Senior UN official highlights new tools to provide food aid to fragile countries
01 December 2011
The head of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) stressed today the importance of providing more support to fragile countries, adding that new agreements reached during this week’s aid effectiveness forum in the Republic of Korea (ROK) would help build trust and achieve better results for vulnerable populations.
On World AIDS Day, UN officials say end to epidemic is within reach
01 December 2011
As the world heads into the fourth decade of AIDS, it is finally in a position to end the epidemic, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, leading a chorus of United Nations officials in calling for the political will, investments and determination to reach this goal.
Inspired by global events, UN launches social media campaign to celebrate rights
01 December 2011
The United Nations has launched a social media campaign to encourage people to get involved in the global human rights movement, inspired by the role played by tools such as Facebook and Twitter in the awakening that transformed parts of the Arab world this year.
UN Human Rights Council strongly condemns abuses by Syrian authorities
02 December 2011
he United Nations Human Rights Council today strongly condemned the continued abuses by the Syrian authorities as part of its violent crackdown against protesters which has led to the deaths of more than 4,000 people since March, including over 300 children.http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40596&Cr=Syria&Cr1
Diasporas have important role to play in fostering development, says Assembly President
02 December 2011
The President of the General Assembly today highlighted the important economic contributions of diasporas and stressed the need to help them achieve their full potential.
Ban urges leaders to respond to people’s calls for right to development
02 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged leaders to respond to people’s calls for the right to build a better future for themselves, stressing that women and youth, in particular, must be helped to enjoy lives of dignity, equality and opportunity.
UN-backed initiative enlists celebrity help in fight against tuberculosis
05 December 2011
A new initiative to combat tuberculosis (TB), an illness which claims the lives of over one million people each year, has recruited international celebrities in an effort to maintain awareness towards eradicating the disease, the United Nations health agency announced today.
Volunteers are powerful force for peace and development – UN report
05 December 2011
Stressing that volunteerism contributes to the well-being of individuals, communities and society, a new United Nations report released today urges countries not to forget this largely untapped asset.
UN study reveals impact of climate change in livelihoods in Sahel and West Africa
05 December 2011
Climate change is already having an impact in the livelihoods of millions of people in the Sahel and West Africa, according to a new United Nations study released today, which calls for governments to implement policies that will prevent competition for resources, conflict and forced migration in the region.
Volunteers are powerful force for peace and development – UN report
05 December 2011
Stressing that volunteerism contributes to the well-being of individuals, communities and society, a new United Nations report released today urges countries not to forget this largely untapped asset.
Ban urges leaders to make real progress at UN climate change talks
06 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged countries not to lose momentum and show determined leadership to advance negotiations at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa, as States enter their first day of high-level talks.
UN deplores deadly twin attacks on Afghan civilians during Shiite holiday
06 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations mission in Afghanistan have strongly condemned today’s explosions in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif that have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries of civilians who had gathered for a Shiite religious observance.
Iraq: UN calls for more time to resolve issue of camp residents
06 December 2011
The United Nations envoy for Iraq today voiced concern over the situation in a camp housing several thousand Iranian exiles and urged the Iraqi Government to extend the deadline for closing down the settlement as efforts continue o find a peaceful solution that conforms with international law.
Dozens killed in latest round of ethnic violence in South Sudan – UN mission
06 December 2011
The United Nations peacekeeping operation in South Sudan is probing another spasm of ethnic violence in the new country that has reportedly killed dozens of villagers and displaced many more.
Newsmakers: IOM Director General, William Lacy Swing
06 December 2011
Interview with William Lacy Swing, Director General of the International Organization of Migration (IOM)
UN agencies condemn violence against Mexican peace activists
06 December 2011
Two United Nations agencies have strongly condemned the recent murder of a Mexican peace activist and the attempted killing of the chief of a women’s rights organization in the same country and called on the Government to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
UN agency, Italian energy company partner to combat hunger and climate change
07 December 2011
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Italian energy company Enel announced today a new partnership to combat hunger and malnutrition while also reducing carbon emissions through the use of ‘green’ stoves and solar panels.http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40654&Cr=wfp&Cr1
UN meeting hears call for greater Asia-Pacific cooperation on development goals
07 December 2011
Asia-Pacific countries need to boost their cooperation with each other if the region is to achieve the series of social and economic targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by their 2015 deadline, a United Nations meeting heard today.
Côte d’Ivoire: UN envoy voices concern about violent pre-election incidents
08 December 2011
Three days before Ivorians go to the polls to vote in crucial parliamentary elections, the top United Nations official in the West African country has expressed concern over a series of violent incidents provoked by armed men surrounding some of the candidates.
UN-led campaign that planted 12 billion trees worldwide starts new phase
08 December 2011
A United Nations campaign that has overseen the planting of more than 12 billion trees around the world has been handed over to a youth-led environmental organization based in Germany that will build on the initiative’s achievements over the past four years.
Security fragile as stalemate over Abyei persists – senior UN official
08 December 2011
The security situation in the disputed area of Abyei remains fragile, with both South Sudan and Sudan failing to withdraw their armed forces as agreed under a demilitarization pact reached in June, the head of United Nations peacekeeping told the Security Council today.
Developing nations offer creative solutions for tackling hunger, says Assembly President
09 December 2011
The President of the General Assembly today lauded the Global South-South Development Expo held in Rome as a strong testimony to the creativity of developing countries to achieve global food security.
Loss of mountain forests would unleash serious socio-economic effects – UN
09 December 2011
The loss of mountain forests sparked by increasing temperatures and population growth would have serious socio-economic and environmental consequences, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned today, calling on governments to increase their efforts to protect them and incorporate them into their climate change policies.
Ban welcomes swearing in of Yemen’s new government
10 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed today the swearing in of the Government of National Unity in Yemen, calling it an important milestone in implementing the transitional agreement in the country.
Ban welcomes climate change deal reached at UN conference in Durban
11 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed today the set of decisions reached by countries at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa, saying they represent a significant agreement that will define how the international community will address climate change in the coming years.
Corruption leading to unequal access, use and distribution of land – UN report
12 December 2011
Corruption caused by weak governance is leading to unequal land distribution and poor resource management, according to a United Nations report released today, which argues that this lack of transparency is undermining social stability, investment and growth in developing countries.
Support for ending impunity for international crimes must grow – ICC
12 December 2011
Eight years after assuming office as prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno-Ocampo spotlighted today the transformative changes taking place in international law, with countries increasing their support for ending impunity of international crimes, adding that this trend must continue to grow.
Ban voices deep concern over settlement expansion in the West Bank
12 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep concern after reports emerged today that the Israeli Government has approved the construction of another 40 houses and a farm in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Canada’s withdrawal from Kyoto Protocol regrettable – UN climate official
13 December 2011
Canada’s decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol is surprising and regrettable, the United Nations climate change chief Christiana Figueres said today, calling on developed countries to meet the commitments they recently made at the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa.
Boosted global efforts against malaria lead to far fewer deaths – UN
13 December 2011
The expansion of malaria prevention and control measures have resulted in a decline of more than 25 per cent in the number of deaths caused by the disease in the past decade, and a 33 per cent reduction in mortality rates in Africa, the disease’s heartland, according to a United Nations report unveiled today.
Palestinian flag flies at UNESCO to mark admission as new member
13 December 2011
The Palestinian flag was raised for the first time at the Paris headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today as the UN agency marked Palestine’s admission as a full member.
UN needed more than ever after ‘remarkable and extraordinary year’ – Ban
14 December 2011
The United Nations has “never been so needed” to deal with the planet’s most pressing challenges, from the impact of climate change to growing demands for human rights to helping people facing humanitarian crises, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a year-end press conference today.
Efficiency of livestock systems must be improved – UN report
14 December 2011
As demand for livestock increases, efficient methods to increase production will be crucial to meet global needs, a new United Nations report stresses, warning current production practices lack the necessary capabilities to provide sustainable solutions over the next few decades.
UN seeks $7.7 billion to provide humanitarian aid to millions of people in 2012
14 December 2011
The United Nations and its partners today called for $7.7 billion to provide humanitarian assistance to 51 million people in 16 countries over the course of next year, launching the largest appeal in two decades.
‘Storm of hunger’ threatens lives of 2.5 million South Sudanese – UN official
15 December 2011
Damaged crops combined with conflict and insecurity are threatening to leave some 2.5 million people in South Sudan – the world’s newest country – in critical conditions unless food assistance is provided immediately, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned today.
Donors pledge $482 million for UN efforts to help displaced, stateless people
15 December 2011
Donor governments today pledged $482 million for the United Nations refugee agency’s operations in 2012 to help forcibly displaced and stateless people worldwide.
African entrepreneurs win UN-backed award for eco-friendly initiatives
15 December 2011
A company that transforms groundnut shells into fuel briquettes in Gambia and a business in Kenya where women produce aloe-based skin care products are among this year’s winners of a United Nations-backed award recognizing projects that help promote sustainable development.
UN issues first report on human rights of gay and lesbian people
15 December 2011
The first ever United Nations report on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people details how around the world people are killed or endure hate-motivated violence, torture, detention, criminalization and discrimination in jobs, health care and education because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Egypt: UN human rights chief condemns brutality against protesters
19 December 2011
The United Nations human rights chief today strongly condemned what she described as the “brutal suppression” of demonstrations by the military and security forces in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, saying the violence reportedly left at least 11 people dead and more than 500 others injured over the weekend.
Philippines: UN officials mourn victims of storm tragedy
19 December 2011
United Nations officials today sent their sympathies to the people of the Philippines after a tropical storm slammed the south of the country at the weekend, causing devastating floods that left more than 500 people dead and hundreds of others missing.
UNICEF welcomes Israel’s release of Palestinian child detainees
19 December 2011
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) welcomed the release of 55 Palestinian child detainees by Israel yesterday as part of a prisoner swap deal struck two months ago, and said it looked forward to more advancements on this issue.
Secretary-General mourns passing of former Czech leader Vaclav Havel
19 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his deep sadness at the passing of Vaclav Havel, the former president of the Czech Republic, who died on Sunday.
In wake of leader’s death, Ban says UN will continue to help people of DPR Korea
19 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon extended his sympathy today to the mourning citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) upon learning of the passing of their leader, Kim Jong-il, who died on Saturday.
UN book highlights benefits of Amazon plants and foods to improve livelihoods
20 December 2011
A United Nations book released today aims to provide people in the developing world with accessible knowledge of Amazon plants and foods they can use to improve their livelihoods.
UN expert concerned at poor living conditions of Canada’s indigenous
20 December 2011
An independent United Nations human rights expert has asked Canada to clarify what it is doing to address the “dire” socio-economic conditions of the Attawapiskat aboriginal community, noting that many of its members live in unheated shacks or trailers, with no running water.
UN rights chief welcomes new measure to stop violence against children
20 December 2011
The United Nations rights chief today added her voice to the chorus of UN officials welcoming the decision by Member States to adopt a new protocol aimed at protecting children from abuse and violence.
UN reports improved access to safe drinking water, but poorest still lagging
21 December 2011
The internationally stated goal of improving access to safe drinking water across the globe is likely to be achieved well ahead of the 2015 deadline, but large numbers of people in the world’s least developed regions will still not benefit, according to a United Nations report released today.
Key organizers of Rwandan genocide jailed for life by UN tribunal
21 December 2011
Two key organizers of the Rwandan genocide in 1994 were today sentenced to life in prison by the United Nations tribunal dealing with war crimes in the country which resulted in the deaths of some 800,000 people in just 100 days.
Yemen faces critical period to cement political settlement – UN envoy
21 December 2011
The next few weeks will be critical as Yemen seeks to address its political, security and humanitarian challenges, a United Nations envoy stressed today, adding that the support of the international community will be vital to the transition process.
Establishing a peaceful Palestinian State next to Israel long overdue – Ban
29 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today led a chorus of United Nations officials in stressing the need for a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine and achieving a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
Egypt: Ban welcomes peaceful and enthusiastic conduct of first round of voting
29 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended Egyptians for the enthusiastic and relatively calm conduct of voting in their country’s first elections since the long-standing regime of Hosni Mubarak was overthrown.