“We cannot allow the next generation of Syrians to be illiterate.” July 2013 – Children will continue to suffer the consequences of the ongoing conflict in Syria unless an urgent political solution is found, a top United Nations child rights official stressed today, citing reports of the use of children as combatants, the arbitrary arrest and detention of children, and the denial of education as schools continue to come under attack. “Everyone I spoke with, both inside and outside Syria, … [Read more...]
Counting 9.6 billion humans on earth by 2050
July 7, 2013 by
The current world population of 7.2 billion is projected to increase by 1 billion over the next 12 years and reach 9.6 billion by 2050, according to a report launched by DESA’s Population division in June. The report points out that growth will be mainly in developing countries, with more than half in Africa. Watch our interview with John Wilmoth, Director of the Population Division, who gives us some insights about the last figures available. In our video interview, John Wilmoth is … [Read more...]
Trafficking of children, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo
July 7, 2013 by
Special Rapporteur Joy Ngozi Ezeilo. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré July 2013 – Trafficking of children and the issue of defining trafficking topped the agenda today at a first of its kind meeting between an independent United Nations human rights expert and a group of European practitioners working to end this form of modern-day slavery. Speaking at a special meeting organized in Strasbourg, France, by the Council of Europe's Groups of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings … [Read more...]
Saudi Crown Prince Nayef honoured for work with UN agency on Palestinian projects
June 28, 2013 by
The late Crown Prince will be remembered for his commitment to humanitarian and relief work all over the world. 28 June 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN-Habitat, the agency charged with ensuring adequate shelter for all, today honoured the late Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his support of Palestinian projects. In his speech, Mr. Ban also offered his “heartfelt appreciation” the people and leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Committees and … [Read more...]
UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Recounts 5-year-Old Girl’s Ordeal
June 25, 2013 by
SECURITY COUNCIL ADOPTS TEXT URGING TARGETED SANCTIONS AGAINST PERPETRATORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE DURING ARMED CONFLICT Rape Largely ‘Cost-free’, Says Special Representative As UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Recounts 5-year-Old Girl’s Ordeal The Security Council today urged the United Nations sanctions committees to apply targeted sanctions against parties committing sexual violence during armed conflict. Ahead of a debate on the subject that attracted more than 60 speakers, the … [Read more...]
Global and regional estimates of ‘violence against women’
June 22, 2013 by
WHO report highlights violence against women as a ‘global health problem of epidemic proportions’ JUNE 2013 | GENEVA - Physical or sexual violence is a public health problem that affects more than one third of all women globally, according to a new report released by WHO in partnership with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the South African Medical Research Council. The report, Global and regional estimates of 'violence against women': Prevalence and health … [Read more...]
#AskUNWomen and chat Live – 20 June 2013, 10:30am EDT
June 19, 2013 by
What is UN Women’s vision to ensure that empowering women becomes a priority in the post-2015 development agenda? Why is it important to include a separate gender goal in any future framework? #AskUNWomen and chat with our Acting Head! WHEN: Live on Thursday, 20 June 2013, 10:30am EDT WHERE: Hashtag #AskUNWomen & @UN_Women on Twitter WHO: Lakshmi Puri, Acting Head of UN Women + YOU! WHAT: Twitter chat on our vision to bring gender equality and women’s empowerment to the centre … [Read more...]
Lorre White reports, ‘Dubai ruler sets up Emirates Excellence Council’
June 12, 2013 by
Emirati Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum. (AFP/Getty Images) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and vice president and prime minister of the UAE, has announced the establishment of the Emirates Excellence Council in order to foster a “national culture that encourages all to achieve excellence” in the Gulf state. The council will see all of the UAE’s existing local and federal excellence programmes brought under one umbrella. Sheikh … [Read more...]
Statement by Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Director of Emergencies
June 9, 2013 by
UNICEF correspondent Chris Niles reports on UNICEF's response to the worsening situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. Statement by Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Director of Emergencies, at the launch of new UN appeals for Syria GENEVA, 7 June 2013 – “The Syria conflict is one of the gravest crises facing children anywhere in the world today. Four million children’s lives have been devastated and an entire generation is at risk. “Despite challenges encountered, UNICEF and partners have … [Read more...]
Resolute leadership to end malnutrition of mothers and children
June 9, 2013 by
June 2013 – With 165 million children around the world who are stunted as a result of undernutrition, the United Nations children’s agency has reiterated its calls to invest in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. “The battle against undernutrition is being won, but progress is too slow for too many,” said Werner Schultink, the head of nutrition at the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). “Our message is clear – that the time is now for all of us to demonstrate resolute leadership and … [Read more...]
“The Action Agenda for Sustainable Development”
June 7, 2013 by
“The Action Agenda for Sustainable Development” Under the leadership of Jeffrey Sachs (Director of the SDSN and head of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, which hosts the secretariat of the network), the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has issued the report, entitled “The Action Agenda for Sustainable Development”. This report is the result of collaboration between top scientists, technologists, businesses, and development specialist and is a critical input … [Read more...]
