Security Council calls for multilateral action to address challenges in the Sahel

The Security Council today called for a coordinated and inclusive approach to ensure a solution to the problems facing the Sahel region, which include an ongoing humanitarian crisis, lack of socio-economic development, insecurity and the threat of terrorism.

Power of books celebrated by UN chief as new library opens in Ethiopian capital

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon celebrated the benefits that books can bring to young people as he opened a library at an Ethiopian primary school that has been established under an innovative United Nations scheme.

As political tensions rise in Senegal, Ban urges all sides to refrain from violence

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern today about mounting political tensions in Senegal, where voters go to the polls in less than a month to elect a president.

UN Yugoslav tribunal accepts plea agreement in contempt trial

The United Nations war crimes tribunal for the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s today accepted the plea agreement filed in the contempt of court trial of Jelena Rašic, who was accused of procuring false statements from witnesses in exchange for money.

Thousands affected by tropical storms in Mozambique - UN humanitarian arm

The United Nations humanitarian agency reported today that an estimated 117,000 people have been affected by two tropical storms in Mozambique last week, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation.

Security Council debates situation in Syria

The Security Council this afternoon began debate on the situation in Syria, where thousands of people have been killed over the past 10 months in a Government crackdown against a popular uprising. LIVE WEBCAST

Fearing Taliban talks, Afghan women keep pushing to have voices heard

 KABUL, Afghanistan – With increased pressure for a U.S.

UN certifies that new camp for Iranian exiles meets international standards

United Nations refugee and human rights officials said today that they have confirmed that the infrastructure and facilities at a new camp in Iraq for residents of the settlement formerly known as Camp Ashraf meet international standards, as stipulated in last month’s agreement on voluntary relocation between the UN and the Iraqi Government.

Mediterranean the deadliest sea for refugees and migrants, says UN agency

The Mediterranean Sea has become the deadliest stretch of water in the world for migrants and refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported today.

Herd of ivory elephants reveals illicit trade in Egypt

Ranks of ivory elephants in a Cairo shop show how the illegal tusk trade remains strong despite a 20-year ban