Rights of victims of trafficking during migration must be protected, UN tells EU
New Delhi, Oct 17 (IBNS): Urging the Europe Union (EU) to safeguard the rights of migrants at risk, especially the most vulnerable, a United Nations human rights expert on Friday called on EU member States to ensure their anti-trafficking measures do not include restrictive and exclusionary immigration policies that are not effective and further heighten risks for trafficking and exploitation.
Ending violence in Middle East focus of emergency Security Council session
New York, Oct 17 (IBNS): Against a backdrop of escalating violence in the Middle East, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Tayé-Brook Zerihoun briefed an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on Friday, reporting on the latest violent incident in which a large group of Palestinians set fire to the compound containing the holy site of Joseph’s Tomb in the West Bank city of Nablus.
Ban says new 2030 Agenda can help eradicate poverty
New York, Oct 17 (IBNS): This can be the first generation to witness a world without extreme poverty, where all people – not only the powerful and the privileged – can participate and contribute equally, free of discrimination and want, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared on Friday, urging global action to fully implement the newly-adopted goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.
UN envoy calls for concerted efforts to eliminate bullying in all regions
New York, Oct 17 (IBNS): Speaking at a panel discussion on protecting children from bullying, the United Nations envoy on violence against children said bullying is a "serious concern" for millions of children all over the world and it is compromising their right to education.
Global food accord aims to tackle hunger in protracted crises: UN agency
New York, Oct 17 (IBNS): The first global agreement involving all stakeholders of food aid aims to "do business differently" in order to combat hunger and undernutrition among people living in protracted crises around the world, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Friday.
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.