Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Myanmar's human rights record matter of 'grave concern,' says Ban
4 July – Myanmar's future must be rooted in respect for human rights, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, voicing his deep disappointment that the South-East Asian nation's Government refused his request to meet with Nobel laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. FULL STORY>>

Secretary-General: cooperatives can help pull world out of recession
4 July – Cooperatives, based on the principles of self-help and reciprocity, have the potential to help address the global economic crisis, especially among the world's most vulnerable, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today. FULL STORY>>

Iranian police on motorbikes patrol a street in Tehran

UNESCO chief backs G8 call on Iran to respect human rights
3 July – The head of the United Nations agency tasked with upholding freedom of expression and press freedom today voiced his strong support for the recent call issued by the foreign ministers of the Group of Eight (G8) nations on Iran to respect fundamental human rights. FULL STORY>>

UN helping Timorese uprooted families return home peacefully
3 July – The United Nations is assisting families displaced by violence which shook Timor-Leste in 2006 return to their homes and preventing potential conflicts in their communities. FULL STORY>>

International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) building in The Hague

Financing tops discussion among administrative heads of UN-backed tribunals
3 July – The Registrars, or top administrative officials, of the International Criminal Court (ICC), United Nations tribunals and courts backed by the world body wrapped up a meeting today focusing on funding and resources. FULL STORY>>

PEACE AND SECURITY

Cypriot leaders discuss territory issue during latest round of UN-backed talks - 2 July

Human rights experts join chorus of UN condemnation over coup in Honduras - 2 July

Niger’s continuing crisis imperils democracy, Secretary-General warns - 2 July

Ban discusses Myanmar during talks with Singapore’s leaders - 2 July

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Trade, Investment, Technology

UN-Caribbean partnership crucial amid today’s crises, says Ban - 2 July

Knowledge crucial for African development – UN officials - 2 July

Fall in foreign tourism accelerates, UN agency reports - 2 July

New UN report spotlights challenges to rural development in Western Balkans - 2 July

HUMANITARIAN AID, REFUGEES

Health threats to displaced Pakistanis major concern for UN agencies - 2 July

Pakistani returnees receive first food rations from UN agency - 1 July

Lack of funding forces UN food agency to reduce operations in DPR Korea - 1 July

UN health agency urges greater funding for displaced in Pakistan - 30 June

ENVIRONMENT, SHELTER

High-level forum stresses need to tackle radioactive waste in Central Asia - 29 June

Secretary-General welcomes new UK climate change financing scheme - 29 June

Free trade can help combat global warming, finds UN report - 26 June

‘Green’ economy vital to promoting development in midst of crises – UN agencies - 25 June

HUMAN RIGHTS

Independent UN rights expert criticizes seizure of aid boat by Israeli forces - 2 July

Racism not just a right-wing phenomenon, UN expert says after visit to Germany - 1 July

UN human rights probe wraps up public hearings in Gaza - 29 June

Egypt making progress in water, sanitation – UN rights expert - 29 June

UN AFFAIRS, SECRETARY-GENERAL

Climate change, DPR Korea focus of Ban’s talks with Japanese leader - 1 July

Ban ranks among most trusted world leaders, says new survey - 29 June

Migiro travels to Libya for African Union summit - 29 June

Ban calls on G8 to combat climate change, boost support for development - 24 June

WOMEN, CHILDREN, POPULATION

Women’s centres re-open in Darfur with help from AU-UN mission - 2 July

UN and World Bank voice concerns about funding for family planning - 1 July

Ensuring quality education among challenges for Syria, UNICEF chief says - 30 June

UN experts tackle ‘conspiracy of silence’ over sexual violence in wartime - 24 June

LAW, CRIME PREVENTION

UN tribunal finds former Rwandan investigator guilty of leaking information - 2 July

UNAIDS hails Indian court decision decriminalizing homosexuality - 2 July

UN tribunal for Rwandan genocide transfers nine prisoners to jail in Benin - 1 July

UN rights expert concerned at restriction of lawyers’ freedom in Cambodia - 1 July

HEALTH, POVERTY, FOOD SECURITY

Stronger agriculture sector key to brighter future for Africa, Migiro tells leaders - 1 July

UN agency announces start of clinical trial for river blindness drug - 1 July

Top UN officials urge donors to help Africa weather food crisis - 1 July

Africa’s food crisis must not be forgotten amid global economic woes – UN trade body - 30 June

CULTURE AND EDUCATION

Murder of another Filipino journalist prompts UNESCO condemnation - 1 July

Sacred Chinese mountain among sites inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List - 28 June

Two Latin American sites added to UNESCO's Danger List - 27 June

Four new sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List - 26 June