UN agency reaches Donetsk after months of restricted humanitarian access
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS): The World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday announced that after a three-month suspension, it has restarted humanitarian activities in the non-Government-controlled area of Donetsk city in eastern Ukraine.
Central Africa: Security Council condemns violence, reiterates decision to apply sanctions
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS): The United Nations Security Council today expressed its deep concern about the recent upsurge of violence and instability in the Central African Republic (CAR), and reiterated its decision to apply an asset freeze and travel ban to those engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the country.
Floods deal devastating blow to agriculture and food security in Myanmar: UN
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS): A new joint United Nations agency-Myanmar Government report paints a grim picture of the destruction caused by flooding in the country, where more than half a million hectares of rice paddy were affected and almost a quarter of a million livestock were killed, including poultry, cattle, pigs and goats, when Cyclone Komen struck in late July and early August this year.
Floods deal devastating blow to agriculture and food security in Myanmar: UN
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS): A new joint United Nations agency-Myanmar Government report paints a grim picture of the destruction caused by flooding in the country, where more than half a million hectares of rice paddy were affected and almost a quarter of a million livestock were killed, including poultry, cattle, pigs and goats, when Cyclone Komen struck in late July and early August this year.
Security Council: Heads of UN bodies highlight reinforcing areas of concern
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS): During a debate on the working methods of the Security Council, the President of the General Assembly, as well as the Deputy Secretary-General and the Vice President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) emphasized the need for continued and improved interaction between the main bodies of the United Nations.
Liberal leader Justin Turdeau next Canada PM: Ends conservative rule
Ottawa, Oct 20 (IBNS) Liberal leader Justin Trudeau has been elected as Canada's next Prime Minister as he records a landslide victory in Monday's general election, reports said.
Ban inaugurates exhibition on UN's 70th anniversary, meets with students in Slovakia
New York, Oct 20 (IBNS): During a visit to the capital of Slovakia on Monday, the United Nations Secretary-General inaugurated an exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of Organization, featured at the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
UN agencies expand operations in southern Africa as poor harvests deepen food insecurity
New York, Oct 20 (IBNS): An estimated 27.4 million people in southern Africa face food insecurity in the next six months, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Monday, announcing the expansion of their operations to respond to the challenge, caused by poor harvests across the region.
UN expert warns that despite Mali's progress, security situation human rights
New York, Oct 20 (IBNS): Wrapping up his recent visit to Mali, a United Nations independent expert noted positive developments on the ground but stressed that the "precarious security situation" creates an environment in which violation so of the most fundamental human rights can still occur.
Yemen: UN envoy completes visit to Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to secure peace
New York, Oct 20 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen on Monday concluded a visit to Saudi Arabia before his briefing to the Security Council this week on his preparations for peace talks that he hopes will "lead to concrete benefits for the Yemeni people and the foundation for sustainable peace."
UN atomic energy chief encourages States to improve global emergency response
New York, Oct 20 (IBNS): Opening a week-long conference in Vienna, Austria, on strengthening national systems in dealing with nuclear and radiological emergencies, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) told delegates on Monday that national-level response plans in preparedness need to be in line with international safety standards and best practices.
UN atomic energy chief encourages States to improve global emergency response
New York, Oct 20 (IBNS): Opening a week-long conference in Vienna, Austria, on strengthening national systems in dealing with nuclear and radiological emergencies, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) told delegates on Monday that national-level response plans in preparedness need to be in line with international safety standards and best practices.
Global event to turn world 'UN blue' to mark 70th anniversary of United Nations
New York, Oct 20 (IBNS): Ahead of UN Day, marked annually on 24 October, the United Nations announced on Monday that around 200 iconic monuments, buildings, museums, bridges and other landmarks in nearly 60 countries around the world will be lit up blue – the official colour of the Organization – as part of a global campaign to commemorate its 70th anniversary.
UN chief concerned by rising number of executions in Iran
New York, Oct 20 (IBNS): Expressing his "deep sadness" at the recent execution by Iran of two juvenile offenders, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday noted with concern the alarming increase in executions in the country over the last decade.
Ban praises Slovakia and Austria for 'taking care of so many refugees'
New York, Oct 20 (IBNS): While visiting a humanitarian centre in Slovakia on Monday where refugees have been accommodated by the Government, United Nations Secretary-General urged all leaders to show their "global solidarity and compassionate leadership."