Taking a massive step towards ocean conservation, the island nation of Palau is the latest in a growing number of countries- and the first Pacific island state- to ratify an international agreement to combat illegal fishing, which is estimated to deprive the global economy of up to $23 billion each year and endanger biodiversity and food security in many countries, said the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) today.

Due to severe shortages of fuel, food, medicines and vaccines, more than three million children under the age of 5 are at risk of death or disease during the harsh winter months in Nepal, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned today.

Alarmed by latest killings in violent clashes over the weekend in Nepal, bringing the death toll to at least 50 since protests against the new Constitution began in August, the United Nations human rights office today urged Nepalese authorities to follow international standards on use of force, respect dissenting voices and engage them in a “meaningful, inclusive and open dialogue.”

Amid "grave global threats" looming large, the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon today called for stronger partnerships between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the UN to achieve sustainable development, tackle climate change and eradicate human rights violations.