Europe

A view of the Security Council Chamber as Farid Zarif (shown on screen), Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), briefs the Council.
UN Photo/Mark Garten

Kosovo: citing recent unrest, UN envoy urges close vigilance to safeguard achievements

29 August 2014
The United Nations envoy for Kosovo today said that while great strides have been made since last year toward normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, close vigilance remains essential to safeguard achievements and continue dialogue.
Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović presents report in Kyiv.
UN Photo/Victoria Andrievska

Ukraine: UN report shows rising civilian deaths, ongoing rights abuses

29 August 2014
Intense fighting, including the use of heavy weaponry by both sides, in densely populated areas of eastern Ukraine, has increased the loss of civilian life, with an average of around 36 people being killed every day, says a new report issued today by the United Nations human rights office.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, many being women with children.
UNFPA Ukraine/Olena Kulyk

Ban alarmed by ‘dangerous escalation’ in Ukraine crisis; Security Council holds emergency talks

28 August 2014
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is alarmed by what seems to be a “dangerous escalation” in the crisis in Ukraine with reports of intensified fighting in the country south-east near the border with Russia, as the Security Council held emergency talks on the latest developments.
UNFICYP peacekeepers patrolling in Sector 1 in Cyprus.
UNFICYP

UN hosts meeting with Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot negotiators

26 August 2014
The United Nations confirmed today that Greek and Turkish Cypriot negotiators met today in Nicosia to discuss arrangements for the upcoming meeting of the leaders from the two sides.
A UNHCR staff member asks a displaced Ukrainian man about the situation in his native Donetsk region, which has been heavily affected by the conflict.
UNHCR/I. Zimova (file)

Ukraine: Senior UN official calls for end to violence, urges scaling up aid ahead of winter

24 August 2014
United Nations humanitarian chief Valerie Amos called again today for an end to the violence in Ukraine as she continued her visit to areas of the country's crisis-riven eastern regions to see for herself the impact of the continued fighting on millions of people.
Local volunteers prepare humanitarian aid in the cellar of the Sloviansk public library, Ukraine, which serves as a warehouse and collection point for UNHCR's aid delivery.
UNHCR/Iva Zimova

In Ukraine, UN relief chief pledges support for political, aid, rebuilding efforts

23 August 2014
The top United Nations relief official told reporters in Ukraine today, that while the situation in Sloviansk has improved, the UN is still concerned about the ongoing impact of the crisis and plans to support the Government's efforts towards political talks, scaling up the humanitarian response, and ensuring long-term rehabilitation of infrastructure.
An elderly returnee to Sloviansk, Ukraine, whose house was hit by artillery and needs major repairs, is comforted by a relative.
UNHCR/Iva Zimova

Ban urges Russia, Ukraine to exercise restraint after aid convoy crosses border

22 August 2014
Reacting to reports that a Russian aid convoy crossed the Ukrainian border without Kiev’s permission, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged all sides to continue to work together to ensure that humanitarian supplies reach those most in need.
A resident of the Artema suburb of Sloviansk, Ukraine, in the rubble of what used to be her summer kitchen, in July 2014.
UNHCR/Iva Zimova

Ban ‘deeply disturbed’ by reported attack on refugee convoy in eastern Ukraine

18 August 2014
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deeply disturbed by today’s alarming reports regarding an attack on a column of internally displaced persons (IDPs) attempting to leave the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine.
Local volunteers prepare humanitarian aid in the cellar of the Sloviansk public library, Ukraine, which serves as a warehouse and collection point for UNHCR's aid delivery.
UNHCR/Iva Zimova

UN, humanitarian partners launch health plan in crisis-torn eastern Ukraine

15 August 2014
Conflict in eastern Ukraine, mainly in the areas in and around the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, has affected nearly four million people, including 156,000 internally displaced people, many of whom lack access to healthcare, a United Nations health official said today as he appealed for funds to help address the situation.
A UNHCR staff member asks a displaced Ukrainian man about the situation in his native Donetsk region, which has been heavily affected by the conflict.
UNHCR/I. Zimova (file)

In phone call with President, Ban expresses ‘increasing concern’ about Ukraine crisis

14 August 2014
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has spoken with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, reiterating his urgent call to redouble political and diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful resolution in the crisis-torn country.