UN chief strongly condemns Sunday suicide bombing in Pakistan

New York, Mar 29 (Just Earth News/IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the suicide bombing that targeted a park in Pakistan on Sunday, killing at least 60 people and wounding over 100, including many women and children.

UN envoy welcomes Sudan's signing of action plan to end use of child soldiers

New York, Mar 29 (Just Earth News/IBNS): The United Nations envoy on children and armed conflict has welcomed Sudan's signing of an action plan to prevent the recruitment and use of children by national security forces as an important milestone for child protection there.

UN chief visits Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, meets Middle Eastern leaders in capital

New York, Mar 28 (Just Earth News/IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon continued his trip to the Middle East on Sunday with a visit to Jordan alongside World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, where they met with refugees from the Zaatari camp, as well as with senior government officials from Palestine, Turkey and Jordan, including King Abdullah II.

In Baghdad, UN chief underlines extreme concern about 'enormous' challenges Iraq faces

New York, Mar 27 (Just Earth News/IBNS): Visiting Iraq on Saturday for the eighth time as United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon said he is impressed by the progress made, particularly against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or Da'esh, but warned that he remains extremely concerned about the enormous challenges the country faces.

On International Day, Ban calls to bring all perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice

New York, Mar 26 (Just Earth News/IBNS):On the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday urged for intensified efforts to bring all perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, and to end impunity.

In Lebanon, UN chief and World Bank President show commitment to leaving 'no one behind'

New York, Mar 26 (Just Earth News/IBNS):While in Lebanon on Friday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim underlined the UN system's commitment to the country, calling for additional funds for a refugee camp, inaugurating a new social development centre, and announcing a new financing plan for Lebanese schools.

‘Without stories there is silence’ – women speak up at the UN about violence and disability

New York, Mar 25 (Just Earth News/IBNS):When Betty was asked to participate in a multimedia exhibition about violence against women and disability, at first she did not think her story was worthy enough.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Progress made on humanitarian track for Syria, UN advisor reports

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

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

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.