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The United Nations today marked Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrating the South African leader’s 94th birthday and honouring his contributions to democracy, racial justice and reconciliation with events at its Headquarters in New York and around the world.

With the successful holding of elections earlier this month, the Libyan people are on their way toward the first peaceful and democratic transfer of power in the North African country, a top United Nations official said today, adding that the country must now agree on the formation of a new government and on the process for drawing up a new constitution.

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today denounced the murder of a Bangladeshi journalist, Jamal Uddin, last month.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today praised China’s efforts to implement initiatives that will lead to sustainable development, as well as its participation at the recent United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), adding that countries still need to do much more to achieve all their economic, environmental and social goals in the next 20 years.

The United Nations top anti-crime official today praised the work of Italian magistrates Paolo Borsellino and Giovanni Falcone, who were murdered 20 years ago but continue to exert influence in the way countries combat organized crime.

An independent United Nations human rights expert has spoken out against the recent killing of women in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and called on the two countries’ Governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Ahead of the 19th International AIDS Conference next week, the United Nations launched a new report today that shows that a record eight million people are now receiving antiretroviral therapy, and that domestic funding for HIV has exceeded global investments.

A United Nations official today condemned the sexual violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reportedly perpetrated by armed groups, including the group of renegade soldiers known as the M23, and called on authorities to investigate the crimes.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemns in “the strongest possible terms” today's deadly bombing attack on a bus carrying Israeli tourists in Bulgaria, according to Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

Côte d’Ivoire is making significant advances towards peace, stability and development but will need the continued support of the Security Council as it tackles important challenges, including a volatile security situation and national reconciliation, a top United Nations official said today.