UN refugee agency warns of spike in asylum-seekers fleeing violence in Central America
New York, Apr 6 (Just Earth News/IBNS): The number of people fleeing violence in Central America has surged to levels not seen since the region was wracked by armed conflicts in the 1980s, the UN refugee agency warned on Tuesday, urging action to ensure that unaccompanied children and others receive the protection which they are entitled to.
WHO and partners appeal for $2.2 billion with humanitarian health needs at ‘all-time high’
New York, Apr 6 (Just Earth News/IBNS): Ongoing turmoil in Syria and the impact of drought in Ethiopia are among the diverse and pressing crises cited by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) as the agency and its partners appealed for some $2.2 billion to provide lifesaving health services to more than 79 million people in more than 30 countries facing protracted emergencies this year.
Food gap widens in conflict-stricken South Sudan – UN assessment
New York, Apr 6 (Just Earth News/IBNS): Civil strife and unfavorable rains have further reduced crop production in South Sudan, contributing to a cereal deficit of 381,000 metric tons – 53 per cent greater than in 2015 – and aggravating the already severe food shortages, two UN agencies warned on Tuesday.
Panama leak: Iceland PM resigns
Reykjavik, Apr 5 (IBNS): In a significant development since the Panama Papers leaks surfaced, Iceland Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson resigned on Tuesday.
NZ nominates former PM Helen Clark for United Nations secretary-general
Hamilton, Apr 4 (IBNS): New Zealand government has nominated country's ex-Prime Minister Helen Clark for the position of United Nations secretary-general.
UN sexual misconduct investigation in DR Congo finds violations and cases of abuse
New York, Apr 5 (Just Earth News/IBNS): Findings of a United Nations Response Team tasked with investigating sexual abuse allegations committed by UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) indicate sex with minors along with paternity claims.
First-ever World Humanitarian Summit must usher in new era of global solidarity – UN chief
New York, Apr 5 (Just Earth News/IBNS): Briefing Member States on preparations for the upcoming World Humanitarian Summit, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday called on Heads of State and Government to come to the event and deliver a strong message that “we will not accept the erosion of humanity which we see in the world on Monday.â€
New York, Apr 5 (Just Earth News/IBNS): Despite a “deepening paralysis and divisions within multilateral disarmament bodies,†and the fact that many are looking outside traditional United Nations forums for progress, the top official on the issue stressed on Monday that the UN Disarmament Commission has considerable potential to demonstrate that the existing disarmament machinery can produce results.
UN agency launches school meals programme for Lebanese and Syrian children
New York, Apr 5 (Just Earth News/IBNS): A carton of milk or juice, locally-baked snacks and a piece of fruit are included in a school lunch that some children in Lebanon are receiving, as part of a meals programme launched by the United Nations food relief agency.
New UN Decade aims to eradicate hunger, prevent malnutrition
New York, Apr 5 (Just Earth News/IBNS): Calling attention to the nearly 800 million chronically undernourished people and over two billion with micronutrient deficiencies, the United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2015 the start of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition.
New York, Apr 5 (Just Earth News/IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki moon on Monday called for a world free of the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war, stressing that those hazards prevent aid from reaching those in need, and endanger the lives of the displaced persons returning home and children going to school.
New York, Apr 5 (Just Earth News/IBNS): The United Nations Middle East envoy on Monday the UN is working closely with Palestinian and Israeli authorities following Israel’s suspension of cement deliveries to private companies in the Gaza Strip “following allegations that a substantial amount had been diverted from its intended legitimate beneficiaries.â€
Two years of conflict leaves 1.5 million people hungry in eastern Ukraine – UN agency
New York, Apr 5 (Just Earth News/IBNS): The two-year long conflict in eastern Ukraine has left around 1.5 million people hungry, including almost 300,000 people who are severely food insecure and in need of immediate food assistance, the United Nations food relief agency said on Monday.
Australia: Ex-Olympian charged over deaths of horses
Melbourne, Apr 4 (IBNS): A former Australian Olympian wrestler has been charged with 92 animal cruelty offences after 22 horses were found dead on his Victorian property in Australia, media reports said on Sunday.
Brussels, Apr 3 (IBNS): Days after militants attacked Brussels, the airport, which was one of the targets, reopened on Sunday.