WHO governing body agreed on ‘landmark’ reforms on emergency response
New York, May 27 (IBNS): The World Health Assembly wrapped up its work on Tuesday after giving the greenlight for the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) to reform its emergency and response capacity to better tackle future disease outbreaks like Ebola, and agreeing to address antimicrobial resistance and air pollution, as well as improve access to affordable vaccines and set global nutrition targets.
Serbia and Kosovo must try to overcome challenges: Security Council
New York, May 27 (IBNS): As Serbia and Kosovo aim to overcome the legacy of conflict, the two countries must avoid procrastination on implementing the remaining steps of the April 2013 Accord and allowing older issues to shackle opportunities to open new ground, the United Nations Security Council was told on Tuesday.
Kyrgyz law on civil society groups must protect free expression: UN expert
New York, May 27 (IBNS): The United Nations rights office called on Tuesday on the Government of Kyrgyzstan to ensure that the freedoms of expression and association are protected in line with international human rights standards as the country’s Parliament prepared to hear the first reading of draft law that could negatively affect the work of civil society organizations there.
UN Women partners with Spanish football team to boost gender equality
New York, May 27 (IBNS): The United Nations entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women announced on Tuesday a partnership with Valencia Club de Fútbol, the first time ever that UN Women will collaborate with a professional sports team.
Lebanon: UN official in country urges end to political vacuum
New York, May 26 (IBNS): The vacuum in the post of Lebanon's presidency has undermined the country's ability to address a range of growing security, economic and social challenges, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Sigrid Kaag, warned on Monday.
Africa Day: Ban spotlights achievements, reflects on challenges of 2015
New York, May 26 (IBNS): Each year, Africa Day is an opportunity to celebrate the continent's achievements and to reflect on its challenges, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday, highlighting the courage and determination it took to make remarkable progress to end the Ebola outbreak and urging leaders to commit to ending violence against women and empower them.
Ban tells refugee community world must provide 'safe avenues of migration'
New York, May 26 (IBNS): The international community must intensify efforts to provide regular and safe avenues of migration and access to protection, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared on Monday as he wrapped up his trip to Ireland with a visit to a community of resettled refugees.
UN meteorological forum: Experts meet to discuss post-2015 action plan
New York, May 26 (IBNS): With a welcoming 'tweet' from the International Space Station and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's renewed appeal for “bold climate action,†the United Nations-backed World Meteorological Congress opened its seventeenth session on Monday as international delegates will seek to address continuing concerns over global warming.
Somalia: UN official condemns killing of parliamentarian
New York, May 25 (IBNS): The United Nations official in Somalia has condemned a deadly attack against two Somali Members of Parliament (MP) and reiterated the Organization's support for the country's democratic process.
Burundi: Ban condemns opposition politician's murder as tensions rise
New York, May 25 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the killing of a Burundian politician and his bodyguard in a move that threatens to further destabilize the country amid simmering political tensions and a growing humanitarian crisis.
UN official in South Sudan urges accountability for human rights violations
New York, May 25 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Representative for South Sudan, Ellen Margrethe Løj, has urged accountability and justice for those responsible for gross human rights violations committed as a result of South Sudan's continuing fighting.
Ireland: Ban says strong cooperation key to overcoming global challenges
New York, May 25 (IBNS): Amid an explosion of world conflicts, humanitarian crises and human rights challenges, the international community is enduring a “time of test†which demands strong global cooperation and bold action, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday affirmed.
Kuala Lumpur, May 24 (IBNS) A mass grave has been found close to 17 human trafficking detention camps in Malaysia's Padang Besar, country's authority said.
Ireland becomes first nation to approve same sex marriage by popular vote
Dublin, May 24 (IBNS) Ireland became the first nation to approve same-sex marriage by a popular vote on Saturday bringing victory to the gay rights movement in the country.
-1432390559.jpg "Early trends show Ireland voters back same-sex marriage")
Early trends show Ireland voters back same-sex marriage
Dublin, May 23 (IBNS) In a significant development, early trends have indicated that people of Ireland have voted in favour of same-sex marriage, media reports said.