UN Radio News 30 November 2011
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Entries posted on “November 2011”
South-south migration" helps economies of developing countries
Almost half of the 110 million international migrants each year move from developing countries to other developing countries, according to a senior United Nations official. Yvonne Lodico, the head of the New York Office of the UN Institute for Training and Research, participated in a seminar on south-south migration in New York on Tuesday. She [...]
UN Radio News 29 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Radio News 28 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Chief calls for restraint during DRC elections
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged political leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo to exercise restraint ahead of the country's elections scheduled for Monday. In his message, the UN Chief asked the politicians and their followers to respect the Constitution and electoral law. If the election results are in dispute, there are legal means [...]
Innovative irrigation methods helping Kenyan farmers
Water scarcity problems in Kenya mean that many farmers have to struggle to irrigate their farms. But help is now coming in the form of the International Atomic Energy Agency or IAEA, who is helping farmers make the most of their limited resources through innovative methods involving nuclear techniques. Louise Potterton reports from Kenya. Duration: [...]
Cost-effective actions to cut black carbon, methane
Over 2.5 million lives a year could be saved, massive crop loses can be avoided, and short-term climate protection can be delivered if a package of 16 measures are implemented globally. These measures have been outlined in a new report released by the UN Environment Programme or UNEP on Friday. The report estimates that implementing [...]
UNHCR reports on child marriage in the Central African Republic
A high incidence of underage marriage and the widespread use of child labour are occurring in the Central African Republic, a landlocked country in central Africa, says the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. Displaced civilians in northern Central African Republic are the ones most affected. Fatoumata Lejeune-Kabba, author of a report on the subject, said UNHCR [...]
New HIV infections in India fall by 56%
The number of new HIV infections in South and South East Asia have dropped by more than 40 per cent between 2006 and 2010, according to a new report on HIV/AIDS. The report launched in Geneva on Monday also reveals that new HIV infections in India fell by 56 per cent. UNAIDS and the [...]
Keeping African patients safe from hospital acquired infections
One in ten patients face harm during their stay in a hospital, according to the World Health Organization or WHO. Moreover, everyday 1.4 million patients worldwide suffer from an infection in a healthcare setting. In response, the World Health Organization has been successfully campaigning globally to educate healthcare workers on patient safety. African hospitals, however, [...]
UN top envoy condemns Iraq bomb blasts
The top United Nations envoy in Iraq has strongly condemned a series of bomb blasts that struck the southern Iraqi city of Basra on Thursday. Dozens of people have been reportedly killed and scores injured. Martin Kobler the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, has expressed outrage at the deadly violence. Meanwhile, in a similar attack on [...]
UN Daily News 25 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UNICEF working to free child soldiers in Somalia
A week after downgrading the famine rating in three areas of Somalia, the UN on Friday warned of the continuing threats facing children in the region. Last month alone, 24 children were killed in armed conflicts in South and Central Somalia. Elhadj As Sy, UNICEF'S Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, says thousands of [...]
UN seeks peaceful elections in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo's elections scheduled for November 28, political parties and their followers are being asked to avoid incidents of poll-related violence. This is the second set of democratic elections to take place in the country since 2006. The main challenge, according to the UN spokesman in the country, is to [...]
UN concerned over elections-related violence in DRC
Concerns over election-related violence remains ahead of presidential and parliamentary polls in the Democratic Republic of Congo slated for 28 November. This is the second set of democratic elections to take place in the country since 2006. More than 32 million eligible voters will get to pick between President Joseph Kabila and 10 others. Over [...]
Small-Island States express alarm over increase in greenhouse gas emissions ahead of climate conference
The Alliance of Small Islands States – AOSIS – an alliance of 43 island states in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas and the Pacific and Indian Oceans plan to be in Durban for this weekend's opening of the COP 27 Conference on Climate Change. Chairman of AOSIS Ambassador Dessima Williams of Grenada told reporters that [...]
New HIV infections in the Caribbean down more than 30% since 2001
A new report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), released this week shows that 2011 was a game changing year for the AIDS response with unprecedented progress in science, political leadership and results. The report also shows that new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have fallen to the lowest levels since the [...]
Reports of massive violations in Syria, including torture of children
Children are reportedly being tortured and mutilated in Syrian prisons, according to a group of UN experts on torture. The United Nations Committee against torture on Friday said it has reviewed numerous, consistent and substantiated reports about widespread human rights violations in the country. Systematic attacks by security forces against civilians are also common, the [...]
New HIV infections fall in Asia: UN report
The number of new HIV infections in South and South East Asia have dropped by more than 40 per cent between 2006 and 2010, according to a new report on HIV/AIDS. The report launched in Geneva on Monday also reveals that new HIV infections in India fell by 56 per cent. UNAIDS and the World [...]
Children still feeling effects of Pakistan flooding
Three months after deadly floods hit Pakistan, the United Nation's Children's Fund or UNICEF say children are facing malnutrition and huge risks from unsafe surroundings. Many families have returned to find their homes ruined with one third of villages still under water. Meanwhile, UNICEF says it has received just over 30 per cent of a [...]
Partnerships with African hospitals promoting better healthcare
One in ten people in developing countries contract an infection while in hospital due to poor quality healthcare, according to the World Health Organisation or WHO. In Africa, healthcare-related infections are anywhere between 2 to 20 times higher than in developed countries. To counter this problem, WHO has launched partnerships between European and African hospitals [...]
UNHCR to move refugees away from volatile Sudanese border areas
The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, plans to relocate 20,000 refugees to safer areas in South Sudan, following an increase in violence on its border with Sudan. The refugees, who have fled fighting in Sudan's South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, are camped around Yida town, which came under attack from Sudanese warplanes earlier this month. [...]
Rwanda Girl Guides Association focuses on men to end violence against women
The Girl Guides Association in Rwanda is working to end violence against women and girls. They've joined the "Stop the violence. Speak out for girls' rights" campaign of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Since 2003 the Girl Guides of Rwanda have been raising awareness and sensitizing women to speak up about [...]
Somalia adopts plan to end recruitment of child soldiers
Top officials of the Somali Transitional Federal Government have agreed to an action plan to end the recruitment and use of children in their armed forces. Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, secured a commitment from the President and the Prime Minister during her visit to the capital, [...]
Cultural taboos force Jordanian women into silence over sexual abuses
Women in Jordan remain silent about sexual harassment and violence because of certain traditional and cultural taboos, according to a United Nations independent human rights expert. Rashida Manjoo was recently in the country for a 14 day visit to investigate violence against women, its causes and consequences. Jordan had come a long way in terms [...]
Trial of Khmer Rouge leaders begins in Cambodia
Democratic Kampuchea was one of the most brutal and horrific regimes in modern history, said UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay. Ms Pillay made her comments at the opening of the genocide trial of three former senior Khmer Rough leaders in Cambodia. The three leaders, former foreign minister Ieng Sary, former so-called Brother Number Two [...]
Africa needs to speed up industrialization
•African countries continue to lag behind in industrialization which could help them to boost their economies. Africa Industrialization Day is observed on 20 November each year to put a spotlight on the issue. The head of the UN Industrial Development Organization says African countries need to speed up their industrialization process. Cameroon and Nigeria forge [...]
ICC to rule if Qadhafi's son and former spy chief to be tried in Libya
Judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC) will decide if former leader Muammar Qadhafi's son, Saif al-Islam, and the country's former intelligence chief, Abdullah Al Senoussi, can be tried in Libya. Libyan authorities have asked that Saif and Senoussi be prosecuted in their country instead of being tried in Hague, where the Court is based, [...]
UN Security Council discusses transnational crimes, climate change
The UN Security Council, chaired by Portugal's foreign minister, on Wednesday held a meeting to focus attention on transnational crime, pandemics and climate change. Addressing the Council, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the three challenges are increasingly transnational because of the growing ease with which people, goods and money cross borders. The Secretary-General added that [...]
Yemeni president in Saudi Arabia to sign deal to handover power
Yemen's embattled President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday morning to sign a deal that could end his 33-year rule. The Gulf Cooperation Council initiative calls for him to transfer power to a deputy. But he will reportedly continue to remain as president. Mr. Saleh agreed to sign the deal on [...]
Afghanistan's anti-violence law for women has long way to go
Afghanistan's two-year-old law that criminalises violence against women and supports gender equality has yet to be fully enforced, according to a report released by the United Nations on Wednesday. Child marriage, forced marriage, and honour killings are some of the forms of violence against women being perpetuated in Afghanistan. Often it is family members, relatives [...]
Afghanistan has long way to go to end violence against women: UN
Afghanistan has a long way to go in implementing a law to end violence against women, according to a United Nations report released on Wednesday. The report has been issued by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Its release coincided with a major [...]
Egypt's parliamentary elections to be held amidst turmoil, street violence
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Wednesday has deplored the role of Egypt's military and security forces in suppressing demonstrations over the past five days. Ms. Pillay has urged Egyptian authorities to end the excessive use of force against protestors in Cairo's Tahrir square using rubber bullets and sometimes live ammunition. Some [...]
Cameroon and Nigeria forge ahead with resolution of border dispute
Cameroon and Nigeria are speeding up efforts to resolve a border dispute, which resulted in military confrontations between the two West African neighbours in the 1990s. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolved the issue with a ruling in 2002, after the two nations decided to resolve their dispute under international law. A top United [...]
Youth can help in ending violence against women
Young people worldwide are being encouraged to take the lead in preventing and ending violence against women and girls on 23 November, the 15th anniversary of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women. The UN is also celebrating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The UN Trust Fund has [...]
Cameroon and Nigeria lauded for peaceful solution to conflict
Cameroon and Nigeria have been praised by the United Nations for their implementation of an international ruling on their dispute over the Bakassi peninsula. The peninsula had been the subject of years of intense and sometimes violent disputes between the West African neighbours before they agreed to a UN-backed process to settle the matter. The [...]
Africa, the Year of Change
A journey through Africa, from Johannesburg to Cairo and Kampala, on a year towards “rebirth and repossession”, and the rise of Africa’s role and representation in the UN. Language: English Genre: Report 1960 Duration: 28″
UN General Assembly condemns Syria violence
A resolution condemning the government crackdown on civilians in Syria has been passed by the UN General Assembly. The resolution, which comes in response to the ongoing violence and human rights violations in the Middle Eastern country, passed with 122 votes for, 13 against, with 41 abstentions. An estimated 3,500 civilians have died in army [...]
URDU #46: Bain Ul Aqwami Manzarnama
1. Sudanese refugees streaming into South Sudan 2. Côte d'Ivoire: Displaced citizens returning home, says IOM 3. UN expert says natural disasters likely to become norm 4. Ban Ki-moon urges Asian nations to share responsibilty on global issues 5. UNCTAD : Developing countries' investment in poor countries triples 6. IAEA wants Iran to give assurance [...]
Curbing violence against women begins by changing attitudes: Migiro
Strong laws are vital to ending violence against women, but changing attitudes could help curb it, according to Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro Ms. Migiro was in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, visiting a women's shelter, a safe haven for women and girls facing physical and psychological violence. She called for the end to harmful practices, like [...]
UN launches a global conversation on a sustainable and green future
There is a need to promote sustainable development and resilient cities, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told delegates at a campaign to promote a major climate change conference in Brazil. Rio+20, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, will be held in Rio de Janeiro in June next year. The world is facing a series of challenges, [...]
Girl guides association in Rwanda focuses on men to end violence against women
The Girl Guides Association in Rwanda is working to end violence against women and girls. Since 2003, the Girl Guides project has been raising awareness and sensitizing women to speak up about their rights. But, according to Pascaline Umulisa, Communications Commissioner of the Association, educating men about violence is just as important. Duration: 2’38″
ICC prosecutor in Libya to discuss trial proceedings for Qadhafi's son
The issue of where the trials of Qadhafi's son, Saif al-Islam, and former intelligence Chief Abdullah Al Sanousi will be held has yet to be resolved through consultations with the International Criminal Court (ICC). That's what the prosecutor of the ICC said during a visit to Libya's capital, Tripoli, on Tuesday. Luis Moreno-Ocampo and his [...]
Over one million Zimbabweans need food aid
More than a million people in Zimbabwe need food assistance between now and next March, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). WFP warns that poor families and households with orphans and vulnerable children are most at risk. The Agency and its partners are providing assistance in the form of cash transfers and food vouchers, [...]
Yemeni president agrees to hand over power to deputy
Yemen's President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, has agreed to a transition deal and to hand over powers to his deputy, according to Jamal Benomar, the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Yemen. Reports indicate that Saleh will, however, continue to remain a figurehead in the state until fresh presidential elections are held. The power transfer deal could [...]
IOM maps dangerous and unofficial border routes used by Somali refugees
A Somali refugee girl looks through razor wire The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is recommending the setting up of a police task force to reduce the risks of rape, theft and extortion faced by the thousands of Somalis making their way to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. It says the task force should [...]
Serious outbreak of diarrhoea hits Djibouti, cases more than double
The number of cases of acute watery diarrhea or AWD has more than doubled in Djibouti over the past 12 months. The situation has been aggravated by the drought and influx of refugees and economic migrants from neighbouring countries. According to the Djibouti Ministry of Health, some 5,000 cases have been reported this year compared [...]
Pakistan's flood appeal faces shortages, as funds dry up
Many of the five million people affected by flash floods that devastated Pakistan this year could remain without help. The UN's Relief Agency, OCHA, today said that just 35 per cent of its $357 million appeal has been met by donors. OCHA says, as a result, the country will continue to face food and shelter [...]
"Intangible heritage" list set to be updated
More than 80 nominations for a list which aims to protect intangible cultural heritage are due to be considered at a meeting starting in Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday. Intangible cultural heritage as defined by the UN's cultural organization, UNESCO, includes oral traditions, traditional craftsmanship, social practices and knowledge of the natural world. The new nominations [...]
URDU #44: Bain Ul Aqwami Manzarnama
1. Iran nuclear crisis : Ban Ki-moon says military solution not an option 2. Refugee camp bombed, tensions grow between Sudan, South Sudan 3. Freedoms being suppressed in Egypt says UN Human Rights Office 4. Election violence foreseen in DRC according to UN report 5. Ban Ki-moon: UN Security Council must act against HR violations 6. [...]
URDU #45: Bain Ul Aqwami Manzarnama
1. UN Peacekeeping Operations chief says Sudan, South Sudan need sensible arrangements to coexist 2. Children being sold in Central African Republic to combat hardships 3. Ban Ki-moon praises Bangladesh for being ” tremendous global partner” 4. Cholera outbreak hampers relief efforts in Somalia 5. Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) urges continued enforcement of cluster bomb [...]
UN holds memorial to honour fallen heroes
The United Nations held a memorial on Monday to honour the lives of 197 men and women, both military and civilian personnel, who have died in various incidents around the world since 2010. Recent deadly incidents involving the UN include the bombing of offices in Abuja, Nigeria, suicide attacks in Afghanistan, two plane crashes in [...]
Qadhafi's son and former intelligence chief should get fair trial, urges UN human rights chief
The arrests of Muammar Qadhafi's son and the former Director of Military Intelligence have enormous significance for the future of justice in Libya, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay. Saif al-Islam Qadhafi was reportedly seized on Saturday near the southern town of Obari by forces of Libya's interim authorities, the [...]
Israel freezes $100 million in Palestinian funds over UNESCO membership
Israel has decided to withhold $100 million in monthly tax revenues belonging to the Palestinian Authority, following the latter's entry into the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). That's what Robert Serry, the UN Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace Process, told the Security Council on Monday. Israel collects the funds on behalf [...]
Violence escalates ahead of Egypt's parliamentary elections
A group of United Nations independent experts are calling on Egyptian authorities to stop using violence against demonstrators ahead of parliamentary elections planned for 28 November. Health Ministry officials say at least 23 people have been killed and more than 1,500 wounded. Government forces are reportedly using lethal force in an effort to evict protestors [...]
Second Khmer Rouge trial opens in Cambodia
The landmark trial of three surviving Khmer Rouge leaders has opened in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, on Monday by a UN-backed tribunal. It's the second case to be brought to trial by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia or ECCC. The surviving leaders are being charged with genocide, crimes against humanity and torture [...]
Fallen staff honoured at the UN
The challenges of ensuring staff security have grown more complex, according to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Mr. Ban was speaking at a memorial service in New York on Monday to honour UN personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. One hundred and ninety-seven men and women have died in service [...]
UN experts alarmed at violence and clampdown in Egypt
A group of UN independent experts has expressed alarm at the violence taking place against protestors in Egypt. Health ministry officials say at least 23 people have been killed and more than 1,500 wounded, after protests began on Saturday. Maina Kiai, the UN Special Expert on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of [...]
New HIV infections drop by 26% in sub-Saharan Africa, says new report
Although almost 70 per cent of people living with HIV still reside in sub-Saharan Africa, the number of new HIV infections in the region have dropped by more than 26 per cent, according to the UN Joint Programme on HIV and AIDS, UNAIDS. In its new report, UNAIDS says better access to HIV treatment has [...]
Middle East countries discuss nuclear-weapon-free zone
A forum on establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East is taking place in Vienna, Austria, organized by the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Member states are discussing how the experience gained through the already established Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones could be relevant to the Middle East. IAEA Director-General, Yukiya Amano, says it has [...]
HIV infections and deaths fall as more people access drugs
People living with HIV are living longer and AIDS-related deaths are declining due to the lifesaving effects of antiretroviral therapy, according to the UN Joint Programme on HIV and AIDS, UNAIDS. In its new report, UNAIDS says better access to HIV treatment has had a dramatic impact on people's lives. Globally AIDS-related deaths have dropped [...]
Spouses and mothers of migrant families more vulnerable
Language barriers and cultural differences are just some of the hurdles that asylum seekers and economic migrants face, according to Anna Swaiis, a social worker educated and trained in the United Kingdom. The mothers and spouses, in particular, experience considerable distress at being uprooted from their normal lives. Anna Swaiis has recently worked with African [...]
CARICOM expresses concern over independent experts exceeding their mandates
NARRATOR: Five years after its creation, the Human Rights Council had successfully completed a review of its working methods and, through its Universal Periodic Review mechanism, assessed the human rights situation of the entire United Nations membership. That's what delegates told the General Assembly's Committee dealing with Social, Humanitarian and Cultural matters. During the debate, [...]
Climate change poses acute developmental challenges: Trinidad and
NARRATOR: For Trinidad and Tobago and other small Island developing states, climate change posed acute developmental challenges. That's what the twin-island republic's delegate Ms. Rueanna Haynes told the General Assembly's Economic and financial Committee as it continued general discussion on sustainable development. She joined other delegates in underlining the significance of the many different environmental [...]
Challenges of sustainable human settlements and adequate shelter for
NARRATOR: Major developments in urbanization since the Second United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat II) made a strong case for holding a third meeting, the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Jan Clos, told the General Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee. Those developments included the growing demographic [...]
UN Daily News 18 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Spouses and mothers of migrant families more vulnerable
Language barriers and cultural differences are just some of the hurdles that asylum seekers and economic migrants face, according to Anna Swaiis, a social worker educated and trained in the United Kingdom. The mothers and spouses, in particular, experience considerable distress at being uprooted from their normal lives. Anna Swaiis has recently worked with African [...]
Adapting to climate change in West Asia
Farmers in West Asia and North Africa are being encouraged to try new crop varieties in an attempt to cope better with climate change and burgeoning populations. West Asia, which includes countries in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as Pakistan and Afghanistan, is expected to suffer badly from a decline in food production. Experts have [...]
Ugandan rebels spread terror in Central Africa
• Ongoing attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army have been strongly condemned by the Security Council. The Council is calling for an immediate end to the atrocities which have displaced 440,000 people. The LRA, formed in Uganda in the late 1980s, has exported its rampages to neighbouring countries. Cholera adds to hardships for Somali refugees [...]
UN Daily News 17 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
HINDI #47: Antar Rashtriya Patrika
PART I Evidence of freedom being suppressed in Egypt. 1'24″ PART II Inequalities and environment challenges threaten progress in Asia. 5'10″ PART III 300 million hectares of forests across the world depleted 2'41″ PART IV Women's right to health should not be criminalized, says special rapporteur. 2'49″ Duration: 14’30″
HINDI #46: Antar Rashtriya Patrika
PART I Military solution is not an option to resolve Iran nuclear crisis, says Secretary-General 1'57″ PART II UN official warns of escalating conflict between Sudan and South Sudan. Meanwhile, Sudan is accused of lying over refugee bombings. 3'53″ PART III The role of women in achieving peace and security reaffirmed. 3'44″ PART IV Using [...]
Number of executions in Iran can be reduced, says official
The number of executions carried out in Iran should be reduced, according to Dr. Javad Larjani, a top Iranian human rights official and politician. Human Rights organizations report 300 people have been executed in Iran this year, many of whom were convicted for drug related crimes. Dr. Larijani told reporters in New York on Wednesday [...]
Address energy poverty, says UN official
There is a need to change the way energy is being generated and used in order to meet the needs of a growing population and the challenges of climate change, according to a senior UN official. Scott Foster, the Director of the Sustainable Energy Division at the UN Economic Commission for Europe told reporters in [...]
Two blasts in Lebanese city cause damage, no casualties
A hotel, a restaurant, and several vehicles were damaged when two explosions struck the southern city of Tyre in Lebanon on Wednesday. No casualties have been reported. A vehicle parked on the street belonging to a staff of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was also hit. But according to UNIFIL's Deputy Spokesperson, there [...]
UN Daily News 16 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 15 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Cholera adding to woes of Somali refugees in Kenya
An outbreak of cholera has killed one person and is adding to the difficulties that Somali refugees are facing in Kenya's Dadaab refugee complex. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) also says heavy rains and insecurity continue to affect humanitarian efforts in the camp. Three aid workers were kidnapped more than a month ago from [...]
UN Daily News 14 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Radio News 11 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Evidence of freedoms being suppressed in Egypt
Since the overthrowing of President Mubarak, freedom of expression and speech has been restricted in Egypt, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The UN says the military trial and jailing of blogger Alaa Abdel-Fatah, after his criticism of the handling of protests by security forces, is one example of a breach of basic human [...]
Military solution not an option to resolve Iran nuclear crisis, says Ban
The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon says he is seriously concerned about reports that Iran's nuclear programme could veer towards a military nature. The International Atomic Energy Agency or IAEA, which is based in Vienna, submitted a report indicating Iran has carried out activities that suggest it is close to developing nuclear weapons. Iran repeatedly [...]
Somali refugees battle conflict, bad weather
Continuing conflict and heavy rain in Somalia are worsening the humanitarian situation in the country. The UN Refugee Agency or UNHCR, says, as a result, fewer refugees are crossing into Kenya, which borders Somalia. Hundreds of thousands of Somalis have already left for neighboring countries, after the UN declared famine in the Horn of Africa [...]
UNHCR concerned over tensions between Sudan, South Sudan
The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has strongly condemned Thursday's bombing of a refugee site in South Sudan. Several bombs were dropped by an aircraft from Sudan into Unity State's Yida area, which damaged a temporary camp sheltering at least 20,000 refugees. There have been no reported casualties in the camps. South Sudan became the world's [...]
UN warns of violence in run-up to DR Congo elections
• A UN human rights agency has warned about human rights violations and political violence in the run-up to elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The presidential and parliamentary polls are scheduled for November 28. It's the second time since its independence in 1960 that the DRC will be holding democratic elections. President Ellen [...]
Palestine's UN bid a good opportunity to make both sides talk, says Portugal
Portugal's President Cavaco Silva says his country wants to promote direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine. Mr Silva spoke exclusively to UN Radio during his trip to New York, as Portugal assumes the Security Council Presidency for the month of November. Portugal's President said the Palestinian membership to the UN has its positives. He, however, [...]
UNESCO to halt new programmes after US boycott
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO will suspend new programmes until the year end. This after the United States pulled its funding. The Agency, which is headquartered in Paris, faces a shortfall of $65 million dollars as a result of America's decision to halt contributions, following Palestine's recent membership into the [...]
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf set to retain power in Liberia
Incumbent President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia is set to win the presidential run-off elections which took place on Tuesday. According to preliminary results released by the Liberian National Electoral Commission she got more than 90 percent of the votes cast. President Johnson-Sirfleaf ran unopposed after Winston Tubman, the leader of the Congress for Democratic Change, [...]
African rhino species now extinct
A leading organization dealing with conservation is warning that 25 percent of mammals are at risk of extinction. But the damage may have already been done for some species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN says the Western Black Rhino in western Africa has now been officially declared extinct. While the Northern [...]
UN Radio News 10 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Turkey hit again by new earthquakes
Two earthquakes shook Turkey late on Wednesday in the city of Van, killing 7 people and burying many more under the rubble, according to the UN's humanitarian agency OCHA. The 5.7 magnitude quake collapsed 25 buildings, including two hotels where foreign workers and journalists were staying. Last month, a larger quake hit Van killing 600 [...]
Assistance to Afghans continues despite attack on relief workers
The work of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) is continuing in Afghanistan despite an attack that killed three of its workers in the southern city of Kandahar last week. This commitment has been reaffirmed by the head of UNHCR, Antonio Guterres who visited the city on Wednesday. The country is going through a transition, [...]
7 dead after two earthquakes hit Turkey
Seven people, including an aid worker, are dead, after two powerful earthquakes hit eastern Turkey on Wednesday night. More than 25 buildings, including two hotels, collapsed in the magnitude-5.7 quake that struck Van, according to the local authorities. Rescue efforts lasted all night. Workers managed to pull out some 28 people, some of whom were [...]
Globalization, climate change responsible for outbreak of alien forest insects
A new guide published by the Food and Agriculture Organization or FAO aims to help countries prevent pests from damaging forests. At least 35 million hectares of forests are damaged by outbreaks of insects and pests each year. In addition to globalization, global warming adds to the spread of forest pests. Increases in summer temperature [...]
UNHCR's work continues in Afghanistan, despite attack
The UN Refugee Agency Chief, António Guterres, visited the southern Afghan city of Kandahar to pay his respects to three colleagues who were killed in an attack there last week. An investigation into the attack is under way. Speaking to reporters in Kabul on Thursday, Mr. Guterres reiterated UNHCR's commitment to Afghanistan and Afghan refugees [...]
UN report guides state-response to biological, chemical terror attacks
Technical assistance provided to countries to fight biological and chemical terrorism should be better coordinated according to a new report released by the United Nations on Thursday. The report which looks at the state response to terrorists using biological or chemical weapons identifies methods to strengthen coordination between the UN and countries as well [...]
Black rhino in West Africa poached to extinction
The black rhino in West Africa has been declared officially extinct by a leading conservation group. A list of endangered species, drawn up by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), says the sub-specie has been wiped out and other kinds of rhinos are on the brink of extinction. One reason is the demand [...]
Conflict in Syria could degenerate into civil war
Top United Nations officials attending a Security Council meeting on Wednesday warned that Syria could degenerate into armed conflict. More than 3,500 people in Syria have reportedly been killed, and thousands arrested following a brutal crackdown by government forces. However, widespread international condemnation has not been able to stop the violence. Jocelyne Sambira reports. Duration: [...]
Global economy has entered a dangerous phase, says IMF chief
The International Monetary Fund's Chief Christine Lagarde has praised economic progress in Asia, saying the continent is propelling the global recovery. Ms Lagarde, who was speaking in Beijing on Wednesday, however, warned that Asia must carefully watch the financial crisis. The IMF chief said that although she is encouraged by some of the steps taken [...]
Using aquaculture to meet world food needs
In October, the world's population reached 7 billion, according to United Nations demographers. As the population grows, so does the need for food. FAO, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, says aquaculture, the farming of fish and other aquatic animals, can meet the growing demand for fish. Gerry Adams reports. Duration: 2’23″
UN Radio News 09 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN warns of violence in run-up to DRC elections
As the Democratic Republic of the Congo prepares for general elections later this month, there is concern about human rights violations in the country. A United Nations report released on Wednesday says there are 188 cases of violations documented between the beginning of November last year and end of September this year. Alpha Diallo discussed [...]
Security Council must act against human rights violations, says Ban
Everyone shares the fundamental responsibility to protect civilians caught in the middle of war. That's the message UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon passed on to the Security Council on Wednesday. He said women, children and men continue to face gross human rights violations, including murder, torture, and rape. Mr. Ban noted some of the challenges and [...]
Liberia counts votes, president expected to secure new term
Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is expected to secure another term, as votes are being counted in the Presidential run-off. Her challenger, opposition leader Winston Tubman, has called for a boycott, alleging vote fraud during the first round. The turnout of voters in Tuesday's election is said to be low. Observer groups say it [...]
Counting of ballots proceeds smoothly in Liberia
Liberia has begun counting votes from Tuesday's presidential run-off election. Incumbent President Ellen Johnson- Sirfleaf ran unopposed after Winston Tubman, the leader of the Congress for Democratic Change, dropped out of the race and called for a boycott. The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) is helping the tiny West African nation to rebuild as it [...]
Farming of fish helping to reduce global poverty
Aquaculture is helping reduce poverty and to improve food security in many parts of the world. A report just released by the Food and Agriculture Organization or FAO, finds that the farming of fish and crustaceans currently provides nearly half of all fish that are consumed globally. Asia, in particular, dominates this type of farming. [...]
Human rights violations in DRC could lead to election violence
Human rights violations, committed by the Congolese police, could endanger the democratic process and lead to post-election violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a UN report. The report released on Wednesday warns that 188 human rights violations occurred over the past year. They include civilians being threatened, beaten and arrested by [...]
Rock band Linkin Park to promote clean energy issue
Three billion people in the world do not have access to electricity and mostly rely on traditional sources like biomass for cooking and heating, according to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The use of 'dirty energy sources' like charcoal, wood and dung has lead to 1.5 million premature deaths every year in poor countries, the [...]
Better access to data can help protect world's populations
The United Nations says it hopes to use quicker and better access to information in order to protect the world's vulnerable populations. The initiative is called Global Pulse and it aims to use digital data to better understand the way we live and how global crises impact people. The initiative was created by the UN [...]
West Balkan countries sign deal to end refugee crisis
Four countries in the western Balkan region have agreed to cooperate to end the enduring refugee crisis in south east Europe. The United Nations Refugee agency, charged with the protection of refugees around the world, has welcomed the deal, signed by the Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro governments. Displacement in the region is one of [...]
Myanmar political prisoners on hunger strike
A UN expert on Myanmar has expressed concern on the situation of political prisoners who are on a hunger strike in the country. Tomás Ojea Quintana, a UN Special Rapporteur, said he is also concerned about the health of Buddhist monk, U Gambira, who needs urgent medical care. Mr Quintana said he has received reports [...]
Using digital data to better protect vulnerable populations
In today's digital world, new data is being generated by just about everything we do – calling a friend, making a purchase, using the internet to access information – they all leave a digital trail. UN Global Pulse is an innovative initiative of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that seeks to analyze such data to get [...]
UN Radio News 08 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Linkin Park pledges support for UN's energy for all initiative
The American rock band, Linkin Park, has pledged to support the UN Secretary-General's Energy for All Initiative. Members of the band joined Mr. Ban Ki-moon in New York on Tuesday to announce their commitment. The aim of the initiative is to achieve universal energy access by 2030. Mr. Ban said their popularity can help [...]
At least 3,500 people killed in Syria
At least 3,500 people have been killed in Syria since the crackdown on pro-democracy protests began in March this year, according to the UN Human Rights office. Security forces have reportedly been using tanks and heavy weapons in residential areas. An independent commission of inquiry into human rights violations during the unrest has so far [...]
UN welcomes efforts to end refugee situation in western Balkans
The United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has welcomed regional efforts to end the protracted refugee situation in the western Balkan region, in south east Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia on Monday signed a joint declaration in Belgrade to speed up solutions for the 74,000 remaining refugees from the crisis of 1991 to [...]
Monrovia tense as Liberia's president heads for victory
Liberia's capital, Monrovia, remains tense and the turnout appears to be sparse as polls opened on Tuesday in a presidential run-off election. The country's president and Nobel peace prize winner, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, is expected to win the election after her opponent Winston Tubman asked supporters to boycott the vote. On Monday, one person was killed [...]
Death toll rises to 3,500 in Syria, says UN
As the violence continues in Syria, the death toll, too, continues to rise. The United Nations Human Rights Office in Geneva says that more than 3,500 Syrians have been killed since the Government's brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. This despite Syria having signed a regional peace plan last week. UN Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani says the [...]
Disturbances ahead of Liberian run-off election
One person has been killed following an incident ahead of the Liberian presidential election run-off which is taking place on Tuesday. The UN's mission to Liberia (UNMIL) was called to a demonstration on Monday outside the opposition CDC party, which has threatened to boycott the vote. The CDC leader, Winston Tubman is going head to [...]
Appeal for calm ahead of Liberian run-off vote
The United Nations has appealed for calm ahead of presidential run-off elections taking place in Liberia on Tuesday. The UN mission to the West African (UNMIL) country was called to a disturbance on Monday outside the offices of the main opposition party in Monrovia in which one person died. The opposition party, the CDC has [...]
UN Radio News 07 November 2011
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Humanitarian emergency in Central America "only just beginning"
The humanitarian emergency caused by last month's devastating floods in Central America is only just beginning, according to the UN’s deputy Humanitarian Affairs chief. Up to 300,000 people fled the floods in El Salvador during the peak of the rains in October. In Nicaragua, the homes and livelihoods of 143,000 people have been affected. [...]
Investing in disaster reduction reduces cost of insurance
The cost of insurance for home owners could be reduced if governments invest more in disaster risk reduction activities according to the UN. An earthquake in Turkey in October led to widespread devastation in the south-east of the country, but only 9% of building owners were insured for the damage. The cost of the disaster [...]
"Race against time" to feed Somalis
The international community faces what's been described as a "race against time" to get food to the famine-affected areas of Somalia. Famine was declared in a number of southern regions in the Horn of Africa country around 100 days ago. But ongoing conflict and the onset of the rainy season has made accessing the most [...]
Illegal logging in Mongolia halted by forestry project
A community-led forest management project in Mongolia which has contributed to the end of illegal logging and forest fires could be expanded across the region. The Participatory Forest Management project in 15 districts of Bugat in northern Mongolia has involved local people in the management and future commercial exploitation of forest land. Mongolia has around [...]
Humanitarian transit hub for Somalia opened in Dubai
A transit hub for humanitarian supplies, which will speed up the delivery of food aid to Somalia has opened in Dubai. An estimated 5,000 metric tons of flour will be moved through the warehouse each month to feed children in the worst-affected regions of the Horn of Africa country. Beng Poblete-Enriquez reports. The warehouse has [...]
Peacekeeper killed in Darfur
A peacekeeper for the joint United Nations-African Union in Darfur (UNAMID) has been killed following an attack on a patrol near Nyala in South Darfur on Sunday. Two others were injured. The attack comes one month after three peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in North Darfur. The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, condemned the attack [...]
Special Rapporteur:Women's right to health should not be criminalized
People's lives around the world are impacted every day by laws that criminalize the right to sexual and reproductive health. In some countries, for example, says the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, access to family planning goods and services is restricted by law, which denies families the freedom to decide whether [...]
Environment among "casualties of warfare"
The environment continues to be among the casualties of warfare. That's the message of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, observed on Sunday. He says the UN family has made important progress in understanding the complex relationship between war and [...]
Terrorist attacks in Nigeria condemned by UN Security Council
Terrorist attacks in two cities in Nigeria which caused the deaths of up to 69 people have been condemned by the UN Security Council. The radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. In August, Boko Haram, said it carried a suicide car-bomb attack on the United Nations office in the Nigerian [...]
The role of women in achieving peace and security reaffirmed
When it comes to preventing war and settling conflicts, women need to be much more involved, says UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The Secretary-General was speaking during a day-long debate in the Security Council on the role of women in achieving peace and security. Gerry Adams has more. Duration: 3’08″
G20 leaders' decision to facilitate food aid welcomed
The decision by leaders of the major economies known as the G20 to make it easier for hungry people around the world to get food assistance has been welcomed by the World Food Programme (WFP) The G20 leaders have been meeting in Cannes, France, to discuss the global economic and financial crisis. In their final [...]
Angolan refugees repatriated from the DR Congo
Angolan refugees living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are on their way home. The refugees fled Angola during the civil war in the south-west African country which ended almost a decade ago. Now, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) says improving living conditions are encouraging more people to return. Richard Hillary reports from Geneva [...]
Special Rapporteur:Women's right to health should not be criminalized
People's lives around the world are impacted every day by laws that criminalize the right to sexual and reproductive health. In some countries, for example, says the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, access to family planning goods and services is restricted by law, which denies families the freedom to decide whether [...]
Myanmar urged to release remaining political prisoners
Authorities in Myanmar have been urged to release political prisoners and amend a law governing the registration of political parties. The message has been conveyed by the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, who has concluded a five-day visit to the country. Mr. Nambiar said he was in Myanmar to relay the UN [...]
Palestinians statehood bid "risky and confrontational"
The Palestinians bid for recognition as a state by the United Nations has been described as "risky and confrontational" by the French government. Palestine applied for full membership to the UN in September, but the United States has said it will use its veto in the UN Security Council to block the move. Now the French [...]
Cholera adds to plight of displaced in Somalia
It is more than a hundred days since famine was declared in South Somalia. Since July, the UN has scaled up its assistance to millions affected by the drought in Somalia, parts of Kenya and Ethiopia. But heavy rains and the rise of cholera are now adding to the plight of those displaced. Claire Doole [...]
Evacuation of stranded African migrants in Libya stepped up
The evacuation of stranded African migrants in Libya has been stepped up by the International Office of Migration (IOM). Earlier this week the IOM, for the first time, flew a group of migrants from Tripoli back to their homes in Niger. The 332 men and women were the first to be airlifted among an estimated [...]
Food aid to flood victims in Cambodia scaled up
The World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up its response to the devastating floods in Cambodia –the worst to hit this poor South East Asian nation in 10 years. 1.6 million people have been affected and 240,000 have had to leave their homes. So far, WFP has helped 60,000 of the most vulnerable, providing each [...]
Palestinian statehood bid "risky and confrontational"
The Palestinians’ bid for recognition as a state by the United Nations has been described as "risky and confrontational" by the French government. Palestine applied for full membership to the UN in September, but the United States has said it will use its veto in the UN Security Council to block the move. Now the French [...]
Ensuring food security and nutrition – a multi-faceted challenge: Trinidad and Tobago
A warning that the number of people affected by the global food crisis would continue to grow unless measures were taken to resolve it. Representatives of UN Member States attributed the food crisis to price speculation, climate change, low investment in agriculture, unfair trade regulations and the lack of social safety nets. During discussion on [...]
Governments urged to address "irregular migration"
Governments have been urged to work together to protect refugees from boat smugglers. The call has come from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) following the death of nine people in a boat accident off the coast of Western Java in Indonesia on Tuesday. UNHCR says the boat was carrying passengers from Afghanistan, Pakistan and [...]
US embargo against Cuba of great concern to CARICOM
CARICOM Member States continue to reiterate their unequivocal opposition to the United States' imposition of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba – an embargo which, for the past 19 consecutive years, the overwhelming majority of the international community has consistently opposed. The representative of Belize Ambassador Janine Coye-Felson told the UN General Assembly [...]
Cambodia floods worst in a decade
Around 1.3 million people have been affected by floods in Cambodia, which have been described as the worst in a decade. Extreme rainfall, rising sea levels and deforestation have all contributed to the flooding. The worst is over, but now concerns are being raised about the country's long-term recovery. Daniel Dickinson spoke to the UN's [...]
CARICOM developing strategies to meet the goal of sustainable development
All indicators of global sustainability including food, water, energy, climate and oceans are moving in the wrong direction. That's what the representative of Barbados told the General Assembly's committee that deals with economic and financial matters. Speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community, Deputy Representative Selwyn Hart noted the effects of climate change, saying that [...]
UN chief calls for launch of Green Climate Fund
World leaders have been urged to launch a fund to help developing countries deal with climate change. The call for the launch of the Green Climate Fund was made by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in Cannes, France as leaders of major world economies, known as the G20 concluded their meeting on Friday. Charles Appel reports. [...]
Cholera, measles and floods hit Somalia
Cholera, measles and floods have hit Somalia, a country which is already reeling from drought, conflict, and famine. More than 2,000 cases of cholera have been reported and 66 people have died from the disease, which is caused by contaminated water. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent health treatment kits. Tarik Jasarevic is WHO [...]
Inequalities and environmental challenges threaten progress in Asia
Inequalities between the rich and the poor as well as environmental challenges threaten development in Asia, according to the UN's 2011 Human Development Report. The annual report which provides rankings of national achievement in health, education and income in 187 countries worldwide says that despite progress, many people are still living in poverty in the [...]
"Dramatic" improvement in education in Africa
• Education has improved dramatically in Sub-Saharan Africa over the last five to ten years according to the UN's 2011 Human Development Report. But despite the improvement, the ten lowest positions in the rankings all are occupied by Sub-Saharan countries. Bottom of the list is the Democratic Republic of the Congo or DRC. Parasitic disease [...]
Palestinians call for release of their tax money held by Israel
The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations is urging the Security Council to stop Israeli authorities from building more settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and to release Palestinian tax money. Ambassador Riyad Mansour said Israel has taken these actions in retaliation for the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations [...]
Human rights experts concerned about violations in Iran
The UN Human Rights Committee has expressed concern over Iran's record on the rights of religious and ethnic minorities. The expert body tasked with reviewing compliance with international human rights treaties is also alarmed by the skyrocketing rates of executions in the country. Richard Hillary reports from Geneva. Duration: 1’51″
Film with footage from every country to be screened
Preparations are under way for next year's screening of a film that includes footage shot in every country on the planet on a single day. The United Nations is collaborating with the "One Day on Earth" organization, an online video community. The movie, which has the same name as the organization, will be screened in [...]
UN chief concerned about loss of funding for UNESCO
Concern has been expressed by the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, about the loss of funding for the UN cultural agency (UNESCO). The United States has decided to withdraw its contributions to UNESCO following its admission of Palestine as a full member early this week. Spokesperson Vannina Maestracci is travelling with Mr. Ban who is [...]
Ban calls for "job-rich" recovery
A world-wide economic recovery must be driven by job creation according to the UN Secretary-General. Ban Ki-moon is currently in Cannes, France, at a meeting of the world's 20 leading economies which is seeking solutions to ongoing global financial turmoil. The G20 meeting comes as protests continue across the world by people who say wealth [...]
Drug trafficking and organized crime threaten stability of Guinea-Bissau
Drug trafficking and organized crime remain a constant threat to the fragile stability of Guinea-Bissau, one of the poorest countries in the world. That's what the top United Nations envoy in the country, Joseph Mutaboba, told the Security Council during his briefing on Thursday. There are suspicions that members of the armed forces in Guinea- [...]
Food prices drop to 11-month low in October
Food prices dropped to an 11-month low in October, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In its November Index, published on Thursday, FAO says the drop was triggered by sharp declines in international prices of cereals, oils, sugar and dairy products. However, the UN agriculture agency points out that food prices [...]
World leaders urged to listen to their people
World leaders need to listen to the hopes and aspirations of their people, says United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Mr. Ban spoke at a Labour Summit in Cannes, France, where he's attending a meeting of leaders of the group of major economic powers, known as the G20. Charles Appel reports. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon [...]
Somali crisis far from over says UNICEF
More than three months after famine was declared in Somalia, the crisis is far from over. Over 160,000 children are severely malnourished with millions still in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, according to UNICEF, the UN Children's Fund. Gerry Adams reports. Duration: 2’10″
UN helps over 4.5 million refugees return to Afghanistan
The attack that killed three staff members of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Kandahar, Afghanistan, has demonstrated the risks humanitarian workers face in the country each day. UNHCR, which has been working in Afghanistan since the 1980s, and has facilitated the return of over 4.5 million refugees from Pakistan and Iran is at particular [...]
South Sudan presses ahead with integration of former militias
The newly independent country of South Sudan is pressing ahead with the integration of former rebel forces, according to the top United Nations envoy in the country. Hilde Johnson told reporters on Wednesday that South Sudan is making steady progress in building its institutions, including establishing a more representative government. She said hundreds of thousands [...]
Head of UNESCO calls for continued U.S. support
The United States has been urged by the head of the United Nations cultural agency (UNESCO), to continue to fund the agency's work around the world. It follows the US decision to withdraw funding worth $60 million after Palestine was granted full membership of the agency. Charles Appel reports. The United States is a critical [...]
"Hundreds of rapes" committed during conflict in Libya
Hundreds of rapes were committed during the conflict that has led to the overthrow of Muammar Qadhafi and the declaration of liberation in Libya. That's what the Prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno Ocampo told the Security Council during his briefing on Wednesday. Mr. Ocampo said because rape can trigger retaliation and [...]
ICC continues to pursue former Libyan leader's son
The UN-backed International Criminal Court (ICC) has said it is still pursuing two senior fugitive Libyans following the liberation of the North African country. The former Libyan leader, Muammar Qadhafi was killed in October after a six month conflict between his regime and the new Libyan authorities. His son and intelligence chief are still on [...]
Halloween Story – The Trial of Sergeant Bill
Produced with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a drama about Sergeant Bill, “the bravest cop in town” working on Halloween night. Language: English Genre: Drama 1957
URDU #42: Bain Ul Aqwami Manzarnama
1. Saif Al Islam could surrender to the ICC, Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo says 2. Ban : Women's participation in peace process still low 3. As world population tops 7 billion, it should invest in youth : UNFPA 4. NGO views and voices important to world peace & development, says Ban 5. Demand for [...]
Libyans urged to remain united to build democracy
Libyans have been urged to find consensus on major issues and to remain united as they build democracy after the fall of Muammar Qadhafi. The call came from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during a brief visit to the country on Wednesday. Speaking to the press, Mr. Ban said he was honoured to visit [...]
US drops in global index measuring health, education and income
The United States has fallen dramatically down an international index which ranks the best countries in the world in which to live. According to the UN's Human Development Report, the US remains the fourth best country globally, but once inequalities like wages and access to healthcare are factored in, it drops to 23rd place. The [...]
Nuclear technology has "a vital role" in Nigeria
Nuclear technology has "a vital role" to play in meeting the immediate needs of people in Nigeria, according to the country's deputy representative to the United Nations. Ambassador Bukun-Olu Onemola spoke in the General Assembly on Wednesday as it continued to discuss a report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He said the accident [...]
UN Secretary-General arrives in Libya to congratulate the people
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Libya on Wednesday to congratulate the government and people on achieving liberation. The new Libyan authorities declared liberation last month, after former leader Muammar Qadhafi was killed in his hometown of Sirte. Ahmed Fawzi, a UN spokesperson, has been travelling with Mr Ban. Aditya Mehta asked Ahmed Fawzi [...]
Up to 300,000 floods victims in Central America get food aid
Up to 300,000 people affected by floods in Central America are getting emergency food assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP). The agency says it is working with governments to find out how many people are in need and for how long they will need food assistance. WFP is also helping communities to cope with [...]
Climate change and inequalities threaten progress in human development
Climate change and inequalities in health, education and income threaten to reverse progress made in the last 40 years to improve people's lives. That's according to the head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Helen Clark, who launched the 2011 Human Development Report on Wednesday. The report, issued annually, ranks countries and is a gauge of development [...]
UN chief arrives in Libya
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in the Libyan capital Tripoli for a brief visit on Wednesday. Mr. Ban and the President of the General Assembly Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser are meeting members of the National Transitional Council and civil society. This is the first visit by the Secretary-General since the new authorities in Libya [...]
Progress in developing countries threatened by climate change
Climate change and habitat destruction are threatening progress in developing countries, according to the 2011 Human Development Report. The report, which assesses national achievements in health, education and income, has been issued by the UN Development Programme (UNDP). It says that countries ranked in the bottom quarter of its human development index, have made remarkable [...]
Inequalities and environmental challenges threaten progress in Asia
Inequalities between the rich and the poor, as well as environmental challenges threaten development in Asia, according to the UN's 2011 Human Development Report. The annual report which provides rankings of national achievement in health, education and income in 187 countries worldwide says that despite progress, many people are still living in poverty in the [...]
"Dramatic" improvement in education in Africa
Education has improved dramatically in Sub-Saharan Africa over the last five to ten years according to the UN's 2011 Human Development Report. But despite the improvement, the ten lowest positions in the rankings all are occupied by Sub-Saharan countries. Bottom of the list is the Democratic Republic of the Congo or DRC. The annual report [...]
DR Congo at bottom of Human Development Index
Norway, Australia and the Netherlands are at the top of the 2011 Human Development Index released by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday. The Index, which is the annual rankings of national achievement in health, education and income, covers a record 187 countries and territories. The ten bottom ranking countries are all in sub [...]
Changing the way Africa's small farmers do business
Small holder farmers can reap enormous benefits from agricultural cooperatives, like food security and poverty reduction for millions, according to the United Nations. Farmers can negotiate lower prices for seeds, fertilizer and equipment, as well as secure land rights and better market opportunities. In industrialized nations, some cooperatives or co-ops have become multi-million dollar businesses, [...]
Remnants of conflict are obstacles to normal life in Libya
Unexploded bombs and other explosive remnants of war are serious obstacles for civilians in Libya as they try to get back to their regular lives. That's what Max Dyke, Programme Manager for the Joint Mine Action Coordination Team (JMAC) in Libya told reporters on Tuesday. The JMAC is a partnership between the United Nations and [...]
Health of millions hangs in balance
The health of millions of people around the world hangs in the balance as a result of the global financial crisis, according to the head of the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Margaret Chan spoke at the start of a meeting on the agency's reform attended by senior health officials from various countries. She urged [...]
Ban appoints experts to work on global energy plan
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed a high level-group, which includes the head of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), to work on a global energy plan. Three billion people in the world rely on wood, charcoal and dung for cooking and heating, Mr. Ban Ki-moon told delegates on Tuesday as he mapped out his [...]
Alarming rise in mercenary activities calls for attention
A group of UN experts are warning about the alarming resurgence in the use of mercenaries, as well as the expansion of private military and security companies globally. The group is calling for the elimination of the use of mercenaries, and for international regulation of outsourcing security services. In Côte d'Ivoire and Libya, mercenaries were reportedly [...]
Experts warn of resurgence of mercenary activities
There is an alarming resurgence of the use of mercenaries in armed conflicts which poses what has been described as "serious risks to human rights". This warning has come from a United Nations panel of experts on the use of mercenaries. It says it is difficult to gauge the extent of the private military and [...]
Emergency aid delivered to earthquake victims in Turkey
Thousands of tents, blankets and sleeping mats are being delivered to the victims of a massive earthquake that struck Turkey a week ago and claimed 600 lives. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) says in the city of Van alone, which has a population of about 400, 000 people, many homes have been reduced to [...]
Nuclear security 'extremely important' for all states
Making sure that nuclear materials don't fall into the wrong hands remains an extremely important issue for all states, according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Yukiya Amano told the General Assembly on Tuesday that in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, the [...]
300 million hectares of forests across the world depleted
A huge growth in urban populations has led to the cutting down of 300 million hectares of forests across the world since 1990, despite reforestation efforts. A report by the United Nation's Environment Programme (UNEP) says that as the world population exceeds 7 billion, the urban population has grown by 45 per cent. These are [...]
Cities and towns growing at fast pace
As the world population hits 7 billion, new statistics from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveal that the population in towns and cities is seeing a massive growth spurt. The statistics come from a report outlining the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development ahead of the Rio + 20 earth summit in Brazil next [...]
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