UN predicts new displacements in northern Iraq
Citing intensified fighting, the United Nations today predicted fresh movements of civilians leaving their homes in the northern part of Iraq.
UN envoy condemns murder of relief worker in Afghanistan
Lakhdar Brahimi, the senior United Nations envoy to Afghanistan, today strongly condemned the "brutal and callous killing" of Ricardo Munguia, a water supply engineer with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who was killed in the southern part of the country earlier this week.
Iraq: UN agencies urge support for massive humanitarian appeal
Representatives of United Nations agencies working to deliver humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered people of Iraq today urged donor support for a massive appeal to fund the relief effort.
UN doctor dies of new respiratory disease he first identified
Dr. Carlo Urbani, a United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) expert on communicable diseases, today died of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) - an emerging health threat which he first identified.
WHO recommends new respiratory disease screening measures for air travellers
With the number of cases of and deaths from a recently emerged respiratory disease climbing, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending new screening measures at airports in four countries in a bid to reduce any further international spread of the illness, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
UN agency relocates staff as new rebel clashes in Liberia engulf refugee camp
Fearing for the security of humanitarian workers as new rebel fighting engulfs its refugee transit camp in eastern Liberia, the United Nations refugee agency today said it has relocated staff from all locations along the border between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire and voiced concern about the fate of 5,000 people seeking asylum.
UN launches massive $2.2 billion appeal for humanitarian relief in Iraq
The United Nations today launched a $2.2 billion emergency appeal for immediate humanitarian assistance for the people of Iraq over the next six months, with $1.3 billion devoted to a massive food aid operation.
Annan welcomes Security Council vote on aid to Iraq, urges speedy action
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today the UN must move speedily to bring humanitarian aid to Iraq and welcomed the unanimous Security Council approval of adjustments to the suspended Oil-for-Food programme giving him more authority to administer the operation for the next 45 days.
Annan voices appreciation for UN staff's loyalty and devotion during 'trying times'
Secretary-General Kofi Annan today wrote to United Nations staff conveying his appreciation for the devotion and loyalty they continue to show during "trying times."
Annan concerned by fighting in Liberia, safety of aid workers
With fighting near the town of Zwedru, Liberia, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today voiced his concern for their safety as well as for a number of aid workers who had been assisting the desperate population in the area but who now cannot be located.