Europe

Photo: UNHCR/B. Szandelszky
UNHCR/B. Szandelszky

Ukraine’s refugee asylum system needs further improvement, says UN report

26 July 2013
Despite significant progress in recent years, Ukraine’s asylum system still requires fundamental improvements to increase fairness and protect people against forced return to threatening situations, the United Nations refugee agency said in a report released today.
Young Omar and his parents, who fled the Syrian city of Idlib and crossed into Turkey, have been accepted for resettlement in France.
UNHCR/J.Tanner

As Syrian exodus continues, UN official urges Europe to help shoulder refugee burden

18 July 2013
The United Nations refugee chief today voiced concern about serious gaps in the protection of Syrians who are fleeing the conflict in their country and arriving in Europe, and urged a more generous and consistent approach as they seek shelter and asylum.
Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants François Crépeau.
Jean-Marc Ferré

UN experts urge Italy to facilitate return of illegally deported Kazakh mother, daughter

18 July 2013
A group of independent United Nations human rights experts have called on Italian authorities to facilitate the return to Italy of Alma Shalabayeva, a Kazakh national, and her six-year-old daughter who were unlawfully deported to Kazakhstan in May.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is greeted by President François Hollande of France.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

In France, UN chief praises peacekeeping contributions, urges political progress in Mali

15 July 2013
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, meeting with officials in France on the occasion of Bastille Day, paid tribute to the country's contributions to ending the turmoil in Mali, after stressing the importance of credible elections in the West African country in talks with its interim president.
Former General Assembly President, Stoyan Ganev of Bulgaria, at the opening of the Assembly's 47th session.
UN Photo/Michos Tzovaras

Ban honours memory of former General Assembly President Stoyan Ganev

9 July 2013
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today honoured the late Stoyan Ganev of Bulgaria, a former President of the General Assembly, praising his valuable contributions to the United Nations.
Special Rapporteur Joy Ngozi Ezeilo.
UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

UN strengthens bonds with Council of Europe to combat human trafficking

5 July 2013
Trafficking of children and the issue of defining trafficking topped the agenda today at a first of its kind meeting between an independent United Nations human rights expert and a group of European practitioners working to end this form of modern-day slavery.
These people have just arrived on Italy’s Lampedusa Island after crossing the Mediterranean on a dilapidated boat.
UNHCR/F. Noy

Over 8,000 migrants, asylum seekers cross Mediterranean so far this year – UN

5 July 2013
The United Nations refugee agency estimates that some 8,400 migrants and asylum-seekers landed on the coasts of Italy and Malta in the first six months of this year, most of them from North Africa, having crossed the Mediterranean, one of the busiest seaways in the world.
Photo: UNEP
UNEP

UN chief praises EU proposal to temporarily curb oversupply of emission allowances

5 July 2013
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed a move by the European Parliament to support the proposal to backload permits from the European Union's carbon market.
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark cut the ribbon to officially open UN City in Copenhagen.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Secretary-General welcomes opening of 'UN City' agency hub in Copenhagen

4 July 2013
Thanking the people and Government of Denmark for their generous investment and support, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the opening in Copenhagen today of UN City, “a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly hub” for United Nations agency operations.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is greeted by Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson of Iceland.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

UN chief hails Iceland’s contribution to gender parity, international justice

2 July 2013
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended Iceland for its contributions to the international community in such critical areas as international criminal justice, gender equality and regulation of the use of the world’s oceans.