UN

Bainimarama calls for new emissions target at the UN

In his address Frank Bainimarama urged world leaders to strive for more than just the two degrees’ target set in Paris in 2015.

In November, Mr Bainimarama will take up the presidency COP23 UN climate change conference in Germany.

He told leaders at the General Assembly they should commit to limiting global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels.

"It may be tempting for political leaders to show that they are protecting some national industry or near term economic goal," he said.

No new sanctions over latest North Korea missile test

After meeting in an emergency session, the United States, China, and Russia were united in their opposition to North Korea for firing a missilie over the Japanese island of Hokkaido.

In a joint statement, members of the council appealed for North Korea to take part in a peace process and reduce tension on the Korean Peninsula.

There was no mention in the UN statement of further sanctions.

Last week, the Security Council agreed on fresh economic sanctions, which the US estimates will cut trade with North Korea by 90 per cent.

UN to examine blame for Syria gas attack

The fact-finding mission by chemical weapons watchdog Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) concluded Sarin, a banned nerve agent, was used in the attack on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province.

The attack on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province was the deadliest in Syria in more than three years. It prompted a retaliatory US missile strike against a Syrian air base the US said had launched the attack.

The OPCW, which is based in The Hague, reached that conclusion after interviewing witnesses and examining samples.

UNDP urges PNG to protect its biodiversity

World Environment Day is the biggest annual event for positive environmental action around the globe and takes place on 5 June every year. The theme for this year's celebration is 'connecting people with nature'.

"Papua New Guinea is home to some of the most spectacular natural environment in the world. Although the country makes up less than one percent of the global land area, it contains more than seven percent of the world's biodiversity," said Roy Trivedy, UNDP Resident Representative and the UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

UN coordinator raises concern on importance of environment

He praised residents for joining in on the World Environment Day celebrations today at the Port Moresby Nature Park.

This day has been recognised annually by the UN since 1974.

And Trivedy said being the fourth mega diverse region in the whole world, it was great for PNG to observe the day.

“People’s lives here connect with nature and it’s great to see so many young and old people and business houses,” he said, making mention of some like the Kreativ Kanaka and Total Waste Management.

UN imposes targeted sanctions on North Korea

The measures impose a travel ban and asset freeze on four entities and 14 officials, including the head of North Korea's overseas spying operations.

The council voted unanimously to back the sanctions after weeks of negotiations between the US and China.

Pyongyang has defied a UN resolution banning all nuclear and missile tests.

The sanctions resolution was adopted by the 15-member council on Friday.

Among the 14 North Korean officials is Cho Il-u, who leads Pyongyang's foreign espionage operations.

Myanmar army rejects UN Rohingya abuse claims

Some 65,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh as the military searched for those behind attacks on police border posts.

Many of those who fled described rapes, killings and other abuses by the army.

But the military said its own investigation found the claims were "false and fabricated".

Malala Yousafzai made youngest UN Messenger of Peace

 The 19-year-old, who is doing her A-levels and has an offer from a top UK university, will take the role with a special focus on girls' education.

In 2012 Ms Yousafzai was nearly killed by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' rights to education.

Accepting the accolade in New York, she said: "(Bringing change) starts with us and it should start now."

"If you want to see your future bright, you have to start working now (and) not wait for anyone else," he said.

UN holds emergency talks after US Syria attack

Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged restraint as Russia accused the US of encouraging "terrorists" in the region with its unilateral actions.

Militia fighters decapitate 40 police officers in DR Congo

Fighters from the Kamwina Nsapu group attacked a police convoy.

Six policemen who spoke the local Tshiluba were freed, but the rest were killed, Kasai Assembly President Francois Kalamba said.

The unrest in Kasai began last August, when security forces killed the Kamwina Nsapu leader.

Friday's attack targeted a police convoy travelling between Tshikapa and Kananga.

The state Governor Alexis Nkande Myopompa said an investigation had been launched into the killings.