Despite a diminishing budget and rising casualties among ‘blue helmets’, peacekeeping remains “a very important tool” in the promotion of peace and stability, according to Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. In an interview with UN News, Mr. Lacroix stressed the need to prepare peacekeepers for “more dangerous environments”, while cautioning against over-reduction of resources.

• ‘Warehouses emptying’ amid growing humanitarian needs in south-west Syria
• Mediterranean migrant deaths passes 1,500 mark for fifth year in a row
• IOM lends support to victims of Lao dam disaster

• People with HIV at higher risk of losing jobs –UN report
• DR Congo: UN Mission faces growing expectations as resources continue to shrink
• Forced eviction in Kenya’s Kibera settlement ‘a gross violation’ of human rights

Major advances are being made to better safeguard natural environments across the world, but more action is needed if the planet’s long-term survival is to be ensured, according to the UN’s top environment official. The pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, is moving Governments in the right direction, but more must be done, he told Liz Scaffidi.