Israel says flotilla was anything but a genuine humanitarian mission
Israel says the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) operation was not a military attack.
Home » 31 May 2010
Entries posted on “May 2010”
UN urges governments to help bring war criminals to justice
There’s a call for governments to help bring war criminals to justice.
UN official calls for full investigation into Israeli raid on flotilla
Today’s bloodshed would have been avoided if repeated calls on Israel to end the counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of Gaza had been heeded.
Red Cross assisting Central America countries following deadly tropical storm
The International Federation of the Red Cross is assisting people affected by tropical storm Agatha which has caused nearly 100 deaths in Central America.
New round of climate talks opens in Bonn
A new round of UN Climate Change talks kicked off on Monday with representatives from more than 180 governments meeting in Bonn to take forward work from last year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP 15).
UN Daily News 31 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Soccer match honours war crimes victims
Victims of war crimes were honoured for their dignity during a soccer game in Kampala, Uganda, on the eve of the first review conference for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Rapporteur says aid boat attack is “a shocking crime against humanity”
As we heard in the news, the Secretary-General and other senior UN officials have expressed their shock following the attack on a flotilla bringing humanitarian supplies to Gaza. UN Radio’s Reem Abaza interviewed Richard Falk, UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, about the incident. Duration: 3’21″ FALK: In my view, this exposes in [...]
Secretary-General shocked at violent attack on Gaza aid boats
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a full investigation into the deadly attack on a convoy of boats bringing humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
UN Human Rights chief shocked by attack on humanitarian flotilla to Gaza
UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay has expressed shock at the attacks on a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Concert by CIS Youth Orchestra commemorates end of WWII in Europe
Monday is an official holiday in the US, known as Memorial Day, honouring those, who died while in military service. Earlier this month, the United Nations held its own commemoration to mark the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Bissera Kostova prepared this report. In addition to a solemn ceremony [...]
Ban welcomes extension of Nepalese Constituent Assembly
Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Saturday welcomed the decision to extend by one year, the term of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal, which is tasked with drafting the country’s new constitution. The body was due to expire last Friday.
Ban lauds Malawi’s decision to pardon gay couple
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has lauded the decision of Malawi’s President Bingu wa Mutharika Saturday to pardon a gay couple sentenced to 14 years in jail recently for holding a same-sex wedding.
UN Chief hails Malawi’s success in combating poverty and hunger
Malawi should be known throughout the world for its successes in combating, poverty and hunger and leading the Millennium Development Goals campaign.
UN chief welcomes successful outcome of NPT conference
Friday’s successful conclusion of the 2010 NPT Review Conference has been welcomed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation meeting wraps with agreement for talks on a nuclear free Middle East
A month-long conference to stop the spread of nuclear weapons on Friday agreed on talks toward the establishment of a nuclear weapon-free zone in the Middle East.
UNICEF provides over a million mosquito nets in Central African Republic
UNICEF and its partners are distributing more than a million mosquito nets in the Central African Republic to protect children and pregnant women from malaria.
Alliance of Civilizations forum opens in Rio de Janeiro
The Third Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, a forum for inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue, opened on Friday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
UNICEF requires $17 million for emergencies in Zimbabwe
UNICEF needs US$17 million to respond to the most acute emergencies including ongoing measles, cholera and typhoid outbreaks in Zimbabwe.
Malawi improves food security through farmer subsidies
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is going to Malawi on Sunday, where he will visit a Millennium village – one of the UN’s test cases in reducing extreme poverty. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. Yet in recent years it managed to improve food security even as the world was going through a [...]
UN peacekeepers in Haiti: “brave, swift and effective”
The UN salutes its peacekeepers on May 29 each year. This year’s celebration is especially poignant. The UN family was devastated by the Haiti earthquake in which 101 staff members died, 96 of them peacekeepers. UN Radio’s Donn Bobb spoke to Sebastian La Pierre who arrived in the country just days after the January 12 [...]
The joys and challenges of peacekeeping work in Darfur
The United Nations is saluting the brave men and women who proudly wear the UN blue beret on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. But military staff and police officers are not the only ones comprising the peacekeeping ranks. Thousands of civilians also serve at UN operations, from Haiti to Kosovo to the Democratic Republic [...]
Security Council extends mandate of MONUC
The Security Council on Friday extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) until the end of June this year.
Over 17,000 people have bee displaced in Mogadishu in May.
The ongoing conflict in the Somali capital Mogadishu has forced more than 17,000 people to flee their homes in May.
UN agencies are short of funds for Yemen operation
United Nations relief organizations are running out of money for their humanitarian operation in Yemen.
UN pays tribute to peacekeepers’ work and sacrifices in world’s hot spots
“Our courageous peacekeepers are among the best of what the United Nations has to offer.”
WHO warns that tobacco companies are targeting women
The World Health Organization says cigarette smoking among women was on the rise globally as tobacco companies shift their marketing campaigns to target women.
UN agencies call for protection of rights of migrants
United Nations agencies meeting under the auspices of the Global Migration Group are calling on governments to improve conditions for migrants and eliminate barriers to human mobility.
WFP warns of challenges as drought-stricken Sahel enters hunger season
The World Food Programme (WFP) is warning that some 10 million people in the Eastern Sahel region of West Africa are facing a challenging season of hunger before the next harvest is due in September.
Land dispute forces over 3,000 Ghanaians to flee to Togo
More than 3,000 Ghanaians have fled to Togo since 18 April as a result of a violent land dispute between two villages in northeastern Ghana.
Security Council extends UN mission in Cote d’Ivoire for one month
The Security Council on Thursday decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) for one month, until 30 June 2010.
African countries meet on how to eliminate mother-to-child AIDS transmission
Government representatives from 20 African countries are meeting in Nairobi to discuss ways to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS by 2015.
Secretary-General calls on leaders of Nepal to put national interest first
As the deadline to draft a new constitution approaches in Nepal, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on the country’s leaders to put national interest first.
UN expert finds progress and problems in Colombia
Colombia has made important security gains after decades of armed conflict and gross human rights violations, but serious problems with its security policies have undermined the very goals the government seeks to achieve.
Holmes visits southern Sudan, where levels of violence are increasing
UN Humanitarian chief John Holmes on Thursday travelled to southern Sudan, where rising concerns over food insecurity, displacements and inter-tribal violence are threatening an already vulnerable population.
Red Cross helps Serbia and Kosovo solve missing persons issue
The International Committee of the Red Cross, (ICRC) is helping Kosovo and Serbia to resolve the issue of people who have not been accounted for since the conflict in Kosovo between January 1998 and December 2000.
Overcoming water scarcity in Darfur
The UN/African Union Mission in Darfur faces many challenges. One of them is the stark desert terrain in the Sudanese region, where water is scarce. UN Radio’s Derrick Mbatha spoke to Emmanuel Mollel, who is serving as the Chief of water and environment protection in the mission, known as UNAMID and found out more about [...]
Uganda hosts ICC review conference
This weekend UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon heads to Kampala, Uganda, to participate in the first review conference for the Rome Statute, the 2002 treaty which established the International Criminal Court (ICC). For a preview of the meeting, UN Radio’s Flora Nducha sat down with Uganda’s ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda. Duration: 4’00 [...]
Secretary-General arrives in Rio for Alliance of Civilizations Forum
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Forum taking place from the 27th to the 29th of May.
Partnership signed between Rome and WFP
An accord has been signed between the city of Rome and the UN World Food Programme, WFP, that commits both partners to work together closely on efforts to raise awareness on hunger issues worldwide.
ISDR My City Campaign
The United Nations is launching a two year-long campaign to help cities around the world build resilience against the impacts of natural disasters.
UNIFIL commemorates International Day of UN Peacekeepers
“Today as ever, UNIFIL remains firmly committed to the implementation of its mandated tasks in support of the people of South Lebanon and in close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces.”
Humanitarian aid fleet heads to Gaza
Eight cargo ships carrying humanitarian aid, mostly building materials, medical equipment and medicines, will set sail for the Gaza Strip on 27 May.
Secretary-General accepts invitation to FIFA World Cup in South Africa
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is pleased to accept a personal invitation to attend the opening ceremony of the football World Cup which kicks off in South Africa on 11 June.
Haiti recovery showing “positive signs”
Recovery efforts continue in Haiti four months after the deadly earthquake. The spokesman at the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti, known as MINUSTAH, visited New York this week and updated UN Radio’s Jocelyne Sambira on developments. George Ola Davis recalls that his arrival in the mission area three months ago was “traumatic.” Duration: 2’39″ DAVIS: [...]
UN calls for universal legal protection of children from worst forms of exploitation
A two-year campaign launched by the UN on Tuesday aims to strengthen the legal basis for protecting children from extreme forms of exploitation, such as use in armed conflict, and prostitution and pornography. Bissera Kostova reports. Duration: 2’56″ NARR: The campaign urges all countries to sign on to two optional protocols to the Convention on [...]
UN report forecasts fragile economic recovery in 2010
A UN report released on Wednesday forecasts a slight improvement in the global economic picture this year. But it warns that recovery will be too weak to make up for job losses. Dianne Penn interviewed UN economic expert Robert Vos about the updated 2010 World Economic Situation and Prospects. Duration: 2’33″ VOS: The global economy [...]
Secretary-General stresses importance of dialogue to promote peace
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday stressed the important role of inter-cultural dialogue in the promotion of peace and security.
Two more countries ratify the CTBT
The Central African Republic and Trinidad and Tobago are the latest countries to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the CTBT.
UN finds pace of global economic recovery too slow to spur job growth
The world economy is rebounding from its contraction in 2009, but the pace of recovery remains subdued.
Internal displacement in Azerbaijan lasted too long: UN expert
“Despite efforts to improve conditions, internal displacement in Azerbaijan has lasted too long.
UN expert finds appalling conditions in holding cells of Papua New Guinea
Detainees in Papua New Guinea are kept for many months in police lock-ups under appalling conditions, which amounts to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment.
Peace deal possible in Cyprus in coming months: UN
A peace deal on the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus is possible in the coming months.
IOM helps Iraqis returning from Iran
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing non-food items to nearly 50 families who have recently returned to Iraq from Iran after nearly 20 years of displacement.
Holmes visits nutrition centers in Chad
More than two million people – 18 percent of the population – have been affected by the severe food and nutrition crisis in western Chad.
Japan contributes over $245 million to Global Fund
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria warmly welcomed Japan’s decision to significantly increase its 2010 contribution to more than US$ 245 million.
Protecting fish stocks from illegal fishing
It is estimated that up to a quarter of all fish caught in the oceans are fished illegally or without regulation. This is undermining efforts to control overfishing and is endangering the viability of fish stocks and therefore food security. Bissera Kostova reports. Duration: 3’13″ NARR: At a review conference of the 1995 UN Fish [...]
Global fight to end a childhood killer
Measles is making a comeback. The highly infectious disease has resurfaced in approximately 30 African countries since mid-2009, resulting in more than one thousand deaths. At a global health meeting in Geneva last week, countries endorsed a series of targets which hopefully will lead to the eradication of the childhood killer. UN Radio’s Jocelyne Sambira [...]
On anniversary of key rights accords, UN launches new drive to protect children
There’s a call for universal ratification of the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child – on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, and on protection for children in armed conflict.
Burundi ruling party wins local elections.
Burundi’s ruling party has a big lead in local elections according to preliminary results announced on Tuesday. On voting day, everything was peaceful, the Head of the UN Integrated Office in Burundi, Charles Petrie, told our colleague Gerry Adams. Duration: 2’21″ “They are going very well. There has been a very high turnout. These elections [...]
UN envoy is concerned about violence during transition in Iraq
The top United Nations envoy for Iraq has expressed concern about violence in Iraq as the country moves towards forming a new government following parliamentary elections in March.
UN envoy in Iraq strongly condemns assassination of Member of Parliament
The top United Nations envoy in Iraq, Ad Melkert, has strongly condemned the assassination of a newly elected Member of Parliament.
ITU calls for broadband and Internet access for half the world’s population by 2015
Today, nearly 90 per cent of the world’s population is covered by a mobile cellular network.
That’s what the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union, Hamadoun Toure, told delegates at the ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference in Hyderabad, India.
Gaza blockade suffocating agriculture sector
Humanitarian aid agencies have called upon the Government of Israel for full and unfettered access into and out of the Gaza Strip for materials and exports necessary for the revival of the agriculture and fishing sectors and for the lifting of restrictions imposed on Palestinian access to farm land and fishing areas.
Africa poised to capitalize on its potential: Ban
Africa is poised to capitalize on its potential. That’s what Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says in a message marking Africa Day today 25 May.
Lack of cash threatens Chad relief effort: FAO
Lack of funds is jeopardizing emergency operations by the Food and Agriculture Organization in Chad where two million people risk hunger after drought and pest infestations slashed food production.
Bosnia elections can be momentum for change: High Representative
Elections this year in Bosnia and Herzegovina could serve as a momentum for change, according to a senior foreign official in the country.
Istanbul Conference on Somalia is a breakthrough: UN envoy
The Top United Nations envoy for Somalia says the just held three-day meeting on Somalia, in Istanbul, Turkey has been a breakthrough for all stakeholders.
Ban Ki-moon speaks to press on Somalia, NPT
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at a press conference on Monday said the meeting was an important event at a crucial time for Somalia.
Large numbers of Burundians participate in elections
There has been a high turnout in the elections taking place in Burundi on Monday, according to Charles Petrie, the head of the United Nations office in Burundi.
Ban confident of 'appropriate’ Security Council action on Korean ship sinking
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has backed a call by the South Korean President for the Security Council to consider action against North Korea for the sinking of a naval ship.
No military solution to Darfur crisis: Gambari
The hybrid African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) reports a “tense and unpredictable” security situation in the province. Ongoing clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in South Darfur have claimed several lives and casualties on both sides. UNAMID chief Ibrahim Gambari last week warned the Security Council [...]
UNRWA condemns extremist attack on children’s recreational facility
The UN Secretary-General and the UN humanitarian agency in Gaza, UNRWA, have condemned an attack over the weekend on one of the agency’s summer recreational facilities for refugee children. Reem Abaza spoke to the head of UNRWA’s operations in Gaza John Ging to find out more about the object of the vandalism and the attackers’ [...]
Secretary-General calls for prompt action by Security Council on Korean ship
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has backed a call by the South Korean President, for the UN Security Council to consider action against North Korea for the sinking of a naval ship. The ship was reportedly hit by a DPRK torpedo in late March, killing 46 Republic of Korea sailors. Bissera Kostova has more on this. Duration: [...]
Regional government pollution experts meet in Panama
Fifty pollution control experts of the Wider Caribbean began a five day meeting on Monday to discuss how to encourage States to reduce pollution caused by the dumping of waste at sea.
Government and rebel forces clash in South Darfur
The joint United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has confirmed ongoing fighting between Sudanese government forces and fighters of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in South Darfur.
Secretary-General condemns vandalizing of UNRWA facility in Gaza
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned acts of vandalism by intruders against a summer games facility for children run by the UN refugee agency for Palestine refugees (UNWRA) in Gaza.
Japan leads on cell free driving
Road fatalities have reached crisis proportions with what is now commonly known as distracted driving. With the number of cell phone users on the rise, more accidents are being attributed to talking or texting while driving. Japan has been ahead of the curve by voting a law against it. Korea unveils its Green Growth Plan. [...]
UN human rights expert to visit Burundi in context of general elections
The United Nations independent expert on the human rights situation in Burundi is going on mission to the country this weekend as it prepares for the start of elections.
UN Daily News 21 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Grenada calls for renewed efforts to recognize the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States
Caribbean News Round-Up: a weekly 15-minute news magazine on developments at the United Nations concerning the Caribbean.
UN Daily News 20 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Human security calls for people-centred, preventive responses: Ban
Human security is a practical approach to the growing interdependence of vulnerabilities facing peoples and communities. This is especially so in today’s increasingly interlinked world, where threats can potentially spread rapidly within and across countries.
Report on sinking of South Korean naval ship “deeply troubling”: Ban
There’s been UN reaction to an international report that a North Korean submarine’s torpedo sank a South Korean navy ship on 26 March causing the deaths of 46 sailors.
UN Daily News 19 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Africa needs its own 'green revolution’: UNCTAD
Ineffective farming techniques and wasteful post-harvest practices have left sub-Saharan Africa as the region most likely to miss the first Millennium Development Goal: eradicating extreme hunger and poverty by 2015.
UN Daily News 18 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 17 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN names Costa Rican diplomat as new climate change chief
Costa Rica’s Christiana Figueres was named as the new Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to succeed Yvo de Boer.
UN envoy in Iraq welcomes proper ballot recount process
The top United Nations envoy for Iraq, Ad Melkert, has welcomed what he describes as “the proper manual recount process” of ballots from the March parliamentary elections followed by the announcement of the recount results.
Multimedia initiative encourages discussion among the young people of Nepal
A new multi-media initiative in Nepal now lets young mobile phone users text in their opinions on national debates directly to UNICEF’S website, as we hear in this report from UNICEF, the UN Chidren’s Fund: Fighting child labour with school lunches in India; In the past 10 years, more than 30 million children have been [...]
Ghana’s women poultry farmers
Women: a weekly 14-minute news magazine that looks at issues affecting women around the world.
African artists launch MDG song ahead of World Cup
The eyes of the world will be on South Africa when the FIFA World Cup kicks off in June. And the UN Information Centre in the country’s capital, Pretoria, is hoping football fever will inspire action towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. They have united some of Africa’s leading artists to record a song highlighting [...]
Showcasing the harmful effect of chemicals with Art
Safe Planet is an ambitious campaign that seeks to protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals and waste. In partnership with the artists from around the world, and supported by the UN’s Environment Programme, UNEP, their aim is to engage the public and demonstrate how people can take responsibility for keeping the planet safe [...]
UNDP chief launches “8 Goals for Africa” to promote MDGs
The head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Helen Clark, who visiting South Africa, on Friday launched a song to promote the Millennium Development Goals, known as the MDGs.
Secretary-General stresses need for global efforts against piracy
United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has stressed the need for international cooperation to tackle the scourge of piracy. Addressing an informal meeting of the General Assembly on piracy on Friday, he said piracy may be the first international crime and efforts to eradicate it created the first precedents of universal jurisdiction. The Secretary-General noted that [...]
UN Daily News 14 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN expert says despite progress in right to food much more needs to be done
A United Nations independent expert says that while significant progress has been made in the realization of the right to food, more still needs to be done.
WHO welcomes resolution to tackle non-communicable diseases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed the adoption of the General Assembly resolution on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
UNESCO assisting the region in teacher training and curriculum review
Caribbean News Round-Up: a weekly 15-minute news magazine on developments at the United Nations concerning the Caribbean.
UN Daily News 13 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Ghana’s women poultry farmers
Ghanaian women are working hard to feed their families-and their nation. They hold jobs across the food production and distribution chain, from household farmer to “market queen,” the title given to the powerful ladies who control the price of a particular crop at urban markets. Dianne Penn reports. Sabina Anokye Mensah is with the GRATIS [...]
UN, African Union and Sudan hold Darfur talks
The United Nations, the African Union, and the government of Sudan this week held talks on the security situation in Darfur. UN Radio’s Reem Abaza spoke to Ibrahim Gambari, head of the joint UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), about the outcome, and the peace talks taking place in Doha, the capital of Qatar, between [...]
United Nations pays tribute to late President of Nigeria
The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday held a meeting to remember and honour President Umar Yar-Adua of Nigeria, who passed away last week.
WFP scales up food-for-work and other programmes in Haiti
The World Food Programme has announced a scale-up of its programmes to support the Haitian people rebuild their country following the massive earthquake in January.
HIV/AIDS campaign targets South African football fans
Football fans worldwide are gearing themselves for the 2010 FIFA World Cup which begins next month in South Africa. But for the host country, the tournament has an added feature: a major campaign running parallel to the World Cup to raise awareness among South Africans on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. UN Radio’s Patrick [...]
South Africa seeks commitments on elimination of nuclear weapons
Ambassador Abdul Minty of South Africa is that country’s representative to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty conference at United Nations headquarters. He recently spoke to UN Radio’s Derrick Mbatha about the spread of nuclear weapons in Africa: MINTY: Well, it is a concern because to the extent that nuclear weapons can damage all of us. Africa [...]
Meeting our needs while preserving the planet
Thanks to globalization, consumerism is a bug that has spread around the world. The desire to purchase more cars, appliances, electronics, has grown as well as our waste, causing great harm to our environment. Jocelyne Sambira reports. How to continue meeting people’s needs while preserving our planet, is an ongoing debate at the UN Commission [...]
UN Daily News 12 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UNHCR seeks additional funds to ease plight of Somali refugees
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) is appealing for additional funds to ease the plight of Somalis displaced by conflict inside their country and those who have fled to neighbouring countries.
UN Daily News 11May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UNHCR issues asylum guidelines for Somalis
As fighting has intensified in parts of Somalia, hundreds of thousands of Somalis have sought refuge in neighboring countries and beyond. The UN refugee agency has issued new guidelines asking countries to extend protection to Somali asylum seekers. Bissera Kostova found out more about the plight of Somali refugees from UNHCR’s Spokesman in Nairobi, Yusuf [...]
Blow the whistle against hunger!
Using a whistle as a campaign symbol, the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, unveiled a major anti-hunger campaign on Tuesday calling on people to get angry and blow the whistle on hunger. Gerry Adams reports: Narrator: “The 1billionhungry project” calls on people around the world to get angry at the fact that some one billion [...]
Protecting Congo’s people
A recent call by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Joseph Kabila for the early withdrawal of UN troops by August 2011 has raised an alarm amongst the humanitarian community. The DRC remains a highly unstable and violent country, especially for women and children. The UN Mission to Congo, MONUC, has been acting as a buffer, [...]
UNHCR calls on governments to protect Somali refugees
The UN refugee agency is calling for international protection of Somalis fleeing fighting between rebel groups in the country.
UN Envoy calls Burundi elections a historic moment
After decades of civil war, with its upcoming elections, Burundi has the chance to set a new standard for peace and democracy in the region according to the UN envoy to the Central African country.
World Health Statistics 2010 gives a snapshot of global health
While there are many important messages in the World Health Organization’s World Health Statistics 2010, an important part of the report relates to the Millennium Development Goals and the importance of tackling the deaths of newborns in their first months of life, says Dr. Carla Abou-Zahr of WHO: ABOU-ZAHR: And essentially what the report is [...]
Monitoring the “pollution” in our bodies with breast milk.
Yasher Samah is a young Kenyan mother who volunteered to have her breast milk examined for toxic chemicals. She was at first surprised then angry to learn she had DDT, a banned pesticide, in her breast milk. She is one of the five women chosen from the Moms and Pops project, a network of women’s [...]
League of Nations records join UNESCO World Memory Register
The archives of the League of Nations are now part of the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The League of Nations, which functioned from 1919 to 1946, was the precursor to the United Nations. UN Radio’s Patrick Maigua spoke about the importance of these documents with the Chief of the Registry Records and Archives [...]
UN Daily News 10 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
ILO warns of slow decline in child labour rates
The International Labour Office (ILO) is calling for a “re-energized” global campaign to end child labour.
World Economic Forum on Africa concludes in Dar es Salaam
The World Economic Forum on Africa concluded in the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salam on Friday emphasizing the need for government support of investment in infrastructure and to promote agriculture.
Timely action could prevent Niger food crisis from turning disastrous: Holmes
The UN Humanitarian Relief Coordinator John Holmes has characterized the situation caused by the drought in Niger, as extremely serious, but not disastrous.
Youth Orchestra performs at UN in memory of the end of World War Two
From the ashes of conflict comes the sound of music as the UN holds a concert to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Monitoring human milk for toxic chemicals
Yasher Samah is a young Kenyan mother who volunteered to have her breast milk examined for toxic chemicals. She was at first surprised then angry to learn she had DDT, a banned pesticide, in her breast milk. She is one of the five women chosen from the Moms and Pops project, a network of women’s [...]
Safe Planet campaign tests “body burden” of celebrities to expose risk of chemicals
Chemicals used in industry and agriculture often have unintended effects on our bodies. The UN Commission on Sustainable Development is currently discussing how to achieve sound management of chemicals worldwide. A UN Campaign called Safe Planet has invited public figures to volunteer to have their bodies tested and make their personal chemical “body burdens” public, [...]
Managing fertilizer use to save money and protect the environment
Nutrients added by farmers to the soil are key to achieving food security. But excess use of fertilizers can cause soil acidification and groundwater pollution, as well as loss of marine life, so striking a balance is critical. Breege Brennan has more on this. BREEGE: Approximately 78% of the earth’s atmosphere is made up of [...]
New findings on rape patterns in the DRC
Dubbed the “rape capital” of the world by Margot Walhstrom, UN Special Representative on Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones, Eastern DRC is seen as the epicenter of sexual violence. A study, jointly put together by Oxfam, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, and Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, looks at more than 4,000 rape cases and provides [...]
The NPT conference wants to further nuclear disarmament
At the opening of the four-week review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told State representatives that they can and must to better to further nuclear disarmament. Bissera Kostova reports. Mayors for Peace speak out for nuclear disarmament At the Second United Nations Special Session on Disarmament held at UN [...]
UN Daily News 07 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN condemns killing of peacekeepers in Darfur
Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed and three others seriously wounded in an attack in Darfur on Friday morning.
UN relief coordinator calls on armed groups to vacate medical clinic in Somalia
The top United Nations humanitarian official for Somalia, Mark Bowden, is calling on the armed groups to vacate a medical clinic they have occupied in the Somali town of Afgooye.
CARICOM calls for international support in the area of waste-management
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has called on the international community to support small island States in terms of information sharing, monitoring, evaluation, resource mobilization and awareness-raising in the area of waste management, among others. The call came as the Commission on Sustainable Development began its eighteenth session, which opened a two-year cycle focusing on five [...]
WFP chief participates in Brazil-Africa food security meeting
The head of the World Food Programme (WFP) Josette Sheeran begins a two-day visit to Brazil this weekend to participate in the Brazil-Africa Dialogue on Food Security.
IOM completes the initial phase of priority relocations of displaced Haitians
More than 7,000 Haitians have been moved from dangerous areas in the Petionville Club golf course in Port-au-Prince the capital of Haiti.
UNICEF is concerned about use of children in ongoing strike in Nepal
There is increasing concern about the use of children in demonstrations by the Maoist Party of Nepal.
UNHCR transfers Central African Republic refugees in Chad
More than a thousand refugees from the Central African Republic are being transferred from the border area to a refugee camp in Chad where they can get assistance from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
CSD high-level session to harness momentum on sustainable development
Participants at next week’s high-level segment of a UN resources commission will build on the “political will” to accelerate progress on sustainable development.
UN Humanitarian Fund gives $5.6 million to fight measles in Zimbabwe
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated $5.6 million to fight measles in Zimbabwe.
UN envoy condemns “despicable” attacks in Afghanistan
The top UN envoy in Afghanistan has condemned deadly attacks on government buildings that took place on Wednesday.
UN alarmed at rise in Somali child soldier recruitment
Two high ranking United Nations officials who work for the protection of children’s rights are deeply concerned about a rise in the recruitment of child soldiers in Somalia. UNICEF’s Executive Director Anthony Lake and the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, say all parties in the conflict are involved. UNICEF Spokesman Patrick [...]
General Assembly commemorates victims of WWII
The UN General Assembly on Thursday held a solemn meeting in commemoration of the victims of the Second World War. The day marks the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Bissera Kostova reports. Duration: 2’41″ NARR: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, addressing the General Assembly called World War II one of [...]
UN Daily News 06 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN urges Asia-Pacific to increase social spending for economic recovery
A United Nations report issued on Thursday is calling on governments in Asia and the Pacific to increase social spending to consolidate the region’s stronger than anticipated economic rebound.
UN marks 65 years since the end of the Second World War
The UN General Assembly on Thursday commemorated the 65th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Secretary-General is deeply saddened by death of Nigerian President
The United Nations Secretary-General is deeply saddened to learn of the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of Nigeria.
IAEA database helps combat nuclear trafficking
As countries meet at the UN this month to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, one of their concerns is keeping nuclear material out of the hands of terrorists. To help in combating nuclear trafficking, the International Atomic Energy Agency established in 1995 the Illicit Trafficking Data Base for countries to report incidents of illicit trafficking [...]
Africa food security needs urgent attention: Diouf
There’s been a call for urgent attention to be directed at Africa’s present food security situation.
Nepal peace process at a 'delicate and critical moment’: Landgren
The peace process in Nepal is at a delicate and critical moment.
UN external expert says Myanmar elections can provide “real improvement” in human rights
A UN independent human rights expert is urging the government of Myanmar to take action towards “the promise of peaceful transition and national reconciliation.”
Import restrictions continue to affect quality of life in Gaza: UNRWA chief
The head of the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees says import restrictions continue to have a dire effect on civilians in Gaza.
UN officials are appalled by use of child soldiers in Somalia
Two United Nations officials dealing with children said they are appalled by the rising recruitment and use of children as soldiers by armed groups in Somalia.
Ghana study finds rural doctors value salary and support
A high salary is not the only incentive for doctors to accept posts in rural areas. That’s the finding of a survey of senior medical students in Ghana published this month by the World Health Organization. UN Radio’s Dianne Penn spoke to Dr. Margaret Kruk at Columbia University in New York who helped conduct the [...]
World Economic Forum opens in Tanzania
The potential for growth in Africa is immense with abundant natural resources, yet the continent continues to be poor.
UN Daily News 05 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Security Council focuses on UN mission’s mandate amid rising tensions in Nepal
The peace process in Nepal is at a critical juncture as political parties face an accumulation of unimplemented peace commitments and a fast-approaching constitutional deadline.
Lack of access to available transport perpetuates poverty: CSD
While transport and mobility are essential for economic growth, social development and global trade, they are often associated with negative impacts such as pollution.
Disarmament and arms control: keystone of global security architecture: Germany
Renewed political will might have overcome stalemates in the disarmament arena, but fell far short of the unified force needed to rid the world of nuclear weapons.
Indonesia to ratify nuclear test ban treaty
Indonesia has begun the process of ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
UNAMID urges an end to hostilities between Sudanese Government and JEM
The UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has reported that recent fighting between the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Government of Sudan has been confirmed, resulting in an underdetermined number of casualties and displaced people.
UNDP chief wraps four-day visit to Mali
The head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Helen Clark wrapped a four day visit to Mali on Tuesday.
Moving out of poverty in the post-conflict period
The post-conflict period in any country can create a context for people to move out of poverty. That’s what researchers from the World Bank found in studies conducted in seven countries including the Philippines, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Deepa Narayan, Director of the World Bank’s Moving Out of Poverty Project, told the World [...]
Secretary-General joins Mayors for Peace in calling for nuclear abolition
At the initiative of the then mayor of Hiroshima, in 1982, an organization called Mayors for Peace was born, offering cities a way to transcend national borders and work together to press for nuclear abolition. The organization now numbers close to 4,000 member cities from 143 countries. Bissera Kostova has more on this. Duration: 2’53″ [...]
UN Daily News 04 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
France supports the rule of law in Liberia.
Liberia is a country emerging from 14 years of civil strife that has left the country, in the words of its President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, “broken” and “institutionally non functional”. Bordering the troubled regions of Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia’s stability is important to the region which is why France is helping Liberia control its borders [...]
UNHCR regains access to 35,000 refugees in Republic of Congo
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has regained access to some 35,000 Congolese refugees scattered on the Republic of the Congo side of the Oubangui River.
The UN is set to establish a human rights office in Guinea
The United Nations is set to establish a human rights office in Guinea following the signing of an agreement on Tuesday afternoon between the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and Guinea’s Foreign Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bakary Fofana.
WHO releases new antivenom guidelines
Although snakebites kill at least 100,000 people annually, many countries face a shortage of appropriate antivenoms, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mayors for Peace meet at UN
Atomic bomb survivors are among the participants at the second Mayors for Peace Conference which opened on Tuesday at UN Headquarters in New York.
Lack of funding forces WFP to cut rations in Yemen
Lack of funding has forced the World Food Programme (WFP) to cut rations it is providing to needy people in Yemen in half starting this month.
Greater cooperation needed to ensure sustainable lifestyles: UN official
The urgent need to fulfill commitments to preserve the earth’s resources while building a better life for all was underlined by senior United Nations officials and representatives of Member States and organizations, as the Commission on Sustainable Development opened its eighteenth session at Headquarters.
FAO warns of climate change threat to Africa
Climate change can significantly reverse the progress towards poverty reduction and food security in Africa, according to a paper presented to the FAO regional Conference for Africa being held in Luanda, Angola this week.
Ban urges Iran to constructively engage on global issues of mutual concern
Iran has been strongly encouraged, as a responsible member of the United Nations, to constructively engage on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Celebration of Earth Day in New York's Times Square
At this year’s Earth Day, April 22nd, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon was among the dignitaries, who joined the celebration hosted by New York City’s Mayor. Breege Brennan was there and spoke to some New Yorkers participating in the event. (Music bridge – then underscore the following) BREEGE: 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, [...]
Zambia opens its airways to private media
In Zambia, the government has made great strides to ensure that media plays an important role in development. UN Radio’s Derrick Mbatha spoke with Ronnie Shikapwasha, Zambia’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, who explained that the media assists in other ways as well: SHIKAPWASHA : The national television and radio for example, they are [...]
NPT Review Conference opens with optimism for furthering disarmament goals
At the opening of a four-week review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (the NPT) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told state representatives that they can and must to better to further nuclear disarmament. Bissera Kostova reports. Duration: 2’53″ NARR: The Secretary-General reminded delegates that 65 years after the nuclear bomb explosion at Hiroshima, the world [...]
UN activities in the spotlight at World Expo 2010 in Shanghai
The work of the United Nations is being showcased in a state-of-the-art pavilion as part of World Expo 2010 underway in Shanghai, China.
Former US government official appointed Executive Director of UNICEF
A former foreign services official with the United States government is now at the helm of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
World Press Freedom Day is important for Africa: Zambian senior official
World Press Freedom Day is very important for Africa according to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services of Zambia Ronnie Shikapwasha.
UN Daily News 03 May 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Top UN envoy for Somalia condemns bombings in Mogadishu
The top United Nations envoy for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah has strongly condemned the explosions in Mogadishu over the weekend which killed many Somalis and some foreigners.
Ban urges States to act with courage to rid the world of nuclear threat
A warning to the international community to act with vision, courage and leadership to rid the world of nuclear threat..or leave a legacy of fear and inaction.
UN chief urges progress towards nuclear-weapon-free-zone in the Middle East
There’s been a call for progress towards a nuclear-weapon-free-zone in the Middle East.
UNHCR says neighbouring countries feel strain of Somalia crisis
Neighbouring countries are feeling the strain of the crisis in Somalia where twenty years of violence and anarchy have forced at least two million people to flee for their lives.
UNESCO chief promotes Freedom of Information on World Press Freedom Day
There is a call for governments, civil society, the media and individuals worldwide to promote freedom of information.
Human right chief stresses need for cooperation to promote human rights
There is a need for more cooperation to deal with human rights challenges throughout the world.
Non-proliferation treaty conference opens Monday
Nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy are among the issues to be discussed as the United Nations opens a month-long conference in a bid to strengthen the non-proliferation regime, and improve the security and safety of nuclear materials and related establishments.
No comprehensive climate deal this year: De Boer
There will not be a comprehensive deal to fight global warming this year.
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