The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, delivered a key address highlighting the escalating crisis in the Middle East. He emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate suffering, ensure safe aid delivery, and facilitate the release of hostages. Guterres reiterated the importance of upholding principles, particularly the protection of civilians, and...
UN Secretary-General António Guterres commemorates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, emphasizing their crucial role in bringing peace and stability to conflict-affected regions. He pays tribute to the sacrifices of over 3,500 peacekeepers who lost their lives since 1948 and highlights ongoing challenges faced by peacekeepers, including attacks from armed groups and terrorists. Guterres...
UN human rights experts have condemned the impending execution of Mr. Ali, a Pakistani man with a psychosocial disability, urging authorities to annul his death sentence and ensure a fair retrial considering his mental health. Despite evidence of his disability, including medical reports, courts have dismissed appeals, leading to fears of arbitrary execution. The experts...
UNICEF and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict issued a joint press release urging immediate action to halt the recruitment of child soldiers and to end grave violations against children in conflict zones. Despite progress made by governments worldwide, the recruitment of child soldiers remains a significant issue, particularly...
The Special Rapporteurs on human rights and hazardous substances and waste, Baskut Tuncak, and on the right to food, Hilal Elver, are urging collective action to phase out highly hazardous pesticides. They emphasize the severe impacts on workers, children, and others at risk, stressing the urgent need for states to take immediate action. This call...
The Least Developed Countries Report 2014 emphasizes that LDCs are crucial in determining the success of the post-2015 development agenda, particularly in eradicating poverty by 2030. Despite strong economic growth, most LDCs have struggled to meet MDG targets, highlighting the “LDC paradox” of limited structural transformation. The report stresses the need for mobilizing resources, directing...
The United Nations refugee agency is assisting the government of Pakistan in issuing new refugee cards to over 1.6 million Afghan refugees in the country. These cards certify their legal status and grant access to social services and basic rights, protecting against risks like extortion and arbitrary arrest. The process involves replacing existing cards with...
The UN Security Council issued a presidential statement urging enhanced support for the implementation of the UN Regional Strategy against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Central Africa. It emphasized the need for a comprehensive regional approach and commended the African Union’s efforts, while urging regional governments to fulfill their commitments. The Council expressed concern...
The LDC Report 2013 highlights the significant increase in the youth population in least-developed countries (LDCs) by 2050 and urges governments to focus on employing this demographic for economic progress. It calls for a departure from traditional policies and emphasizes the need for inclusive growth and better-quality job creation. UNCTAD warns of potential consequences like...
On International Human Solidarity Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasizes the importance of inclusive cooperation in achieving shared goals such as reducing poverty and advancing democratic freedoms. Solidarity is seen as a fundamental value essential for addressing global challenges in an interconnected world. Ban highlights the role of solidarity in initiatives like the World Solidarity Fund...
