Security Council debates measures to protect civilians in armed conflict

As the United Nations Security Council discussed measures to protect civilians in armed conflict, UN officials today stressed the urgency of finding practical ways to improve the safety of individuals and provide for them after the fighting has ended.

Attention to root causes of conflicts essential to prevention, Annan says

Stressing the need to prevent conflicts before they break out, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged attention to their root causes.

New UN website mobilizes action to protect war-affected children

The United Nations today announced the launch of a new website aimed at calling attention to the plight of children affected by war and mobilizing action to protect them.

Annan urges greater involvement of women in resolving conflicts and fostering peace

Women, so often victimized by wars, should be given a greater role in ending them, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today in a message to a gathering in Egypt of first ladies and other female officials.

Security Council discusses conflict prevention and recovery in Africa

Proposals for preventing conflict and fostering recovery in Africa were widely discussed today in the United Nations Security Council, which held a daylong meeting on the issue that saw the participation of over three dozen speakers.

Urgent aid needed for displaced persons in Angola - UN envoy

A senior United Nations official visiting Angola said he was stunned by the number of persons displaced by the conflict in the Southern African nation's provinces of Moxico and Bie, calling it an extremely serious situation.

Security Council stresses importance of protecting civilians in armed conflict

Reaffirming its concern at the hardships borne by civilians during armed conflict and acknowledging the effect their plight has on peace prospects, the United Nations Security Council today adopted a document containing guidelines designed to help deliberations on issues relating to the protection of non-combatants.

To stem trade in ‘conflict diamonds,’ UN Assembly urges action on certification plan

In a continuing bid to break the link between the illegal trade of rough diamonds and armed conflict, the United Nations General Assembly today urged countries to finalize an international certification scheme for the valuable gems and to implement the plan as quickly as possible.