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The United Nations human rights office today welcomed the news that a Chinese court has recently overturned the death sentence imposed on Li Yan, who killed her abusive husband, Tan Yong, in 2010.

Thousands of people are fleeing new violence and reprisal attacks in and around the town of Bambari in Central African Republic (CAR) that have already left at least 45 people dead and scores more wounded, the United Nations refugee agency reported today.

The United Nations today expressed concern about the continuing human rights violations reportedly taking place in Venezuela and reiterated its call on authorities to respect the rights of peaceful demonstration and assembly.

Expressing deep concern about growing restrictions on freedom of expression in Burundi, a senior United Nations rights official today called on the authorities there to ensure that human rights are fully protected ahead of next year’s presidential elections.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the start of the global celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, which will aim to honour the historic breadth of the Organization’s development, security and human rights work, and ultimately, unite the international community in common cause to enable a strong UN to realize a better world.

Reiterating the commitment of the United Nations to ridding the world of anti-personnel landmines, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for accelerating efforts towards achieving this goal and strengthening adherence to the global treaty dealing with the issue.

The United Nations today condemned the assassination of Salwa Bugaighis, a prominent Libyan human rights advocate and member of the Preparatory Committee for National Dialogue.

Around the world, a “pandemic of violence” and repression threatens to push back hard-won human rights for women and girls, the head of UN Women said today as she declared that the United Nations is taking its campaign to promote gender equality “outside our offices to the community and people, where it will always belong.”

Deeply concerned by the rising number of civilian casualties in ongoing military operations in the southern Afghan province of Helmand, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMA) today urged all parties to take precautions to ensure civilian protection.

The United Nations is proud to be a key partner with Africa, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told continental leaders gathered for a summit in Equatorial Guinea today, underscoring the Organization’s commitment to working with them to resolve and prevent conflict, as well as to enhance agricultural productivity, promote industrialization and ensure gender equality.