Month: July 2019

With Libyans now ‘fighting the wars of others’ inside their own country, UN envoy urges Security Council action to end violence

    Fighting in Libya “shows no signs of abating”, the head of the United Nations Support Mission (UNSMIL), told the Security Council on Monday, painting a grim picture of worsening humanitarian conditions, and warning that the instability and influx of foreign weapons is fueling a proxy war in the north African country. Briefing the […]

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

“On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons, let us reaffirm our commitment to stop criminals from ruthlessly exploiting people for profit and to help victims rebuild their lives.” — UN Secretary-General António Guterres Human trafficking is a crime that exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes including forced labour and sex. Since 2003 […]

Don’t panic, support DR Congo in fight against deadly Ebola virus, UN health agency urges

Ebola virus is just one challenge among many facing communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, reiterating an appeal for the international community to show support and solidarity for its people. Speaking in Geneva, spokesperson Dr. Margaret Harris noted that measles has already killed more people this year than the Ebola outbreak, […]

Monsoon rains turn millions of children’s lives ‘upside down’ across South Asia

Heavy rainfall, severe flooding and landslides across Nepal, India and Bangladesh have killed at least 93 children, and put the lives of millions more at risk, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which is “responding urgently”. “Millions of children have seen their lives turned upside down by the torrential rainfall, flooding and landslides,” […]

Emulate his example’ urges UN chief as world celebrates Nelson Mandela: a ‘global advocate for dignity and equality’

Nelson Mandela was an “extraordinary global advocate for dignity and equality” who anyone in public service should seek to emulate, Secretary-General António Guterres said marking the International Day that honours the iconic anti-apartheid campaigner, and South Africa’s first democratically-elected President. As “one of the most iconic and inspirational leaders of our time”, the UN chief said: […]