Asia Pacific

UN report warns Asian governments to prepare for financial downturn

31 August 2006
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) today warned the region’s governments to reduce exposure to the impact of a sudden or unexpected market downturn, urging a mood of protection and preparation rather than the celebratory atmosphere of current prosperity.
Pakistan's quake survivors who cannot go home

With most Pakistan quake survivors now home, UN hands tasks to local authorities

31 August 2006
Now that hundreds of thousands of survivors of last October’s deadly earthquake in Pakistan have returned home from temporary camps, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today closed the offices in the region, handing over full responsibility for managing remaining relief camps to local authorities on schedule.
Displaced Sri Lankan family at a transitional shelter

UN presents $37.5 million aid plan to help Sri Lankans affected by violence

30 August 2006
With more than 200,000 Sri Lankans fleeing their homes in recent months to escape escalating violence between the Government and Tamil separatists, the United Nations humanitarian office today presented an inter-agency appeal calling for $37.5 million to provide food, water, protection and other urgent assistance.

Timor-Leste: UN Police, international security forces move to apprehend prison escapees

30 August 2006
United Nations Police and international security forces in Timor-Leste today mounted a widespread search for the dozens of prisoners who have escaped from Becora Prison, just east of the capital, Dili.
Guterres (C) on visits to Tham Hin camp

Wealthy countries should allow in more refugees, UN High Commissioner says

30 August 2006
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is urging the world's rich countries to provide more resettlement opportunities for those who have been forced to flee their homes across borders.
Poppy fields

UNDP holds first counter-narcotics workshop for Afghan legislators

29 August 2006
With poppy cultivation a serious and growing problem in Afghanistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has lead a workshop for members of the counter-narcotics commissions of both houses of the country’s National Assembly.

UN agencies prepare response after devastating rains in Nepal

29 August 2006
United Nations agencies are rushing aid to Nepal following recent monsoon rains that spawned flooding and mudslides in the western part of the country.

UN police project promotes road safety in Timor-Leste

29 August 2006
The newly established United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) kicked off its work this weekend with an initiative by UN police to raise awareness in the small nation about traffic rules and regulations.
Mr. Matsuura

Murder of Sri Lankan journalist prompts condemnation by UNESCO chief

28 August 2006
As part of his ongoing campaign to highlight threats to press freedom worldwide, the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today condemned the murder of a journalist in Sri Lanka.
SRSG Tom Koenigs in Kabul

Afghanistan: UN envoy ‘appalled’ by suicide attack that killed many children

28 August 2006
The top United Nations envoy to Afghanistan said today he was “appalled” by a suicide attack that killed 17 civilians, mostly children, and wounded many more in the southern province of Helmand, adding it was wrong when any conflict was played out in a civilian arena.