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Decade after global treaty’s adoption, persons with disabilities still at ‘grave disadvantage’ – Ban Ki-moon

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today highlighted the challenges people with disabilities face despite progress made since the adoption of a global treaty to promote their rights a decade ago. “In the past decade, we have seen much progress. But, persons with disabilities continue to face grave disadvantages,” Mr. Ban told a high-level meeting on […]

UN’s Ban apologizes to people of Haiti, outlines new plan to fight cholera epidemic and help communities

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses an informal meeting of the General Assembly on the United Nations’ new approach to cholera in Haiti. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe 1 December 2016 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today apologized to the people of Haiti, expressing deep regret for the loss of life and suffering caused by the country’s cholera […]

Ahead of World AIDS Day, UN chief honoured for work to end epidemic, fight against stigma

Speaking at a special event commemorating World AIDS Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today underscored the need to stop stigma and abuse against those living with the disease and to ensure that they receive the care, treatment and protection they are entitled to. “Hatred and bigotry spread disease and – as the founders of […]

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 […]