UN calls for human rights-backed development agenda
Jun 10, 2014, at 05:10 pm
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): A new global new development agenda based on human rights and the rule of law is the surest pathway to balancing the needs of people and the planet, while eradicating extreme poverty and closing socio-economic gaps, senior United Nations officials said on Monday.
UN hails power of sport to bring communities together
Jun 10, 2014, at 05:08 pm
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): Just days away from the kick-off of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed the "best values of sport" - teamwork, fair play and mutual respect - as the United Nations on Monday joined the international fervour that accompanies the games, even getting its normally staid diplomats out of suits and ties and into their national team uniforms.
South Sudan: UN site in Malakal offers protection to civilians
Jun 10, 2014, at 05:05 pm
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Monday inaugurated a new site adjacent to its base in Malakal to offer protection for civilians uprooted by conflict and to relieve the congestion inside the world body's compound, which is hosting an estimated 19,000 people.
Pakistan: Ban condemns latest terrorist attacks
Jun 10, 2014, at 05:00 pm
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): Strongly condemning Sunday's attacks in Pakistan -which reportedly left more than 50 people dead in the wake of separate assaults on the country's main airport in Karachi, and on busloads of Shia pilgrims in Baluchistan - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday urged the Government step up its efforts to tackle terrorism and religious extremism.
Ukraine: UN reiterates support for new government
Jun 10, 2014, at 04:58 pm
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): The top United Nations political official on Monday concluded a visit to Ukraine, where he reiterated UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's commitment to supporting the country, and held meetings with senior Government and civil society representatives.
Pakistan: Flight operations resume at Karachi airport
Jun 10, 2014, at 02:03 am
Karachi, June 9 (IBNS): Flight operations in the Jinnah International Airport here, which witnessed a major terrorist attack on Sunday leaving at least 28 people including 10 militants, dead, resumed on Monday.
Gaza: UN pledges support as Palestinian government takes shape
Jun 09, 2014, at 04:48 pm
New York, Jun 9 (IBNS): The senior United Nations envoy in the Middle East visited the Gaza Strip on Sunday for the first time since the signing of the Beach Camp Agreement and the formation of a Palestinian government of national consensus, and pledged the Organization's ongoing support as the nascent process moves forward.
24 killed in Karachi airport firing
Jun 09, 2014, at 03:58 pm
Karachi, June 9 (IBNS) At least 24 people, including 10 militants, were killed in an attack on Jinnah International Airport, Pakistan's largest international and domestic airport located in Karachi city, said reports on Monday.
Pakistanj: Karachi airport attacked, 4 security personnel killed
Jun 09, 2014, at 06:17 am
Karachi, June 8 (IBNS): At least four Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel were killed as armed assailants attacked Pakistan's Karachi international airport on Sunday, media reports said.
Abdul Fattah Al Sissi sworn in as Egypt's new President
Jun 08, 2014, at 08:35 pm
Cairo, June 8 (IBNS): Former defence minister Abdul Fattah Al Sissi on Sunday took oath as Egypt’s new President amid tight security
Afghanistan flash floods kill 74 people
Jun 08, 2014, at 08:33 pm
Kunduz, Afghanistan, June 8 (IBNS): At least 74 people died and many others are feared dead as flash floods hit northern Baghlan province of Afghanistan on late Friday, reports said.
SA president Jacob Zuma admitted to hospital
Jun 08, 2014, at 06:58 am
Johannesburg, June 7 (IBNS): South African president Jacob Zuma was admitted to a hospital for tests on Saturday.
Ban concerned over Palestinian detainees on hunger strike
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:49 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern on Friday about reports regarding the deteriorating health of Palestinian administrative detainees who have been on hunger strike for over a month.
UN urges broad participation in Kosovo assembly elections
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:47 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The most senior United Nations official in Kosovo has on Friday stressed the critical importance of maximum participation of all communities in assembly elections slated for this Sunday.
Afghanistan: UNSC condemns latest Kabul attack
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:45 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): Emphasizing its ongoing support for Afghanistan's democratic process, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) strongly condemned on Friday's bomb attack in Kabul, which caused a number of deaths and injuries to civilians and security personnel.
UN establishes prize in honour of late Nelson Mandela
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:41 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations General Assembly on Friday established the "United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize" as a tribute to the achievements and contributions of the late South African leader who inspired not only his own country but the rest of the world.
Iraq: UNSC supports humanitarian action for restive Anbar
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:39 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has stressed its support for the engagement of all political groups in Iraq, where nearly 800 people fell victim to violence last month, on concerted efforts to ensure security for its entire population, particularly in Anbar province, which has been embattled for months.
UN hails upcoming launch of truth commission
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:36 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations has welcomed the upcoming launch of the Truth and Dignity Commission in Tunisia, calling it a step forward in addressing past human rights violations in the North African nation.
UN reports 62 dead in boat tragedy in Red Sea this year
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:35 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency said on Friday that 62 people are confirmed to have died when their boat foundered while trying to cross the Red Sea from the Horn of Africa to Yemen, making it the deadliest sinking this year.
Libya: UN announces political initiative as violence deepens
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:19 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations' top envoy in Libya on Friday announced an initiative to bring together some of the country's most influential actors to settle long-divisive issues, as the world Organization's human rights arm expressed deepening concern over the violence plaguing the east of the country, particularly the city of Benghazi.
South Sudan: UN confirms looting of homes, hospitals
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:09 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations mission in South Sudan on Friday confirmed reports of "intense small arms fire and shelling" close to its base in Renk, Upper Nile state, where some of the 93,000 civilians sheltered by UN peacekeepers throughout the country are staying.
UN concert sets new global development agenda
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:04 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): As part of the United Nations-driven process to craft a new sustainable development agenda, a spectacular line up of global artists will hit the stage tonight at the world body's New York Headquarters to add their voices and talents to the unprecedented global conversation under way to build the future we want.
UN calls for end to death penalty in Iran
Jun 06, 2014, at 06:47 pm
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): A group of United Nations human rights experts on Thursday expressed outrage at the recent executions of two prisoners in Iran, and urged the Government to institute a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to abolishing it all together.
UN concerned over worsening health of Palestinian detainees
Jun 06, 2014, at 06:44 pm
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): Gravely concerned about the reported worsening health of more than 75 Palestinian detainees on hunger strike now in hospital protesting Israel's continued use of administrative detention, members of a United Nations committee on Thursday urged Israel to end the practice and heed the "desperate plea" prisoners to be told what they are accused of so they can mount a defence.
UN tribunals crucial for delivering justice for Rwanda: UNSC
Jun 06, 2014, at 06:41 pm
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): What began as 'bold experiments' in international justice two decades ago have resulted in ensuring accountability for the worst of crimes, officials from the United Nations tribunals dealing with the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday, as they highlighted ongoing efforts to bring the work of their respective bodies to a close.
Ban launches UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All
Jun 06, 2014, at 06:38 pm
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): Launching the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday hailed modern energy services as the source of profound and life-changing opportunities - for the poorest communities and the richest investors - and urged generating the innovative ideas and vital partnerships to wholly transform the global energy landscape.
South Sudan: UN boosts aid operations to reach remote areas
Jun 06, 2014, at 06:28 pm
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): As the rainy season begins in South Sudan, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has scaled up its emergency response operations with large-scale airdrops to provide remote communities with livelihood kits that will allow them to plant crops, fish waterways and protect livestock from fatal diseases.
Ban concerned over Israeli settlement expansion in West Bank
Jun 06, 2014, at 06:24 pm
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday he is deeply concerned by reports that Israeli authorities have issued tenders for the construction of over 1,400 new housing units in settlements in the West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
UN calls for crisis funding for Central African Republic
Jun 05, 2014, at 05:27 pm
New York, Jun 5 (IBNS): Thousands of women and children fleeing the Central African Republic (CAR) for Cameroon arrive in a 'shocking state,' malnourished and dangerously ill, the heads of two United Nations humanitarian agencies said on Wednesday, warning that their funds are nearly exhausted and that hundreds of thousands of people could die unless urgent contributions are received.
UN seeks to mobilize investment for sustainable energy
Jun 05, 2014, at 05:25 pm
New York, Jun 5 (IBNS): Over 1,000 participants from government, business, international organizations and civil society groups gathered on Wednesday at United Nations Headquarters to kick off a three-day forum designed to mobilize investment and action to realize the goal of ensuring sustainable energy for all.