Asia
UN praises Bangladesh's preparedness, response to tropical storm Mahasen
The United Nations has commended the work carried out by the Bangladeshi Government ahead of tropical storm Mahasen, which hit the country last Thursday, noting it saved thousands of lives
Ban concerned about provocations after latest DPR Korea missile test
Ban Ki-moon has voiced his concern about provocations and tensions on the Korean Peninsula following reports that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched short-range guided missiles into the sea on Saturday.
Ban says worried over North Korea missile launch
Ki-moon voiced concern on Sunday over North Korea’s launch of short-range missiles, urging Pyonyang to refrain from further launches and return to stalled nuclear talks with world powers.
Political dialogue vital to enable peaceful, credible polls
A senior United Nations official today stressed the urgent need for more meaningful and constructive political dialogue in Bangladesh to create conducive conditions for the holding of peaceful and credible parliamentary elections that are scheduled for later this year.
Secretary-General hails successful elections in Pakistan
Ban Ki-moon has congratulated the Government and people of Pakistan on the successful conduct of national and provincial elections, hailing the polls, for which millions of voters turned out, as a major democratic step.
Maldives approaching "critical juncture" with upcoming elections
The upcoming elections in the Maldives represent an important opportunity to move forward with its democratic transition, a senior United Nations official has stressed, local media reported here on Friday.
UN chief urges strong, peaceful voter turnout for upcoming elections
Ban Ki-moon is urging all eligible Pakistanis to peacefully take part in the country’s upcoming elections while also expressing concern about the recent wave of violence and attacks aimed at disrupting preparations for the 11 May polls.
Members of UN-mandated probe into human rights abuses in DPR Korea announced
The President of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Remigiusz A. Henczel, today announced the appointment of the members of the commission of inquiry set up to investigate alleged abuses in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
‘Opportunity lost’ as new anti-rape laws in India fail to address root causes
Laws recently passed in India to prevent and prosecute rape and other sex crimes “do not go far enough,” a United Nations independent expert said today, lamenting that the legislation failed to address systemic gender inequalities in Indian society.
UN warns nearly 13,000 families displaced near Afghan border, many more could follow
The United Nations emergency relief arm today warned that population displacement could surge amid Government military operations and ongoing fighting between rival armed groups in northern Pakistan, near the Afghan border.
