Month: November 2016

UN’s new LGBT expert urges global partnership to end violence and discrimination

Global partnership is needed to end discrimination and violence against the worldwide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, a United Nations human rights expert has told an international conference in Bangkok, Thailand, outlining five key steps that should be taken. “Resolute action is required to stop the violence and discrimination affecting not only LGBT […]

UN launches new strategy to minimize environmental footprint of its peace operations

Underscoring the importance of environmental protection and management in the work of peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) today launched a new strategy to maximize its peace operations’ efficiency in the use of natural resources, and to minimize their risk to people, societies and ecosystems. “Environmental performance is crucial to ensure […]

‘Urgent steps’ needed to revive two-state solution, Ban says on Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people

Marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the world to reaffirm commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and working to build a future of peace, justice, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike. In his message on the Day, the Secretary-General […]

Participants endorse ‘Ashgabat Statement’ as first-ever UN conference on sustainable transport ends in Turkmen capital

The first-ever United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference concluded on 27 Novemeber in the Turkmen capital, with more than 50 countries endorsing the ‘Ashgabat Statement on Commitments and Policy Recommendations,’ with a view to supporting cleaner, greener transportation – from local transit systems to worldwide multimodal networks. “The Conference has reinforced the importance of sustainable transport […]

Violence against women ‘serious obstacle’ to sustainable development, Ban says on World Day

Underlining that violence against women and girls is not only a human rights violation but also a serious obstacle to sustainable development, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for “meaningful” action to prevent and respond to such violence. “Violence against women and girls imposes large-scale costs on families, communities and economies,” Secretary-General Ban said in […]