U.S. acts locally not globally in the fight against human rights

Nancy Rubin, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, says that the U.S. has given the world a sense that the government is in the fight against human rights violations locally rather than globally. Rubin said U.S. is described as having hubris, a selective disregard for international law, as well as a contempt for having a disregard against the Human Rights Council. (0:47)
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Three aspects of 'responsibility to protect'

James B. Warlick, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs discusses the threefold aspects of the 'responsibility to protect' before a hearing on policy options for international disaster assistance. He narrows the scope to individual responsibility, peaceful measures by the international community and stronger action by the international community through the United Nations Security Council. (1:08)
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Eight years in--how are the Millennium Development Goals?

TRNS Ellen Ratner interviews Pragati Pascal of the United Nations about the Millennium Development Goals and the progress that has been made in the first eight years of the new millennium. (5:53)
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People in crisis have the ability to help themselves

TRNS bureau chief Ellen Ratner interviews Gail Bindley Taylor Sainté the information officer for relations with NGOs at the United Nations. She speaks about her role in the United Nations and peacekeeping. (7:19)
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The responsibility to protect against genocide

TRNS bureau chief Ellen Ratner interviews Edward Luck, senior vice president and director of studies at the International Peace Institute about his dual roles in the institute and the United Nations and the responsibility nations have to protect their people from genocide, ethinic cleansing and war crimes. (9:17)
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Whipping up wit at the United Nations

TRNS bureau chief Ellen Ratner interviews Jessica Jiji, a speech writer in the office of the Secretary General of the United Nations and author of the book "Diamonds Take Forever" about her work in speech writing and her first novel. (6:27)
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UN: Over 100,000 dead in Myanmar and China

TRNS bureau chief Ellen Ratner interviews Peter Salama, the chief of health for UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) about current efforts being made by UNICEF in countries experiencing natural disaster. (6:29)
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Spelling out literacy for the world

TRNS bureau chief Ellen Ratner interviews Helen-Marie Gosselin a lifelong UN employee with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) about her work in promoting cultural understanding and other objectives throughout the world. (8:34)

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Radhika Coomaraswamy on Africa Children and Armed Conflict

Radhika Coomaraswamy, United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, discusses her recent mission to Chad and the Central African Republic. Ms. Coomaraswamy's mission was to meet and work with the governments of Chad and the Central African Republic, as well as UN agencies and non-state actors to discuss the status of children in armed conflict. Ms. Coomaraswamy was pleased to report that Chad will release all children in detention, provide the United Nations with a list of names, and work to reintegrate them into their communities. (2:09)
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UN Security Council Headed to Africa, Including Somalia and Sudan

The United Nations Security Council will go to five nations in Africa, including Sudan and Somalia, over the next week. The press was briefed today about the pending trip by Ambassador Michel Kafando of Burkina Faso; Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert of France; Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo of South Africa; and Ambassador John Sawers of the United Kingdom.

In Somalia, the Security Council will meet with the current government - including the President and Prime Minister, opposition parties, diplomatic community, and "civil society." Ambassador Kumalo indicated that "all the major players will be there," and that this is a "great opportunity for the Somalis."

Regarding the Sudan leg of the trip, the panel indicated that the Security Council will visit Khartoum in the North, as well as Juba and President Salva Kiir in the South. The Sudan leg will focus heavily on Darfur, as well as the progress made by the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). Mr. Sawyers stated that it is "clear that UNAMID is building up it's capability," but that "there is more to be done."
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United Nations allowing defiance

Mia Farrow of Dream for Darfur says that the United Nations has been unable to standup against Sudan and the genocide that is unfolding there. (0:19)
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Robert Serry on "Positive" Progress on Middle East Peace Process

Robert Serry, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, speaking at the United Nations Security Council Stakeout details "positive" and "significant" progress in the Middle East peace process. (1:31)
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Robert Serry on Gaza Needs

Robert Serry, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, speaking at the United Nations Security Council Stakeout today stated that the Palestinians need "visible and tangible progress on the ground." (0:33)
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Robert Serry: Situation in Gaza an "Unsustainable"

Robert Serry, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Proces, describes the situation in Gaza as an "unsustainable humanitarian crisis." (1:12)
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Jane Lute Summarizes Save the Children Report

Jane Lute summarizes the Save the Children report on alleged sex abuse by UN Peacekeepers (1:22)
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Jane Lute on Usefulness of Save the Children Sex Abuse Report

Jane Lute describes the usefulness of the Save the Children report on alleged sex abuse by UN Peacekeepers (0:55)
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Jane Lute on Save the Children Sex Abuse Report

Jane Lute, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, describes the recent report by Save the Children on allegations of sex abuse by UN Peacekeeprs. (1:33)
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Holmes on Specific Myanmar Contribution Levels

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes on specific contribution levels to Myanmar assistance. (1:01)
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Holmes on Myanmar Donations

John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, spoke at the UN today on his recent visit to Myanmar and consultations with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding Myanmar relief. (1:07)
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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits Myanmar

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Myanmar yesterday.  He flew over areas affected by the cyclone and met with senior Junta general Than Shwe.  The SG met with General Shwe for over two hours.  The General promised to ease visa and travel restrictions, as well as provide visas for aid workers of all nationalities.  Dan Patterson reports from the United Nations. (1:15)
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