Today is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, and in his message on the occasion, the Secretary-General stressed that the practice denies women and girls their dignity, endangers their health and causes needless pain and suffering, with consequences that last a lifetime.
The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations today deferred its consideration of five groups requesting consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, while recommending the reclassification of one accredited non-governmental organization — World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (United States) — from “roster” status to “special” consultative status.
While the Copenhagen Declaration had helped countries make great strides in improving living conditions, the international community must now align its work with modern reality, speakers told the Commission on Social Development today, with some calling on the 40-member body to revise its work programme and end duplication.
MANAGUA, 4 February — The United Nations Round Table on the Question of Palestine concluded in Managua today with diaspora members from around Central America supporting a declaration that called on them to step up cooperation in efforts to end the occupation and wield their collective power to influence Governments in defence of Palestinian rights.
MANAGUA, 4 February — The Palestinian diaspora was integral to reviving the vision of a State of Palestine living alongside a peaceful and secure neighbour in Israel, speakers said today, as the United Nations Round Table on the Question of Palestine opened in Managua, Nicaragua, amid calls to make 2017 a year of renewed hope for ending 50 years of occupation.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres left New York on Friday, 27 January, to participate in the African Union Summit in Ethiopia. He arrived in Addis Ababa late on Saturday, 28 January.
Continuing its regular session for 2017, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations today recommended six organizations for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and deferred action on the status of 80 others.
Delegates spotlighted the obligation of Governments and international organizations to promote and protect the inalienable rights of the world’s 1 billion persons with disabilities today, as the Commission for Social Development entered the third day of its fifty-fifth annual session.
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the ongoing tensions and intensification of the fighting in eastern Ukraine. He appeals to all parties to fully observe the ceasefire and allow for immediate humanitarian access.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Susan McDade of Canada as Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau for Management Services at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
