Category: Pacific

An urgent need for clean energy Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, urgently needs clean energy capacity: the blistering pace of economic development over the past decade has lifted millions out of poverty, but it has also dramatically increased the demand for energy.  The government has pledged to phase out all coal-fired power stations by 2055, but some 30… Read More

The Islamic State in Khorosan Province (ISKP) has claimed responsibility for the deadly explosions which occurred on Thursday evening, local time, amid ongoing evacuations from the country in the wake of the Taliban takeover. More than 160 people, including 13 United States troops, were killed, according to media reports. Threat to peace The Security Council issued a statement condemning the… Read More

“We have only a few days of supplies left and we’re exploring all options to bring more medicines into the country,” said Dr. Rick Brennan, Regional Emergency Director with the WHO Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), speaking during the bi-weekly briefing by UN agencies. .@WHO is on the ground supporting efforts to treat those injured in the #Kabul explosions… Read More

Stuart Simpson, IOM Afghanistan Chief of Mission, said the agency is working to scale up operations to meet the most pressing, life-saving needs. Priorities include shelter and non-food aid; water, sanitation and hygiene, collectively known as WASH; health, protection, and humanitarian assistance in border areas, as well as emergency livelihood support and social cohesion. Poverty and food insecurity rising “Our… Read More

More than 60% of WFP’s food assistance in #Afghanistan is purchased from within the country. The rest is transported by land through neighbouring countries. In recent days, WFP has succeeded in bringing 600 mt of food through the border crossings and into the country. pic.twitter.com/Pm9102Ubvu — World Food Programme (@WFP) August 25, 2021 The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that… Read More

In the Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2021, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) described how while dealing with the pandemic, countries in the region have also been hit by multiple biological and natural disasters, such as cyclones, landslides, heatwaves and volcanic eruptions. At the same time, as climate change has continued to warm the world it is also… Read More

The items, which are stuck in Dubai, were due to enter the country this week but have been delayed as commercial flights are not being allowed into the international airport in the capital, Kabul.  “My message to the people of #Afghanistan: we stand in solidarity with you, and we place your lives, health and well-being as our top priority” Highlights… Read More

“UNHCR remains concerned about the risk of human rights violations against civilians in this evolving context, including for women and girls”, said spokesperson Shabia Mantoo from the UN refugee agency.   “As of today, those who may be in danger have no way out. UNHCR is calling on countries neighbouring Afghanistan to keep their borders open in light of the evolving crisis in Afghanistan.” … Read More

Deadly journeys through Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea threaten ‘tragic and fatal consequences’ “Left Adrift at Sea: Dangerous Journeys of Refugees Across the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea” describes how over the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, prompting many States in Southeast Asia to tighten their borders.  This resulted in the highest numbers of refugees stranded at… Read More

According to the UN health agency, 70 WHO-supported medical facilities across Afghanistan treated nearly 14,000 conflict-related cases last month, which compares with 4,057 cases seen a year ago.     “Sustained access to humanitarian assistance, including essential health services and medical supplies, is a critical lifeline for millions of Afghans, and must not be interrupted”, said Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.  “I also spoke to the acting Health Minister,… Read More