Latest United Nations General Assembly News
Live updates | Russia-Ukraine War
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House emphatically approved a fresh $40 billion Ukraine aid package Tuesday as lawmakers beefed up President Joe Biden’s initial request, signaling a magnified, bipartisan commitment to thwart Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bloody three-month-old invasion. ...
UN approves Czech Republic to replace Russia on rights body
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Tuesday for the Czech Republic to replace Russia on the world organization’s leading human rights body following its suspension over allegations of horrific rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The...
UN council backs UN chief's peace effort in its first action
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted its first statement on Ukraine since Russia’s military action began on Feb. 24, expressing “strong support” for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ efforts to find a peaceful solution to the 10-week “dispute."...
Ricardo Alarcón, Castro confidant and top Cuban envoy, dies
HAVANA (AP) — Ricardo Alarcón, who was for years the head of Cuba’s parliament and one of the country’s most prominent diplomats, has died in Havana, authorities in Cuba said Sunday. He was 84 years old. Alarcón was the trusted adviser to Fidel Castro, and his brother and...
Japanese, Vietnamese leaders reject use of force in Ukraine
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussed the war in Ukraine with Vietnamese leaders on Sunday and said they agreed on the respect for international law and rejection of the use of force. Japan has condemned Russia's invasion and joined Western nations...
UN votes May 10 on replacing Russia on Human Rights Council
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly is scheduled to vote on May 10 on a country to replace Russia on the world organization’s leading human rights body following its suspension over allegations of horrific rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. Assembly...
UN takes step to put veto users under global spotlight
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly took a first step Tuesday to put the five permanent members of the Security Council under the spotlight whenever they use their veto power, a move highlighted by Russia's veto threat paralyzing any action by the U.N.’s most powerful body on the...
War in Ukraine spurs bid to take a closer look at UN vetoes
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Two days into Russia's attack on Ukraine, a majority of U.N. Security Council members voted to demand that Moscow withdraw. One thing stood in their way: a veto by Russia itself. It was the latest in decades of vetoes — on issues ranging from the Korean War...
UN chief urges 4-day Easter 'pause' in fighting in Ukraine
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed on Tuesday for a halt in fighting in Ukraine during Orthodox Christians' Holy Week, invoking Easter to plead for a four-day “pause” to allow humanitarian aid and evacuations. Noting that the Easter season...
EXPLAINER: Why the term 'genocide' matters in Ukraine war
WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Joe Biden declares Russia's Ukraine war “genocide,” it isn't just another strong word. Calling a campaign that's aimed at wiping out a targeted group “genocide” not only increases pressure on a country to act, it can oblige it to. That’s...
