Asia Pacific

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.
Some of those risking their lives on high seas voyages set off from waterways like this one in Rakhine state, Myanmar.
UNHCR/V. Tan

UN voices concern at reports of shooting of Rohingya boat people by Thai Navy

15 March 2013
The United Nations human rights office today voiced concern at reports that the Thai Navy shot dead at least two Rohingya asylum-seekers who fled northern Myanmar by boat.
Special Rapporteur Ben Emmerson.
UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

International community must heed Pakistan's concerns over drones, says UN expert

15 March 2013
The United States' ongoing drone campaign in Pakistan is a violation of the South Asian nation's sovereignty, as it is being conducted without the consent of its elected representatives or that of the legitimate Government, a United Nations independent expert has warned.
Children at a home in north eastern Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
UNICEF/Gopalan Balagopal

External aid essential for subsistence of millions in DPR Korea – UN official

15 March 2013
The well-being of millions of people in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) still depends on external assistance, a United Nations humanitarian official said today, warning that without aid, their health and food security would be seriously compromised.