United Kingdom to give $25 million to UN-led programme to help empower farmers
04 April 2012
The United Kingdom today signed an agreement with the United Nations food agency to donate $25 million to support a partnership programme that will improve agricultural data available to governments and farmers in developing countries.
UN official urges greater support for peacebuilding efforts in Central African Republic
05 April 2012
The head of the United Nations peacebuilding office in the Central African Republic (CAR) today urged the international community to support ongoing efforts to restore stability in the country, saying that more $19 million is required to complete its disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process.
Africa and Asia to lead urban population growth in next 40 years – UN report
05 April 2012
Africa and Asia together will account for 86 per cent of all growth in the world’s urban population over the next four decades, the United Nations said today, adding that this unprecedented increase will pose new challenges in terms of jobs, housing and infrastructure.
Bahrain: UN top official calls for investigation into killing of citizen journalist
06 April 2012
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with promoting and defending the freedom of the press today called for an investigation into the killing of a citizen journalist in Bahrain during a civilian demonstration.
South Sudan: As civilian disarmament takes place, UN urges respect for human rights
06 April 2012
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan today urged South Sudanese security forces to ensure human rights are respected as the civilian disarmament process takes place in the country's Jonglei state.
UN marks World Health Day with call for adequate health policies for older citizens
06 April 2012
United Nations top officials today stressed the importance of providing adequate health services to older citizens and called on countries to commit resources to help their aging populations lead a healthy and active life.
Ban mourns death of Malawi President, welcomes peaceful transition of power
07 April 2012
The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today mourned the death of the President of Malawi, Bingu Wa Mutharika.
Ban praises mediation efforts by West African regional bloc in Mali
08 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended the continued efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to facilitate the restoration of constitutional order in Mali, and called on the country's military junta to immediately implement the accord it signed on Friday with the regional bloc.
As ceasefire deadline nears, Ban renews demand on Syria to halt violence
09 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated his demand that the Syrian Government immediately cease all military actions against civilians, amid a growing refugee flow into neighbouring countries and fatal cross-border fire that has resulted in deaths and injuries.
UN envoy condemns violent attack in northern Kosovo
09 April 2012
The United Nations envoy in Kosovo today strongly condemned a deadly bomb attack on Sunday morning at an apartment complex in the northern city of Mitrovica, and urged residents to stay calm as authorities investigate the incident.
Advance team of UN observers arrives in Syria to report on cessation of violence
16 April 2012
The first group of six United Nations unarmed monitors tasked by the Security Council to report on the implementation of a full cessation of armed violence in Syria has arrived in the capital, Damascus, and began their work, according to a spokesperson for the world body.
Security Council strongly condemns DPR Korea’s satellite launch attempt
16 April 2012
The Security Council today strongly condemned the attempted launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) of a so-called ‘application satellite,’ stressing that last week’s action, as well as any other use of ballistic missile technology, is a serious violation of the United Nations resolutions.
UN chief renews call for immediate end to Sudan-South Sudan hostilities
16 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated his deep concern over continuing hostilities between Sudan and South Sudan, including the impact of the conflict on civilians, and urged both sides to cease fighting and ensure the safety of the population.
Ban voices concern over deepening political crisis in Guinea-Bissau
16 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced grave concern over the fact that, despite calls by the international community for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, the leaders of last week’s coup have continued to deepen the political crisis through their declared plans to establish a transitional government.
UN condemns deadly weekend raids by insurgents in Afghanistan
16 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations mission in Afghanistan today strongly condemned the coordinated attacks carried out on Sunday against the country’s institutions and international organizations, including foreign diplomatic missions, in the capital, Kabul, and elsewhere.
Mali: UNESCO chief appeals for protection of Timbuktu’s documentary heritage
16 April 2012
Reports that rebels have over-run and looted centres containing thousands of ancient books and documents in Mali’s historic city of Timbuktu has led the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to appeal to all relevant authorities to be on the alert against any attempt to traffic items stolen from these centres.
UN envoy for sexual violence in conflict to step down next month
16 April 2012
Margot Wallström, who has been spearheading United Nations efforts to tackle sexual violence in conflict, will step down from her post at the end of May due to family considerations, it was announced today.
Côte d’Ivoire: UN peacekeeping chief discusses security situation with premier
16 April 2012
The head of United Nations peacekeeping met today with the Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire during a visit to the West African country aimed at familiarizing himself with the remaining security requirements a year after the end of the post-election violence.
Ban welcomes European Union’s energy access initiative for developing countries
16 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed a new European Union (EU) initiative designed to assist developing countries in providing access to sustainable energy to their populations.
UN congratulates Timor-Leste for peaceful and orderly run-off poll
16 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his top envoy in Timor-Leste have congratulated the people of the country on the successful holding today of the second round of the presidential election.
Commending UAE efforts against human trafficking, UN expert urges more to help victims
17 April 2012
A United Nations independent human rights expert today urged the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) authorities – at Federal and Emirate level – to further concentrate on the plight of the victims of trafficking, while keeping up their fight against human trafficking.
Urgent action needed to address ‘cascading crisis’ in Africa’s Sahel region – Ban
17 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the global community to act quickly to address what he described as a “cascading crisis” sweeping the Sahel region of West Africa, where 15 million people have been affected by the drought and conflict-related crisis in the area.
UN and global migration agency agree to step up efforts to combat human trafficking
17 April 2012
The United Nations anti-crime agency and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today agreed to boost cooperation to tackle human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and to improve border management.
Ban voices concern over arrests of public officials in Mali
18 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced concern over a fresh wave of arrests of high-ranking public officials in Mali, at a time when numerous efforts are being undertaken to help the country overcome the various challenges it is facing.
UN food agency warns of looming health threats in Europe and Central Asia
18 April 2012
On the eve of a regional conference set to begin in Azerbaijan, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is warning that obesity and diet-related illnesses could emerge as major challenges for Europe and Central Asia, while hunger will only be a minor problem.
Assembly chief urges scientific approaches to sustainable development
18 April 2012
The President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, warned today that economic growth that relies on unsustainable patterns of consumption and production is undermining humankind’s quest for harmony with nature and called for science-based sustainable development solutions.
Human rights must be integrated into sustainable development, UN official stresses
18 April 2012
Countries must integrate human rights into the upcoming sustainable development conference taking place in Rio de Janeiro, as well as its outcome, a top United Nations official stressed today, warning that not doing so will undercut efforts to advance socio-economic development and protect the environment.
UN envoy condemns eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem homes
18 April 2012
A senior United Nations official has condemned the eviction today of two Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem and called for an end to such violations of international law.
Head of UN peacekeeping discusses cooperation with senior official of West African bloc
18 April 2012
The United Nations top peacekeeping official had discussions with a senior official of the sub-regional bloc of West African States on issues of mutual interest between the two organizations, including how to better work together, during a visit to the region this week.
UN disaster reduction office launches initiative to help cities manage risk
18 April 2012
The United Nations office for disaster risk reduction today launched a new initiative to help cities across the world manage risk following the worst year on record for economic losses caused by disasters.
UN trade meeting to focus on ‘development-centred globalization’
20 April 2012
On the eve of a major United Nations ministerial conference on international trade and development, a senior UN official today said the event is taking place at a turning point during which leaders of the global community must step forward to lead the world out of “round after round of financial crisis.”
Ban notes South Sudan’s announcement on withdrawal, urges talks
20 April 2012
Taking note of South Sudan’s announcement that it is withdrawing from the oil-producing region of Heglig in Sudan, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the Governments of both countries to resume negotiations immediately under the auspices of the African Union High-Level Panel to resolve their outstanding differences.
UN rights office calls for halt on use of military courts to try civilians in Gaza
20 April 2012
The UN human rights office today expressed serious concern that the de facto authorities in Gaza continue to issue death sentences and carry out executions, especially since many of the sentences are handed down by military courts against civilians.
WFP resumes airlifts of emergency food in Mali
20 April 2012
The World Food Programme (WFP) announced today that the airlift of emergency food had resumed in Mali, where an estimated 1.2 million people are in need of assistance.
Security Council authorizes UN observer mission in Syria, Ban welcomes decision
21 April 2012
The Security Council today authorized the establishment of a United Nations observer mission to Syria, for an initial period 90 days, to monitor the cessation of violence there, as well as monitor and support the full implementation of a peace plan.
Security Council demands ‘immediate’ restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau
21 April 2012
Raising the possibility of targeted sanctions, the United Nations Security Council today demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, as well as the reinstatement of the West African country's legitimate government.
Ban: Not enough progress in talks to call for international conference on Cyprus
21 April 2012
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today informed the leaders of Cyprus' Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, Demetris Christofias and Derviþ Eroðlu, that there was not enough progress on key aspects of reunification talks to warrant holding an international conference on the divided Mediterranean island nation.
Message of the Secretary-General for 2012 International Mother Earth Day
22 April 2012
The annual observance of International Mother Earth Day honours our one and only planet and the place of human beings in it. It is also meant as a call to action against human disregard for nature’s life-supporting resources and ecosystems.
Papua New Guinea on ‘slippery path’ to undermining rule of law, warns UN official
27 April 2012
A top United Nations official today voiced concern about recent steps taken by the Government in Papua New Guinea that undermine the rule of law, breach international human rights standards, impinge on the independence of the judiciary, and could lead to serious instability.
Security Council welcomes conviction in war crimes trial of Charles Taylor
27 April 2012
The Security Council today joined welcomed the guilty verdict handed down against former Liberian President Charles Taylor for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Sierra Leone’s civil war.
In India, Ban calls for greater investment in women and children’s health
28 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on India to lead the way in improving health services for women and children, stressing that addressing this issue is a crucial investment in the future of the South Asian nation.
The transition to a green economy must include better safety standards for workers – UN
28 April 2012
Protecting the safety and health of workers across the world must be part of transitioning into a green economy, the United Nations stressed today, warning that while sustainable jobs may protect the environment and create new employment opportunities, they may also present a number of unforeseen risks for individuals.
On historic visit, Ban praises Myanmar’s progress and urges further partnership
30 April 2012
During a historic address to Myanmar’s parliament, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today emphasized the importance of partnerships – amongst the country’s political leadership as well as with the international community – in helping the Asian country advance its process of national reconciliation and democratic transition.
Ban condemns terrorist bombings in Syria, voices concern over continuing violence
30 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned today’s terrorist bombing in the Syrian city of Idlib, as well as last week’s bomb blast in the capital, Damascus, saying he remains gravely concerned by reports of continuing violence, killings and other abuses in the country.
Global jobs crisis expected to continue for some time, warns UN report
30 April 2012
The global employment situation is alarming, says a new United Nations report released today, which also warns that recovery is not expected any time soon.