Europe

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg at joint press conference in Oslo

Ban emphasizes key role of UN in tackling today’s challenges

31 August 2009
The United Nations plays a critical role in addressing the current food, climate and other crises, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today in Oslo, as he stressed that Norway is one of the Organization’s strongest partners in tackling global challenges.
Asylum-seekers and refugees lived in this makeshift camp in Patras, Greece, before it was closed down in July 2009

UN refugee agency shocked at conditions at Greek detention facility

28 August 2009
The United Nations refugee agency said it was shocked by the conditions at a detention facility on the Greek island of Lesvos which was overcrowded and holding 200 unaccompanied children.
Nukunonu Atoll seaside, one of the regions of the world vulnerable to climate change

Agreement on new climate change pact crucial to future of humanity, says Ban

28 August 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today underscored the need for countries to 'seal the deal' at a major climate change conference later this year in Copenhagen, stressing that a successful outcome is crucial for the planet and the future of humanity.
ICTY courtroom

Arrest of remaining two fugitives major concern for UN’s Yugoslav tribunal

28 August 2009
The United Nations tribunal set up to try those responsible for atrocities committed during the Balkan wars of the 1990s has once again called for the arrest of the two suspects who still remain at large.
FC Barcelona debuted MÉS jerseys to raise money for UNHCR

Refugee children winners in FC Barcelona, Manchester City football game – UN

24 August 2009
Refugee children were the winners in last week’s highly anticipated match-up between top football teams Manchester City and FC Barcelona, with the latter’s members sporting jerseys emblazoned with the logo of a campaign backed by the United Nations refugee agency.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Secretary-General to depart for Austria, Norway and Switzerland

24 August 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will depart on Thursday on a three-nation trip that will include the 30th anniversary celebrations of the United Nations headquarters in Austria, an official visit to Norway that will also take him to the Polar ice rim and a stop in Switzerland for a global climate conference.
A boat carrying asylum seekers and migrants in the Mediterranean Sea.
UNHCR/L.Boldrini

UN voices shock at reports of neglect from survivors of Mediterranean boat tragedy

21 August 2009
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says it is shocked by the accounts heard from five Eritreans who are allegedly the sole survivors of a boat tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea in which some 75 others are feared to have perished.
Stop killing journalists.
UNESCO

UNESCO head speaks out against murder of journalist in Russia

17 August 2009
The head of the United Nations agency mandated with protecting press freedom today condemned the recent killing of a Dagestani journalist in Russia, calling on authorities to bring those behind the murder to justice.
Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias (right) and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat

Cyprus leaders make good progress in unity talks, UN envoy reports

6 August 2009
The United Nations reported “good progress” in the latest round of talks today between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders in efforts to unify the Mediterranean island.
Consumption, production and trade of forest products declined sharply in 2008

European and United States forestry sector hit hard by global recession – UN

4 August 2009
The current economic crisis has pushed the European and the United States forestry sector into an even larger slump, according to a new United Nations study.