UN labour chief: world economy should focus more on needs of society
UN News Centre – 06 June 2012
The head of the United Nations labour agency today told a major work forum that the world economy has focussed too much on finance and too little on the needs of society.
At Security Council’s request, Ban to explore a ‘variety of options’ for way ahead in Syria
UN News Centre – 07 June 2012
At the request of the Security Council, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will soon put forward a range of options for resolving the crisis in Syria.
European debt crisis remains biggest threat to world economy – UN report
UN News Centre – 07 June 2012
The European debt crisis is currently the biggest threat to the world economy, according to a United Nations report released today, which warns that the austerity measures followed by countries in the region will plunge them further into recession, and calls for a shift in fiscal policies to stimulate growth.
Planned Israeli settlements in West Bank violate international law, says UN envoy
UN News Centre – 07 June 2012
A top United Nations envoy today reiterated that all settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territory represents a breach of international law, after the Israeli Government announced it will build 300 new units in the Beit El settlement.
European debt crisis remains biggest threat to world economy – UN report
07 June 2012
The European debt crisis is currently the biggest threat to the world economy, according to a United Nations report released today, which warns that the austerity measures followed by countries in the region will plunge them further into recession, and calls for a shift in fiscal policies to stimulate growth.
UN bike ride highlights importance of sustainable transport
08 June 2012
United Nations officials, diplomats and members of civil society organizations today took part in a bike ride in New York City to highlight the benefits of bicycling as a sustainable urban transportation method.
Deeply concerned over increasing violence, Ban calls for immediate halt to fighting in Syria
11 June 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deeply concerned over an increase in the level of violence in Syria and calls for an immediate end to the fighting there, his spokesperson said today.
Top UN official welcomes new election date for Libya’s legislative polls
11 June 2012
The top United Nations envoy for Libya has welcomed the announcement by the country’s electoral body that legislative elections will be held on 7 July, noting that this will enable preparations to be completed in time for the polls.
Despite progress, efforts must be redoubled to end HIV/AIDS epidemic – UN officials
11 June 2012
Despite the tremendous progress that has been achieved in the response to HIV/AIDS, it is urgent that efforts be redoubled to end this global epidemic, top United Nations officials stressed today, highlighting in particular the need to expand services and scale up resources.
UNICEF appeals for urgent funds amid growing crisis in West Africa’s Sahel region
11 June 2012
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said today it urgently needs more funds to assist women and children suffering due to drought, disease and conflict in West Africa’s Sahel region.
UN envoy concerned about delay in relocating Iranian exiles living in Iraqi camp
11 June 2012
The United Nations top envoy in Iraq today voiced his concern about the delay in the relocation of the residents of Camp New Iraq – formerly known as Camp Ashraf – to a new location, Camp Hurriya, prior to resettlement in third countries.
UN suspends monitoring activities in Syria amid escalating violence
16 June 2012
The United Nations observer mission in Syria has suspended its activities owing to an intensification of armed violence across the country over the past 10 days, its chief announced today.
Rio+20: ‘Encouraging progress’ made on outcome document
16 June 2012
“Engouraging progress” was made by countries on the final day of the last round of talks aimed at reaching agreement on the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), a UN official said today.
UNICEF calls for promoting rights of children with disabilities in Africa
16 June 2012
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is marking this year's Day of the African Child with a call to families, communities and governments on the continent to protect children with disabilities from discrimination, violence and neglect.
R io+20: Youth turn to green jobs as an answer to unemployment
16 June 2012
With over half the world population under 25 years of age and the global economic crisis still ongoing, the creation of jobs that provide decent incomes, help reduce the impact of economic activities on the environment, and offer adequate working conditions is a main priority for young people participating at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).
UN officials stress importance of healthy soils to sustainable development
17 June 2012
Top United Nations officials have called for greater efforts to preserve the soils on which human subsistence depends and to halt and reverse land degradation.
UN agency launches project to boost food security and nutrition in Egypt
18 June 2012
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today announced a new project designed to boost food security and nutrition of women and young people in Egypt by increasing food production, education and capacity-building.
New UN report shows record 800,000 people became refugees in 2011
18 June 2012
Ahead of World Refugee Day, the United Nations refugee agency reported today that a record 800,000 people were forced to flee across borders last year, more than at any time since 2000.
UN and partners unveil new initiative to achieve sustainable cities
18 June 2012
The United Nations and its partners today unveiled a new initiative to achieve sustainable urban development by promoting the efficient use of energy, water and other resources, lowering pollution levels and reducing infrastructure costs in cities.
UN official highlights situation in Syria at opening of Human Rights Council session
18 June 2012
Warning of crimes against humanity and possible war crimes being committed, the United Nations human rights chief today called on the international community to overcome differences in order to end the violence and human rights violations in Syria.
Rio+20: Sustainable development needs women’s empowerment, UN official says
18 June 2012
Sustainable development will not be achieved without empowering women, the head of the United Nations agency tasked with advancing gender equality said today, adding that the importance of their participation must be reflected in all aspects of the outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).
Sustainable forests key to meet development goals – UN report
18 June 2012
The world's forests have a major role to play in the transition to a greener economy, but governments need to do more to ensure they are sustainably managed, according to a new report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), issued today.
Ocean Acidification - Cause for Alarm and Action
18 June 2012
"Ocean acidification is one of the most important issues facing us today. It's a new phenomenon, but an undeniable phenomenon," says Wendy Watson-Wright, Assistant Director General and Executive Secretary of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
New UN report spotlights role of climate change in driving people from their homes
21 June 2012
Climate change can play a role in driving people from their homes into areas of conflict and potentially across borders, according to a new United Nations report released today.
UN warns sectarian attacks in Nigeria could amount to crimes against humanity
22 June 2012
The United Nations human rights office today condemned the repeated attacks on churches in Nigeria by the extremist Islamist group Boko Haram, and warned that acts against civilians, including on grounds such as religion or ethnicity, could amount to crimes against humanity.
Rio+20: sustainable practices during forum to lower environmental impact
22 June 2012
Reducing the use of paper, providing vehicles powered by biodiesel and electricity, and using recyclable materials are some of the practices that were pursued during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) to minimize the forum’s environmental impact.
Humanitarian situation in Syria continues to worsen – UN relief agency
22 June 2012
The United Nations relief coordination agency today said that the humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, with up to 1.5 million people in need of assistance.
UN agency seeks funds for ‘critical’ refugee situation in South Sudan
22 June 2012
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is urgently appealing for more funding to scale up its assistance to refugees in South Sudan, which it described as among the “most critical” situations it now faces.
Rio+20: Ban urges world leaders to build on sustainable development commitments
22 June 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged world leaders to build on the commitments they made during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) to achieve economic, environmental and social prosperity for people all over the world.
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 26 June
UN News – 26 June 2012
Secretary-General's Message for 2012
Twenty-five years since the entry into force of the Convention against Torture, this cruel and dehumanizing practice remains pervasive.
Every day, women, men and children are tortured or ill-treated with the intention of destroying their sense of dignity and human worth. In some cases, this is part of a deliberate state policy of instilling fear and intimidating its population.
A Landmark UN Resolution: Meeting the Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Young People
UN News – 26 June 2012
A landmark resolution has recognized the right of young people to decide on all matters linked to their sexuality and to control their sexuality free from violence, discrimination and coercion. On 27 April 2012, the United Nations Commission on Population and Development adopted a resolution in support of adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and human rights.
UN declares world happiness day
ABC News – 29 June 2012
The United Nations has declared that March 20 each year will be the International Day of Happiness - and it wants everyone to join in the fun.