Europe

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, in Brussels, Belgium.
© European Union 2015 - European Parliament

‘Use your voices to claim your rights,’ Ban urges university graduates in Belgium

28 May 2015
Addressing the graduating class at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, where he was bestowed an honorary degree today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon gave students one final homework assignment: become global citizens with global vision.
Statement delivered by Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide (centre), on behalf of the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades (right) and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.
UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)

UN envoy announces steps by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders towards joint vision for united Cyprus

28 May 2015
Today, the Greek Cypriot leader, Nicos Anastasiades, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, took the next steps towards fulfilling their joint vision for a united federal Cyprus, the United Nations Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus has confirmed.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.
© European Union 2015 - European Parliament

Ban tells European Parliament to work together to address challenge of migration

27 May 2015
In Brussels today, where he was addressing the European Parliament, the United Nations Secretary-General today the important role played by the European Union in boosting the UN agenda, particularly on matters of peace, development and human rights.
Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Farid Zarif briefs the Security Council.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe

Serbia and Kosovo must not squander chance to overcome challenges, Security Council told

26 May 2015
As Serbia and Kosovo aim to overcome the legacy of conflict, the two countries must avoid procrastination on implementing the remaining steps of the April 2013 Accord and allowing older issues to shackle opportunities to open new ground, the United Nations Security Council was told today.
A hospital in Sloviansk, Ukraine, which was destroyed by shelling.
UNICEF Ukraine/Pavel Zmey

In Ukraine, humanitarian situation still dire amid sporadic fighting, UN reports

26 May 2015
The tenuous situation in eastern Ukraine continues to be marked by sporadic fighting and a crippling humanitarian crisis forcing many civilians to seek refuge in underground shelters or in neighbouring countries, the United Nations relief arm confirmed today.
A bungalow in the Serbian town of Pozega.
UNHCR Serbia

UN expert calls on Serbia to expedite legal measures amid housing crisis

26 May 2015
Amid a range of structural challenges, including high unemployment and poverty, Serbia is now also facing a housing crisis which demands an immediate Government response, according to a United Nations independent human rights expert.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (second left) visits the United Nations Training School of Ireland (UNTSI) at Curragh Defense Forces Training Camp in Ireland.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Ban praises Ireland’s ‘compassionate leadership’ on migration and refugees

26 May 2015
As he wrapped up a visit to Ireland today, the Secretary-General congratulated the country on its “fruitful and strong” relationship with the United Nations over the past 60 years and looked forward to a continued partnership as the world tackled several significant challenges.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks during the Tipperary International Peace Award ceremony in Tipperary, Ireland.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider

In Ireland, UN’s Ban says strong cooperation key to overcoming global challenges

24 May 2015
Amid an explosion of world conflicts, humanitarian crises and human rights challenges, the international community is enduring a “time of test” which demands strong global cooperation and bold action, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today affirmed.
Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonovic.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

Senior UN official voices deep concern about human rights challenges in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

23 May 2015
Concern about the shrinking of the democratic space in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ivan Šimonović, has stressed the importance of broadening the dialogue that has begun between the Government and the opposition.
Special Rapporteur Maud de Boer-Buquicchio.
UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

UN rights expert urges Armenia to ‘shed light’ on violence against children

19 May 2015
The UN independent human rights expert on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography today urged the Armenian government to devote more attention to the issue of violence against children as well as irregularities in adoption processes, which can amount to sale of children.