Asia Pacific

Christof Heyns, UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions

Sri Lanka: UN expert calls on Government to probe executions captured on video

31 May 2011
An independent United Nations human rights expert has called on Sri Lankan authorities to thoroughly investigate the apparent execution of several men by Government soldiers, saying a disputed video of the incident seems to be authentic.

Australian Archives to receive UN prize for preserving heritage

30 May 2011
The United Nations cultural agency has designated National Archives of Australia (NAA) as this year's winner of an award that recognizes significant contributions to the preservation and accessibility of documentary heritage.

Welcoming extension of Nepalese parliament, Ban urges progress on constitution

29 May 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday welcomed the agreement reached by the parties in Nepal to extend the Constituent Assembly, which was tasked with adopting a new constitution by 28 May, and the reaffirmation of their commitment to complete the peace process.
Jyoti Sanghera, head of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal

Nepal: UN welcomes new law on caste-based discrimination

25 May 2011
United Nations human rights officials and their counterparts in Nepal today welcomed a new law prohibiting discrimination against people who are considered members of low castes and are known as “untouchables” or “Dalits.”
The Australian aboriginal flag flying in Victoria Square, Adelaide.

Australia: UN urges rethink of policies on indigenous peoples and asylum-seekers

25 May 2011
While stressing Australia’s long-standing commitment to human rights, a top United Nations official today said the country is failing to protect certain groups and urged it to rethink its policies towards indigenous peoples and asylum-seekers.

Asia-Pacific fuel importers and exporters agree at UN forum on cooperation

25 May 2011
Major fossil fuel exporting and importing nations in the Asia-Pacific, meeting at a United Nations forum, agreed today to enhance cooperation to promote energy self-reliance in a region where high food and oil prices threaten economic recovery.

Secretary-General urges Asian media to help bridge digital divide

24 May 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on delegates to an Asian media conference to bridge the digital divide that can separate rich and poor depending on their access to modern telecommunications.
Photo: Nikkul/Chris Hoare
Nikkul/Chris Hoare

UN-backed Asia-Pacific forum stresses social protection for poverty reduction

23 May 2011
Basic social protection for all segments of the population is key to protecting people from extreme poverty and economic exclusion, according to views expressed today by government representatives from the Asia-Pacific region attending a United Nations forum in Thailand.
Tomas Ojea Quintana, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Treatment of ethnic minorities in Myanmar limiting path to democracy – UN expert

23 May 2011
A United Nations human rights expert on Myanmar said today that the continued treatment and condition of ethnic minority groups in the country’s border areas were seriously restricting the Government’s intended transition to democracy.
Cantonment in Surkhet, Nepal, provides temporary shelter for People's Liberation Army (Maoist combatants)

Nepal: Ban urges end to stalemate, days before deadline for new constitution

23 May 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced concern that despite the fast-approaching deadline for Nepal’s Constituent Assembly to complete its work, there is still no agreement on the contentious issues of the integration and rehabilitation of former Maoist combatants and the key elements of a new constitution.