Bangladesh factory collapse: UN-backed fund reaches $30 million target

New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): Set up in October 2013 with assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Rana Plaza Coordination Committee has announced that it met its $30 million target so that it can pay out full compensation to the victims and families of a deadly factory collapse in Bangladesh that claimed more than 1,100 lives and left scores of others injured.

Ban welcomes 'milestone' agreement on new Nepal constitution

New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the agreement of a new constitution for Nepal as "a major milestone" in the country's democratic development, a spokesperson for the United Nations confirmed on Tuesday.

Almost 1,000 civilians killed in Afghanistan conflict during first 4 months of this year

New York, Jun 9 (IBNS):The conflict in Afghanistan is resulting in thousands of people being killed or wounded, forcing families to leave their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities, according to Mark Bowden, the UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative in the country.

Afghanistan: Taliban shadow district governor killed

Kabul, June 7 (IBNS) A shadow district governor of Taliban in Afghanistan's Paktika province has been killed by the security forces, media reports said on Sunday.

Pakistan: UN experts urge halt to execution of child offender

New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): The Government of Pakistan must halt the execution of a man convicted of a crime committed as a child and reinstate the country’s moratorium on the death penalty, three United Nations human rights experts have urged.

Afghanistan guest house attack: Spy agency claims breakthrough

Kabul, June 3 (IBNS) The Afghanistan spy agency on Wednesday said two people, who were planners and masterminds behind the terrorist attack on Park Palace guesthouse in country's capital Kabul, have been arrested, media reports said.

Pakistan, Kashmir are inseparable: COAS

Islamabad, June 3 (IBNS) Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday said Kashmir and Pakistan are 'inseparable'.

Maggi gets clean chit in Bangladesh

Dhaka, June 2 (IBNS): The Bangladeshi authorities have found no ingredients above harmful levels in popular noodles brand Maggi, media reports said.

Afghanistan: Gunmen kill nine NGO workers

Kabul, June 2 (IBNS) Armed men killed nine employees of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Afghanistan's Zare district on Tuesday.

As UN marks Buddhist holiday, Ban pays tribute to the victims of Nepal earthquake

New York, Jun 2 (IBNS): On the Day of Vesak, which acknowledges the contribution of Buddhism to the spirituality of humanity, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is paying special tribute to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal over a month ago.

In Nepal, UN rushes to replace quake-damaged healthcare facilities ahead of monsoon

New York, Jun 2 (IBNS): The United Nations health agency is racing critical medical supplies to fourteen of Nepal's most earthquake-affected districts in an effort to restore health services before the onset of monsoon season.

Rocket attacks kill 3 in Afghanistan

Kabul, June 1 (IBNS) At least three people were killed as a rocket landed on residential areas in southern Afghanistan, media reports said on Monday.

Schools reopen in earthquake-hit Nepal

Kathmandu, May 31 (IBNS) Schools, which remained closed following devastating earthquakes in Nepal, reopened on Sunday.

Some 500,000 homes and temples across Nepal damaged by earthquake: UN official

New York, May 27 (IBNS): As teams of trekkers and Nepalese sherpas are now reaching remote, high-altitude villages with humanitarian aid, a senior United Nations development official on Tuesday drew attention to the post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction needs of more than 500,000 homes and cultural heritage sites in the rural areas.

Nepal: UN races humanitarian relief to quake-affected communities

New York, May 26 (IBNS): Marking one month after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal killing thousands and devastating large swathes of the country's Kathmandu valley, the United Nations relief arm is continuing to intensify its humanitarian operations as it supports national and local authorities with critical life-saving efforts.