Ethiopia: UN and partners launch 90-day campaign to boost drought-relief funding

Mar 25, 2016, at 01:28 pm

New York, Mar 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS):To aid drought-affected people of Ethiopia, the United Nations and humanitarian partners have launched a 90-day campaign to raise awareness about the food crisis in the country and raise funds to bridge a $700 million gap.

Time 'to ring the alarm bell' on waning prospects for Middle East peace, UN envoy tells Security Council

Mar 25, 2016, at 01:26 pm

New York, Mar 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The United Nations envoy for the peace process in the Middle East on Thursday warned the Security Council that the prospects for an independent Palestinian state are disappearing, and questioned the political will of the Israeli and Palestinian actors to address the main challenges blocking peace efforts.

UNESCO chief welcomes the liberation of Syria's Palmyra world heritage site

Mar 25, 2016, at 01:24 pm

New York, Mar 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday welcomed the liberation of the Palmyra archeological site, a martyr city inscribed on the agency's World Heritage list.

'End to fighting can't come soon enough' for Yemen, says UN humanitarian chief

Mar 25, 2016, at 01:22 pm

New York, Mar 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The United Nations relief chief on Thursday welcomed efforts to find a solution to the crisis in Yemen, adding that yesterday's announcement of an agreement to cease hostilities on 10 April is “positive.”

Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in Somalia through March 2017

Mar 25, 2016, at 01:20 pm

New York, Mar 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS):Stressing the importance of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia to that country's political process, the Security Council on Thursday extended the mandate of UNSOM's work until 31 March 2017.

On World Day, UN chief urges States to promote right to truth and justice

Mar 25, 2016, at 01:18 pm

New York, Mar 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS):Observing International Day for the right to the truth, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged States to adopt measures to promote truth, justice and reparations for victims, which is so crucial to ensuring that gross human rights violations are not repeated.

UN rights chief urges Egypt to halt 'clampdown' on civil society groups

Mar 25, 2016, at 01:15 pm

New York, Mar 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The United Nations human rights chief has expressed grave concern over the closure of hundreds of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Egypt and the prosecutions of numerous rights defenders for their legitimate work since November 2014, urging the Government to end such repressive measures.

After Brussels attacks IS posts new video calling for Jihad

Mar 25, 2016, at 04:40 am

Brussels, Mar 24 (IBNS): After the deadly attacks on Tuesday in Belgium's capital Brussels, terror outfit Islamic State on Thursday released a video where it has called on its followers to claim victory and wage jihad.

UN Envoy for Yemen announces cessation of hostilities and start date for peace talks

Mar 24, 2016, at 01:44 pm

New York, Mar 24 (Just Earth News/IBNS):Following “extensive” consultations with Yemeni leaders and regional partners, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen on Wednesday announced that parties to the conflict have agreed to a nation-wide cessation of hostilities beginning at midnight on 10 April, in advance of the upcoming round of peace talks, scheduled on 18 April in Kuwait.

Progress made on humanitarian track for Syria, UN advisor reports

Mar 24, 2016, at 01:42 pm

New York, Mar 24 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The advisor to the United Nations envoy on Syria on Wednesday reported further progress in the humanitarian relief efforts in the conflict-battered country, with more areas reached, allowing medical kits to get through checkpoints, and children to be vaccinated.

Diplomatic Quartet to prepare report to lay ground for Israel-Palestine talks – UN envoy

Mar 24, 2016, at 01:34 pm

New York, Mar 24 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The United Nations envoy for the peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Wednesday unveiled a plan by the diplomatic Quartet – comprising the UN, Russia, the United States and the European Union – to produce a report that would help create a political environment for the two sides to resume peace negotiations.

Senior UN official warns of dire consequences for millions of Iraqis due to funding shortfalls

Mar 24, 2016, at 01:30 pm

New York, Mar 24 (Just Earth News/IBNS):Returning from a visit to Iraq, a senior United Nations relief official on Wednesday drew attention to the worsening situation for more than 10 million people in need, and to the urgency to mobilize more funding for the humanitarian response.

DR Congo at 'critical juncture,' amid rising political tensions – UN envoy tells Security Council

Mar 24, 2016, at 01:28 pm

New York, Mar 24 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is at a critical juncture, with rising political tensions ahead of elections which could lead to violence if left unaddressed, the top United Nations official in the country warned the Security Council on Wednesday, while highlighting key issues for consideration as it renews the UN's mandate there.

World Meteorological Day: as extreme weather becomes 'the new normal,' UN urges bold climate action

Mar 24, 2016, at 01:26 pm

New York, Mar 24 (Just Earth News/IBNS):Observing the World Meteorological Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned on Wednesday that extreme weather events are becoming “the new normal” and bold climate action is needed to “face the future now.”

NATO condemns terror attacks in Brussels

Mar 23, 2016, at 11:24 pm

Brussels, Mar 23 (IBNS): The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday condemned the terrorist attacks in Belgium's Brussels city which left over 30 people killed while injures scores on Tuesday.

Brussels: Two brothers behind attacks

Mar 23, 2016, at 08:48 pm

Brussels, Mar 23 (IBNS): The police on Wednesday identified two of the attackers who were believed to be responsible for the Brussels massacre on Tuesday, media reports said.

Brussels attack: Jet Airways crew safe in hospitals

Mar 23, 2016, at 08:20 pm

Brussels, Mar 23 (IBNS) Jet Airways crew who were injured during explosions at Brussels airport on Tuesday are safe in hospitals, the aviation company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Post Brussels attack, Donald Trump slams Hillary Clinton, Prez Obama

Mar 23, 2016, at 06:04 pm

Washington, Mar 23 (IBNS) After the horrific Brussels attack, which claimed at least 30 lives on Tuesday, was owned by Islamic fringe unit ISIS, Donald Trump slammed Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and US President Barrack Obama.

‘Witchcraft’ beliefs trigger attacks against people with albinism, UN expert warns

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:35 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):People with albinism are being hunted for witchcraft rituals, their body parts hacked off with machetes, and even having their graves desecrated, a United Nations expert warned on Tuesday in her first report to the UN Human Rights Council.

World Water Day: UN calls for ‘better water and better jobs’

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:33 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):With nearly half of the world’s workers employed in water-related sectors, sustainable access to safe water can change lives and livelihoods, the United Nations on Tuesday said, underscoring the link between water and jobs, this year’s theme for World Water Day.

UN strongly condemns terrorist bombings in Brussels as 'an attack on us all'

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:30 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The United Nations has strongly condemned on Tuesday's terrorist bombings in Brussels, extending condolences to the victims and their families while expressing solidarity with the people and Government of Belgium.

UN Women launches media partnership to help bring gender equality to newsrooms

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:24 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The United Nations entity tasked with promoting gender equality launched an innovative partnership with leading media houses on Tuesday to galvanize attention and concrete action towards women's rights within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Zika: 'the more we know the worse things look,' UN health agency chief reports

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:18 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The head of the United Nations health agency on Tuesday reported that in less than a year, the status of Zika has changed from “a mild medical curiosity” to a disease with severe public health implications, warning that “the more we know the worse things look.”

'Terrible year' in war-torn Yemen leaves majority of country's people in need of aid – UN

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:15 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):One year on into the conflict in Yemen, tens of thousands of Yemenis have been killed or injured, one in 10 are displaced and nearly the entire population is in urgent need of aid, the top United Nations humanitarian official in the country said.

UN refugee agency redefines role in Greece as EU-Turkey deal comes into effect

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:13 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The United Nations refugee agency has announced that it is “not a party” to the new provisions agreed between the European Union (EU) and Turkey to stem the large-scale flow of refugees and migrants into Greece and Europe, and that it will align its work to cope with the deal.

Senior UN official warns Burundi's tensions could fuel violence throughout Great Lakes region

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:11 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):A climate for inclusive dialogue is urgently required to eradicate the polarization and fragmentation of Burundian society, resulting from the increasing poverty and ongoing political crisis, a senior United Nations human rights official on Tuesday urged.

New products and technologies needed to aid small farmers, UN agriculture chief says

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:06 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The head of the United Nations agricultural agency on Tuesday called for great use of agroecology, biotechnology and other creative tools to eradicate hunger, fight malnutrition and achieve sustainable agriculture.

UN welcomes ICC's first conviction for rape as war crime

Mar 23, 2016, at 01:03 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed the judgement issued by the International Criminal Court in the case of former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba.

Inclusive approach needed to embrace religious diversity in Denmark – UN expert

Mar 23, 2016, at 12:57 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):While appraising Denmark as a liberal country that values and respects freedom and religion, an independent United Nations human rights expert on Tuesday also addressed challenges Danish society faces, especially towards “an open, inclusive” identity and religious diversity.

Ukraine: UN experts urge accountability for human rights violations by foreign fighters

Mar 23, 2016, at 12:55 pm

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):On Tuesday in Geneva, the United Nations Working Group on mercenaries called on the Government of Ukraine to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed by foreign armed actors during the conflict that has plagued the country since 2014.