'Flagrant' violations of international law continue in Syria, top UN relief official warns
Jul 31, 2014, at 05:09 pm
New York, July 31 (IBNS) 'Flagrant' violations of international law continue in Syria, Top UN relief official warns With the United Nations and its partners in Syria begin to ramp up aid deliveries across battle lines, the Organization's Emergency Relief Coordinator warned on Wednesday that attacks on civilians by all parties to the conflict and human rights abuses continue "in flagrant violation of the most basic principles of international law."
Security Council extends mandates of UN missions in Iraq, Cyprus
Jul 31, 2014, at 05:02 pm
New York, July 31 (IBNS) The Security Council on Wednesday unanimously approved resolutions extending the United Nations missions in Iraq and Cyprus, recognizing the vital role they continue to play in the maintenance of peace and security.
Ban urges halt to fighting, unfettered access to Malaysia Airlines crash site in Ukraine
Jul 31, 2014, at 04:55 pm
New York,July 31 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called for an immediate halt to hostilities in eastern Ukraine so that international investigators can gain access to the site where a Malaysia Airlines passenger flight crashed earlier this month.
On World Day against Trafficking in Persons, UN calls for action to eradicate scourge
Jul 31, 2014, at 04:39 pm
New York, July 31 (IBNS) Emphasizing that the practice of slavery still plagues modern society, the United Nations marked its first-ever World Day against Trafficking in Persons by calling on the international community to end impunity for perpetrators and help victims, especially women and children, who continue to be particularly vulnerable to the perfidious trade.
On first official visit, Ban hails Costa Rica as 'model' for development, peace
Jul 31, 2014, at 04:34 pm
New York, July 31 (IBNS) On his first official visit, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon lauded Costa Rica as a "model country" in sustainable development and protecting human rights.
On Friendship Day, UN chief urges solidarity among human family
Jul 31, 2014, at 04:31 pm
New York, July 31 (IBNS) In the current time of mistrust and violence, with previously harmonious neighbours warring, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging all people to reach out to one another as friends and build long-term foundations for lasting peace.
Gaza conflict: 43 Palestinians killed
Jul 30, 2014, at 07:11 pm
Gaza City, July 30 (IBNS): At least 43 Palestinians killed have been in Israeli fire afresh as conflict continued on Wednesday, media reports said.
Ban lauds Nicaragua's 'forward-looking' energy policy during day-long visit
Jul 30, 2014, at 04:26 pm
New York, July 30 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday hailed Nicaragua's “forward-looking†energy policy as he arrived on an official visit to discuss how the United Nations and the Central American nation can work together in promoting peace and sustainable development.
Citing humanitarian impact, Ban warns against further escalation in Gaza conflict
Jul 30, 2014, at 04:23 pm
New York, July 30 (IBNS): UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly urged all sides to avoid any further escalation in the Gaza conflict, warning of the devastating humanitarian impact on civilians in the enclave who have already suffered immensely since the crisis started.
Jul 29, 2014, at 04:59 pm
New York, July 29 (IBNS) With the kick-off of the United Nations post-2015 sustainable development agenda fast approaching, ministers and senior Government officials from across the globe have gathered in Cotonou, Benin, on Monday to discuss how to strengthen the world’s 48 least developed countries to produce more goods and trade in international markets more efficiently.
Security Council concerned about illicit oil trade as revenue for terrorists in Iraq, Syria
Jul 29, 2014, at 04:57 pm
New York, July 29 (IBNS) Voicing grave concern over the reported access to and seizure of oilfields and pipelines in Syria and Iraq by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Jabhat Al-Nusra, the Security Council on Monday underscored that there should be no trade in oil with these terrorist groups.
Security Council: Ban urged to streamline cooperation with African Union
Jul 29, 2014, at 04:54 pm
New York, July 29 (IBNS) With preparations underway for the United Nations to take over from an African Union-led peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Security Council on Monday requested Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to review what was done and how it could be done better in future transitions.
Myanmar: UN rights expert warns against backtracking on free expression, association
Jul 29, 2014, at 04:53 pm
New York, July 29 (IBNS) On the heels of a ten-day visit to Myanmar, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country has urged authorities to avoid any backtracking that could threaten the achievements of the past few years.
Eastern Ukraine: UN rights chief says downing of plane may be 'war crime,' urges probe
Jul 29, 2014, at 04:50 pm
New York, July 29 (IBNS) The shooting down of a Malaysian Airlines plane over eastern Ukraine may amount to a war crime, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Monday said on Monday, releasing a new report that details a total breakdown of law and order and a reign of fear and terror inflicted by armed groups in the area.
Hailing recent roadmap, Security Council calls on Malian parties to advance peace efforts
Jul 29, 2014, at 04:50 pm
New York, July 29 (IBNS) The Security Council on Monday commended the parties to the inter-Malian dialogue on the recent adoption of a roadmap and called on them to fully comply with their commitments, including by engaging in comprehensive peace talks.
Jul 29, 2014, at 06:26 am
Tripoli, July 28 (IBNS) A massive fire at a fuel storage facility in Libya's Tripoli has spread to a second tank, media reports said on Monday.
Eastern Ukraine: UN rights chief says downing of plane may be 'war crime,' urges probe
Jul 29, 2014, at 04:44 am
New York, July 28 (IBNS) The shooting down of a Malaysian Airlines plane over eastern Ukraine may amount to a war crime, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Monday said on Monday, releasing a new report that details a total breakdown of law and order and a reign of fear and terror inflicted by armed groups in the area.
Security Council, in emergency session, calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza
Jul 29, 2014, at 03:03 am
New York, July 28 (IBNS) The United Nations Security Council on Monday, meeting in an emergency session just after midnight, called for an “immediate and unconditional†ceasefire, allowing for the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.
Gaza: UN renews appeal for humanitarian ceasefire leading to political talks
Jul 28, 2014, at 02:42 am
New York , July 27 (IBNS) Welcoming the broadly observed 12-hour humanitarian pause in the Gaza conflict, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon renewed his appeal to all parties to declare a week-long ceasefire as a prelude to restarting political negotiations.
Boko Haram 'abduct' Cameroon deputy PM's wife
Jul 28, 2014, at 02:32 am
Yaounde, July 27 (IBNS): Militant group Boko Haram have kidnapped the wife of the Cameroon's deputy prime minister Amadou Ali in country's Kolofata town on Sunday, media reports said.
Hamas announces 24-hour Gaza ceasefire
Jul 28, 2014, at 02:05 am
Gaza City, July 27 (IBNS): Amid the ongoing conflict, Hamas has announced a 24-hour ceasefire, media reports said on Sunday.
Hamas announces 24-hour Gaza ceasefire with Israel
Jul 27, 2014, at 11:02 pm
Gaza City, July 27 (IBNS) Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday announced a 24-hour humanitarian ceasefire shortly after Israel resumed its raids on Gaza by land, sea and air following rocket attacks.
Israel resumes offensive activities after Hamas rocket attack
Jul 27, 2014, at 08:51 pm
Gaza City, July 27 (IBNS) The Israeli army on Sunday said it resumed its raids on Gaza by land, sea and air after Hamas continued firing rockets, ending a unilateral humanitarian truce.
Jul 27, 2014, at 03:42 am
Gaza City, July 26 (IBNS) As the ongoing offensive launched Israel on Hamas militants touched 19 days, the death toll in Gaza has passed 1,000, media reports said on Saturday.
UN and partners urge humanitarian ceasefire, return to dialogue by Israelis, Palestinians
Jul 26, 2014, at 05:19 pm
New York, July 26 (IBNS) The United Nations and its diplomatic partners on Friday called for a seven-day humanitarian ceasefire, as they continue their efforts to bring about an end to the bloodshed and destruction that is tearing apart the lives of so many civilians in Gaza and Israel.
UN warns of 'hunger catastrophe' for South Sudanese children
Jul 26, 2014, at 05:08 pm
New York, July 26 (IBNS) Two United Nations humanitarian agencies on Friday called for action to stop a potential famine in South Sudan which they said is being allowed to happen, just as it occurred in Somalia and the Horn of Africa three years ago.
Troubled by escalating violence in Libya, ICC Prosecutor urges halt to fighting
Jul 26, 2014, at 05:00 pm
New York, July 26 (IBNS) The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said on Friday she is “deeply troubled†by the escalating violence in Libya, and called on all parties to refrain from committing criminal acts that may fall within the jurisdiction of the Court.
UN agency hails Suriname for eliminating gender discrimination in nationality laws
Jul 26, 2014, at 04:54 pm
New York, July 26 (IBNS) The United Nations refugee agency on Friday welcomed a recent decision taken by the Suriname National Assembly that enables mothers to pass on nationality to their children.
UN agencies urge greater support to fight mounting hunger crisis in Africa's Sahel region
Jul 26, 2014, at 04:11 pm
New York, July 26 (IBNS) Two United Nations agencies on Friday urged the international donor community to renew its commitment to fight hunger and food insecurity in the Sahel by strengthening the resilience of destitute families in the region.
UN chief welcomes roadmap adopted by parties at inter-Malian peace talks
Jul 26, 2014, at 04:04 pm
New York, July 26 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has congratulated the Malian parties on the adoption of a roadmap at the end of the first round of peace talks, while voicing his deep concern at the deteriorating security situation in parts of northern Mali.