The UN Secretary-General has expressed sadness over the crash of a Russian plane in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Saturday. The Airbus 321 was travelling from Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg when the incident occurred. Dianne Penn reports. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed "deep sadness" on learning about the crash, according to a statement issued by [...]
World-renowned conductor Daniel Barenboim on Saturday called on global powers with influence to help stop the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because, as he put it, the two sides had "lost the feeling" that they needed to agree to a peace deal. Speaking ahead of a concert at the UN to celebrate World Human Rights Day on 10 [...]
An unprecedented call for action to stop suffering by ending conflict has been issued by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, along with the head of the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer. Speaking together at the UN in Geneva, both men warned that a disregard for basic humanity now [...]
Social protection systems must address the unique needs of persons with disabilities. That's according to Catalina Devandas Aguilar, the UN's Special Rapporteur on the issue. Ensuring social protection schemes take into account persons with disabilities can help prevent their exclusion or marginalization in societies as a whole. Rocío Franco spoke with Ms Aguilar and asked [...]
The situation for children in Iraq has been described as "absolutely devastating" by the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF. The agency says that ongoing conflict in the country is keeping two million young people out of school. UNICEF has built 40 new schools, set up temporary ones, and distributed educational materials to more than 200,000 children, [...]
UN calls for swift investigation into "deplorable" attack on exile camp in Iraq Authorities in Iraq are being urged by the UN Secretary-General to investigate a deadly attack on a camp for asylum seekers located in the capital, Baghdad. Camp Hurriya— or Camp Liberty, in English—was hit by rockets on Thursday, killing 26 residents as [...]
There is growing optimism that a key global climate change target can be met, according to the UN climate change secretariat, the UNFCCC. In a report published on Friday, the UNFCC said that collectively, the national climate plans submitted by more than 140 countries could dramatically slow global greenhouse gas emissions. Governments are meeting in [...]
Political opponents are being targeted in Cambodia, and the government has a responsibility to stop it. That's the view of the UN human rights office, which highlighted a disturbing pattern of intimidation against Cambodian opposition figures in recent weeks. Matthew Wells has more: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on [...]
The whole future of the UN is at stake over the modernizing of its peacekeeping operations to face new challenges. That's according to the Deputy Secretary-General on Friday, addressing a meeting on the future of peacekeeping around the world. A top-to-bottom review is underway across the whole of the UN, following a recent report by [...]
Countries should do more to protect their citizens facing the death penalty abroad. That's according to a new report released by the UN's top expert on executions. The UN Special Rapporteur on executions, Christoph Heyns, has highlighted that hundreds of foreign nationals face the death penalty after trials that fail to reach the highest – [...]
Conflict in Iraq is preventing nearly two million children from attending school, the UN children's agency (UNICEF) reports. Another 1.2 million youngsters are also at risk of dropping out, according to the agency. UNICEF describes the situation as "nothing short of devastating." Dianne Penn has the story. This week marked the start of the academic [...]
Eighteen United Nations peacekeepers taken hostage in South Sudan earlier in the week have been set free, the UN has confirmed. But 12 South Sudanese contractors working with the peacekeepers are still being held. All 30 were taken hostage earlier this week by heavily-armed opposition SPLA forces, which accused them of transporting weapons. The UN [...]
Secretary-General praises peaceful Tanzania elections The conduct of Tanzania's people during and after the country's recent elections was a "concrete manifestation" of their commitment to democracy, peace and stability. That's according to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who has congratulated the East African country for the peaceful and orderly manner in which the vote took [...]
The portraits of former UN Secretaries-General that are hanging in UN headquarters in New York serve to celebrate the organization's core values. That's according to an art historian and portrait expert who has been taking a look at the paintings of the seven former UN chiefs. As the United Nations celebrates its 70th anniversary, Daniel [...]
After 25 years of conflict and misery, the Somali people see an end in sight. That's according to John Ging, head of operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). He was speaking at UN headquarters after returning from a fact-finding visit to Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia. He said that [...]
A train known as the UN70 Belarus Express is helping to spread the word about the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the Eastern European country. The train has been making its way around Belarus this week. Film screenings, concerts, exhibitions and workshops on the goals have all been featured on board, in eight different [...]
More migrant deaths at sea At least 15 people have died and scores are missing following five incidents this week involving smugglers' boats carrying refugees and migrants to Europe, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reports. The most serious incident involved a wooden boat with at least 300 passengers which sank off the Greek island of [...]
Refugee camps and xenophobic attacks cause alarm in Southern Africa Another xenophobic attack in South Africa and refugees on the move across the Malawi border is a major cause for concern, according to UN agencies in the region. More than 100 refugees fled into Malawi from Mozambique in July, following clashes between government forces and [...]
No improvement in human rights situation in DPRK There has been "no significant improvements over the last 15 years" in the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). That's according to the UN's Special Rapporteur on human rights in the country, who has presented his findings in a report to the [...]
Culture of "denial and silence" around sexual violence must be broken The "culture of denial and silence" around sexual violence against women in conflict must be broken according to a leading UN expert. Zainab Bangura, the UN's Special Representative on sexual violence in conflict, was the keynote speaker at a recent gathering in New York. [...]
The UN Secretary-General has said he is encouraged that leaders from five "critically important" countries will meet this week to address the ongoing crisis in Syria. Foreign Ministers from the United States and several Middle Eastern and European countries will hold talks in Vienna on Friday. Nearly five years of fighting in Syria has killed [...]
Upcoming elections in Myanmar should take place in an environment that encourages participation by all sectors in society, an expert on the country's human rights situation has said. UN Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee said respect for human rights must be at the heart of the process. The South Korean law professor this week presented her [...]
The release of civilians in Nigeria who had been kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorist group has been welcomed by UN. Nigerian troops rescued 338 people, mostly women and children, who were reportedly being held in the north-east of the West African country. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is providing support. Cristina Silverio has been [...]
The number of women in Central America and Mexico fleeing gang violence is rising at an alarming rate, fuelling a new refugee crisis in the region. That's the conclusion of a new report from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), called "Women on the Run". In early 2014, thousands of children escaping gang violence [...]
The "culture of denial and silence" around sexual violence against women in conflict must be broken according to a leading UN expert. Zainab Bangura, the UN's Special Representative on sexual violence in conflict, was the keynote speaker at a gathering at the organization's headquarters this week. The event was billed as an opportunity for Ms [...]
Educating young athletes about the dangers of performance enhancing drugs is the key to eradicating doping in sports. That's according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which is hosting a two-day conference on the subject. UNESCO said prohibited substances not only cause health problems; they also undermine fairness and ethics in sports. [...]
Europe needs "migrant-sensitive" health systems The continued flow of refugees and migrants in Europe means the region must develop health systems that are "migrant-sensitive" to deal with the diverse health issues of people in transit. That's according to the regional director for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab. Many migrants and refugees [...]
Three new cases of Ebola disease have been confirmed in Guinea in the past week, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Latest data from the UN health agency shows that all of the new cases had been identified as "high-risk contacts" before they contracted the virus, and that they had links to a known [...]
Effective social dialogue between governments, workers and employers can improve compliance and produce better workplaces. That's according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), which says social dialogue includes all types of negotiation, consultation and an open exchange of information between partners. Peter Forster spoke to Youcef Ghellab, the head of the ILO's Social Dialogue and [...]
The Saudi Ambassador to the UN said his country's planes could not have carried out an attack on Monday on a Yemini hospital, run by an international medical charity. He was speaking after the Security Council met on Wednesday, to discuss humanitarian assistance to civilians in the war-torn country. Matthew Wells reports: In a meeting [...]
Security Council concerned about Burundi violence The UN Security Council has expressed concern over growing insecurity and continued violence in Burundi. Political unrest has killed more than 190 people there since April and caused more than 200,000 citizens to flee to neighbouring countries. In a statement, Council members made note of the increase in human [...]
Good governance is essential to combat terrorism, the UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday. Ban Ki-moon was speaking at a conference in Madrid on preventing and countering violent extremism. A March 2004 terrorist attack in the Spanish capital killed 191 people and wounded 1,800 more. Dianne Penn reports. Mr Ban said extremist groups, such as ISIL [...]
There has been "no significant improvements over the last 15 years" in the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). That's according to the UN's Special Rapporteur on human rights in the country, who has presented his findings in a report to the UN General Assembly. Veronica Reeves spoke with Special [...]
More than half a billion people worldwide are infected with the virus that causes genital herpes, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. The agency and its partners are working to speed up development of vaccines and other medicines to prevent future infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. Dianne Penn reports. The herpes simplex virus [...]
Only a "political settlement" between the Sudanese government and armed opposition will allow millions to return home in Darfur. That's according a the senior UN official briefing the Security Council on Wednesday. Assistant Secretary-General Edmond Mulet, briefed members on the stat e of the joint UN and African Union operation in Darfur (UNAMID). Matthew Wells [...]
Although the number of people dying from tuberculosis has dropped by nearly half since 1990, the disease killed more than one million people last year. That's according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) which highlights the need to close gaps in detection, treatment and funding. Dianne Penn reports. The report shows that [...]
The UN mission in Libya, UNSMIL, is calling for calm following reports of a deadly helicopter crash west of Tripoli on Tuesday. All passengers on board, who included military personnel, were reportedly killed. Dianne Penn reports. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has issued a statement urging all sides in the country to exercise [...]
The President of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Mahmoud Abbas, appealed to the UN on Wednesday to help stop the violence there, or else risk an "explosion" by his people that would have "grave consequences" for everyone. In a special address to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Mr Abbas said that peace was still [...]
Include the disabled more in social protection schemes: human rights expert Well-designed social protection schemes are essential to promoting the independence, inclusion and participation of disabled people, according to a human rights expert. UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of the disabled, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, is urging countries to make their social protection schemes more [...]
Lack of medical professionals is a problem in Myanmar, with only 1.3 health workers for every 1,000 persons according to the United Nations. But a technology company there is putting health care in the palms of people's hands. Koe Koe Tech has developed mobile phone applications (or "apps") for the health sector, including one that [...]
Condemnation for airstrike on Yemen hospital The United Nations has condemned airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen which completely destroyed a hospital and injured several people in Sa'dah governorate on Monday. The Hayadeen Medical Hospital was run by Médecins Sans Frontières with support from the UN children's agency, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. [...]
The United Nations resolution passed on Tuesday, condemning the US embargo against Cuba, ignores the new "spirit of engagement", said a senior US official. The US was one of only two countries voting against the General Assembly resolution. It was the 24th year in a row that the blockade has been criticized at the UN, [...]
The pace of civilian displacement across Syria "remains relentless". That's according to the UN's Humanitarian Affairs chief, briefing the Security Council on Tuesday. Stephen O'Brien said the number of Syrian civilians needing protection had increased by 1.2m so far this year. Syria's bloody civil war erupted in 2011 and around 250,000 people have been killed. [...]
Natural disasters have killed half a million people in Asia and the Pacific over the past decade, according to a UN report released on Tuesday. The majority of these incidents are also cross-border, such as the earthquake in Afghanistan on Monday which also affected Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. The report says achieving sustainable development [...]
More than 2,600 killed in Yemen since March Conflict in Yemen continues to take a devastating toll on civilians, with an estimated 2,615 people killed since March, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has reported. Yemen has been engulfed in fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels. The UN Human Rights Office said of those [...]
Although Yemen is facing a deadly conflict and humanitarian crisis, 70,000 people have sought refuge in the country so far this year, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday. More than half had arrived since fighting erupted in March. Dianne Penn reports. The 70,000 refugees, asylum seekers and migrants mostly came from Ethiopia and [...]
A massive cholera vaccination campaign starts this week in Iraq, UN health experts announced Tuesday, while warning of the need to be on "high alert" for an outbreak of the disease in Syria. The World Health Organization (WHO) has registered nearly 2,000 cases of infection in Iraq, where two people have also died after contracting [...]
Time "is running out" to help people trapped in the rubble nearly 48 hours after a massive earthquake struck the mountainous border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan, UN experts said Tuesday. The bleak assessment by the UN disaster risk reduction agency, UNISDR, after the 7.5 magnitude tremor highlights the need for more governments to implement [...]
Authorities in Australia and the Pacific Ocean state of Nauru faced calls on Tuesday to help a Somali woman who was allegedly raped on the tiny island nation, amid concerns about her fragile mental and physical condition. UN human rights office, OHCHR, said that the woman, who's identified only as "Abyan", is now 15 weeks pregnant [...]
Indigenous peoples can play a critical role in the fight against hunger, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Given their invaluable traditional knowledge, the FAO says indigenous peoples can be key partners in alleviating food insecurity, as well as the attainment of some of the other sustainable development goals. Veronica Reeves spoke [...]
Women in 250 villages in Pakistan provide literally the light of their communities. They have been trained to operate solar lanterns which they then rent to their neighbours, thus allowing the women to earn an income while providing a much-needed service. Fiza Farhan is co-founder and CEO of the Buskh Foundation which is addressing energy [...]
A political vacuum leading to a "climate of paranoia" helps encourage religious persecution and violence. That's according to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Heiner Bielefeldt. He has been reporting on abuses committed in the name of religion, during the past year, especially as they affect religious minorities, women and children. [...]
UN at the ready, following Afghan earthquake United Nations agencies are mobilizing and are ready to support Afghanistan and Pakistan in the wake of an earthquake, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said. The magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Badakshan province in the far northeast of Afghanistan on Monday, with shocks being felt in the capital, Kabul, [...]
Europe can't be divided and leave refugees to fend for themselves in winter, said the president of the European Union on Sunday night. Jean-Claude Juncker was speaking at a special summit of European leaders along with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the EU border agency. The meeting of eleven EU countries and Balkan neighbours [...]
Negotiations aimed at ending the bloodshed in Yemen will soon get underway, aimed at restoring peace to the beleaguered country. That's according to the UN's Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheik Ahmed, who briefed the Security Council late last week on the situation there. The conflict is taking "a dreadful toll" on civilians, with [...]
UN officials condemn deadly attack on Afghan human rights workers The killing of two human rights workers in Afghanistan has been condemned by the United Nations as "disgraceful" and "an atrocity." The employees with the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission died when a minibus transporting its staff was struck by a remote-controlled improvised explosive [...]
Eating red meat is "probably" likely to cause cancer, while processed meat is a definite carcinogen, UN health experts announced Monday. Among the cancer-causing meats are everyday favourites such as sliced ham, sausages and canned meat, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Twenty-two experts from 10 countries [...]
A surge in attacks has been reported against people with albinism in several African countries in the run-up to national elections, a UN human rights expert has warned. Ikponwosa Ero, the first UN independent defender of the rights of persons with albinism, whose skin, hair and eyes lack colour because of a genetic disorder, has [...]
Israel's decision to uphold the status quo at holy sites in Jerusalem has been welcomed by the UN Secretary-General. Known as Temple Mount to Jews and Haram al Sharif to Muslims, the sites have been the focus of recent violence between the two sides. Dianne Penn reports. Mr Ban noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [...]
A UN team has been deployed to South Sudan to assess the country's human rights situation following reports of violations and abuses committed by both sides in the conflict there. South Sudan celebrated four years of independence in July, but political crisis between the President and his former deputy has led to the deaths of [...]
Coffee farming is helping indigenous people in the Philippines to protect the environment, preserve their ancestral lands and secure their financial future. They are doing so through an organization called Coffee for Peace, one of the winners of a UN-backed award that celebrates innovation. Coffee for Peace began eight years ago on the southern island [...]
The political dynamics in the areas that once made up the former Yugoslavia remain "extremely complicated". That's the assessment of Serge Brammertz, Prosecutor of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, who recently returned from a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The trip was part of the preparatory work ahead of the Prosecutor's twice-yearly report [...]
Poverty has fallen dramatically in Belarus, but some groups remain vulnerable, particularly single-parent households, families with more than three children and the elderly. That's according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Around 14% of the Belarus population is 65 or over. UNFPA says these older people are particularly susceptible to domestic violence. The agency's [...]
Rural women in Afghanistan's Bamyan province are using a traditional craft to weave a brighter future for their families. By making rugs for which they receive a decent income, the women have been able to "lift their families from poverty" as well as change attitudes about women's value to the community. That's according to Connie [...]
It's a special day at the United Nations, as the organization celebrates 70 years since its founding. The festivities kicked off last night at UN headquarters in New York with a special concert featuring several world-renowned musical performers. Other events are taking place in communities, cities and nations around the world. Veronica Reeves has more on [...]
It's the responsibility of all nation states to prevent atrocities, said the President of the UN General Assembly on Friday. Speaking at the launch of an initiative which aims to prevent mass atrocities and genocide, Mogens Lykketoft said the voluntary code of conduct would put pressure on the UN Security Council to improve its response. [...]
"Rapidly-worsening" security conditions in Burundi Security conditions are worsening in Burundi, while human rights violations increase, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). A spokesperson for OHCHR said they were "particularly shocked" at the summary execution of nine people earlier this month, reportedly by police forces in the capital, [...]
New York's famed Harlem neighbourhood meets South Korea on Friday evening as the celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations get underway. For decades, Harlem has been home to African-American culture. In a unique collaboration, Harlem Gospel Choir is performing with the Korean Broadcasting System Traditional Orchestra. Daniel Dickinson reports from UN [...]
The most desperate time for migrants and refugees who have arrived in Europe may be yet to come. With the first winter weather arriving in Central and South Eastern Europe, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is urgently distributing coats, blankets and other basic winter items to the hundreds of thousands of people who've arrived in [...]
The more than 40,000 cases of people worldwide who have been arrested, detained or abducted against their will represent human beings, not numbers, a UN human rights expert has said. Bernard Duhaime is vice-chair of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. One of its main tasks is to assist families in determining [...]
The Gulf state of Yemen is ablaze and facing a catastrophic situation as the civil war there continues. That's the assessment of a senior United Nations envoy to the country, who on Friday briefed the UN Security Council. Daniel Dickinson reports. The civil war in Yemen shows few signs of abating. The conflict between the [...]
The level of incitement to violence in Palestine and Israel, fuelling the current conflict, has been "utterly unacceptable" said the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was speaking at UN headquarters on Friday, following his return from a three-day visit to the region, in an effort to restore calm. Almost daily attacks by Palestinians on Jews in [...]
Conditions deteriorate fast for Yemini civilians Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating fast for civilians in the Yemini city of Taiz, following indiscriminate shelling. According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at least fifteen civilians were killed and 73 injured after shells fell in a residential area of the city. Eye-witnesses said that the [...]
Political and community leaders in Tanzania are being urged by the United Nations to respect the rights of citizens as they head to the polls this weekend. Tanzanians will elect a new President, parliamentarians and local government councillors in general elections on Sunday. Assumpta Massoi spoke with the UN representative in the country, Alvaro Rodriguez. [...]
The 70th anniversary of the United Nations is an opportunity to reflect – to look back on the UN's history and take stock of its enduring achievements. This slideshow, comprised of 70 photos set to an inspiring musical score, takes you on a journey through some of the most important and historic moments and milestones [...]
The story of former African slaves who led a revolt over British rule in Jamaica "had to be told" according to the producer of a movie celebrating the historical event. “Queen Nanny: Legendary Maroon Chieftainess” recounts the story of the one-time leader of the Maroons, the group that fought the British Empire for their freedom. [...]
An online portal for victims of terrorism represents the "impressive dual achievement" of acknowledging their suffering as a human rights abuse while also providing practical information to support their recovery. That's the assessment of Alfred Schandlbauer, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism at the Organization of American States (OAS). The [...]
Women living longer but still face serious challenges worldwide Women around the world are living longer than ever, but still face formidable challenges when it comes to issues of equality. That's just one of the findings of a new report on the lives of women released by the United Nations on Tuesday. The "World's Women [...]
Stepping up the fight against cholera worldwide The fight against deadly outbreaks of cholera in Africa and the Middle East, is being stepped up by the World Health Organization (WHO). Close to eleven thousand cases of the deadly disease, including 170 deaths have been reported, in countries including Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Democratic Republic of the [...]
More than US$105 million pledged for Somali refugees More than US$105 million has been pledged at an international conference designed to help support Somali refugees. The money will be used to help millions of displaced Somalis while also increasing the security and resilience of neighbouring host countries. In opening the event, the head of the [...]
"Never, never any justification for murder," Deputy Secretary-General tells Security Council There is "never, never any justification for murder", the UN Security Council has been told by the UN Deputy Secretary-General. The Council met Thursday on the escalating violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories. Nearly 60 people, the majority of them Palestinian, have been [...]
The work of a gynaecologist who treats rape victims who have been subjected to sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the focus of a film which has just been released. ‘The Man Who Mends Women’ tells the story of Dr Denis Mukwege. In 1999, the doctor set up a clinic [...]
Urgent access is needed to South Sudanese civilians caught up in their country's civil war, according to UN agencies working on the ground there. Fighting between troops loyal to the South Sudanese president, and opposing forces loyal to his former deputy, has been raging for nearly two years. Nearly four million people are facing extreme [...]
The treatment of migrants and refugees arriving in the Czech Republic has been described by the UN Human Rights Commissioner as a "systematic" human rights violation. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein also accused the Czech authorities of detaining people in "degrading" conditions. Daniel Dickinson reports. The strongly worded statement from the High Commissioner comes as European [...]
There is "never, never any justification for murder", the UN Security Council has been told by the UN Deputy Secretary-General. The Council met Thursday on the escalating violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem. More than 50 people, the majority of them Palestinian, have been killed in the latest round of violence [...]
Reduce tensions at holy sites, urges Secretary-General Tensions at holy sites in Israel and the Occupied Territories need to be reduced, said the UN Secretary-General on the final day of his emergency visit to the region. Ban Ki-Moon was speaking after meeting King Abdullah of Jordan in Amman. Previously he visited top politicians in Israel [...]
The Great Wall of China and the Palace in Monaco have joined a growing list of famous landmarks that will be lit for the "Turn the World UN Blue" campaign. Well over 200 landmarks in more than 60 countries will be bathed in blue lights on Saturday, 24 October to mark 70 years since the [...]
As many as seven million people worldwide die each year from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases associated with indoor or outdoor air pollution. That's according to the World Health Organization (WHO) which is calling for stronger action to reduce the impact of diesel, "dirty" household fuels such as coal and kerosene, and other types of what it [...]
You can't hijack Libya's peace process, hardliners told "Hardliners" will not be allowed to "hijack" Libya's stalled peace-process, according to the chief UN mediator there. UN Special Representative, Bernadino Leon, was responding to the refusal of some lawmakers from rival governments in the strife-ridden country, to accept a power-sharing arrangement. The UN-brokered deal is seen [...]
Reducing the number of women in jail around the world needs to become a bigger priority, according to a panel meeting at the United Nations this week. Women face discrimination, and censure if they end up in prison, the event heard, regardless of where they live. The event here at UN headquarters in New York, [...]
More than US$105 million pledged for Somali refugees More than US$105 million has been pledged at an international conference designed to help support Somali refugees. The conference held jointly between the United Nations and European Union was held Wednesday in Belgium. In opening the event, the head of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on-going [...]
Although women are outpacing men in achieving higher levels of education, they are still more likely to pursue the humanities as opposed to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. That's according to the World's Women 2015, a UN report which looks at how women worldwide are faring in eight critical areas such as health, education, work, [...]
"Time is not on the side of peace," said the UN Secretary-General on Wednesday, during his second day of meetings to try and diffuse mounting violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories. Speaking in Ramallah after meeting Palestinian President Abbas, Ban Ki-Moon said that the UN would continue to support efforts towards a negotiated two-state [...]
Support Myanmar's children through religious tolerance The leaders of Myanmar's four main religions have issued a statement calling for greater religious tolerance, for the sake of the country's children. It's been welcomed by the UN. The joint statement released by spiritual leaders from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim communities, said that respect for religious [...]
The world faces a crisis over the way it has managed migration according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Over the last year humanitarian emergencies and conflict across the world have led to the worst displacement since the Second World War. Daniel Dickinson reports. In 2015 alone, more than 650,000 people have fled [...]
The important role nuclear power could play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the focus of a new report released by the UN Nuclear Agency, the IAEA. The Climate Change and Nuclear Power 2015 report studies the various designs of nuclear power plants in relation to their greenhouse gas emissions. The report comes six-weeks before [...]
Much-needed aid has got through to the Donetsk region of Ukraine for the first time in three months, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP). All humanitarian aid was suspended in July to areas in the east, not controlled by the Ukrainian government and its armed forces. Matthew Wells reports: So far, nearly five [...]
50,000 people displaced from Syrian city The number of people displaced from the Syrian city of Aleppo and its surroundings has risen to an estimated 50,000. Residents have been fleeing their homes following renewed military offensives. Here's the UN Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq. "People need tents, water services, basic household kits and cooked meals. Our [...]
The UN Security Council must exercise greater transparency and effectiveness in the face of a multitude of worldwide challenges. That was the message from dozens of speakers Tuesday during the Council's annual debate on its working methods. The Security Council is made of up 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent member states and has the lead [...]
Israel and Palestine stand on the brink of a "catastrophic" period of violence, said the UN Secretary Ban Ki-Moon. Mr Ban, flew to the region on Tuesday, to help stem unrest there, and urge a return to negotiations. Matthew Wells has more: Violent clashes began a month ago over tensions surrounding access to a holy [...]
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, the Dag Hammarskjöld Library is presenting an exploration of the seventy key documents that have shaped the United Nations and our world. The 70 Years, 70 Documents exhibit can also be viewed on the first floor of the Dag Hammarskjöld Library building, in New York, until [...]
Women around the world are living longer than ever, but still face formidable challenges when it comes to issues of equality. That's just one of the findings of a new report on the lives of women released by the United Nations on Tuesday. The "World's Women 2015" report takes a comprehensive view of the state [...]
The number of refugees and migrants arriving in Greece this year has surpassed the half-million mark, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday. The agency said that the current spike in arrivals to Greece from countries including Syria and Afghanistan, was putting huge pressure on the Greek islands. UNHCR's Ron Redmond has been to [...]
Act fast to avoid "a broader crisis" urges Secretary General The UN Secretary General is visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and urged leaders to "act fast", in order to avoid "a broader crisis." Ban Ki-Moon, flew to the region on Tuesday, to help stem violent unrest across the region. Violent clashes began a [...]
A proposal to change the status of one of Judaism's most holy sites has been deplored by the head of the UN cultural agency, UNESCO. The proposal to alter the heritage status of the Western Wall in Jerusalem has been put before the Executive Board of UNESCO. Daniel Dickinson reports. Six Arab countries reportedly submitted [...]
Music, art and a first-of-its-kind lightshow are being planned around the world to mark 70 years since the founding of the United Nations. This Saturday, 24 October, is UN Day. The organization will celebrate its 7th decade with a series of events that will criss-cross the globe. Veronica Reeves reports that no matter what region [...]
Show "global solidarity" and compassion over refugees Europe's leaders need to show more global solidarity and compassion for the thousands of refugees flocking to their borders, said the UN Secretary General on Monday. Speaking to reporters at a humanitarian centre in Slovakia, Ban Ki-moon thanked those governments which had already taken in so many refugees. [...]
Globally, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads, taking an "unacceptable toll" on communities. That's according to a newly released report from the World Health Organization (WHO), which says that people in developing countries are disproportionately suffering from preventable deaths on the roads. WHO's annual road safety report does offer some glimmer of [...]
If there’s one country that exemplifies the difficulty in transforming mineral wealth into inclusive growth, it’s the Democratic Republic of Congo; that's according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF’s latest annual economic assessment indicates while growth rates in the African country for 2014 were as high as 9.2 per cent, the poverty rate [...]
Road deaths still too high around the world. The high loss of life caused by road crashes around the world is unacceptable" according to a new UN agency report. Globally, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads, says the annual road safety report, from the World Health Organisation (WHO) published on Monday. The [...]
An appeal has been launched to help reach children in outlying areas of the Philippines, which have been battered by Typhoon Koppu since Sunday morning. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has appealed for US$2.8 million in extra aid to help ensure that all children who might be affected are safe, and to replenish much-needed supplies. [...]
The US is deeply committed to the UN cultural organisation, UNESCO, Secretary of State John Kerry has said, despite an on-going rift with the US Congress over funding. He spoke at the organisation's headquarters in Paris, and said that the Obama administration would work with Congress to try and restore funding, after legislators cut off [...]
The UN Secretary-General is due to meet the leaders of Israel and the Palestinians to break what he called the "cycle of violence and fear" Violence has recently escalated in the region which has led to the death of dozens of people on both sides. Daniel Dickinson reports. On Tuesday the UN chief, Ban Ki-moon [...]
The number of people suffering from dementia worldwide is increasing, according to the United Nations. An estimated 44 million people suffer from the disease, which affects brain function, often leading to disability. The UN Economic Commission for Europe has released a detailed policy brief on dementia, and is calling for more to be done to [...]
The powerful image of young children holding lanterns at a refugee settlement in Lebanon has been selected as a winning entry in a photo competition organized by the Beirut UN information centre. The photo captioned "Hope, Life and Free Energy" was submitted by a young amateur photographer as part of activities organized around the 70th [...]
The role local communities can play in development has been stressed by the UN Secretary-General. Speaking in Slovakia, Ban Ki-moon urged the eastern European country to "own" the global development goals agreed by world leaders in September. Daniel Dickinson reports. World leaders signed up to the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs at the [...]
Nuclear experts are gathering at the UN in Vienna, Austria to discuss how to best prepare for and respond to a nuclear or radiological emergency. The International Conference on Global Emergency Preparedness and Response, known as EPR, will look at the lessons learned from the Fukushima disaster in Japan in 2011. More than 100,000 people [...]
Countries of the European Union have been urged by a UN expert to prevent trafficking and protect the rights of people at risk. An unprecedented number of people are fleeing to Europe from the Middle East and Africa to escape insecurity and persecution. Many are being transported illegally by people smugglers. Daniel Dickinson reports. The [...]
The UN Secretary-General has spoken of his "very heavy heart" after meeting with refugees in Rome. Around 60 million people around the world have been displaced by conflict and insecurity. Many have arrived recently in Europe. Daniel Dickinson reports More than half a million people have arrived in Europe so far this year, many making [...]
The world community needs to focus greater attention on the excluded and marginalized members of the human family, the United Nations Secretary-General has said. The UN estimates that globally more than 900 million people continue to live in extreme poverty. Daniel Dickinson reports. In a statement to mark the International Day for the Eradication of [...]
Half a million children under age five in Yemen at risk of severe malnutrition Over 500,000 children under age five are at risk of severe acute malnutrition in Yemen, according to the UN Children's Agency, UNICEF. One in eight children is at risk of severe malnutrition, a threefold increase since March. UNICEF says Yemen's alarming [...]
Unaccompanied child migrants and refugees are increasingly vulnerable to abuse, as the European winter approaches, according to a UN spokesperson. Christopher Boulierac, of the UN Children's Agency (UNICEF) said the number of children travelling alone from countries like Syria and Afghanistan was increasing. He said European countries they were travelling through, were being overwhelmed, but [...]
An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was held on Friday to address the continuing violent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Tensions rose in September, over Palestinian concerns that Israel was planning to change visiting rules for the Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, a site revered by both Muslims and Jews. The Israeli government [...]
Local solutions key to unlocking global progress The important role of local communities for global development has been highlighted by the UN Secretary-General at the Third World Forum on Local Economic Development in Turin, Italy. Participants at this week's forum discussed how local communities can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the new [...]
The number of people arriving in Greece by boat surged this week, leaving the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) struggling to cope. On Wednesday alone, some 85 boats arrived on the Greek island of Lesbos. At one point violence broke out at a crowded registration site on the island, forcing the evacuation of UNHCR staff members. [...]
Two new cases of Ebola have been identified in Guinea, bringing to an end a two-week period without any fresh infections in west Africa, the UN health agency announced Friday. World Health Organization (WHO) said the development was expected, and that there are still up to 150 so-called "high risk" contacts requiring monitoring in the [...]
Investments need to be made in agriculture if the world's poorest people are to get enough to eat according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The UN estimates that around 800 million people are currently undernourished. On World Food Day, marked on 16 October each year, the UN is urging governments to spend [...]
Efforts to help the people of Somalia rebuild their country need to be stepped up with the international community's help, the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, said Friday. Of more than one million Somali refugees, nearly 5,000 have returned to the country since December 2014, despite ongoing insecurity and a lack of prospects, UNHCR says. Now [...]
The international community is being urged to find the political will to help break the cycle of poverty by promoting the new global development goal on hunger. The UN says, 800 million people around the still do not get enough to eat. In September, 17 new targets were agreed to eradicate hunger by 2030. On [...]
Twenty-fifteen is a critical year for the UN which needs to find "new ways of working" if it's to meet ambitious development goals, according to the head of the United Nations in Geneva. Michael Moller, Director-General of the UN in the Swiss city, made his comments as the organisation prepares to mark its 70th anniversary [...]
Africa's "ambitious agenda" backed by UN Africa's plan to create a free trade zone across the continent will be fully supported by the UN, according to a senior official working on the deal. Senior politicians have set a target of 2017, for the Continental Free Trade Agreement to be implemented. It's one of the top [...]
Ceasefire agreement in Myanmar welcomed The nationwide ceasefire agreement signed by the Government of Myanmar, the country's defence forces and several armed groups has been welcomed by the UN Secretary-General. The UN chief said the agreement marked an important step in advancing national reconciliation and consolidating the reform process in the country. Myanmar has grappled [...]
“Positive trajectory” for humanitarian situation in Pakistan The humanitarian situation in Pakistan is showing a "positive trajectory" despite an ongoing crisis, according to a senior UN official who just returned from visiting the country. Five million Pakistanis have been displaced by conflict in recent years, but many are now returning home. The country is also [...]
Landmark resolution on women, peace and security turns 15 In October 2000, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1325 which stresses the important role women have in conflict resolution, peace negotiations and UN peacekeeping efforts. "1325," as it is known, has been called a landmark as it reflected a change in the way the [...]
Five new non-permanent members have been elected to serve on the UN Security Council from next year, with Japan and Ukraine the countries to watch, says the co-editor of a new book on its role. The other nations with seats from January for a period of two years, are Egypt, Senegal and Uruguay. But the [...]
Five new countries have been elected to non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council. Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay were elected Thursday to take up two-year positions on the Council starting January 2016. They all ran unopposed and will now join the other five non-permanent countries currently serving on the Council, as well as [...]
UN honours murdered staff member in Afghanistan The UN mission in Afghanistan has paid tribute to a staff member murdered in the country earlier this week. Toopaki Ulfat was remembered for her dedication to helping the most vulnerable in Afghanistan, including women and children. Ms Ulfat worked for more than five years for the UN [...]
The international community is being urged to put commitments to gender equality into action by ensuring that development assistance to post-conflict countries also reaches women on the ground. The appeal was made by Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, the Special Envoy on Gender at the African Development Bank (ADB). Ms Fraser-Moleketi, who is from South Africa, was a [...]
Talks to decide the future of Yemen could take place before the end of October despite the "deep mistrust" between those involved, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, said Thursday. Insisting that there's a "strong logic" for the talks to start now, Mr Eliasson highlighted how recent advances by terrorist groups threatened to destabilize [...]
Too few people are washing their hands with soap, resulting in serious risks to young people, according to the UN Children's Agency, UNICEF. As the world marks Global Handwashing Day on Thursday, UNICEF is calling for improvements in hygiene, including better access to water and sanitation. Veronica Reeves has the story. Describing it as one [...]
Information technology should focus less on business and more on civil society, according to one media guru, speaking at the UN's major telecoms conference this week. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the UN's specialist agency for information and communications technologies, and delegates are gathering in Hungary from all over the world, to discuss core [...]
Children's situations in conflict zones worsening due to "increasing disregard for international law" An "increasing disregard for international law" in many conflict situations around the world has led to a worsening of the plight of children. That's according to the UN's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui. In her annual report to [...]
"Invest in agriculture" to beat climate change Investments in food security and agriculture should be at the centre of debates on climate change, according to a top UN official. Speaking at the Committee on World Food Security in Rome, the Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), warned that failure to do [...]
Constant security threats and funding shortfalls are hampering the UN's work in Somalia. That, according to the UN's head of field support, who briefed the UN Security Council Wednesday. The Horn of Africa country has experienced turmoil for more than two decades, since its government collapsed in 1991. More now, from Veronica Reeves. With the [...]
Cultivation of opium poppies, the plant used to manufacture heroin, has dropped by 19 per cent year-on-year, according to a UN survey released on Wednesday. Afghanistan has provided the majority of the world's opium production since the early 1990s, and last year it rose to a record level, the United Nations Office on Drugs and [...]
The expression "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never harm me!" has been used by generations of English-speaking children as a defence against insults. But teasing, taunting and other forms of bullying can indeed harm children, say experts meeting at the United Nations on Wednesday. Dianne Penn reports on global efforts [...]
Smaller companies need to change the way they work, particularly in poorer countries, to ensure that employees aren't left behind by future economic gains, UN experts said Wednesday. Pointing to a large productivity gap between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and bigger companies, the International Trade Centre (ITC) says numerous obstacles stand in the way [...]
More than 100 million people worldwide are in need of humanitarian assistance — a "staggering" number, according to the UN's top humanitarian official. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O'Brien was speaking at the opening of the global consultations ahead of the World Humanitarian Summit. The Summit is due to take place next May in [...]
There's "no safety for women" in Iraq, according to the founder of a network which operates underground shelters there for female survivors of abuse. Yanar Mohammed, addressed the UN Security Council at an open debate to mark the 15th anniversary of a resolution on women, peace and security. She founded the Organization of Women's Freedom [...]
The humanitarian situation in Pakistan has a "positive trajectory" despite an ongoing crisis, according to a senior UN official who has just visited the country. Five million Pakistanis have been displaced by conflict in recent years, but many are now returning home. The country is also sheltering Afghan refugees who have fled insecurity over the [...]
Violence in occupied Palestinian territories "deeply alarming" The UN agency for Palestine Refugees, UNRWA, has expressed deep alarm over the escalating violence and widespread loss of civilian life in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. Near-daily attacks have left dozens of Israeli and Palestinians dead or wounded over the last several weeks. UNRWA has [...]
The release of a report into the crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 issued by the Dutch Safety Board has been welcomed by the United Nations chief. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to the 298 victims of the air disaster and said from the very beginning, the United Nations had supported efforts to find out [...]
The subordination of women is increasingly at the centre of extremist ideology around the world, according to the author of a report on the implementation of a landmark UN resolution. Security Council Resolution 1325, which was adopted 15 years ago, addresses the excessive impact of war on women. It also highlights the role that women [...]
Social protection is emerging as a critical tool in the drive to eradicate hunger, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Still, despite the success of social protection schemes, the vast majority of the world’s rural poor are yet to have such programmes made available to them. Social protection initiatives include cash transfers, public [...]
Social protection is emerging as a critical tool in the drive to end hunger, although the vast majority of the world's rural poor are yet to be covered. That's according to this year's State of Food and Agriculture Report (SOFA 2015) released by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). SOFA 2015 details the impact [...]
Fifteen years ago this month, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution focusing on the link between gender equality and international peace and security. More than 100 countries are taking stock of progress on resolution 1325 which stresses the important role women have in conflict resolution, peace negotiations and UN peacekeeping efforts. Dianne Penn [...]
A significant drop in the cost of global shipping in the last 20 years has not been passed on to developing countries, despite the fact that they are driving the world's economy, UN economists said Tuesday. The finding, which is highlighted in a UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) review of maritime transport, also [...]
Belarus elections peaceful, but neither free nor fair: UN Special Rapporteur Recent elections in Belarus were largely peaceful, despite the fact they were neither free nor fair. That's according to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country. Protests did take place following last Sunday's presidential election, but were not [...]
Recognition from the UN for helping to alleviate the risk of flooding was met with joy and pride on Tuesday, in the English city of Salford. The historic city in the north of England was one of eight communities recognised as Champions of Disaster Risk Reduction, by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, based [...]
Transitioning to a "green" economy will require a buy-in from governments, businesses and employees, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The UN agency has been studying how to ensure a "just transition" to economic growth that provides decent jobs and is also environmentally sustainable. Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo, the Minister of Labour, Human Resources and [...]
Tens of thousands of people displaced by fighting in Chad are living in a "war zone" after a double suicide attack at the weekend that left at least 47 dead and dozens injured, the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, said Tuesday. According to UNHCR, Saturday's attack was carried out by women and children and was the [...]
Although Africa is on the path to economic development and greater integration, conflict continues to be a "big obstacle" to progress, according to a senior officer with a regional organization on the continent. Daniel Yifru Sentayehu, Senior Peace and Security Adviser at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), is in New York for Africa Week [...]
Peaceful elections in Guinea welcomed by UN Secretary-General A peaceful first round of presidential elections in Guinea has been welcomed by the UN Secretary-General. The UN chief has encouraged all political leaders and stakeholders to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed on election day as the country awaits the final results. In the run-up to [...]
Africans are demanding, and in fact, deserve a better future. That's according to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who helped kick off the organization's annual Africa Week on Monday. The week of events celebrate the continent's social, economic, political and environmental development. Veronica Reeves has the story. Africa Week is designed to showcase the many advancements taking [...]
Unmanned-drones used for civilian protection could be taking to the skies of South Sudan following changes to the UN mission's mandate there. The world's youngest nation has been wracked by civil war for the past 18 months, which has left thousands dead, and displaced more than two million people. More than 200,000 civilians are currently [...]
It's all about Africa as Africa Week kicks off this Monday at UN Headquarters in New York. During this special week the UN showcases the continent's advancement. It's also an opportunity to look at ongoing and emerging challenges. Raul De Melo Cabral is Director of the Advocacy Branch in the Office of the UN Special [...]
The threat of violent extremism is increasing on women and girls around the world, according to the UN agency which deals with gender issues, UN Women. That's one of the findings of a new global study on the implementation of resolution 1325. Daniel Dickinson reports The Security Council resolution which was adopted 15 years ago, [...]
UN staff member assassinated in Afghanistan The assassination of a UN staff member working in Afghanistan has been confirmed by the UN mission in the country, UNAMA. The mission said one of its workers was murdered on Monday in the southern city of Kandahar. Here's the UN Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq. "The Secretary-General's Special [...]
Russian military intervention in the Syria conflict has introduced a "new dynamic" that has made the need to find a diplomatic solution more urgent than ever, UN negotiator Staffan de Mistura said Monday. The UN Special Envoy, who warned of the need to avoid any further escalation of the situation, insisted that Syria's future could [...]
The continued lack of a large-scale, European-wide response to the refugee and migrant crisis is serious cause for concern for the UN Refugee Agency. That's according to the UN Refugee Chief, António Guterres, who was speaking at the conclusion of an official visit to Greece. While there, he thanked country for its efforts to manage [...]
A new approach to combating tuberculosis, or TB, has been announced by UN health experts, who say the mobile phone and the internet are potential key tools in the fight against the killer disease. Under proposals by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partner the European Respiratory Society (ERS), national governments will be encouraged to [...]
A wave of suicide bombings in Chad this weekend which killed more than 30 people and injured dozens has been strongly condemned by the UN Secretary-General. Ban Ki-moon also expressed dismay that young girls reportedly were used to carry out some of the attacks. Dianne Penn reports. The five simultaneous suicide bombings took place on [...]
Africa's plan to create a free trade zone across the continent will be fully supported by the UN, according to a senior official working on African issues. Political leaders have set the target of 2017 for the Continental Free Trade Agreement to be implemented. It's one of the issues that are expected to be discussed [...]
Indigenous people must not be left behind in the push to achieve a sustainable future for all people and the planet, the UN Secretary-General has said. Ban Ki-moon is in the city of Cochabamba, Bolivia, this weekend where he addressed the Peoples World Conference on Climate Change and the Defence of Life which focused on the [...]
Despite global advances, girls continue to suffer discrimination, exclusion and severe disadvantages just for being young and being female, according to the head of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). This Sunday, 11 October, is the fourth International Day of the Girl Child and the focus is on adolescent girls and the new Sustainable Development Goals [...]
A deadly bomb attack during a peaceful gathering in Turkey on Saturday has been condemned by the UN Secretary-General. Nearly 90 people were reportedly killed in the incident, which occurred in the capital, Ankara. Dianne Penn reports. The UN Secretary-General expects the perpetrators of the terrorist bombings to be swiftly brought to justice, according to [...]
A housing crisis is looming which has left at least 100 million people living in homes they cannot afford, the UN has warned. According to a UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) report that covers 56 countries, the problem threatens global Sustainable Development Goals, too. The 2008 financial crisis is believed to be largely responsible [...]
Appeal for calm ahead of Guinea presidential elections The UN Human Rights High Commissioner is appealing for calm ahead of the first round of Presidential elections in Guinea this Sunday. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said his office has received "worrying reports" of violent unrest and looting in the capital, Conakry. Clashes last week between supporters [...]
Finance is central to realizing a sustainable future for all people and the planet, the UN Secretary-General told ministers meeting in Lima, Peru, on Friday. Ban Ki-moon is in the South American country for the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Dianne Penn reports. The UN chief told Finance Ministers [...]
The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to a quartet of Tunisian organizations has been described by the UN in the North African country as amazing and unexpected. The Nobel Committee in Oslo, Norway, said the four civil society groups had made a "decisive contribution to democracy" following a revolution in Tunisia in 2011. Kaouther [...]
Young people have the power to make a lasting impact on ending extreme poverty and addressing climate change, according to the World Bank. Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund are taking place in in Lima, Peru, where issues including the new global development goals are being discussed. World Bank President [...]
Forces of the European Union (EU) have been given the go-ahead by the UN Security Council to intercept and seize vessels operated by people smugglers in the Mediterranean Sea. The UN says some 7,000 migrants are arriving each day on the Greek coastline alone. Many are fleeing persecution and conflict in the Middle East and [...]
The awarding of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize to a group of four civil society organizations that contributed to building democracy in Tunisia has been welcomed by the United Nations. The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet brought together different sectors of society at a time when the democracy process appeared to be in danger of collapsing [...]
Those suffering from mental illness should be empowered to live lives of dignity. That's the focus of this year's World Mental Health Day, which will be commemorated globally on Saturday. The World Health Organization (WHO) is using this year's Mental Health Day to highlight the stigma, discrimination and wide-ranging violations which often strip those with [...]
The UN humanitarian affairs chief has called for a "swift, transparent and impartial investigation" into an attack this week in Yemen which killed nearly 50 members of a wedding party. Stephen O'Brien said the incident is an example of the devastating impact of explosive weapons in the country's conflict between government forces and rebels. Fighting [...]
Libyan leaders urged to agree new unity government Parties in Libya are being urged by the UN Secretary-General to quickly sign an agreement on the country's proposed unity government. Ban Ki-moon has welcomed proposed nominees for the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord which were announced by the UN on Thursday. He called [...]
Around 1.8 million children in Ukraine are at risk of a polio outbreak unless a national vaccination campaign gets under way immediately, UN agencies warned Friday. The appeal, from UN Children's Agency UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) comes six weeks after two children were diagnosed with the disease, which causes paralysis. Neither [...]
News that the European Union-wide refugee resettlement scheme has begun has been welcomed by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR. Nineteen Eritrean asylum-seekers left Italy's Ciampino airport in Rome on Friday morning, bound for Sweden. They'd agreed to be relocated there after arriving by boat to Sicily. Under the EU scheme, participating member states have agreed [...]
A proposal for a unity government in Libya has been announced after nearly a year of negotiations. Bernardino Léon, UN representative for the country, outlined its makeup during a press conference in Morocco on Thursday. Two rival governments have been fighting for power in Libya which has been wracked by turmoil and division since the [...]
Somalia latest country to sign UN child rights treaty Somalia's decision to ratify a UN treaty on children's rights will reignite global commitment to make the world better for children. That's according to Marta Santos Pais, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Violence against Children. Somalia has joined more than 190 countries which have signed [...]
Child malnutrition "challenge" in Sudan Funding constraints and lack of access to communities is hampering delivery of food aid in Sudan where more than two million children under the age of five are malnourished, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, has reported. Malnutrition is a challenge throughout the country but OCHA said some of the [...]
Inquiry into fatal Afghan hospital strikes must be "independent and impartial." The UN strongly condemned the airstrike on a hospital in the Afghan city of Kunduz on Saturday, which left more than 20 people dead. The facility was the only hospital in the war-torn city, where Taliban fighters have been grappling for control with Afghan [...]
We feel forgotten, say Yazidis battling sex-slavery An activist helping girls from the Yazidi minority of Northern Iraq escape sexual enslavement by ISIL fighters worries his people are being forgotten. Thousands of members of the Yazidi community were captured and sold into slavery last year by the terrorist group. At briefing at UN headquarters on [...]
More than 73 million young people are out of work in the world and the number is set to increase amid an uneven global economic recovery, UN labour experts said Thursday. The data, which is released annually by the the International Labour Organization (ILO), shows that global youth unemployment is still well above pre-financial crisis [...]
Aid programmes for Palestinian refugees in the Middle East supported by the UN will continue to face austerity measures, it has been announced. The international community met at UN headquarters in New York on Thursday to discuss funding for UNWRA, the agency which serves five million Palestinian refugees. Its annual budget is around US$750 million. [...]
An audit will be launched into the relationship between the United Nations and two private organizations following the arrest this week of a former UN General Assembly president in connection with an alleged bribery scheme. The announcement was made on Thursday by the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. Dianne Penn reports. The audit will be [...]
Political violence will not be tolerated during this month's elections, said the head of the UN mission in Haiti on Thursday. Briefing the Security Council ahead of the 25 October vote, Sandra Honoré, head of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), also said the mission needed to be extended by at least a year. After [...]
The announcement of a unity government in Libya should be made this Thursday, according to the UN envoy for the country. Bernardino Léon met with parties to the national dialogue during consultations in Morocco on Wednesday. Libya has plagued by factional fighting and a political crisis since the overthrow of President Muammar al-Qhadafi four years ago. [...]
Escalating tensions and violence in the West Bank are an indication of growing frustration and despair due to prolonged occupation, according to the UN Human Rights High Commissioner. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Thursday expressed "extreme concern" over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Recent violent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians have [...]
Ordinary Americans are reaching into their wallets to support the growing number of refugees worldwide. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has launched a first-of-its-kind online campaign designed to solicit donations from the American public. The online platform Kickstarter is hosting the campaign, which raised more than US $1 million to help refugees in just one [...]
Safer schools in earthquake zones The lack of building codes in the world's most dangerous earthquake zones can turn schools into "graveyards for children," the head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) has warned. Margareta Wahlström's comments come in a statement on Thursday marking the 10th anniversary of an earthquake in [...]
Thousands of members of the Yazidi community, which the terrorist group ISIL regards as apostates, were captured and sold into slavery last year. A briefing at UN headquarters on ISIL and its impact on women in Iraq heard testimony from one young victim who had been sold into slavery and then raped. Matthew Wells reports. [...]
The prospect of an end to Ebola could be drawing nearer, after UN health officials announced that for the first time, a whole week has passed in West Africa without any new cases of the killer virus. However, while the development is potentially very promising, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that there is still [...]
Destruction of Syria's chemical weapons stockpile is almost fully complete, the president of the UN Security Council told journalists in New York on Wednesday. Roman Oyarzun Marchesi was speaking after a monthly meeting held in line with a 2013 Council resolution requiring the verification and destruction of the country's chemical weapons. Dianne Penn reports. The [...]
Peacekeeper killed in CAR The UN Secretary-General is calling for swift action to bring to justice the killers of a UN peacekeeper in the Central African Republic (CAR). Ban Ki-moon has condemned the incident and repeated his call for armed groups there to put down their weapons. The peacekeeper was part of a military escort [...]
The opportunity to hold free and fair elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is disappearing according to the UN's most senior official in the country. Voters are due to go to the polls next year, despite continued instability in the east of the country where government FARDC forces struggle to retain law and [...]
The election of the new chief of a global body that assesses the science related to climate change has been welcomed by the UN. Hoesung Lee of the Republic of Korea was this week appointed chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Mr Lee is a professor in the economics of climate change, energy [...]
New rules to help improve the treatment of prisoners around the world, were formally presented at United Nations headquarters on Wednesday. The updated standards – also known as the "Nelson Mandela Rules" – outline standard minimum treatment practices for those who are incarcerated. The Secretary General's representative said they should be seen as a "work [...]
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are being urged to ensure next year's elections are "transparent, credible and inclusive." The appeal was made by Martin Kobler, head of the UN mission in the country, MONUSCO, during a briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday. The DRC is set to hold legislative and [...]
Cuba has been out of bounds for American tourists for more than 50 years due to the US embargo on the Caribbean country, but the number of US visitors is set to grow according to International Monetary Fund (IMF). The recent reestablishment of diplomatic relations could open the floodgates to a generation of tourists [...]
People across the world are being asked to help solve a mystery which has been troubling UN officials. The UN's Dag Hammarskjöld Library recently came across a six different copies of the UN Charter written in languages librarians are unable to identify. The library has launched a public appeal via social media for help in [...]
Some 500 children worldwide are killed every day in road crashes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). For this reason, renowned French film maker Luc Besson has joined UN efforts to make it safer for children to get to and from school. Dianne Penn reports. Luc Besson, director of blockbusters such as 'Lucy' and [...]
Afghan authorities made an appeal at the UN on Wednesday for more than half a billion US dollars to help millions of refugees return home, and bring stability to their country. The call for international funding follows an entreaty from Antonio Guterres, head of the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, to the international community to do [...]
Praise for Brazil's refugee visa programme Brazil's efforts to accommodate people affected by the Syrian conflict have been welcomed as "an important gesture of international solidarity" by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Since 2013, the country's consulates in the Middle East have been issuing so-called "special visas" under simplified procedures which allow asylum seekers to [...]
Urban areas around the world are being encouraged to invest more to reduce risks from flash floods. The call comes from Margareta Wahlström, head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). Recent flash floods have claimed hundreds of lives in Guatemala, the south of France and the southern United States. Dianne Penn reports. [...]
African countries are increasingly turning towards nuclear power to meet their growing energy needs and pull them out of the "dark". That's according to the head of Kenya's Nuclear Electricity Board, one of many African countries where nuclear power is being considered. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says worldwide, more than 30 countries are [...]
Learning new ways to farm will help make hunger a thing of the past, according to a World Bank agricultural development expert. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) are holding their annual meeting in Peru this week, following the adoption of ambitious new global development goals. A so-called "triple win" is possible, meaning [...]
Slower global growth is forecast yet again, in the IMF's latest World Economic Outlook. It's the third time this year the IMF's lowered expectations for overall growth. Advanced economies are likely to show some growth, according to the latest forecast released on Tuesday, but emerging economies are indicating a slowdown. Jennifer Beckman spoke to IMF [...]
Signed agreement only way to end Libya crisis Libyans are being encouraged by the UN Secretary-General to "seize the opportunity" to rebuild their country and confront the urgent challenges facing it. Ban Ki-moon's request comes in the wake of a high-level meeting held last week in the margins of the annual debate in the UN [...]
Policymakers in developed countries need to be proactive to finally bring about a full recovery from the 2008 global financial crisis. That's according to the UN's annual Trade and Development Report released Tuesday, which says that many developed nations need to make bold policy moves to shake off sluggish economic growth. Ana Carmo has the [...]
Allegations of corruption involving a former president of the UN General Assembly have shocked the man at the head of the organization. John Ashe, who presided over the chamber in 2013, was arrested in New York on Tuesday reportedly for accepting bribes. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was "shocked and deeply troubled" to learn of the [...]
Proposals by warring sides in Sudan to silence their guns have been welcomed by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). The decision could mean that thousands of children living in areas that have been inaccessible for four years would now receive lifesaving health care. Dianne Penn reports. UNICEF on Tuesday welcomed recent proposals from the Sudanese [...]
The peace process in Mali is "back on track" said the head of the country's UN mission – MINUSMA – on Tuesday. But Mongi Hamdi, told a Security Council meeting that regular violations of the ceasefire in recent months meant the path to peace was littered with obstacles. A peace agreement between the government, armed [...]
A medical team mobilized by the Afghan Public Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) has arrived in the city of Kunduz, the UN agency reported on Tuesday. Kunduz is located in northern Afghanistan and drew global attention following a deadly air strike this weekend on a medical facility run by the aid group [...]
Making health services more "adolescent-friendly" is one of the goals of new standards to improve the quality of health care for the young people worldwide. Launched on Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS, they are described as "simple yet powerful steps" that all countries can immediately take. The UN agencies say current [...]
Young people around the world are expected to benefit from new guidelines issued by the UN aimed at improving adolescent health. Many children who suffer from mental health disorders, substance use, poor nutrition, intentional injuries and chronic illness such as AIDS currently do not have access to critical prevention and care services. The guidelines have [...]
Many countries are struggling to put in place passport monitoring systems aimed at preventing the international flow of terrorist fighters, according to a top UN counter-terrorism official. The UN's Counter-Terrorism Committee has released its second report on Security Council resolution 2178, which calls on countries to implement specific measures to stem the flow of foreign [...]
Humanitarian plan for Yemen refugees A US$36 million plan to respond to the refugee crisis in Yemen has been presented to donors in Nairobi by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and its partner, the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The goal is to deliver protection and humanitarian assistance to the estimated 103,000 people who will [...]
A lack of land and capital has been hampering the role of Afghan women in the countryside, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture representative there. FAO country director, Tomio Shichiri, was speaking just after the launch of a new national strategy for agriculture in Afghanistan, promoted by both the FAO and Afghan government. Funding [...]
The number of people living in extreme poverty around the world is likely to fall to under 10 per cent of the global population in 2015, according to World Bank projections. The bank is using an updated international poverty line of US$1.90 a day, up from the previous level of US$1.25. Daniel Dickinson reports. Using [...]
UN chief troubled by praise for Jerusalem attacks The UN chief, Ban Ki-moon has said he is "deeply troubled" by statements from Palestinian militant groups praising attacks on Israeli citizens in Jerusalem and the West Bank. On Saturday in the Old City of Jerusalem, two members of the same family were killed. And in subsequent [...]
Aid agencies in South Sudan have said they're concerned about the escalation in fighting over the past days in Unity State in the north of the country. Clashes have been reported around the towns of Koch and Leer. Political and ethnic infighting in the world’s youngest country has led to the deaths of thousands of [...]
The UN has strongly condemned the airstrike on a hospital in the Afghan city of Kunduz on Saturday, which has left at least 22 people dead. The facility was the only hospital in the war-torn city, where Taliban fighters are grappling for control with Afghan government forces, backed by coalition air-power. It was run by [...]
The destruction of a 2000 year-old monument in Syria has been condemned by the UN. The Arch of Triumph in Palmyra was reportedly wrecked by militants of the ISIL terrorist group. Daniel Dickinson reports The Arch of Triumph, built by Septimius Severus between 193 and 211 AD has been described by the UN cultural agency, [...]
The first draft of the new, highly-anticipated climate change deal is now in the hands of governments. The presentation of the draft by the UN is considered a major step forward in efforts to reach a legally-binding international agreement by the end of the year in Paris, France. Veronica Reeves spoke to Nick Nuttall, a [...]
With more than 60 million refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons worldwide, the head of the UN's Refugee Agency has said the plight of the world's displaced can no longer be ignored. Speaking in Geneva on Monday, High Commissioner António Guterres said that the number of people fleeing conflict every day has nearly quadrupled in [...]
The previous two weeks of intense activity at United Nations headquarters were an "historic" convergence of high-level events, said the spokesperson for the President of the UN General Assembly. The Pope addressed the UN General Assembly as Member States voted to adopt new Sustainable Development Goals. The annual debate of world leaders followed immediately, with [...]
Airstrike on hospital in Afghanistan condemned by UN Airstrikes on the city of Kunduz in Afghanistan, that killed at least 22 people at a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital on Saturday have been strongly condemned by the UN Secretary-General. Kunduz has been a focus of military operations by the Afghan government after it was overrun by [...]
Despite global recognition of their importance, teachers are too often undervalued and under-empowered, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The agency is using World Teachers' Day, observed this Monday (5 October), to highlight the role of teachers in achieving the new global development goals. Dianne Penn has the story. One of [...]
Nearly three million people in South Sudan this year have received some form of livelihood assistance from aid agencies operating in the country, the UN Humanitarian Affairs office (OCHA) reports. The support has included food vouchers but also fishing kits and even locally-grown seeds, all with the goal of helping people to produce and procure [...]
The vice-president of South Sudan – the world's youngest nation – said that the "political will" exists to end months of violence in which thousands have died or been forced to flee their homes. James Wani Igga was speaking on Friday, the day after he addressed the UN General Debate, and hailed the fragile peace [...]
Burundi's foreign minister denied that the country's human rights record is deteriorating on Friday, following an upsurge in arrests and civil unrest. Earlier this week, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described that bodies were being found in the streets of the capital "almost every day" – some showing signs of torture. The small [...]
A German court’s trial of two leaders of a Rwandan armed group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been commended by the UN Secretary-General. Dr Ignace Murwanashyaka and Straton Musoni, president and vice-president, respectively, of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), were charged with holding a leadership role [...]
The Foreign Minister of Sudan has told the UN General Assembly that his country has suffered politically motivated sanctions and boycotts. An arrest warrant for the country's President Omar al-Bashir was issued by the International Criminal Court in 2009, but has not yet been acted upon. Sudan also faces an arms embargo and travel bans [...]
Planned UN humanitarian relief for Syria postponed. A planned humanitarian intervention by the United Nations in Syria has been postponed as part of the implementation of a ceasefire agreement, the UN has confirmed. People in four localities were due to receive aid but it has been put on hold due to the recent surge in [...]
The "countdown" to ending the conflict in Syria can only begin if UN Security Council resolutions on combatting terrorism are implemented, according to the country's Deputy Prime Minister. In an address at the UN General Assembly on Friday, Walid Al-Moualem urged the international community to do more to stop terrorists from entering his country. [...]
The warring parties in Libya have been urged to form a government of national unity, at a high-level UN meeting on the future of their country on Friday. Failure to do so, would only allow the extremist militants of ISIL to gain a stronger foothold in Libya, the meeting heard. Following decades of dictatorship and [...]
New development agenda can reduce violence The newly agreed goals for sustainable development could help to reduce violence, the UN Secretary-General has said. Speaking on the International Day of Non-Violence marked annually on 2 October, Ban Ki-moon said the goals would promote harmony between people and the planet and make the world a safer [...]
Achieving ambitious sustainable development goals is possible, but "cheating" like car giant Volkswagen is unacceptable, a UN environment chief said Friday. Achim Steiner, head of the United Nations Environment Programme, (UNEP), called the German manufacturer's efforts to give misleading vehicle emissions data a "scandal". But he said that the episode could help meet ambitious sustainable [...]
The international community has been asked to continue to support efforts to "anchor genuine democracy" in Burkina Faso. The appeal was made by the country's interim president in an address to the UN General Assembly on Friday. Michel Kafando heads a transitional government which came to power following a popular uprising in October 2014. He [...]
More than 500 children's lives have been lost in Yemen since the conflict escalated in March, the UN said Friday. Children's Agency UNICEF said that six months of "unremitting violence" in the country have also left more than 700 youngsters injured. A further 1.7 million of them are also at risk of malnutrition as fighting [...]
The important linkages between gender issues and climate change are being emphasized as world leaders prepare to endorse a new, universal climate change agreement at the end of the year. Experts gathered for a panel discussion on the margins of the UN General Assembly to discuss the need to ensure that women's issues are taken [...]
Somalia's Prime Minister has proposed a "Grand Development Plan" to rebuild his country and empower its people. Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke said the initiative would be like a “Somalia Marshall Plan," a reference to the United States aid programme that revitalized Western Europe following the Second World War. Speaking in the UN General Assembly on [...]
CAR entering delicate period ahead of elections The high-level session of the UN General Assembly started on 28 September in New York. Heads of State have been discussing and presenting their visions on issues that are essential to their countries. High-level summits were held on a number of issues including the future of the troubled Central [...]
Reconciliation “imperative” to Sri Lanka’s future The reconciliation between former foes in Sri Lanka is "imperative" to the future of the country according to the island nation's president. Sri Lanka is recovering from more than 25 years of civil conflict in which an estimated 70,000 people died. Daniel Dickinson has more details. Terrorism and violent [...]
Somalia's decision to ratify a UN treaty on children's rights will reignite global commitment to make the world better for children. That's according to Marta Santos Pais, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Violence against Children. Somalia will join more than 190 countries who have signed the 1990 UN Convention on the Rights of the [...]
Gender issues must be taken into account in new climate deal The important linkages between gender issues and climate change are being emphasized as world leaders prepare to endorse a new, universal climate change agreement at the end of the year. Experts gathered for a panel discussion on the margins of the UN General Assembly [...]
Terrorism in Syria a consequence of the lack of political dialogue The Deputy Prime Minister of Syria has been told by the UN chief that extremism and terrorism in his country have emerged largely because of the lack of political dialogue. A civil war which began in Syria in 2011 has left at least 250,000 [...]
