Latin America entering new century with well-documented social lag, UN reports
Latin America is entering the twenty-first century with a well-documented social lag, the United Nations economic commission for the region reports.
UN racism expert to examine indigenous rights during planned visit to Australia
A United Nations human rights expert will examine the rights of indigenous people in Australia during a visit to the country later this month, the UN announced today.
World Bank names law enforcement expert to fight fraud and corruption
The World Bank has appointed a director to head up its newly-created anti-corruption department that will investigate allegations of fraud within the organization's staff or in projects it funds.
Senegal added to UN list of "least developed countries"
The United Nations General Assembly this morning added Senegal to its list of "least developed countries" -- bringing the total number of such countries to 49.
UN agencies suggest ways to prevent health risks of genetically modified foods
Confronting complex issues stemming from biotechnology, two United Nations agencies today issued new recommendations to help protect consumers from risks that some genetically modified organisms (GMOs) could pose for certain people who suffer from food allergies.
Annan urges end to security violations in Prevlaka and resumption of peace talks
Despite an absence of significant incidents in Prevlaka over the past three months, Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia "unfortunately did not take advantage of the prevailing calm" to move towards a political settlement of their dispute, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a report issued today at UN Headquarters in New York.
Security Council condemns violence in Burundi, urges parties to pursue dialogue
Concerned over ongoing violence in Burundi, members of the Security Council today urged the parties to halt all attacks and pursue a process of dialogue aimed at ending the fighting.
Relief needs in DR of Congo outweigh available funds: top UN aid official
Wrapping up a six-day visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a top United Nations humanitarian official today warned that the scope of the country's relief needs was far greater than the resources available to aid organizations in the country.
Annan welcomes end to US-China dispute
Welcoming the reported end to the dispute between China and the United States over an aerial incident, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today he had spoken to Washington and be in contact with Beijing shortly.
Middle East: Annan calls for urgent steps to stem violence, build confidence
Reacting to the escalating Israeli-Palestinian violence, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for urgent steps to control the situation and bring the parties back to the negotiating table.