Asia Pacific

Special Representative Ameerah Haq

UN envoy reports political, social and security advances in Timor-Leste

22 November 2011
Timor-Leste is making significant progress in consolidating its social, security and political stability despite a number of challenges, a senior United Nations said today, noting that presidential and legislative elections slated for next year will be key milestones in that process.
Nuon Chea appears before the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia on 21 November 2011

Former senior Khmer Rouge figure defends action before UN-backed trial

22 November 2011
The second-in-command of the Khmer Rouge today told a United Nations-backed war crimes tribunal, where he is facing trial for genocide and other charges, that he had been trying to protect Cambodia from aggression when the notorious regime ruled the country in the late 1970s.
Nuon Chea appears before the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia on 21 November 2011

UN human rights chief welcomes start of second Khmer Rouge trial

21 November 2011
The United Nations human rights chief today welcomed the opening of the genocide trial of three former senior Khmer Rouge leaders in Cambodia, while stressing the need for vigilance to ensure that victims’ rights are respected.

Afghanistan: General Assembly calls for global support during transition period

21 November 2011
The General Assembly called today on countries to reiterate and scale up their support for Afghanistan during its transition period, and outlined six major areas the country should focus on to ensure its long-term stability and progress.
Prime Minister Thein Sein of Myanmar

Myanmar: Ban welcomes reform measures in meeting with President Thein

19 November 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today met with the President of Myanmar, Thein Sein, and welcomed the ongoing political and economic reform effort in the Asian country, including the recent measures to advance national dialogue and reconciliation.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia

UN designates Indonesian President champion of disaster risk reduction

19 November 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today recognized the appointment of Indonesia''s President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as the first United Nations global champion for disaster risk reduction, as Asia and Pacific region grapples with the impact of massive floods.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses ASEAN summit in Bali, Indonesia

UN chief urges Asia to take up leadership on global issues

19 November 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today challenged the Asian and Pacific region to assume global leadership on issues of international concern, including climate change, sustainable development, access to food and energy, human rights and the empowerment of women.
Assistant Secretary-General Catherine Bragg.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Senior UN relief official visits Philippines to review humanitarian needs

19 November 2011
The deputy United Nations emergency relief coordinator today embarked on a five-day mission to the Philippines to review humanitarian needs of people affected by conflict and natural disasters.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Bali, Indonesia

Ban urges Asia-Pacific private sector to support women and children’s health

18 November 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged business leaders in the Asia and Pacific region to support the United Nations-led global effort to improve the health of women and children to create healthier communities across the world.
Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Magdalena Sepúlveda

Not all Timorese benefiting from economic gains, UN human rights expert says

18 November 2011
The fruits of Timor-Leste’s recent double-digit annual economic growth are not being shared equally, with many rural people in the South-East Asian country being left behind, an independent United Nations human rights expert warned today.