In Japan, UN chief spotlights power of universal health coverage to unlock economic growth
Dec 15, 2017, at 05:02 am
New York, Dec 14(Just Earth News): Health is everyone's right and a driver of economic development, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed Thursday, expressing the UN's readiness to help countries move towards health coverage for all.
UN agency helps farmers in Latin America broaden their market horizons
Dec 14, 2017, at 05:24 pm
New York, Dec 14(Just Earth News): Improving market access, particularly beyond national borders, for family farmers and small and medium agriculture enterprises in the Latin America and Caribbean region can help boost rural development as well as spur inclusive trade, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said.
Electronic waste poses ‘growing risk’ to environment, human health, UN report warns
Dec 14, 2017, at 09:48 am
New York, Dec 14(Just Earth News): The growing volume of electronic waste, including discarded products with a battery or plug, such as mobile phones, laptops, televisions, refrigerators and electrical toys, poses a major threat to the environment and human health, the United Nations warned on Wednesday.
With ‘so much at stake’ in crisis-torn South Sudan, UN and partners launch $1.72 billion appeal
Dec 14, 2017, at 09:46 am
New York, Dec 14(Just Earth News): The United Nations relief wing and the humanitarian community in South Sudan launched on Wednesday a $1.72 billion appeal to assist six million people affected by conflict, displacement and hunger.
Half the world lacks access to essential health services – UN-backed report
Dec 14, 2017, at 09:45 am
New York, Dec 14(Just Earth News): At least half of the world's population cannot obtain essential health services, and nearly 100 million people are being pushed into extreme poverty each year due to the out-of-pocket health expenses they must pay, according to a United Nations-backed study.
Myanmar can draw on UN expertise in tackling Rohingya returns, Security Council told
Dec 13, 2017, at 02:16 pm
New York, Dec 13(Just Earth News): The United Nations can help Myanmar to defuse inter-communal tensions and create an environment for safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees, the Organization’s top political official said Tuesday, stressing that the country could also tap the UN’s capacities and experience in tackling other challenges, including democratic consolidation.
Dec 13, 2017, at 02:15 pm
New York, Dec 13(Just Earth News): An uptick in armed hostilities in Ukraine has resulted in more deaths and new damages to critical water infrastructure storing dangerous chemicals – posing a grave threat to human life and the environment, according to a new United Nations report.
Dec 13, 2017, at 02:13 pm
New York, Dec 13(Just Earth News): The head of the United Nations refugee agency on Tuesday kicked off in Geneva a dialogue on protection challenges with a stark warning: the tragedy of forced displacement has deepened – one year after the world pledged to improve its response to refugee situations.
Dec 13, 2017, at 02:12 pm
New York, Dec 13(Just Earth News): Those who fail to bet on a green economy will be living in a grey future, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned Tuesday, calling for greater ambition by governments, civil society, the private sector and finance partners to help tackle the global climate challenge.
Time running out for construction sector to cut energy use, meet climate goals – UN
Dec 13, 2017, at 02:11 pm
New York, Dec 13(Just Earth News): The clock is ticking on efforts to reform the buildings and construction sector's energy performance and keep the Paris Agreement on track, new United Nations-backed research revealed on Tuesday.
In wake of post-election protests in Honduras, UN chief urges authorities to respect rule of law
Dec 13, 2017, at 02:09 pm
New York, Dec 13(Just Earth News): Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday called on authorities in Honduras to uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights following the presidential election.
Recalling Algiers attack, Secretary-General says, 2007 bombing ‘hit heart of the UN’
Dec 12, 2017, at 05:06 pm
New York, Dec 12(Just Earth News): In a message commemorating the 2007 bombing of the United Nations offices in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed the Organization’s continuing support to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
Human Rights Day: UN officials pledge to advance human dignity, equality and rights
Dec 12, 2017, at 05:02 pm
New York, Dec 12(Just Earth News): Top United Nations officials on Monday urged everyone to raise their voices and stand up for the rights of others, while celebrating the launch of a year-long campaign on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Decalration of Human Rights.
Lift in global economy prompts opportunities to tackle deep-rooted development issues – UN
Dec 12, 2017, at 09:44 am
New York, Dec 12(Just Earth News): A three per cent upturn in the global economy has paved the way to readjust policy towards longer-term issues, such as addressing climate change, tackling existing inequalities and removing institutional obstacles to development, according to a new United Nations report on global economic prospects.
UN honours 14 peacekeepers killed in eastern DR Congo
Dec 12, 2017, at 09:42 am
New York, Dec 12(Just Earth News): The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Monday paid tribute to the Tanzanian peacekeepers killed on 7 December in the worst attack on UN 'blue helmets' in recent history.
On International Day, UN agency urges greater investment for sustainable agriculture in mountains
Dec 12, 2017, at 04:54 am
New York, Dec 11(Just Earth News): On International Mountain Day, the United Nations food security agency has called for greater focus on sustainable agriculture in highland regions around the globe to better respond to climate change impacts and migration challenges.
Not enough being done to shield civilians from violence in Somalia – UN report
Dec 11, 2017, at 04:08 am
New York, Dec 10 (Just Earth News): The armed conflict in Somalia continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians, damaging infrastructure and livelihoods, displacing millions of people, and impeding access to humanitarian relief for communities in need, according to a United Nations report launched today in the country's capital, Mogadishu.
'Genocide should not be part of our present or our future,' UN adviser says on day to honour victims
Dec 10, 2017, at 12:56 pm
New York, Dec 10(Just Earth News): The United Nations office that coordinates efforts on genocide prevention has launched an appeal for Member States to ratify the 1948 genocide convention by the end of 2018 if they haven't done so.
Peaceful conduct of elections 'historic moment' for Nepal, says UN chief
Dec 10, 2017, at 12:55 pm
New York, Dec 10(Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the holding of the two-phased State and Federal elections and congratulates the people of Nepal for the peaceful conduct of the polls.
Human Rights Day: UN to launch campaign for 70th anniversary of Universal Declaration
Dec 09, 2017, at 09:45 am
New York, Dec 9(Just Earth News): The United Nations will on Sunday kick off in Paris, France, a year-long campaign to honor the foundational human rights document, which next year marks its 70th anniversary.
Gaza: UN official releases funds to enable life-saving aid programmes in enclave
Dec 09, 2017, at 04:47 am
New York, Dec 8(Just Earth News): A senior United Nations aid and development official in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) on Friday released $2.2 million to support health, food and livelihood programmes in the Gaza Strip.
Dec 08, 2017, at 09:58 am
New York, Dec 8(Just Earth News): The relationship between United Nations peacekeepers and civilian staff and the vulnerable people in South Sudan they are working for must be one of mutual trust and confidence, said a senior UN official, noting that instances of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel not only breaks down that relationship, it also destroys the trust communities have in the Organization.
Children not a ‘bargaining chip’ in tug of war between Syrian parties – UN advisor
Dec 08, 2017, at 09:57 am
New York, Dec 8(Just Earth News): The United Nations advisor for Syria said Thursday that obstacles stopping humanitarians from delivering aid and carrying out medical evacuations in besieged parts of the war-ravaged country are not being lifted, and “children are dying” as a result.
Dec 08, 2017, at 09:55 am
New York, Dec 8(Just Earth News): The humanitarian situation in war-torn eastern Ukraine is worse than ever, and people are at breaking point, the senior-most United Nations aid official in the country said on Thursday, as he launched a response plan.
Conflicts, drought drive hunger despite strong global food supply – UN agriculture agency
Dec 08, 2017, at 09:54 am
New York, Dec 8(Just Earth News): Despite strong global food supply, localized drought, flooding and protracted conflicts have intensified and perpetuated food insecurity, the United Nations agriculture agency reported Thursday.
Global cooperation vital to maximize benefits of migration, says UN envoy
Dec 08, 2017, at 04:19 am
New York, Dec 7(Just Earth News): Commitment and cooperation from the global community is critical to maximize the benefits of migration and to overcome its challenges, said a senior United Nations official at the conclusion of a stocktaking meeting on the Global Compact on international migration.
DR Congo: Hunger crisis, scarce funds could push Kasais to brink of catastrophe, UN agency warns
Dec 08, 2017, at 04:18 am
New York, Dec 7(Just Earth News): An acute hunger emergency ravaging Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)’s strife-torn Greater Kasai region could transform into a long-term disaster if additional resources are not made available urgently, the United Nations food relief agency warned on Thursday.
Issue of Jerusalem must be resolved through direct negotiations between parties, UN chief stresses
Dec 07, 2017, at 09:53 am
New York, Dec 7(Just Earth News): In the wake of the announcement by the United States President recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday stressed that there is no alternative to the two-state solution and that Jerusalem is an issue that must be resolved through direct negotiations between the parties.
Use fiscal stability to bolster inclusive, sustainable development in Asia-Pacific, UN report urges
Dec 07, 2017, at 09:52 am
New York, Dec 7(Just Earth News): Countries in the Asia-Pacific region should make the most of the prevailing stable economic conditions to orient their economies towards a more socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable path, the United Nations development wing in the region has urged.
Somalia Partnership Forum stresses job creation and poverty reduction to promote stability
Dec 06, 2017, at 03:17 pm
New York, Dec 6(Just Earth News): A gathering of senior representatives of the Somali Government, the United Nations and the international community concluded in Mogadishu on Tuesday with a call for greater investment in the country’s economic development to create more job opportunities, rehabilitate essential infrastructure, and improve the living conditions of the Somali people.