May 06, 2017, at 01:21 pm
New York, May 6(Just Earth News): 'Hard power' can no longer stop conflicts nor the rise of violent extremism and “ancient hatreds†such as antisemitism and racial discrimination, the head of the United Nations cultural agency said on Friday, insisting that “we need 'soft power' of education, knowledge, culture, communication, the sciences, to strengthen the values we share and recognize the destiny we hold in common.â€
Efforts to impeach Nepalese Chief Justice 'an assault on human rights' – UN rights chief
May 06, 2017, at 01:20 pm
New York, May 6(Just Earth News): Raising alarm over moves to impeach the Chief Justice of Nepal – who has been instrumental in a number of high-profile and politically sensitive decisions – the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, warned on Friday that such actions suggest a concerted attempt by the Government to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Saudi Arabia must reform 'unacceptably broad' counter-terrorism law – UN rights expert
May 06, 2017, at 01:19 pm
New York, May 6(Just Earth News): Saudi Arabia must stop using its anti-terror law to violate the right to free speech of its people, and end the use of torture terrorist suspects during investigations, a United Nations human rights expert urged at the end of his mission to the country.
Keep interests of people above all else, UN Security Council urges political actors in DR Congo
May 06, 2017, at 05:03 am
New York, May 5(Just Earth News): Voicing concern over challenges to the implementation of last year's political agreement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and deteriorating humanitarian and security situation, the United Nations Security Council has urged all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to resolve the problems faced by the country.
New UN study makes 'strong' economic case for Africa's investment in green energy
May 06, 2017, at 04:57 am
New York, May 5(Just Earth News): Charting data from 54 African countries, a new UN atlas reveals the continent's energy potential; revealing that investment in renewable energy would strengthen its economic advancement.
May 06, 2017, at 04:56 am
New York, May 5(Just Earth News): Four international humanitarian organizations have temporarily suspended activities in northern Central African Republic (CAR) after dozens of attacks on aid workers in the region, the United Nations humanitarian office today said.
Worsening food insecurity forcing more people to migrate, finds new UN report
May 06, 2017, at 04:53 am
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): Highlighting the complex link between food insecurity and migration – where increase in one forces the other to rise and then spirals back to push the former even higher – the United Nations food relief agency has urged greater investments in food security and livelihoods at places of origin to prevent displacement and reduce forced onward migration.
‘Blue helmet’ killed in attack on UN Mission camp in Timbuktu, Mali
May 05, 2017, at 09:48 pm
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): A United Nations peacekeeper from Liberia was killed and nine others injured when their camp came under attack in the Malian city of Timbuktu, the UN Integrated Mission in the country, known as MINUSMA, has reported.
UN envoy commends plan to setup de-escalation zones in Syria as ‘promising positive step’
May 05, 2017, at 09:43 pm
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): Following on Thursday’s signing of a deal to setup so-called ‘de-escalation zones’ in Syria, the United Nations envoy for the war-torn country praised the agreement and said its success could bolster the path towards peace talks.
Peace, human security at forefront of UN intercultural dialogue forum
May 05, 2017, at 09:40 pm
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): The integration of migrants in cities, countering the rise of violent extremism, as well as youth radicalization on the Internet are just some of the issues being discussed at a United Nations conference opening on Friday in Baku, Azerbaijan.
In Bogota, Security Council pledges support to Colombia’s efforts to implement peace process
May 05, 2017, at 09:38 pm
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): In Colombia to acknowledge and witness first-hand both the progress and the challenges of carrying out the aims of a hard-won peace deal, a delegation from the United Nations Security Council on Thursday met President Juan Manuel Santos and applauded the country as an example for overcoming difficulties and setbacks to bring to an end more than a half a century of conflict.
Nigeria: UN report details ‘grave violations’ against children by Boko Haram
May 05, 2017, at 09:37 pm
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): Children in north-east Nigeria continue to be brutalized as a result of Boko Haram’s insurgency in the region and the ensuing conflict, a first-of-its-kind United Nations report has concluded.
In Ethiopia, UN rights chief urges authorities for greater freedoms; space for critical voices
May 05, 2017, at 09:35 pm
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): Speaking to the press during his mission to Ethiopia, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Thursday highlighted the need for greater and freer civic space, with “broader latitude for the contributions of critical or dissenting views†to decision-making in the country.
Displaced civilians in South Sudan’s Upper Nile at risk of further violence, UN rights chief warns
May 05, 2017, at 09:31 pm
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): The United Nations human rights chief on Thursday urged the Government of South Sudan to halt any further military offensives towards Aburoc in the Upper Nile region.
Myanmar: Displaced Rohingya at risk of ‘re-victimization’ warns UN refugee agency
May 05, 2017, at 09:30 pm
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): The tens of thousands of members of Myanmar’s Rohingya community who fled inter-communal violence in north of the country and sought refuge in Bangladesh remain highly vulnerable and risk being “re-victimized even in exile†unless urgent action is taken, a senior United Nations refugee protection official has warned.
Europe: 24,600 refugee children 'in limbo' at risk of mental distress, UNICEF warns
May 05, 2017, at 09:29 pm
New York, May 5 (Just Earth News): Nearly 75,000 refugees and migrants, including an estimated 24,600 children, currently stranded in Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary and the Western Balkans are at risk of psychosocial distress caused by living in a protracted state of limbo, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Thursday.
USA: Trump repeals and replaces Obamacare
May 05, 2017, at 03:58 pm
Washington, May 5 (IBNS): US President Donald Trump tested his first legislative victory on Thursday as his government declared former president Barack Obama's Obamacare dead after the Republican healthcare bill was passed by the US lower chamber, reports said.
Canada: Telegu translation of AB Vajpayee's biography launched in Toronto
May 05, 2017, at 02:06 am
Toronto, May 4 (IBNS): India's Consul General in Canada, Dinesh Bhatia, released the book ‘Ootamini Ageekarinchanu’, which is a Telugu translation by Prof. Lakshmi Prasad Yarlagadda of the book 'Haar Nahin Manunga: Ek Atal Jeevan Gatha', media reports said.
Toronto Mayor proclaims May 2017 as South Asian Heritage Month
May 05, 2017, at 01:46 am
Toronto, May 4 (IBNS): Mayor John Tory has proclaimed May 2017 as South Asian Heritage Month for the City of Toronto, Canada, according to media reports.
100 underprivileged children to attend Justin Bieber India gig for free
May 05, 2017, at 01:24 am
Mumbai, May 4 (IBNS): Despite being an almost sold out show with the whos-who of India expected to attend , White Fox India, the company behind the JIO Justin Bieber Purpose World Tour will host underprivileged children, who don’t have the resources to purchase a ticket for the hotly anticipated event will be created.
Two suicide bombers and a child killed in Kandahar clash
May 04, 2017, at 09:17 pm
Kabul, May 4 (IBNS) : Two suicide bombers and a child were killed during a brief clash between the assailants and the security forces in southern Kandahar province, Afghanistan's state-run news agency Khaama Press said.
USA: Murder-suicide kills two at Texas college
May 04, 2017, at 04:11 pm
Irving, May 4 (IBNS): At least two people have died following a suspected murder-suicide at a Texas college, reports said.
Afghanistan: Premature IED explosion kills Taliban militant
May 04, 2017, at 03:31 pm
Kabul, Mar 4 (IBNS): A Taliban militant was killed as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) bomb exploded prematurely in Afghanistan's Balkh province, local Khaama Press reported.
Perpetrators, not victims, should be shamed for conflict-related sexual violence – UN report
May 04, 2017, at 02:14 pm
New York, May 4 (Just Earth News)Survivors of sexual violence in war zones need to be recognized as legitimate victims of conflict and terrorism, and not blamed, stigmatized or shamed, the United Nations has said in an annual report to be presented to the Security Council.
UN envoy urges Syrian parties to ‘press ahead’ after Astana talks suspended
May 04, 2017, at 02:13 pm
New York, May 4 (Just Earth News): A senior United Nations mediator on Wednesday urged the continuation of talks on a Syrian ceasefire being held in the Kazak capital of Astana.
In Lebanon and Syria, UN emergency food chief appeals for humanitarian access
May 04, 2017, at 02:10 pm
New York, May 4 (Just Earth News):I The head of the United Nations emergency food relief agency on Wednesday appealed for “regular, unimpeded and sustained†humanitarian access during meetings with senior government officials and partners in Lebanon and Syria – his first official visit since assuming office.
In 'post truth' era, leaders must defend objective, independent media, UN says on Press Freedom Day
May 04, 2017, at 02:09 pm
New York, May 4 (Just Earth News):In a “post-truth†world with “fake news†on the rise, and media accountability and credibility falling under question, free, independent and professional journalism has never been more important, the United Nations on Wednesday said.
World Economic Forum, South African Government launch push to bridge digital divide
May 04, 2017, at 01:27 am
Durban, May 3 (IBNS): The World Economic Forum, in partnership with the Government of South Africa, will this week announce the launch of a new platform project called South Africa Internet for All, which aims to bring millions of South Africans, including those in rural areas, onto the internet for the first time through new models of public-private collaboration.
Playboy model's nude shoot on Mt Taranaki angers Maori
May 03, 2017, at 11:31 pm
Wellington, May 3 (IBNS): A Playboy model has triggered controversy by posing naked on the top of Mt Taranaki in New Zealand, media reports said.
At least eight civilians killed in Kabul suicide attack, ISIS claims responsibility
May 03, 2017, at 09:36 pm
Kabul, May 3 (IBNS) : At least eight civilians were killed and three foreign troops along with 25 civilians were wounded in a suicide attack in capital Kabul on Tuesday, Afghanistan's state-run news agency Khaama Press reported.