From the Field: Impressions from the Tunisian-Libyan border
UNHCR's Andrew Purvis is on the Libyan border, gathering reports about what is going on inside Libya and what is happening with the people who have already fled.
Sudan: UN civilian protection officials voice alarm over violence in Abyei
Two United Nations civilian protection officials today voiced grave concern over rising tension in the disputed Sudanese territory of Abyei, where recent clashes between rival communities have claimed the lives of more than 100 people and caused the displacement of at least 20,000 others.
Japanese nuclear reactor crisis ‘very serious,’ says UN atomic chief on eve of visit
Repeatedly calling the nuclear reactor crisis in Japan “very serious,” the head of the United Nations agency that coordinates global nuclear safety announced today that he will make a flying visit to the country to see what further help he can offer.
Ban welcomes Guatemalan contributions to UN peacekeeping operations
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed appreciation of Guatemala’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations, but also voiced alarm at the worsening rate of crime, insecurity and human rights violations in the Central American country.
As Haitian elections near, UN voices concern at electoral violence
Voicing deep concern at acts of violence marring the campaign for Sunday’s elections in Haiti, some of them fatal, the United Nations today called on all candidates, especially those in the presidential run-off, to avoid threats, intimidation and harassment.
Canadian broadcaster appointed as UN Ambassador against Hunger
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has confirmed veteran broadcaster George Stroumboulopoulos as its first Canadian Ambassador against Hunger on his return from a visit to Pakistan, where the agency is feeding communities as they rebuild their lives after last year’s devastating floods.
UN rights office calls on Turkey to ensure press freedom after journalists’ arrest
The United Nations human rights arm today called on Turkey to guarantee freedom of opinion and expression, voicing serious concerns at the recent imprisonment of journalists on charges of involvement in a conspiracy allegedly designed to overthrow the Government.
Libya: UN refugee agency calls for safe passage for civilians fleeing violence
As fighting intensifies in Libya, the United Nations refugee agency today voiced concern that people needing to flee combat areas and seek refuge are either unable to go or being prevented from doing so, even as the number of refugees nears 300,000.
Fresh influx of Tunisian boat people reaches Italy in past 24 hours, UN reports
Twenty-two boats carrying more than 1,600 persons, nearly all young Tunisian males, have landed on the small Italian island of Lampedusa in the past 24 hours, bringing the number of Tunisians reaching Italy since mid-January to just over 10,000, the United Nations refugee agency reported today.
New fighting hampers UN efforts to aid thousands displaced in Côte d’Ivoire
Insecurity and the resulting limited humanitarian access in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s largest city are compounding United Nations efforts to aid some of the 300,000 people displaced by fighting stemming from defeated president Laurent Gbagbo’s refusal to leave office.