UN News stories

339 stories found over the past 45 days
Hunger, poverty rates in Egypt up sharply over past three years – UN report

21 May 2013 – Poverty and food insecurity in Egypt have risen significantly over the last three years, according to a joint reports released today by the United Nations food agency and partners.

Number of Syrians in need of humanitarian aid rises to over 8 million – UN

21 May 2013 – A senior United Nations humanitarian official reported today that the total number of people in need of assistance as a result of the ongoing conflict in Syria is now 8.3 million, representing about 38 per cent of the country’s population.

UN global disasters forum opens with condolences for Oklahoma City tornado victims

21 May 2013 – A United Nations forum dedicated to building resilience to disasters and making communities safer opened today in Geneva with expressions of sympathy for the people of Oklahoma City over the loss of life caused yesterday by a deadly tornado.

Greater efforts, resources needed to improve health of Palestinian refugees – UN report

21 May 2013 – Health programmes carried out by the United Nations agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees has helped to improve their lives, but greater efforts and more resources are needed to effectively tackle health challenges, particularly during times of conflict, says a new report.

UN envoy proposes set of principles to guide peace efforts in DR Congo

21 May 2013 – The United Nations Envoy for Africa’s Great Lakes Region today proposed a set of principles to guide immediate peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while voicing concerns over renewed fighting in the eastern part of the country.

UN chief promotes education, gender empowerment during final day of Mozambique visit

21 May 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended the Government and people of Mozambique for steady progress in political development, but urged greater efforts to overcome human rights challenges, including discrimination and violence against women, through education and awareness-raising.

Post-2015 development agenda must focus on equality – UN experts

21 May 2013 – United Nations independent experts today called on countries to ensure the post-2015 development agenda focuses on equality, social protection and accountability, noting that one billion people around the world are still living in poverty.

Madagascar: Secretary-General concerned by latest electoral developments

20 May 2013 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon shares the concerns expressed earlier by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union over the latest developments in the electoral process in Madagascar, according to the spokesperson for the world body’s chief.

Indigenous culture, youth among key topics as UN permanent forum opens 12th session

20 May 2013 – Around 2,300 indigenous participants are expected to discuss culture, education and health during the 12th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which will include a special focus on youth, indigenous groups in Africa and the importance of strengthening ties with international financial institutions.

DR Congo: UN voices concern as fighting resumes between Government and M23 forces

20 May 2013 – The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today voiced its concern about renewed clashes between rebels from the 23 March Movement (M23) and the national armed forces in the eastern city of Goma.