UN faces race against time and weather to obtain hazard-proof shelters for Haiti

The United Nations said today it is racing against time to bring in hazard-resistant tents for Haiti’s earthquake victims before the rainy season starts, provide sufficient agricultural input to save the next planting season, and raise greatly increased funding to support the effort.

Secretary-General calls for stronger partnership for African development

The global food and energy crises and climate change, and coupled with the financial and economic crises, have eroded economic and social gains made in Africa over the past decade, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warns in a new report, calling for a stronger partnership for Africa’s development.

Outgoing UN envoy urges Sudanese to press ahead in 2010 on critical issues

The outgoing United Nations envoy in Sudan has lauded recent developments in the country’s electoral process, and urged the parties to the north-south peace agreement to press ahead during what will be a crucial year for the nation.

Iranian move to step up uranium enrichment worries UN nuclear chief

The head of the United Nations atomic watchdog expressed concern at Iran’s announcement today that it will step up its enrichment of uranium, with the country having still not signed an international agreement on fuel for its civilian nuclear research site in the capital, Tehran.

Racing against time, weather for Haiti’s quake victims, UN seeks hazard-proof shelters

The United Nations said today it is racing against time to bring in hazard-resistant tents for Haiti’s earthquake victims before the rainy season starts, provide sufficient agricultural input to save the next planting season, and raise greatly increased funding to support the effort.

More than 8,000 women raped last year by combatants in eastern DR Congo - UN

The number of women raped in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where sexual violence committed by warring factions has reached endemic proportions, topped 8,000 last year, according to fresh estimates released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today.

ICC dismisses charges against Darfurian rebel leader for lack of evidence

The International Criminal Court (ICC) today declined to confirm the charges made against a rebel leader accused of directing the September 2007 attack that killed a dozen African Union peacekeepers in Sudan’s strife-torn Darfur region, citing a lack of evidence.

Fiji pensions: ‘Osama, put that gun down’

Chadian herders to benefit from UN funding for water projects

The United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty has granted Chad $19.5 million to finance a water project for nomadic herders in the arid sub-Saharan Sahel region.

More than 8,000 women raped last year by fighters in eastern DR Congo - UN

The number of women raped in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where sexual violence committed by warring factions has become endemic, topped 8,000 last year, according to fresh estimates released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today.