The United Nations Human Rights Office voiced concern on Friday regarding the severe civilian impact of Israeli military operations in Lebanon, with a focus on damage to religious and cultural landmarks.
The United Nations and its partners in Lebanon are stepping up their efforts to reach people in need amid continued fighting, a UN spokesperson said.
A detailed report by the United Nations Human Rights Committee has raised serious concerns over the spread of religious intolerance, blasphemy, forced kidnappings and conversion of Hindu and Christian minority girls, curbs on media and freedom of expression in Pakistan.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Sunday that two Israeli tanks destroyed the main gate of one of its positions in southern Lebanon and "forcibly entered" the site after blocking its movement the previous day.
''Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate,'' the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The majority of the workers live in developing countries, specifically Small-Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador TS Tirumurti on Tuesday hosted the event at the North lawns under the UN Building.
Tirumurti met US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Australian Ambassador Mitch Fifield, and Japanese Ambassador Kimihiro Ishikane.
Amid the ongoing disastrous financial crisis with severe food, power and fuel shortages in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Tuesday that the UN has planned to provide humanitarian assistance of around $48 million over a four-month period to the island nation's food, agriculture and health sectors.
Dujarric said on Monday responding to a Pakistan media reporter's question about what he termed the "blasphemous" statements, "We strongly encourage respect and tolerance for all religions."
