Asia Pacific

Traffic in Kathmandu, Nepal.
World Bank/Simone D. McCourtie (file)

In wake of adoption of Nepal’s constitution, Ban stresses need for dialogue, non-violence

21 September 2015
While acknowledging the adoption of the long-awaited constitution of Nepal, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern about recent violence in the country and stressed the need for dialogue and non-violence.
Vijitha Pavanendran holds a photo of her husband who was killed by unknown attackers during Sri Lanka's civil war.
<a href=http://bit.ly/1UqWdKK>Amantha Perera/IRIN </a>

UN officials outraged at accounts of Sri Lanka war crimes, stress need for accountability

17 September 2015
Senior United Nations officials today expressed outrage at the very serious accounts of war crimes and crimes against humanity that were allegedly committed between 2002 and 2011 by all parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka, including Government security forces, affiliated paramilitary groups and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Special Representative and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Nicholas Haysom, addresses the Security Council.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

‘War-weary Afghan population clamouring for peace and they deserve it’ – UN envoy

17 September 2015
The top United Nations official in Afghanistan told members of the Security Council today that the country’s path to stability and self-reliance cannot be taken for granted, and that support from the international community continues to be crucial.
Relatives of missing persons from Sri Lanka’s 26-year long civil war hold their pictures during a meeting in the capital Colombo.
<a href=http://bit.ly/1Kg19u3>IRIN/Amantha Perera</a>

UN urges creation of special court in Sri Lanka after new report confirms ‘horrific’ abuses

16 September 2015
A new report released today by the United Nations human rights office has identified patterns of grave violations in Sri Lanka between 2002 and 2011, and recommends the establishment of a hybrid special court to ensure that justice is served.
Afghan refugee teacher Aqeela Asifi (right), named as the winner of the United Nations annual Nansen Award. During classes, she pays attention to individual students and monitors their progress.
UNHCR/Sebastian Rich

Afghan refugee teacher honoured with UN award for tireless efforts to educate girls

15 September 2015
Afghan refugee teacher Aqeela Asifi, who has dedicated her life to bringing education to refugee girls in Pakistan, has been named as the winner of the United Nations annual Nansen Award.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, one of the winners of the United Nations Champions of the Earth award.
UN Photo/JC McIlwaine

Bangladeshi Prime Minister wins UN environment prize for leadership on climate change

14 September 2015
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has been announced as one of the winners of the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in recognition of her country’s initiatives to address climate change.
Journalists wait for the arrival of official delegations at the Geneva II Conference on Syria, in Montreux, Switzerland.
UN Photo/Violaine Martin

UNESCO chief denounces killing of media workers in Pakistan

14 September 2015
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today denounced the recent killing of two media workers in Pakistan, and called for an investigation into both cases.
Traffic in Kathmandu, Nepal.
World Bank/Simone D. McCourtie (file)

Amid political violence in Nepal, Ban stresses need for dialogue, respect for peaceful protest

11 September 2015
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is concerned about the recent violence in Nepal and saddened by the loss of lives, a spokesperson for the United Nations chief said today.
Photo: UN/MINUSTAH/Logan Abassi
UN/MINUSTAH/Logan Abassi

UN rights experts applaud steps by China and India to reduce, abolish death penalty

11 September 2015
Two independent United Nations human rights experts welcomed today the recommendation to abolish the death penalty by India, as well as the decision to reduce the number of crimes subject to the death penalty by the Chinese authorities.
An Afghan farmer and his son bring in the wheat from their harvest.
FAO/Giuilio Napolitano

UN and partners report ‘extremely alarming’ food insecurity figures in Afghanistan

10 September 2015
The number of people in Afghanistan resorting to selling land or turning to friends or family for help because of food insecurity has doubled in the last year, according to a joint report released today by the United Nations and partner agencies.