News Library

Menik Farm in northern Sri Lanka, once one of the world's largest camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), is to close by the end of September, say government officials.

At the High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law at National and International Levels, that is taking place during the 67th UN General Assembly, world leaders will focus on strengthening the rule of law, underlining its central role in securing international peace and security, furthering development and the achievement of universal human rights. This first high-level meeting of the General Assembly dedicated solely to the rule of law, will bring together governments and civil society to review progress made and challenges that exist at the national and international level to strengthen the rule of law.

Legal reforms can transform women's lives when they are implemented and properly utilized. Gender-based violence is a fundamental violation of women's rights and affects all countries. Legal reforms can address this pandemic, but what is needed are strong laws, active implementation and services for womens' protection and prevention of violence against women.

Today the United Nations Foundation's Girl Up campaign announced its partnership with the organization Girls on the Run International, which will provide girls with opportunities to stand up for themselves and for girls across the globe and increase awareness of issues that adolescent girls everywhere face.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9 is one of my favorite Bible verses, and as our world sees so much international turmoil on a daily basis, it is never far from my mind. I spent most of my adult life serving in the military, so I appreciate the value of peacetime. I fully support our nation leading the way to make lasting peace real in our time.

Today is International Peace Day. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 as an annual day of non-violence and voluntary global cease-fire, the annual celebration of peace encourages armed groups in conflict zones voluntarily to cease all hostilities on September 21 each year. I have seen no assessment as to whether armed groups in Colombia and elsewhere are aware of this global campaign or comply with its call, but the day has sometimes provided an opportunity for the United Nations or other humanitarian agencies to carry out actions such as the shipment of medical supplies and food into war zones, and it is an opportunity to carry out public peace education. On this day each year, citizens in Colombia and around the globe engage in activities designed to raise awareness about issues relating to peace and violence, and to make their homes, schools, communities, and countries places that nurture a culture of peace.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today highlighted the role played by Nobel laureate and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar's reconciliation efforts, and re-affirmed the commitment of the United Nations to helping the Asian nation in its efforts.

Six months on, the process of establishing the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) is still in limbo with hardly anyone at the senior level paying much heed to it.

It will take 50 years for gender balance to be achieved in Asia-Pacific national legislatures if the increase in women's participation in parliaments remains at the current pace, says a UN Development Programme (UNDP) study released this week. Economic progress will be limited without equal opportunity for men and women to influence political and economic decision-making, according to the report, which offers a six-step action plan to fast-track women into politics.

Over the past 25 years only one in 40 peace treaty signatories have been women. A new report shows women are significantly missing from peace negotiations. How do countries compare for female participation?