“Despite some progress, human rights in Iraq are under further threat from mounting violence”, says the United Nations on the release of its latest Report on Human Rights in Iraq. The report, published by the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in cooperation with the United Nations Continue reading
Monthly Archives: June 2013
33rd Meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol
The Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on protection of the ozone layer will meet from 24 to 28 June 2013 in Bangkok. This session aims to prepare the 25th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on 21-25 October 2013. The agenda of the Bangkok meeting notably includes alternatives to ozone-depleting substances and proposals to include hydrofluorocarbons Continue reading
Syria peace conference doubtful in July
An international conference to find a political solution to the Syria crisis is not likely to be held in July, the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the Arab League for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi said. “Frankly now, I doubt whether the conference will take place in July,” Mr. Brahimi said ahead of talks in Geneva Continue reading
20th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration on human rights
While there have been significant human rights achievements since the landmark adoption of the Vienna Declaration 20 years ago, people across the world are still being denied basic liberties, a United Nations senior official said today, calling on countries to step up their efforts to prevent gross rights violations. Continue reading
Peacekeeping mission commanders brief Security Council
Military leaders from three United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa told the Security Council what they need to support the “blue helmets” under their command and help them better assist local authorities and protect the people of the countries in which they serve. The expanded use of new technologies, including unarmed drones, in United Nations peacekeeping Continue reading
UN Secretary-General speaks to Australia’s new leader
The Secretary-General spoke yesterday with H.E. Mr. Kevin Rudd, and wishes him well as he assumes today the post of Prime Minister of Australia. In their conversation, the Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Australia’s partnership with the United Nations and in particular its strong support to the UN’s work on global issues Continue reading
UN Women launches global call for a transformative agenda to make gender equality a reality
Drawing global attention to the persistent factors that block the achievement of gender equality, women’s rights and women’s empowerment worldwide, UN Women has launched a call to galvanize the gender equality agenda and ensure concrete action that will enable women and girls to truly live as equal citizens everywhere. In a position paper released today, Continue reading
ICJ Hears Case of Whaling in Antarctic: Australia vs. Japan
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, started its hearings in the case concerning Whaling in the Antarctic (Australia vs. Japan; New Zealand intervening). The ICJ started by first hearing the arguments of Australia. These hearings will continue until 16 July 2013. ICJ judgements are final and binding upon the Parties. Continue reading
United Nations & New Zealand continue support for Tokelau
The terms of the text on Tokelau would have the General Assembly acknowledge the 2008 decision of the General Fono that said that consideration of any future act of self-determination by Tokelau would be deferred. It would also note that Tokelau and New Zealand remained firmly committed to Tokelau’s ongoing development for the long-term benefit of its people. Continue reading
Illicit substance use remains high in the Oceania region
The prevalence of the use of most illicit substances remains quite high in the Oceania region, while quantitative data for the Pacific island States remains limited. High prevalence rates are reported for the use of cannabis (10.9 per cent), opioids (3.0 per cent), “ecstasy” (2.9 per cent), ATS (2.1 per cent) and cocaine (1.5 per cent). Continue reading