UN officials condemn 'virtual silence' about escalating violence in Yemen
New York, Sept 16 (IBNS): Two senior United Nations officials on Tuesday condemned "the virtual silence" about the increasing impact on civilians of the escalating conflict in Yemen, and urged leaders from all sides to refrain from manipulating religious identities for political purposes.
New allegation of sexual exploitation received by UN mission in Central Africa
New York, Sept 16 (IBNS): A new allegation of sexual exploitation in the Central African Republic (CAR) was received on Tuesday by the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country, reportedly committed by one of its civilian staff last Saturday.
UN atomic energy chief highlights importance of science and technology for development
New York, Sept 15 (IBNS): The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday stressed the importance of science and technology for development, as he highlighted the links between the Sustainable Development Goals that will be adopted by United Nations Member States next week and the work of the Agency.
President talks about changing the world, as 69th UN General Assembly concludes
New York, Sept 15 (IBNS): The 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly presented countries with a "historic opportunity" to change the world for the better and was guided by the overarching principles of cooperation, compromise and solidarity, its President said Monday.
UN Mid-east envoy urges respect for Jerusalem's holy sites
New York, Sept 14 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process voiced concern at Sunday's provocations and violence in and around the holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem and urged respect for the sanctity of the area ahead of the upcoming Jewish and Muslim holy days.
UN calls for full, swift implementation of European proposals for refugee crisis
New York, Sept 12 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency on Friday welcomed the European Commission's proposals unveiled last Wednesday to address the current refugee crisis in Europe, adding that given the urgency of the situation, these proposals need to be implemented fully and swiftly.
UN rights experts applaud steps by China and India to reduce, abolish death penalty
New York, Sept 12 (IBNS): Two independent United Nations human rights experts welcomed on Friday the recommendation to abolish the death penalty by India, as well as the decision to reduce the number of crimes subject to the death penalty by the Chinese authorities.
UN official outlines steps taken in response to Central Africa's abuse allegations
New York, Sept 12 (IBNS): The United Nations peacekeeping chief on Friday announced that following reports of alleged sexual exploitation and abuse, seven peacekeepers serving with the UN mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) have been repatriated, while nine have had their payments suspended.
UN and partners report 'extremely alarming' food insecurity figures in Afghanistan
New York, Sept 11 (IBNS): The number of people in Afghanistan resorting to selling land or turning to friends or family for help because of food insecurity has doubled in the last year, according to a joint report released on Wednesday by the United Nations and partner agencies.
UN envoy unveils plan to get 1 million Syrian children in school in 21 days
New York, Sept 11 (IBNS): With more than 4 million children having left Syria – half of them for Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey – in a "crisis of biblical proportions," the United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education on Wednesday said $250 million could get 1 million refugee children in school by the time the UN General Assembly meets later this month.
Rise in global tourism continues, despite concerns over safety and security: UN
New York, Sept 11 (IBNS): International tourism figures grew by four per cent in the first half of 2015, an increase of 21 million when compared to the same period last year, the United Nations said on Wednesday.
Flags of non-member observer States to fly at UN offices
New York, Sept 11 (IBNS): The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday decided that the flags of non-member observer States shall be raised at the world body’s headquarters and offices following the flags of its 193 Member States.
UN envoy on Yemen welcomes commitment of parties to upcoming peace talks
New York, Sept 11 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen on Wednesday welcomed the commitment of the Government, the Houthis and the General People's Congress to participate in peace talks that he will convene in the region next week.
Watch the historic moment when UN adopts 'charter for people and planet': UN official
New York, Sep 10 (IBNS): The top United Nations official who oversaw the negotiations that whittled down more than 500 proposals into 17 goals to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice and tackle climate change says it will be a "historic moment" when world leaders formally commit to the Sustainable Development Goals later this month.
Peace 'a distant dream' without development, UN high-level forum told
New York, Sep 10 (IBNS): United Nations officials on Wednesday shared a common message that building a culture of peace means not just ending conflict but building inclusive societies that are able to develop and thrive in the absence of discrimination.