Asia Pacific

Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar Vijay Nambiar.
UNIC Yangon

Myanmar: UN envoy voices sadness at loss of lives in latest violence

22 March 2013
The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar has voiced deep sorrow at the tragic loss of lives and destruction in Meiktila township in Mandalay division, one of several areas that has been the scene of recent violence, and called on all segments of society to promote communal harmony.
IDPs register at the Jalozai Camp, Pakistan.
IRIN/Tim Irvin

UN refugee agency condemns attack on displaced persons camp in northern Pakistan

22 March 2013
The United Nations refuge agency today urged the Government of Pakistan to improve security around the country’s largest camp for internally displaced people after a deadly bomb attack left at least 10 people dead, including an aid worker, and led UN agencies to temporarily suspend humanitarian services in the camp.
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova.
UNESCO/Dov Lynch

UNESCO names Chinese composer Tan Dun as Goodwill Ambassador

22 March 2013
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today named renowned Chinese composer Tan Dun as its newest Good will Ambassador.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.
UN Photo/Violaine Martin

Top UN human rights official welcomes inquiry into abuses in DPR Korea

22 March 2013
A senior United Nations official has welcomed the establishment by the Human Rights Council of a commission of inquiry into alleged abuses in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), one of several decisions taken by the 47-member body as it wrapped up its current session.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
UN Photo/M. Garten (file photo)

In phone call with Chinese President, Ban stresses need for continued cooperation

21 March 2013
During a phone call with the newly elected Chinese President Xi Jinping, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the need for continued cooperation between the United Nations and the Asian country, adding that they have many goals in common.
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman.
AU Commission

On visit to Nepal, UN political chief pledges support for upcoming elections

21 March 2013
The United Nations political chief today commended Nepal for the progress made in its peace process and pledged that the world body will assist it to hold elections, as he wrapped up a two-day visit to the South Asian nation.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.
UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

Nepal must strike law on possible amnesty for serious rights violations – UN official

20 March 2013
A senior United Nations official today urged Nepal to rectify a decree that gives a truth and reconciliation commission the power to grant amnesty for serious human rights violations.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
UN Photo/Mark Garten

UN chief saddened by death of Bangladeshi President Zillur Rahman

20 March 2013
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said he was saddened by the death of the President of Bangladesh, Zillur Rahman.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) briefs the Security Council on Afghanistan.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

Afghanistan: Security Council extends mission amid calls for continued UN support

19 March 2013
The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan for another year, after Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other speakers urged continued UN support to the Government as it assumes full responsibility in most areas by 2014.
Surya P. Subedi, Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.
UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

Independent UN expert welcomes release of Cambodian journalist Mam Sonando

15 March 2013
An independent United Nations human rights expert today welcomed news of the release of a Cambodian journalist, whose arrest supporters say was politically motivated, and called for respect for freedom of expression ahead of the country’s general elections in July.