UN rights expert urges immediate release of BBC reporter Alan Johnston
An independent United Nations human rights expert today called for the immediate release of BBC reporter Alan Johnston, who was abducted in Gaza City on 12 March.
UN-backed initiative aims to bring jobs to rural Sierra Leone’s youth
The United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has announced a new $10.9 million programme to bring small loans and jobs to the young people of rural Sierra Leone, benefiting 34,000 households in the West African country that saw the end of civil strife and the installation of an elected Government in 2002.
Countries must step up disaster reduction efforts, UN official says
As climate change exacerbates and compounds the effects of disasters, countries must improve their readiness to minimize damages, stressed the head of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).
UNESCO adds three natural sites to its World Heritage List
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today announced its decision to inscribe three new natural sites in Madagascar, China and the Republic of Korea to its World Heritage List.
Bird flu virus still a serious threat, despite improved response, UN warns
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned today that although the global response to the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus has significantly improved over the past few years, the virus remains entrenched in several countries and will continue to spread.
Secretary-General to depart on two-week visit to Europe
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will depart this weekend for a two-week trip to Europe that will take him to Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and the United Kingdom, a spokesperson for the world body announced today.
Central African Republic facing precarious situation – UN report
The situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) remains extremely precarious, marked by deteriorating humanitarian conditions, repeated violations of human rights, a culture of impunity, a lack of dialogue and tolerance between opposing groups, and persistent poverty and corruption, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warns today.
‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ stars donate $1 million in support of UN food agency
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Darfur, Sudan has received $1 million from a humanitarian organization co-founded by the cast and filmmakers of the Hollywood blockbuster “Ocean’s Thirteen.”
Ban Ki-moon endorses report of UN team assessing Lebanese border security
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon backs the recommendations contained in the report of the independent United Nations team tasked with assessing the monitoring of the Lebanese border with Syria, his spokesperson announced today.
Former UK leader Tony Blair named new Quartet Representative
Following discussions among the Principals, the Middle East diplomatic Quartet – comprising the United Nations, European Union, Russian Federation and United States – today announced the appointment of former United Kingdom leader Tony Blair as its Representative.