Europe

Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider

UN rights expert sounds alarm over ‘blood feuds’ and domestic violence in Albania

23 February 2010
An independent United Nations human rights expert today voiced concern over Albanian society’s widespread acceptance of settling personal scores through deadly violence and prevalence of violence in the home.
Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

French businessman Yazid Sabeg joins roster of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors

19 February 2010
French businessman Yazid Sabeg has become the latest addition to the roster of celebrity advocates who use their talent and fame to raise awareness of the work and ideals of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits the buffer zone in Cyprus and crossed to the north via Ledra Street in February 2010

Ban urges Cypriot leaders to make extra push towards a settlement

16 February 2010
The people of both communities in Cyprus want a solution now that will stop the division on the Mediterranean island, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says, urging Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to reach a settlement to end the decades of separation.
Personal Envoy Matthew Nimetz

UN envoy to hold talks on former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia name issue

11 February 2010
The United Nations envoy tasked with mediating talks between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the dispute over the latter’s name will travel to the region later this month for further discussions, it was announced today.

Head of key regional group advocates closer ties with UN to tackle security threats

5 February 2010
The head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) today called for boosting the body’s partnership with the United Nations to tackle threats to peace and security.
Serbian Radical Party leader Vojislav Šešelj

Serbian nationalist leader faces fresh contempt of court charges at UN tribunal

5 February 2010
The leader of the Serb Radical Party was today charged with contempt of court by the United Nations war crimes tribunal for the Balkans over allegedly revealing details about protected witnesses in his own trial.
A young Afghan boy and friends gather in a field near the City Hall in Calais, France

UN calls on Europe to take in larger share of refugees for resettlement

2 February 2010
The United Nations refugee agency today called on Europe to play a larger role in refugee resettlement, 90 per cent of which is currently borne by the United States, Canada and Australia.
A group ofr young boys try out computers in Karaleti settlement in Georgia

Georgians displaced in South Ossetian conflict get Internet access thanks to UN

2 February 2010
Thousands of Georgians displaced by the 2008 conflict with Russia over South Ossetia are getting access to computers for their education and livelihood purposes, thanks to an initiative by the United Nations refugee agency.
ecretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks at inauguration of second phase of Ledra-Lokmaci Street stabilization work

Mutually beneficial solution to the Cyprus problem ‘within reach,’ Ban says

1 February 2010
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon – who as a citizen of the Republic of Korea says he understands the “emptiness” of a country divided into north and south – today stressed that a solution to Cyprus’ long-running problems is “within reach,” calling for the leaders of the two communities on the Mediterranean island to step up their efforts to reach agreement.
SRSG Ad Melkert working out of his Baghdad-based office

Top UN envoy in Iraq shocked by killing of scores of pilgrims

1 February 2010
The top United Nations official in Iraq today expressed his shock and sadness at the suicide bombing targeting Shi’a pilgrims, reportedly killing over 40 people.