unitednations

Greater safety for journalists urged as UN body spotlights role of rights defenders

United Nations, New York, March 2012 – Recent global events have highlighted the fact that journalists and media workers reporting on human rights issues are particularly vulnerable to threats and attacks, an independent United Nations expert said today, calling for greater protection for those who carry out such vital work.

“Because of the potential impact on society that journalists and media workers can have by disseminating information about human rights through a wide array of media, those individuals are often threatened, wounded and killed in an attempt to silence their voices,” stated Margaret Sekaggya, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41457&Cr=journalists&Cr1=
98 sec.

UN Human Rights Council deplores ‘brutal’ actions by Syria against civilians

United Nations, New York, March 2012 – The top United Nations human rights body today deplored the “brutal” actions of the Syrian authorities in response to the popular uprising that began nearly a year ago and called for an immediate end to attacks against civilians and other abuses.

In a resolution adopted by a vote of 37 in favour to 3 against, with 3 abstentions, the 47-member Human Rights Council strongly condemned the continued “widespread and systematic” violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Syrian authorities.

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41425&Cr=Syria&Cr1=
71 sec.

UN pushes for stronger efforts to end practice of female genital mutilation

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – A senior United Nations official and the renowned singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo today urged all UN Member States and communities to outlaw female genital mutilation (FGM) and raise awareness about its harmful effects, especially in African countries where the practice is most prevalent.

Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), told a news conference at UN Headquarters that many communities are increasingly abandoning FGM thanks to the use of “culturally sensitive, human rights-based approaches that support the positive values within communities that want the best for their girls and women.”

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41400&Cr=fgm&Cr1=
181 sec.

UN pushes for stronger efforts to end practice of female genital mutilation

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – A senior United Nations official and the renowned singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo today urged all UN Member States and communities to outlaw female genital mutilation (FGM) and raise awareness about its harmful effects, especially in African countries where the practice is most prevalent.

Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), told a news conference at UN Headquarters that many communities are increasingly abandoning FGM thanks to the use of “culturally sensitive, human rights-based approaches that support the positive values within communities that want the best for their girls and women.”

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41400&Cr=fgm&Cr1=
130 sec.

UN Human Rights Council opens with calls to uphold freedoms worldwide

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – As the current session of the main United Nations human rights body began today, senior officials stressed that the Organization’s work in this area is as vital as ever, particularly at a time when men and women worldwide are rising up to demand basic freedoms and a life of dignity.

Addressing the opening of the latest session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said the public demand for the enjoyment of human rights has been most striking in the Arab region, where tens of thousands of women, men and young people have taken to the streets to voice their claims.

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41381&Cr=human+rights+council&Cr1=
99 sec.

UN focuses on curbing sexual violence in conflict as new report names worst offenders

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – The annual United Nations report documenting conflict-related sexual violence around the world today for the first time names some of the military forces, militia and other armed groups that are suspected of being among the worst offenders.

The groups listed in the report include the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the Central African Republic (CAR) and in South Sudan, armed militia groups and former armed forces in Côte d’Ivoire, and the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41344&Cr=sexual+violence&Cr1=
66 sec.

The Maras: A Gang’s Reign of Terror

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – They’re called the Maras…. A gang identified by their menacing tattoos. Having unleashed a wave of violence across large parts of Central America, their reign of terror is now spreading even further… and leaving thousands fearing for their lives.

21st Century – Show 63 – The Maras: A Gang’s Reign of Terror

Script (pdf): http://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/21century63.pdf
205 sec.

Migrants Risking it All: The Journey from North Africa to Italy

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – Imagine risking your life – and that of your family’s – all for the dream of a better future. This is exactly what tens of thousands of courageous refugees from North Africa did, seeking refuge and safety after the revolutions known as the Arab Spring. Most came to Italy’s shores, but they’re finding achieving their dream is more difficult than they ever imagined.

21st Century – Show 63 – Migrants Risking it All: The Journey from North Africa to Italy

Script (pdf): http://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/21century63.pdf
544 sec.

The Roma: The Road to Inclusion

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – The Roma – known around the world as Gypsies. Theirs’ is a long and painful history of being excluded…often denied their rights. And, that discrimination continues today, forcing many to live in poverty. We travel to Europe, where one extraordinary group of Roma is fighting to ensure that painful legacy ends with them. Here’s their story.

21st Century – Show 63 – The Roma: The Road to Inclusion

Script (pdf): http://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/21century63.pdf
639 sec.

Safe Motherhood in Bangladesh

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – Every year, thousands of women in Bangladesh die from avoidable causes related to childbirth. The majority of women still give birth at home, where lack of access to a skilled nurse can mean the difference between life and death. An initiative supported by the UN Population Fund is helping women get skilled delivery assistance and pre-natal care in their own communities.

UNIA program # 1335

Transcript (pdf): http://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/unia1335.pdf
249 sec.

Rwanda: Hydropower Brings Hope

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – A nation that still feels the impact of the devastating 1994 genocide, Rwanda is today one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. In rural areas, small hydropower plants built in partnership with the UN Industrial Development Organization are helping bring clean energy and development to a new generation of Rwandans.

UNIA program # 1334

Transcript (pdf): http://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/unia1334.pdf
253 sec.

Pakistan: Changing Attitudes

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – The people from the remote Diamer District in northern Pakistan have always been conservative and suspicious of outsiders. A successful poverty alleviation project, initiated by the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development, has had a dramatic impact in people’s livelihood and attitude towards extremism.

UNIA program # 1333

Transcript (pdf): http://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/unia1333.pdf
286 sec.

UN urges focus on rural development to lift millions out of poverty

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – A top United Nations official today committed to pull up to 90 million people out of poverty by 2015 and help small farmers and all those in rural areas to realize their potential in eliminating hunger and promoting development.

“Smallholder farmers can feed themselves and they can help feed the world,” Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD ), said in his opening address to the agency’s Governing Council.

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41328&Cr=ifad&Cr1 =
89 sec.

Turkey: Honeymoon After the Earthquake

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – Tansu and Erdal’s wedding ceremony was violently interrupted by a 7.2 magnitude quake in November 2011. The newlyweds, along with tens of thousands of others, were left homeless. The UN has worked with the local government to provide camps and humanitarian assistance, while the region struggles to rebuild itself.

UNIA program # 1336

Transcript (pdf): http://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/unia1336.pdf
189 sec.

Haiti Rebuilds – A Journey of Hope

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – Two years ago, over two million Haitians saw their lives change forever after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked their country, killing over 200,000 and displacing 1.5 million people.

The world reacted quickly, sending in aid and recovery teams, pledging money and support to rebuild a country that already experienced high levels of poverty and inequality.

Since the immediate earthquake aftermath the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been working with the Government of Haiti and a wide range of national and international partners, civil society organizations — and especially with the affected communities, with Haitians at the centre of the recovery process.

Haiti Rebuilds, a 20-minute documentary was created by recently graduated students from Ciné Institute, Haiti’s only professional film academy in the southern coastal town of Jacmel. It was co-produced by UNDP and mentored and directed by award-winning documentary-maker Jonathan Stack.

The film depicts the reconstruction process through the lenses of young Haitians who have witnessed the earthquake’s devastation; but also the tremendous resilience of the Haitian people, taking the reconstruction of their country — and their future — into their own hands.
1444 sec.

Haiti: Security Council members make first-hand assessment of nation’s efforts to rebuild

Police reform and the living conditions of Haitians who remain displaced after the January 2010 earthquake were the focus of the final day of the Security Council’s four-day visit to the impoverished Caribbean country.

Council ambassadors this morning visited a police academy where instructors from the Haitian National Police (HNP) have been trained by UN Police serving with the world body’s peacekeeping mission to the country (MINUSTAH), according to information from a UN spokesperson.

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41267&Cr=haiti&Cr1=
94 sec.

Art for Peace 2012: International Art Contest for Young People

United Nations, New York, 16 February 2012 – The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in collaboration with the Harmony for Peace Foundation are calling on all young artists to use their creative talents to imagine a “World Free of Nuclear Weapons.” The contest is open to children and teens, ages 5 — 17, across the globe.

In this video clip, Michael Douglas is calling on young People to enter the Art for Peace Contest!

The internationally known Academy Award-winning actor and producer from the United States has served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 1998. Mr. Douglas is fiercely committed to disarmament issues, including nuclear nonproliferation and halting the global trade in small arms and light weapons.

Visit the Art for Peace 2012 website to enter the Art for Peace Contest!

http://www.unartforpeace.org
62 sec.

Jobs in Peril (new version)

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – Youth unemployment is on the rise across the globe due to the current economic and financial crisis. Some 81 million young people are jobless and millions more struggle in menial jobs. In some parts of the world, this uncertainty is causing political turmoil as protests and demonstrations continue to grow, threatening world stability and security.

In this context, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is organizing a special event “Breaking new ground: Partnerships for more and better jobs for youth”, to take place on Monday, 27 February 2012. The event will seek to strengthen the partnership between governments, the private sector and the philanthropic community in working towards promoting youth employment worldwide.
99 sec.

UN agencies hail key role of national efforts as India reaches a milestone

United Nations, New York, January 2012 – With no registered polio cases over the past year, India is on course to becoming free of the disease, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) reported today.
If all pending samples for the virus test negative, India — once regarded as the world’s epicentre for polio — will become free of the disease for the first time in its history, reducing the number of polio-endemic countries to three: Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40931&Cr=polio&Cr1=
75 sec.

Security and rule of law in the field – UN Peacekeeping animation

United Nations, New York, January 2012 – The Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, within UN Department of Peackeeping Operations, address security and rule of law issues in post-conflict environments.

This 2 minute animation explains their work.

You can find out more here http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/issues/ruleoflaw/
109 sec.

Sahel Drought

United Nations, New York, February 2012 –
108 sec.

At business summit, Ban hails companies’ embrace of sustainability, urges more action

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today encouraged more businesses to embrace the principle of sustainability in their strategies, noting that with the most of the world’s ecosystems in decline, widening social inequality and climate change, global prosperity, productivity and stability was at stake.

“We need corporate sustainability to be in the DNA of business culture and operations,” said Mr. Ban in his address to a gathering in New York entitled ‘KPMG Summit: Business Perspective for Sustainable Growth.’

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41233&Cr=sustainable+development&Cr1 =
72 sec.

Clearing the Way

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – In the centre of Manhattan, six blocks have been cleared to make a site for the U.N. Headquarters. In the eyes of group of neighbourhood children, this is a needless intrusion on what used to be their playground. In a nearby candy store, however, they meet a U.N. interpreter who explains what isbeing done. An engineer on the site describes how the Planning Commission works.

Scenes of the U.N. site area give a vivid picture of the neighbourhood of the new headquarters, before construction began. The needs of the U.N. are described by the engineer, by means of drawings on a school slate.

The children are not yet convinced. They journey out to Lake Success to lodge a complaint about the loss of their playground. But as they walk trough the U.N. and listen in on a session of the International Children’s Emergency Fund, they become convinced of its importance. They decide among themselves to give up their playground after all, rather than to “hold up the works”.

This film depicts conditions prevailing at the time of its production in 1948.

This movie has been produced by The United Nations Films and Visual Information Division of the Department of Public Information. In cooperation with the United Nations Headquarters Planning Office.
1321 sec.

UN human rights chief urges General Assembly to act now to protect Syrians

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – The United Nations human rights chief today appealed to Member States to act now to protect the Syrian people as the Government’s violent crackdown on peaceful protests continues unabated and the number of dead and injured continues to rise.

“The longer the international community fails to take action, the more the civilian population will suffer from countless atrocities committed against them,” High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay told the General Assembly.

Full article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41216&Cr=Syria&Cr1=
113 sec.

Angélique Kidjo in concert to support Global Efforts to End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

United Nations, New York, February 2012 – The United Nations, The Permanent Mission of Italy, UNFPA and UNICEF present UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Grammy Award Winner Angélique Kidjo in concert to support Global Efforts to End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The concert will take place on 28 February 2012, 7 p.m. (in New York) in the General Assembly Hall (UN Headquarters).
52 sec.