Inter-tribal fighting intensifies in South Sudan
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, says inter tribal fighting has intensified in South Sudan since December 2009.
Home » 26 Feb 2010
Entries posted on “February 2010”
WHO chief warns that tobacco use is increasing in developing countries
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), has warned that tobacco use is increasing in developing countries.
New technology strengthens Africa’s health workforce
At least 57 countries worldwide, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa, are grappling with severe shortages in their health workforce. Technology is helping address these enormous health challenges. The world Health Organization’s Joel Schaefer explains: Joel Schaefer: Africa has the world’s highest rates of HIV and malaria, and the greatest incidence of mother and child [...]
General Assembly reiterates call for probe into Gaza violations
The United Nations General Assembly on Friday reiterated its call on Israeli and Palestinian authorities to investigate allegations of violations of human rights law during the conflict in Gaza.
WHO marks five years of entry into force of anti-tobacco treaty
The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is one of the most quickly embraced international treaties. 168 countries have signed on to the convention, which came into force five years ago today. Bissera Kostova has more on this. Duration: 2’48″ NARR: Dr. Thamsanqa Mseleku, President of the Conference of the Parties to the [...]
Israel rejects resolution on investigation into possible Gaza war crimes
Israel on Friday told the UN General Assembly that it has already shared its investigations into its military operation in Gaza last year with the United Nations, and will continue to do so.
Young people enlisted to help meet sanitary needs in quake-stricken Haiti
Six weeks after the earthquake in Haiti, one of the unmet needs remains the building of enough latrines to serve the people, who lost their homes. But with the help of UNICEF, the Haitian Out-of-School Youth Initiative, known by its French acronym IDEJEN, is harnessing the energy of young people to solve this critical problem. [...]
UNEP: Environment Ministers agree to work towards a Green Economy
In the first landmark Declaration issued by ministers of the environment in a decade, Governments have shown their determination to realize sustainable development.
UN Security Council discusses Timor-Leste's challenges and future
UN Calling Asia – a weekly magazine programme, in English, that keeps you in touch with UN developments covering Asia and the Pacific.
UN humanitarian official says the international community continues to support Haiti
Caribbean News Round-Up: a weekly 15-minute news magazine on developments at the United Nations concerning the Caribbean.
Shelter remains the UN’s top priority in Haiti
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA says emergency shelter, camp management and sanitation remain the organization’s top priorities in Haiti for the moment.
Tools needed to combat trafficking in persons
Trafficking in persons is a global crime, affecting virtually every country in the world, and still largely committed with impunity. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, for every 800 victims of trafficking, only one perpetrator is ever convicted of the crime. Bissera Kostova has more on this. Duration: 4’39″ NARR: At a [...]
Former death row inmate tells his story at meeting against death penalty
The 4th World Congress against the Death Penalty in Geneva this week is being sponsored by the United Nations Geneva office and the Swiss National Council. UN Radio’s Patrick Maigua spoke to Curtis McCarty there who was in prison for 22 years, 19 of them on death row in Oklahoma in the United States, for [...]
UN expert urges Botswana to address issues of indigenous peoples
The United Nations independent expert on the rights of indigenous peoples is urging the government of Botswana to adequately and fully address the issues faced by indigenous communities in the country.
Nigeria to take the lead in eliminating mother to child HIV transmission
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS, on Thursday said Nigeria must take the lead in eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV by 2015.
Co-ops in Cameroon help empower HIV positive women
HIV-positive women in North West Cameroon are forming cooperatives to gain economic independence.
A former Rwandan military officer gets 25 years imprisonment for genocide
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda on Thursday sentenced a former Rwandan military officer to 25 years for his part in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Organized crime threatens peace and security, UN Drug Agency warns
Fighting organized crime is the challenge of our time, the UN Chief of the Office on Drugs and Crime told the Security Council on Wednesday.
UN fights to save the Siberian crane from extinction
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is helping to save the endangered Siberian Crane by stabilizing its flight path used for annual migration.
Secretary-General calls for collective efforts to fight crime
United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has called for collective efforts to fight organized crime.
UN Security Council discusses Timor-Leste's challenges and future
Timor-Leste has made remarkable progress since violence erupted there in 2006. On Tuesday, the UN Security Council met to discuss The Secretary-General’s report on the country, as well as its progress and future. Gerry Adams reports: Narrator: Despite the progress, Timor-Leste still faces daunting challenges. That’s the assessment of Armeerah Haq, the UN Secretary-General’s Special [...]
Children’s issues must remain at the center of Afghan talks
The protection of children must be at the center of the reconciliation agenda of the Government of Afghanistan.
WHO chief says non-communicable diseases "have changed places"
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) says that non-communicable diseases "have changed places."
UNAMA is studying details of Karzai's decree on the Elections Watchdog
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan-UNAMA is currently studying details of the legislative decree by President Hamid Karzai.
UNAMID welcomes Government of the Sudan, JEM move toward peace
The African Union- United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has welcomed the agreement to resolve the conflict in Darfur signed in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday evening.
Growing movement to abolish death penalty
The UN Office in Geneva is hosting the 4th World Congress Against the Death Penalty. One of the participants, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, based in France, brings together non-governmental organizations, bar associations, local authorities and trade unions. Its campaign officer, Aurelie Placias, tells UN Radio’s Patrick Maigua that the death penalty abolition [...]
Fourth World Congress against Death Penalty meets in Geneva
Hundreds of activists from around the world have gathered in Geneva for the Fourth World Congress against the death penalty.
Secretary-General welcomes agreement on Darfur
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the agreement to resolve the conflict in Darfur signed late on Tuesday.
UNEP awards green projects that combat climate change
Two projects bringing green stoves and clean lighting to remote rural communities are being awarded with a prize by the UN's Environment Programme.
Timor Leste forges ahead with economic development
Timor Leste is making efforts to improve its economic performance, according to the country's Deputy Prime Minister Jose Luis Guterres.
WHO sends medical teams to treat Pakistanis suffering from severe weather
In the wake of a series of avalanches caused by severe winter, the World Heath Organization has dispatched medical supplies to Pakistan.
Niger is facing severe food shortages
The World Heath Organization says food vulnerability is affecting millions of people in Niger.
Greater efforts needed to curb global warming, says new UN report
The United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, is calling for countries to be more ambitious in cutting greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to curb rises in global temperatures.
Pink chickens and other ways to reach Kenyan youth
A multimedia project in Kenya is trying to inspire young people to earn a living and contribute to their communities. Louise Tunbridge of IRIN Radio finds out more from Rob Burnet of Well Told Story: SFX: RADIO NOISE Tunbridge: No, you haven’t clicked on the wrong site. We’re talking today about a cutting edge youth [...]
UN envoy urges states to provide technical police skills to Timor Leste
The top United Nations envoy in Timor Leste has urged police-contributing countries to provide people who can help train police officers in Timor Leste.
UN Daily News 23 February 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
IFRC says Haitians can receive shelter materials before rainy season
1.2 million people affected by the earthquake can receive shelter materials before the rainy season.
Mediator to Ivorian crisis secures an agreement between opposing parties
Consultations led by the mediator of the Ivorian Crisis, President Blaise Compaore ended on a positive note Tuesday with the opposing parties agreeing to the formation of a new government and a new Independent Electoral Commission.
ITU says use of communication technologies continues to grow
The International Telecommunications Union says the use of information and communication technologies such as mobiles phones and Internet continues to grow worldwide despite the global financial and economic constraints. ITU says the growth in demand is pushing ICT prices down. Patrick Maigua reports from Geneva.
IOM hosts conference on migration management in Indonesia
Representatives of governments and civil society organizations are meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, to discuss labour migration between Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Gulf States.
Over 60,000 Haitians are vaccinated
A vaccination campaign that started on 16 February has covered over 62,000 people, or ten per cent of the 600,000 targeted population in Haiti, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
UNHCR approves an internal loan to sustain its Yemen operation
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has approved an internal loan of over $1.5 million in order to continue its assistance to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people in Yemen until the middle of the year.
UN Secretary-General calls for empowerment of women
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says that full empowerment of women requires expanding economic opportunities and ending violence against them.
UN deputy envoy in Afghanistan is saddened by loss of civilian life
The United Nations deputy envoy for Afghanistan, Robert Watkins, says he is deeply saddened by the terrible loss of civilian life on Sunday in southern Afghanistan.
UN Coordinator for Middle East is concerned about holy sites
A senior United Nations diplomat for the Middle East has expressed concern about the announcement of the Israeli government regarding holy sites in Hebron and Bethlehem and the tensions that have resulted.
International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures launched by UNESCO
In the context of globalization, the parallel challenges of preserving cultural diversity and cultural identities and promoting intercultural dialogue take on a new importance and urgency. That’s why UNESCO has established a High Panel on Peace and Dialogue among Cultures, and declared 2010 the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures. Bissera Kostova reports. Bondevik: [...]
E-waste likely to threaten environment and public health in developing countries
Mobil phones, refrigerators, computers, printers — even toys and music devices –all wear out after a period of time. What’s left behind is called e-waste, or electronic waste. A report from UNEP, the UN Environment Programme, entitled Recycling-from E-Waste to Resources has some suggestions on how e-waste can be addressed, as Gerry Adams found out [...]
Cote d'Ivoire mediator heads to Abidjan for further talks
The mediator in the Cote d'Ivoire's political crisis, President Blaise Compaore, is arriving in Abidjan on Monday for talks with government and opposition leaders to break the stalemate.
UN launches a "trash into cash" project in Asia and the Pacific
A new UN backed project is helping Asia and Pacific cities turn trash into cash.
Experts discuss action plan for improved climate products and services
Experts of the Commission for Climatology (CCI) are meeting in Antalya, Turkey to discuss an action plan to improve climate services to the international community.
UNESCO offers assistance in wake of deadly Moroccan minaret collapse
41 people died over the weekend when a minaret collapsed in Meknes, a World Heritage site in Central Morocco.
UNAMID and Sudan sign accord on prison management
The joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and the Sudanese Government have signed an agreement to improve prison management and inmates’ living conditions.
UNEP warns of spectre of e-waste for developing countries
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is warning that waste from electronic products, known as e-waste, is posing a serious threat to developing countries.
UNESCO looks at education, especially for girls, under attack
A new report by UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, examines how dangerous it has become for many young people to get an education. Bernard O’Malley, the author of the report, says the types of attacks include gunning down of groups of school children in Afghanistan, targeted assassinations in Thailand, for example, where [...]
UN Daily News 19 February 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
The challenges of rebuilding Haiti
The earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12 reduced its capital Port au Prince and surrounding areas to rubble. The Haitian administration also took a deadly blow, losing most of its people and infrastructure. In this programme, various experts on natural disasters, humanitarians and Haitians themselves go over the enormity of the task and how [...]
With needs clearer, UN launches revised appeal for Haiti
The United Nations and its aid partners on Thursday launched an appeal for $1.4 billion for earthquake-devastated Haiti, the largest-ever humanitarian appeal launched in the wake of a natural disaster.
UN Daily News 18 February 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
URDU #08: Bain Ul Aqwami Manzarnama
1. Bio-diversity is life: UN launches International Year of Bio-diversity 2. Malnutrition in Kenya’s children 3. Floating gardens of Bangladesh provide food to flood-prone areas duration: 15’00″
INDONESIAN #7: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
PART I: New UN envoy promises to work to end impunity for sexual violence PART II: “Lighting Up Kenya” aims to improve quality of life in rural areas PART III: Radios in Haiti play a huge role in disaster management duration: 15’00″
UN Daily News 17 February 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 16 February 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Going to school dangerous in some 32 countries
In many countries, children are risking their lives just going to school. A report by UNESCO released on Friday confirms that systematic targeting of students, teachers, academics, and education staff and institutions has intensified in the last three years.
John Holmes in Haiti on one-month anniversary of quake
Haiti declared Friday a day of national mourning to mark one month from the massive earthquake that hit the capital Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
Secretary-General is encouraged by ceasefire in North Yemen
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is encouraged by the news that a ceasefire agreement has been reached in the North of Yemen.
UN says disaster reduction should be part of rebuilding Haiti
The UN office responsible for disaster reduction hopes that 10% of the 10 billion dollars estimated as the cost of reconstructing Haiti after the earthquake, will go towards reducing the country’s vulnerability to disasters.
UN expert on extrajudicial executions to visit Albania
The UN rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Philip Alston, will be in Albania next week, in his first official visit to the country.
IOM builds shelter for internally displaced people in Kenya
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is building shelters for people displaced by the violence, which broke after the elections in 2008 in the Rift Valley of Kenya.
Biodiversity is life
Over the past half century, human activities have caused an unprecedented decline in biological diversity. Two thousand ten is the International Year of Biodiversity. But what is biodiversity? Gerry Adams reports: Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf : Biodiversity is life and without biodiversity, there is no life on earth. It’s our food. It’s our water. It’s our forest, [...]
Secretary-General urges Iraqis to ensure inclusive elections on 7 March
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging Iraqis to ensure that the forthcoming parliamentary elections are as broadly participatory and as inclusive as possible.
UN agencies establish task force for food security in Haiti
Three United Nations agencies dealing with food and agriculture have established a Task Force for Food Security in Haiti. The announcement was made at a high-level meeting in Rome on Friday.
Security Council discusses peacekeeping exit strategies
The head of United Nations peacekeeping operations says that getting the mandate of a mission right from the start is critical for a successful transition and eventual exit.
Upsurge in fighting drives more Somalis to flee Mogadishu
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) on Friday expressed concern that clashes between government forces and the Al-Shabaab militia in the Somali capital Mogadishu will displace thousands of civilians.
Ban Ki-moon sets up group to mobilize climate change financing
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has set up a new high-level Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing.
The floating gardens of Bangladesh
At December’s climate change conference in Copenhagen, a “climate wall” using touch-screen technology, conveyed real-life stories describing how climate change is having an impact on the lives and livelihoods of people around the world. For many local communities, adapting to the changing climate has become a matter of survival. Take Bangladesh, where tens of millions [...]
Kenyan children showing signs of stunted growth
While more children in Kenya are surviving beyond the age of 5 years many of them are not showing signs of becoming healthy adults who will live to fulfill their potential. UNICEF says that child mortality figures are down, that is good. But there has been no improvement in nutrition among children which doesn’t bode [...]
UN repeats call to suspend involuntary returns of Haitians
The UN Refugee agency, UNHCR, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights are calling for a suspension of all involuntary returns of Haitians to their country in view of the continuing humanitarian crisis.
UNICEF says humanitarian disasters are more complex than ever
UN Calling Asia – a weekly magazine programme, in English, that keeps you in touch with UN developments covering Asia and the Pacific.
A new appointment in the fight against sexual violence in conflicts
Margot Wallstrom is the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General to fight against sexual violence in conflict. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has made it clear that he wants to tackle a scourge that has become endemic in many parts of the world. Ms. Wallstrom, a Swedish politician with a long history of advocating for women’s [...]
Former Rwandan army officer is sentenced to 15 Years after retrial
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda based in Arusha, Tanzania, on Thursday sentenced a former Rwandan army officer to 15 years imprisonment for his part in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
WHO hopes flu pandemic has peaked
The World Health Organization says it hopes that the worst of the H1N1 flu pandemic is over. Dr. Keiji Fukuda, WHO’s pandemic influenza chief, said the committee, which deals with this, would decide by the end of the month whether the H1N1 pandemic declared in June has entered a post-peak phase.
UNDP says protecting biodiversity is important for development
Preserving biodiversity is not about being 'green’ but about economics, according to Veerle Vandeweerd, Director of Environment and Energy at UNDP, the UN Development Programme.
Darfur holds one day human rights forum in El Fasher
The African Union and the United Nations Mission in Darfur -known as UNAMID — organized a human rights forum in which various stakeholders gathered to discuss pressing human rights issues around Darfur. The independent expert on human rights for Sudan, Justice Chande Othman, was there and told UNAMID Radio’s Stella Vuso what the forum was [...]
Ethiopia: A Green Refugee Camp
A refugee camp might seem like an unlikely place for a conservation project. But Sherkole in the western highlands of Ethiopia is showing that it can be done. Diane Bailey has more. Kisut Gebre Egziabher says the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR wanted to show that refugees don’t always have to be associated with the destruction of [...]
UN Daily News 11 February 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN envoy encourages Iraqi political leaders to safeguard integrity of democracy
As campaigns begin for the March 7th elections in Iraq, the top United Nations official in the country, Ad Melkert, has issued a statement encouraging the leaders of all political entities to safeguard the democratic process. UN Spokesman Martin Nesirky:
Head of UN mission in Haiti is concerned about impact of rain
The head of the United Nations mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Edmond Mulet says the humanitarian operation in the earthquake-hit country is proceeding smoothly.
Secretary-General of Conference on Disarmament calls lack of progress intolerable
The Conference on Disarmament, which just concluded a four-week session in Geneva, has made no progress and has even regressed, according to its Secretary-General.
UN says Sudanese government must ensure participation of IDPs in national election
More than 70% of the eligible population in Darfur is registered to vote in Sudan’s national elections in April.
ITU partnership to strengthen communication networks in Haiti
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has signed a cooperation agreement with a leading provider of wireless broadband equipment to help rebuild Haiti’s destroyed communication networks.
WFP provides emergency assistance to flood victims in Central Iraq
The World Food Programme (WFP) Thursday began distributing food rations to more than 2,000 people affected by severe flooding in Central Iraq.
UN expert hopes to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi during visit to Myanmar
The United Nations independent expert on the human rights situation in Myanmar says he hopes to meet with opposition leader Aung San Su Kyi during his visit to the country next week.
UN Daily News 10 February 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
New UN envoy promises to work to end impunity for sexual violence
In a continuing effort to protect women and girls from sexual violence, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed a special representative to tackle a scourge that has become endemic in many parts of the world, especially in societies with ongoing conflicts. Margot Wallstrőm, a Swedish politician with a long history of advocating for women’s rights [...]
Strong evidence against Charles Taylor in Sierra Leone war crimes
Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia is accused of sponsoring and aiding rebel groups guilty of committing atrocities in Sierra Leone’s civil war in exchange for a share in the diamond trade. Charges that he denies, but in vain, Joseph Kamara, Deputy Prosecutor for the UN backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, tells our colleague Derrick [...]
Secretary-General is concerned about developments in Sri Lanka
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on authorities in Sri Lanka to ensure the rights and safety of the defeated presidential candidate.
Secretary-General calls for Olympic Truce to be observed
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for observing the Olympic Truce during the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, UN Spokesman Martin Nesirky announced Tuesday.
New UN envoy to coordinate efforts to end sexual violence in conflict
The newly appointed UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict, Margot Wallstrőm says she has a lot to accomplish during her two-year mandate.
Pacific Island nations gather to discuss sustainable development
Top officials from 14 small island developing States in the Pacific met this week the unique development challenges they face. ESCAP, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, was one of the Pacific High Level Dialogue’s sponsors. UN Radio’s Donn Bobb caught up with the head of ESCAP, Noeleen Heyzer, who [...]
UN Daily News 09 February 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Pacific islands need international help to overcome vulnerabilities: ESCAP
A two-day meeting in Vanuatu concluded Tuesday with the assessment that the global economic crisis and recent natural disasters have compounded the vulnerabilities of Pacific island developing economies, still recovering from the food and fuel crises.
Mali farmers reclaim lake
With sand blocking the channels feeding Mali’s Lake Faguibine, the area dried up and local people slipped deeper into hunger. The answer was simple: unblock the channels. Thanks to the food assistance supplied by WFP, local people were able to do it themselves. SFX – Drums Timbuktu – few places in the world have such [...]
WMO stresses importance of weather prediction for rebuilding Haiti
The World Meteorological Organization, WMO, says it will require at least 15 million dollars over the next 3 years to rebuild and strengthen Haiti’s meteorological services, which were extensively damaged and rendered unusable by last month’s earthquake. Patrick Maigua reports from Geneva.
IOM appeals for $16 million to help displaced families in Pakistan
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for $16 million to help displaced people in northwestern Pakistan.
WHO says cases of trauma injures are slowly decreasing in Haiti
Cases of trauma injuries sustained in the earthquake in Haiti such as broken bones are slowly decreasing, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
IAEA concerned about Iran’s decision to go ahead with enriching uranium
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Yukiya Amano has noted with concern Iran’s intention to enrich uranium to nearly 20%.
Haitian-American doctor cares for families evacuated to Dominican Republic
Haitian American doctor Yvonne Jean-Francois normally works in the Bronx, New York. But since mid-January, she’s been in Jimani, Dominican Republic on the border with Haiti. At the town’s Bethel Baptist church, Jean-Francois has been coordinating a make-shift medical facility for hundreds of victims of the Haitian earthquake to recover after they’ve had surgery. Jean-Francois [...]
Outgoing envoy says 2010 will be crucial for Sudan
2010 will be a crucial year for Sudan, according to the outgoing special envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Sudan, Ashraf Qazi.
UN envoy to Darfur supports peace talks in Doha
Ibrahim Gambari, the new head of the joint UN/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has gone to Doha to provide his support to the ongoing Darfur peace talks.
UN condemns the assassination of female election nominee in Iraq
The United Nations envoy to Iraq Ad Melkert has strongly condemned the assassination of a female election nominee in Iraq.
UN Daily News 08 February 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UNCTAD urges clean growth to counter economic crisis
The UN Trade and Development Organization, UNCTAD, recommends that developing countries shift towards “clean” growth to come out of the economic crisis.
UN welcomes release of child soldiers by Maoists in Nepal
The United Nations has welcomed the release of the final batch of nearly 3,000 child soldiers, who served in the Maoist army during the decade-long civil war in Nepal.
Building bridges through Hinduism
In a world where religious conflicts are on the rise, the need to build bridges between societies, and promote dialogue and understanding among peoples of different faiths has never been greater. Hinduism, a religion based on pluralism and tolerance, can help bridge that gap. Jocelyne Sambira reports. NARR: With roots in Asia and going back [...]
International Patent Filings Dip in 2009 amid Global Economic Downturn
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) says applications for patents worldwide under its Patent Cooperation Treaty declined overall by 4.5 per in 2009.
FAO helps clear canals to save Haitian crops
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, has started clearing out irrigation canals in and around the epicenter of the earthquake in Haiti.
“Lighting Up Kenya” aims to improve quality of life in rural areas
Many households in rural areas of Kenya use kerosene to light their homes. Kerosene, which is also known as paraffin produces dangerous fumes and is a fire hazard. But now, thanks to a project called “Lighting Up Kenya”, Kenyans will have safer lamps. UN Radio’s Diane Bailey reports. NARRATOR: Charlette Lopez knows first hand what [...]
Emergency vaccination campaign starts in Port-au-Prince
An emergency vaccination campaign spearheaded by the Red Cross along with the Haitian government, UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization will reach 140,000 people in Port-au-Prince.
UNESCO is alarmed by rising number of attacks on education
The UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is alarmed by the rising number of attacks on education worldwide.
UN mission in Cote d’Ivoire calls for calm as voters register for March poll
The United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) has called for calm in the country as the final voters list is being prepared for elections in March.
UNHCR is set to support out of country voting for Iraqi elections
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has expressed its readiness to facilitate the participation of Iraqi refugees in the March 7 elections in Iraq.
UN Secretary-General issues report on Gaza conflict
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is awaiting the outcome of Israeli and Palestinian investigations into alleged war crimes committed during the Israeli military operation in Gaza on December 2008.
UN body says any accord with the Taliban in Afghanistan must include women’s rights
The Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women says that any agreement with the Taliban in Afghanistan should include a clear commitment to respect and protect women’s human rights.
Progress in reducing female genital mutilation
Despite recent progress in reducing the incidence of female genital mutilation, the UN estimates that 3 million young girls each year remain at risk of undergoing FGM. Bissera Kostova spoke to Nafissatou Diop of the UN Population Fund to find out how UN agencies and governments are trying to overcome this harmful traditional practice. Diop: [...]
Blue fin tuna main course of CITES world conference.
Blue fin tuna and other endangered species will be the main topic of conversation at a forthcoming conference on illegal wildlife trade and protection of the rural poor’s livelihoods.
UN Postal Administration issues human trafficking series
Human trafficking is the theme of a set of stamps issued today by the United Nations Postal Administration.
A crisis in lodging in Haiti
Former United Nations Spokesperson Michele Montas is once again serving the organization, but this time in a different capacity. Ms. Montas recently retired from the UN as the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General. Returning to her native Haiti shortly before the earthquake struck, Ms. Montas, like hundreds of thousands of others, was caught up in this [...]
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon names Bill Clinton coordinator of international recovery effort in Haiti
Caribbean News Round-Up: a weekly 15-minute news magazine on developments at the United Nations concerning the Caribbean.
WHO is concerned about participation of health workers in female genital mutilation
The World Health organization is expressing concern over the rising number of health workers practicing female genital mutilation.
Emergency relief supplies continue to flow in Haiti
Emergency relief supplies are flowing smoothly in Haiti, according to United Nations agencies and their partners on the ground.
Mongolians protect livestock from freezing winters
UN Calling Asia – a weekly magazine programme, in English, that keeps you in touch with UN developments covering Asia and the Pacific.
UN agencies face budget shortfall for operations in Yemen
United Nations relief agencies are warning a lack of funds may force them to scale down their relief operations in Yemen where government forces are fighting insurgents.
Humanitarian crisis affecting nearly half of Somalia's people
Results of a country-wide inter-agency assessment confirm that a widespread humanitarian crisis persists in Somalia.
By-catch fishery operations threaten survival of toothed whales
A report published in Bonn, Germany, on Thursday warns that fishery operations, pollution and habitat degradation are threatening the survival of toothed whales.
World Cancer Day observed
More people die from cancer than from AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. In fact, 12 1/2 per cent of all deaths each year are due to cancer. The causes are many, says Cary Adams, Chief Executive Officer of the International Union against Cancer. Gerry Adams reports: Adams 3: There are lots of factors that have been [...]
UNICEF appeals for $1.2 billion for emergencies around the world
The UN Children's Fund has appealed for $1.2 billion for its emergency operations around the world.
UNICEF says humanitarian disasters are more complex than ever
In emergencies around the world, children are the most vulnerable to succumbing to malnutrition, disease and mental trauma. UNICEF, the UN children’s agency is often the first on the ground in disasters, such as the earthquake in Haiti, providing water, vaccines, food and protection services for children. The agency responds to some 200 emergencies each [...]
Cancer can be prevented too, says WHO on World Cancer Day
Twelve million people are diagnosed with cancer each year, the World Health Organization announced on Thursday, World Cancer Day.
UN Expert calls for urgent cancellation of Haiti's remaining debt
The United Nations independent expert on foreign debt and human rights, Cephas Lumina, on Thursday called for an immediate cancellation of Haiti's debt with multilateral creditors.
FAO calls for support of agriculture in Haiti
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is calling on donors to support a $700 million dollar investment plan in agriculture drawn up by the Haitian government.
More efforts needed to include the voiceless and the disempowered
The head of the UN social development commission is calling for greater efforts to increase the participation of vulnerable and marginalized groups in decision-making.
Secretary-General says shelter is one of urgent priorities in Haiti
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is stressing the need to scale up assistance to Haiti before the hurricane season starts.
Secretary-General appoints Bill Clinton to coordinate efforts in Haiti
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked former United States President Bill Clinton to lead the coordination of international aid from emergency response to reconstruction in Haiti.
FAO stresses the need to address agriculture in Haiti
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Wednesday stressed the urgent need to address agriculture in the wake of the earthquake in Haiti.
UN mission in Darfur refutes Sudanese army accusations
The joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur region has strongly rejected "unfounded allegations" levelled by the Sudanese military spokesperson that it is collaborating with the rebel group known as the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).
WFP head thanks world for unprecedented outpouring aid for Haiti
The head of the World Food Programme is thanking the world for its generosity to compassion for the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake.
Radios in Haiti play a huge role in disaster management
In disaster affected communities, radio stations are the primary public information service, providing information and updates on the severity of the disaster, telling people where to go help as well as when and where it is safe to move. UNICEF Radio looks at how local radios in Haiti are helping to spread the message: NARRATOR: [...]
New ICC decision on genocide charge against President Omar el-Bashir
In March of last year, judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant of arrest against the President of Sudan, Omar al-Bachir for crimes against humanity and war crimes, but not a warrant of arrest for genocide. The judges decided at that time that genocidal intent could not be proven. A few months [...]
In Yemen, reports of selling food aid to pay rent
In Yemen, some of the thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled fighting in Saada Governorate in the north of the country, are selling food aid in the capital, Sanaa, to pay their rent, according to a report by the UN news agency, IRIN.
ICC Appeals Chamber rules on genocide charge against Sudanese President
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court, the ICC, on Wednesday ruled that the genocide charge against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir should be looked at anew.
Haiti relief coordination improves by the day
In Haiti, with the search and rescue efforts to find survivors effectively over and most life-threatening injuries being treated, the priority now is providing shelter for those made homeless by last month's earthquake.
UN experts urge protection of children in aftermath of Haiti's earthquake
UN human rights experts are warning that unaccompanied children in Haiti, including orphans and those sent by their parents to live with more affluent relatives or strangers, run a greater risk of being abducted, enslaved, sold or trafficked given the increased insecurity following last month's earthquake.
WFP says over 4 million people require food aid in Southern Sudan
The World Food Programme (WFP) says the number of people in need of food assistance in Southern Sudan has gone from nearly one million to more than 4 million this year as a result of conflict and drought.
UN Secretary-General denies taking sides in Sudan
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has denied taking sides in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement which ended the civil war between the government in Khartoum and South Sudan in 2005.
Earthquake separates UN staffer and wife
As Haiti continues to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake, caring for the sick, injured and displaced, protecting the children and contemplating future reconstruction and rehabilitation, stories of survival continue to emerge. Emmanuel and Aminata Ubalijoro are natives of Rwanda and both work at the UN Mission in Haiti, MINUSTAH. Emmanuel survived the earthquake. [...]
Japan selects first Myanmar refugees for resettlement
Japanese government officials on Tuesday visited a refugee camp in northern Thailand to begin interviewing refugees from Myanmar who have applied for resettlement in Japan.
Vaccinations for children in Haiti to prevent communicable diseases
In Haiti, starting this week, children under the age of seven will be immunized against a range of communicable diseases.
Drought and fighting force more people to flee homes in Somalia
Increased fighting and drought in Somalia are forcing more people to flee their homes leaving thousands of families displaced.
Mongolians seek to protect their livestock against freezing winters
Since early January there has been continuous and heavy snowfall, blizzards in Mongolia with sharp falls in temperatures. This disaster has already caused the loss of around 3 per cent of the country’s 44 million livestock. But the World Bank is helping Mongolian herders soften the blow and those affected through a pilot project. NARRATOR: [...]
Focus in Haiti shifts to urgent shelter to tide people through rainy season
In Haiti, much of the relief focus is shifting to efforts to provide shelter for people when the rainy season starts in mid-June.
How UNICEF is helping unaccompanied children in Haiti
The arrest of 10 Americans for trying to take children out of Haiti has brought into sharp focus the question of unaccompanied children following the earthquake. With 40 per cent of the population under the age of 14, Haiti’s crisis is a child emergency. Gerry Adams asked UNICEF’s Rebecca Fordham what UNICEF is doing to [...]
Ban pledges support to Africa's development needs
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he will mobilize support to help Africa tackle threats to peace and prosperity across the continent.
UN political chief to visit North Korea
The head of Political Affairs at the UN will visit North Korea starting on Tuesday next week as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General.
INDONESIAN #3: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
UN INDONESIAN PROGRAMME is a weekly production of United Nations Radio PART I: Afghan woman leads her community towards progress PART II: Two women peace negotiators reflect on their experiences PART III: Global fight to preserve daily bread Producer: Jeannette Sitorus Duration: 15:00
UN chief in Cyprus to support talks
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in Cyprus to support ongoing talks between leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, told journalists the two leaders had personally assured him of their commitment to find a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible.
Social Media in Haiti provides critical information on Haiti's needs
The online community has been rolling out new technologies to help identify needs and target the response on the ground post earthquake in Haiti. Information on missing persons has been shared across global networks and mapping sites are collecting data from sources such as mobile phone messages and social media sites on who needs what [...]
WFP suspends aid in northwestern Afghanistan after attack
The United Nations food agency has temporarily suspended food aid deliveries to parts northwestern Afghanistan following Saturday's attack on its convoy.
UN experts' body calls for active role of women in Haiti's recovery
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is calling for women to be involved at every stage of the response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Top UN envoy in Iraq is shocked by killing of pilgrims
The top United Nations envoy in Iraq has expressed his profound shock and sadness at the killing and wounding on Monday of innocent pilgrims in the country.
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