Gustavo Capdevila

The decision is a huge relief for millions of patients and doctors in developing countries who depend on affordable medicines from India.

Health professionals could help smokers kick the habit if they themselves are equipped with counselling skills and lead a tobaccco-free lifestyle, says the World Health Organisation.

If you truly want a significant return on your investment, first of all invest in education, and particularly invest in making sure girls obtain an education, recommends a UN official.

The UN Commission on Human Rights has yet again postponed discussion on the Brazilian resolution on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality rights for the third year in a row after opposition from Islamic nations.

The most significant conclusion of the ILO report is that the creation of decent and productive employment opportunities is crucial for reducing global poverty.

Although forced and involuntary 'disappearances' continue to occur around the world, the international community is dragging its heels in adopting a treaty to combat this heinous crime.

A UN official says there is now space for the feuding parties in Burma to loosen their tense relationship and that this positive development should be enhanced by all concerned.

Tomorrow June 20 is World Refugee Day. UNHCR reports a dramatic decrease in the number of refugees last year but says a lot still has to be done to resolve the 'protracted' refugee situations.

Activists and diplomats say that countries among the 53-member UN Commission on Human Rights that wield little political weight will have to face the consequences at this year's sessions.

Amnesty International comes up with a 300-page report and manual aimed at preventing torture which it says is persisting and continuing to take on new forms.

After four years of tough negotiations, the global health community stands united o­n the brink of an rules to control tobacco use and ban related advertising within the next five years.