Ban hails Mali peace agreement as ‘important step’ towards stability
New York, May 16 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the signature of a peace agreement between the Government of Mali and members of the Plateforme coalition of armed groups in a key step towards bringing stability and security back to the beleaguered country.
Ban deplores Israel's steps of settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territories
New York, May 16 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly deplored the advancement of settlement activities on three occasions over the past three consecutive weeks by the Israeli authorities in the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, a spokesman for the UN said on Friday.
UN report calls for economic inclusivity to drive growth in Asia-Pacific region
New York, May 15 (IBNS): While developing economies in the Asia-Pacific region continue to fare well in comparison to the rest of the world, structural weaknesses, like infrastructure shortages and excessive dependence on commodities will continue to hamper their growth potential, a new United Nations report on the region says, calling for greater economic inclusivity if sustainable development is to succeed.
UN mission in Afghanistan condemns killing of 17 civilians by Taliban
New York, May 15 (IBNS): The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has strongly condemned Wednesday's killing of at least 17 civilians in two separate attacks for which the Taliban has claimed responsibility.
South Sudan: UN ramps up airlifts to reach farmers ahead of planting season
New York, May 15 (IBNS): As the main planting season begins in South Sudan, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has announced on Thursday that it is accelerating its efforts to get vital seeds, tools and other materials to some of the country's most vulnerable farmers.
Yemen: Ban hails humanitarian pause as critical aid reaches civilians
New York, May 15 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has spotlighted the importance of Yemen's humanitarian ceasefire as the United Nations and its partners ramp up critical relief efforts to civilian populations in need, according to a spokesperson for the Organization.
UN official visits Kenya and Somalia to discuss future of Dadaab camp
New York, May 15 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee chief has completed a visit to Kenya and Somalia where he held successful meetings with the Presidents of both countries and discussed issues related to refugees and returnees, particularly regarding the hundreds of thousands of people in Dadaab camp.
Security Council: UN officials urges global attention to plight of civilians in Iraq
New York, May 15 (IBNS): The complexities and complications surrounding the plight of civilians in Iraq remain “enormous†amid slow political progress and ongoing violence throughout the country, a senior United Nations official warned on Thursday as he urged the international community to support the Gulf State’s efforts towards stability and peace.
UN ‘Free & Equal’ campaign launches video spotlighting LGBT diversity
New York, May 15 (IBNS): A new United Nations ‘Free & Equal’ campaign video highlighting the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community is being shown on Thursday on the massive screens in New York’s Times Square ahead of International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Burundi: Ban condemns all attempts to oust elected governments by military force
New York, May 15 (IBNS): Calling urgently for calm and restraint in Burundi, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday condemned all attempts to oust elected governments by military force and appealed to the country’s political and security leaders to “clearly and openly reject the use of violence, refrain from acts of revenge, and rein in their militants.â€
UN-facilitated accord leads to release of some 350 children in Central Africa
New York, May 15 (IBNS): In the single largest release of children associated with armed groups in the Central African Republic since violence erupted there some two years ago, some 350 children have been freed following an agreement facilitated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that will allow them and thousands of others to reclaim their lives and resume their childhood.
Ban kicks off meeting to boost commitment to ‘Every Woman, Every Child’ initiative
New York, May 15 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has gathered senior leaders from around the world for a meeting that began on Thursday in New York on ways to step-up commitments to improve the health of women, children and adolescents globally under a United Nations initiative.
UNESCO chief urges international action as fighting threatens Syria’s iconic Palmyra
New York, May 15 (IBNS): The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday expressed deep concern over fighting near the Syrian archaeological site of Palmyra that is endangering the nearby population and posing an imminent threat to the iconic ruins, calling out to all parties “to make every effort to prevent its destruction.â€
Untold suffering of South Sudanese people must end: UN envoy
New York, May 15 (IBNS): The security situation in South Sudan deteriorated further during late April and early May, the head of the United Nations mission in the country warned on Thursday as she briefed the Security Council on the “very worrying†developments that have had a devastating effect on civilians.
Geneva: UN envoy on Syria meets with officials from the Russia and UK
New York, May 15 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, met on Thursday in Geneva with senior officials from the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom to discuss how to help Syrians move towards launching a political process, a spokesman for the UN has confirmed.