Safety of journalists essential to vibrant, democratic societies, UN rights chief stresses
Jun 12, 2014, at 06:11 pm
New York, June 12 (IBNS) “Sound, bold and independent†journalism is vital in any democratic society, the United Nations human rights chief declared Wednesday, stressing the need to ensure the safety of media workers, who have come under increasing attacks, harassment and intimidation over the past few years.
Global manufacturing output continues to climb in wake of recession, UN reports
Jun 12, 2014, at 06:10 pm
New York, June 12 (IBNS) World manufacturing is in a phase of steady growth due to the improved financial condition of industrialized countries, especially in Europe, and China’s continued growth, the United Nations Wednesday reported.
UN officials underscore need to counter appeal of terrorism
Jun 12, 2014, at 06:07 pm
New York, June 12 (IBNS) Critical to defeating terrorism and making the world a safer place is addressing conditions that give rise to this scourge, senior United Nations officials stated Wednesday, as they also underscored the need to better support the victims of such heinous acts.
General Assembly elects Ugandan Foreign Minister as President of 69th session
Jun 12, 2014, at 06:06 pm
New York, June 12 (IBNS) The United Nations General Assembly Wednesday elected by acclamation Sam Kahamba Kutesa of Uganda as President of its upcoming 69th session.
We must be prepared to invest more in peacekeeping: Ban to SC
Jun 12, 2014, at 05:55 pm
New York, June 12 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday told the United Nations Security Council that the international community must be prepared to invest in peacekeeping and peacebuilding at a “key moment for this flagship UN activity†as he highlighted new trends and approaches affecting operations, whose budget is approaching $8 billion.
Ban condemns Mali car bombing killing UN peacekeepers
Jun 12, 2014, at 05:48 pm
New York, June 12 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned Wednesday's car bomb attack on a United Nations camp in Mali that resulted in the death of four peacekeepers from Chad.
Iraq: UN chief, SC deplore kidnapping of Turkish diplomats in Mosul
Jun 12, 2014, at 05:38 pm
New York, June 12 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council Thursday deplored the kidnapping of Turkish diplomats in the Iraqi city of Mosul, while the United Nations humanitarian arm reported that hundreds of thousands of people have fled the area amid rising violence.
Ban welcomes successful Kosovo assembly elections
Jun 11, 2014, at 06:16 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the successful conduct of assembly elections in Kosovo and called on authorities to remain committed to strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights of all living there.
UN review focuses on youth with disabilities
Jun 11, 2014, at 06:12 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): Hundreds of activists and Government delegates gathered at United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday to identify practical ways to take the rights, needs and concerns of persons with disabilities, particularly youth, into consideration as they strive to advance inclusive, sustainable development.
UN rights council urges universal protections for all
Jun 11, 2014, at 06:08 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): In her last opening statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council, outgoing High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stressed on Tuesday the benefit to all countries of ensuring universal protection of individuals and groups from abuse, even if it means the countries are then subject to criticism.
Iraq: Ban urges leaders to show unity in face of threats
Jun 11, 2014, at 06:06 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): Urging all political leaders in Iraq to show national unity against the myriad threats facing the country, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday expressed grave concern about the "serious deterioration" of security in Mosul, and condemned the recent spate of terrorist attacks that have left scores of dead and wounded in Iraq's northern and eastern provinces.
UN envoy Angelina Jolie urges end to sexual violence in conflict
Jun 11, 2014, at 06:04 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): Hollywood actress, activist and United Nations Special Envoy Angelina Jolie on Tuesday called for concerted action to end once and for all the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war.
UN spotlights power of technology to advance development
Jun 11, 2014, at 05:56 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): With nearly everyone on Earth now having access to a mobile cellular network and some three billion people online, a United Nations information and communication technology (ICT) forum opening in Geneva on Tuesday called for greater efforts to ensure that everyone also has access to broadband connectivity.
CAR: UN concerned over nearly exhausted relief funds
Jun 11, 2014, at 05:47 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): Less than a week after an urgent funding appeal by the heads of the lead UN food and refugee agencies, lack of donor attention threatening to cut off aid to thousands trying to escape violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) emerged again on Tuesday as a top item in the bi-weekly humanitarian briefing in Geneva.
UN seeks regional savings to finance sustainable development
Jun 11, 2014, at 05:38 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): The private sector in the Asia-Pacific region holds USD 33 trillion which could help finance sustainable development, the United Nations economic and social office in the region said, calling for greater partnerships in the social and environmental sectors, and for a reworking of the region's financial regulations.
Ban welcomes start of peace talks between Colombia, rebels
Jun 11, 2014, at 05:34 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed the announced start of peace talks between the Government of Colombia and representatives of the National Liberation Army (ELN), and encouraged all parties to remain committed to the pursuit of peace in the country.
UN appeals for end to clan-based fighting in Somalia
Jun 10, 2014, at 05:22 pm
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): The top United Nations envoy to Somalia on Monday appealed to an end to clan-based hostilities in the Lower Shabelle region which have resulted in a number of casualties in recent days.
Nigeria: UN urges national actors to ensure release of schoolgirls
Jun 10, 2014, at 05:16 pm
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): A United Nations envoy on Monday renewed the world body's commitment to supporting ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Government to secure the safe release of the abducted schoolgirls from Chibok, and called for concerted efforts to tackle the insurgency in the north-east of the country.
UN: Security tensions threaten Libya's transition
Jun 10, 2014, at 05:12 pm
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): The recent turmoil in Libya has not only slowed the pace of important aspects of the democratic transition but threatens to thrust the North African nation back into conflict and instability, the United Nations envoy to the country told the UN Security Council on Monday.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.