Darfur: UN urges support for peace process
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): Stepped-up rebel attacks, clashes fuelled by local political rivalries, and mass displacement sparked by the abuses of a pro-Government militia have again left long-troubled Darfur at a crossroads, said the United Nations peacekeeping chief on Thursday, appealing to the UN Security Council and its African Union (AU) counterpart for political support to move the warring factions towards lasting peace.
UN urges greater action to combat sexual violence
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): Despite unprecedented political momentum to fight rape in war zones, sexual violence remains a global crime affecting women, men and children in more than 20 countries, a senior United Nations official announced on Thursday urging greater action at the regional and national levels.
UN discusses Fatah-Hamas reconciliation deal with Palestine
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): The reconciliation deal reached by rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas will be implemented on the basis of previous commitments such as the recognition of Israel and non-violence, a senior United Nations envoy was told on Thursday.
South Sudan: UN concerned over attack on base sheltering civilians
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): Warning on Wednesday that the surging violence in South Sudan is clear evidence that the United Nations can no longer operate in "business-as-usual" mode in the county, the Organization's peacekeeping chief declared that the fighting must stop immediately; the Government has a duty to protect civilians; and the warring parties should negotiate a genuine ceasefire that will be respected by all sides.
Cote d'Ivoire: UN urges consultations on reforming electoral commission
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): A United Nations human rights expert on Wednesday called on authorities in Cote d'Ivoire to undertake broad consultations on the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to prevent the country from "falling back into crisis."
Syria: UN issues plea to save besieged civilians
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): Calling urgently on Syrian authorities and the opposition to allow aid access, end siege warfare and halt the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, the top United Nations humanitarian officials on Wednesday also issued a strong challenge to "those with the responsibility, power and influence" to find the courage to re-energize a thus-far failed diplomatic push to end the brutal three-year conflict.
UN report spotlights potential of mobile technology
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): Mobile technology can advance literacy and learning in underserved communities around the world, according to a new report published on Wednesday by the United Nations education agency on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day.
Mali: UN seeks continued support for peace and stability
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): Calling for continued cooperation with regional organizations to support Mali's steady efforts towards peace and stability through inclusive talks, a senior United Nations official on Wednesday told the UN Security Council that despite progress, the security situation in the country's restive north remains "very fragile" with increased activity by terrorist groups.
UN reaffirms support to peacebuilding in Somalia
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): The top United Nations envoy in Somalia on Wednesday called on the country's international partners to boost support to aid peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts there, while reaffirming that the world body has no plans to withdraw amid attacks by Al-Shabaab militants.
DR Congo: UN pledges support to upcoming polls
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will provide technical and logistical support for upcoming elections, the top UN official in the country on Wednesday confirmed, stressing that the planning for the polls must be well organized and well-funded.
South Korean ferry mishap: Death toll crosses 150
Seoul, Apr 23 (IBNS): The death toll from the ferry mishap in South Korea has touched more than 150 people media reports said on Wednesday.
UNESCO denounces killing of journalist in Philippines
New York, Apr 23 (IBNS): The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom has denounced the killing of journalist Rubylita Garcia and called on authorities in the Philippines to investigate the case.
UN urges respect for rights of persons with disabilities
New York, Apr 23 (IBNS): People with disabilities have the same rights as everyone to make decisions about their lives, including the right to take risks and make mistakes, a United Nations committee has stressed in new guidelines.
Somalia: UN condemns murder of second lawmaker
New York, Apr 23 (IBNS): Following the murder earlier on Tuesday of Somali parliamentarian Abdiaziz Isaaq Mursal - the second lawmaker to be killed in less than 48 hours in Mogadishu - the top United Nations official in the country strongly condemned the incident and pledged the world body's resolve in standing by the Somali people as they worked to build a stable, peaceful country.
South Sudan: UN concerned over surging violence, malnutrition
New York, Apr 23 (IBNS): Confirming that children were killed in South Sudan during recent brutal attacks on displaced civilians or as a result of being recruited by armed groups, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday that the surging violence is exacerbating an already "very dangerous" malnutrition crisis.