Europe

UN Special Rapporteur, Asma Jahangir

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: UN expert speaks out on religious intolerance

30 April 2009
An independent United Nations human rights expert today spoke out against reports of religious intolerance in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and expressed disbelief at the backlash targeted against a recent court decision to restrict religious teaching in public schools.
The Ledra Street crossing point in Cyprus gets checked for unexploded ordnance

Security Council urges Cypriot leaders to step up UN-backed reunification talks

30 April 2009
The Security Council today urged the political leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to accelerate momentum gained in United Nations-backed talks aimed at reunifying the Mediterranean island.

UN cultural agency to host first-ever open house, in European museum fete

29 April 2009
The Fall of Icarus by Pablo Picasso and Isamu Noguchi’s Peace Fountain can be viewed in Paris on 16 May, when the United Nations cultural agency opens its doors to the public for the first time ever.

Short life expectancy, low birth rates in Russia cause for worry, says UNDP

28 April 2009
Demographic challenges – including short life expectancy and a shrinking population – must be faced to maintain Russia’s economic and social security, warns a new report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant´s 4th block in the Ukraine.

UN launches scheme to help Chernobyl victims on anniversary of disaster

24 April 2009
Marking the 23rd anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, the United Nations today unveiled a new project that translates the latest scientific developments into practical advice for those living in countries still affected by the catastrophe.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) unveils a climate change monument on the campus of the University of Malta

Secretary-General applauds Malta’s contribution to fight against racism

22 April 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today paid tribute to the Government of Malta for taking part in the United Nations anti-racism conference under way in Geneva, calling for international solidarity to combat discrimination.
Chechen refugees in Georgia with their travel documents..

UN lauds Georgia for issuing travel documents to Chechen refugees

16 April 2009
The Georgian Government has granted Chechen refugees the right to travel overseas for the first time, earning praise from the United Nation for honouring a commitment it made when signing the 1951 Refugee Convention.
City centre in Chisinau, Moldova

Moldova: UN calls on citizens, authorities to act with restraint amid election protests

13 April 2009
The United Nations country team in Moldova has urged the nation’s people to express their dissent peacefully and beseeched the country’s police to show restraint in the wake of violent confrontations following disputed parliamentary elections on 5 April.
ICTY courtroom

Former Kosovo minister held on contempt granted provisional release by UN tribunal

9 April 2009
The United Nations war crimes tribunal set up in the wake of the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s has ordered the provisional release of Kosovo’s ex-minister for culture, youth and sport, who was convicted of contempt of court for trying to intimidate a witness in a war crimes trial.
City centre in Chisinau, Moldova

Moldova: Ban voices concern over violent post-election protests

7 April 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern over violent protests that broke out today in Moldova, following the European nation’s Parliamentary polls on 5 April.