Vienna – While there have been significant human rights achievements since the landmark adoption of the Vienna Declaration 20 years ago, people across the world are still being denied basic liberties, a United Nations senior official said today, calling on countries to step up their efforts to prevent gross rights violations. (more…)

New York – As we mark International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, I call on Member States to step up efforts to assist all those who have suffered from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  (more…)

GENEVA – Governments must do more to fulfil their obligations to ensure that torture victims and their families can obtain redress and rehabilitation for the suffering they have endured, UN  human rights experts* have stressed in a joint call. (more…)

Pretoria – The United Nations Public Service Forum, Public Service Day and Public Service Awards Ceremony will honor South Africa for its project promoting a better future for all. The global Forum and Awards Ceremony will take place from 24 to 27 June 2013 in Manama, the Kingdom of Bahrain– the first time these events will be held in the Arab region. (more…)

New York – The effectiveness of the modern, global economy depends on the large-scale transport of cargo between locations all over the world. The only effective way to carry the vast majority of those goods is by sea. The maritime transport industry is, therefore, central to the livelihoods of billions of people; and the maritime transport industry, in turn, relies on seafarers. Without them, international trade would simply grind to a halt. (more…)