UN relief official calls for sustained aid and livelihood support in Somalia
12 May 2012
A senior United Nations relief official today urged the international community to build on the effective delivery of aid that helped roll back last year's famine in Somalia, noting that about 2.5 million people in the Horn of Africa country remain in need of humanitarian support.
UN official urges Islamic nations to integrate ancient principles into refugee laws
11 May 2012
Addressing a first-of-its-kind meeting on refugees in the Muslim world, the top United Nations refugee official today urged Islamic nations to take long-standing principles of providing asylum and enshrine them in national legislation
Despite concerns, Iraq making progress on path to stability – UN envoy
11 May 2012
Despite some predictions in the wake of the United States troop withdrawal from Iraq, the Middle Eastern country is making progress on its path to stability, according to the United Nations envoy there.
As death toll rises, UN urges greater protection of civilians in Yemen, especially minors
11 May 2012
The use of the heavy weaponry, landmines and detonating unexploded ordnance in Yemen have claimed the lives of 27 children and maimed 32 others so far this year, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said today, urging all parties to the conflict to respect their obligation to protect civilians, especially minors.
UN mission in Afghanistan condemns attacks on schools by insurgents
11 May 2012
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan today voiced serious concern over reported attacks on schools and education officials by anti-government groups in recent weeks, saying the raids were a violation of children's right to education.
South Sudan must sustain efforts to protect human rights, says UN official
11 May 2012
Welcoming South Sudan’s commitment to human rights, a top United Nations official today encouraged the country on its “very long and difficult path to peace, prosperity and a full realization of human rights,” and stressed the importance of addressing issues such as arbitrary detentions, torture and violence against women.
Amid civil war concerns in Syria, envoy describes ongoing violence as ‘unacceptable’
08 May 2012
Amid concerns from the international community over the prospects of a “full civil war” in Syria, the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian Crisis, Kofi Annan, said today that the ongoing levels of violence and human rights abuses in the Middle Eastern country are unacceptable and the UN observer mission is possibly the only remaining chance to stabilize it.
Security Council warns of sanctions if Guinea-Bissau political crisis continues
08 May 2012
As negotiations towards finding a solution to the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau continue, the Security Council today reiterated its readiness to consider targeted sanctions against those involved in last month’s military coup if the situation is not resolved.
UN humanitarian chief urges donors to support Afghan people
08 May 2012
The United Nations humanitarian chief today called on donors and humanitarian agencies to give continued support to the people of Afghanistan, stressing that there is still much to do during the country’s transition period.
Seven people reportedly perish trying to reach Europe from North Africa – UN
08 May 2012
At least seven people are reported to have died recently while sailing from Libya to Malta, bringing the number of reported or confirmed dead among people attempting to reach Europe from the North African nation to 81 this year, the United Nations refugee agency said today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.