Asia Pacific

Richard Bennett of the human rights office (OHCHR) in Nepal (file Photo)

Nepal: UN human rights official voices concern about promotion of army officer

7 July 2009
The top United Nations human rights official in Nepal has raised concerns with the country’s defence ministry about the proposed promotion of an army officer who commanded a battalion responsible for acts of torture, arbitrary detention and other human rights violations.
Internally displaced Pakistani women and girls queue for UNHCR relief items

No effort must be spared to aid displaced Pakistanis, says UN relief chief

7 July 2009
The top United Nations relief official kicked off a four-day visit to Pakistan today, urging that no effort be spared to tackle the humanitarian crisis involving over 2 million people uprooted by fighting between Government forces and militants in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Qargha Lake in Kabul, Afghanistan

Better water management key to tackling Afghan poverty, UN envoy says

7 July 2009
The inefficient management of Afghanistan’s water resources is critical to both the country’s widespread poverty and deadly tribal conflicts over territory, a United Nations envoy said today, calling for better management to help foster stability and build prosperity.
Girls attending the community-based school in the village of Hussain Khel (file photo)

UN mission helping to boost aid effectiveness in Afghanistan

6 July 2009
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is helping to increase the effectiveness of aid to the South Asian nation by boosting cooperation between the Government and donors.

Joint UN-Timorese police operation smashes human trafficking ring in capital

6 July 2009
United Nations Police (UNPOL) serving in Timor-Leste and the South-East Asian country’s police force (PNTL) say they have cracked a human trafficking ring after arresting 10 people during a joint operation in a bar in the capital, Dili.
Security Council in session

Security Council condemns latest missile tests by DPR Korea

6 July 2009
The Security Council today condemned the ballistic missile tests conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) over the weekend, saying they violate Council resolutions and pose a threat to regional and international security.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with residents of Kyon Da in the Delta, Myanmar

Myanmar's human rights record matter of 'grave concern,' says Ban

4 July 2009
Myanmar's future must be rooted in respect for human rights, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, voicing his deep disappointment that the South-East Asian nation's Government refused his request to meet with Nobel laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

UN helping Timorese uprooted families return home peacefully

3 July 2009
The United Nations is assisting families displaced by violence which shook Timor-Leste in 2006 return to their homes and preventing potential conflicts in their communities.

Dozens of UN Volunteers head to Timor-Leste to support local polls

2 July 2009
Dozens of United Nations Volunteers (UNV) are heading to Timor-Leste to help the fledgling nation’s upcoming local elections.
Amb. Yukiya Amano of Japan

Japanese official chosen to head UN atomic watchdog

2 July 2009
A Japanese diplomat with a lengthy record of working on disarmament and non-proliferation issues will be the next chief of the United Nations nuclear watchdog after winning a secret ballot today against two other candidates.