Australian national takes the helm as new UN disaster risk reduction chief
Jan 09, 2016, at 02:30 pm
New York, Jan 9 (Just Earth News): Following his appointment by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Robert Glasser, an experienced leader and thinker on development issues, took up his new role this week as head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).
Chad: UN provides funds for scores displaced by Boko Haram violence
Jan 09, 2016, at 02:26 pm
New York, Jan 9 (Just Earth News/IBNS): With nearly 200,000 people in Chad in need of urgent aid – 50,000 of them uprooted by Boko Haram terrorists from Nigeria – the United Nations emergency fund on Friday announced a $7 million grant, the second in five months, and called on international donors to provide much more.
Jan 08, 2016, at 03:20 pm
New York, Jan 8 (Just Earth News/IBNS ) Welcoming today's announcement of the results of the first round of the presidential elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), the United Nations envoy for the country has invited the two candidates that will participate in an upcoming run-off poll, "to maintain the spirit of peace and restraint that has prevailed" throughout the process thus far.
Yemen: Ban condemns expulsion of UN rights official; 'extremely concerned' for staff
Jan 08, 2016, at 03:04 pm
New York, Jan 8 (Just Earth News/IBNS) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday condemned the Government of Yemen’s decision to expel the United Nations Human Rights representative in the war-torn country, voicing “extreme concern†for the safety of the remaining national and international staff.
Allegations of sexual abuse made against UN peacekeepers in Central African Republic
Jan 06, 2016, at 02:07 pm
New York, Jan 6 (Just Earth News/IBNS): The United Nations is investigating new allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse and other misconduct by peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR), this time by forces under the world body’s flag, the top UN official there said on Tuesday, as further steps are being put in place to combat the scourge.
Sanitation becomes UN human right in enhanced fight against deadly infections
Jan 01, 2016, at 03:29 pm
New York, Jan 1 (Just Earth News/IBNS): With more than 2.5 billion people worldwide, one third of the total population, living without access to proper toilets, the United Nations General Assembly has recognised sanitation as a separate human right in a bid to curb a major source of deadly infections.
Refugees and migrants braving seas to flee to Europe in 2015 top one million: UN
Dec 31, 2015, at 02:23 pm
New York, Dec 31 (Just Earth News/IBNS): Refugees and migrants fleeing to Europe by sea this year have passed one million, according to figures just released by the UN refugee agency, many on perilous trips aboard inadequate vessels run by people smugglers, with at least 3,735 more believed drowned.
Sustainable Development Goals to kick in with start of new year
Dec 31, 2015, at 02:18 pm
New York, Dec 31 (Just Earth News/IBNS): As 2015 comes to an end, and with it the 15-year cycle of the anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations officially will usher in – on 1 January 2016 – an even more ambitious set of goals to banish a whole host of social ills by 2030.
Ban takes to radio waves of Central African Republic to appeal for peaceful polls
Dec 30, 2015, at 02:23 pm
New York, Dec 30 (Just Earth News/IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon took to the radio waves of the Central African Republic (CAR) to appeal to voters for a massive turn-out in Wednesday's presidential poll, a major step in efforts to stabilize the country amid conflict between Muslims and Christians.
South African special forces commander appointed to lead UN troops in DR Congo
Dec 30, 2015, at 02:18 pm
New York, Dec 30(Just Earth News/IBNS): A former South African special forces commander with previous United Nations peacekeeping experience has been appointed to lead the troops serving with the world body’s mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it was announced on Tuesday.
Uganda: UN official urges consensual solution to Burundian crisis
Dec 29, 2015, at 02:32 pm
New York, Dec 29 (Just Earth News/IBNS): A top United Nations official on Monday called on all actors in Burundi to find a consensual solution to the crisis facing their country, which has been facing an upsurge in violence that has prompted fears of a relapse into the decades of civil war that killed tens of thousands of people.
UN refugee agency seeks to protect displaced gays, lesbians
Dec 26, 2015, at 02:26 pm
New York, Dec 26 (Just Earth News/IBNS): With lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons in forced displacement facing discrimination, prejudice, violence and other hurdles as they seek asylum, the United Nations refugee agency has rolled out the most comprehensive training package of its kind globally to enhance their protection.
Syria: UN condemns archaeological destruction at Bosra
Dec 26, 2015, at 02:25 pm
New York, Dec 26 (Just Earth News/IBNS): The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Friday condemned the destruction of parts of the ancient Syrian city of Bosra in fighting two days ago, alerting the world art market to potential trafficking in artefacts from the World Heritage site.
Central African Republic polls now scheduled for 30 December, UN reports
Dec 26, 2015, at 02:24 pm
New York, Dec 26 (Just earth News/IBNS):The presidential and legislative elections that had been scheduled to take place this Sunday in the Central African Republic (CAR) will now be held on 30 December 2015, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country reported on Friday.
Syria: UN condemns archaeological destruction at major World Heritage site of Bosra
Dec 25, 2015, at 02:22 pm
New York, Dec 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday condemned the destruction of parts of the ancient Syrian city of Bosra in fighting two days ago, alerting the world art market to potential trafficking in artefacts from the World Heritage site.
As Libya marks 64th independence anniversary, UN envoy urges unity behind new Government
Dec 25, 2015, at 02:06 pm
New York, Dec 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS) A week after brokering an accord for a national unity government in strife-torn Libya, the top United Nations envoy for the country urged all Libyans to use today’s 64th independence anniversary to put their differences behind them and unite behind the new inclusive institutions.
Burundi should allow in investigators, says UN adviser on preventing genocide
Dec 24, 2015, at 02:11 pm
New York, Dec 24 (Just Earth News/IBNS) The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, has called on the Government of Burundi to allow an independent team to investigate "seriously" whether external elements are involved in alleged atrocities in the central African nation, saying "it is key that impunity no longer prevails in Burundi."
World Tsunami Awareness Day welcome boost for disaster risk reduction - UN official
Dec 24, 2015, at 02:10 pm
New York, Dec 24 (Just Earth News/IBNS)The head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction on Wednesday welcomed the resolution adopted by the General Assembly recognizing 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day.
UN Year in Review 2015 looks back at 'pivotal year' for international community
Dec 24, 2015, at 02:09 pm
New York, Dec 24 (Just Earth News/IBNS)The year 2015, in which the United Nations celebrated its 70th anniversary, was "pivotal" – in the words of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon – marked by major achievements, including the adoption of a long-term global sustainable development agenda and crowned by the UN climate conference which committed every nation on Earth to do its part in combatting global warming.
Dec 23, 2015, at 02:06 pm
New York, Dec 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS) Adopting a new resolution today, the Security Council welcomed the completion of judicial work of the United Nations tribunal set up in the wake of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, following delivery of the court’s last judgment on 14 December and its impending closure, set for 31 December 2015.
Security Council approves six-month extension of UN observer force on Golan Heights
Dec 23, 2015, at 02:03 pm
New York, Dec 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS) The Security Council on Tuesdayextended the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) for six months, until 30 June 2016, underscoring the need for the Force to have at its disposal all necessary means to carry out its mandate safely and securely, “including technology and equipment to enhance its observation of the area of separation and the ceasefire line, and to improve force protection, as appropriate.
Refugees and migrants fleeing to Europe in 2015 top unprecedented one million- UN
Dec 23, 2015, at 01:54 pm
New York, Dec 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS) The number of refugees and migrants fleeing to Europe in 2015 has topped an unprecedented one million – at least 3,600 died or went missing in the crossings – the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported today, calling for much more to be done to receive and aid those uprooted by persecution, conflict and poverty.
Syria: Senior UN officials paint grim picture as Government, allies reportedly attack hospitals
Dec 22, 2015, at 03:26 pm
New York, Dec 22 (Just Earth News/IBNS)Hospitals, markets and bakeries have been hit, scores of civilians are killed and injured almost daily, and doctors themselves have become targets in escalating fighting and airstrikes in Syria, reportedly by the Government and its allies, a senior United Nations relief official reported on Monday, voicing outrage.
Dec 22, 2015, at 03:22 pm
New York, Dec 22 (Just Earth News/IBNS) The United Nations refugee agency, together with two European partners, urged Hungary on Monday to refrain from policies and practices that promote intolerance, fear and fuel xenophobia against refugees and migrants, including a campaign running through Christmas and into the New Year.
UN agencies collaborate to help Sudan mitigate climate change while combatting hunger
Dec 22, 2015, at 03:18 pm
New York, Dec 22 (Just Earth News/IBNS) Two United Nations entities on Monday announced a cooperation agreement to help Sudan manage its natural resources in a way that is compatible with combatting hunger and improving livelihoods while at the same time mitigating the effects of climate change.
Yemen: UN envoy adjourns peace talks till January pending enforcement of a proper ceasefire
Dec 21, 2015, at 03:30 pm
New York, Dec 21 (Just Earth News/IBNS) In the face of numerous violations of the cessation of hostilities in Yemen, the Special United Nations Envoy on Sunday decided to adjourn peace talks in Switzerland for a month to allow for bi-lateral in-country and regional consultations to achieve a ceasefire.
Lebanon: UN reports rocket fire from south towards Israel and Israeli mortar retaliation
Dec 21, 2015, at 03:11 pm
New York, Dec 21 (Just Earth News/IBNS) Three rockets were fired from southern Lebanon towards Israel today, and Israel retaliated with some eight rounds of 120mm mortar, but no casualties have so far been reported from either side, according to United Nations peacekeepers.
Yemen: UN-sponsored talks continue amid 'alarming' reports of ceasefire violations
Dec 19, 2015, at 03:39 pm
New York, Dec 19 (Just Earth News/IBNS) As United Nations-sponsored consultations on Yemen continued today, the UN envoy facilitating the talks expressed deep concern at numerous reports of violations of the three-day-old ceasefire and urged the parties to respect that agreement and allow access to the country’s most-affected districts.
Dec 19, 2015, at 03:39 pm
New York, Dec 19 (Just Earth News/IBNS) In its first resolution to focus on the politics of ending Syria’s five-year-long war, the Security Council on Friday gave the United Nations an enhanced role in shepherding the opposing sides to talks for a political transition, with a timetable for a ceasefire, a new constitution and elections, all under UN auspices.
UN experts urge end to harassment of human rights defenders in Occupied Palestinian Territory
Dec 19, 2015, at 03:36 pm
New York, Dec 19 (Just Earth News/IBNS) Gravely concerning at continued reports that human rights defenders in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in Hebron, are being subjected to physical attacks and death threats, United Nations independent experts on Friday denounced such harassment as "unacceptable" and called for it to end immediately.