Month: July 2017

Tanzania: Attacks on persons with albinism decline; local attitudes must change, UN expert finds

Welcoming a drop in the number of reported attacks against people with albinism, a United Nations human rights expert has concluded that this group of people in rural Tanzania continue to live in fear amid widespread attitudes that lead to violence against them. “People with albinism continue to live in a very fragile situation, as […]

‘Act now’ to help and protect trafficking victims, UN urges on World Day against the scourge

Criminal groups feed off the instability created by conflicts, and as links between wars, trafficking and migrant smuggling become more widely known, the United Nations is calling on the international community to act now to help and protect trafficking victims and to end this crime forever. “Conflict is a breeding ground for criminal activity,” said […]

‘None of us should stand silent’ while civilians suffer in Syria, Security Council told

Despite the remarkable hope and strength shown by most Syrians, daily life remains dangerous for millions of people across the country, a senior United Nations aid official warned today, calling for the parties to the six year conflict to stop targeting of civilians, to allow humanitarian access, and to end the “horrific” practice of besiegement. […]

Wrapping up African trip, UN deputy chief vows to ensure displaced women return home in dignity

The United Nations deputy chief wrapped up her visit to two African countries – Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – where today she stressed the importance of women’s participation in peace, security and development processes. The final day’s itinerary for Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed included a visit to the Mugunga camp for […]

UN agency develops new guidelines to help countries better monitor forest resources

The United Nations agriculture agency has created new guidelines to help countries develop a strong mechanism to monitor national forest resources. “The demand for reliable, up-to-date and more diverse forestry data and stronger analytical capacities at a national level has grown considerably in recent years,” said Eva Muller, Director of Forestry Policies and Resources Division […]

In Mosul and beyond, sustained efforts needed to support millions of displaced Iraqis – UN official

Witnessing “complete devastation” in districts of Mosul, a senior United Nations relief official visiting Iraq lauded the massive humanitarian effort under way while indicating that the crisis is “far from over,” including for millions of Iraqis displaced throughout the country. “I commend the achievements of the humanitarian operation in Iraq and wish to highlight the […]