Category: World

Jean Pierre Lacroix, head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) was briefing the Security Council on recent developments that have heightened tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, which became embroiled in conflict in the late 1990s, when Kosovo made a bid for independence. Mr. Lacroix began his briefing, by pointing to November 21, when Kosovo announced new tariffs on goods… Read More

A UN-supported initiative in Ukraine promotes sustainable tourism, development and protects the environment. © UNDP SGP Ukraine/2017 The “eco-routes” which are supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) contribute to the protection of the European plains, boost rural development and encourage sustainable tourism. People with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired, have been joining other cyclists on tandem bikes. On… Read More

Peat is made up of decaying organic matter and, crucially, is able to absorb harmful carbon deposits which would otherwise add to carbon dioxide emissions, if released into the atmosphere. UNDP Ukraine/Taylor Rees Many of the bogs in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia, have been drained so the land can be used for commercial development, but when dry, the peat becomes… Read More

The report observes that forest-based livelihoods not only benefit local villagers but also contribute to national tax bases, and overall well-being. And while the Mediterranean diet and agricultural products are world-renowned, their survival depend on rural landscapes, resources and decent working conditions.  Moreover, Mediterranean coastlines host 30 per cent of all international tourists, with budding cities and megacities that continue… Read More

Briefing the Security Council on Monday, in the wake of Sunday’s confrontation between vessels from the two neighbouring countries off the coast of Crimea, Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs urged them “to refrain from any ratcheting up of actions or rhetoric.” “ remind both of the need to contain this incident so as to… Read More

The UN envoy’s comments came at the end of a 12-day visit to the UK, which saw him travel to nine cities across the country, meeting members of civil society, front line workers, and officials from a range of political parties in local, devolved and UK Governments. He spoke to people directly affected by poverty, including some who depend of… Read More

In Geneva on Thursday, Osnat Lubrani, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, briefed UN Member States on the human cost and consequences of the severe humanitarian crisis and called on international donors to urgently increase funding to help vulnerable families through the long harsh winter. “Thanks to generous support by donors, so far this year more than one million most… Read More

President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia and President Hashim Thaçi of Kosovo vowed to keep talking following a meeting in Brussels, last week, informed Zahir Tanin, the head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). However, for political negotiations to succeed and lasting peace to take hold, “full engagement and buy-in” is needed from all actors – societies, leaders… Read More

In May, police took the children into care, including a breastfeeding infant – reportedly without “duly considering their best interests, preserving the family structure or first providing instructions on how to combat problems in the home,” the experts said. “This family separation has caused immense trauma and psychological damage and we are deeply troubled about the impact on the children’s… Read More