Middle East

More than 3,000 Gaza students prepare to fly dozens of parachutes

Gaza’s children fly high at UN-backed Summer Games

30 June 2011
More than 3,000 students in Gaza today smashed the first of what they hope to be four world records this northern summer, by “flying” dozens of parachutes, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said today.
UNDOF patrolling the Golan Heights.

Security Council extends mandate of UN force in Golan Heights by six months

30 June 2011
The Security Council today agreed to extend the mandate of the United Nations force monitoring the ceasefire in the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria for another six months, voicing grave concern that recent events have put the long-held ceasefire in jeopardy.
Headquarters of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon

Lebanon: UN-backed tribunal submits indictment over Hariri murder

30 June 2011
The United Nations-backed tribunal set up to try those alleged responsible for the 2005 assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri today submitted to the country’s authorities a sealed indictment and arrest warrants for an unknown number of suspects.

Security Council welcomes Iraq’s assumption of oversight over development fund

30 June 2011
The Security Council today welcomed the Iraqi Government’s assumption of full autonomy, with effect from tomorrow, over the proceeds of a development fund set up after the 2003 United States-led invasion to meet the country’s humanitarian needs, economic reconstruction and infrastructure repairs.
Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon (left) meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Rome

Wider changes in region make it crucial to resume Israeli-Palestinian talks – Ban

28 June 2011
Citing the developments taking place in the wider Middle East, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today underscored the need for Israel and the Palestinians to urgently resume negotiations towards a two-State solution to their conflict.
ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo

International Criminal Court Prosecutor calls on Libyans to arrest Qadhafi

28 June 2011
The primary responsibility for arresting Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi and two others sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) rests with the North African nation, the tribunal’s Chief Prosecutor said today, a day after warrants were issued for the three men for alleged crimes against humanity.
Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC issues three warrants of arrest for Muammar Gaddafi, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi and Abdualla Al-Senussi

ICC issues arrest warrants for Libyan officials for alleged crimes against humanity

27 June 2011
The International Criminal Court (ICC) today issued arrest warrants for Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi, one of his sons and the country’s intelligence chief for crimes against humanity allegedly committed since the pro-democracy movement began in February.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay

Bahrain trials bear marks of ‘political persecution,’ says UN human rights office

24 June 2011
The United Nations human rights office today spoke out against the harsh sentences, including life imprisonment, handed down this week to activists in Bahrain, saying their trials bear the marks of “political persecution.”
Anti-government protesters in Yemen

Yemen: UN experts to conduct human rights mission

24 June 2011
The United Nations will send a mission to Yemen next week to assess its human rights situation after hundreds of persons have died this year during clashes between Government forces and protesters, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported today.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

UN chief renews calls for release of Israeli soldier abducted five years ago

24 June 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called once again for the immediate release of Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, who has been held captive by Palestinian militants for the past five years, and pledged the continued support of the United Nations for efforts towards this goal.