Citing ‘defining moment’ sparked by Ebola outbreak, WHO chief pledges reforms
New York, May 19 (IBNS): The head of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday promised a new $100 million emergency fund and a global health crisis workforce as part of a reform package prompted by the response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Yemen: Ban urges all sides to renew commitment for humanitarian pause
New York, May 19 (IBNS): Stressing that Yemenis have faced “tragic levels of suffering and violence†in recent months, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on all sides in the conflict to refrain from any actions that undermine the safety and security of the country’s airports, seaports and transportation infrastructure, and to join consultations without preconditions.
Geneva: UN envoy on Syria meets with international stakeholders
New York, May 19 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria has continued to meet with Syrian, regional and international interlocutors on Monday in the framework of the Geneva Consultations, according to a spokesperson for the Organization.
UN official opens Crime Commission urging action to prevent migrant smuggling
New York, May 19 (IBNS): The top United Nations official involved in the Organization’s fight against illegal drugs and international crime said today how horrified he was when he first heard the news of migrants dying when their boats sank in the Mediterranean – “the latest reports of a tragedy seemingly without end.â€
UN expert calls for adoption of set of fundamental human rights for detainees
New York, May 19 (IBNS): The United Nations human rights expert on torture on Monday called for the adoption of the revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, which are being considered this week by the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna.
Nearly 25,000 flee Ramadi amid ISIL attacks and heavy fighting: UN relief wing
New York, May 19 (IBNS): With stocks running low and funds running out, United Nations aid agencies are rushing humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the city of Ramadi in central Iraq for the second time this month, according to the UN office tasked with coordinating relief operations.
Most workers now employed in part-time or temporary jobs: UN labour agency
New York, May 19 (IBNS): The International Labour Organization (ILO) on Monday warned of widespread insecurity in the global employment market, saying that some 75 per cent of all workers are employed on temporary or short-term contracts in informal jobs often without any contract, under own-account arrangements or in unpaid family jobs.
Ban hails 'resilience' of International Telecommunication Union, as it turns 150
New York, May 18 (IBNS): Marking 150 years since founding of oldest member in the United Nations system, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday applauded the continued resilience and relevance of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), emphasizing that telecommunications – as well as information and communications technology (ICT) – drive innovation.
South-east Asia: UN officials stress need to protect migrants stranded at sea
New York, May 18 (IBNS): Increasingly concerned about the plight of migrants and refugees stranded in the Andaman Sea and Straits of Malacca, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson have spoken separately to leaders in Southeast Asia reiterating the need to protect lives and uphold the obligation of rescue at sea.
IS commander killed in US raid
Washington, May 16 (IBNS): The US on Saturday said a key ISIS commander was killed during a daring raid in eastern Syria.
Egypt: Morsi sentenced to death
Cairo, May 16 (IBNS) Ousted Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi has been sentenced to death by a court in the country in connection with a mass prison break in 2011 on Saturday, media reports said.
Ban spotlights need for gender equality, children's rights
New York, May 16 (IBNS): It is time to change social norms that support male control over women and reinforce discrimination against vulnerable family members, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Friday on International Day of Families.
Burundi: UN rights chief warns against reprisals in wake of failed coup
New York, May 16 (IBNS): The United Nations human rights chief has voiced concern over the developments in Burundi over the past two days following a reportedly failed coup d’état in the country’s capital and urged all armed forces and non-state actors to refrain from actions that may endanger civilians.
As humanitarian pause holds in Yemen, UN aid airlift arrives with critical supplies
New York, May 16 (IBNS): The first of six airplanes from the United Nations refugee agency bringing urgently needed aid supplies landed safely in Yemen on Friday boosting relief stocks in the war-ravaged country, on the third day of the temporary humanitarian pause, the Organization has confirmed.
UN chief applauds resumption of ‘full-fledged’ talks on Cyprus
New York, May 16 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the resumption of full-fledged negotiations between Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot Leader Mustafa Akinci, the United Nations spokesperson has confirmed.