Kerry injured while cycling, cuts short Europe trip
Washington, May 31 (IBNS) US Secretary of State John Kerry was injured after suffering an accident while bicycling on Sunday close to the Scionzier in France, media reports said.
Tokyo, May 30 (IBNS): A massive earthquake hit Japan on Saturday, shaking buildings and triggering panic in the country, media reports said.
South Sudan: UN officials call for international engagement to de-escalate country's conflict
New York, May 30 (IBNS): As South Sudan's civil conflict continues to escalate, five senior United Nations officials have urged all stakeholders in the country to reach a sustainable solution to the crisis through inclusive dialogue and foster a lasting peace based on accountability and reconciliation.
UN 'deeply concerned' by desperate situation facing thousands of Iraqis fleeing Ramadi
New York, May 30 (IBNS): Some 85,000 Iraqis have fled fighting in the central city of Ramadi but as temperatures in the region soar, thousands more still on the move are facing obstacles in reaching safety such as lack of proper shelter and "onerous requirements" for documentation, the United Nations refugee agency warned Friday.
UN honours fallen peacekeepers; looks to past, present and future of 'invaluable' operations
New York, May 30 (IBNS): On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the “invaluable contribution†of peacekeeping to the history of the Organization and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the effectiveness of ‘blue helmets’ in the coming years.
New York, May 30 (IBNS): Across northern Mali, a flare-up in clashes between armed groups has spurred a renewed exodus of people fleeing the violence and their homes, the United Nations refugee agency said Friday, reporting difficulties in reaching the beleaguered populations with critical humanitarian aid.
UN rights office welcomes Nebraska as latest US state to abolish death penalty
New York, May 30 (IBNS): Welcoming Nebraska as the nineteenth state in the United States to abolish the death penalty, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) today urged the Federal Government to engage with those states retaining the policy towards achieving a nationwide moratorium as a first step to abolition.
At debate, UN and Security Council renew pledge to counter foreign terrorist fighters
New York, May 30 (IBNS): The increasing number of foreign terrorist fighters populating the front-lines of the world's conflict zones is cause for deepening concern and requires the international community's bolstered efforts to combat the scourge, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared today as the Security Council renewed its resolve in addressing this growing threat to international peace and security.
Libya: UN envoy hopes new draft of political deal can be agreed within four weeks
New York, May 29 (IBNS): Libya is on the verge of economic collapse amid ongoing violence, political infighting and efforts by terrorists to “build strong bases†throughout the country, the envoy facilitating the United Nations efforts to restore peace there said as he briefed journalists on meetings held in Brussels discussing the situation in the North African country and efforts towards a political transition.
UN envoy urges restraint among all Burundian parties; heads to region for weekend summit on crisis
New York, May 30 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Envoy for Burundi Friday travelled to Tanzania where he hopes an East African community summit over the weekend will help reinforce dialogue among the Burundian parties amid concerns raised by UN agencies that the current political instability and violence puts children at risk and could lead to a humanitarian crisis.
Inclusion and active involvement of youth vital to success of UN sustainability agenda: Ban
New York, May 30 (IBNS): The United Nations General Assembly Friday commemorated the 20th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth with an acknowledgement that young people have been "disproportionately" affected by many global challenges but "are ready and willing to be actively involved in shaping their future.
UN welcomes Southeast Asia region's proposals to address plight of refugees and migrants at sea
New York, May 30 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency Friday welcomed the positive outcomes of a regional meeting in Thailand to resolve the advancing solutions to refugees and migrants stranded in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
Children's NGO plans for a better world for them to live in
Kolkata, May 29 (IBNS): The international organization 'Save the Children', presently working for children's rights in 120 countries and across 16 states in India including West Bengal plans for bigger changes in 2015.
-1432873176.jpg "At UN Asia-Pacific policy forum, leaders discuss post-2015 agenda")
At UN Asia-Pacific policy forum, leaders discuss post-2015 agenda
New York, May 29 (IBNS): The 71st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its ministerial session on Thursday in Bangkok, as region’s leaders meet to discuss the integration and implementation of economic, social and environmental development with focus on financing and partnership.
-1432873090.jpg "In conversation with Yemeni Prez, Ban expresses concern about uptick in fighting")
In conversation with Yemeni Prez, Ban expresses concern about uptick in fighting
New York, May 29 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced concern about the escalation of fighting in Yemen in a telephone conversation with the country's President, the United Nations has confirmed.