UN deplores detention of rights defenders in Swaziland
New York, Jun 13 (IBNS): A group of independent United Nations experts on Thursday voiced serious concerns at the arrest, detention and prosecution of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and the editor-in-chief of The Nation magazine, Bheki Makhubu, in Swaziland.
UN concerned about reported abuse in Myanmar
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency said on Tuesday it was receiving increasing reports of abuse and exploitation as people continue to seek safety overseas two years after inter-communal violence erupted in Myanmar's Rakhine state.
UN review focuses on youth with disabilities
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): Hundreds of activists and Government delegates gathered at United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday to identify practical ways to take the rights, needs and concerns of persons with disabilities, particularly youth, into consideration as they strive to advance inclusive, sustainable development.
UN rights council urges universal protections for all
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): In her last opening statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council, outgoing High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stressed on Tuesday the benefit to all countries of ensuring universal protection of individuals and groups from abuse, even if it means the countries are then subject to criticism.
UN appeals for end to clan-based fighting in Somalia
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): The top United Nations envoy to Somalia on Monday appealed to an end to clan-based hostilities in the Lower Shabelle region which have resulted in a number of casualties in recent days.
UN calls for human rights-backed development agenda
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): A new global new development agenda based on human rights and the rule of law is the surest pathway to balancing the needs of people and the planet, while eradicating extreme poverty and closing socio-economic gaps, senior United Nations officials said on Monday.
UN urges broad participation in Kosovo assembly elections
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The most senior United Nations official in Kosovo has on Friday stressed the critical importance of maximum participation of all communities in assembly elections slated for this Sunday.
UN establishes prize in honour of late Nelson Mandela
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations General Assembly on Friday established the "United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize" as a tribute to the achievements and contributions of the late South African leader who inspired not only his own country but the rest of the world.
UN hails upcoming launch of truth commission
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations has welcomed the upcoming launch of the Truth and Dignity Commission in Tunisia, calling it a step forward in addressing past human rights violations in the North African nation.
UN reports 62 dead in boat tragedy in Red Sea this year
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency said on Friday that 62 people are confirmed to have died when their boat foundered while trying to cross the Red Sea from the Horn of Africa to Yemen, making it the deadliest sinking this year.
UN concert sets new global development agenda
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): As part of the United Nations-driven process to craft a new sustainable development agenda, a spectacular line up of global artists will hit the stage tonight at the world body's New York Headquarters to add their voices and talents to the unprecedented global conversation under way to build the future we want.
UN calls for end to death penalty in Iran
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): A group of United Nations human rights experts on Thursday expressed outrage at the recent executions of two prisoners in Iran, and urged the Government to institute a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to abolishing it all together.
UN seeks to mobilize investment for sustainable energy
New York, Jun 5 (IBNS): Over 1,000 participants from government, business, international organizations and civil society groups gathered on Wednesday at United Nations Headquarters to kick off a three-day forum designed to mobilize investment and action to realize the goal of ensuring sustainable energy for all.
UN initiative taps leadership to advance women's rights
New York, Jun 4 (IBNS): The United Nations has teamed up with leading businesses to advance women's rights and empowerment through a new advisory council comprised of private sector chiefs with a strong commitment to supporting women and girls.
Funding shortfall leaves millions hungry in DR Congo: UN
New York, Jun 4 (IBNS): Senior United Nations officials for the Great Lakes region of Africa are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to draw attention to continuing insecurity there, while the world body reported on Tuesday that the fighting and a decrease in financial resources is causing millions of people to go hungry.