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UN chief criticises divided UNSC for failure of leadership to end wars

The United Nations chief sharply criticised the powerful but deeply divided Security Council at a high-level meeting on Wednesday for a failure of leadership to end wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond. Peace demands action. And peace demands leadership, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the 15-member council charged with ensuring international peace and security. Instead, we're seeing deepening geopolitical divisions and mistrust. He pointed to repeated violations of the UN Charter and international law, conflicts multiplying and becoming more deadly, and civilians paying the steepest price. The council has been blocked from any action on Ukraine because Russia is a veto-wielding member and a party to the conflict invading its neighbour in violation of the UN Charter, which requires all members to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all other nations. It has been stymied in taking tough action on the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza because of Israel's close ally

UN chief criticises divided UNSC for failure of leadership to end wars
Updated On : 26 Sep 2024 | 12:03 PM IST

'UN keen on furthering MDB reforms initiated during India's G20 Presidency'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is keen on continuing the momentum of Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) reforms initiated during the G20 presidency of India, Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission N. K. Singh has said. Singh, who had met Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York on April 12, said he had a positive interaction with the UN chief. Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed was also present during the meeting. Guterres was very keen on continuing the momentum of MDB reforms initiated during India's G20 Presidency and as contained in the 2 Vol. IEG Report, Singh said in a post on X, referring to the report of the Independent Expert Group. Singh said the report had been accepted by the G20 and, therefore, had ongoing traction. Guterres said that the UN would endeavour to keep this item high on the agenda for the Summit of the Future in September and thereafter in the Summit on Financing for Development in June 2025, Singh said. The ambitious Summit of the Futu

'UN keen on furthering MDB reforms initiated during India's G20 Presidency'
Updated On : 22 Apr 2024 | 11:37 AM IST

UN agency helping Palestinians seeks support against Israel's demands

The head of the UN agency that has helped millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank for decades urged the Security Council on Wednesday to ensure its survival as Israel again demanded its dissolution, accusing the agency of becoming part of Hamas' terror war machine. Philippe Lazzarini told the council that dismantling the agency known as UNRWA would deepen Gaza's humanitarian crisis and speed up the onset of famine. International experts have warned of imminent famine in northern Gaza and said half the territory's 2.3 million people could be pushed to the brink of starvation if the six-month Israeli-Hamas war intensifies. Lazzarini said ending the agency's operations also would have other lasting repercussions on Gaza, leaving a half million children without education and fuelling anger, resentment and endless cycles of violence. In addition, it would jeopardise the transition when the war ends by depriving Gaza's population of essential services, including health care, foo

UN agency helping Palestinians seeks support against Israel's demands
Updated On : 18 Apr 2024 | 2:47 PM IST

UN calls for $620 mn to support Afghan migrants in Iran and Pakistan

According to the UNHCR report, 4.8 million Afghan migrants and 2.5 million members of their host communities will be assisted in 2024

UN calls for $620 mn to support Afghan migrants in Iran and Pakistan
Updated On : 07 Apr 2024 | 6:46 AM IST

Britain's draft UN resolution calls for ceasefire in conflict-torn Sudan

Britain has circulated a draft UN resolution calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in conflict-wracked Sudan ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins soon. The draft, obtained late Wednesday by The Associated Press, expresses grave concern over the spreading violence and the catastrophic and deteriorating humanitarian situation, including crisis levels of acute food insecurity, particularly in Darfur. With Ramadan expected to begin around Sunday, depending on the sighting of the new moon, the council is expected to vote quickly on the resolution, likely on Friday. Sudan plunged into chaos last April, when long-simmering tensions between its military led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo broke out into street battles in the capital, Khartoum. Fighting spread to other parts of the country, especially urban areas, but in Sudan's western Darfur region it took on a different form, with bru

Britain's draft UN resolution calls for ceasefire in conflict-torn Sudan
Updated On : 07 Mar 2024 | 9:25 AM IST

Iran increased its total stockpile of uranium: UN nuclear watchdog report

Iran has further increased its total stockpile of uranium, according to a report by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog seen by The Associated Press on Monday, and continues to bar several of the most seasoned inspectors from monitoring its nuclear programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency also said in a second confidential report, distributed to member states, that Tehran made no progress in explaining the presence of manmade uranium particles found at two locations. The IAEA estimated in its quarterly report that as of February 10, Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile was at 5,525.5 kilograms (about 12,182 pounds), an increase of 1,038.7 kilograms (2,289 pounds) since the last quarterly report in November 2023. It also said that according to its assessment, Iran has an estimated 121.5 kilograms (267.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity, which represents a decrease of 6.8 kilograms (14.9 pounds) since the last report in November 2023. The decrease is t

Iran increased its total stockpile of uranium: UN nuclear watchdog report
Updated On : 27 Feb 2024 | 7:10 AM IST

Humanitarian appeal for Ukraine is only 10% funded for 2024, says UN envoy

The UN's humanitarian appeal to meet needs in Ukraine is only 10% funded for 2024, the country's resident coordinator said Wednesday, putting in jeopardy crucial assistance needed to reach those in need across frontline areas. Denise Brown, the UN's top representative in Ukraine, said an estimated 8.5 million Ukrainians living in dire conditions near combat zones risk going without basic humanitarian deliveries, including food and water. The UN's annual appeal for Ukraine is $3.1 billion. If we don't receive that money, I don't know where that money is going to come from, Brown told The Associated Press in an interview. Without the funds, we won't be able to sustain the high number of colleagues that we have here who are absolutely dedicated to humanitarian support." As the future of military aid to Ukraine hangs in the balance, Brown is lobbying the international community and private sector to remember that humanitarian needs are also high. Ukraine's economy is still suffering th

Humanitarian appeal for Ukraine is only 10% funded for 2024, says UN envoy
Updated On : 22 Feb 2024 | 7:17 AM IST

UN deputy secretary-general initiates women-centric talks in Afghanistan

According to The Khaama Press, Wignaraja maintains her role as the Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at the UN Development Office

UN deputy secretary-general initiates women-centric talks in Afghanistan
Updated On : 19 Feb 2024 | 11:45 AM IST

UN expresses concerns over arbitrary detention of women, girls by Taliban

The experts also noted that females were detained in the provinces of Bamyan, Daikundi, Panjshir, Balkh, and Kunduz

UN expresses concerns over arbitrary detention of women, girls by Taliban
Updated On : 04 Feb 2024 | 7:32 AM IST

US suspends $300,000 funding to UNRWA amid probe into alleged Hamas ties

Last week, the US announced the temporary suspension of funding after reports surfaced about UNRWA staff potentially being linked to the Hamas attacks

US suspends $300,000 funding to UNRWA amid probe into alleged Hamas ties
Updated On : 31 Jan 2024 | 7:09 AM IST

Hamas war: Countries halt funding to UNRWA over complicity in Oct 7 attacks

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called on the UN to dismiss UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini and vowed to prevent the agency from having a role in post-war Gaza

Hamas war: Countries halt funding to UNRWA over complicity in Oct 7 attacks
Updated On : 28 Jan 2024 | 7:01 AM IST

Netanyahu defiant after UN court ruling, says aiming for 'complete victory'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday pushed back after an International Court of Justice ruling to limit death and destruction in the military's Gaza offensive, declaring that we decide and act according to what is required for our security and vowing to press on until complete victory. Witnesses said three Palestinians were killed earlier Saturday in an airstrike that Israel's military said was targeting a Hamas commander in southern Gaza. Israel's military is under increasing scrutiny now that the top United Nations court has asked Israel for a compliance report in a month. The court's binding ruling on Friday stopped short of ordering a cease-fire, but its orders were in part a rebuke of Israel's conduct in its nearly 4-month war against Gaza's Hamas rulers. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, the main organization aiding Gaza's population amid the humanitarian disaster, saw more countries suspend its funding following allegations that a number of Gaza staf

Netanyahu defiant after UN court ruling, says aiming for 'complete victory'
Updated On : 28 Jan 2024 | 6:29 AM IST

UN court set to issue ruling in South Africa's genocide case against Israel

Israel is set to hear on Friday whether the United Nations' top court will order it to end its military offensive in Gaza in a provisional ruling while the panel hears a case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide. The International Court of Justice's president, Joan E. Donoghue, will read out the highly anticipated decision taken by a panel of 17 judges. The ruling comes at an early stage in South Africa's case alleging that Israel's military action in its war with Hamas in Gaza amounts to genocide. Israel vehemently rejects the accusation and has asked the court to throw out the case. South Africa has asked the judges as a matter of extreme urgency to impose so-called provisional measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza while the case proceeds slowly through the court, a process likely to take years. Top of the South African list is a request for the court to order Israel to immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza. Israeli government spokesper

UN court set to issue ruling in South Africa's genocide case against Israel
Updated On : 26 Jan 2024 | 12:30 PM IST

Israel slams UN for false allegations it is hampering Gaza aid efforts

The Israeli agency COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories"For weeks, we've been saying we're inspecting more aid than you can handle," COGAT said on Twitter/X in direct response to UNWRA's charges. "We adjusted long ago. Did you? The answer is no.""Stop spreading accusations and start doing your job," added COGAT. "Hundreds of aid trucks are waiting for you at the border, including now. Collect and distribute them."The post included pictures of the trucks ready to enter Gaza.The comments came after UNWRA alleged on Twitter/X, "Intense fighting, access denials & restrictions + communications blackouts are hampering UNRWA's ability to safely & effectively deliver aid. As risk of famine grows, UN calls for a critical increase in humanitarian access.

Israel slams UN for false allegations it is hampering Gaza aid efforts
Updated On : 25 Jan 2024 | 6:56 AM IST

S Korea calls on divided UN council 'to break silence' on N Korea's threats

South Korea called on the divided U.N. Security Council on Thursday to break the silence over North Korea's escalating missile tests and threats. It's a big question, South Korea's U.N. Ambassador Hwang Joonkook told reporters after an emergency closed meeting of the council on the North's first ballistic missile test of 2024 on Sunday. South Korea is serving a two-year term on the council. The Security Council imposed sanctions after North Korea's first nuclear test explosion in 2006 and tightened them over the years in a total of 10 resolutions seeking so far unsuccessfully to cut funds and curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The last sanctions resolution was adopted by the council in 2017. China and Russia vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution in May 2022 that would have imposed new sanctions over a spate of intercontinental ballistic missile launches. Since then, the two veto-wielding permanent council members have blocked any council action, including media ...

S Korea calls on divided UN council 'to break silence' on N Korea's threats
Updated On : 19 Jan 2024 | 9:13 AM IST

Somali extremists kill 1 person, capture 5 others from UN helicopter

Officials in Somalia say al-Shabab extremists on Wednesday killed one person and captured five others on a United Nations helicopter that made an emergency landing in an area controlled by the fighters. The minister of internal security of Galmudug state in central Somalia, Mohamed Abdi Aden Gaboobe, told The Associated Press by phone that the helicopter made the landing due to engine failure in Xindheere village. The minister said seven passengers were on board: six foreigners and one Somali national. He said al-Shabab captured five passengers and another was shot dead while trying to escape. One passenger remained at large. Al-Shabab has not claimed responsibility for the attack. The United Nations office in Somalia didn't immediately respond to questions. An aviation official said medical professionals and soldiers were on board the helicopter that was headed to Wisil town for a medical evacuation but made the emergency landing in an al-Shabab-controlled area. The official spoke

Somali extremists kill 1 person, capture 5 others from UN helicopter
Updated On : 11 Jan 2024 | 6:57 AM IST

Randhir Jaiswal takes over as Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson

Jaiswal assumes the role as Arindam Bagchi, former spokesperson, begins assignment as India's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva

Randhir Jaiswal takes over as Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson
Updated On : 03 Jan 2024 | 1:35 PM IST

UN appoints former Dutch deputy premier as Gaza humanitarian coordinator

Sigrid Kaag, the Netherlands' former deputy prime minister and a Mideast expert, was appointed the UN coordinator for humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza, the United Nations chief announced on Tuesday. The announcement by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres follows the Security Council's adoption of a resolution on Friday requesting him to expeditiously appoint a senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, where more than 2 million civilians are in desperate need of food, water and medicine, Guterres said Kaag, who speaks fluent Arabic and five other languages, brings a wealth of experience in political, humanitarian and development affairs as well as in diplomacy to her new post. She is expected to start on January 8. She will facilitate, coordinate, monitor, and verify humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza, he said, adding that Kaag will also establish a UN mechanism to accelerate aid deliveries "through states which are not party to the conflict. Gaza's enti

UN appoints former Dutch deputy premier as Gaza humanitarian coordinator
Updated On : 27 Dec 2023 | 6:53 AM IST

US, allies avoiding another veto of UN resolution on critical aid for Gaza

The United States, key allies and Arab nations engaged in high-level diplomacy in hopes of avoiding another US veto of a new UN resolution on desperately needed aid to Gaza ahead of a long-delayed vote now scheduled for Thursday morning. The US has been struggling to change the text's references to a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas war. Another sticking point is the inspection of aid trucks into Gaza to ensure they are only carrying humanitarian goods. The current draft proposes a U.N. role, an idea Israel is likely to oppose. US President Joe Biden told reporters on his way back from Milwaukee, Wisconsin late Wednesday afternoon that we're negotiating right now at the UN the contours of a resolution that we may be able to agree to. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates, which sponsored the Arab-backed resolution, said earlier that high-level discussions are underway to try to reach agreement on a text that can be adopted. Everyone wants to see a ...

US, allies avoiding another veto of UN resolution on critical aid for Gaza
Updated On : 21 Dec 2023 | 11:51 AM IST

India suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism, says Amb Kamboj

India has suffered immensely from cross-border terrorism by terrorist groups who use illicit weapons smuggled from across its borders, including through the use of drones, New Delhi's envoy to the UN has told the Security Council, in a veiled reference to Pakistan. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador, Ruchira Kamboj, made the remarks on Friday at the Security Council open debate on Small Arms. "Having fought the scourge of terrorism for several decades, India is aware of the perils of the diversion and illicit transfer of small arms and ammunition to armed non-state actors and terrorists," Kamboj said. "We have suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism and violence carried out by terrorist groups using these illicit weapons smuggled across our borders, including now through the use of drones," she said, in an apparent reference to Pakistan. Kamboj added that the increase in volume and quality of the arsenal acquired by these terrorist organisations "reminds

India suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism, says Amb Kamboj
Updated On : 16 Dec 2023 | 9:54 PM IST