In 2006 North Korea conducted a nuclear test, albeit almost comically small. Since then a series of negotiations had produced a Feb. 2007 disarmament-for-aid agreement which resulted in the dismantling of the Yongbyon nuclear plant. However, on Wednesday North Korea backed away from the agreement, expelling U.N. inspectors and vowing the restart the plant, which can make weapons-grade plutonium.

Alarmed by adverse impact of climate change on farming and rising food prices, the UN agencies are helping farmers in Afghanistan and Africa to increase their agricultural production.

The United Nations has covered up crimes by UN troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This claim is being made by the BBC, which says that it has confidential sources within the UN.

The United Nations says it plans to close its human rights office in Angola due to a lack of cooperation from Angolan authorities.

The new U.N. Special Envoy to Afghanistan visited the Afghan capital, Kabul, Friday, and vowed to bring changes to help with rebuilding efforts in the war-torn country.

The international community is welcoming a deal between Nepal's government and ethnic Madheshi protesters, after more than two weeks of crippling strikes. The deal means an end to protests that shut down most of southern Nepal, causing a severe fuel shortage and concerns about the upcoming election in April. Liam Cochrane reports from Kathmandu.

In testimony to a congressional committee, a United Nations official has expressed renewed concern about conditions facing Iraqi refugees who have fled to neighboring countries. VOA's Dan Robinson reports from Capitol Hill.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says talks between Kenya's government and opposition leaders aimed at ending a post-election political crisis have been suspended.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is experiencing serious financial problems due to rising food prices. The head of the United Nations food aid agency, Josette Sheeran, says nearly 340 million euros is needed just to finance operations already in the pipeline.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has launched a multi-year campaign to end violence against women and girls. From U.N. headquarters in New York, VOA's Margaret Besheer has more.

The Swedish southwest town of Växjö has joined towns and companies in Norway, Costa Rica and elsewhere to create a new global climate network under the United Nations Environment Program.

The U.N. nuclear agency says Iran has not been open enough about its nuclear program to prove that it is being developed for solely peaceful purposes.