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On Africa Day, UN chief says continent's future full of opportunity and hope

25 May – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today declared that while Africans forge ahead with “a new narrative” for their continent, the United Nations will support them as they faced any challenges that remain on the path towards a prosperous future.

Security Council recognizes contribution of UN Yugoslav tribunal

25 May – Members of the Security Council on Saturday marked the 20th anniversary of the United Nations tribunal set up in the wake of the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s, recognizing the Hague-based body's commitment to the fight against impunity for perpetrators of war crimes.

Nepal: Ban urges all parties to ‘maintain momentum’ to hold elections within timetable

24 May – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged all parties in Nepal to overcome remaining political obstacles to hold the country’s next elections within the existing timetable.

UN agency calls on Syria’s neighbours to keep borders open for refugees

24 May – The United Nations refugee agency today called on countries around Syria to keep their borders open for refugees, while also stressing the need for “urgent and robust” international support for host countries and aid agencies.

UN expert group urges new Icelandic authorities to sustain gender empowerment efforts

24 May – As the world’s top performer on gender equality, Iceland needs to sustain its achievements and bridge remaining gaps on employment and gender based violence, a group of independent United Nations experts today urged as the country’s newly formed Government took office.

UN human rights expert welcomes shift in President Obama’s counter-terrorism policy

24 May – An independent United Nations human rights expert has welcomed what he said was a ground-breaking speech by President Barack Obama in which the United States leader laid out principles governing the use of counter-terrorism measures such as targeted killings.

UN human rights office urges trial to be decided on merits after Guatemalan court overturns Ríos Montt conviction

24 May – The United Nations human rights office today said it was “concerned” about the legal rights of Guatemalans after a high court overturned the 80 year prison sentence against former military leader, Efrain Ríos Montt.

Japan must continue efforts to deactivate Fukushima nuclear plant – UN agency

24 May – Although Japan has made progress towards stabilizing the damaged reactors of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant crippled by a devastating earthquake two years ago, there are still issues to be resolved before it can begin its deactivation, the United Nations atomic agency said in a report released today.

Afghanistan: UN condemns terrorist attack on partner agency’s compound

24 May – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the top United Nations envoy in Afghanistan have strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a compound of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in central Kabul, which earlier today wounded three of the agency’s staff, one seriously.

UN report highlights benefits of school meal programmes in crisis settings

24 May – A United Nations report released today stresses the importance of providing meals for schoolchildren, particularly in times of crisis, and notes that this is still lacking in many developing countries.