Asia Pacific

High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.
UN Photo/Violaine Martin

Indonesia must allow peaceful protests in Papua, stresses UN rights chief

2 May 2013
The United Nations human rights chief today expressed concern over the recent crackdown on mass demonstrations in Papua, Indonesia this week and called on the Government to allow peaceful protests and hold accountable those responsible for the violence.
Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer.
ESCAP

UN regional forum urges greater cooperation among Asia-Pacific governments

2 May 2013
Wrapping up a development policy forum in Thailand, the head of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission in Asia-Pacific (ESCAP) today called for greater economic integration and cooperation in the region to counter the growing threat posted by severe natural disasters and economic shocks.
Participants at an ESCAP Roundtable in Bangkok, Thailand.
ESCAP

UN forum highlights need for disaster preparedness in Asia-Pacific region

1 May 2013
Preparation, especially by investing in preparedness strategies, is essential to prevent and manage multiple shocks such as natural disasters and economic crises, experts gathered at a United Nations forum in Bangkok told participants today.
Taung Paw camp in Myebon, Myanmar, is cut off from any access to the outside world and security do not allow anyone to leave as a protection measure.
UNOCHA/David Ohana

Myanmar: UN expert calls on Government to address impunity for crimes in Rakhine

1 May 2013
While welcoming the most recent efforts of Myanmar’s Government to look into the sectarian violence that erupted last year in Rakhine state, a United Nations expert today stressed that much more needs to be done to end discrimination and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
A mother and her child at a UN-supported paediatric hospital in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
UN Photo/David Ohana

UN agencies issue urgent funding appeal to meet critical needs in DPR Korea

29 April 2013
Five United Nations agencies have issued an urgent appeal for $29.4 million to meet the most critical health and nutrition needs of the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for the rest of this year.
UN launches Zero Hunger Challenge in Asia and the Pacific.
ESCAP

UN launches initiative to achieve ‘zero hunger’ in Asia and the Pacific

29 April 2013
The United Nations today launched the Zero Hunger Challenge in Asia and the Pacific, calling on governments, farmers, scientists, business, civil society and consumers to work together to end hunger in the region where the majority of the world’s undernourished people live.
Women in Thea Chaung camp, Rakhine State, Myanmar, prepare a meal.
UNOCHA/ Nicole Lawrence

Relief operations in Myanmar’s Rakhine state receive boost from UN emergency fund

26 April 2013
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has made available $5 million in additional funding to provide life-saving assistance to some 69,000 people displaced by the violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
UN Photo/Mark Garten

Bangladesh: Ban deeply saddened at loss of life and injuries in building collapse

26 April 2013
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his deep sadness at the loss of life and injuries caused by the collapse of a garment factory on the outskirts of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, earlier this week.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

UN chief expresses support for dialogue on reopening Korean industrial complex

25 April 2013
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today affirmed support for inter-Korean dialogue, following the Republic of Korea’s offer to hold talks with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on reopening the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which he considers a valuable bridge between the two countries.
UN Photo/Kibae Park
UN Photo/Kibae Park

Asia’s soaring consumption of raw materials unsustainable, UN warns

24 April 2013
The Asia-Pacific region, which has overtaken the rest of the world in consumption of raw materials as affluence and manufacturing increase, must boost its resource efficiency or risk losing ground in lifestyle, economic growth and environmental sustainability, according to a UN report released today.