UN Data Forum explores ways to improve and modernize national statistical systems
New York, Jan 17 (Just Earth News): With the statistical community facing myriad challenges as countries begin to implement the new 15-year global plan for sustainable development, it is imperative to modernize, improve capacity and cooperate at a truly global level, the top United Nations economic and social affairs official told a gathering of more than 1,500 data experts on Monday.
New UN manual aims to address management of violent extremists in prison settings
New York, Jan 17 (Just Earth News): Highlighting the challenges brought on by and the need to address violent extremism and radicalization in prisons, the United Nations agency mandated to prevent international crime and assist criminal justice reform unveiled a new manual that offers practical advice on managing violent extremist prisoners, disengaging them from violence and facilitating their social reintegration upon release.
UN refugee agency lauds Europe's rescue efforts in Mediterranean amid 'tragic start' to New Year
New York, Jan 17 (Just Earth News): The United Nations refugee agency praised the Italian Coastguard in coordination with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, for rescuing some 1,500 people from boats on the Mediterranean struggling in rough weather throughout the weekend.
Killings, rapes in South Sudan continued 'unabated' after July 2016 violence, UN reports
New York, Jan 16 (Just Earth News): Hundreds of people were killed in South Sudan during an outbreak of violence last July and more than 200 people were raped, according to a United Nations report on Monday released which emphasizes the need for accountability and justice for those human rights violations.
'We must not let 2017 repeat tragedies of 2016 for Syria' – top UN aid officials
New York, Jan 16 (Just Earth News): While efforts to fully implement a ceasefire in Syria continue, senior United Nations humanitarian officials on Monday appealed for immediate, unconditional, and safe access to reach the children and families who are still cut off from relief aid across the Middle Eastern country.
Brazil prison violence turns fatal, at least 26 die
Brasalia, Jan 16 (IBNS)" At least 26 prisoners have died following a riot in Brazil's Alcacuz Penitentiary Centre, a prison near Natal, media reports said.
Turkish plane crashes in Kyrgyzstan, at least 32 dead
Bishkek, Jan 16 (IBNS): At least 32 people died after a Turkish cargo plane crashed in Kyrgyzstan on Monday morning, media reports said.
Afghanistan: Abducted ICRC worker released after four weeks
Kabul/Geneva, Jan 16 (IBNS): An International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worker, who was abducted in Afghanistan's Kunduz Province on Dec 19 last year, has been released and is with his family, an official release stated.
Washington, Jan 16 (IBNS): US President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter to slam NBC News and Fox News, calling them 'bad' and the 'leaker of fake news' respectively.
-1484541072.jpg "Asif Ali Zardari leaves for Dubai")
Asif Ali Zardari leaves for Dubai
Islamabad, Jan 16 (IBNS): Former Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari has left for Dubai, media reports said.
Pakistan Army Chief calls Afghanistan President, condoles loss of lives in recent attacks
Islamabad, Jan 16 (IBNS): Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa made a telephone call to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani to condole the loss of lives in recent terror attacks in the country.
UN World Data Forum opens in South Africa to harness power of data for sustainable development
New York, Jan 15 (Just Earth News): The inaugural United Nations World Data Forum kicked off on Sunday in Cape Town, South Africa, with an opening ceremony.
UN mission in South Sudan confirms discussions continuing on deployment of regional protection force
New York, Jan 15 (Just Earth News): The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has confirmed that it continues its discussions with the transitional national unity Government on a 4,000-strong regional protection force, which was authorized by the Security Council last August but has yet to be deployed.
Afghanistan: IS militants abduct 13 seminary teachers
Kabul, Jan 15 (IBNS): Loyalists to militant group Islamic State has abducted 13 seminary teachers in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, media reports said.
Washington, Jan 15 (IBNS): A mosque was burnt outside Seattle city in the US on Saturday, media reports said on Sunday.