Participants have convened in New York for an Assembly session to assess progress towards the goals outlined in “A World Fit for Children,” a plan of action established in 2002 to enhance children’s well-being. The session, titled “A World Fit for Children+5,” aims to review advancements and challenges in areas such as health, education, protection...
The UN in Sri Lanka expresses distress over the tragic loss of seven internally displaced persons (IDPs), including a child, in a boat accident near Vaharai. More casualties are feared as two boats remain missing. The statement urges both parties to ensure safe passage and protection for civilians in Vaharai, calling for a cessation of...
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has initiated an airlift to repatriate around 12,700 Angolans from Bas Congo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking the conclusion of a four-year repatriation program following the end of Angola’s civil war in 2002. Returnees receive vaccinations and financial aid upon arrival in Angola. Additionally, UNHCR...
The United Nations Convention against Corruption, which became effective today, is a significant step towards combating corruption globally. The Convention, adopted in October 2003 and ratified by 38 countries, focuses on prevention, criminalization, international cooperation, and asset recovery. It mandates the return of assets acquired through corruption to their rightful countries, signaling a warning to...
The Security Council emphasizes the urgent need for appointing a prime minister to advance the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire and ensure timely elections by October 31, 2006. This prime minister must have comprehensive authority, including over security and defense matters, as outlined in a recent resolution. The Council backs the International Working Group overseeing...
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) raised alarm over drastically reduced food rations for hundreds of thousands of refugees, particularly in Africa. In Zambia, food distribution has halved, risking malnutrition for 87,000 refugees. Similar concerns exist in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Other regions, like Azerbaijan, also face impending...
Angelina Jolie spent the 2003 holiday season in Beirut, Lebanon, joining UNHCR staff and refugees at a center and cancer hospital. She expressed the significance of seeing Christmas celebrated amidst conflict as a symbol of hope and reconciliation. UNHCR staff thanked Jolie for her advocacy efforts, and she distributed gifts to refugee children. Despite Lebanon...
WFP Executive Director James T. Morris emphasized the agency’s achievements in feeding millions worldwide but highlighted the ongoing challenges in addressing global hunger. Despite moving significant amounts of food to Iraq and assisting millions in Africa, funding shortfalls led to reduced rations in some regions, including Eritrea and southern Africa. The impact of HIV/AIDS on...
UNHCR High Commissioner Ruud Lubbers highlighted the continued repatriation and reintegration efforts in Afghanistan, with 3 million refugees and displaced persons returning over the past two years. Positive developments were noted in Angola, Eritrea, and Liberia, despite growing insecurity for humanitarian workers worldwide, exemplified by attacks in Baghdad and Afghanistan. Lubbers emphasized the need for...
The UNHCR reported that the return of 2 million Afghan refugees marked the largest repatriation in three decades. High Commissioner Ruud Lubbers highlighted the ongoing challenges despite this progress, with 4 million Afghans still abroad. The overall number of people assisted by UNHCR dropped to just under 20 million, fueled by Afghan returns. Progress was...
