Iraq: UN swings into action on humanitarian fronts
New York, Jun 13 (IBNS): With Iraq facing "the most serious threats to its security in years," the top United Nations official in the country reiterated on Thursday the Organization's support for the Iraqi Government's efforts to combat terrorist groups in the wake of the crisis sparked by the militant takeover of key cities in the north.
UN kicks off campaign as football World Cup opens in Brazil
New York, Jun 13 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday to attend the opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as United Nations agencies carry out a number of projects and activities related to one of the greatest sporting events on the planet.
Use of 'space tools' for sustainable development stressed by UN celestial committee
New :York, June 12 (IBNS) Space-based information technologies must be fully integrated into the international efforts to overcome such challenges to sustainable development as climate change and food insecurity, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space was told as it opened its annual session today in Vienna.
At global summit, UN urges reparations for victims of sexual violence in conflict
New York, June 12 (IBNS) Victims of conflict-related sexual violence need help rebuilding their lives, the United Nations today said today, launching, at a global summit in London a set of guidelines on reparations for the individuals and the communities affected.
Safety of journalists essential to vibrant, democratic societies, UN rights chief stresses
New York, June 12 (IBNS) “Sound, bold and independent†journalism is vital in any democratic society, the United Nations human rights chief declared Wednesday, stressing the need to ensure the safety of media workers, who have come under increasing attacks, harassment and intimidation over the past few years.
Global manufacturing output continues to climb in wake of recession, UN reports
New York, June 12 (IBNS) World manufacturing is in a phase of steady growth due to the improved financial condition of industrialized countries, especially in Europe, and China’s continued growth, the United Nations Wednesday reported.
UN officials underscore need to counter appeal of terrorism
New York, June 12 (IBNS) Critical to defeating terrorism and making the world a safer place is addressing conditions that give rise to this scourge, senior United Nations officials stated Wednesday, as they also underscored the need to better support the victims of such heinous acts.
General Assembly elects Ugandan Foreign Minister as President of 69th session
New York, June 12 (IBNS) The United Nations General Assembly Wednesday elected by acclamation Sam Kahamba Kutesa of Uganda as President of its upcoming 69th session.
We must be prepared to invest more in peacekeeping: Ban to SC
New York, June 12 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday told the United Nations Security Council that the international community must be prepared to invest in peacekeeping and peacebuilding at a “key moment for this flagship UN activity†as he highlighted new trends and approaches affecting operations, whose budget is approaching $8 billion.
Ban condemns Mali car bombing killing UN peacekeepers
New York, June 12 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned Wednesday's car bomb attack on a United Nations camp in Mali that resulted in the death of four peacekeepers from Chad.
Iraq: UN chief, SC deplore kidnapping of Turkish diplomats in Mosul
New York, June 12 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council Thursday deplored the kidnapping of Turkish diplomats in the Iraqi city of Mosul, while the United Nations humanitarian arm reported that hundreds of thousands of people have fled the area amid rising violence.
Ban welcomes successful Kosovo assembly elections
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the successful conduct of assembly elections in Kosovo and called on authorities to remain committed to strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights of all living there.
UN review focuses on youth with disabilities
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): Hundreds of activists and Government delegates gathered at United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday to identify practical ways to take the rights, needs and concerns of persons with disabilities, particularly youth, into consideration as they strive to advance inclusive, sustainable development.
UN rights council urges universal protections for all
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): In her last opening statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council, outgoing High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stressed on Tuesday the benefit to all countries of ensuring universal protection of individuals and groups from abuse, even if it means the countries are then subject to criticism.
Iraq: Ban urges leaders to show unity in face of threats
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): Urging all political leaders in Iraq to show national unity against the myriad threats facing the country, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday expressed grave concern about the "serious deterioration" of security in Mosul, and condemned the recent spate of terrorist attacks that have left scores of dead and wounded in Iraq's northern and eastern provinces.