UN marks 60th anniversary of UN Refugee Convention

Source: UNHCR press release

UN offices around the world on Thursday marked the 60th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention – the legal foundation on which most of the agency’s work worldwide is based. The landmark comes at a time when forced displacement has become increasingly complex and as developing countries struggle to host millions of refugees.

UN International Court rules in favor of Kosovo

Source: Al Jazeera

President Obama debut at the United Nations

Source: YouTube

Obama sets busy schedule at UN

Source: Boston Globe | By Farah Stockman

President Obama has planned a whirlwind 2 1/2 day schedule at the United Nations later this month, going well beyond the traditional routine for US presidents.

Lives at risk at the UN

Source: European Council on Foreign Relations | By Richard Gowan*

Europe has always been seen as a human rights champion. It is viewed the world over as model for an open, democratic society, with its governments protecting rights as a given. But the EU is undeniably losing influence at the UN, and its ability to push the human rights debate on the world stage is dwindling with it. And as European power at the UN declines, human rights standards drop and lives are put at risk as the EU is outplayed in power politics.

U.N. stands ready to assist Italy after earthquake

Source: United Nations Regional Information Center for Western Europe

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his sadness over the heavy loss of life in this morning’s earthquake in central Italy, with the United Nations having alerted the European nation’s Government that it is prepared to provide disaster response support. According to media reports, the 6.3-magnitude quake has claimed more than 100 lives.

Former New Zealand premier nominated for top U.N. development post

Source: United Nations

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has requested the General Assembly to confirm former Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand as the new Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a four-year term.

Susan Rice to be appointed as new Ambassador to the U.N.

Source: The Associated Press (and the Guardian) | By Edith Lederer

Susan Rice, the first African-American woman named as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, brings to the job a lifetime’s work on international issues, an insider’s knowledge of the White House and State Department, and close ties to President-elect Barack Obama.