UN concerned over food security situation in Somalia
New York, Jun 3 (IBNS): The United Nations on Monday voiced increasing concern over the food security situation in Somalia, as food stocks from the previous harvest become depleted and prices continue to rise sharply, and the country experiences late rains and erratic weather patterns.
UN envoy in South Sudan to step down after three years
New York, May 31 (IBNS): The top United Nations envoy in South Sudan announced on Friday that she is stepping down from her post in July after leading the world body's efforts in the country for nearly three years.
UN warns of failure to refer Syria to international court
New York, May 31 (IBNS): A group of independent United Nations human rights experts on Friday emphasized that the United Nations Security Council's inability to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC) leaves the door wide open for new atrocities in the ongoing conflict.
UN welcomes African campaign to end child marriage
New York, May 30 (IBNS): Two United Nations agencies on Thursday welcomed the first campaign by the African Union to end child marriage, a practice that robs over 17 million girls - 1 in 3 - across the continent of their youth.
UN condemns killing of pregnant Pakistani woman
New York, May 29 (IBNS): The United Nations human rights chief on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of a 25-year-old pregnant woman, who was stoned to death by her family as she approached a Pakistani court on Tuesday, and urged the Government to do much more to prevent such killings.
UN urges partners to break silence on open defecation
New York, May 29 (IBNS): It is time to talk about open defecation, the United Nations declared on Wednesday, launching a new campaign to end the practice and improve access to toilets and latrines for the 2.5 billion people worldwide without basic sanitation.
UN urges protections for Sri Lankans migrating for work
New York, May 28 (IBNS): A United Nations human rights expert called on Tuesday on the Government of Sri Lanka to increase its attention and efforts to prevent exploitation of its nationals working abroad, including by shoring up protections at all levels.
UN agencies scale up relief measures in Mali
New York, May 28 (IBNS): A ceasefire agreed between the Government and three rebel groups in restive northern Mali appears to be holding, the United Nations reported on Tuesday, warning however that recent deadly violence in the flashpoint city of Kidal has displaced some 4,000 people who now desperately need food, water and other necessities.
UN calls for resolution of Somalia political crisis
New York, May 28 (IBNS): The United Nations, the European Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Tuesday issued a joint appeal for a resolution of the political crisis in Somalia, adding that they stand ready to hold to account anyone who poses an obstacle to progress in the Horn of Africa nation.
UN urges Brazzaville to halt expulsion of DR Congo refugees
New York, May 27 (IBNS): Senior United Nations officials on Monday demanded that Republic of the Congo immediately stops expelling citizens from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and called for an investigation into allegations of sexual violence and other human rights violations.
UN urges restoration of rule of law following Thai coup
New York, May 24 (IBNS): The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday urged Thailand to ensure respect for human rights and a prompt restoration of the rule of law, echoing a call made on Thursday by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon following the military coup.
UN urges adoption of treaty against forced labour
New York, May 24 (IBNS): Independent United Nations human rights experts dealing with the issues of slavery, migrants and trafficking on Friday called on governments to adopt a legally binding international protocol to respond to the scourge of forced labour.
UN condemns killing of Palestinian teenagers in West Bank
New York, May 24 (IBNS): The United Nations human rights chief has voiced her "very serious concerns" about a recent incident involving the killing of two Palestinian teenagers in the occupied West Bank.
UN spotlights power of sports to advance shared values
New York, May 23 (IBNS): High-level officials, prominent athletes and youth teamed up at the United Nations in New York on Thursday to spotlight the values that the world of sports can advance, including, diversity, inclusion, peacebuilding and development.
Role of cooperation critical for sustainable development: UN
New York, May 22 (IBNS): United Nations officials on Wednesday highlighted the importance of both traditional and new forms of cooperation, as well as building broad partnerships, to shaping a future development agenda that is both sustainable and leads to prosperity for millions around the world.