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- UN battles polio outbreak in DR Congo
The United Nations is calling for a cease-fire in the conflict-ridden eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to try to stem a sudden outbreak of polio. Millions of children are at risk of the disease, say officials, who last month launched a vaccination campaign aimed at reaching some 72 million children under 5 in 15 countries across Africa. The Guardian (London) (12/5)       - Hunger takes a back seat to politics in Afghanistan
Politics are trumping humanitarian issues in Afghanistan, where one in four people still do not have enough food to eat according to a UN official. "The humanitarian situation seems to be a second thought," UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Catherine Bragg said Sunday in an interview. Reuters (12/5)  Top five news stories selected by UN Wire readers in the past week. - Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.
- How climate changes affects the poor
The global poor are already paying a heavy price for the effects of climate change, forced to take action independently to protect their families and livelihoods while governments continue to wrangle over a battle plan and the necessary funding. Observers warn that impoverished farmers' efforts are hamstrung by a lack of access to information on weather patterns and access to climate-resistant crops. AlertNet (12/5) - Turner calls for action at World Climate Summit
Speaking at the World Climate Summit in Cancun, Mexico, UN Foundation founder Ted Turner called for greater efforts to raise awareness of the threat posed by rising carbon emissions and the science linking human activity and global warming. Turner said, "We have to convince the majority of people in the world that we are right and get them motivated. That's a big job, but hopefully we can do it." Bloomberg (12/5) - Is WikiLeaks endangering sources?
The publication of names or other identifying characteristics of sources in diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks has raised fears that journalists and human-rights advocates may face repercussions from hostile government officials. In one case, WikiLeaks released the name of an Algerian reporter who accused President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of manipulating elections -- until the Committee to Protect Journalists requested WikiLeaks remove the name. ForeignPolicy.com/Turtle Bay blog (12/3) - Iran nuclear program talks begin
Iran remained defiant today at the start of talks in Switzerland designed on the nature, and intention, of the country's nuclear program. On Sunday, the country announced that it had successfully mined raw uranium ore domestically, which means it could potentially bypass UN sanctions prohibiting the import of raw uranium. BBC (12/6) , The New York Times (free registration) (12/6) - Prendergast is pushing for smooth Sudan transition
As Southern Sudan prepares to vote on an independence referendum that many observers fear could spark new conflict in the Sudan, Africa advocacy icon John Prendergast is working to help ensure as smooth a transition as possible. Prendergast, who has campaigned to support African progress since 1984, has briefed U.S. President Barack Obama and other U.S. officials in a bid to apply pressure on Khartoum to honor the January vote results. The New York Times (free registration) (12/2)
- What are your plans for donating to charitable organizations this holiday season?
 | I've already donated | | I'm planning on donating | | I might donate if I find a worthy cause | | I'm not going to donate this season |
 | - Your World, Your Future: Voices of a New Generation
As part of its December Presidency of the UN Security Council, the United States will host an innovative event to bring the voices of youth directly to the Council. Young people, representing nearly 50% of the world's population, have a major stake in the key decisions on global peace and security made every day at the Security Council. It is time for their voices to be heard. On Dec. 21, the United States will chair an important Security Council Event titled "Your World, Your Future: Voices of a New Generation" that will bring the 15 members of the Council together to debate three top ideas submitted by young people.From now until Dec. 14, the U.S. Mission to the UN will be accepting submissions for consideration. The question being asked is: "What is the most vital challenge to international peace and security facing your generation? Tell the UN Security Council what issue you believe deserves more attention, and explain why it is important." Anyone 21 or under from anywhere in the world can submit their answer to that question in a one minute video, or in written form, in 250 words or less. Complete instructions as well as terms and conditions of participation are available at www.usun.state.gov/youth. Please write to us at youth@state.gov with any questions. |
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| | | About UN WIRE | | UN Wire is a free service sponsored by the United Nations Foundation which is dedicated to supporting the United Nations' efforts to address the most pressing humanitarian, socioeconomic and environmental challenges facing the world today. | | | | | | | | Recent UN Wire Issues: - Friday, December 03, 2010
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| | | Lead Editor: Adam Mazmanian
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