Persecution of civil society, migration crisis top concerns of UN rights chief
New York, Sept 15 (IBNS): An "exhausted and angry" High Commissioner for Human Rights on Monday opened the 30th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council with a wide-ranging address in which he singled out countries by name for their role in accelerating human misery and implored decision-makers worldwide to swiftly establish an effective and principled policy to deal with the global migration crisis.
Creator of energy solutions to shine a light on childbirth wins $1 million UN grant
New York, Sept 15 (IBNS): We Care Solar, which provides renewable energy at low cost with a medical device that prevents maternal and child complications during labour in areas without electricity, was announced on Monday as the winner of a $1 million grant by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
UN chief voices concern at latest escalation at Jerusalem's holy sites
New York, Sept 15 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday echoed the concerns expressed by the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process about the latest escalation at the holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Cameroon host to families fleeing Nigeria, Lake Chad basin: UN relief official
New York, Sept 15 (IBNS): Families on the run often surviving brutal attacks in Nigeria are now threatened with the lack of food, water and deadly epidemics in neighbouring Cameroon, where they have sought refuge, the top United Nations humanitarian official in the region said on Monday.
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.
Taliban attack Afghanistan prison, 430 inmates flee
Kabul, Sept 14 (IBNS): At least 436 prisons were freed as Taliban militants stormed a prison in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province on Monday, media reports said.
Libyan parties reach consensus on main elements of political agreement: UN envoy
New York, Sept 14 (IBNS): The United Nations envoy for Libya announced on Sunday that consensus has been reached by the parties on the main elements of a political agreement aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis.
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.
France and Bulgaria must halt forced evictions of Roma: UN rights chief
New York, Sept 12 (IBNS): Ongoing forced evictions of Roma and Travellers in a number of European States, including France and Bulgaria, are cause for serious concern, the United Nations human rights chief said on Friday.
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.
Forests of the future fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals: FAO
New York, Sept 12 (IBNS): The 14th World Forestry Congress concluded on Friday with a declaration setting out a vision for 2050 that sees forests playing "a decisive role" in ending hunger, improving livelihoods and combating climate change, said the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
National Geographic Society wins UN environmental prize for science and innovation
New York, Sept 12 (IBNS): The National Geographic Society, one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational institutions in the world that reaches more than 700 million people each month, is this year's winner of the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in the area of science and innovation.
Ban outlines measures to strengthen UN peace operations, tackle abuse
New York, Sept 12 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday presented his agenda to strengthen United Nations peacekeeping, including setting out three "fundamental" changes urgently required to adapt operations to new realities, as well as measures to root out sexual exploitation and abuse.
Nepal: Ban stresses need for dialogue, respect for peaceful protest
New York, Sept 12 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is concerned about the recent violence in Nepal and saddened by the loss of lives, a spokesperson for the United Nations chief said on Friday.