Rural women are the backbone of sustainable livelihoods: Ban
Oct 16, 2015, at 01:12 pm
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): Marking the International Day of Rural Women, the United Nations on Thursday affirmed the role of women as significant and crucial for the progress of rural households, local and national economies.
Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay elected to serve on Security Council
Oct 16, 2015, at 01:05 pm
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): In one round of voting the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday elected Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay to serve as non-permanent members on the Security Council for two-year terms beginning on 1 January 2016.
Rome: Ban says refugee and migration crisis is a defining moment for Europe
Oct 16, 2015, at 01:03 pm
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS):The current refugee and migration crisis is a "defining moment" for Europe and the world, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared in Rome on Thursday, where in an address to Italian Government officials, he thanked Italy for its "compassionate and courageous response" while continuing his strong call on all countries to bear more of the responsibility.
Ebola virus persists in body fluids of survivors for months: WHO
Oct 16, 2015, at 01:02 pm
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): The Ebola virus can persist in the eye, semen, the placenta, breast milk and central nervous system of survivors of the disease for as long as 9 and a half months, according to a new study supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Myanmar: UN chief welcomes milestone signing of ceasefire agreement
Oct 16, 2015, at 01:00 pm
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed on Thursday the signing of a ceasefire agreement in Myanmar as "a milestone" and expressed his hope that the new government formed after next month’s elections will keep moving forward along the present path of negotiations.
UN deputy chief urges transformation in collective effort to tackle humanitarian needs
Oct 16, 2015, at 12:57 pm
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): Warning of the huge, almost uncontrollable human disasters facing the world – with a staggering 100 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance – United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson has urged global solidarity to meet "the heavy but inspiring responsibility" today's global challenges demand.
New law threatens civil society independence in Kazakhstan: UN expert
Oct 16, 2015, at 12:55 pm
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai, on Thursday warned that a new bill amending the law on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kazakhstan, may compromise the independence of associations and also challenge their existence.
FAO hails pledge by more than 100 cities to fight hunger and improve nutrition
Oct 16, 2015, at 12:54 pm
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): Cities have a key role to play in ending hunger and improving nutrition, the head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Thursday, welcoming a commitment by more than 100 cities from around the world to make food systems in urban areas more equitable and sustainable.
UN and French Government urge inclusion of food security in climate change debate
Oct 15, 2015, at 03:10 pm
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): Targeted policies and investments in food security and agriculture should be at the centre of debates on climate change, according to a top UN official and the French Minister for Agriculture, speaking at the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in Rome this week.
Central Africa: UNWFP delivers food aid to thousands displaced by violence in capital
Oct 15, 2015, at 03:06 pm
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Wednesday that aid workers have reached more than 30,000 newly displaced people in desperate need of food in the Central African Republic's capital, Bangui, where the situation remains "tense and volatile" after a new surge in violence.
Morocco's agriculture-focused 'Green Plan' must benefit all: UN rights expert
Oct 15, 2015, at 03:04 pm
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Hilal Elver, has commended Morocco's achievements in reducing extreme poverty and eliminating hunger through crucial economic and social reforms, while also urging the authorities to reach all regions, paying particular attention to those living in remote areas and vulnerable groups.
Security Council renews mandate of UN mission in Haiti
Oct 15, 2015, at 03:02 pm
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): The Security Council on Wednesday morning extended the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for one year, until 15 October 2016, at the UN Secretary General's recommended force levels of up to 2,370 troops and 2,061 police.
Turkey: UN deputy chief says response to migration movement being tested
Oct 15, 2015, at 02:57 pm
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): The world's ability to respond to migration and refugee movement is "being tested as never before," the United Nations deputy chief on Wednesday said speaking at the Global Forum on Migration and Development taking place in Istanbul, Turkey, while recalling some key principles underscored by the UN to address this global challenge.
UN-backed telecom summit shines spotlight on young innovators
Oct 15, 2015, at 02:35 pm
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on Wednesday hosted at its 2015 telecom summit in Budapest the winners of the Young Innovators Competition, who benefited from expert mentorship to help accelerate their innovations globally through a series of workshops, pitching sessions and collaborations.
Iraq: UN envoy expresses concern over growing violence in Kurdistan region
Oct 15, 2015, at 02:33 pm
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): In Erbil on Wednesday, the United Nations Envoy for Iraq discussed concerns about the recent political tension and violence in the Kurdistan region with political party leaders and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Burundi: Post-election crisis forces UN and partners to seek $32 million for relief plan
Oct 14, 2015, at 01:59 pm
New York, Oct 14 (IBNS): The United Nations in Burundi is calling for aid funding for the humanitarian crisis facing the country, which is facing its deepest political crisis since the end of the civil war after President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a controversial third term in office.
Expanding social protection offers a faster track to ending hunger: UN report
Oct 14, 2015, at 01:56 pm
New York, Oct 14 (IBNS): A new report published on Tuesday by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) finds that social protection is emerging as a critical tool in the drive to eradicate hunger, yet the vast majority of the world’s rural poor are yet to be covered.
UN agency condemns suicide attacks in Chad, pledges continued support
Oct 14, 2015, at 01:54 pm
New York, Oct 14 (IBNS): The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday deplored the violent and fatal suicide attacks that were carried out over the weekend in the western Chad town of Baga Sola.
UN global advocate Daniel Craig visits Cyprus
Oct 14, 2015, at 01:53 pm
New York, Oct 14 (IBNS): In his new role as the United Nations Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards, renowned actor Daniel Craig underscored the humanitarian importance of the UN's de-mining efforts in Cyprus, his first country visit for the Organization.
Security Council renews commitment to resolution on women, peace and security
Oct 14, 2015, at 01:50 pm
New York, Oct 14 (IBNS): Marking the 15th anniversary the adoption of the United Nations Security Council's resolution 1325, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday declared his commitment to the inclusion of women in peace-building processes, while the Council adopted a new text by which it decided to integrate women, peace and security concerns across all country-specific situations on its agenda, within relevant contexts.
'Knowledge saves lives,' UN stresses on International Day for Disaster Reduction
Oct 14, 2015, at 01:47 pm
New York, Oct 14 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday stressed the "indispensable" power of traditional, indigenous and local knowledge in his message on this year’s observance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction.
Iran: UN deputy chief highlights country's contributions over the decades
Oct 14, 2015, at 01:46 pm
New York, Oct 14 (IBNS): Commemorating in Tehran the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, the UN Deputy Secretary-General has highlighted the contributions Iran has made to the global community over the decades, as well as the significant challenges the country still faces.
Syria: UN human rights advisers alarmed at rise of incitement to religious violence
Oct 14, 2015, at 01:34 pm
New York, Oct 14 (IBNS): Senior United Nations human rights officials on Tuesday expressed their alarm at the rise in violent rhetoric by influential religious leaders – including calls for "holy war" against certain faiths – in relation to the situation in Syria.
Dutch Safety Board's final report on flight MH17 crash in Ukraine welcomed by UN
Oct 14, 2015, at 01:31 pm
New York, Oct 14 (IBNS): The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Tuesday welcomed the Dutch Safety Board's final report on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which crashed on 17 July 2014 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine.
Rockets hit Russian embassy in Damscus
Oct 13, 2015, at 07:46 pm
Damascus, Oct 13 (IBNS) Two rockets hit the Russian embassy in Damascus on Tuesday, reports said.
UN forum on food security focuses on eradicating hunger by 2030
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:34 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Marking the first international gathering on food security and nutrition since world leaders approved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) commenced on Monday, focusing on ending hunger by 2030.
Gender parity in education achieved in less than half the world's countries: UNESCO
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:33 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): A new gender report compiled by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), shows that fewer than half the countries have achieved the goal of ensuring gender parity in both primary and secondary education before 2005.
UN urgently appeals for $86 million to tackle food insecurity in Zimbabwe
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:32 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): The United Nations in Zimbabwe has appealed to humanitarian and development partners for $86 million that is critically needed to fill a shortfall to support 1.5 million people affected by food insecurity in the country.
Member States pledge $100 million to UN agency supporting Palestine refugees
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:30 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Twenty-two Member States of the United Nations are planning to pledge $100 million dollars to support next year's budget of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) which provides educational, health, relief and social services for some five million such refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza.
UN agency calls for robust political action to halt violence in West Bank
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:29 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Deeply alarmed by the escalating violence and widespread loss of civilian life in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on Monday called for strong and immediate political action and accountability to stem the ongoing violence and prevent its further escalation.