Addis: Islamic finance should fund sustainable development, UN conference told
New York, Jul 16 (IBNS): Islamic finance offers a promising alternative to traditional sources of funding and should be utilized to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that countries will adopt in September, participants at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development were told.
After nuclear deal, Iran must now focus on human rights: UN expert
New York, Jul 16 (IBNS): The latest agreement between the Government of Iran and negotiations from six nations on limiting the scope of the Gulf country’s nuclear programme has opened the door to further discussion of the Iranian human rights situation, according to an independent United Nations expert.
Millions need relief from 'terrifying' violence in Yemen: UN official
New York, Jul 16 (IBNS): As millions face "terrifying" violence, extreme hunger and little medical aid in Yemen, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the "catastrophic" situation, and renewed his appeal for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian pause.â€
Cambodia: UN expert urges authorities to reject bill that 'threatens' free society
New York, Jul 16 (IBNS): United Nations human rights expert Maina Kiai on Wednesday urged Cambodia to reject a draft law that would allow authorities to shut down and criminalize any group advocating for human rights, basic freedoms and good governance, saying “it is not too late to reverse the course of action.â€
UN officials urge continued support for Haiti as country prepares for elections
New York, Jul 16 (IBNS): Haiti’s impending elections will be an “historic milestone†for the Caribbean country as it continues on its journey toward economic and political recovery, according to two senior United Nations officials.
UN applauds 'historic' deal on Iranian nuclear programme
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): The United Nations has welcomed the agreement reached between international negotiators and the Government of Iran as the two parties pave the way for a viable solution on the Gulf country's nuclear programme and towards possible peace in the region.
Ban: Investing in gender equality vital to economic growth, sustainable development
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): Increased investments in gender equality are vital if the world is to achieve sustained economic growth and development, United Nations Secretary-General said on Tuesday during the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Addis: UN agency stresses role of partnerships to finance inclusive
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): Partnerships involving all development players will be key to scaling up the financing needed for industrial infrastructure and projects, an important element in the economic and social advancement of countries, a senior United Nations official told a conference in Ethiopia on Tuesday.
Addis: UN announces world has delivered on halting AIDS epidemic
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): The world has exceeded the targets contained in the Millennium Development Goals to halt and reverse the spread of HIV and is on track to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, according to a report released on Tuesday in Addis Ababa by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
Addis: UN talks resume on financing framework for global development
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): Negotiations on a comprehensive financing framework for sustainable development resumed on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Member States have gathered for a United Nations conference aimed at securing the resources necessary for the well-being of all people and the health of the planet.
Addis: Financing roles of private investment, business highlighted at conference
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): In Addis Ababa, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday underscored the crucial financing role of the business sector in ensuring the necessary resources for people-centred sustainable development.
Turkish authorities urged to tackle anti-LGBT violence: UN rights office
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed deep concern over attacks and incitement to violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Turkey and has called on the authorities to take active measures to combat homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination, a UN spokesperson said on Tuesday.
UN rights office welcomes Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoner
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): The United Nations rights office on Tuesday welcomed the recent release of a Palestinian prisoner who had been on a hunger strike protesting his continuing administrative detention by the Israeli authorities since 8 July 2014.
UN report finds ‘huge inequalities’ in global mental health services
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): People suffering from mental health disorders are facing unequal access to specialized care, the United Nations health agency announced on Tuesday as it urged international governments to boost financing for mental health services around the world.
Yemen: UN agencies deliver life-saving medicines and domestic supplies
New York, Jul 15 (IBNS): With an expected humanitarian pause failing to take hold in crisis-torn Yemen over the past weekend, the United Nations said on Tuesday that four out of five people in the country rely on some type of assistance, and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that it has been able to deliver urgently needed supplies to the port city of Aden.