Asia Pacific

Afghan refugees (file photo)

Refugees can resume returning to Afghanistan from Pakistan – UN

13 May 2008
After security concerns prompted the United Nations to suspend assistance to Afghan refugees who are voluntarily returning to their home country from Peshawar in Pakistan, the UN refugee agency announced today that it will reopen its voluntary repatriation centre (VRC) in the city.
The devastating cyclone has left hundreds of thousands of people desperately in need of help

Myanmar faces second catastrophe without more access for aid – UN

13 May 2008
Unless more access to Myanmar is granted to allow aid to flow more quickly to victims of this month’s deadly cyclone, a second catastrophe could result, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned today.

UN stands ready to help victims of China’s deadly earthquake

13 May 2008
The United Nations is prepared to assist the Chinese Government help the victims of yesterday’s deadly earthquake in the southwest of the country.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

UN officials express sorrow and pledge help after deadly earthquake hits China

12 May 2008
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim have voiced their sorrow and sympathy for the victims of the earthquake that struck south-western China today, killing thousands of people, and pledged the support of the United Nations in any humanitarian efforts following the disaster.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefs journalists on the current humanitarian crisis in Myanmar

Response to cyclone in Myanmar ‘unacceptably slow’ – Ban Ki-moon

12 May 2008
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today registered his “immense frustration” with the pace of relief efforts following the cyclone in Myanmar last week, and called on the Government to do everything it could to prevent the disaster from becoming even more serious.

Marshall Islands accedes to five UN treaties on marine pollution and safety

12 May 2008
The Marshall Islands, one of the world’s major shipping nations, has acceded to five important International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions that aim to discourage environmental pollution and promote safety on the high seas, the United Nations agency announced today.
Afghan children in refugee camp in Pakistan

UN agency suspends returns of Afghan refugees

12 May 2008
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has temporarily suspended the repatriation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan through Peshawar because of concerns over security.
Survivors of Cyclone Nargis in the aftermath of the disaster

UN food agency steps up aid to cyclone-stricken Myanmar

11 May 2008
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today announced that its food aid has reached more than 27,000 people in the areas of the Irrawaddy delta hit hardest by Cyclone Nargis, which left a path of death and destruction after striking Myanmar last week.
Food aid being distributed to the affected population.

Top UN official in Asia-Pacific joins call for urgent access to Myanmar

9 May 2008
Echoing calls on the Myanmar authorities to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid in the wake of the deadly cyclone which has left some 1.5 million people in need, the top United Nations official in the region today urged the Government to act quickly to avert an even worse tragedy.

UN-backed scheme targets inequality in Nepal’s rural communities

9 May 2008
The United Nations rural development arm announced today that it is providing $4 million towards a project that aims to tackle the exclusion of groups such as women, dalits and indigenous peoples in rural communities in Nepal.