UPDATES: Headlines from UN News Centre Oct 13 to Oct 22, 2015 click link to read full article

Headlines at a glance

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22 October 2015

Moments and Milestones: Photo exhibit provides snapshot of UN’s 70-year history
World lights up in UN blue to mark Organization’s milestone anniversary
UN expert on right to housing challenges governments to end homelessness
As Central African Republic crisis deepens, UN relief chief urges greater efforts to protect civilians
New UN health agency report cites measures to reduce risks from climate pollutants
Ban welcomes next phase of Haiti’s electoral process, set for Sunday
Political failures, lack of hope, at root of latest Israeli-Palestinian violence – UN deputy chief
Ban urges dialogue to ease tensions ahead of constitutional referendum in Republic of Congo
‘Silence is too often the only safe option left’ – new UN report on sources and whistleblowers
Senior UN official warns funding shortages could be disastrous for chronically food-insecure Mauritania
UN human rights chief urges Czech Republic to halt detention of migrants and refugees
In Jordan, Ban stresses responsibility of Arab leaders to ensure Middle East ‘crisis doesn’t get out control’
South Sudan: UN calls for immediate access to conflict-affected areas to prevent ‘catastrophe’

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21 October 2015

UN human rights chief urges recognition of 'dignity and worth of every human being'
Yemen: 3.3 million people in need of critical aid in besieged Taiz, warns UN health agency
Hardliners will not ‘hijack’ Libyan political process, declares UN envoy, vowing to press ahead
UN agency and European Union kick-off pledging conference to support return of Somali refugees
UNICEF applauds call from religious groups in Myanmar seeking tolerance for sake of country’s children
‘Endless cycle of suffering’ must stop, Ban says in Ramallah, urging end to wave of violence in region
Ban welcomes Korean family reunions, looks forward to more dialogue, exchanges
Humanitarian situation in Iraq ‘deteriorating and growing more complex,’ UN relief wing reports

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20 October 2015

At Security Council, heads of main UN bodies highlight ‘mutually reinforcing’ areas of concern
Recent floods deal devastating blow to agricultural livelihoods and food security in Myanmar – UN
With winter closing in, UN relief wing races against time to reach isolated areas of Nepal
Central African Republic: Security Council condemns violence, reiterates decision to apply sanctions
UN agency reaches Donetsk after months of restricted humanitarian access
UN refugee agency provides shelter to Iraqis uprooted in restive Anbar province
Women worldwide live longer, healthier lives with better education, says new UN report
On World Statistics Day, UN flags importance of reliable data to achieve new development agenda
Greece’s overstretched reception centres may imperil EU-wide plan as arrivals hit half million mark – UN
‘We must turn back from this dangerous abyss,’ Ban says in Israel on first day of visit to crisis-torn region
‘Actions by States are increasingly transnational,’ UN expert warns, stressing prohibition against torture
UN rights experts call for release of Qatari poet jailed for writing and reciting poem

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19 October 2015

Economic and Social Council ‘stands ready’ to lead on achieving UN 2030 Agenda, says President
UN and partners deliver critical relief supplies to besieged areas of Syria
Ban praises Slovakia and Austria for 'taking care of so many refugees'
Guinea Bissau’s justice system has serious dysfunctions, warns UN human rights expert
UN chief concerned by rising number of executions in Iran
Global event to turn world 'UN blue' to mark 70th anniversary of United Nations
Central African Republic: UN police ambushed, illegally detained by armed group
UN atomic energy chief encourages States to improve global emergency preparedness and response
Yemen: UN envoy completes visit to Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to secure peace
UN expert warns that despite Mali's progress, ‘precarious security situation’ endangers human rights
UN agencies expand operations in southern Africa as poor harvests deepen food insecurity
Ban inaugurates exhibition on UN's 70th anniversary, meets with students in Slovak capital
Welcoming Myanmar ceasefire, UNICEF says accord must cover 'every child, wherever they live'
Despite progress, road traffic crashes still take ‘unacceptable’ annual toll – UN health agency
UN report calls for urgent response to harness Asia-Pacific’s rapid urban transformation
Philippines: lauding Government’s storm preparedness, UN agencies ready to assist in wake of typhoon
In Slovakia, Ban highlights importance of 'living harmoniously' and sustainably
'Non-violence requires more courage than violence,' Ban tells people of Israel and Palestine, appealing for end to conflict 

17 October 2015

Libya: Security Council urges parties to endorse and sign political agreement
'I am standing with these refugees,' says Ban visiting reception centre in Rome

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16 October 2015

With high number of foreign fighters in Belgium, UN experts call for robust action to address risks
New global food accord aims to tackle hunger in protracted crises – UN agency
UN envoy calls for concerted efforts to eliminate bullying in all regions
Marking International Day, Ban says new 2030 Agenda can help eradicate poverty
Ending ‘cycle of needless bloodshed’ in Middle East focus of emergency Security Council session
Rights of victims of trafficking during migration must be protected, UN expert tells European Union
Iran: UN rights experts outraged at the execution of two juvenile offenders
More than half a million children now risk 'severe malnutrition' in Yemen – UNICEF
At least seven people dead after boat collision off the coast of Lesvos – UN refugee agency
At Milan Expo, senior UN officials call for social protection and fairer food systems
‘Hunger is more than a lack of food – it is a terrible injustice,’ says Ban on World Food Day
UN refugee agency backs plan to boost protection for people fleeing disasters and climate change
UN raises concerns about unaccompanied refugee and migrant children in Europe as winter approaches

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15 October 2015

New law threatens civil society independence in Kazakhstan, warns UN expert
UN agency hails pledge by more than 100 cities to fight hunger and improve nutrition
UN deputy chief urges ‘transformation’ in collective effort to tackle ‘staggering’ humanitarian needs
Myanmar: UN chief welcomes ‘milestone’ signing of ceasefire agreement
Ebola virus persists in body fluids of survivors for months – UN health agency
In Rome, Ban says refugee and migration crisis is a ‘defining moment for Europe and the world’
Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay elected to serve on UN Security Council
Burundi: Ban condemns killing of 11 people in Bujumbura, urges prompt investigation
‘Rural women are the backbone of sustainable livelihoods,’ Ban declares on International Day
Urgent appeal by UN rights expert to stop ‘abhorrent’ attacks against persons with albinism
Despite ‘relative’ calm in Kunduz, full conditions for humanitarian assistance not yet restored – UN
On Handwashing Day, UNICEF warns inadequate hygiene endangers key development goal

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14 October 2015

Iraq: UN envoy expresses concern over growing tension and violence in Kurdistan region
UN-backed telecom summit shines spotlight on young innovators
New UN trade report spotlights links between maritime transport and sustainability
Expanding role of UN Office in Somalia will require increased investment, Security Council told
In Turkey, UN deputy chief says response to migration, refugee movement ‘being tested as never before’
Security Council renews mandate of UN mission in Haiti, maintains recommended troop levels
Morocco’s agriculture-focused ‘Green Plan’ must benefit all, says UN rights expert
Central African Republic: UN agency delivers food aid to thousands displaced by recent violence in capital
After six years on the rise, Afghan opium crop cultivation declines – UN survey
UN agency and French Government urge inclusion of food security in global climate change debate

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13 October 2015

Dutch Safety Board’s final report on flight MH17 crash in Ukraine welcomed by UN
Syria: UN human rights officials alarmed at rise of incitement to religious violence
Senior UN relief official urges action to address urgent humanitarian needs in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Belarus election ‘neither free nor fair,’ says UN human rights expert
In Iran, UN deputy chief highlights country’s ‘important contributions’ over the decades
‘Knowledge saves lives,’ UN stresses on International Day for Disaster Reduction
UN mission ‘seriously concerned’ by Taliban threats against Afghan media outlets
Security Council renews commitment to landmark resolution on women, peace and security
UN global advocate Daniel Craig visits Cyprus, highlights need for continued de-mining efforts
UN agency condemns suicide attacks in Chad, pledges continued support
Expanding social protection offers a faster track to ending hunger – UN report
Burundi: post-election crisis forces UN and partners to seek $32 million in revised relief plan

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70th anniversary of the United Nations

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UN calls on young people to champion global goal of ending hunger by 2030

The call came at a high-level event entitled “Mobilizing Generation Zero Hunger,” held on the margins of the Sustainable Development Summit at UN Headquarters, brought together young entrepreneurs and activists from around the world, along with global leaders, policy makers and celebrities to discuss how mobilizing this generation to champion sustainable agriculture, food security and nutrition can help make zero hunger and sustainable development a reality.
Ending hunger is Goal 2 of the SDGs, which collectively aim to ensure the long-term well-being of the planet and its people.
“The global goal to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition is one of the most critical,” Mogens Lykketoft, President of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, said at the event.
“While the number of people suffering from hunger in developing regions has fallen by half since 1990, there are still close to 800 million people undernourished worldwide, a majority children and youth,” he noted.
The event was co-hosted by three UN agencies – the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Food Programme (WFP) – and the Government of Ireland.
Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of IFAD, noted the massive untapped human resources available in most of the developing world between the ages of 10 and 24. He stressed that each country should take up the responsibility of maximizing the potential of its youth and provide them with opportunities to be able to achieve the goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.
“People develop themselves. Development doesn’t come to you. If you don’t take responsibility for yourself and expect someone else to develop you then zero hunger will remain a dream,” said Mr. Nwanze.
Ireland’s President, Michael D. Higgins, emphasized that fulfilling the SDGs would only be possible if “we established it as our moral imperative.”
In an emotional address, Nobel Prize nominee Victor Ochen recounted surviving seven years of childhood having only one meal a day. He did not just know about hunger from books, he knew hunger from experience, he told the event, which also featured Brazilian footballer and WFP Ambassador against Hunger Kaká.
 http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=51985#.VghAHn3eums

HEADLINES AT A GLANCE: UNITED NATIONS NEWS CENTER (click link for the full story)

Headlines at a glance Sept 28-Oct 2, 2015

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2 October 2015

‘Pursuit of happiness is fundamental human goal,’ Minister of Bhutan tells UN Assembly
In troubled world, UN must become ‘true family of nations and peoples,’ Holy See tells Assembly
Only through wide-scale reforms will UN keep pace with changing times, Myanmar tells Assembly
Without system-wide reform, UN may fall short of primary objectives, says Indonesian Minister
Philippines highlights climate change, good migration governance in address at UN
Despite sanctions, Sudan remains determined to work towards new Global Goals, Minister tells UN
United Arab Emirates, at UN, calls for international partnerships to achieve Middle East peace
Island States at UN Assembly call for stronger global partnerships to tackle crises
At UN, Syrian Minister criticizes world leaders for inaction against terrorism
Colombia: UN envoy welcomes parties’ agreement on no amnesty for sexual violence
UN officials propose setting up new fund for education in emergencies
UN chief takes note of judgement by German court against Rwandan rebel leaders
At UN, European leaders call to ‘halt atrocities’ and find political solution to crisis in Syria
Grenada joins regional call at UN for action on climate change
One of Africa’s longest-standing refugee situations set to end soon, says UN agency
Independent UN rights experts renew appeal to Pakistan to end death penalty
Despite cooler weather, refugee sea arrivals in Greece approach 400,000 – UN agency
Top UN relief official calls for end to Central African Republic violence, resumption of aid
UN chief expresses condolences following mass shooting at Oregon college
Hailing Somalia’s ratification, UN renews call for universalization of child rights treaty
Burkina Faso’s transition won't be stalled by those ‘rowing against current of history,’ says President at UN
Over 500 children dead, 1.7 million at risk of malnutrition owing to Yemen violence – UN
INTERVIEW: “Refugees are the responsibility of the world… Proximity doesn’t define responsibility.”
– Peter Sutherland
UN human rights office voices concern after Tajikistan bans Islamic political party
Gandhi’s dedication to non-violence still remains example for all – UN chief
Libya: Ban urges parties to reject violence, act quickly on draft peace plan

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1 October 2015

Saudi Arabia, in UN speech, deplores world’s inability to end bloodshed in Syria
Island States threatened by rising seas call at UN for urgent action on climate change
Madagascar urges steps towards meaningful agreement at upcoming UN climate talks
At UN, Somalia proposes ‘grand development plan’ to rebuild country’s social, physical infrastructure
Nepalese Minister calls at UN for enhanced partnerships to address global challenges
UN must be more empowered in global governance, Cambodian leader tells Assembly
In UN address, Kyrgyzstan pledges full commitment to combat against terrorism
Even minor provocation can ‘freeze’ north-south relations on peninsula, DPR Korea leader tells UN
At UN, New Zealand deplores lack of Security Council action on Syria, calls for limiting veto
Timorese leader says reforms will bolster UN for ‘long journey ahead’ to fulfil aims of Charter
Ban welcomes submission of climate action plans by 147 nations ahead of Paris conference
European leaders at UN urge concerted action amid ‘unprecedented’ humanitarian crises
Given global tensions, Alliance of Civilizations needed more than ever – UN officials
Burundi leader focuses on recent polls, upcoming dialogue in address to UN Assembly
At UN, South Sudan reaffirms resolve to uphold historic peace accord
Addressing UN Assembly, India says Pakistan must eschew terrorism before talks can begin
Nicaragua sees hand of capitalism behind world’s woes, calls for re-founded UN
Unlocking potential of least developed countries must be litmus test of Global Goals – Ban
At UN, Israeli leader calls on Palestinians to resume peace talks, deplores Iran for annihilation threats
In UN address, Malaysia says awareness of true Islam can counter extremists’ ‘twisted narrative’
UN envoy condemns deadly shooting attack in West Bank
Future of Europe cannot be built on ‘ever-higher walls,’ Greek Prime Minister tells UN
At UN, President of Montenegro urges broader respect for human rights
Lauding progress to date, UN official urges Malian parties to adhere to peace accord
At UN Assembly, Georgian leader warns of region’s security threats
African leaders say UN Security Council must be reformed to include voice of their continent
Ban urges international support to prevent relapse of ‘horrific’ Central African Republic violence
Bosnia and Herzegovina, in UN address, calls for comprehensive strategy against terrorism
In speech to UN Assembly, Haitian President spotlights process to wrap up nationwide elections this year
General Assembly reflects on UN peace and security efforts, takes stock of current challenges
Pacific islands play vital role in advancing action on climate change, Ban tells leaders
On International Day, UN highlights urban sustainability and inclusiveness of older persons

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30 September 2015

As world embarks on Global Goals, African leaders at UN urge ongoing focus on continent’s challenges
Azerbaijan ‘crucial player’ in energy projects, Foreign Minister tells UN Assembly
In wake of ‘dramatic’ violence in Central African Republic, Foreign Minister calls to strengthen UN mission
Iraqi leader, at UN, highlights progress despite ‘evil will’ of region’s terrorist groups
At UN, Libya warns of ISIL’s increasing influence, calls for unanimity to end region's crises
Fallout from Boko Haram violence fastest growing crisis in Africa, warns UN relief official
‘The time for excuses is over,’ small island leaders tell UN, urging global action on climate change
Addressing UN, Lebanese Prime Minister calls on world powers to end ‘ongoing massacres’
In UN Assembly speech, Pakistan’s Prime Minister proposes new peace initiative with India
Meeting at UN, Middle East Quartet strongly condemns Israeli-Palestinian violence
New UN treatment guidelines say all people with HIV should get antiretrovirals
Terrorism and climate change greatest threats to humanity, Bangladeshi leader tells UN Assembly
Global response to terrorism vital for solving refugee crisis, European leaders tell UN
High-level UN event tackles biggest refugee and migration crisis since Second World War
‘UN has no equal,’ Sultan of Brunei tells Assembly, praising scope of new sustainability agenda
At UN, Turkish Prime Minister urges action to end Syrian crisis
Central American leaders say UN must be reformed and democratized to tackle today’s crises
People over 60 will double by 2050 but little evidence they will be healthier – UN report
Amid numerous challenges, Lebanon needs great international support – UN chief
Citing Israeli violations, Palestinian leader renounces security, political accords at UN Assembly
Closing ‘vast’ gender gap, ending child marriage key priorities, Ghanaian President tells UN
At Security Council, Ban underscores shared responsibility to resolve Mid-east conflicts
Afghanistan: UN stresses need to protect civilians amid reported abuses in Kunduz
At UN, President of Sri Lanka details country’s ‘new vision’ built on sustainability and reconciliation
World must ‘act with collective humanity’ to address growing humanitarian needs – Ban

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29 September 2015

Small islands remain ‘humanity’s moral compass,’ leaders tell UN, urging action on climate change
Venezuelan President urges UN to build new geopolitical system that respects needs of all people
Uruguay leader urges UN action to ease global burden of noncommunicable diseases
At UN, President of Yemen decries civilian toll of country’s conflict, appeals for more humanitarian aid
Prime Minister applauds 2030 Agenda, pledges work towards a sustainable Thailand
At UN, Australia says action on Global Goals will 'transform world' for betterment of all
Urging global assistance for Syrian refugees, European Union at UN says ‘everyone can offer help’
At event on abolishing death penalty, Ban stresses need to respect rights of victims’ families
President tells UN Assembly negotiations have opened ‘new window of opportunity’ for all Cypriots
Fighting terrorism and drug trafficking are key priority’s for Tajikistan, President tells UN Assembly
Armenian President reports to General Assembly on increasing tension with Azerbaijan
At UN, Kuwaiti leader affirms importance of scaling up aid as crises persist in Middle East
Presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia outline post-Ebola recovery plan in addresses to UN Assembly
At UN, Japan announces major boost in assistance for Syrian and Iraqi refugees
Upcoming elections represent milestone in Myanmar’s democratic transition – Ban
UNICEF advocate Orlando Bloom urges protection of refugee and migrant children
At General Assembly, Ukrainian President says country suffering ‘brutal violation’ of UN Charter
Breakthrough needed to ensure nuclear-test-ban treaty enters into force – UN chief
Lethal use of force could worsen existing tensions, UN warns Israelis and Palestinians
UN agencies call for end to violence and discrimination against LGBTI community
Growing threat of violent extremism demands unified response, UN chief tells summit
African leaders highlight UN’s ability to support countries and rid world of fear and violence
UN stresses need for access to thousands affected by Central African Republic violence
At UN, Mongolian President urges coordinated action to tackle pressing global issues
‘The only sustainable future is one that includes us all,’ Rwandan President tells UN Assembly
In wake of Taliban attack, UN rights chief urges protection of civilians in Afghan city of Kunduz
With South Sudan at crossroads, Ban urges parties to reaffirm commitment to peace
President of Guyana urges UN to protect small States from foreign aggression
After latest round of peace talks, Colombia on ‘final path’ to end 50-year conflict, President tells UN

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28 September 2015

Latin American leaders urge reform of UN bodies, highlight 2030 ‘agenda of change’
Afghan Chief Executive calls for UN reforms to tackle unprecedented range of crises
‘Living well,’ not capitalism, key to sustainability and social justice, Bolivia tells UN Assembly
At General Assembly, Mali leader lauds UN for helping to restore peace to war-torn north
Eastern European leaders at UN urge stronger cooperation to tackle threats to global peace and stability
From General Assembly podium, Egypt calls for proactive UN strategy against extremism
Terrorism most immediate problem for new Nigerian Government, President tells UN
Renewed attacks in Central African Republic prompt UN call for end to violence
At UN, French President pledges to work with all parties towards political solution in Syria – except Syrian leader
At UN, President of Zimbabwe denounces sanctions against his country
Yemen: Ban condemns airstrikes that reportedly struck wedding party and killed over 100
Ban calls on all actors in Burkina Faso to act responsibly, exercise restraint
In UN speech, South African President calls for reform of Security Council
Addressing General Debate, Cuban President calls for end to US embargo
Mexican President urges UN to reform Security Council, step up action against world drug problem
African leaders at UN cite ‘remarkable’ progress on MDGs and urge commitment to post-2015 agenda
Better future for Somalia must remain collective priority, Ban says at high-level meeting
At UN, Kazakh President proposes ‘strategic’ 30-year plan to promote fairness and human development
World leaders recommit to modernize 120,000-strong UN peacekeeping force
China’s President urges UN General Assembly to put new development agenda into action
Addressing UN Assembly, European leaders call for increased funds to ease refugee and migrant crisis
At UN Assembly, Gulf, Mid-east leaders call for urgent action against terrorist groups
In Assembly address, Russian President stresses national sovereignty within context of UN Charter
Divided peninsula ‘last remaining vestige of Cold War,’ Republic of Korea President tells UN
World drug problem violates human rights in five key areas, says UN official
Nuclear deal could be blueprint for global relations based on mutual respect, Iranian President tells UN
Senior UN official alarmed at upsurge in human rights abuses in Burundi
Report by UN and Gates Foundation presents vision for eradicating malaria by 2040
UN ideals point the way to solving the world’s crises, US President tells annual Assembly debate
At UN Assembly, Brazilian President urges solidarity towards Global Goals, tackling refugee crisis
Rabies 100 per cent preventable, UN health agency says on World Day
Warning of dangers to health, environment, UN experts urge phase-out of hazardous pesticides
Global Goals will only be realized in a world of peace, security and respect for human rights – UN Assembly President
UN mission deplores deadly suicide attack at volleyball game in Afghanistan
‘When we stand together, there is no limit to what we can achieve,’ Ban tells UN Assembly

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In the Spotlight

INTERVIEW: “Refugees are the responsibility of the world… Proximity doesn’t define responsibility.”
– Peter Sutherland

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The Week in Review - 2 October 2015

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Heard at the UN

Quotes from around the General Assembly's 70th session