WHO treaty induces change in tobacco use

New York, Feb 27 (IBNS): A World Health Organization-led treaty that aims to achieve a tobacco-free world has dramatically curbed tobacco use worldwide since its entry into force 10 years ago on Friday, but “the war on tobacco is far from over” with the tobacco industry still spending billions to promote products that are expected to kill some 8 million people each year by 2030, the WHO said.

Mali: Inquiry team concludes probe against peacekeepers

New York, Feb 27 (IBNS): The team appointed by the United Nations to investigate the events surrounding a violent demonstration against the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has concluded its visit to the African country, the UN spokesperson’s office confirmed on Thursday.

Paraguay: UN chief says 2015 crucial for international community

New York, Feb 27 (IBNS): In an intensive year of landmark events, from establishing a post-2015 agenda to tackling climate change, Paraguay has yet another opportunity to demonstrate its “exceptional global leadership” in the international arena, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has affirmed.

Syria’s war continues unabated: Security Council

New York, Feb 27 (IBNS): In a briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria, two United Nations relief officials warned on Thursday that as the conflict enters its fifth year, the violence and brutality continue unabated and with total impunity.

WHO cites challenges in reaching Ebola affected communities

New York, Feb 27 (IBNS): New cases of Ebola rose again in Guinea and transmission remains widespread in Sierra Leone, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) reported as it and the UN Ebola response mission both raised concerns about challenges in engaging communities to win the fight against the disease.

Security Council extends peacekeeping force in Abyei

New York, Feb 27 (IBNS): The Security Council has extended the United Nations peacekeeping force in Abyei, a resource-rich area contested by Sudan and South Sudan, as part of the Organization’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and protect civilians in the disputed territory.

ILO upholds right to strike

Geneva, Feb 26 (IBNS): Following a worldwide trade union campaign to defend it, the right to strike has been re-affirmed at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva.

IS militant Jihadi John identified as Mohammed Emwazi

London, Feb 26 (IBNS): The IS militant 'Jihadi John', who is seen in video beheading hostages, has been identified as Mohammed Emwazi,media reports said.

Significant breakthrough in HIV prevention: UN agency

New York, Feb 26 (IBNS): The United Nations programme working to combat HIV/AIDS welcomed on Tuesday the results of a number of recent clinical studies of the effects of antiretroviral medicines on preventing new HIV infections, which were presented at a conference on viruses held in Seattle.

Myanmar needs to get back on track: UN rights chief

New York, Feb 26 (IBNS): United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, on Wednesday warned that Myanmar “seems headed in the wrong direction and needs urgently to get back on track” in a crucial year for the country's democratic transition and long-term reconciliation.

UN urges Libya’s stakeholders to pursue next round of talks

New York, Feb 26 (IBNS): The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced on Wednesday that it is undertaking a series of urgent consultations with stakeholders in the North African country to ensure the convening of the next round of talks soon and “not let this window of opportunity slip away.”

FAO: Ethiopian marmalade soon to hit shelves at Eataly

New York, Feb 26 (IBNS): The partnership between the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Eataly which supports family farmers around the globe, is backing a cooperative of women in Ethiopia who are now ready to ship their 4,000 jars of jam to Rome.

UN report pushes to end torture in Afghan detention facilities

New York, Feb 26 (IBNS): The Government of Afghanistan’s efforts to prevent torture and ill-treatment have shown some progress over the last two years but much more remains to be done, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed on Wednesday as it released its latest report on the treatment of conflict-related detainees in Afghan custody.

WHO taken aback as measles resurfaces in Europe

New York, Feb 26 (IBNS): European policymakers, healthcare workers, and parents must step up their efforts to vaccinate children against measles amid an ongoing outbreak across the continent, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday, warning that a recent resurgence in the disease threatened Europe’s goal of eliminating measles by the end of 2015.

Cutting crime important to sustainable development: UN Assembly

New York, Feb 26 (IBNS): Reducing violent crime is critical to sustainable development, the top United Nations ant-crime official told the General Assembly on Wednesday, spotlighting that while global progress has been made in combatting the scourge, homicide levels in low and lower-middle income countries have increased by 10 per cent over the last decade.