The reported death of former Libyan leader Muammar Al-Qadhafi, who had ruled his country since 1969, marked a key moment in the transition to a “new Libya”, and as soon as the National Transitional Council (NTC) formally declared liberation, the path towards the formation of an interim Government would begin, the United Nations special envoy to that country said today at a Headquarters press briefing.

A pattern of violations had emerged regarding Iran’s treatment of civil society actors — including political dissidents – that spoke to unfair trials and the targeting of human rights defenders, and the best strategy for substantially improving those conditions was not to penalize the Government, but rather engage it in dialogue that would evolve over time, said the United Nations special investigator on that country.

While it was crucial that States comply with their human rights obligations while fighting terrorism, the suffering of its victims and the prevention of terrorist acts must also receive attention from a human rights perspective, a United Nations expert told the correspondents at Headquarters this morning.

Wrapping up a 5-day mission in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos said it was clear that a large number of children there are stunted, and warned that chronic malnutrition will have long-term implications for generations to come even if drastic action is taken today. She said the international community must not turn its back on the people of that country.

In a press conference at Headquarters this morning, the newly elected Maronite Patriarch, His Beatitude Bechara Peter Rai, offered a message of “communion and love” and heralded the 2,000 years of contribution by the Christian community in the Middle East.

An overhaul of inequitable agricultural business models was needed to reduce global poverty and ensure long-term sustainability for farmers and farm systems, said an independent United Nations food expert at a New York Headquarters press conference today.

In his message to mark United Nations day, the Secretary-General says that, just days from now, the human family will welcome its 7 billionth member. And he says we should unite, 7 billion strong, in the name of the global common good. And, on this special day, never has the United Nations been so needed.

While pro-democracy gains and demands for freedom and justice were sweeping the Middle East, threats and attacks against human rights defenders in that region and elsewhere around the world continued at a disturbing rate, according to a report released at Headquarters today by a leading global coalition of rights activists.

The UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Libya called on the Libyan authorities today to ensure that the new State is built on a strong foundation of human rights and the rule of law. Judge Philippe Kirsch, Chairperson of the Commission, urged all armed forces to refrain from revenge killings and arbitrary repression of Libyans and foreigners.

As the role of secondary education in reducing poverty, spurring economic growth, increasing wages and fostering healthy behaviour gained traction, secondary-school enrolment was rising from Algeria to Zambia, according to a publication released at Headquarters today by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).