Beyoncé joins global aid organizations to highlight World Humanitarian Day, 19 August 2012
UNOCHA – 02 August 2012
(New York, 2 August 2012) International star Beyoncé, the United Nations and humanitarian aid organizations are launching a global campaign today to shine a spotlight on humanitarian work and encourage people around the world to get involved by doing something good for others.
World Humanitarian Day is a global day to celebrate humanity and the spirit of people helping people.
On anniversary of Hiroshima atomic bombing, Ban urges elimination of nuclear weapons
06 August 2012
Marking the 67th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged countries to work together to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons and stressed the importance of honouring victims and survivors by sharing their stories with new generations.
With talks over, UN envoy urges Somali parties to complete transition tasks on time
06 August 2012
With a key meeting to resolve outstanding issues ahead of the end of Somalia’s current transitional period now over, the United Nations top political envoy to the country today called on all actors to ensure that the remaining tasks are completed in two weeks’ time.
UN-AU peacekeeping mission deeply concerned over violence in North Darfur
06 August 2012
The United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur today voiced its deep concern over recent violence and attacks on civilians in and around the town of Kutum, in the Sudanese state of North Darfur.
Secretary-General welcomes oil deal between Sudan and South Sudan
06 August 2012
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed a deal reached by the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan on oil and financial arrangements, according to Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.
Syria - Amidst heavy fighting, head of UN observer mission voices concern over Aleppo
06 August 2012
The head of United Nations observers in Syria today spoke out about the ongoing fighting taking place in the Middle Eastern country, particularly in the city of Aleppo, and on its impact on civilians.
UNESCO to launch precious coins and medallions collection highlighting its activities
06 August 2012
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today announced it will launch a new collection of precious coins and medallions highlighting the agency’s activities and achievements.
Low monsoon rains in India means less rice for the world in 2012 – UN agency
06 August 2012
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today that global rice paddy production for 2012 is expected to be lower than originally expected, owing to below-normal monsoon rains in India.
HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS 2012, Monday 10 December
06 August 2012
This year, the Australian Human Rights Commission will be celebrating 25 years of amazing contributions by Australians to the protection and promotion of human rights.Nominees for the Awards will compete in 10 categories including the Human Rights Medal and the Young People's Medal. The remaining categories include Law, Business, Community (Individual), Community (Organisation), Literature (Non-Fiction), Print and Online Media, Television and Radio Awards.The winners will be presented with their awards at a luncheon ceremony taking place on Monday 10 December at the Hilton Sydney, located at 488 George Street.
Nominations and tickets are now open! Simply visit www.humanrights.gov.au/hrawards to find out how to be involved!
Ahead of International Youth Day, Ban warns of risk of creating a ‘lost generation’
10 August 2012
Ahead of the International Youth Day, and amidst an economic crisis which has affected young people the most, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for greater and more meaningful inclusion of youth into decision-making processes around the world, while also warning of a possible “lost generation” if urgent measures are not put in place.
For World Humanitarian Day, General Assembly becomes music video location
10 August 2012
While the usual focus of events taking place in the United Nations General Assembly Hall is on international affairs, on Friday evening the venue will be play host to an international event of a slightly different nature – the recording of a music video clip for the upcoming World Humanitarian Day.
UN refugee agency reports increase in number of people fleeing violence in Syria
10 August 2012
The United Nations refugee agency today said that its offices in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and Iraq have reported increases this week in the number of refugees from Syria.
In Republic of Korea, Ban launches new initiative to protect oceans
12 August 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today launched a new initiative to protect the oceans and the people whose livelihoods depend on it, and called on countries to work together to achieve a more sustainable management of this precious resource and address the threats it is currently facing.
Ban saddened by loss of lives and destruction caused by earthquakes in Iran
12 August 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said he was deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives and the destruction caused by the earthquakes that struck northwestern Iran on Saturday afternoon.
Mali: Security Council requests details of proposed West African stabilization force
12 August 2012
Condemning violations of human rights and the destruction of ancient sites in Mali, which is gripped by insurgencies in the north and political turmoil in the capital, the Security Council today encouraged countries and organizations in the region to prepare detailed proposals for a stabilization force for the West African country.
World Humanitarian Day Campaign Passes the 100 Million Mark and sets its sights on One Billion
UNOCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – 13 August 2012
WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY CAMPAIGN PASSES THE 100 MILLION MARK AND SETS ITS SIGHTS ON ONE BILLION BY 19 AUGUST 2012
(New York, 13 August 2012): The global campaign that aims to make social media history by attempting to reach one billion people on 19 August to celebrate World Humanitarian Day has passed its first milestone – the 100-million mark.
What is the Real Significance of UN’s World Humanitarian Day in Melbourne?
Lionel at Weekend Notes – 22 August 2012
Every day, conflicts and disasters befall millions of people everywhere but never more intense and painful than in the world's poorest and marginalised economies. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, in 2011 alone, 302 hazards resulted in disasters that claimed almost 30,000 lives, affected over 206 million people and inflicted damage worth an estimated USD366 billion.
In such times of suffering, humanitarian aid workers reach out to help rebuild and rehabilitate the victimised communities, helping millions of people around the world, regardless of who they are and where they are. Though the numbers may look small, more than 800 aid workers worldwide have been assassinated, blown up by mines or other explosive devices, abducted or killed accidentally with the people they were aiding over the last 10 years.
On 19 August 2003, 22 humanitarian staff tragically lost their lives in Iraq in a massive bomb attack on the UN Baghdad headquarters including widely respected UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello. In honour of those who have endured great losses in humanitarian service and those who continue to bring assistance and relief to millions, the UN General Assembly adopted the same 19 August to declare World Humanitarian Day in 2008. On the UN's Remember the Fallen website those who have died in the service of peace are not forgotten. This year, the UN's General Assembly chamber in New York was a concert hall for Beyonce's music video "I was Here". Its orchestrated release in the World Humanitarian Day campaign rallied 1 billion social media voices.
The Victoria Division of the United Nations Association of Australia did its part by hosting a public forum to discuss Australia's contribution to Humanitarian efforts worldwide on 22 August. The forum featured experts and supporting organisations including the Australian Red Cross, AusAid, RedR Australia, Oxfam Australia, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Humanitarian Crisis Hub.
5 UN Junior Professional Officer Positions available NOW (via AusAID). Applications close 29 August.
22 August 2012
The Junior Professional Officer Program provides young professionals interested in pursuing a career in the United Nations with hands-on experience in international issues.
Business Measuring Up on Human Rights
WME Environment Business Magazine – 22 August 2012
There’s a new global standard on human rights, supported by the federal government, which is relevant to anyone doing business here or abroad, writes Catherine Sutherland.
The unanimous endorsement of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights framework by the United Nations in June, supported by the federal government, was a game changer.
The principles provide an internationally agreed framework and practical guidance on what actions businesses can take to fulfill their responsibility to respect human rights. It is also a benchmark for stakeholders – employees, customers, investors, shareholders, non-governmental organisations and local communities – to assess a company’s human rights performance and that of its business partners and suppliers.