No time to lose in helping the civilian population in Sri Lanka: Holmes
The humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka has deteriorated significantly since the beginning of this year.
Home » 27 Feb 2009
Entries posted on “February 2009”
Kenya human rights body's reaction to report on police killings
A report this week from a UN independent expert on widespread killings by police in Kenya is hardly surprising, according to some human rights activists in the country.
WFP using sea route to deliver food to Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said 40 metric tons of food sufficient to feed some 80,000 people for a day was delivered to the government-designated safe zone in the Vanni Thursday, through a sea route.
UN Chief on second day in Tanzania
This is Diane Bailey reporting.
OCHA concerned by attacks on humanitarian workers
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs -OCHA Friday expressed concern over renewed violence targeted at humanitarian workers in North Kivu province.
Expedition to Kilimanjaro to help urban youth
The Kilimanjaro initiative will attempt its fourth annual climb of Africa's highest mountain, starting Saturday.
UN expert urges Kenya to take action on police killings
Kenya's government is being urged to take action on the issue of extrajudicial killings by police and military officers.
Ban calls for a recognition of Africa's special needs
There is a call to not allow Africa's successes be undermined by global crises.
WFP moves to feed 140,000 affected by LRA attacks
The World Food Programme-WFP is launching an emergency operation to feed up to 142,000 people affected by the Lord's Resistance Army -LRA attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
UNHCR prepares for thousands fleeing conflict in northern Sri Lanka
The UN refugee agency- UNHCR says it is preparing for the arrival of tens of thousands of displaced people fleeing the conflict in northern Sri Lanka.
Thousands of Somalis returning to Mogadishu despite renewed fighting: UNHCR
Over 40,000 Somali Internally displaced persons -IDPs have returned to Mogadishu in the last six weeks.
UN launches polio eradication campaign in West Africa
United Nations agencies have started a polio vaccine campaign which aims to immunize fifty-three million children under five across eight West African countries in a coordinated polio immunization campaign launched Friday.
More needs to be done for Colombia's internally displaced: Holmes
UN humanitarian chief John Holmes is back in New York following his three-day visit to Colombia where he says he had an honest and constructive dialogue with the Government on the humanitarian situation in the country.
UN chief discuses regional and global issues in Tanzania
Regional and global issues dominated discussions Thursday between UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.
Anti-racism review conference
The UN's anti-racism conference held in Durban, South Africa in 2001 will be reviewed next month in Geneva.
Secretary-General dispatches senior official to Madagascar
In the midst of his five-nation visit to Africa, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has dispatched a senior official to Madagascar to help resolve a political stalemate in the country.
UN peacekeepers build agricultural village to boost food security in Liberia
Bangladeshi peacekeepers have stepped up their community efforts to ensure continued peace in Liberia.
Secretary-General visits South Africa on five nation mission
UN and Africa – a weekly 15-minute radio programme on political, social, economic and other developments related to Africa.
UN envoy in Madagascar to help resolve political struggle
The United Nations dispatched a senior envoy to Madagascar Thursday after two government ministers turned up at an airport in Johannesburg asking Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to help resolve a political struggle.
UN envoy sees grounds for optimism in Iraq
The top UN official in Iraq says there are grounds for optimism.
Latest findings show rapid increase in carbon dioxide emissions: IPCC
Latest findings on global warming show rapidly increasing carbon dioxide emissions and quickly shrinking Arctic ice.
Zimbabwe's humanitarian needs remain grave: UN
The humanitarian needs in Zimbabwe remain grave.
UN chief hails South Africa's peacekeeping role on the continent
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is in South Africa, where he met for almost two hours Wednesday with South African President Kgalema Motlanthe and other government officials, as he started his week-long African trip with a 24-hour stop in South Africa — his first official visit to that country as Secretary-General.
UNICEF expresses grave concern for children in Sri Lanka
While the conflict in Sri Lanka between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) intensifies, UNICEF says it is gravely concerned about the plight of children.
Secretary-General makes first visit to South Africa
UN Secretary-General is in South Africa, the first stop on a five-nation visit to African countries.
Zimbabwe still faces a grave crisis: UN
A top UN humanitarian official has warned that Zimbabwe still faces a grave crisis, with major challenges in stopping the cholera epidemic and averting hunger.
Drug resistance could set back malaria successes: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Wednesday that the emergence of artemisinin resistant parasites at the Thai-Cambodia border could seriously undermine global malaria control efforts achieved.
Extrajudicial police killings widespread and systematic in Kenya: UN expert
A UN expert says extrajudicial killings by police in Kenya are systematic, widespread and carefully planned.
Polar ice caps melting faster than estimated: WMO
New research on the state of the Polar Regions reveal that the icecaps in the north and south poles are melting faster than had been previously estimated.
UN chief urges the release of detained activists in Zimbabwe
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called on Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to release detained activists saying such a move would help unlock international humanitarian support.
UN envoy in Sudan is concerned about fighting in Malakal
The UN Special Envoy in Sudan, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi has expressed deep concern about the security situation in Malakal area of Sudan following military confrontations Tuesday.
Secretary-General welcomes commitment to release prisoners in Darfur
United Nations Secretary-General Ban-ki Moon has welcomed the commitment of the government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) to release prisoners.
SG Ban arrives in South Africa on first official visit
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has arrived in South Africa at the start of a five-nation African tour, that also takes him to Tanzania, DR Congo, Rwanda and Egypt.
UNHCR concerned about increased violence against civilians in North Kivu
The UN refugee agency – UNHCR says it remains extremely concerned about the increased violence against civilians in North Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UN humanitarian assessment mission in Zimbabwe
A UN humanitarian assessment mission is now in Zimbabwe.
Preventing early marriages by educating girls
One in seven girls in developing countries is married before she reaches 18.
WHO assists developing countries with bird flu vaccine
The World Health Organization (WHO) will assist developing countries with the production of vaccines against avian influenza or bird flu.
IOM find migrants to northern South Africa in need of greater protection
A survey of migrants in South Africa by the International Organization for Migration – IOM has found them in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
Cholera cases reported in countries bordering Zimbabwe
The number of cholera cases in Zimbabwe has soared to more than 82,000 with 3, 817 deaths.
Six migrants drown, 11 missing of Yemeni coast: UNHCR
Six African migrants drowned and 11 are reported missing after smugglers forced their passengers overboard in deep water off the coast of Yemen.
Ban urges radical thinking to forge powerful global partnership for health
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged delegates to a special event on health to think radically about how to take efforts to the next level, and forge a truly powerful global partnership for global health.
WHO on Bird Flu Vaccines
The World Health Organization has entered into an agreement with a global drug company, which will enable developing countries access technologies to produce bird flu vaccines.
UN envoy condemns killing of AU peacekeepers in Somalia
The top UN envoy to Somalia has expressed shock over the attack against African Union peacekeepers in Mogadishu that claimed the lives of 11 Burundian troops.
Ban calls for suspension of fighting in Sri Lanka
UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on Monday called for a suspension of the fighting in Sri Lanka between government forces and the Tamil Tiger rebels to allow safe passage of the civilian population trying to flee the conflict.
Rights chief urges governments to work together to eliminate racism and xenophobia
Calling on governments to transcend political differences and work together to eliminate racism and xenophobia, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has issued a series of proposals and recommendations in preparation for a major anti-racism conference, to be held in Geneva in April.
UNESCO fights to keep endangered languages alive
On Saturday the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) observed the 10th anniversary of International Mother Language Day.
UN-AU mission condemns killing of aid workers in Darfur
The joint United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur, UNAMID has strongly condemned the killing of two Sudanese men working for a French aid group in Darfur.
Manufacturing offers best hope for poor nations:UNIDO
A new report says struggling countries must manufacture more and be given better access to global markets to expand their economies.
Progress towards sustainable development threatened by several challenges: USG Sha
The Commission on Sustainable Development is meeting at a critical moment in world history when several challenges threaten progress towards sustainable development goals.
Global economic and financial crises do not diminish responsibility in realization of human rights: Rights Council
The Human Rights Council wrapped up its tenth Special Session Monday, adopting a resolution on the impact of the global economic and financial crises on the universal realization and effective enjoyment of human rights.
Persons with disabilities continue to face profound discrimination: deputy rights chief
A warning that beliefs, attitudes, practices and laws which directly or indirectly served to deprive those with disabilities from their entitlements to achieve their fullest personal development still persist.
UNICEF's Child Health and Survival Programme gets $48 million from Ikea
UNICEF-the UN children's Fund says IKEA is further expanding its support for children with a $48 million donation from its corporate philanthropy arm -IKEA Social Initiative for UNICEF programmes in India.
The Security Council recommends that the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste be extended for 12 months
Recommending a 12-month extension of the mandate of UNMIT, the UN Mission in Timor Leste, at the Mission’s current composition and strength, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council at the end of February that extending the Mission is essential in order to ensure the sustainability of international support for Timor-Leste’s efforts towards security and [...]
Caribbean education experts meet on child friendly schools
Caribbean News Round-Up: a weekly 15-minute news magazine on developments at the United Nations concerning the Caribbean.
Human Rights Council meets on the world's financial and economic crises
Focusing on how the global financial and economic crises are affecting people, the Human Rights Council held a special session on the subject on the 20th of February. The special session offered an opportunity to share concerns about the effects of both crises, as well as to highlight the importance of taking into consideration the [...]
First day of social justice observed at UN
The pursuit of social justice includes eradicating extreme poverty, hunger, discrimination and the denial of human rights. The UN General Assembly has designated February 20th as the World Day for Social Justice and this is the first time it is being observed. A recent discussion at the UN focused on how to achieve social justice [...]
Actress Mira Sorvino appointed Goodwill Ambassador against human trafficking
Women: a weekly 14-minute news magazine that looks at issues affecting women around the world
A UN drug official warns about use of Internet to buy illegal drugs
A member of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has expressed concern about the use of the Internet to buy legal and illegal drugs.
A global assessment and a new goodwill ambassador to combat human trafficking
Perspective is a monthly 14-minute programme that presents “an in-depth look at some of the views behind the headlines.”
Bolivia's new constitution empowers indigenous
PRESENTER: In late January, a majority of Bolivians said “yes” to a referendum to adopt a new Constitution. The Constitution, consisting of over 200 new articles, seeks to throw off the country’s colonial past and place a new face on the Bolivian political and governmental system. UN Radio’s Matt Graham has the story: NARRATOR: Bolivia, [...]
A US senator and two congressmen visit Gaza
Making separate visits to Gaza on Thursday , US Senator John Kerry and Congressmen Brian Baird and Keith Ellison visited Gaza on Thursday to observe first hand the destruction caused by the war in January. They also met with the head of UNRWA, Karen Abu-Zayed. She spoke to UN Radio’s Samir Imtair about the significance [...]
UNRWA chief welcomes visit of US lawmakers to Gaza
The head of the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has welcomed the visit of a United States senator and two Congressmen to the Gaza Strip.
Holmes stresses the need to protect civilians caught in Sri Lankan conflict
The UN's top humanitarian official is in Sri Lanka Thursday at the start of a three day visit.
Timor-Leste building bridges of reconciliation, infrastructure and institutions: Ramos Horta
Nation-building and peace-consolidation are lengthy processes that require patience and steady commitment by all.
Sudanese envoy says Doha accord paves way for peace in Darfur
UN and Africa – a weekly 15-minute radio programme on political, social, economic and other developments related to Africa.
Timor Leste can finally devote its full attention to building strong institutions: Ban
The UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste begins 2009 with a clear horizon.
United States assessing causes of last week's collision in space
The United States is currently assessing the events leading up to last week's collision between the privately-operated Iridium communications satellite and the inactive Russian satellite.
Iran calls for total nuclear disarmament
Iran has called for global negotiations aimed at total nuclear disarmament.
Security Council emphasizes importance of durable ceasefire in Gaza
Members of the UN Security Council have expressed concern over the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Hutu rebel group terrorizing civilians in DRC: MONUC
The embattled ethnic Hutu rebel group Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) is terrorizing civilians through systematic looting, abduction, rape and murder.
China needs better bird flu surveillance: WHO
China needs to improve its surveillance of the bird flu virus after a recent rise in human cases.
Teenage pregnancy causes problems – WHO
Narrator: Despite a significant drop in the number of teenage pregnancies in most countries over the past three decades, approximately 16 million girls become mothers every year. The World Health Organization’s Veronic Riemer says these young women-and their babies-face numerous risks and consequences: Take Lisa: Lisa: It has changed my life a lot because I [...]
UN-assisted Khmer Rouge regime trial offically begins
Gerry: Efforts to bring justice and accountability for crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s have taken a major step with the start of the initial hearing of the ECCC, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. The first of five people to be charged with crimes against humanity is Comrade [...]
UNAIDS welcomes Burundi's vote on homosexual rights
UNAIDS has welcomed the Senate action in Burundi to reject a draft law that sought to criminalize homosexuality.
Children continue to be recruited and used in conflict in Sudan: Ban
Children continue to be recruited and used by all parties to the conflict in Sudan.
Challenges are daunting but peace can prevail in the Middle East: Serry
A senior UN official has described the situation in the Middle East as "a difficult but also formative moment for the future" of the region.
UN rights envoy to meet Myanmar's senior officials
UN human rights envoy for Myanmar, Tomas Ojeda Quintana, was headed for the country's new capital, Naypyidaw, Wednesday for meetings with senior government officials.
Improved humanitarian assistance remains essential in DRC: Holmes
Continuing and improved humanitarian assistance remains essential to relieve the suffering in the Kivus and in Oriental Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UN chief welcomes confidence-building deal on Darfur
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the deal on confidence-building measures reached Tuesday between Sudan and the rebel Justice and Equality Movement as a constructive step.
Security Council welcomes Doha peace agreement
The UN Security Council on Tuesday welcomed the agreement reached between the Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement at the conclusion of peace talks in Doha, Qatar.
Accord on Darfur paves way for peace
The government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) today signed an agreement in Doha, Qatar that will pave the way for peace talks in the coming months. The accord comes in the wake of recent confrontations between JEM fighters and government forces in the Darfuri town of Muhajiriya. It also comes amid [...]
Traditional medicine as part of global health
Dr. Xiaorui Zhang is a doctor well versed in traditional medicine. For five years, during China’s cultural revolution, she tended to patients in remote areas of the country. Today, she’s bringing that experience, and her knowledge of both Chinese traditional medicine and western medicine, to the World Health Organization’s efforts to meet the goal of health [...]
Global food crisis could be intensified by climate change: UNEP
A new report warns that the global food crisis could intensify dramatically by climate change.
Author Paul Auster reads at the UN
Two-thousand-and-eight, the International Year of Languages, was marked at the United Nations by renowned New York author Paul Auster, who read from his latest novel “Man in the Dark“. The reading took place in a packed library auditorium and also served as fundraiser for the UN staff One Percent for Development Fund, with the proceeds [...]
IOM resettles over 10,000 Bhutanese refugees from Nepal
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has resettled over 10,000 Bhutanese refugees from camps in eastern Nepal.
Increasing numbers of Rwandans return home from DRC
Increasing numbers of Rwandan civilians are returning home from the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Influx of Congolese refugees into South Sudan continues: UNHCR
Thousands of Congolese refugees are fleeing attacks by the rebel Lord's Resistance Army-LRA.
Tamil Tiger rebels shoot refugees trying to flee fighting: UN
The United Nations office in Colombo on Tuesday accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam –LTTE rebels of shooting and sometimes killing refugees trying to flee fighting between them and government forces in northeastern Sri Lanka.
Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka steps up forcible recruitment of children: UNICEF
A growing number of children are being recruited by the Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka (LTTE).
More civilians died in Afghanistan in 2008 compared to 2007
The United Nations is alarmed by the high number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan.
International center for human rights inaugurated in Argentina
An international center for the promotion of human rights was inaugurated in Buenos Aires, Argentina last week under the auspices of UNESCO, the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
UN calls on Sri Lanka government and rebels to allow aid for civilians
Warning that civilians trapped in Sri Lanka's northern war zone are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, the UN on Monday called on the government and rebels to stop fighting in heavily populated areas.
A song for respect from Peter Yarrow
PRESENTER: Puff the Magic Dragon, one of the world’s best known songs was co-written by Peter Yarrow of the world famous trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Mr. Yarrow is a political activist, lending his support to causes ranging from opposition to the Vietnam war to the creation of Operation Respect. And today, we’re going to [...]
The benefits and challenges of closing Guantanamo
DIANE: Within days of taking office, US President Barack Obama signed an order to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay within a year. That decision was welcomed by the UN, and in particular by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Manfred Nowak. Two years ago, Mr. Nowak contributed to a report on the situation [...]
"Green" the world economy: UN environment report urges
A report released Monday by the UN environment programme is calling for a third of planned stimulus packages worth an estimated $2 and half trillion dollars worth to be invested in "greening" the world economy.
Secretary-General calls for release of kidnapped staff member in Pakistan
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has again called for the release of a United Nations staff member abducted nearly two weeks ago in western Pakistan.
WFP voucher programme helps urban poor
A six-month food voucher programme was launched today by the World Food Programme in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Mira Sorvino appointed goodwill ambassador
The US Academy-award winning actress, and human rights activist, Mira Sorvino was appointed on Thursday as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
A campaign to stop violence against women in the DRC tours the United States
Women: a weekly 14-minute news magazine that looks at issues affecting women around the world
Human Rights Council to discuss financial crisis
The UN Human Rights Council plans to hold a special session next Friday to discuss the impact of the global financial and economic crisis on the poor.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stresses the need for stepped-up cooperation between the UN and CARICOM
Caribbean News Round-Up: a weekly 15-minute news magazine on developments at the United Nations concerning the Caribbean.
Rights expert to visit Myanmar to assess conditions
A UN independent expert on human rights will visit Myanmar from Saturday on a six-day visit to assess human rights conditions in the country.
China reports on progress to the UN Human Rights Council
UN Calling Asia – a weekly magazine programme, in English, that keeps you in touch with UN developments covering Asia and the Pacific.
WFP Launches first food voucher operation in response to high food prices in Africa
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Friday launched
its first food voucher operation in Africa, deploying what it says is a new tool to address hunger in an urban environment where food is available, but beyond the reach of many because of the impact of high food prices.
Pillay urges new Zimbabwe government to restore rule of law
The top UN human rights official on Thursday expressed the hope that the establishment of Zimbabwe’s new Government of National Unity would result in an immediate effort to restore the rule of law.
Special envoy sees advances in quest for peace in Central African Republic
Signing the peace accords and holding the inclusive political dialogue mark considerable advances in the quest for peace and stability in the Central African Republic.
UNESCO to hold conference on life-long learning
Paulo Freire, the innovative Brazilian educator, believed in the power of education to transform one's life. His ideas will be front and center when UNESCO, the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization holds its 6th conference on adult education in Belem, Brazil in May.
New government faces challenges in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, with the swearing in of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Wednesday, hopes have been raised that the new unity government may begin to address the economic and humanitarian crisis in the country.
New government faces challenges in Zimbabwe
UN and Africa – a weekly 15-minute radio programme on political, social, economic and other developments related to Africa.
Three million Somalis to remain dependent on humanitarian assistance: UN
More than three million people in Somalia will remain dependent on humanitarian assistance this year.
UN chief tells Iraqis "this is a time for reconciliation"
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Iraq Friday to congratulate the Iraqi people and the government after last Saturday's provincial elections.
In visit to Middle East, UN envoy for children and armed conflict sees first hand the suffering of children
Ceasefires have ended the offensive in Gaza, but children continue to suffer. That is what the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswmy, found after a 4-day visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territory and southern Israel to see first hand the situation of children.
UN sees opportunity to go green in response to global economic crisis
As the world grapples with the global economic and financial crisis, the United Nations sees an opportunity for countries to go green.
CEDAW deeply concerned by large number of women and children killed in Gaza
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is deeply concerned about the recent military engagement in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinians which has resulted in heavy civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza including the killing and injuring of a large number of women and children.
UNRWA suspends all imports of aid into Gaza
The UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees – UNRWA, has suspended all imports of aid into the Gaza Strip following the confiscation of hundreds of tons of food aid.
Kenya to allocate land to establish new refugee camp
The Kenyan government has agreed to allocate land to accommodate the increasing numbers of Somali refugees who are fleeing to Kenya to escape the escalating conflict in their country.
UNHCR moves to assist influx of Central African Republic refugees into Chad
The UN refugee agency-UNHCR reports that an emergency relief convoy left Friday from the Chadian town of Abeche on a gruelling three day 720 kilometres journey to a remote area of south eastern Chad where up to 10,500 refugees from the strife torn Central African Republic are now estimated to have sought safety.
UNEP promotes ‘Green New Deal’ as a method to slow down turning economy
Achim Steiner the Under Secretary-General, reports on the United Nations Environmental Program’s efforts to promote the Global Green New Deal, which will work to increase the creation and use of environmentally friendly projects and products. According to Steiner, with worldwide support this new plan can help alleviate the economic crisis, by employing hundreds of thousands [...]
Health facilities in Gaza fully functional: WHO
Gaza's health system and facilities are fully functional.
Cholera cases and deaths remain high in Zimbabwe: WHO
In Zimbabwe, the cholera epidemic continues to claim more and more victims.
WFP is concerned about food security in Sri Lanka
The World Food Programme has expressed concern about the plight of over 200,000 people who depend on food aid in the area affected by conflict in Sri Lanka.
Daily Noon Briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Daily noon briefing by Michele Montas, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Full audio available below.
UN official says relief supplies unable to reach Gaza
Thousands of tonnes of relief aid for Gaza remain stuck outside the territory, according to an official with the UN agency that assists Palestinian refugees.
British Ambassador calls for peace and justice in Sudan
The Security Council met on Thursday to review issues facing the UN peacekeeping operation in Sudan.
UN emergency relief chief to travel to DR Congo
UN Humanitarian Affairs coordinator John Holmes is scheduled to begin a four-day mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Friday.
Secretary-General informs Security Council of Bhutto assassination commission
The UN Secretary-General has informed the Security Council of his intention to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
SG in India calls on the nation’s CEOs to lead ‘green’ initiatives
The Secretary-General, Ban ki-Moon spoke briefly at a breakfast meeting of Indian CEOs this morning in India. The SG called upon those present to lead the efforts to reverse climate change by employing and funding more 'Green’ production efforts. Full cuts and audio available below
Senior UN official to travel to Madagascar
The UN Secretary-General is dispatching a senior official to Madagascar in the wake of the tense political situation in the country.
Baby-boom in Nepal's Maoist cantonments
In Nepal, thousands of Maoist soldiers are facing an uncertain future.
Secretary-General visits India, Pakistan and Afghanistan
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, where he received the Sustainable Development Leadership Award at a summit taking place in the Indian capital.
UN Envoy: peace agreement at a critical juncture in Sudan
The UN envoy for Sudan is urging an immediate start to preparations for a referendum on unity between north and south Sudan.
UNESCO calls for measures to protect "historically significant" shipwreck
The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization is calling for measures to preserve a centuries-old British Navy ship that was recently discovered by a commercial deep-sea exploration company.
IAEA says cancer is increasing in Africa
UN and Africa – a weekly 15-minute radio programme on political, social, economic and other developments related to Africa.
In Gaza, World Food Programme hands out ready-to-eat meals
The UN World Food Programme has expanded its emergency relief programme to include ready-to-eat meals for sick and injured patients in hospitals across Gaza.
Secretary-General urges Indian business leaders to be climate change pioneers
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is in India for the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit.
Ban urges stepped up action to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement
With a little over two years of the interim period remaining, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed between the Government of Sudan and the Sudane Peoples Liberation Movement/Army has reached a critical juncture.
UNAMID reports fighting throughout the Muhajeriya area
The African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur – UNAMID reports that fighting continued throughout the day Wednesday in the Muhajeriya area.
MONUC needs promised extra forces to protect civilians
The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is in dire need of helicopters, police and special forces to enable it to better protect civilians, especially in the eastern part of the country.
Cancer is increasing in developing countries
February 4 is observed around the world to focus attention on this disease. Cancer is killing more people than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. Cancer is on the increase worldwide.
February 4th is World Cancer Day
Today Wednesday 4th February is being observed as World Cancer Day.
Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world.
UNRWA condemns seizure of aid supplies by Hamas police
The UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees – UNRWA has strongly condemned the seizure of its aid supplies by Hamas police in Gaza. And it has demanded that the supplies be returned immediately.
UN Envoy says MONUC needs more resources to protect civilians in the DRC
United Nations member states are yet to respond to a request for additional troops for the peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo MONUC.
Civilian casualties in Afghanistan a source of deep concern to UN chief
The issue of civilian causalities in Afghanistan has been a source of deep concern to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Afghanistan remains a key priority for the UN in 2009: Ban
Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon made a surprise visit to Kabul Wednesday, to underscore the priority the UN is placing on its work in Afghanistan.
Ban regrets lack of offer for additional troops for UN mission in DRC
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed regret that Member States have not come forward as hoped with additional troops for the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC).
UN mission concerned about continued aerial bombing in Muhajeria
The African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur – UNAMID reports that aerial bombings were conducted around Muhajeria town in South Darfur Tuesday, and civilians are still gathered outside the UNAMID camp seeking refuge.
Cholera cases climb in Zimbabwe: WHO
The number of people reported to be infected by cholera in Zimbabwe has risen to almost 65,000.
Prosecutor in Charles Taylor case finishes presenting evidence
The Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague has heard the prosecution's evidence in the trial of the former Liberian President Charles Taylor for atrocities committed during the civil war in Sierra Leone.
UN envoy praises provincial elections in Iraq
The top United Nations envoy in Iraq, Staffan de Mistura has commended the people of Iraq for conducting successful provincial elections.
Security Council offers strong support for Somali peace process
Members of the Security Council have welcomed the election by the Somalia Transitional Federal parliament of Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed as President of Somalia.
UN seeks more than $600 million to help Afghanistan
The United Nations on Tuesday launched a humanitarian appeal to help the vulnerable people in Afghanistan through the provision of food aid, the clearing of land mines and the improvement of social services.
UN rights chief alarmed by deteriorating conditions for civilians in South Darfur
The UN's top human rights official has expressed alarm by reports of the rapidly deteriorating conditions facing civilians in the Muhajeria area of South Darfur.
Aid permitted into Gaza by Israeli authorities insufficient: OCHA
The number of truckloads of aid permitted to enter Gaza daily by the Israeli authorities remains insufficient, and humanitarian organizations continue to face serious restrictions to enter Gaza.
UN chief calls for opening of Gaza crossings and durable ceasefire
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the opening of crossings into the Palestinian territory.
Prosecution concludes testimony in case of Charles Taylor
The Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Stephen Rapp, said Monday that his team has concluded the presentation of testimony in the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor.
Secretary-General pledges UN help for Somalia and Zimbabwe following political breakthroughs
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, addressing the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on Monday, pledged the UN's continuing support for Africa and praised progress in the efforts to form governments in Somalia and Zimbabwe.
OCHA appeals for over 600 million for Gaza
The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes on Monday appealed for more than $600 million to help Palestinians in Gaza recover from a three-week conflict with Israel. UN Radio's Dianne Penn has more.
Hospital hit as fighting continues in Sri Lanka
A hospital in northeast Sri Lanka was shelled several times over the weekend as fighting continues between Sri Lankan government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the LTTE.
Prosecution calls on 91 witnesses to testify against Charles Taylor for war crimes
Stephen Rapp, Chief Prosecutor for the Special Court for Sierra Leone reports on the progress of the prosecution of Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia. Rapp states that the case is currently in the prosecution phase, and 91 witnesses have testified thus far, including a double amputee from Sierra Leone. The Chief Prosecutor, also states [...]
Secretary-General calls on Sudanese warring parties to cease hostilities in Darfur
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the Sudanese government and the rebel Justice and Equality Movement to cease their hostilities in Darfur.
Iraq holds peaceful and organized provincial elections
The United Nations mission in Iraq says the weekend elections for provincial councils were peaceful and well-organized.
At least 11 killed in shelling of hospital in Sri Lanka
The UN office in Sri Lanka reports that at least 11 people, including one nurse, have been killed by the repeated shelling of a hospital in the north of the country.
UNHCR chief shocked, saddened by attack on staff in Pakistan
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres has expressed deep shock and sadness at the killing of a UNHCR staff member and the abduction of another one in Quetta, Pakistan on Monday morning.
$600 million appeal for Gaza launched in Geneva
The United Nations on Monday launched a 600-million dollar appeal for emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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