Latest News

Marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the world to reaffirm commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and working to build a future of peace, justice, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

Citing preliminary reports that that up to 16,000 people have fled fighting in the eastern neighbourhoods of Syria’s Aleppo city over the past few days, the United Nations humanitarian chief today warned that thousands more will have no choice but to flee should the attacks spread and escalate over the coming days.

Expressing deep concerns over last week's renewed violence in the Central African Republic that has reportedly claimed dozens of lives and displaced more than 11,000 persons – many civilians – United Nations Secretary-General has called on the armed groups to immediately and to “genuinely” commit to peace.

Underscoring the importance of environmental protection and management in the work of peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) today launched a new strategy to maximize its peace operations' efficiency in the use of natural resources, and to minimize their risk to people, societies and ecosystems.

All people in South Sudan, regardless of their ethnic affiliation, must unite towards creating a national identify, the head of the United Nations mission there urged today, underscoring the potential of the resource-rich African country to prosper despite its ongoing challenges.

With nearly half the population in the Central African Republic (CAR) in need of humanitarian assistance, some $400 million is required over the coming year to shore up relief efforts that will be critical “to save the lives of people who are among the poorest and most forgotten on this planet,” a senior United Nations official said today.

More than 300 artists and performers showcased the wealth of Ethiopia’s intangible cultural heritage in Addis Ababa on Sunday ahead of today’s opening of the 11th session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

While nearly 12,000 families in northern Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) have moved into new houses three months after devastating Typhoon Lionrock destroyed their homes, the United Nations is reporting that this “massive effort” still needs additional support so damaged water networks can be repaired and essential medicines and nutritious foods can be provided.

United Nations agencies are rapidly scaling up efforts in eastern Mosul to ensure that more than 60,000 people living near the frontlines of the current military operations have access to life-saving care.

A joint assessment by the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP), has revealed that 43 per cent of refugees who have been living in Chad for more than 10 years continue to face a precarious food security situation and require assistance.