Israeli shells have killed 40 people and injured 60 at a UN-run school in Gaza – the third hit so far – fuelling accusations that the IDF are acting outside international legal and humanitarian standards.

Civil liberties campaigners have condemned UK Justice Secretary Jack Straw for comments in a newspaper article casting doubts on the Human Rights Act and saying that it may be likened to a "criminal's charter".

On the 60th anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international peace and green groups are unveiling an ambitious new proposal to highlight governments that abuse human rights - a Global Human Rights Index.

Migration, the conflict in Sri Lanka and climate change were the hot topics at the World Council of Churches' advocacy week at the United Nations in York. Its organisers believe it was a big success.

The UN has backed a resolution calling for interreligious understanding. But its backing by a regime known for its religious intolerance has provoked mixed responses. The issue of faith and terror was also discussed.

Earthquakes, floods, rocketing food prices and bank failures are issues that have led religious and civil society groups plus high ranking United Nations and World Trade Organziation officials, to discuss their impact in Geneva.

Christians are called to stand with those who are victims of oppression, poverty and violence, a World Council of Churches' leader has said in advance of its forthcoming United Nations Advocacy Week in New York.

As the global food crisis continues to unfold and impact on the poorest, World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev Dr Samuel Kobia has called on international institutions and governments to move into swift action.

The UN Liaison Office of the World Council of Churches and Mennonites have co-sponsored an international dialogue between some 300 religious leaders and political figures - including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

On the eve of the United Nations meeting on Millennium Development Goals in New York, the Archbishop of Canterbury has underlined the firm commitment of the Anglican Church to continue to work for the eradication of poverty.