Reuters - The U.N. Security Council demanded on Thursday that warring governments and factions act to halt violence against women, saying rape was no longer just a by-product of war but a military tactic.

AP - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pressed the U.N. Thursday to take stronger action against rising violence in Zimbabwe, and warned that President Robert Mugabe's regime doesn't appear capable of holding an impartial election.

AFP - The UN Security Council on Thursday demanded an end to persistent sexual violence during armed conflict, calling it a war crime and a component of genocide.

AP - Diplomats say EU leaders will threaten Sudan with sanctions if it does not cooperate fully with the United Nations and the International Criminal Court in handing over officials wanted for war crimes in Darfur.

Reuters - Fighting in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East is increasing refugee numbers worldwide and undermining efforts by aid agencies to manage multiple disasters, a senior U.N. official said on Thursday.

Reuters - The world has recognized that violence against women during conflicts affects nations' security and stability, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday.

AFP - Diplomats from around the world on Thursday urged an end to the persistent plague of sexual violence during armed conflicts at a meeting at UN headquarters.

AP - Colombian peasants devoted 27 percent more land to growing coca last year, the United Nations reported Wednesday, calling the increase "a surprise and a shock" given intense efforts to eradicate cocaine's raw ingredient.

AFP - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Wednesday for the UN Security Council and African leaders to press Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe into holding free and fair elections.

AP - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice promised to send a "strong message" to Zimbabwe on the importance of a transparent election when she presides over United Nations debate Thursday.

AFP - Pilot error was to blame for the crash of a United Nations helicopter in Nepal in March which killed 10 people, an investigating official said Wednesday.