UN mission in Afghanistan condemns assassination of peace council member
13 May 2012
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has condemned today's assassination of Maulawi Arsala Rahmani, a senior member of the country's High Peace Council, and stated its continued commitment to supporting the locally-led peace and reconciliation process.
Ban welcomes South Sudan’s withdrawal of police from disputed Abyei
12 May 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed South Sudan's decision to withdraw its police force from the disputed area of Abyei , and strongly urged neighbouring Sudan to pull out its police from the area as well, in accordance with the agreement both parties signed in June last year.
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.
In UN-backed meeting, countries reaffirm their commitment to ban nuclear testing
11 May 2012
Meeting in Vienna today, members of the United Nations-backed treaty to ban nuclear testing reiterated their commitment to seek a safer world without nuclear weapons.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.