The UN Security Council has demanded an end to what it described as "ethnically motivated attacks" in Kenya.
In its second non-binding statement issued since the post-election violence began over a month ago, the 15-nation council ordered Kenya to "immediately end violence, including ethnically motivated attacks, dismantle armed gangs, improve the humanitarian situation and restore human rights."
A man sits outside a gate painted with graffiti in Nairobi's Kibera slums
The clashes in Kenya were sparked by a dispute over the December 27th re-election of President Mwai Kibaki that opposition leader Raila Odinga says was rigged.
Most of the more than 1,000 deaths have come from ethnic killings, adding to deaths from police clashes with protesters.
Last week a US official suggested the violence in Kenya constituted "ethnic cleansing", but UN officials have said there was no point in applying labels to the situation.
The latest council statement, much more strongly worded than last week's, also expressed "strong concern at the continuing dire humanitarian situation" in Kenya and called for the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons.
It also reiterated the council's support for mediation efforts led by former UN chief Kofi Annan.
Ireland is to provide funding to assist the peace efforts of Mr Annan in Kenya. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said yesterday. Ireland would be "only too pleased" to respond favourably to the UN request for help.
Ireland is already a significant donor to Kenya providing €6 million in humanitarian funding in 2006 and €16 million through agencies.
Separately, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, sent a mission to Nairobi yesterday to investigate allegations of "grave human rights violations" committed in Kenya in the recent weeks," her office said.