Ukraine: Ban deplores planned holding of November 'elections' by rebel groups
Oct 30, 2014, at 06:03 pm
New York, Oct 30 (IBNS) United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday deplored the planned holding by armed rebel groups in eastern Ukraine of their own "elections" on 2 November, calling the potential polls a "breach of the constitution and national law."
South Sudan: UN officials welcome launch in of campaign to end use of child soldiers
Oct 30, 2014, at 05:53 pm
New York, Oct 30 (IBNS) The United Nations stands ready to support the Government of South Sudan in its renewed commitment to end the recruitment and use of children in the army, top UN officials declared on Wednesday as the Organization launched a new initiative in the country.
UN applauds donation by Malala Yousafzai for reconstruction of Gaza schools
Oct 30, 2014, at 05:45 pm
New York, Oct 30 (IBNS) As the United Nations ramps up its reconstruction efforts of war-ravaged Gaza, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Malala Yousafzai, has announced a contribution of $50,000 to help with the rebuilding of UN schools heavily damaged during the recent fighting in the enclave.
Farming sector hit by insecurity as Central African Republic crisis grinds on UN report
Oct 30, 2014, at 05:35 pm
New York, Oct 30 (IBNS) The continuing crisis in the embattled Central African Republic has taken a large toll on agricultural production and is eroding the capacity of the country’s population to secure sufficient food, a new report by the United Nations food and agriculture agencies has found.
In Somalia, Ban lauds country's progress towards stability, urges 'continuity'
Oct 30, 2014, at 02:58 pm
New York, Oct 30 (IBNS) Somalia has made "remarkable progress" as it continues down the road towards economic and political stability, United Nations UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday as he arrived in the capital city of Mogadishu – the third stop in a tour of the Horn of Africa aimed at promoting development and consolidating peace and security across the wider region.
IS group shot 30 men dead in Iraq
Oct 30, 2014, at 03:25 am
Baghdad, Oct 29 (IBNS): The Islamic State group militants on Wednesday lined up 30 men in western Iraq and shot them dead, media reports said.
More than 100 feared dead as massive landslide hits Sri Lanka
Oct 30, 2014, at 02:51 am
Colombo, Oct 29 (IBNS): At least 100 people were feared killed in south-central Sri Lanka on Wednesday after an early morning landslide set off by heavy monsoon rains, media reported.
UN chief urges continued global support for Lebanon amid ongoing regional crises
Oct 29, 2014, at 03:10 pm
New York, Oct 29 (IBNS) Lebanon remains "a beacon of tolerance and co-existence" in an otherwise combustible region, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared on Tuesday, adding that in the face of growing challenges along its borders, the Middle Eastern country will need to continue its close collaboration with the United Nations and other international stakeholders.
UN expert urges General Assembly to refer DPR Korea rights report to International Criminal Court
Oct 29, 2014, at 03:10 pm
New York, Oct 29 (IBNS) : A United Nations human rights expert called on the General Assembly on Tuesday to refer a UN-mandated report documenting wide-ranging and ongoing crimes against humanity in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Iraq: condemning destruction of shrine, UNESCO urges end to 'cultural cleansing'
Oct 29, 2014, at 03:03 pm
New York, Oct 29 (IBNS) The Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) strongly condemned the destruction of the Imam Dur shrine in the governorate of Salah-e-Din in Iraq, and called for an end to such acts of "cultural cleansing."
UN reaffirms importance of women's empowerment for global peace, security
Oct 29, 2014, at 03:01 pm
New York, Oct 29 (IBNS) As the world is swept by unparalleled levels of displacement, festering conflicts, and a convergence of crises, the international community must fully endorse the role of women's empowerment and gender equality in ensuring global peace, security and development, the Security Council and top United Nations officials declared on Tuesday.
Culture must be considered in approaches to disaster risk reduction – UN-backed report
Oct 29, 2014, at 02:59 pm
New York, Oct 29 (IBNS) Disaster risk reduction approaches must recognize why people live with risks and how their behaviour and attitudes related to culture affect their exposure and sensitivity to hazards, a new United Nations-backed report out on Tuesday warns.
Leaders of on Wednesday must be heard on Tuesday, Ban tells Global Forum on Youth Policies
Oct 29, 2014, at 02:57 pm
New York, Oct 29 (IBNS) Young people around the world must “raise your voices†so they are heard loud and clear, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a packed audience of youth Ministers, experts, activists and volunteers this morning, kicking off the First Global Forum on Youth Policies, in Azerbaijan, itself a nation with more than half of its population under age 29.
In Addis Ababa, Ban hails new UN facility as symbol of shared 'strong desire for peace'
Oct 29, 2014, at 02:56 pm
New York, Oct 29 (IBNS): The United Nations is "better placed to deliver better results," declared Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, as a new office facility was inaugurated on Tuesday at the UN Economic Commission for Africa compound in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
UNESCO chief condemns killing of Mexican journalist, urges investigation
Oct 29, 2014, at 02:50 pm
New York, Oct 29 (IBNS) The head of the United Nations agency mandated to defend press freedom on Tuesday denounced the recent killing of Mexican journalist Antonio Gamboa Urias, the editor of a local magazine in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, and urged authorities to conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the murder.
UN's Ban, global leaders join forces in multi-billion dollar Horn of Africa pledge
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:50 pm
New York, Oct 28 (IBNS): Spearheading a high-level delegation of global and regional leaders in a visit to the Horn of Africa, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday announced a new $8 billion development initiative aimed at boosting economic growth, reducing poverty and spurring business activity across the African region’s eight countries.
DR Congo: amid fresh violence, 'presence without action, undermines our credibility' UN envoy
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:44 pm
New York, Oct 28 (IBNS): Amid continuing flare-ups of deadly violence and a tenuous humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) in the vast African nation today underlined the need for a “proactive, not reactive†response in countering the country’s rebel groups and boosting protection for civilians.
South Sudan: 60 civilians injured in fighting near UN base
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:41 pm
New York, Oct 28 (IBNS): More than 60 civilians were injured yesterday after fighting broke at a protection of civilians site next to the United Nations House on the outskirts of Juba, South Sudan, according to a UN spokesperson.
Citing 'surge' in executions, UN expert voices deep concern about right to life in Iran
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:38 pm
New York, Oct 28 (IBNS): The human rights situation in Iran remains of deep concern, an independent United Nations expert said today, flagging issues related to the right to life, the judicial system, religious persecution, and discrimination against women.
Ban hails Tunisian vote as critical step as country continues transition to democracy
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:35 pm
New York, Oct 28 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday congratulated the Tunisian people on the legislative elections held in the North African country on 26 October, welcoming the polls as a “crucial step for the country’s future†and a “decisive milestone in the transition to democracy.â€
Blackwater convictions spotlight need for treaty on private security UN experts
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:32 pm
New York, Oct 28 (IBNS): The United Nations working group on the use of mercenaries today appealed for stronger global regulations of private security, saying last week’s conviction of Blackwater contractors shows the need for all private security personnel to be held accountable for international human rights and humanitarian law violations.
Young people in 'driver's seat' from very beginning of policy process a must UN experts
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:28 pm
New York, Oct 28 (IBNS): Rather than merely being consulted on policy matters, young people must be in the driver’s seat with all the other stakeholders from the very beginning of the process and throughout, a Youth Specialist of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stressed ahead of the Global Forum on Youth Policies, kicking off tomorrow in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Greater resources needed for Iraqis ahead of harsh winter, UN, regional officials warn
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:18 pm
New York, Oct 28 (IBNS): Senior officials from the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) warned today that an “immense†humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Iraq and called for greater resources from the international community to help with the upcoming winter season, as they concluded a four-day mission to conflict-riven areas in the country.
UN envoy leads call for action, resources to ensure meaningful role for youths in policy talks
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:07 pm
Baku, Oct 28 (IBNS): Meeting for the first time since arriving in Azerbaijan for the United Nations-backed Global Forum on Youth Policies, dozens of youth experts and activists today deliberated a "common narrative" that will best engage other stakeholders and help transform youth policy rhetoric into solid reality.
UN agriculture chief lauds 'key' role of family farmers in food secure future
Oct 28, 2014, at 09:00 pm
Rome, Oct 28 (IBNS): Praising family farmers for their key role in meeting the needs of a growing world population, the head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stressed the need to seize global momentum to improve the widespread food insecurity still haunting many rural areas around the world.
Britain ends combat mission in Afghanistan
Oct 27, 2014, at 06:39 am
London/Kabul, Oct 26 (IBNS): The British troops on Sunday ended their combat operations in the war-torn Afghanistan.
Ukrainians vote in country's parliamentary election
Oct 26, 2014, at 08:00 pm
Kiev, Oct 26 (IBNS): Ukrainians are on Sunday casting their votes in the country's first parliamentary polls.
Egypt: Ban, Security Council condemn deadly terrorist attacks in Sinai
Oct 26, 2014, at 03:42 am
New York, Oct 25 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council have strongly condemned two terrorist attacks that targeted military checkpoints in the Sinai Peninsula.
Libya: UN 'deeply concerned' by reported threats against national rights institution
Oct 25, 2014, at 04:22 pm
New York, Oct 25 (IBNS) The United Nations human rights office expressed "deep concern" on Friday at reports of threats and intimidation directed against Libya’s national human rights institution, the National Council for Civil Liberties and Human Rights (NCCLHR), based in Tripoli.
More respect, less criminalization for migrant workers, UN rights expert urges
Oct 25, 2014, at 04:21 pm
New York, Oct 25 (IBNS) The lack of political will to stand up for migrant workers' rights remains the greatest challenge to the protection of this "very vulnerable" group of human beings, an independent United Nations expert affirmed on Friday.