EU seeks code of conduct for outer space activities

GENEVA - A set of international code of conduct is needed to ensure safety and security of all outer space activities, the European Union (EU) has said.

Tamil man sets himself ablaze outside UN office

GENEVA - A man of Tamil origin committed suicide outside the United Nations’ Geneva office by setting himself on fire, UN officials confirmed Friday.

Cuba rejects calls to free political prisoners

GENEVA - Cuba has rejected the call by the international community to free all political prisoners, saying such demands were violation of its sovereign rights, EFE reported Tuesday.

Saudis under fire at UN over women’s rights

GENEVA - Saudi Arabia had its rights record reviewed Friday at the United Nations and came under criticism for women’s rights issues in the kingdom as well as the state practise of corporal punishment.

Thousands of Tamils protest at UN Geneva headquarters

GENEVA - Thousands of ethnic Tamils from all over Switzerland and beyond gathered outside the UN headquarters in Geneva Wednesday to protest the Sri Lankan government’s action in northern region and to demand help from the UN.

Tens of millions to lose jobs in 2009: ILO

BANGKOK/GENEVA - Global unemployment would increase by 18 million to 51 million people this year from 2007 figures, depending on the extent and length of the economic crisis, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) predicted Wednesday.

Gaza at risk of disease outbreaks: WHO chief

GENEVA - After the end of fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants, the Gaza Strip now faces a high risk of disease outbreaks, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

Bush shoe-thrower wants Swiss asylum

GENEVA - An Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush wants to apply for political asylum in Switzerland, his lawyer said Monday.

Decline in global air traffic continues, cargo hit hardest

GENEVA - While airlines have reduced their capacity in order to cope with the expected global economic downturn, the drop in air travel was steeper than the companies could keep up with, statistics released Tuesday showed.