Security Council urges all sides in Côte d’Ivoire to keep to election deadline

The United Nations Security Council voiced concern today at possible further setbacks to Côte d’Ivoire’s already much-delayed presidential elections, urging all sides to ensure that this major step in restoring stability after civil war split the country in two takes place as scheduled on 29 November.

Cervical cancer vaccination: more good than harm

The death of a teenaged girl after being vaccinated for human papilloma virus is a tragedy, but if it leads people to mistrust vaccination altogether many more will die

Recent coup oppresses Honduran people, ousted leader tells General Assembly

With a “dictatorship” having taken over Honduras, the recent coup d’état is oppressing the people of the Latin American nation, ousted President Jose Manuel Zelaya has told the General Assembly, calling for the assistance of the United Nations in restoring the rule of law.

Head of UN rights probe into Gaza conflict urges accountability for war crimes

The head of the United Nations fact finding mission into the Gaza conflict today urged an end to impunity for human rights violations committed there earlier this year, given evidence that both Israeli forces and Palestinian militants are guilty of serious war crimes and breaches of humanitarian law, which may amount to crimes against humanity.

Humanitarian situation in Yemen ‘tense and volatile,’ says UN agency

The situation in northern Yemen, where Government forces have been fighting rebels, remains “tense and volatile,” the United Nations refugee agency reported today, noting that civilians are unable to leave Sa’ada and there is still no humanitarian access to the embattled city.

Iran won’t discuss nukes at nuke talks

Multilateralism with a strengthened UN vital for small countries - Cape Verde

Multilateralism, with a revitalized United Nations playing the pivotal role, is vital for combating a host of ills threatening West African countries, such as drugs, arms and human trafficking, organized crime and terrorism, Cape Verde said today.

World leaders make progress on climate change and disarmament, Ban says

The meetings of world leaders at the General Assembly over the past week have made progress on major issues including climate change, nuclear disarmament and the global financial crisis with the United Nations playing a pivotal role, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

Darfur: UN-African Union force deplores attack resulting in death of peacekeeper

The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) today strongly condemned the attack on one of its convoys that resulted in the death of a peacekeeper, and appealed to Sudanese authorities to ensure that those responsible are held to account.

Ban cites progress on climate change, disarmament

The meetings of world leaders at the General Assembly over the past week have made progress on major issues including climate change, nuclear disarmament and the global financial crisis with the United Nations playing a pivotal role, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.