Asia Pacific

The new report examines not only the effects of persistent undernutrition in the Asia-Pacific region but also the impact of poor diets, such as rising obesity and micronutrient deficiency.
FAO/ Vinod Ahuja

In 'wake-up call' to Asia-Pacific, UN report urges region to do more to achieve zero hunger by 2030

6 December 2016
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today launched a report that outlines declining progress towards defeating hunger in Asia and the Pacific, noting that nearly one-in-three children suffer from stunting, and warning that to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of zero hunger by 2030, the region must redouble its efforts.
Aerial view of Malé, the capital of the Maldives.
Nattu

Maldives: Concerned by 'increasing polarization, Ban calls for parties to work toward inclusive dialogue

2 December 2016
Concerned by the increasing polarization in the Maldives, which has made dialogue among the Government and political parties increasingly difficult, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has encouraged all concerned to work toward an inclusive dialogue.
Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Shamshad Akhtar.
ESCAP

Asia-Pacific saw steady growth in 2016, but risks to financial stability remain – UN report

1 December 2016
Issuing a year-end update to its flagship economic and social development report, the United Nations development arm for the Asia-Pacific region said today that resilient domestic demand and policy support supported the region notch a steady growth rate of five per cent but warned that risks remain to financial stability.
WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin (right) talks to a student at Park Chim school in Luang Prabang Province, Laos.
WFP/Silke Buhr

In Lao PDR, UN food relief agency chief reiterates support for efforts to ensure nutrition security for all

1 December 2016
The Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), Ertharin Cousin, has wrapped up a visit in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), where she reiterated the agency’s commitment to working with the Government to help the country achieve middle-income status and to support food and nutrition security for all.
The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution, condemning in the strongest terms the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 9 September 2016, and strengthening the sanctions regime imposed on that country.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

Security Council strengthens measures against DPRK’s nuclear, ballistic missile activities

30 November 2016
Strongly condemning the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 9 September, the Security Council today unanimously adopted measures that United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described as “the toughest and most comprehensive sanctions regime ever” against that country.
Rohingyas who were displaced by violence in 2012 stand outside their newly-rebuilt home in the village of In Bar Yi, Rakhine State, Myamar.
<a href=http://bit.ly/2ehXjcg>Julia Wallace/IRIN</a>

Myanmar: UN rights chief warns of ‘spiral of violence’ in Rakhine state

29 November 2016
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) today expressed alarm over reports of serious rights violations in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine state that cite allegations of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and sexual violence, and a renewed spike in hate speech – including on social media.
Flooding in DPR Korea, caused by Typhoon Lionrock, has displaced thousands of people and destroyed homes, buildings and other critical infrastructure in the north-east of the country.
UN / Marina Throne-Holst

‘Massive efforts’ under way in flood-hit northern DPRK require additional support – UN

28 November 2016
While nearly 12,000 families in northern Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) have moved into new houses three months after devastating Typhoon Lionrock destroyed their homes, the United Nations is reporting that this “massive effort” still needs additional support so damaged water networks can be repaired and essential medicines and nutritious foods can be provided.
Cultivating a field in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
FAO

DPR Korea: With victims’ suffering ‘enormous,’ urgent solution needed –UN rights expert

25 November 2016
Wrapping up a 10-day visit to Northeast Asia, a United Nations human rights expert today called for a multi-faceted and people-centred approach to improve the “extremely complex” situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Pakistani children hold the remains of a shell that fell during clashes with India in Kashmir.
File photo from IRIN/Sumaira Jajja (http://bit.ly/1E3CcSY)

Ban 'deeply concerned' about deteriorating situation along 'Line of Control' in Kashmir

24 November 2016
Peace and Security

“Deeply concerned” about the deterioration of the situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir in recent days, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on all involved to prioritize the restoration of calm and stability in order to prevent any further escalation and loss of life.

Young children at the "Killing Fields" memorial, located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Large numbers of teachers, academics, artisans and professional workers were killed when the country was under the rule of the Democratic Kampuchea regime between 1975 and 1979.
UN Photo/John Isaac

Cambodia: UN-backed court upholds life sentences for former Khmer Rouge leaders

23 November 2016
The United Nations-backed court set up to bring to trial those most responsible for crimes committed during Cambodia’s brutal Khmer Rouge regime today upheld life sentences for two top former Khmer Rouge leaders on Wednesday for crimes against humanity.