UN refugee agency concerned by new EU law on asylum seekers
The United Nations refugee agency today expressed concern at new European Union legislation on asylum, warning that it might lead in practice to breaches of international refugee law.
Security Council restates support for Kosovo ‘Standards before Status’ policy
The future status of Kosovo will only be taken up after the province’s Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) attain certain benchmarks – including free, fair and regular elections, free media and a sound and impartial legal system – outlined in a United Nations-backed plan, the Security Council said today.
UN fact-finding missions wind up work in Darfur, Sudan
Two United Nations fact-finding missions investigating attacks by armed Arab militias against the local black African population in western Sudan visited refugee camps in Darfur today and prepared to fly out from Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.
UN Commission on Sustainable Development ends 12th session
The international community must accelerate its pace towards the achievable goals of delivering safe drinking water, basic sanitation and shelter for the poor by 2015, the chairman of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development told the meeting's high-level ministerial segment as it wrapped up its 12th session today.
Annan seeks to continue UN peacebuilding efforts in Tajikistan another year
The United Nations presence in Tajikistan is continuing to make an important contribution to that country’s post-conflict transition as it encourages the continuation of national dialogue and reconciliation and helps to bolster democratic institutions, the Secretary-General says as he seeks to extend the work of the UN Tajikistan Office of Peace-building (UNTOP) for another year, until 1 June 2005.
Security Council threatens individuals blocking Ivorian peace pact
The United Nations Security Council today threatened unspecified actions against individuals whose activities might block the full implementation of the 2003 peace accord between the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and its opposition.
Fréchette to make official visits to Italy and Switzerland
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette is set to make official visits next week to Switzerland and Italy, where she will attend the official launch in Rome of the Global Compact, an initiative of Secretary-General Kofi Annan to encourage business and labour to support universal principles on human rights, work norms and environmental protection.
At the Vatican, UN official discusses possible cooperation in preventing drug abuse
The head of the United Nations drug and crime fighting agency today visited the Vatican, where in addition to an audience with Pope John Paul II he discussed possible collaboration in the prevention and treatment of drug abuse and illegal activities.
Security Council approves UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti
The Security Council today unanimously approved a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti to help stabilize the country, establish democratic institutions and eventually organize free and fair elections.
Middle East ‘Quartet’ prepares for meeting next week at UN
The top United Nations envoy for the Middle East peace process, Terje Roed-Larsen, joined his colleagues from the European Union, Russian Federation and United States today in London to prepare for next week’s meeting of the so-called Quartet, a UN spokesman said.