UN launches #ShareHumanity campaign spotlighting humanitarian crises around the globe

New York, Aug 14 (IBNS) The United Nations relief arm has launched a call for millions of people around the world to drastically change their social media feeds and share captivating tale of humanitarian heroism ahead of this year's World Humanitarian Day.

Libyan parties say 'no alternative' to peace outside UN-sponsored dialogue process

New York, Aug 14 (IBNS): The latest round of the United Nations-facilitated Libyan political dialogue has concluded in Geneva, with the different parties emphasizing the need to set aside partisan agendas and uphold the country's higher national interests.

New UN agency report shows 'unprecedented' rise in infant mortality in Gaza

New York, Aug 14 (IBNS) A new study carried out by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has revealed that the infant mortality rate in the Gaza Strip has risen for the first time in 50 years, with the agency’s health director citing the ongoing blockade as possibly contributing to the trend.

Appealing for peace and sufficient funding, top UN relief official says world 'must not fail' people of Yemen

New York, Aug 14 (IBNS) The international community must step up its funding of relief efforts in Yemen and help in delivering critical aid to civilians amid the country's protracted civil conflict, the top United Nations humanitarian official has declared.

Massive explosions in China's Tianjin town: At least 44 dead

Tianjin, China, Aug 13 (IBNS) At least 44 people were killed and more than 500 injured following two massive explosions in China's northern city of Tianjin on Wednesday.

Jordan: Head of UNWFP urges increased funding for Syrian refugees

New York, Aug 13 (IBNS): The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has voiced concern over the deteriorating conditions of Syrian refugees now residing in Jordan amid funding shortfalls and urged the international donor community to ramp up financing for ongoing humanitarian efforts in the Middle Eastern country.

UN officials urge Member States to make young people ‘drivers of change’

New York, Aug 13 (IBNS): Marking International Day of Youth, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed that no one knows better than young people the issues at stake in Wednesday's rapidly changing world or the best way to respond, and declared, “That is why I am calling on young people to speak out – and I am urging leaders to listen.”

Stringent hygiene protocols keep classrooms in West Africa free of Ebola: UNICEF

New York, Aug 13 (IBNS): United Nations-supported measures put in place to protect them from the Ebola virus have helped keep classrooms free from any infections in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday.

UNESCO chief condemns killing of journalist Azerbaijan

New York, Aug 19 (IBNS): The head of the United Nations agency charged with promoting press freedom condemned on Wednesday the killing of Azerbaijani journalist Rasim Aliyev, who died in the capital, Baku, on 9 August, asserting that “impunity for crimes against journalists cannot be allowed to take root.”

Africa one step closer to polio eradication, but more work to be done: UN

New York, Aug 13 (IBNS): Africa has made great strides towards eradicating polio but the job remains to be finished through strengthened immunization campaigns and surveillance measures, according to the United Nations.

Central Africa: Ban vows action on allegations of sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers

New York, Aug 13 (IBNS): Vowing “decisive action” on reports of sexual exploitation committed by United Nations peacekeepers deployed to the Central African Republic (CAR), Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced that he has accepted the resignation of the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, scheduled a special session of the Security Council on the matter, and pledged the Organization’s commitment to bringing any and all perpetrators of such abuse to justice.

Myanmar: UN relief official pledges support as more rains forecast

New York, Aug 13 (IBNS): Just back from Myanmar’s flood-hit Sagaing Region, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, Renata Dessallien, described on Wednesday the devastation she witnessed, saying she had been “humbled by the incredible, spontaneous public outpouring of solidarity and assistance to flood-affected communities.”

Ban appoints Afghan diplomat as UN Special Representative for Liberia

New York, Aug 13 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday announced the appointment of Farid Zarif, of Afghanistan, as his Special Representative for Liberia and head of the United Nations Mission there, known as UNMIL.

UN envoys urge Burundi Government to forge ‘new path’ through dialogue

New York, Aug 13 (IBNS): The Government of Burundi should immediately seize the opportunity for dialogue and forge a “new path,” United Nations and international envoys declared on Wednesday, condemning the wave of recent attacks in the crisis-torn country and urging parties to show “restraint, leadership, and vision.”

Tajikistan’s sectoral reform must prioritize sanitation and drinking water: UN expert

New York, Aug 13 (IBNS): Progress has been made in ongoing reform of the water sector in Tajikistan, a United Nations rights expert noted at the end of his recent mission to the country, and he urged the Government to maximize its rich water resource through national legislation, policies, budget and their implementation for the poor and marginalized.