Much-needed aid reached some 87,500 people in Syria’s besieged cities, UN reports
Jun 18, 2016, at 04:48 am
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):Over the past two days, humanitarian convoys have delivered aid to thousands of beneficiaries in several besieged areas of war-torn Syria, including some 50,000 beneficiaries in Afrin, in the country’s north, and an estimated 37,500 residents of Al-Waer, near Homs, according to the United Nations relief wing.
Central African Republic: UN mission strongly condemns escalation of violence in country’s west
Jun 18, 2016, at 04:46 am
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has expressed deep concern at the deteriorating security situation in Ngaoundaye, Ouham Pende Prefecture, in the west of the country following attacks and retaliation between groups backed by Christian militias and herders supported by Muslim fighters, since 10 June.
With 18 million doses exhausted, global stockpile of yellow fever vaccine running low
Jun 18, 2016, at 04:44 am
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):The global stockpile of the yellow fever vaccine may not be sufficient if simultaneous outbreaks hit the densely populated areas not covered by emergency responses, the United Nations health agency has warned, noting that by mid-June 2016, almost 18 million doses have been distributed in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda this year.
On Day to Combat Desertification, UN calls for action to restore land resources
Jun 18, 2016, at 04:43 am
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):Nearly 800 million people are chronically undernourished as a direct consequence of land degradation, declining soil, fertility, unsustainable water use, drought and biodiversity loss, requiring long-term solutions to help communities increase resilience to climate change, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared on Friday.
British Prime Minister David Cameron pays tribute to Jo Cox
Jun 18, 2016, at 02:39 am
London, June 17 (IBNS): British Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday paid tribute to MP Jo Cox who was killed on Thursday.
Cockpit voice recorder of ill-fated EgyptAir place recovered
Jun 17, 2016, at 06:20 pm
Cairo, Jun 17 (IBNS): Egyptian investigators said that search teams have, on Thursday, found the cockpit voice recorder of the EgyptAir flight that went missing over the Mediterranean in May has been found, according to media reports
Ban expresses deep concern over the continuing political uncertainty in Haiti
Jun 17, 2016, at 12:51 pm
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):Concerned that the prevailing uncertainty in Haiti is further compounding the numerous political and socio-economic challenges facing the country, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that further delays in completing the electoral process can potentially affect stability in the country, as well as international support to it.
UN health agency expresses concern over disease outbreaks in besieged city of Fallujah
Jun 17, 2016, at 12:49 pm
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):The low level of immunity coupled with poor hygiene conditions raises the risk of disease outbreaks, such as measles, in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, where more than 42,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of military operations in May. New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):The low level of immunity coupled with poor hygiene conditions raises the risk of disease outbreaks, such as measles, in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, where more than 42,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of military operations in May.
Some 13 million Yemenis need immediate help amid bleak conditions – senior UN relief official
Jun 17, 2016, at 12:48 pm
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):The top United Nations relief official for Yemen has reported that more than 13 million Yemenis are in need of immediate life-saving assistance as a result of a bleak humanitarian situation in the country that continues to worsen.
Malian parties must make peace and reconciliation ‘a reality,’ UN envoy tells Security Council
Jun 17, 2016, at 12:46 pm
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):Despite some progress, key challenges to implementing Mali’s peace and reconciliation agreement remained, one year after the Government and armed groups signed the accord, the United Nations envoy in the West African country told the Security Council on Thursday.
Ban dismayed at actions aimed at restricting political opposition in Bahrain
Jun 17, 2016, at 12:45 pm
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):Concerned at recent reports in Bahrain of intimidation of human rights defenders and activists for peacefully promoting human rights, as well as for legitimately exercising their rights to freedoms of expression and association, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday said that such actions by the State authorities could potentially damage the human rights situation in the country.
In Russia, Ban spotlights leadership and shared input in advancing global commitments
Jun 17, 2016, at 12:43 pm
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News): Participating in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the importance of translating the various landmark agreements made by the international community during the past year into action as soon as possible.
Ahead of World Refugee Day, UN agency launches ‘Stand #WithRefugees’ initiative
Jun 17, 2016, at 12:40 pm
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):Ahead of the World Refugee Day on 20 June, more than 60 film, TV and music stars have joined refugees, faith leaders and the United Nations refugee agency staff to back a petition highlighting the plight of forcibly displaced people.
UN human rights panel concludes ISIL is committing genocide against Yazidis
Jun 17, 2016, at 12:38 pm
New York, June 17 (Just Earth News):The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) [also known as ISIL and Da'esh] is committing genocide against Yazidis that amounts to crimes against humanity and war crimes, a United Nations-mandated human rights inquiry reported on Thursday.
British Labour lawmaker Jo Cox stabbed to death in Yorkshire
Jun 17, 2016, at 05:11 am
Birstall, Jun 16 (IBNS): British MP Jo Cox has died after being attacked in her constituency in Yorkshire in England on Thursday, reports said.
Diver's find body of kid attacked by alligator
Jun 16, 2016, at 06:31 pm
Orlando, Jun 16 (IBNS): Police recovered the body of the two-year old kid who was dragged away by an alligator from a Disney resort, according to media reports late on Wednesday.
UN humanitarian coordinator reports more than 26,000 people affected by Myanmar floods
Jun 16, 2016, at 01:07 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News):Heavy monsoon rains since the beginning of June have caused flooding in five states and regions of Myanmar, resulting in 14 deaths and affecting at least 26,000 people, a United Nations humanitarian coordinator reported on Wednesday.
Jun 16, 2016, at 01:06 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News):Despite commitments of the international community, inconsistent levels of political will, resourcing, accountability and gender expertise often hinder the full and meaningful inclusion of women in efforts to prevent conflict, the Security Council said on Wednesday.
Security Council urges political solution to Guinea-Bissau crisis
Jun 16, 2016, at 01:04 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News):Following a briefing yesterday by the head of the United Nations peacebuilding office in Guinea-Bissau, the Security Council has encouraged national actors to abide by the constitution and rule of law, while striving to find a political solution to the crisis in the country.
In Brussels, Ban urges EU Member States to meet development assistance targets
Jun 16, 2016, at 01:03 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News):On the second day of his visit to Brussels, Belgium, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the opening ceremony of the European Development Days forum and participated in a commemoration for the victims of the March airport bombing attacks in the city.
Colombia: UN experts urge protection of Afro-Colombian communities against elevating violence
Jun 16, 2016, at 01:01 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News): Distressed over reports of violence against people of African descent in Colombia, a United Nations expert panel has called on the authorities to take concrete and urgent measures to protect the country’s Afro-Colombian communities.
UN Women announces Anne Hathaway as Goodwill Ambassador
Jun 16, 2016, at 01:00 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News): The United Nations entity tasked with promoting gender equality on Wednesday announced the appointment of Academy Award-winning American actor Anne Hathaway as global Goodwill Ambassador.
Jun 16, 2016, at 12:56 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News):The United Nations and its partners in Haiti have on Wednesday expressed concern that as the provisional president's agreed 120-day mandate has come to end, “no measures have been taken to ensure institutional continuity†in the island nation, where several key deadlines regarding the political transition process have been missed.
Jun 16, 2016, at 12:54 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News):The United Nations is concerned about the impact of Uganda’s potential withdrawal from military operations against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the Central African Republic, the Secretary-General’s envoy for the region said on Wednesday, stressing that a departure of Ugandan troops must be well-coordinated.
Jun 16, 2016, at 12:52 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News):Deeply concerned by reports of fighting on 12 and 13 June on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is on an official visit to Belgium, met in Brussels on Wednesday with top officials from both the African countries, with the parties calling for maximum restraint.
UN health agency group finds coffee poses no cancer risk; issues warning on ‘very hot’ drinks
Jun 16, 2016, at 12:50 pm
New York, June 16 (Just Earth News):An international working group of scientists convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that coffee should no longer be considered a carcinogen, although it found limited evidence that drinking very hot beverages can cause oesophageal cancer.
On World Day, Ban calls for ending elder abuse as a pathway towards Global Goals
Jun 16, 2016, at 04:55 am
New York, June 15 (Just Earth News):Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday emphasized that ending neglect, abuse and violence against older people is crucial as the international community continues to work together towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and fulfil their underlying pledge to leave no one behind.
States must do more to safeguard adolescent health rights – UN expert
Jun 16, 2016, at 04:54 am
New York, June 15 (Just Earth News):A United Nations human rights expert on Wednesday called on States to remove all legal barriers to access health facilities, goods and services interfering with the rights of adolescents to be heard and taken seriously, and that limit their right to make autonomous decisions.
UN food relief agency to double aid to Niger’s conflict-torn Diffa region
Jun 16, 2016, at 04:51 am
New York, June 15 (Just Earth News):Faced with a new wave of displacement following recent Boko Haram attacks in Niger’s south-eastern Diffa region and with needs on the rise, the United Nations food relief agency plans to double its food and nutrition assistance, aiming to gradually increase its life-saving support to more than 250,000 people in Niger’s embattled southern region.
South Sudan: UN relief wing reports increase in violence against aid workers
Jun 16, 2016, at 04:50 am
New York, June 15 (Just Earth News):While thousands of vulnerable people in South Sudan have been reached with assistance and protection in recent months, violent incidents against aid workers increased during the month of May, the United Nations humanitarian wing reported on Wednesday.