UNHCR continues preparations for massive exodus of Afghans to neighbouring countries
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today said it was continuing preparations for a massive exodus of Afghans into neighbouring countries, having received nearly $7 million in pledges to help those nations cope with the expected influx.
As Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis deepens, UN relief official urges more aid
Underscoring the urgent need for aid to the beleaguered people of drought-stricken, war-torn Afghanistan, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator today stressed that any anti-terrorism actions must take account of humanitarian concerns.
UN agency to resume food shipments to Afghanistan
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today said it would resume badly needed food aid shipments to Afghanistan suspended in the wake of the 11 September attacks against the United States.
Terror attacks on US were crimes against humanity, UN rights official says
The United Nations top human rights official today called the recent terrorist attacks against the United States "crimes against humanity" and said that every country in the world had an obligation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
States must build capacity against biological, chemical attacks: UN agency
Countries need to strengthen their capacity to cope with the consequences of biological or chemical agents used as weapons, according to the Director-General of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO).
UN has key role to play in preventing conflict, General Assembly told
As the United Nations General Assembly today continued its consideration of Secretary-General Kofi Annan's annual report on the work of the Organization, many countries urged wide-ranging support for the world body's crucial role in preventive diplomacy.
Annan welcomes US approval of $582 million payment to UN for back dues
Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the decision by the States legislature to release over half a billion dollars for back dues owed by Washington to the United Nations.
UN says security concerns slow down return of refugees from FYR of Macedonia
The rate of refugee returns to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from Kosovo has fallen to just under 200 per day amid uncertainty over security after NATO ends its arms collection mission on Wednesday, the United Nations refugee agency said today.
Stalemate continues over prices of Iraqi crude for US market, UN reports
An impasse in the Security Council has blocked the setting of prices for Iraqi crude destined for the United States market, according to the United Nations office running the oil-for-food food programme, which allows Baghdad to use a portion of its petroleum revenues to purchase humanitarian relief.