An 'alphabet soup' of high seas rules stands in way of sustainability
Ocean areas and deep seabeds beyond national jurisdictions fall within a patchwork of rules for the global commons.
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Chemical weapons watchdog augments its accountability powers
Until now, OPCW has been unable to name those it found responsible for carrying out chemical weapons attacks.
Polar research looks at climate unknowns in southernmost ocean
One of the themes of a polar conference focuses on the need for more scientific research into the Southern Ocean.
Behind the scenes at U.N. telecoms agency, 5G edges closer to reality
Before telecoms can revolutionize their equipment, ITU must develop new technical standards for putting it all to use.
U.N. investigative report targets human rights abuses in Venezuela
Investigators urge the prosecution of Venezuelan security forces for hundreds of arbitrary killings and other abuses.
Pope's visit to Switzerland spotlights role of church as an organization
Visiting Switzerland with a focus on refugees, Pope Francis emphasized justice and peace in service of humanitarian aid.
Trump administration abandons the U.N.'s top human rights body
The U.S. president, complaining of bias against Israel, said America's participation will be reduced to observer status.
Record 68.5 million people globally forced to flee their homes in 2017
In a world of 7.6 billion people, 44,500 people a day — one person every two seconds — are displaced, the U.N. said.
Gaming addiction to be classified by WHO as a mental health disorder
A global manual of health standards is adding 'gaming disorder' to its first update in nearly three decades.
U.N. officials blast U.S. border policy as 'unconscionable' and cruel
Human rights and humanitarian officials said U.S. officials must stop separating migrant children from their parents.
U.N. emphasizes global cooperation at first 21st century space summit
U.N. agencies convened their first outer space conference in almost two decades, aimed at keeping space weapons-free.
CERN upgrading its giant particle smasher for more discoveries
The world's largest atom smasher is outfitting its Large Hadron Collider to operate in a 'high-luminosity' mode.
U.N. report identifies vast climate risks in exceeding 1.5° Celsius limit
The report from the U.N.'s Nobel Prize-winning climate panel aims to strenghten nations' actions under the Paris treaty.
U.N. report on India-Pakistan conflict in Kashmir spreads blame
The U.N. human rights office pinned blame for violence on both countries in its first report on the disputed region.
FIFA picks North America's 'United' bid to host the World Cup in 2026
Canada, Mexico and the United States will serve as hosts, marking the first time three nations have shared such a role.
Nuclear watchdogs prepare for potential U.S.-North Korea deal
Two nuclear watchdogs were prepared for the monitoring and verification North Korea would need for denuclearization.