Farmers in Laos are rediscovering ancient practices by cultivating rice and fish in the same field after more modern farming methods are failing to provide them with a liveable income.
The COVID crisis "has revealed how unequal our societies are” said the UN chief in his message for World Health Day released on Monday.
For people living off-grid in remote villages in Laos, solar energy offers a clean, sustainable way to bring electricity for all, and the promise to transform their lives.
Myanmar: possible war crimes and crimes against humanity
Cybercrime and online fraud, heighten privacy and data threats amid pandemic
Rights experts appeal for Lao victims of dam disaster who lost everything
A recap of Monday’s top stories: The ozone layer is on track to repair; Instability rises over oilfield attacks in Saudi Arabia; General Assembly chief Espinosa bows out; Disaster and conflict displace thousands in Asia Pacific; Sexual violence unpunished in South Sudan; Genocide threat remains for Rohingya.
On Thursday, we cover: more support needed for Sahel force, fears in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as Ebola response funding dwindles; food and nutrition concerns in Laos; an update on low birthweight babies across the world; and the UN chief’s trip for climate action in the Pacific continues.
In Lao People’s Democratic Republic, commonly known as Laos, the UN is involved in an emergency relief operation after a huge dam breach on Monday released floodwater that destroyed entire villages.
According to IOM, the UN Migration Agency, people fled the disaster with nothing.
Speaking from Bangkok, the agency’s Chris Lom, told UN News’s Daniel Johnson how the agency aims to help in the worst-affected areas.
Following reports that dozens of people are dead or missing following the collapse of a dam that was under construction in Laos, the United Nations chief on Tuesday said that the world body stands ready to support the rescue and relief efforts, if authorities request it.
A television soap opera is teaching parents in Laos how to protect their children from stunting.
Chronic under-nutrition is a major issue in the Asian country, resulting in half the children there being too short for their age.
The soap opera was developed through a project by the government and the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Christopher Larsen reports on how it is providing villagers with food for thought.
Duration: 4’04”
Farmers in Laos can now work their fields during both wet and dry season thanks to a new integrated irrigation project.
The project which is supported by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, and the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) fund helps farmers to boost production and improve their livelihoods.
Cathrine Hasselberg spoke with Mme. Kaarina Immonen, the UNDP Resident Representative in Laos, and began by asking about the benefits of the project.
Duration: 3’09”