DR Congo: UN condemns attack on Virunga National Park director

Apr 17, 2014, at 05:21 pm

New York, Apr 17 (IBNS): A senior United Nations official on Wednesday condemned the attack against the chief warden of Virunga National Park, and urged the international community to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in protecting not only its World Heritage sites but also those who safeguard them.

Unrest in eastern Ukraine risks entire country: UN

Apr 17, 2014, at 05:16 pm

New York, Apr 17 (IBNS): The ongoing unrest in eastern Ukraine, if not addressed as a matter of priority, risks seriously destabilizing the rest of the country, a senior United Nations human rights official warned the Security Council on Wednesday, as he also urged steps to counter misinformation and bring to an end all incitement to hatred, discrimination and violence.

South Korea: 4 killed in ferry sinking

Apr 17, 2014, at 04:32 am

Seoul, Apr 16 (IBNS) At least four people were killed as a ferry sank off South Korea's southern coast on Wednesday, media reports said.

Chile: UN offers support after devastating fires in Valparaiso

Apr 16, 2014, at 06:25 pm

New York, Apr 16 (IBNS): The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Tuesday voiced deep concern over the destruction caused by fires that have been raging around Valparaiso and pledged to help safeguard the Chilean city's historic sites.

Ukraine: UN urges halt to propaganda, incitement to hatred

Apr 16, 2014, at 06:21 pm

New York, Apr 16 (IBNS): While corruption and widespread inequality were among the root causes of the massive street protests that erupted last year in Ukraine, the fear-mongering and incitement to hatred that have followed must be urgently countered to avoid further escalation of tensions in the country, states a United Nations human rights report issued on Tuesday.

UN urges Israel to prevent takeover of West Bank building

Apr 16, 2014, at 06:18 pm

New York, Apr 16 (IBNS): An independent United Nations human rights expert on Tuesday urged Israel to prevent settlers from taking over Al-Rajabi House, a building in the West Bank city of Hebron that was built by Palestinian families but whose ownership was granted to the settlers after a protracted legal battle.

UN condemns ongoing violence in South Sudan

Apr 16, 2014, at 06:14 pm

New York, Apr 16 (IBNS): The number of people seeking shelter at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base in the Unity state capital, Bentiu, has doubled over the past few days, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Toby Lanzer said in Juba on Tuesday.

UN lauds Bulgaria's effort to improve conditions of asylum-seekers

Apr 16, 2014, at 06:11 pm

New York, Apr 16 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency applauded on Tuesday the "significant efforts" made recently by the Bulgarian authorities and their partners to improve living conditions for asylum seekers in the country.

Pepsi joins Coke in support to protect rights of poor: UN

Apr 16, 2014, at 06:08 pm

New York, Apr 16 (IBNS): The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced on Tuesday that PepsiCo has joined the Coca-Cola Company in giving its official support to a set of global guidelines that protect the rights of poor and vulnerable people to land, livelihoods and food security.

Mexico: Ban urges renewed global partnership for development

Apr 16, 2014, at 06:02 pm

New York, Apr 16 (IBNS): With the deadline for the globally agreed development targets fast approaching, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday called for a renewed global partnership to advance sustainable development and a life of dignity for all.

UN launches guide to mobilizing action for disarmament

Apr 16, 2014, at 05:58 pm

New York, Apr 16 (IBNS): "Your deeds will have an impact...be the new leaders of change," United Nations Messenger of Peace Michael Douglas urged on Tuesday during an event launching the book, 'Action for Disarmament: 10 Things You Can Do!'.

Libya: UNSC condemns abduction of Jordanian envoy

Apr 16, 2014, at 05:54 pm

New York, Apr 16 (IBNS): The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) strongly condemned Tuesday's attack in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, which resulted in the abduction of the Jordanian ambassador and injuries to his driver.

UN hails treaty allowing children to lodge complaints

Apr 15, 2014, at 08:49 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): United Nations child rights experts on Monday hailed a new treaty that allows children to complain directly to the world body about alleged violations of their rights.

UN urges less military spending, more investment in development

Apr 15, 2014, at 08:38 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): Marking the Global Day of Action on Military Spending, the United Nations independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order called on all governments to boost transparency and cuts in military expenditures, and increase investments in nutrition, health, environmental protection and other major sustainable development challenges.

UN condemns rampant use of torture by Syrian forces

Apr 15, 2014, at 07:14 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): The United Nations human rights chief on Monday condemned the rampant use of torture, including allegedly of children, in detention facilities across Syria by Government forces and some armed opposition groups.

UN urges help for people of Central African Republic

Apr 15, 2014, at 07:00 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): More than 70,000 people are now living in horrendous conditions crammed into the Central African Republic (CAR) Bangui airport - the lucky ones under weather-beaten tarps just yards from the runway. Others are in the open.

Syria: UN urges efforts as chemical weapons deadline slips

Apr 15, 2014, at 06:52 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): Concerned that Syria has missed the Apr 13 deadline to remove most of its chemical agents, the Joint Mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations (OPCW-UN) says that it expects "an intensification of efforts" towards meeting the goal of removing all the country"s chemical weapons by the end of the month.

Ban encourages Israel-Palestine peace talks

Apr 15, 2014, at 06:41 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly encouraged Israel and Palestine to remain "constructively engaged" in ongoing efforts towards achieving a two-State solution during separate phone calls over the weekend with the leaders of both sides.

Ban commends Guinea-Bissau for peaceful elections

Apr 15, 2014, at 06:35 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has applauded the people of Guinea-Bissau for their orderly and peaceful participation in Sunday's presidential and legislative elections, and called on all candidates to respect the upcoming results.

UN urges financing for sustainable development

Apr 15, 2014, at 06:32 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): Even with a slow recovery from the economic and financial crisis underway, severe effects of the upheaval linger and serious risks remain, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson warned a high-level gathering of global finance institutions on Monday, urging measures to channel financial investment into vital areas that can help secure sustainable development for all.

Iran: UN urges immediate halt to woman's execution

Apr 15, 2014, at 06:23 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): A United Nations independent expert has issued a strong call on the Government of Iran to halt Tuesday's scheduled execution of an Iranian woman said to be the victim of physical and sexual assault, seriously concerned that she did not receive a fair trial.

Ban saddened by deadly Nigeria bus bombing

Apr 15, 2014, at 06:15 pm

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday voiced his shock and sadness after a bomb attack at a bus station near the Nigerian capital of Abuja claimed dozens of lives, and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

UNSC concerned over worsening situation in Ukraine

Apr 14, 2014, at 04:50 pm

New York, Apr 14 (IBNS): In the wake of the violent clashes that have swept eastern Ukraine over the past 24 hours as pro-and anti-Government demonstrators have faced off in the region, a senior United Nations political official warned the UN Security Council (UNSC) this evening that the crisis will only deepen unless intensive efforts are made by all sides to de-escalate the situation.

"Signals from the black box of MH370 rapidly fading"

Apr 13, 2014, at 02:32 am

Perth, Apr 12 (IBNS) Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Saturday indicated that the ongoing search for the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 would continue for long time.

UN urges credible industrial policies to transform Africa

Apr 12, 2014, at 07:04 pm

New York, Apr 12 (IBNS): While Africa has recorded impressive economic growth in the past decade, more credible industrial policies and institutions are needed to advance the structural transformation of the continent, says a new report released on Friday by the United Nations and the African Union.

Brunei: UN concerned at application of death penalty

Apr 12, 2014, at 07:01 pm

New York, Apr 12 (IBNS): The United Nations human rights office on Friday voiced deep concern about the revised penal code in Brunei Darussalam which stipulates the death penalty for numerous offences, including robbery, adultery, and insult or defamation of the Prophet Mohammed, and introduces stoning to death as the specific method of execution for crimes of a sexual nature.

CAR refugees attacked as they flee to Cameroon

Apr 12, 2014, at 06:54 pm

New York, Apr 12 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency said on Friday it is extremely concerned by reports that anti-Balaka militiamen are blocking and attacking civilians trying to flee violence in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Aerial attacks stoke safety fears in South Sudan: UN

Apr 12, 2014, at 06:49 pm

New York, Apr 12 (IBNS): The recent sighting of unidentified planes over Yida, South Sudan, and the aerial bombing of a nearby community have raised fears about the safety of refugees and aid workers in the highly militarized area, the United Nations said on Friday, fearing these incidents might signal an increase in violence in the strife-torn country.

Amid Mediterranean crossings, UN urges safety for refugees

Apr 12, 2014, at 06:43 pm

New York, Apr 12 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency on Friday stressed the need to find durable solutions for those making the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean, as it reported that the Italian navy had rescued some 6,000 people who had set out from Libya in overcrowded boats over the past four days alone.

Ban welcomes dialogue to ease Venezuela tensions

Apr 12, 2014, at 06:39 pm

New York, Apr 12 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday welcomed the start of dialogue to ease political tensions in Venezuela and called on all actors to work towards overcoming the current challenges facing the country.