UN condemns rampant use of torture by Syrian forces

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): The United Nations human rights chief on Monday condemned the rampant use of torture, including allegedly of children, in detention facilities across Syria by Government forces and some armed opposition groups.

Nepal: UN concerned at amnesties for human rights abuses

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Monday voiced grave concern at a bill presented to the Nepalese Parliament which could lead to amnesties for serious human rights violations, saying it would weaken the foundation for a genuine peace in the country.

UN urges help for people of Central African Republic

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): More than 70,000 people are now living in horrendous conditions crammed into the Central African Republic (CAR) Bangui airport - the lucky ones under weather-beaten tarps just yards from the runway. Others are in the open.

Syria: UN urges efforts as chemical weapons deadline slips

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): Concerned that Syria has missed the Apr 13 deadline to remove most of its chemical agents, the Joint Mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations (OPCW-UN) says that it expects "an intensification of efforts" towards meeting the goal of removing all the country"s chemical weapons by the end of the month.

Ban encourages Israel-Palestine peace talks

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly encouraged Israel and Palestine to remain "constructively engaged" in ongoing efforts towards achieving a two-State solution during separate phone calls over the weekend with the leaders of both sides.

Ban commends Guinea-Bissau for peaceful elections

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has applauded the people of Guinea-Bissau for their orderly and peaceful participation in Sunday's presidential and legislative elections, and called on all candidates to respect the upcoming results.

UN urges financing for sustainable development

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): Even with a slow recovery from the economic and financial crisis underway, severe effects of the upheaval linger and serious risks remain, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson warned a high-level gathering of global finance institutions on Monday, urging measures to channel financial investment into vital areas that can help secure sustainable development for all.

Iran: UN urges immediate halt to woman's execution

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): A United Nations independent expert has issued a strong call on the Government of Iran to halt Tuesday's scheduled execution of an Iranian woman said to be the victim of physical and sexual assault, seriously concerned that she did not receive a fair trial.

Ban saddened by deadly Nigeria bus bombing

New York, Apr 15 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday voiced his shock and sadness after a bomb attack at a bus station near the Nigerian capital of Abuja claimed dozens of lives, and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

UN welcomes release of partial results in Afghanistan poll

New York, Apr 14 (IBNS): Welcoming Sunday's announcement of the first batch of results in Afghanistan's Presidential elections as a further step towards completing the electoral process, the United Nations Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMA) has noted that these results represent only a small proportion of the millions of ballots cast in the poll.

UNSC concerned over worsening situation in Ukraine

New York, Apr 14 (IBNS): In the wake of the violent clashes that have swept eastern Ukraine over the past 24 hours as pro-and anti-Government demonstrators have faced off in the region, a senior United Nations political official warned the UN Security Council (UNSC) this evening that the crisis will only deepen unless intensive efforts are made by all sides to de-escalate the situation.

Bomb-proof security wall constructed at Musharraf's farmhouse

Islamabad, Apr 12 (IBNS): Days after former Pakistan President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf survived an assassination attempt, a bomb-proof security wall is being constructed around his Chak Shehzad farmhouse, media reports said on Saturday.

Attempted murder case dropped against Pakistani boy

Lahore, Apr 12 (IBNS): A Pakistani court on Saturday withdrew the attempted murder charges against a nine-month-old boy, media reports said.

"Signals from the black box of MH370 rapidly fading"

Perth, Apr 12 (IBNS) Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Saturday indicated that the ongoing search for the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 would continue for long time.

UN urges credible industrial policies to transform Africa

New York, Apr 12 (IBNS): While Africa has recorded impressive economic growth in the past decade, more credible industrial policies and institutions are needed to advance the structural transformation of the continent, says a new report released on Friday by the United Nations and the African Union.