action

Europe tops the charts for alcohol consumption. WHO calls for urgent action to curb the trend

WHO’s Dr Gauden Galea said that the impacts are far-reaching including domestic violence, accidents and mental health issues. He called on countries to implement effective policies to reduce drinking. How much are Europeans drinking? The numbers tell a sobering story: men in the region drink nearly four times more than women and 470 million people … Read moreEurope tops the charts for alcohol consumption. WHO calls for urgent action to curb the trend

Mediterranean migrant shipwreck: Swift action needed to prevent new tragedy

Duty to rescue people in distress In a joint statement, refugee agency UNHCR and migration agency IOM, said that the duty to rescue people in distress at sea without delay was a “fundamental” rule of the international maritime law. They underscored that the current approach to Mediterranean Sea crossings – one of the world’s most … Read moreMediterranean migrant shipwreck: Swift action needed to prevent new tragedy

Fresh diplomatic gains must match action on the ground in Syria to end war

“It is vital that the recent diplomatic moves are matched with real action,” said Geir Pedersen, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, briefing the Security Council on recent political and humanitarian developments. A range of diplomatic initiatives have quickened the pace towards finding solutions on, among other things, continuing a direct dialogue with the … Read moreFresh diplomatic gains must match action on the ground in Syria to end war

WMO makes urgent call to action over melting cryosphere

WMO warned on Tuesday that glaciers and ice sheet melt in Greenland and Antarctica accounts for some 50 per cent of sea level rise, which is accelerating, with disastrous impacts on small island developing states (SIDS) and densely populated coastal areas. Glacier melt The average thickness of the world’s glaciers has plummeted by almost 30 metres since 1970. “The cryosphere … Read moreWMO makes urgent call to action over melting cryosphere

Deadly shipwreck in Italy must trigger action to save lives, UN officials say

“Every person searching for a better life deserves safety and dignity,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “We need safe, legal routes for migrants and refugees.” The UN refugee agency (UNCHR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in a joint statement, expressed condolences for the victims and called on countries to increase resources and capabilities … Read moreDeadly shipwreck in Italy must trigger action to save lives, UN officials say

New UN report urges Europe to step-up action over triple environmental crisis |

Action is needed over emissions, waste, pollution and biodiversity loss, it says, adding that solutions can be found, through a focus on a “circular economy” and sustainable infrastructure. The call came during the ninth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference, which runs until Friday, in the report authored by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) … Read moreNew UN report urges Europe to step-up action over triple environmental crisis |