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 UN unveils latest list of ‘10 Stories the World Should Know More About’
(UN News, 27 March 2008)

From the hidden world of stateless people to the often overlooked advances in malaria protection to the steps taken to bring peace after separate conflicts in southern Sudan and Uganda, the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) has compiled its fourth annual list of stories it believes deserve greater public and media attention.

 World must not forget Somalia, urges UN agency as humanitarian crisis worsens
(UN News, 27 March 2008)

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today called on Somalia’s international partners to bolster their efforts to alleviate the suffering in the strife-torn East African nation, where close to one million people have been uprooted by fighting and insecurity is hampering humanitarian efforts in some areas.

 Neglect of agriculture in Asia leaves hundreds of millions in poverty – UN report
(UN News, 27 March 2008)

Chronic neglect of agriculture in Asia and the Pacific has left over 200 million people in extreme poverty amid rising prices for foodstuffs and despite robust growth in other sectors, according to a United Nations report released today.

 Ducks and rice major factors in bird flu outbreaks, says UN agency
(UN News, 26 March 2008)

Ducks, rice and people – and not chickens – have emerged as the most significant factors in the spread of avian influenza in Thailand and Viet Nam, according to a study carried out by a group of experts from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and associated research centres.

 Attacks on Darfur aid workers jeopardizing basic relief efforts, says UN official
(UN News, 26 March 2008)

Attacks against aid workers in western Sudan have reached unprecedented levels, jeopardizing vital relief operations in the war-wracked Darfur region, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said today.

UN-backed potato conference will help shape tomorrow’s tuber
(UN News, 25 March 2008)

With cereal prices soaring worldwide, an international conference opening today aims to tap the future food potential of the potato – which already produces more food on less land than maize, wheat or rice – as part of the United Nations International Year of the nutritious root.

Guatemala: UN rights expert warns against reinstating death penalty
(UN News, 25 March 2008)

An independent United Nations expert has called on Guatemalan lawmakers not to override the presidential veto of a decree that would reinstate the death penalty in a way that violates international human rights law.

Past injustices should spur battle against modern forms of slavery – Ban Ki-moon
(UN News, 25 March 2008)

As the United Nations honoured the memory of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed the hope today that the struggle against “one of the greatest atrocities in history” will inspire the world in the battle against modern forms of slavery such as forced labour and human trafficking.

UN-backed biomass gas project provides clean power for rural areas in India
(UN News, 24 March 2008)

The latest biomass gasifier, which converts wood or agricultural residues into a combustible gas mixture, was fired up today in a remote village of southern India, as part of a project to provide clean power for rural dwellers, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

As Bhutan holds first democratic elections, UN agency pledges ongoing support
(UN News, 24 March 2008)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has pledged to continue its support of Bhutan’s transition to democracy as voters went to the polls today in historic elections in the small Himalayan country.

Ban Ki-moon praises development outreach centres for South-East Asia
(UN News, 24 March 2008)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed a proposal for outreach centres throughout South-East Asia to promote international targets to slash a raft of global ills by the year 2015, known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

UNICEF denounces abduction of engineers in North Darfur
(UN News, 23 March 2008)

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today condemned the hijacking and abduction in Sudan's North Darfur state of a team of engineers with the country's State Water Corporation and called for the immediate release of the four men and their equipment.

Lack of political will biggest obstacle to improving sanitation – Secretary-General
(UN News, 22 March 2008)

A lack of political will remains the greatest obstacle to efforts to drastically reduce the number of people without access to basic sanitation and clean, running water, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, calling on the international community to take firmer and faster steps to tackle the problem.

World has collective responsibility to eliminate racism, Ban Ki-moon says
(UN News, 21 March 2008)

Racism still hurts too many individuals and communities around the world, Secretary-Ban Ki-moon said today, calling on all countries and civil society groups to play their part in the fight to stamp out both racism and racial discrimination.

Nearly two-thirds of Africans lack access to proper sanitation, UN says
(UN News, 20 March 2008)

Over 60 per cent of Africans lack access to a proper toilet, according to the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) ahead of World Water Day – observed on 22 March – whose 2008 theme is “Sanitation Matters.”

UNICEF sends ‘schools-in-a-box’ to Zambia’s flood-hit regions
(UN News, 20 March 2008)

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has dispatched 58 “schools-in-a-box” to flood-hit areas of Zambia to help pupils whose families have had to flee their homes because of rising waters or whose school buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

Ban Ki-moon welcomes Peacebuilding Commission’s work with Guinea-Bissau
(UN News, 20 March 2008)

Noting the progress Guinea-Bissau is making in its efforts to bring about political and economic stabilization, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the engagement of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) – which seeks to prevent countries emerging from war from sliding backwards – with the West African nation.

UN Population Fund joins in Congolese campaign against sexual violence
(UN News, 19 March 2008)

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has joined forces with civil society groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the Government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to launch a nationwide public awareness campaign aimed at reducing the country’s appalling levels of sexual violence.

Progress being made in global fight against terrorism, UN official says
(UN News, 19 March 2008)

Considerable progress has been made worldwide in the fight against terrorism, including the endorsement of important treaties and the sharing of information between law enforcement agencies, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today.

Urbanization brings both growth and poverty to Asia-Pacific region – UN
(UN News, 19 March 2008)

The pace of urbanization in Asia and the Pacific – unparalleled by any other area in the world – has resulted in growth but has also driven up poverty within cities, the United Nations commission covering the region said today.

Sudanese-Chadian relations vital to ending Darfur conflict, says UN envoy
(UN News, 18 March 2008)

Improving the relationship between Sudan and Chad is crucial to achieving a durable solution to the conflict wracking Darfur, the United Nations and African Union envoys said today after wrapping up two days of consultations in Geneva with key members of the international community.

Iraqi crisis fuels rise in asylum-seekers in industrialized world – UN report
(UN News, 18 March 2008)

A five-year decline in asylum applications in developed countries turned around in 2007 largely because of Iraqis fleeing violence in their home country, according to statistics released today by the United Nations refugee agency.

All States should sign global pact against racial discrimination – UN rights chief
(UN News, 18 March 2008)

The United Nations human rights chief issued a call today for all the world’s States to both sign on to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and to strengthen their law enforcement so that victims of such discrimination can receive greater justice.

Madagascar ratifies statute establishing International Criminal Court
(UN News, 17 March 2008)

Madagascar has become the latest country to ratify the Rome Statute that sets up the International Criminal Court (ICC), the independent, permanent court that tries people accused of the most serious crimes, such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Progress slow in global fight against tuberculosis, says UN report
(UN News, 17 March 2008)

A new publication by the United Nations health agency finds that the pace of global efforts to control the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic slowed slightly in 2006, as did progress in diagnosing people with the airborne infectious disease that is both preventable and curable.

World's glaciers melting at record rate – UN
(UN News, 16 March 2008)

With global glaciers – a vital water source for millions, or even billions, of people worldwide – melting at a record rate, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) urged countries to agree on a new emissions reduction pact.

Mexico: despite progress, much remains to be done for migrants, says UN rights expert
(UN News, 16 March 2008)

Mexico's ability to protect migrants' rights is one of “contrasts,” according to an independent United Nations human rights expert, who said that although the country has made steps towards addressing migrants' needs, much remains to be done.

Iraq: UN report on rights violations says violent attacks in decline
(UN News, 15 March 2008)

In its latest report on human rights in Iraq, the United Nations mission in the war-torn nation noted that violent attacks have decreased significantly in the capital Baghdad, but cautioned this reduction might not be sustainable as the security situation continues to deteriorate in other areas.

China: UN rights chief voices concern over tensions in Tibet Autonomous Region
(UN News, 14 March 2008)

The top United Nations human rights official today voiced concern over the rising tensions between protesters and security forces in the Tibet Autonomous Region and surrounding areas of China, noting that there have been reports of deaths and property destruction.

Pacific island States, facing unique development challenges, win UN boost
(UN News, 14 March 2008)

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will strengthen its Pacific Operations Centre as part of its campaign to provide greater support for the region’s island nations, which are facing critical development challenges given their size, relative isolation and vulnerability to climate change.

Over 100 million Europeans lack access to safe drinking water, UN says
(UN News, 14 March 2008)

More than 100 million Europeans still lack access to safe drinking water, resulting in the deaths from diarrhoea of nearly 40 children every day, the United Nations reported today, noting that many people across the region do not enjoy the basic human right to healthy water.

UN, Islamic group must work together on terrorism, tolerance – Ban Ki-moon
(UN News, 13 March 2008)

The United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) “stand side by side” in forcefully rejecting any linkages between terrorism and Islam and in confronting a raft of other issues, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

At meeting of African development partners, UN official urges long-term view
(UN News, 13 March 2008)

The head of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), kicking off a series of forums meant to boost dialogue with donors and other partners, said that economic growth on the continent must be pursued in the context of a long-term development.

Rwandan armed groups in eastern DR Congo must surrender – Security Council
(UN News, 13 March 2008)

The Security Council today called on all Rwandan armed groups operating in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to surrender immediately to Congolese authorities and the United Nations peacekeeping mission known as MONUC.

Three crossings into Gaza Strip open today, UN reports
(UN News, 12 March 2008)

Three crossings into the Gaza Strip, where severe restrictions by Israel on the movement of people and goods have been in effect since Hamas’ takeover in June 2007, are open today, the United Nations reports.

Caribbean tsunami warning system to take step forward with UN-backed group
(UN News, 12 March 2008)

An independent tsunami early warning system for the Caribbean region, in place by 2010 at the latest, is likely to be a major step closer today when a United Nations-backed coordination group decides whether to give the go-ahead for a regional data-sharing system.

UN peacekeeping chief calls for mandate of Afghan mission to be sharpened
(UN News, 12 March 2008)

The mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) must be sharpened given the challenges the country has faced in the past year, including a more resilient than expected insurgency and a booming drug industry, the world body’s top peacekeeping official said today.


Cypriot leaders agree to direct talks under UN auspices later this month
(UN News, 12 March 2008)

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders have agreed to hold direct talks under United Nations auspices in Nicosia on 21 March, the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) announced today.

UN launches initiative to improve Internet access in Asia-Pacific region
(UN News, 11 March 2008)

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has launched a new database to promote the development of telecentres – community centres where people in the poorest and most remote areas, from farmers to students, gain access to computers and the Internet.

War crimes trial of former top Croatian generals begins at UN tribunal
(UN News, 11 March 2008)

The trial of three former senior Croatian generals accused of murdering, persecuting and displacing ethnic Serbs during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s got under way at a United Nations war crimes tribunal today.

UN rushes aid to 60,000 flood-beleaguered Ecuadorians
(UN News, 11 March 2008)

United Nations agencies are rushing food, medicines and other assistance to Ecuador to assist tens of thousands of people in need after heavy rains have inundated much of the South American country.

 Education for all in high-population countries discussed at UN-backed meeting
(UN News, 10 March 2008)

Ministers and educational experts from nine countries that contain half the world’s people and are plagued by illiteracy convened today to strategize on ways to more quickly achieve universal education, according to the United Nations cultural agency.

 International Criminal Court officials meet delegation from Ugandan rebel group
(UN News, 10 March 2008)

Officials from the International Criminal Court (ICC) met today with a delegation from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the Ugandan rebel group whose leadership is under indictment for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during its protracted conflict with Government forces in the African country.

 Secretary-General welcomes summit further reducing Latin American tensions
(UN News, 10 March 2008)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today applauded the outcome of this weekend’s Rio Group Summit, which ended with the further resolution of tensions between Colombia and Ecuador.

 As Israel approves new settlement housing, UN’s Ban Ki-moon calls for halt
(UN News, 10 March 2008)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the Israeli Government to halt the expansion of settlements after it approved the resumption of the construction of 750 housing units in Givat Zeev in the West Bank.

 Marking International Day, top UN officials urge greater investments in women
(UN News, 8 March 2008)

Top United Nations officials commemorated this year's International Women's Day by calling on countries to invest more in women and girls, warning that failing to do so will undermine efforts to achieve global development targets.

 Thailand: UN anti-crime chief hails arrest of notorious ‘Lord of War’
(UN News, 7 March 2008)

The head of the United Nations anti-crime agency today welcomed Thailand’s arrest of Viktor Bout, the infamous weapons smuggler, dubbed the “Merchant of Death,” who is accused of profiting from some of the most violence conflicts around the globe.

 21 billion grains of rice generated by popular UN-backed Internet game
(UN News, 7 March 2008)

With between 300,000 and 500,000 people playing it daily, an Internet game that to date has generated 21 billion grains of rice for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is proving to be an online sensation.

 UN agency moves Darfur refugees in Chad away from perilous border
(UN News, 7 March 2008)
The United Nations refugee agency said today that it has started to move Sudanese refugees who had fled a new wave of attacks in Darfur further inside Chad and away from the strife-torn frontier.

 Darfur: Ban Ki-moon welcomes group backing UN-AU peacekeeping force
(UN News, 6 March 2008)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the initiative to set up a group of “Friends of UNAMID,” the hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping operation deployed to Darfur to try to quell the violence and suffering in the war-wracked Sudanese region.

Myanmar: UN envoy returns to continue push for democratic change
(UN News, 6 March 2008)

The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General for Myanmar arrived in Yangon today on his latest mission to encourage the authorities there to promote democratization and national reconciliation in the troubled South-East Asian nation.

 Condemning Israeli actions in Gaza, UN rights council calls for end to all attacks
(UN News, 6 March 2008)

The United Nations Human Rights Council today labelled Israel’s response to recent rocket attacks from Gaza a war crime and “collective punishment against the civilian population” in a resolution that also called for an end to such military actions and to the “firing of crude rockets by Palestinian combatants.”

 Eritrean restrictions on UN mission 'unacceptable' – Ban Ki-moon
(UN News, 6 March 2008)

Eritrea's restrictions on the activities of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) breach the fundamental principles of peacekeeping and raise serious implications for the safety and security of blue helmets deployed around the world, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a report made public today.

 UN programme to work toward elimination of HIV travel restrictions
(UN News, 5 March 2008)

Calling travel restrictions on HIV positive people, in place in 104 countries, discriminatory and unnecessary, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has set up an international task force to work toward their elimination.

 Barbados advocate, New York-based NGO win 2008 UN population award
(UN News, 5 March 2008)

A gender advocate and former foreign minister of Barbados and a New York-based non-governmental organization (NGO) that helps to save the lives of women in developing countries are the recipients of this year’s United Nations Population Award.

 Afghanistan must do more to rein in ‘unprecedented’ drug trade – UN agency
(UN News, 5 March 2008)

The United Nations anti-drugs agency today called on the Afghan Government to do more to dismantle major trafficking and criminal networks in the strife-torn nation which remains the world’s largest producer of opium and heroin.

 Cyprus: UN prepares for direct talks between leaders
(UN News, 5 March 2008)

The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has started preparations for direct talks between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders.

 Security Council will not endorse use of force to deal with Iran – President
(UN News, 4 March 2008)

The Security Council, which yesterday imposed additional sanctions against Iran for its nuclear activities, will not support the use of force to deal with that issue, the 15-member body’s President for March stated today.

 UN-African Union police begin patrols in North Darfur
(UN News, 4 March 2008)

Police units of the new United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) conducted their first “confidence-building” patrols in areas controlled by the Minni Minawi-led rebel group in the violence-torn region of Sudan, the mission said today.

 Ten confirmed dead in UN helicopter crash in Nepal
(UN News, 4 March 2008)

The United Nations confirmed today that seven of its staff and three crew members died when one of its helicopters crashed in eastern Nepal yesterday.

 Surge in number of migrant boats – and deaths – in Gulf of Aden, UN reports
(UN News, 4 March 2008)

The number of migrants making the hazardous journey across the Gulf of Aden to Yemen has spiked this year, but so too has the number of deaths, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported today.

Despite hindrances, UN completes regrouping of blue helmets in Eritrea
(UN News, 3 March 2008)

After more than a week of repeated blockages by Eritrean forces, United Nations peacekeepers in the Horn of Africa country have finally completed regrouping to the capital, Asmara, in preparation for their planned temporary relocation across the border to Ethiopia.

Deadly clashes during protests in Armenia alarm Secretary-General Ban
(UN News, 3 March 2008)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his deep concern about the deadly clashes between demonstrators and police forces in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, where the results of recent presidential elections have been disputed.

Ban Ki-moon calls for equal scrutiny of all countries by UN human rights organ
(UN News, 3 March 2008)

Opening the seventh session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on its members to ensure that all nations are held equally accountable for the protection of rights as the new body begins its first-ever universal review of their performance.

Security Council authorizes more sanctions against Iran over nuclear issue
(UN News, 3 March 2008)

The Security Council today imposed additional sanctions against Iran, including the inspection of cargo suspected of carrying prohibited goods, the tighter monitoring of financial institutions and the extension of travel bans and asset freezes, over its nuclear programme.

Security Council, Secretary-General alarmed by deadly violence in Middle East
(UN News, 2 March 2008)

The Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have condemned the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel, which has claimed dozens of civilian lives in recent days.

Deadly post-election protests in Armenia concern UN human rights chief
(UN News, 2 March 2008)

The United Nations human rights chief today voiced deep concern at reports that at least eight people have been killed and many others injured during demonstrations in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, where the results of recent presidential elections have been disputed.

Top UN envoy in Iraq denounces kidnapping of Christian leader
(UN News, 1 March 2008)

The senior United Nations official in Iraq has condemned yesterday's kidnapping of a Catholic Chaldean archbishop in an attack in the northern city of Mosul that led to the killing of the religious leader's driver and two of his bodyguards.