Ban urges candidates to ensure peaceful elections in Malawi
New York, May 21 (IBNS): Ahead of simultaneous presidential, parliamentary and local government elections in Malawi, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged all candidates political parties, and State institutions to ensure that the polls are peaceful and inclusive.
Ukraine: UN concerned over peoples affected by displacement
New York, May 21 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency estimated on Tuesday that 10,000 people, most ethnic Tatars, but also Ukrainians, Russians and mixed families, have fled Crimea and restive eastern Ukraine to other parts of the country, out of fear of insecurity or persecution.
South Sudan: Donors pledge support to aid crisis response
New York, May 21 (IBNS): International donors on Tuesday pledged more than USD 600 million dollars in aid to South Sudan at a conference hosted by Norway and the United Nations aimed at preventing famine and upholding human rights in the world's newest country which has been ravaged by months of fighting.
UN urges eradication of forced labour once and for all
New York, May 21 (IBNS): Millions of people suffering under the yoke of modern slavery - more than half are women and girls primarily in commercial sex trade or domestic work - are generating some USD 150 billion a year in illegal profits for the people who are exploiting them, according to a new report released on Tuesday by the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO).
Thailand: Ban urges respect of democratic principles
New York, May 21 (IBNS): Urging constructive dialogue to end the prolonged political statement in Thailand, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday reiterated his call on all parties to exercise "utmost restraint" in the wake of the army's declaration of martial law in the country.
Ban highlights crises in Ukraine & Syria at meeting with Putin
New York, May 21 (IBNS): With Ukrainians preparing to elect a new president on Sunday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday sat down with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he also discussed a long-overdue political solution in Syria and other challenges to international peace and security.
UN urges Israel, Palestine to carefully consider next steps
New York, May 21 (IBNS): Briefing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday on what he called an "impasse" in talks between Israelis and Palestinians, a top United Nations political official said it was critical to restart negotiations, but just as important for the parties to consider paths to progress, before talks resume.
Ban concerned over flood-hit Balkans, seeks disaster response
New York, May 21 (IBNS): As the United Nations and its humanitarian partners ramp up disaster response in the Balkans, where heavy rains have led to massive floods and devastating mudslides, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern for affected populations in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia desperate for fresh water, medicines, and other basic necessities.
UN concerned over expansion of synthetic drugs in market
New York, May 21 (IBNS): "An unprecedented expansion" of synthetic drugs is taking an ever-greater share of the illicit drugs market, according to a new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Afghanistan: UN welcomes preliminary results of provincial polls
New York, May 21 (IBNS): The top United Nations official in Afghanistan on Tuesday welcomed the release of preliminary results in the country's provincial council election and lauded the "real community engagement" seen in the polls.
UNSC deplores renewed violence in northern Mali
New York, May 21 (IBNS): Briefing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the wake deadly violence that rocked the northern Malian town of Kidal this past weekend, the top UN official in the country urged all parties on Tuesday to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and avoid further provocation to keep the long-troubled region from sliding back into crisis.
Russia: 6 dead in train collision
Moscow, May 20 (IBNS): At least six people were killed as a freight train collided with a passenger train west of the Russian capital of Moscow, media reports said.
UN rallies support for flood-hit Balkan regions
New York, May 20 (IBNS): Deeply concerned by the devastating floods in the Balkans - days of rainfall have reportedly submerged entire villages and triggered landslides across the region - the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator is rallying the international community to provide speedy assistance that can help save lives and put people on the road to recovery.
Shanghai: Ban urges China's support for sustainable development
New York, May 20 (IBNS): The partnership between the United Nations and China was in the spotlight on Monday in Shanghai where just-arrived UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met with President Xi Jinping and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi before outlining key global challenges at the city's premiere institute for the study of international politics, economy and security strategy.
Iraq: Ban welcomes parliamentary election results
New York, May 20 (IBNS): Welcoming the announcement of the initial results of Iraq's Council of Representatives election, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday looked forward to the final tally and subsequent timely formation of a new government.