UN reports Iraqi violence killed more than 2,400 people in June
New York, July 2 (IBNS) Iraq's violent insurgency has claimed some 2,400 lives – more than half of them civilians – a "staggering number", declared the top United Nations envoy there, as he called on all Iraqi leaders to work together to foil attempts to rip apart the country’s fabric.
UN chief condemns explosion in northern Mali
New York, July 2 (IBNS): UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned an improvised explosive device explosion in northern Mali which killed a United Nations peacekeeper and injured six other 'blue helmets.'
UN relief officials issue urgent appeal as food shortages hit 800,000 refugees in Africa
New York, July 2 (IBNS): The heads of two United Nations humanitarian agencies on Tuesday issued an urgent appeal as food shortages hit nearly 800,000 refugees in Africa, threatening to worsen already unacceptable levels of acute malnutrition, stunting and anaemia, particularly in children.
No one could have predicted scope of South Sudan crisis, outgoing UN envoy says
New York, July 1 (IBNS) As the top United Nations envoy in South Sudan prepares to complete her tenure, she says that no one could have predicted the horrible conflict that has gripped the world’s youngest nation for the past six months and urged the parties to put the country and its citizens above all else in order to restore peace and stability.
Strongly condemning murder of missing Israeli teens, UN chief urges calm on all sides
New York, July 1 (IBNS): Strongly condemning the murder of three Israeli teenagers abducted in mid-June in the West Bank, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday declared that the perpetrators’ attempts to stoke tensions in the region "must not be allowed to succeed", expressing hope that Israeli’s and Palestinians will work together to uncover the truth.
Iraq: Displaced girls, women face increasing risk of sexual violence, UN warns
New York, July 1 (IBNS): An estimated 20,000 women and girls in Iraq are at an increased risk of sexual violence as a result of the mounting crisis in northern and western parts of the country, warned the United Nations on Monday, urging immediate action to ensure their protection.
Nigeria: Ban strongly condemns ongoing 'horrific attacks' by Boko Haram
New York, July 1 (IBNS) Strongly condemning the ongoing "horrific attacks" being carried out by Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has deplored that such violence has become an almost daily occurrence, and reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to support the country.
New UN forum seeks to set the stage for future global development agenda
new York, July 1 (IBNS): As countries ramp up their efforts to achieve the set of anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of the 2015 deadline, a new United Nations forum seeks to spur them on as well as to help them create the foundation for new global sustainable development agenda.
'Outraged', UN experts urge Egypt to overturn largest confirmed mass death verdict
New York, July 1 (IBNS): The credibility and integrity of the Egyptian justice system has become “deeply compromisedâ€, a group of United Nations human rights experts on Monday said, urging the Government to impose a moratorium on the death penalty and to offer new and fair trials for 183 people whose death sentences have been confirmed.
Palestinians in Syria's Yarmouk camp now without aid for one month: UN
New York, July 1 (IBNS): The United Nations agency charged with ensuring the well-being of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East has warned on Monday that, despite reports of a truce between the Syrian Government and armed groups inside Yarmouk camp, it is still unable to carry out humanitarian operations there.
Facebook under fire over research manipulaing users' emotions
Washington, June 30 (IBNS): Social networking site 'Facebook' has landed itself in a huge controversy after a study revealed that it secretly manipulated the feelings of 689,003 users to understand "emotional contagion".
15 suspected militants killed in Pakistan
Islamabad, June 30 (IBNS): Pakistan on Monday said 15 suspected militants have been killed in ground operation by the country's Army in and around Miramshah area of North Waziristan.
UN chief voices 'grave concern' at deepening crisis in Iraq
New York, June 30 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday expressed his grave concern at the deepening crisis in Iraq and the rising number of civilian deaths and injuries, with over one million Iraqis having fled their homes due to the fighting.
In final meeting with Israeli President Peres, Ban decries global terrorism
New York, June 30 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday stood again in solidarity with Israelis after the recent abduction of three students, and decried the use of terrorism in countries in the Middle East and around the world.
Pakistan: Police seize truck with explosives
Lahore, June 29 (IBNS): The police foiled a terrorism bid in Pakistan's Lahore city as they seized a explosive-laden truck, media reports said on Sunday.