Impunity, unprecedented violence, denial of aid hallmarks of Syria conflict: UN
Geneva, June 18 (IBNS) The majority of civilians in Syria continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict, the head of a United Nations-appointed human rights panel said Tuesday, noting that violence has escalated to an unprecedented level, humanitarian aid is arbitrarily denied and perpetrators of crimes have no fear of consequence.
Security Council expresses condolences for journalists killed in Ukraine
New York, June 18 (IBNS) The United Nations Security Council today voiced its deepest condolences to the families of all journalists who have been killed while covering the crisis in Ukraine, and encouraged a thorough investigation of all such incidents.
UN official lays out challenges, priorities for future of peacekeeping
New York, June 18 (IBNS) A top official of the United Nations presented to a Washington, DC-based think tank Tuesday a broad survey of new challenges, priorities and strategies for UN peacekeeping as the world Organization embarks on a major review of its operations, requested by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
UN surge Iraqi leaders to come together to on security crisis
Geneva, June 18 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the top United Nations envoy in Iraq are urging the country’s leaders to come together to address the rapidly deteriorating security situation and prevent sectarian reprisals amid the ongoing violence.
Justice for Darfur's victims mired in political expediency – ICC prosecutor
New York, June 18 (IBNS) Challenging the Security Council to take immediate action to protect victims in the ongoing Darfur crisis, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) underscored that without concrete steps to apprehend those accused of crimes against humanity, the world’s efforts to ensure justice in Darfur could “go down in history as an indefensible failure.â€
Ban urges greater investment to tackle global epidemic of youth unemployment
New York, June 18 (IBNS) At a time when the international community is struggling to generate more jobs, especially for young people, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday urged Governments to invest more in youth employment initiatives and promote decent work for all.
Militants attack Iraq's largest oil refinery
Baghdad, June 18 (IBNS): Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants in Iraq attacked the country's biggest oil refinery on Wednesday, media reports said.
Security forces, militants clash close to Baghdad
Baghdad, June 17 (IBNS): Iraq security forces were engaged in clashes with militants close to the Baghdad city, media reports said on Tuesday.
UN condemns mass executions in Iraq
New York, Jun 17 (IBNS): The United Nations human rights chief on Monday condemned the reported "cold-blooded" mass execution in Iraq in recent days, while Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged that the perpetrators of those crimes be brought to justice while also calling on Iraqi leaders to prevent sectarian reprisals.
UN cites need for funding to ensure aid delivery
New York, Jun 17 (IBNS): As the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance worldwide continues to grow, the top United Nations relief official on Monday urged the international community to provide the requisite funding and access needed to enable aid workers to do their jobs effectively.
UN urges focus on kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls
New York, Jun 17 (IBNS): Marking the Day of the African Child, United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown on Monday called for the world to remember the kidnapped schoolgirls of Chibok, Nigeria, while also praising young people around the world as they mobilise to demand education for all.
UN urges rapid peacekeeping response in Cote d'Ivoire
New York, Jun 17 (IBNS): The reduction of peacekeeping personnel in Cote d'Ivoire will continue, given 'impressive' progress there, but the rapid reaction capabilities of remaining forces must be boosted to help ensure security during planned elections, the top United Nations envoy in the West African country told the Security Council on Monday.
Chile, China and Morocco join fight against hunger, malnutrition
New York, Jun 17 (IBNS): Chile, China and Morocco on Monday joined a growing group of countries that are making successful strides in fighting hunger and malnutrition, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced on Monday.
Ban congratulates Colombians on presidential vote
New York, Jun 17 (IBNS): Following confirmation that President Juan Manuel Santos has been re-elected, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said he looks forward to continuing to work with his Government in "efforts to promote peace, human rights and development" for all Colombians.
Jordan's Prince Zeid appointed UN human rights chief
New York, Jun 17 (IBNS): The United Nations General Assembly on Monday unanimously approved Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid al-Hussein of Jordan as the new High Commissioner for Human Rights, succeeding Navi Pillay of South Africa.