Ban concerned over Palestinian detainees on hunger strike
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern on Friday about reports regarding the deteriorating health of Palestinian administrative detainees who have been on hunger strike for over a month.
UN urges broad participation in Kosovo assembly elections
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The most senior United Nations official in Kosovo has on Friday stressed the critical importance of maximum participation of all communities in assembly elections slated for this Sunday.
UN establishes prize in honour of late Nelson Mandela
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations General Assembly on Friday established the "United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize" as a tribute to the achievements and contributions of the late South African leader who inspired not only his own country but the rest of the world.
Iraq: UNSC supports humanitarian action for restive Anbar
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has stressed its support for the engagement of all political groups in Iraq, where nearly 800 people fell victim to violence last month, on concerted efforts to ensure security for its entire population, particularly in Anbar province, which has been embattled for months.
UN hails upcoming launch of truth commission
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations has welcomed the upcoming launch of the Truth and Dignity Commission in Tunisia, calling it a step forward in addressing past human rights violations in the North African nation.
UN reports 62 dead in boat tragedy in Red Sea this year
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations refugee agency said on Friday that 62 people are confirmed to have died when their boat foundered while trying to cross the Red Sea from the Horn of Africa to Yemen, making it the deadliest sinking this year.
Libya: UN announces political initiative as violence deepens
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations' top envoy in Libya on Friday announced an initiative to bring together some of the country's most influential actors to settle long-divisive issues, as the world Organization's human rights arm expressed deepening concern over the violence plaguing the east of the country, particularly the city of Benghazi.
South Sudan: UN confirms looting of homes, hospitals
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations mission in South Sudan on Friday confirmed reports of "intense small arms fire and shelling" close to its base in Renk, Upper Nile state, where some of the 93,000 civilians sheltered by UN peacekeepers throughout the country are staying.
UN concert sets new global development agenda
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): As part of the United Nations-driven process to craft a new sustainable development agenda, a spectacular line up of global artists will hit the stage tonight at the world body's New York Headquarters to add their voices and talents to the unprecedented global conversation under way to build the future we want.
UN calls for end to death penalty in Iran
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): A group of United Nations human rights experts on Thursday expressed outrage at the recent executions of two prisoners in Iran, and urged the Government to institute a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to abolishing it all together.
UN concerned over worsening health of Palestinian detainees
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): Gravely concerned about the reported worsening health of more than 75 Palestinian detainees on hunger strike now in hospital protesting Israel's continued use of administrative detention, members of a United Nations committee on Thursday urged Israel to end the practice and heed the "desperate plea" prisoners to be told what they are accused of so they can mount a defence.
UN tribunals crucial for delivering justice for Rwanda: UNSC
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): What began as 'bold experiments' in international justice two decades ago have resulted in ensuring accountability for the worst of crimes, officials from the United Nations tribunals dealing with the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday, as they highlighted ongoing efforts to bring the work of their respective bodies to a close.
Ban launches UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): Launching the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday hailed modern energy services as the source of profound and life-changing opportunities - for the poorest communities and the richest investors - and urged generating the innovative ideas and vital partnerships to wholly transform the global energy landscape.
South Sudan: UN boosts aid operations to reach remote areas
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): As the rainy season begins in South Sudan, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has scaled up its emergency response operations with large-scale airdrops to provide remote communities with livelihood kits that will allow them to plant crops, fish waterways and protect livestock from fatal diseases.
Ban concerned over Israeli settlement expansion in West Bank
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday he is deeply concerned by reports that Israeli authorities have issued tenders for the construction of over 1,400 new housing units in settlements in the West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.