Asia Pacific

Japan to cover 20 per cent of UN appeal for aid to Afghanistan

4 October 2001
The Government of Japan today announced that it would contribute 20 per cent of a half-a-billion-dollar appeal for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan launched by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan last Thursday.

Some Asian countries on brink of potentially explosive AIDS epidemics, report warns

4 October 2001
There is clear potential for extensive spread of HIV in Asia if preventive action "is too little or too late," according to a new report released on the eve of an international AIDS conference organized in part by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

East Timor: UN mission, former militia hold another meeting to discuss returns

4 October 2001
Senior officials from the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) have met with former militia members in the latest in a series of encounters to pave the way for refugee returns to Ainaro District.

As winter sets in, millions in Afghanistan are at risk, UN relief official warns

3 October 2001
With cold weather approaching, the already dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is expected to worsen, putting millions of people at grave risk, a senior United Nations official warned today.

Annan reappoints Lakhdar Brahimi his special envoy to Afghanistan

3 October 2001
Responding to the grave humanitarian and political situation affecting Afghanistan and the surrounding region, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today signalled his intention to reappoint Lakhdar Brahimi as his Special Representative to that country.

Annan 'utterly condemns' suicide bombing in Indian-controlled part of Kashmir

2 October 2001
Secretary-General Kofi Annan "utterly condemns" Monday's terrorist suicide bombing in Srinagar in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir, his spokesman in New York said today.

Coming winter spells grave danger for Afghan civilians, UN warns

2 October 2001
As United Nations aid agencies rush relief supplies to war-torn and drought-stricken Afghanistan, Secretary-General Kofi Annan and other UN officials are warning that the coming winter could spell even greater danger for the country's beleaguered civilians.
Relief workers unload food aid

UNHCR continues gearing up for possible refugee influx from Afghanistan

2 October 2001
A second emergency airlift carrying nearly 45 metric tonnes of blankets and plastic sheeting arrived today in Pakistan as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) continued preparations for a possible new influx from Afghanistan.

Steps under way to create truth commission in East Timor, UN mission reports

2 October 2001
The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) reported today that a selection panel had formally begun the search for some 40 national and regional commissioners to help foster the reconciliation process in the territory.
Kenzo Oshima

Top UN humanitarian official meets senior Pakistani, Taliban leaders on Afghanistan

1 October 2001
The top United Nations relief official met with Pakistani leaders today, expressing appreciation for the cooperation that the Government of Pakistan has extended to the UN over the years in addressing humanitarian problems in and around Afghanistan.