Asia Pacific

Rupert Colville, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
UN Photo

Thailand: murders of human rights defenders underline need for protection, says UN

9 December 2014
The murders of two human rights defenders working on land and natural resource issues in the south of Thailand underscore the need for authorities in the country to take urgent measures to ensure the safety and protection of such people, United Nations said today.
Opium poppy field, Myanmar.
UNODC

Opium poppy cultivation in 'Golden Triangle' hits new high in 2014 – UN report

8 December 2014
Cultivation of opium poppy crops in Myanmar and Laos rose again for the eighth consecutive year, nearly tripling the amount harvested in 2006, according to a new report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) today.
Sunday morning, 7 December 2014, in Tacloban Public Market Leyte Province, Philippines, after Typhoon Hagupit made landfall.
UNICEF/Joey Reyna

Philippines: as typhoon Hagupit weakens, UN steps into action with emergency response

8 December 2014
As a weakened Typhoon Hagupit continues to sweep across the Philippines, United Nations agencies are quickly responding to the needs of the local population by providing critical life-saving supplies, the Organization announced today as it also applauded the Filipino Government for its swift and efficient first-response efforts which, it said, had saved many lives.
At least 1,000 people took shelter in this school, turned into an evacuation centre, in the Philippines, as they waited for Typhoon Hagupit to pass.
UNICEF/Gay Samson

‘We will provide whatever is needed,’ UN pledges response to Philippines typhoon

7 December 2014
The United World Food Programme (WFP) announced today that it is “working flat-out” to support the Philippines Government's humanitarian response to Typhoon Hagupit which could impact more than 30 million people.
People risking sea journeys across the Bay of Bengal often set sail at night.
UNHCR/S. Alam (file)

Indian Ocean: UN warns of uptick in clandestine migration despite ‘horrific’ dangers

5 December 2014
More people are risking their lives to cross the Indian Ocean on smuggler’s boats despite the great risks involved, including the prospect of “horrific violence,” the United Nations refugee agency warned today.
Typhoon Hagupit, known locally as Ruby, is expected to make landfall in the Philippines 5-6 December 2014, while the country is still recovering from Super Typhoon Haiyan, which hit on 8 November 2013.
OCHA/Jennifer Bose

UN relief agencies prepare emergency response as typhoon approaches Philippines

5 December 2014
More than 30 million people risk feeling the brunt of Typhoon Hagupit as it barrels down on the Philippines, United Nations emergency and humanitarian officials warned today as they outlined the Organization-wide preparations being made before the massive storm makes landfall this weekend.
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman addresses the London Conference on Afghanistan, co-hosted by the governments of the UK and Afghanistan.
Patrick Tsui/FCO

UN political chief urges revamped approach to boosting development in Afghanistan

4 December 2014
Despite lingering instability and economic fragility, Afghanistan sits at an historic crossroads from which it can fully transition to a “strong, independent, and forward-looking” nation, the top United Nations political official said today in London.
Montagnard refugees in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
UNHCR/A. Wahjanto

Cambodia: UN refugee agency voices concern over possible deportation of Montagnards

2 December 2014
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) said today that it is deeply concerned at reports that Cambodian police are seeking 13 Montagnards to deport to Viet Nam and urged the Government to refrain from the involuntary return of people.
UNHCR organized a session on civil registration in the context of emergencies, displacement and to prevent statelessness at the ministerial conference in Bangkok.
UNESCAP

UN refugee agency welcomes adoption of civil registration declaration in Asia-Pacific

28 November 2014
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) welcomed the adoption today of an Asia-Pacific ministerial declaration proclaiming a shared vision of civil registration for all people by 2024.
A wide view of the Security Council.
UN Photo/Kim Haughton (file)

Afghanistan: Security Council condemns attack on UK embassy vehicle

28 November 2014
The United Nations Security Council has condemned in the strongest terms the attack yesterday on a United Kingdom embassy vehicle in Kabul, Afghanistan, reiterating serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other terrorist and extremist groups.