Belgium: UN experts call for robust action to address risks from foreign fighters
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): Belgium needs to develop an inclusive national vision and action on the issue of foreign fighters at federal, regional and local levels, the United Nations Working Group on the use of mercenaries said on Friday following a five-day visit to the European nation.
UN rights experts appeal to stop attacks against persons with albinism
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): The first United Nations human rights expert on albinism on Thursday issued an urgent appeal for coordinated action in southern and eastern Africa to tackle the upsurge in attacks against persons with albinism.
Handwashing Day: UNICEF warns inadequate hygiene endangers development goal
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): More than 40 per cent of health facilities have no water resources within 500 metres in sub-Saharan Africa where the practice of handwashing with soap is dangerously low even though it is "one of the cheapest, simplest, most effective health interventions," the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Thursday.
Rural women are the backbone of sustainable livelihoods: Ban
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): Marking the International Day of Rural Women, the United Nations on Thursday affirmed the role of women as significant and crucial for the progress of rural households, local and national economies.
Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay elected to serve on Security Council
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): In one round of voting the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday elected Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay to serve as non-permanent members on the Security Council for two-year terms beginning on 1 January 2016.
Rome: Ban says refugee and migration crisis is a defining moment for Europe
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS):The current refugee and migration crisis is a "defining moment" for Europe and the world, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared in Rome on Thursday, where in an address to Italian Government officials, he thanked Italy for its "compassionate and courageous response" while continuing his strong call on all countries to bear more of the responsibility.
Ebola virus persists in body fluids of survivors for months: WHO
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): The Ebola virus can persist in the eye, semen, the placenta, breast milk and central nervous system of survivors of the disease for as long as 9 and a half months, according to a new study supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Myanmar: UN chief welcomes milestone signing of ceasefire agreement
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed on Thursday the signing of a ceasefire agreement in Myanmar as "a milestone" and expressed his hope that the new government formed after next month’s elections will keep moving forward along the present path of negotiations.
UN deputy chief urges transformation in collective effort to tackle humanitarian needs
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): Warning of the huge, almost uncontrollable human disasters facing the world – with a staggering 100 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance – United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson has urged global solidarity to meet "the heavy but inspiring responsibility" today's global challenges demand.
New law threatens civil society independence in Kazakhstan: UN expert
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai, on Thursday warned that a new bill amending the law on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kazakhstan, may compromise the independence of associations and also challenge their existence.
FAO hails pledge by more than 100 cities to fight hunger and improve nutrition
New York, Oct 16 (IBNS): Cities have a key role to play in ending hunger and improving nutrition, the head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Thursday, welcoming a commitment by more than 100 cities from around the world to make food systems in urban areas more equitable and sustainable.
UN and French Government urge inclusion of food security in climate change debate
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): Targeted policies and investments in food security and agriculture should be at the centre of debates on climate change, according to a top UN official and the French Minister for Agriculture, speaking at the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in Rome this week.
Central Africa: UNWFP delivers food aid to thousands displaced by violence in capital
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Wednesday that aid workers have reached more than 30,000 newly displaced people in desperate need of food in the Central African Republic's capital, Bangui, where the situation remains "tense and volatile" after a new surge in violence.
Morocco's agriculture-focused 'Green Plan' must benefit all: UN rights expert
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Hilal Elver, has commended Morocco's achievements in reducing extreme poverty and eliminating hunger through crucial economic and social reforms, while also urging the authorities to reach all regions, paying particular attention to those living in remote areas and vulnerable groups.
Security Council renews mandate of UN mission in Haiti
New York, Oct 15 (IBNS): The Security Council on Wednesday morning extended the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for one year, until 15 October 2016, at the UN Secretary General's recommended force levels of up to 2,370 troops and 2,061 police.