Pacific 

IAEA ‘deeply troubled’ by DPRK nuclear reactor development

The 5-megawatt reactor is widely believed to have produced plutonium for nuclear weapons and is at the heart of North Korea’s nuclear programme, the agency said. Responding to journalists’ questions, the UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, said on Monday that the Secretary-General was aware of the reports “and concerned by the latest developments.” “He calls for the DPRK to refrain from any nuclear… Read More
Pacific 

Security Council urges Taliban to provide safe passage out of Afghanistan

Thirteen of the 15 ambassadors voted in favour of the resolution, which further demands that Afghanistan not be used as a shelter for terrorism. Permanent members China and Russia abstained. Airport attack condemned Countries condemned in the strongest terms the deadly blasts at Kabul airport on Thursday, which killed more than 150 people and injured upwards of 200 more.  The… Read More
Pacific 

Afghan children ‘at greater risk than ever’, top UNICEF official warns

George Laryea-Adjei, Regional Director for UNICEF South Asia, said children have paid the heaviest price in recent weeks of increased conflict and insecurity. Not only have some been forced from their homes, and cut off from their schools and friends, they have also been deprived of basic healthcare that can protect them against polio, tetanus and other diseases. “Now, with… Read More
Pacific 

The ‘energy patriots’ bringing electricity to Indonesia’s remote villages

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
Pacific 

UN entities condemn ‘abhorrent’ terrorist attack at Kabul airport

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
Pacific 

WHO ‘exploring all options’ to get medical supplies into Afghanistan

“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
Pacific 

UN migration agency launches $24 million appeal for Afghanistan

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
Pacific 

Amidst turmoil, displacement and plunging economy, Afghanistan’s future ‘very difficult…to see’

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
Pacific 

COVID, natural hazards and climate crisis in Asia and the Pacific expand ‘riskcape’

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
Pacific 

Afghanistan: Negotiations to bring 500 tonnes of urgent medical supplies ongoing, says WHO

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
Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial