Surpassing fundraising goal, UN agency restarts urgent food aid for Syrian refugees
Dec 10, 2014, at 04:33 am
New York, Dec 9 (IBNS) A week after launching its social media campaign to raise emergency funding for food assistance aimed at Syrian refugees, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Tuesday that it had not only reached its initial goal of $64 million, but also exceeded it thanks to a “massive expression†of support from the public, the private sector and donor countries.
Dramatic fall in malaria deaths show fight against disease can be won – UN
Dec 10, 2014, at 04:32 am
New York, Dec 9 (IBNS) A newly-released United Nations health agency report reveals that the number of people dying from malaria globally has fallen dramatically with more and more countries moving towards its elimination, but the findings also note that gains made were at particular risk in Ebola-affected countries.
On International Day, UN urges all to 'break the corruption chain'
Dec 10, 2014, at 04:30 am
New York, Dec 9 (IBNS) The fight against corruption is a global concern requiring the broadest possible response to “dismantle its high wallsâ€, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday in a message marking International Anti-Corruption Day.
Two hostages killed during Yemen rescue bid
Dec 06, 2014, at 11:45 pm
Washington, Dec 6 (IBNS) A US journalist and a South African teacher, who were held by Al Qaeda militants in Yemen, have been killed during a failed rescue attempt by the joint US and Yemeni special forces on Friday, officials said on Saturday.
US condemns J&K militant attack
Dec 06, 2014, at 05:29 pm
Washington, Dec 6 (IBNS): The United States condemned the terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s poll rally on Monday, media reports said.
DR Congo: UN refugee agency concerned at sudden closure of displaced persons camp
Dec 06, 2014, at 02:24 pm
New York, Dec 6 (IBNS) The United Nations refugee agency voiced concern on Fridayover the sudden closure of a camp for internally displaced people, or IDPs, located in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), exposing some 2,000 to potential lawlessness, banditry and sexual violence against women perpetrated by militia groups still operating in the area.
'Dark day for justice' says ICC Prosecutor, dropping charges against Kenyan President
Dec 06, 2014, at 02:21 pm
New York, Dec 6 (IBNS) The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced Friday that she has decided to drop the charges against the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, two days after the judges refused to postpone the trial as she had requested.
'Turning blind eye not a solution' to Mediterranean migrant crisis – UN rights expert
Dec 06, 2014, at 02:16 pm
New York, Dec 6 (IBNS) The rise of migrants and asylum seekers crossing the Mediterranean Sea in the last few months has resulted in a global crisis that calls for a global humanitarian response, a United Nations human rights expert urged on Friday.
UN relief agencies prepare emergency response as typhoon approaches Philippines
Dec 06, 2014, at 02:13 pm
New York, Dec 6 (IBNS) More than 30 million people risk feeling the brunt of Typhoon Hagupit as it barrels down on the Philippines, United Nations emergency and humanitarian officials warned on Fridayas they outlined the Organization-wide preparations being made before the massive storm makes landfall this weekend.
'Humane impulse to assist' leads to enriched life, UN chief says on global Volunteer Day
Dec 06, 2014, at 01:56 pm
New York, Dec 6 (IBNS) Volunteers are people who act with a spirit of giving, selflessly serving their communities all the while inspiring others to follow by example, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Fridayas the world body marked International Volunteer Day, and paid special tribute to those who have made a difference.
Central African Republic: UN chief says security fragile, calls for vote by August 2015
Dec 06, 2014, at 01:55 pm
New York, Dec 6 (IBNS) The United Nations Secretary-General met on Fridaywith the Head of State of the Transition of the Central African Republic, Catherine Samba-Panza, noting that the security situation in the country remained fragile, and agreeing on the need for urgent progress to establish an inclusive political process.
Eric Garner, Michael Brown cases spark 'legitimate concerns' about US policing – UN experts
Dec 06, 2014, at 01:52 pm
New York, Dec 6 (IBNS) Grand jury verdicts in the United States which resulted in the decisions to not bring to trial the cases of two unarmed African-American men killed by police forces have sparked “legitimate concerns†regarding policing practices across the country, a group of United Nations human rights experts said on Friday.
Ban appoints new Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information
Dec 05, 2014, at 04:25 pm
New York, Dec 5 (IBNS) United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced on Thursday the appointment of Cristina Gallach of Spain as Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, the UN Spokesperson’s office announced on Thursday.
Amid fresh violence in Libya, UN mission urges all parties to give dialogue chance to succeed
Dec 05, 2014, at 04:23 pm
New York, Dec 5 (IBNS) Strongly condemning the spiralling violence in Libya, including a recent round of air raids in the western part of the country, the United Nations Support Mission (UNSMIL) on Thursday noted with deep concern the "disastrous impact" the attacks have on civilians and infrastructure, and warned that the violence is also endangering the political process.
US should respond to public demands for greater police accountability – Ban
Dec 05, 2014, at 04:17 pm
New York, Dec 5 (IBNS) In the wake of a grand jury decision in New York on Wednesdaynot to indict a police officer in the chokehold death of Eric Garner, an unarmed man, in July, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged the United States to do "anything possible to respond to demands of greater accountability."
Ban condemns deadly terrorist attacks in Grozny
Dec 05, 2014, at 04:16 pm
New York, Dec 5 (IBNS) United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday strongly condemned last night’s terrorist attacks in Grozny, Russia, reiterating that there can be no justification for acts of terror.
Senior UN relief official describes "bleak" situation in South Sudan after a year of conflict
Dec 05, 2014, at 04:07 pm
New York, Dec 5 (IBNS) A year of conflict has "devastated" South Sudan, the United Nations Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Kyung-wha Kang, said at UN Headquarters on Thursday, as she briefed journalists on her recent visit to that crisis-torn country and to Ethiopia.
Yemen: Security Council condemns deadly bombing at Iranian Ambassador's residence
Dec 05, 2014, at 03:58 pm
New York, Dec 5 (IBNS) The United Nations Security Council has condemned yesterday’s bomb attack at the residence of the Iranian Ambassador to Yemen which killed several people.
Darfur: UN peacekeeping chief warns Security Council of region's ongoing insecurity, violence
Dec 05, 2014, at 03:55 pm
New York, Dec 5 (IBNS) The situation in Darfur remains precarious amid intermittent clashes, inter-communal violence, and a dire humanitarian crisis, the top United Nations peacekeeping official said on Thursday, as he delivered a sobering assessment of the region’s security and stability to the UN Security Council.
Road to Dignity by 2030: UN chief launches blueprint towards sustainable development
Dec 05, 2014, at 03:52 pm
New York, Dec 5 (IBNS) Calling for inclusive, agile and coordinated action to usher in an era of sustainable development for all, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday presented the United Nations General Assembly with an advance version of his so-called "synthesis report," which will guide negotiations for a new global agenda centred on people and the planet, and underpinned by human rights.
Israel's demolitions of Palestinian homes undermine 'already fragile situation' – UN
Dec 05, 2014, at 03:47 pm
New York, Dec 5 (IBNS):The "punitive demolition" of Palestinian homes by Israeli authorities is a violation of the most basic human rights and risks destabilizing an already delicate security situation in the contested region, a senior United Nations relief official on Thursday said on Thursday as he implored Israel to halt the destructive practice.
At 'crossroads,' humanitarian system must engage earlier, more systematically – UN deputy chief
Dec 04, 2014, at 03:43 pm
New York, Dec 4 (IBNS) With needs rising faster than the world's capacity to meet them, humanitarian actors must grapple with the challenge of working in partnership to ensure people’s needs are met as quickly and efficiently as possible, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said on Wednesday, opening the Third Annual Global Humanitarian Policy Forum in Geneva.
At UN-backed conference, Ban urges greater industrial safety standards against accidents
Dec 04, 2014, at 03:39 pm
New York, Dec 4 (IBNS) The threat of industrial accidents continues to remain a clear and present danger for all nations, including those with stringent safety standards, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday, as he urged the international community to do more to prevent such accidents from occurring.
South Sudan shaken by 'sustained' fighting as political crisis continues – UN
Dec 04, 2014, at 03:37 pm
New York, Dec 4 (IBNS) An outburst of heavy fighting between Government and opposition forces in South Sudan represents the most sustained hostilities between the two parties since May, a United Nations spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Iconic image spotlighting plight of Palestine refugees, illuminates UN headquarters
Dec 04, 2014, at 03:35 pm
New York, Dec 4 (IBNS) To mark the climax of the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, an iconic image from the newly digitized photo archives of the UN agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East was projected on Tuesday onto buildings in eight cities around the world, including the Organization’s iconic Headquarters complex in New York.
Ending violence against women calls for legally binding global standard – UN expert
Dec 04, 2014, at 03:33 pm
New York, Dec 4 (IBNS) More than half-way through an international campaign to end violence against women, a top United Nations expert on the issue is calling for a binding international legal standard that holds Member States accountable in fighting this widespread human rights violation.
UN torture prevention body highlights States’ duty to allow access detention centres
Dec 04, 2014, at 03:28 pm
New York, Dec 4 (IBNS) Countries that have ratified a key legal protocol that allows United Nations experts unannounced and unhindered access to places of detention are obliged to co-operate with such visits, the world body’s Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) has reminded on Wednesday.
Somalia: UN 'outraged' by deadly terrorist car bomb attack in Mogadishu
Dec 04, 2014, at 03:26 pm
New York, Dec 4 (IBNS) The United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General expressed outrage on Wednesday over an Al-Shabaab terrorist attack in Mogadishu this morning that damaged a convoy of UN vehicles and killed and injured several Somali bystanders and security personnel.
UN agency launches social media campaign to bring urgent food aid to Syrian refugees
Dec 04, 2014, at 03:24 pm
New York, Dec 4 (IBNS)Two days after it was forced to suspend food assistance to millions of Syrian refugees due to lack of funding, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Wednesday an ambitious fundraising campaign to drum up support and financing for its life-saving efforts in the war-ravaged country and surrounding region.
On world Day, Ban spotlights how technology can improve life for 1 billion persons with disabilities
Dec 04, 2014, at 03:19 pm
New York, Nov 4 (IBNS) More than one billion people – or approximately 15 per cent of the world's population – live with some form of disability and have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities, the United Nations highlighted on Wednesday on its International Day of Persons with Disabilities.