Mr. Ban Ki-moon, on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, urges both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to commit to a two-state solution. He emphasizes the need for a credible political path to meet the legitimate aspirations of both sides and calls for an immediate cessation of settlement activity by Israel. The violence...
The Security Council strongly condemned ongoing attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Central Africa and demanded their immediate end, citing grave humanitarian and human rights concerns. The LRA, originally from Uganda, has spread violence to neighboring countries, committing atrocities including recruitment of children, rape, and killing. Despite efforts to address the threat, limited...
Wangari Maathai, a prominent environmentalist and founder of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, passed away at 71. She was praised by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as a global champion for human rights, women’s empowerment, and environmental protection. Maathai’s Green Belt Movement planted millions of trees in Africa, empowering women and combating deforestation. She was also...
The UN refugee agency has built 200,000 homes for returning refugees and internally displaced persons in Afghanistan since 2002, benefiting 1.4 million people. This initiative, costing $250 million, has facilitated the return of 4.5 million refugees, with over 112,000 returning this year. Shelter is a primary concern for Afghan refugees, and UNHCR has assisted over...
Alain Le Roy, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, emphasized the importance of supporting UNOCI during delicate moments in Côte d’Ivoire, where it faces hostility. Despite challenges, UNOCI aims to fulfill its mandate impartially, protecting civilians regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity. Le Roy sought a meeting with Laurent Gbagbo, the outgoing president, and engaged...
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports a significant decrease in Afghan refugees returning home this year, with only 54,000 returning compared to 2008’s 278,000. Most returnees are from Pakistan, with smaller numbers from Iran and other non-neighboring countries. The upsurge in violence since 2006 has raised concerns among refugees about security and economic...
Since 2006, Pakistan has been registering Afghan citizens living within its borders, providing them with official identification. However, the process for renewing Proof of Registration cards has not been clarified yet. Pakistan has assured the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that a decision on the Management and Repatriation Strategy for Afghan Refugees from 2010...
In a statement, Mr. D´Escoto highlighted the importance of the United Nations as the forum for discussing major changes in the international financial and monetary system to enhance stability and equity. The declaration from the Doha meeting called for an inclusive international conference to review the architecture, aiming to broaden representation beyond traditional dominant interests....
The joint Russian-United States resolution, adopted by the majority of the Security Council members with only Libya abstaining, emphasizes the importance of mutual recognition, freedom from violence, incitement, and terror, as well as the two-state solution for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. It calls on all states and international organizations to support the...
UNICEF’s latest report, “Progress for Children: A World Fit for Children Statistical Review,” highlights significant advancements in child survival but underscores the pressing need for further action to improve the lives of millions of children worldwide. The report showcases progress in reducing child mortality, increasing school enrollment, and combatting harmful practices like female genital mutilation/cutting...
