Rise in Afghan opium cultivation reflects economic hardship, despite Taliban ban
The rebound follows a massive 95 per cent decrease in 2023, when the ban nearly eliminated poppy production nationwide, leading to a severe decline in Afghanistan’s opium output. However, while cultivation has increased, the current levels remain substantially lower than…
DPR Korea’s latest missile launch a ‘grave threat’ to regional stability
The missile, launched on 31 October at approximately 7:11am local time, reportedly flew for 1 hour and 26 minutes, covered approximately 1,000 kilometres, reaching an altitude of over 7,000 kilometres before landing in the sea. “The DPRK described this latest…
‘Historic development’ in Thailand as it moves to end statelessness for nearly 500,000 people
The decision announced on Friday will benefit 335,000 longtime residents and members of officially recognized minority ethnic groups, along with approximately 142,000 of their children born in Thailand. ‘Historic development’ “This is a historic development,” said Ms. Hai Kyung Jun,…
UN expert calls for action as Marshall Islands faces dual displacement crisis
The appeal from Paula Gaviria Betancur, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, comes as the Pacific nation grapples with generational displacement and the threat posed by rising sea levels and unprecedented global heating. The Marshall…
UN rights chief urges Bangladesh to sustain ‘unprecedented’ momentum for change
The protests, which highlighted demands for human rights, accountability and social justice, must be met with meaningful reforms, High Commissioner Volker Türk urged. “This unique, unprecedented moment in the history of Bangladesh is the result of young men and women…
Twenty years on: Indonesia ‘better prepared’ following tsunami
The lyrics include references to an earthquake, a massive wave, land submerged under water and locating to higher ground. “When there is an earthquake and a tsunami, you are in panic, you cannot be expected to think. This is why…
Farmers cultivate an opium-free future for Lao PDR
“I get up at 4 am in harvesting season to pick the red berries which are taken to the processing plant,” 22-year-old Phuperp told the United Nations. Phuperp comes from a family of farmers which grows corn, rice, and legumes and…
Myanmar is spiralling, warns UN chief in peace call to regional bloc ASEAN
The UN chief’s appeal comes as aid agencies warn that millions of people remain in acute need across Myanmar – particularly in the north, southeast and Rakhine state. Their plight has been made even worse by torrential rainfall and catastrophic flooding,…
Waiting for the ‘big one’ – natural hazards in the Philippines: A UN Resident Coordinator blog
The Southeast Asian country is the most prone to natural hazards in the world, and these hazards are becoming more intense due to climate change. The UN has been working alongside the authorities in the Philippines to prepare for a…
UN rights council examines nuclear legacy consequences in Marshall Islands
Research conducted by the UN human rights office, OHCHR, revealed that 67 nuclear tests performed between 1946 and 1958 by the United States Government in the Marshall Islands left communities displaced and contributed to radioactive land and sea pollution. “The…