UN human rights chief urges recognition of dignity and worth of every human being
New York, Oct 22 (IBNS): The turmoil and crises the international community faces clearly demonstrate the disasters that may occur when human rights are "neglected and ground down," the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, said on Tuesday in a wide-ranging address to UN Member States in New York.
UN rights experts call for release of Qatari poet jailed for writing and reciting poem
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS): United Nations human rights experts on Tuesday urged the Government of Qatar to release Mohammed al-Ajami, a poet who is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for writing and reciting a poem at his home.
'Actions by States are increasingly transnational,' UN expert warns
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS): The UN Special Rapporteur on torture Juan Méndez on Tuesday urged governments across the world not to allow a vacuum of human rights protection even when they act beyond their borders, saying "torture is torture here, there and everywhere."
UN flags importance of reliable data to achieve development agenda
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS): Emphasizing that "reliable and timely statistics and indicators are more important than ever," United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday urged all partners and stakeholders to work together to achieve the ambitious 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Women worldwide live longer, healthier lives with better education: UN report
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS):The lives of women and girls around the world have improved in several areas over the last 20 years but they continue to be victims of gender based discrimination and violence, according to a new report launched on Tuesday by the United Nations.
UN refugee agency provides shelter to Iraqis uprooted in restive Anbar province
New York, Oct 21 (IBNS): The UN refugee agency has opened its most recent camp for internally displaced persons in Iraq’s restive Anbar province – host to the largest number of 3.2 million Iraqis uprooted across the country and where more than 250,000 civilians have fled their homes over the past six months.
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.