One of the challenges facing Libya as it builds democracy following the fall of the Muammar Qadhafi regime is the reform of the security sector. During the uprising, a number of Libyans took up arms to confront pro-Qadhafi government forces. After the revolution, these fighters have to be either included in the national army [...]
The reported use of chemical weapons in Syria is deeply alarming, says Australian Foreign Minister, Robert Carr. Mr. Carr spoke to reporters in New York where he attended a Security Council meeting on Tuesday. His comment came after the Syrian government and the opposition reportedly accused each other of using chemical weapons in the Khan [...]
As Afghanistan prepares to take full responsibility for its security at the end of 2014, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the United Nations is preparing for the challenges ahead. According to the Secretary-General, "the people of Afghanistan must come together not only to shun conflict, but to assume leadership and ownership of the transition [...]
Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation is the theme of this year's Commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. In this feature, former Vice Chancellor of Cape Coast University, Professor Naana Jane Opuku Agyemang, is now a Minister of in the Ghanaian Government. She's also a scholar [...]
Deadly attacks in and around the Iraqi capital, Baghdad on Tuesday have been strongly condemned by the top United Nations envoy for the country. According to reports, up to 60 people have been killed and scores of others injured in the attacks, which targeted public places, such as markets, restaurants and bus stops during the [...]
A lot of work is needed to create jobs for millions of young people around the world, says Ahmad Alhendawi, the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth. Mr. Alhendawi spoke to reporters in New York via video-link from Dakar, Senegal for the first time since he assumed his position last month. In his first overseas mission, the [...]
Forever Free:Celebrating Emancipation is the 2013 theme of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The commemoration taking place this week includes a student conference at which high school students from the United States are joined by video link to their counterparts abroad from Denmark, Senegal, [...]
The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has welcomed the surrender of the Congolese rebel Bosco Ntaganda and the decision of the United States to transfer him to The Hague. Mr. Ntaganda surrendered to the U.S. embassy in the Rwandan capital, Kigali on Monday. He is wanted by the [...]
Thousands of representatives from governments, international and regional organizations and civil society are meeting in New York for the final negotiations on a global Arms Trade Treaty. The 10 days of talks aim to establish common international standards for the trade in conventional weapons such as small arms and artillery, but also combat aircraft and [...]
Afghanistan needs to have broad participation and credible elections next year to have a widely accepted leadership transition, according to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Secretary-General briefed the Security Council on the UN Mission in Afghanistan, as the country prepares to take full responsibility for its security at the end of 2014. Mr. Ban said [...]
The civilian population of Syria continues to suffer as a result of the ongoing conflict while shortages of funds make it difficult to provide adequate relief assistance. That assessment comes from the United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, Radhouane Nouicer. He told reporters in the Syrian capital, Damascus on Monday that people have lost livelihoods and [...]
NAR: Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation is the theme of this year's Commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. In this feature, UN Radio looks at the start of the slave trade. Essel Blankston: The slave trade started not as a trade but as an exploration [...]
Japan has donated $18 million to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action, continuing its strong commitment to UN Mine Action work. The donation is in line with the Government of Japan's commitment to improving the lives of communities in today's most effected countries. The contribution from Japan will be used in [...]
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on all parties in Syria and the international community to seriously reflect on the two-year Syrian crisis and to inject urgency towards reaching a political solution while there is still time to prevent the country's complete destruction. In a statement through his Spokesperson, the Secretary-General said "The end goal [...]
