More than 5,000 people have reportedly died, many of them residents of Derna, which was struck by a torrent of water from two dams which burst, sweeping away whole neighbourhoods of the port city. “Search and rescue operations are actively underway, led by national agencies, military, the Libyan Red Crescent and local volunteers”, said a statement…
But he stressed the UN “will never stay neutral” when it comes to demanding accountability for war crimes and other human rights abuses. Final briefing Volker Perthes, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan, was addressing the Security Council for the final time. He announced he will step down from the role, more than six…
Growing concern over safety and security prompted UN Secretary-General António Guterres to address the global phenomenon on Wednesday – during his remarks at an event commemorating the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. “Children’s education is being snatched away by threats, violence and attacks.” Mr. Guterres said, during his remarks to a group of…
Gita Sabharwal spoke to UN News ahead of the SDG Summit 2023 which gets underway at UN Headquarters in New York on 18 September. The summit marks the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress towards the achieving the SDGs by 2030. “Whenever I meet the young people of Thailand, I always encourage them…
In the first-of-its kind report launched on Wednesday, a group of independent experts use available data and evidence to outline the steps governments should take to maximize the impact of agreed policies and actions to address the worsening climate crisis and lagging achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The expert panel was set up…
With a funding gap of over 60 per cent, WFP’s chief economist Arif Husain said the organization had “never seen this type of shortfall” in its 60-year history. As contributions decline but needs rise, the UN agency said “massive reductions” have already been implemented in almost half of its operations. The latest analysis from…
“Such developments echo a horrific past that must not be repeated,” said Volker Türk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, marking “five months of futile suffering, death, loss and destruction.” Mounting casualties Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council, Mr. Türk also warned of mounting civilian casualties, as 1500 have already lost their lives to…
This year’s official theme is “Solidarity, Equity, and Partnership: Unlocking South-South Cooperation to Achieve the SDGs.” South-South cooperation is a manifestation of solidarity contributing to national well-being, national and collective self-reliance, and the attainment of internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Coming just ahead of the two-day SDG Summit, the commemoration is an…
With a new area the size of Paris under development around the globe every week, the construction industry contributes heavily to climate change. However, the sector has received only a fraction of environmentalists’ attention and of the funds allocated to combat emissions compared with other industries. Until now, most of the focus has been made on…
Nearly half of the deaths on the border were linked to the hazardous crossing of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. “These alarming figures are a stark reminder of the need for decisive action by States,” said Michele Klein Solomon, IOM’s Regional Director for Central and North America and the Caribbean. “Enhancing data collection is crucial….
