Ban welcomes election of chief of UN-backed climate panel ahead of Paris conference
New York, Oct 8 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the election of Lee Hoesung of the Republic of Korea as Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Hoesung will guide the Panel’s work of assessing the science related to climate change.
UN launches 'Nelson Mandela Rules' on improving treatment of prisoners
New York, Oct 8 (IBNS): The United Nations on Wednesday launched the Revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, dubbed the 'Nelson Mandela Rules,' which Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed as "a great step forward" but also drew attention to three areas that could be strengthened from a human rights perspective.
Political tensions running high ahead of 2016 elections in DR Congo: UN officials
New York, Oct 8 (IBNS): The top United Nations official in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) told the UN Security Council on Wednesday that he cannot say with certainty whether the progress attained in the country is sustainable, or whether violence will erupt again and reverse what has been achieved so far.
UN chief condemns killing of peacekeeper in Central African Republic
New York, Oct 8 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned on Wednesday the killing of a 'blue helmet' from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which occurred on Tuesday in the capital, Bangui.
Rice genetics placed in global data pool to help develop sustainable crops: UN
New York, Oct 8 (IBNS): The genome sequences of thousands of rice varieties have been placed with a United Nations-backed treaty on plant genetics by the world’s leading rice research institute to help boost plans to set up a global data exchange for crop genetic resources, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
UN envoy urges action to make roads safe for children
New York, Oct 8 (IBNS): Marking International Walk to School Day, Jean Todt, the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety, has is calling for urgent action to halt road deaths and traffic accidents, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), kill some 500 children a day.
Houthis reaffirm acceptance of Security Council resolution to end violence in Yemen: UN
New York, Oct 8 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, has welcomed the latest statements by the Houthis reaffirming their acceptance of a UN Security Council resolution aimed at ending the country’s months-long conflict, the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday.
UN rights expert welcomes steps taken to combat torture in Ghana
New York, Oct 8 (IBNS): A United Nations expert on torture on Wednesday urged the Government of Ghana to step up its effort to implement recommendations issued after a mission to the country in November 2013, when deep concerns about the situation of overcrowding in prisons and other rights violations were voiced.
Ban welcomes US decision on early release of 6,000 prisoners
New York, Oct 8 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed on Tuesday the decision by the United States Government to release 6,000 inmates from federal penitentiaries in an effort to ease overcrowding in prisons and provide a degree of redress for persons who received disproportionately long sentences for non-violent drug-related offences.
Russia fires 26 missiles on IS in Syria
Moscow/Damascus, Oct 7 (IBNS) Russian navy on Wednesday, launched 26 missiles from 4 warships on Islamic State captured Syria, confirmed Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Air strike on Afghanistan hospital was a mistake: US
Washington, Oct 7 (IBNS): US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has expressed his regret over the loss of lives in a U.S. military airstrike on a hospital in Afghanistan.
UN agencies launch new standards to improve adolescent care worldwide
New York, Oct 7 (IBNS): Two United Nations agencies – the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) – announced on Tuesday they have developed new standards for quality health-care services for adolescents, which aim to help countries improve services for people between the ages of 10 and 19.
Peace process in Mali 'back on track' but vigilance necessary: UN envoy
New York, Oct 7 (IBNS): The road towards peace and the implementation of an accord to end instability and violence in Mali is full of obstacles, the United Nations envoy for the country on Tuesday told the Security Council, noting that these difficulties have been encountered sooner than he had expected.
Ban voices profound alarm at growing number of deadly incidents in West Bank
New York, Oct 7 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced "profound alarm" on Tuesday at the growing number of deadly incidents in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Despite looting of aid agencies in Central Africa UN pledges continued support
New York, Oct 7 (IBNS): Despite worsening security conditions and the recent looting of international aid offices in the Central African Republic (CAR), prompting the temporarily relocation of 200 personnel, the United Nations on Tuesday pledged to keep bringing aid into the war-torn country, where over half the population urgently needs assistance.