction – that according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The IHRC approves $20 million dollars worth of projects
The Interim Haitian Recovery Commission, the IHRC, has approved US$220 million worth of United Nations post-earthquake recovery projects in health, education, food security, job creation, rubble removal and reproductive health. The Commission met in Haiti in late August. Rebecca Grynspan, Associate Administrator for the UN Development Programme, attended and told UN Radio’s Donn Bobb what [...]
UNHCR is concerned about plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says it is increasingly concerned about the plight of Afghan refugees affected by the floods in Pakistan.
UNICEF chief urges global community to help protect children in Pakistan
Unless the world responds immediately, more and more of the 3.5 million children affected by the floods in Pakistan will be at risk of contracting deadly water-borne diseases like dysentery, diarrhoea and cholera.
Vulnerability of human settlements is responsible for disasters: UN official
The vulnerability of human settlements is a major factor for disasters and governments and communities need to address it.
UN Observes World Humanitarian Day
On World Humanitarian Day, we renew our pledge to do our utmost in times of crisis, to save lives, to offer hope, to be there for those in need during their darkest hour. That’s what Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday at a ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York marking World Humanitarian Day. The Secretary-General [...]
Interim Recovery Commission approves next wave of Haiti reconstruction projects
The Interim Haitian Recovery Commission (IHRC) has approved US$220 million worth of United Nations post-earthquake recovery projects in health, education, food security, job creation, rubble removal and reproductive health. The approval certifies that the projects are aligned with the Haitian Government’s national reconstruction plan and should therefore receive priority for funding. UN Under-Secretary General and [...]
HIV infection is rising among young women in Georgia
Women: a weekly 14-minute news magazine that looks at issues affecting women around the world.
General Assembly hears calls for global solidarity to help flood-hit Pakistan
The international community is being urged to support the government of Pakistan in its efforts to mitigate the impact of the floods and to meet the medium and long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction needs.
An interview with outgoing UN Emergency Relief Coordinator
John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, is leaving after three years of service to the UN. Gerry Adams asked him about his plans for the future. But first, he spoke about his recent trip to Pakistan with UN Secretary-General Ban to see how the UN can help with the [...]
UN remembers millions living in hardship on World Humanitarian Day
Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we renew our pledge to do our utmost in times of crisis, to save lives, to offer hope, to be there for those in need during their darkest hour.
World Humanitarian Day 2010
The UN on Thursday paid tribute to humanitarian workers who bring hope to some of the hardest hit regions of the world. Since 2008, August 19th has been celebrated as World Humanitarian Day to honour these “unsung heroes” who sometimes give their lives in the cause of peace. Dianne Penn reports. August 19th is the [...]
UNEP launches online centre to reduce environmental impact of relief work
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched an online resource centre to boost efforts to reduce the environmental impact of humanitarian relief and recovery operations around the world.
Pakistani government requests IOM to be consignee for receiving aid
The government of Pakistan has requested the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to act as consignee for receiving and quickly delivering in-kind contributions increasingly pouring into the country.
UN humanitarian chief says humanitarian workers are targeted
The ability to reach people in desperate need of assistance is increasingly at risk as humanitarian workers become targets of attacks.
UN Secretary-General pays tribute to humanitarian workers
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday paid tribute to humanitarian workers around the world as the United Nations observed World Humanitarian Day.
UNAMID and Sudanese government set up Kalma Camp Committee
The Government of Sudan, and African Union Mission in Darfur, (UNAMID), have set up a joint committee to look at all aspects relating to the Kalma camp incident two weeks ago.
INDONESIAN #30: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
This week’s programme looks at the WHO contribution to help eradicate the problem of rabies in Bali; UN and Indonesian government officials meet on how to further strengthen cooperation; UNICEF releases report on the plight of HIV-infected youth in Eastern Europe and Asia. Duration: 7’37″
Veteran South African photojournalist recalls experiences under apartheid
Veteran South African photojournalist Peter Magubane has published 17 books about his native country. His photos tell a story of the South African struggle from the 1950s to the present. UN Radio’s Derrick Mbatha caught up with Peter Magubane at his exhibition of photos of Nelson Mandela held at UN headquarters in New York. Magubane [...]
Marking World Humanitarian Day, UN lauds heroic efforts on the front lines
Aid workers are the envoys we send to show our solidarity with suffering.
UNAMID sends mission to investigate tribal clashes in Darfur
The joint United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) is sending a mission to several villages outside Kass in South Darfur following tribal clashes in the area.
Most radiation exposure comes from medical treatments
Human exposure to medical radiation is rapidly increasing, especially in well developed countries. In fact, according to a new report issued by the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, medical-related radiation exposure accounts for 98 percent of the contribution from artificial sources of radiation. UN Radio’s Gail Walker spoke to Committee member [...]
Three UN peacekeepers are killed in DR Congo
Three Indian peacekeepers of the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) were killed in the eastern part of the country on Wednesday morning.
Security Council briefed on "turning point" in Middle East talks
The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs briefed the Security Council on the Middle East on Tuesday. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco spoke about prospects for direct talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Dianne Penn reports. PENN: “We are nearing a turning point” in efforts to promote direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. That assessment comes [...]
Associate UNDP Administrator visits Haiti
The Associate Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Rebeca Grynspan is representing the UN at the Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission meeting taking place in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday.
UN launches decade-long drive against desertification
Stakeholders of dry lands have joined forces to call for more awareness and targeted communication towards decision-makers to take more action to alleviate poverty and promote the sustainable development in the dry lands.
A conversation with the Executive Secretary of the UNCCD
Awesome. That’s how Luc Gnacadja described the launch of the International Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification that took place in Fortaleza, Brazil. Mr. Gnacadja is the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and Gerry Adams caught up with him at a conference in Fortaleza on climate change with 2500 [...]
United Nations condemns terrorist attack on Iraqi army recruitment centre
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) has strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack on an Iraqi army recruitment centre in Baghdad.
Efforts to promote direct Israeli and Palestinians talks near turning point
Efforts to promote direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians are nearing a turning point, according to the UN deputy head of political affairs.
Skin diseases, diarrhoea and respiratory tract infection are major health problems in Pakistan
Skin diseases, acute watery diarrhoea and respiratory tract infection are emerging as leading illnesses in flood-affected communities of Pakistan, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
UNAMID police advisers are released unharmed in South Darfur
Two Jordanian police advisers of the joint United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) who were abducted last Saturday have been freed.
WFP expands cash-for-work programme in Iraq
The World Food Programme (WFP) is expanding its pilot cash-for-work programme targeting unemployment in some of the areas most affected by violence and insecurity in Iraq.
UNHCR is encouraged by Canada's handling of Tamil asylum seekers
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has welcomed Canada's handling of 490 Tamil boat people who arrived on a cargo ship last Friday.
UNICEF warns that funding shortfalls jeopardize its operation in Pakistan
UNICEF is warning that serious funding shortfalls are jeopardizing its humanitarian operations in Pakistan with millions of children at risk from water-borne diseases.
UN chief appreciates restoration of humanitarian access to Kalma camp
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon says he appreciates the restoration on Monday of some humanitarian access to the Kalma camp for internally displaced people in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Desertification and land degradation require global response: Ban Ki-moon
Desertification and land degradation are global problems that require a global response.
Pakistan floods: after 'heart-wrenching' visit, Ban says UN doing all it can to help
One in 10 Pakistani is affected by the floods that have ravaged the country over the past two weeks.
UN launches decade-long effort to tackle desertification
On a global scale, desertification, or land degradation in drylands, threatens the livelihoods of more than one billion people in some 100 countries. On Monday, August 16th, the UN launched the Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification to raise awareness and action to improve the world’s drylands. As Henry Ndede, the UN Environment [...]
Two police advisers are abducted in Darfur
Two peacekeepers of the joint United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) remain abducted in the troubled region of Sudan.
Good health in youth sets the stage for well-being in later life
The World Health Organization (WHO) believes good communication is key to working with young people as it helps build trust, and encourages them to seek advice and use health services. But it is an active process that involves listening, questioning, understanding and responding. WHO’s Veronica Riemer from Geneva has more: RIEMER: Good health is important [...]
Prosecutors want more years in prison for former Khmer Rouge prison chief
Co-Prosecutors in the United Nations-backed Tribunal for Cambodia have announced that they are going to request for an increase in the sentence imposed on a former Khmer Rouge prison chief.
UNHCR airlifts supplies for flood victims in Balochistan, Pakistan
An airlift of relief supplies provided by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) arrived in Quetta on Monday, to help the soaring numbers of flood victims in the Balochistan province of Pakistan.
UN launches Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification
The United Nations on Monday launched the Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification.
Secretary-General urges Myanmar authorities to hold inclusive elections
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has reiterated his call on the Myanmar authorities to hold free and fair elections.
UN Daily News 13 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
FAO Launches Fire Monitoring System
The UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization has launched a new online portal on fire information and real time monitoring to help countries to effectively control fire and protect property and natural resources. UN Radio’s Alpha Diallo speaks to Antonio Martucci of FAO about the new system. Duration: 2″49′ MARTUCCI: The Global Fire Information Management System [...]
Ghana medical students and the MDGs
Ghana has been hailed as a developing world success story. But the country is at risk of missing its Millennium Development Goal targets for maternal and child health. During a recent visit, UN Radio’s Dianne Penn caught up with five medical students and one midwifery trainee in the capital, Accra, to hear their thoughts on [...]
IOM appeals for $38 million to help flood victims in Pakistan
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has appealed for close to $40 million to help up to half a million families affected by floods in Pakistan over the next few months.
Jamaica: pulling the plug on cyber crime
Donn Bobb:The problem of cyber crime reaches across all borders. In this programme, we take a look at its effects. NAR: Fifty two year old Maria Guerra lives in Houston, Texas. These days she works three jobs just to make ends meet. But this isn’t the way she lived before those phone calls; calls from [...]
UN urges focus on the needs of young people as economies begin to stabilise
Young people are bearing the brunt of the global economic crisis, especially in developing countries where almost nine out of ten people between the ages of 15 and 24 live. That’s what UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday in remarks marking International Youth Day. The occasion also marked the start of International Year of Youth which is [...]
MINUSTAH providing quick response assistance to Haiti in aftermath of natural hazards
Since its inception in 2004, the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti-MINUSTAH- has moved through various milestones. So says Major General Luiz Guilherme Paul Cruz, Force commander of the UN mission in Haiti. During a briefing to the Security Council, he said amid violence in Haiti, legislative and executive elections were held in 2006 and the mission played [...]
UNHCR provides aid to flood victims in Chad
Emergency relief assistance is being provided to people affected by floods in large areas of Chad since mid July.
Many young people are without jobs: ILO
Many young people are without jobs around the world as a result of the global economic crisis, according to a report released by the International Labour Organization on Thursday.
Force Commanders from UN Peacekeeping Missions addressed the UN Security Council in early August
In this interview, UN Radio’s Ben Malor speaks with General Chjikadibia Isaac Obiakor, Military Adviser to the Secretary-General about the objective of the week-long meting of the Force Commanders, among other things. (duration: 12’10″)
UN Daily News 12 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
International Youth Day Sparks Youth Involvement Worldwide
The UN General Assembly proclaimed August 12th as International Youth Day. Representatives of the 192-member body also declared August 12th as the start of the International Year of Youth. Ana Lopez Reports Duration: 3’16″ Lopez: This year’s theme is Dialogue and Mutual Understanding reflecting the General Assembly’s appreciation of dialogue among youth from different cultures. [...]
UN Calls for Dialogue and Understanding on International Youth Day
August 12th is International Youth Day and the start of the International Year of Youth. To mark the occasion young people, representatives of government and UN officials gathered at the United Nations to sing, dance and hear inspiring messages of commitment to include the voices of youth in grappling with global challenges. Gail Walker reports. [...]
Launching International Year of Youth, UN urges dialogue, respect across generations
The International Year of Youth was launched Thursday under the theme: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding.
UNAMID head outlines principles for cooperation with Sudanese authorities
The head of the joint United Nations African Union mission in Darfur, (UNAMID) Professor Ibrahim Gambari has outlined principles that should guide the mission’s cooperation with the government of Sudan.
Over 14 million people are affected by floods in Pakistan
More than 14 million people, almost one in every ten, have been affected by flooding in Pakistan, according to the United Nations humanitarian agency (OCHA).
Lack of security could spoil elections in Afghanistan: UN envoy
The top United Nations envoy for Afghanistan has warned that insecurity “could be the real spoiler of the whole process” of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in the country.
Locust swarms threaten agriculture in Madagascar
Madagascar is at risk of a significant plague of crop-eating locusts, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on Thursday.
FAO launches NASA- developed online fire monitoring system
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched a new online portal to help countries detect fire hotspots.
UN Daily News 11 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Focus on indigenous filmmaking highlights International Day
August 9th was the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. Celebrated annually, each year a theme important to indigenous people is highlighted. This year’s theme celebrated indigenous filmmaking and one of the films that was shown at the United Nations, called “Taino Indians counted out of existence,” was produced by Alex Zacarias, an Emmy-award [...]
UN agencies call for $460 million to assist Pakistani flood victims
The United Nations on Wednesday appealed for $460 million in emergency aid for millions of people reeling from catastrophic floods in Pakistan.
WHO for Global Increase in Organ Donors
Organ transplantation is the only treatment for terminal organ disease – whether due to illness or injury. Kidney transplants are the most frequent form of transplantation globally. But other organs can also be transplanted, like: the cornea, heart, liver, lung, pancreas, and small intestine. There are worldwide efforts to organ donations, as we hear from [...]
WFP emergency operation enters new phase in drought-stricken Niger
The World Food Programme (WFP) has begun feeding more than 600,000 children under two years old and their families in drought-stricken Niger.
More than 2 million children in need of urgent assistance in Pakistan: UNICEF
Six million children have been affected by the floods in Pakistan with some 2.7 million children in need of urgent, life-saving assistance.
WFP mobilizes resources to provide food to Pakistani flood victims
As flooding continues to cause displacement, destruction and suffering in Pakistan, the World Food Programme (WFP) is mobilizing all possible resources to ensure that those affected receive food as quickly as possible.
UN is concerned about lack of humanitarian access to Kalma camp in Darfur
The United Nations is concerned about the continued lack of humanitarian access to the Kalma camp for internally displaced people in the Darfur region of Sudan.
UNEP assesses oil spills in Niger Delta of Nigeria
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is continuing its comprehensive environmental assessment of the causes and impacts of oil spills in the dangerous Niger Delta of Nigeria.
Force Commanders Brief Security Council on Challenges of Peacekeeping
As part of its on-going effort to improve its oversight of UN peacekeeping, the Security Council was briefed by five UN Force Commanders to learn more about the challenges many missions face. The move follows the Council’s pledge to hold more regular briefings by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to hear directly from Force Commanders [...]
UN Daily News 10 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Central African Republic: UN outlines options to tackle security threats
Two options are now before the UN Security Council to counter the threat to civilians, internally displaced persons, refugees and humanitarian workers in the northeastern Central African Republic.
Guantanamo trial of former child soldier a bad precedent: Coomaraswamy
The trial of a former child soldier in Guantanamo Bay for crimes he is accused of committing while a minor in Afghanistan may set a dangerous precedent for child soldiers worldwide.
WHO declares end to H1N1 pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an end to the H1N1 flu pandemic which it says has largely run its course and the world is moving into a post pandemic period.
UN agencies says over 1.6 million Zimbabweans still need food aid
Close to 1.7 million people in Zimbabwe still need food assistance despite significant improvement in the country’s food security.
UN Economic Commission for Europe fights for the disappearing Aral Sea
Earlier this year, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, visiting the Aral Sea, called it a “shocking disaster”. According to the Daily Telegraph, a British newspaper, the Aral Sea has become “one of the plant’s worst environmental disasters”. What is the problem with the Aral Sea, a body of water located in Uzbekistan and Kazakstan? UN Radios [...]
UNHCR welcomes easing of restrictions on Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has welcomed the policy to ease restrictions on Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia.
Aid agencies struggle to cope with flood crisis in Pakistan
The floods in Pakistan look set to be one of the biggest humanitarian disasters in the past decade.
Afghan civilian casualties up sharply: UN
Civilian casualties in Afghanistan rose by 31 percent in the first six months of 2010, the United Nations reported Tuesday, with ordinary Afghans bearing the brunt of an intensifying Taliban insurgency.
Indigenous filmmakers highlight International Day
August 9th is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. Celebrated annually, each year a theme important to indigenous people is highlighted. This year’s theme celebrates indigenous filmmaking. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says indigenous filmmakers give us a window into their communities, cultures and history. One of the films being shown at the United [...]
INDONESIAN #29: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
In this edition, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Sha Zukang told Special Ministerial Meeting for Millennium Development Goal Review in Asia and the Pacific in Jakarta, Indonesia, that Sustainable development provides the best strategic and overarching framework for guiding coherent coordinated and proactive actions in achieving the Millennium Development Goals -MDG’s. .. The UN [...]
Head of UNAMID is in talks to resolve Kalma camp issue
Ibrahim Gambari, the head of the joint United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) is Khartoum, the capital of Sudan where he is discussing with officials how to resolve the crisis in the Kalma camp for displaced people.
UN calls for greater efforts to help the world’s indigenous communities
There’s a call for governments and civil society to reinvigorate their commitment to indigenous peoples.
UN Celebrates International Day of the World’s Indigenous
August 9th is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. Celebrated annually, each year a theme important to indigenous people is highlighted. This year’s theme celebrates indigenous filmmaking. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says indigenous filmmakers give us a window into their communities, cultures and history. Gerry Adams spoke with Broddi Sigurdarson of the UN [...]
UN Chief Launches New Panel on Sustainable Development
In an effort to promote advancement on environmental issues, today UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched a new high-level panel on global sustainability. Gail Walker reports. Duration: 4’23″ The UN Chief established the panel to formulate a new blueprint for sustainable development. He says among the issues the Panel will address are challenges related to water, [...]
UN Daily News 09 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN expert calls for more action to protect rights of indigenous peoples
The United Nations independent expert on the rights of indigenous peoples is calling for more commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
UN condemns killing of health workers in Afghanistan
The top United Nations envoy for Afghanistan, has condemned the killing of ten medical workers in Badakhshan, Afghanistan on August 5.
UN establishes high-level panel on global sustainability
A new U.N. panel headed by the presidents of Finland and South Africa is being set up to draft a blueprint for global sustainable development.
UN names Israeli and Turkish members of Gaza Flotilla Panel
The Israeli and Turkish members of the panel of inquiry into the incident involving a flotilla with humanitarian aid headed for Gaza on 31 May 2010, have been announced.
UN court donates books to university in Kosovo
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia on Friday made a substantial donation of legal journals to the Law Faculty and Human Rights Center of Pristina University in Kosovo.
UN Daily News 6 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
HINDI #32: Antar Rashtriya Patrika
PART I World Health Statistics 2010 gives a snapshot of global health. PART II How monitoring breast milk can measure pollution in our bodies. PART III League of Nations records join UNESCO World Memory Register. Narrated and Produced by: Ambalika Misra Duration: 14’30″
URDU #31: Bain Ul Aqwami Manzarnama
1.Alliance for « Green Revolution » in Africa vice president Dr Akin Adesina talks to UN Radio 2.FAO produces toolkit to tackle marauding baboons and raiding elephants Narrated and Produced by: Zafar Qureshi Duration: 15’00″
BANGLA #31: Jati Shongher Protidhoni
Feature No. 1: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently released the “Agriculture Outlook 2010-2019.” Ag to the report, while Brazil is the world’s fastest growing agricultural provider, China and India, followed by Russia and Ukraine, should see their output rise well above 20 per cent during this period. Feature No 2: Climate change has [...]
World Bank approves $US30 million grant to Haiti to help close budget gap
The World Bank Board of Directors on Friday approved a US$30 million grant that will provide Haiti with urgently needed funds to close its budget gap and support the government’s efforts to increase public sector transparency and accountability. The US$30 million grant will leverage an additional US$25 million from the donor-supported Haiti Reconstruction Fund (HRF), [...]
Regional media urged to play a fundamental role in educating nationals on issues relating to natural hazards, climate change and adaptation strategies
The media can play a fundamental role in enabling countries in the region to better understand issues relating to hazard risks, climate change and climate change adaptation strategies. CARICOM-appointed Board member at the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility Isaac Anthony of St. Lucia urged journalists at a Caribbean Media Exchange to disseminate the useful climate [...]
UN climate chief urges governments to take the next essential step in the battle against climate change
Governments have a responsibility this year to take the next essential step in the battle against climate change. That’s what the UN climate chief Christiana Figueres told the opening of the third round of UN climate change negotiations this year kicked off on Monday with representatives from 178 governments meeting in Bonn, Germany. The Bonn [...]
UNICEF says breast is best for Somali babies
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) wants Somalia’s babies to have a strong start in life. The agency is promoting the benefits of breastfeeding to mothers there as part of World Breastfeeding Week, observed each year from August 1 – 7. UNICEF has more than 100 staff working on the ground in Somalia. They are supported by [...]
Secretary-General pays tribute to atomic bomb victims in Japan
On the first-ever visit by a United Nations Secretary-General to commemorate the nuclear attacks in Japan, Ban Ki-moon laid a wreath at the Hypocenter Monument in the city of Nagasaki, in honour of the victims of that 1945 United States bombing. Mr. Ban also traveled to Hiroshima, where he delivered a message of peace and [...]
UN Daily News 5 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 4 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
INDONESIAN #28: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
In this week’s edition: The Food and Agriculture Organization-FAO releases its Agricultural Outlook 2010-2019 and an interview with UNIFEM- the UN Development Fund for Women. Duration: 7’26″
UN Daily News 3 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 2 August 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
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