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.
UN mission in Darfur welcomes rebel group order to ban recruitment of child soldiers
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:27 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on Monday welcomed as a "significant step" an order by the rebel Justice and Equality Movement known as JEM that prohibits the recruitment and use of children in its ranks.
UN official thanks Greece and frontline islands for response to continued arrivals
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:25 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): During a two-day mission to Greece – the main European Union entry point for nearly 450,000 refugees and migrants so far this year – the United Nations' most senior refugee official said he had witnessed the improved humanitarian response mounted by Greek local authorities and civil society while lamenting the continued lack of a large-scale and effective European response.
Peace endures when women can participate meaningfully in peace talks: UN report
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:20 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): A new report on women, peace and security, launched on Monday to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the landmark United Nations Security Council resolution on the issue, highlights the important gains to be made by the greater empowerment of women in peacebuilding efforts.
Somalia: UN boosts El Niño preparedness and relief, urges more funding
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:19 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Efforts have been ramped up recently to mitigate the impact of floods and draughts in Somalia driven by the El Niño phenomenon between now and December, which may worsen the food security and humanitarian situations, the United Nations has said, while stressing the urgent need for more financial support to continue its relief work in the country.
UN budget proposal shows commitment to strict financial management: Ban
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:18 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Introducing his proposed $5.5 billion budget for the work of the United Nations over the next two years, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday that it encompasses the Organization's "vision and commitment to budget discipline and strict financial management."
Africa Week: Ban lauds steps taken for continent’s long-term development agenda
Oct 13, 2015, at 02:16 pm
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Africa Week 2015 kicked off at Headquarters on Monday with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commending African Member States of the United Nations for taking an "important step" this year toward the establishment of a Continental Free Trade Area envisioned in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.