In Focus
NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar, 30 April—At the invitation of the Government of Myanmar, the United Nations will provide technical assistance and help mobilize financial support for the country’s first census in 31 years, under an agreement signed today in the nation’s capital. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Myanmar’s Vice President Sai Mauk Kham witnessed an exchange of letters signed by their representatives, setting out principles for conducting the proposed 2014 population and housing census in accordance with international standards.
New York, 2 April 2012 - The Secretary-General congratulates the people, Government and political parties of Myanmar for the peaceful and largely orderly manner in which Sunday's by-elections for vacant parliamentary seats were held.
United Nations convoys carrying emergency relief supplies to internally displaced people (IDPs) in two locations affected by the conflict in Kachin State have now returned to base after distributing these items in the IDP camps.
GENEVA (30 March 2012) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, said that Myanmar’s by-elections on 1 April will be a key test of progress made by the Government in its process of reform.
Yangon, 25 March 2012. A United Nations convoy carrying essential items has reached some of the displaced population in the areas affected by the conflict in the Kachin State .
New York, 24 February 2012
Council Will Start with High-level Segment and Will Hold Panels on Human Rights and Sport, Freedom of Expression on the Internet, Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation
Yangon, 20 February 2012 – Specific policy suggestions for accelerating growth, promoting inclusive human development and improving health and education were the concrete output from a three-day conference held in Myanmar’s capital this week.
The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, Mr Vijay Nambiar, concluded today a five-day visit at the invitation of the Government of Myanmar. In Naypyitaw, the Special Adviser was received by President Thein Sein, Speaker Shwe Mann, Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin, and the Ministers of Labour and Social Welfare, Border Affairs, Industry, Railways, and Immigration, as well as the Union Peace Committee and Union Election Commission. Jointly with Vice-President Sai Mauk Kham, the Special Adviser inaugurated the Conference on Development Options for Myanmar organized by the United Nations and the Government of Myanmar. The Special Adviser also met with the General Secretary of the USDP. In Mon and Kayin States, the Special Adviser met with the respective Chief Ministers and members of the State government and legislature and local ethnic representatives. He also visited a field project of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and met with local civil society partners. In Yangon
13-15 February 2012,
Myanmar International Convention Centre, Naypitaw, Myanmar
New York, 13 February 2012 - The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, is in Myanmar for a five-day visit at the invitation of the Government.
Yangon, 10 February 2012 --- The three-day conference “Development Policy Options with special reference to Education and Health in Myanmar” will open in Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw on Monday, 13th of February.
I have just concluded my six-day mission to Myanmar - my fifth visit to the country since I was appointed Special Rapporteur in March 2008. I would like to express my appreciation to the Government of Myanmar for its invitation and hospitality, and for the cooperation and flexibility shown during my visit.
GENEVA, 30 January 2012 – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, will undertake a mission to Myanmar, from 31 January to 5 February, at the invitation of the Government.
Yangon, 24 January 2012 - Recognizing the need to raise awareness and to promote education about the Holocaust, the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in partnership with Embassy of Israel and Germany and the United Nations in Myanmar, will host “the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust” at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Yangon University on Friday, 27th January, 2012. The program is being supported by the Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority, Jerusalem), the French Institute, the British Council and the American Center of the U.S. Embassy.
The Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Country Team in Myanmar are jointly holding a three-day Conference on “Development Policy Options in Myanmar (with special reference to Education and Health)”, in collaboration with Myanmar Development Resources Institute and with the support of the European Union.
GENEVA, 16 January 2012 – The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, on Monday welcomed the decision by President Thein Sein to grant another amnesty and release a significant number of prisoners of conscience.
New York, 13 January 2012 - The Secretary-General warmly welcomes the long-awaited release of political prisoners in Myanmar today.
Yangon 15 December 2011 - Instability in Kachin State started in June 2011 and resulted in the displacement of people, loss of lives and livelihoods, and damage to infrastructure.
Yangon, 6 December 2011 – Progressive achievements by the Government of Myanmar and the humanitarian community in Myanmar in the area of HIV prevention and harm reduction could be reversed if the National Strategic Plan cannot be fully implemented, according to participants at today’s Myanmar Partnership Group meeting, a monthly meeting attended by development experts, heads of missions and agencies, diplomats and aid workers.
Note by the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General has the honour to transmit to the members of the
General Assembly the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human
rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, in accordance with paragraph 30 of
General Assembly resolution 65/241.
This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Myanmar
Country Office. It covers the period from 28 October and 4 November 2011. The next report will be issued
depending on availability of information.
Today, as I bring you greetings from the second Asian Secretary-General, the present incumbent, Ban Ki-moon, it is to underline, the strong bond between the United Nations and this country.
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
1 November 2011
I am honoured to have been invited in my capacity as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar to address this first Green Economy and Green Growth forum in Myanmar. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to participate in this very stimulating event.
Yangon, 4 November 2011
I have just completed a five day visit in the country at the invitation of the Government in my capacity as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar. This was my third visit since last year’s election.
NAY PYI TAW, MYANMAR, 31 October 2011 - UNFPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Immigration and Population, launched the State of World Population 2011 Report in Nay Pyi Taw, on 31 October 2011 marking the day when the world population reached 7 billion, and celebrated with the Ministry of Health the birth of a seven billionth baby born at a health facility in Nay Pyi Taw.
New York, 31 October 2011 - The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, arrived today in Myanmar for a five-day visit at the invitation of the Government.
27 October 2011 - This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Myanmar Country Office. It covers the period from 25-26 October 2011. The next report will be issued depending on
availability of information.
24 October 2011 - This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Myanmar Country Office. It covers the period from 20-24 October 2011. The next report will be issued depending on
availability of information.
Yangon, 14 October 2011 – Myanmar, a country prone to natural hazards, has shown positive progress in the areas of early warning, emergency preparedness and responses in recent years. Now, the Government is stepping up cooperation with global and regional partners to reach its long-term target of becoming a disaster resilient country.
GENEVA, 13 October 2011 – The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, on Thursday welcomed the decision by President Thein Sein to grant another amnesty and release a significant number of prisoners, and urged the Government to free the remaining prisoners of conscience in the country.
New York, 13 October 2011 - The Secretary-General is following closely the release of political prisoners by the Government of Myanmar as part of the amnesty granted by President Thein Sein.
New York, 27 September 2011 - The Group of Friends of the Secretary-General on Myanmar met at the ministerial level today.
SG/SM/13849 - 27 September 2011 : The following statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was issued today:
I have just concluded my five-day mission to Myanmar - my fourth visit to the country since I was appointed in March 2008 and my first since February 2010. I would like to thank the Government of Myanmar for its invitation and hospitality, and for the cooperation and flexibility shown during my visit.
New York, 22 August 2011 - The Secretary-General is encouraged by the meeting on 19 August in Naypyitaw between President U Thein Sein of Myanmar and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as both have expressed satisfaction about their talks aimed at finding common ground on matters beneficial to the people and the country.
Yangon, 19 August 2011 --- World Humanitarian Day is a celebration of people helping people. Every day humanitarian aid workers help millions of people around the world no matter who they are or where they are. The day recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of those who risk their lives to give others help and hope.
Yangon, 17 August 2011 – Recent initiatives by the Government of Myanmar in the area of poverty reduction are encouraging and should be supported, according to participants at yesterday’s Myanmar Humanitarian Partnership meeting, a monthly meeting attended by development experts, heads of missions and agencies, diplomats and aid workers.
New York, 29 July 2011 - The Secretary-General talked today on the phone with H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar.
25 July 2011 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed a meeting between Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and a Myanmar Government minister, and urged the
Government to consider release of political prisoners, according to a statement issued by a spokesperson.
Office of the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, Yangon, 23 June 2011 - A meeting under UN auspices, that brought together representatives of the Government, UN, INGOs and other stakeholders, was held at the Traders Hotel in Yangon today to take stock of the achievements and challenges in combating human trafficking and to discuss and agree on the way forward for joint cooperation.
(SG/SM/13624), 7 June 2011 - Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Vijay Nambiar, Under-Secretary-General and Chef de Cabinet, to the U Thant Institute luncheon in Fairfield, Connecticut, on 4 June:
Multi-sector collaboration and partnership approach required to reach programme targets
Yangon, 1 June 2011 — Over 120 officials, development partners and civil society representatives, including high ranking representatives of government and UN met in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, to launch the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for AIDS covering the years 2011 to 2015. The Multi-Sector Workshop, hosted by the Ministry of Health was the first in a series of such workshop to be organized in different state and region in the country to raise awareness of the targets and priority HIV interventions defined in the new plan.
I have just completed a three-day working visit at the invitation of the new Government of Myanmar in my capacity as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General. This follows my earlier visit shortly after the elections in November last year. The purpose of this visit was three-fold:
New York, 10 May 2011 - The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday in Myanmar for a three-day visit at the invitation of the Government.
UNDP Myanmar, Yangon, 3 May 2011 – Dr. Ajay Chhibber, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator met with the new Government in Nay Pyi Taw and other key stakeholders to discuss UNDP’s new programme (2012-2015) and review its current activities.
This report takes stock of six months of relief and recovery assistance provided by the humanitarian community, in
partnership with the Government of Myanmar, following Cyclone Giri, which made landfall in the western coast of
Myanmar’s Rakhine State on 22 October 2010.
Office of the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, Yangon, 26 April 2011 – The response to Cyclone Giri, which struck Myanmar’s Rakhine State on 22 October last year, was swift and helped meet the basic needs of many of the estimated 260,000 people affected by the disaster, according to a report presented today at the Myanmar Humanitarian Partnership Group meeting, a monthly meeting in Yangon attended by donors, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and other members of the humanitarian community in Myanmar.
Yangon, 11 April 2011 - This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Myanmar Country Office. It covers the period from 1-11 April 2011. The next report will be issued on or around 22 April, depending on the availability of information.
New York, 30 March 2011 - The Secretary-General has taken note of the official announcement in Naypyitaw of the transfer of power from the State Peace and Development Council to the new Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Yangon, 30 March 2011 - This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Myanmar Country Office. It covers the period from 29 to 30 March 2011. The next report will be issued on 31 March or 1 April 2011, depending on the availability of information.
Yangon, 29 March 2011 - This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Myanmar Country Office. It covers the period from 28 to 29 March 2011. The next report will be issued on 30 or 31 March 2011, depending on the availability of information.
Yangon, 27 March 2011- This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Myanmar Country Office. It covers the period from 26 to 27 March 2011. The next report will be issued on 28 or 29 March 2011, depending on the availability of information.
Yangon, 25 March 2011 - This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Myanmar Country Office. It covers the period from 24 to 25 March 2011. The next report will be issued on 26 March 2011.
Yangon,25 March 2011 - This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It was issued by OCHA Myanmar Country Office. It covers the period from 24 to 25 March 2011. The next report will be issued on 25 or 26 March 2011 depending on the availability of information.
Joint Press Release (UN-Habitat and UNICEF), Yangon, Myanmar 22 March 2011 – World Water Day 2011 was marked around this year theme in the city today: ‘Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge.’ A half day workshop was held in the city to commemorate the World Water Day in its implications in the global as well as local context.
Yangon, 15 March 2011 ---- Four strategic priorities and key elements of the new Strategic Framework for the United Nations in Myanmar were presented today at the monthly Humanitarian Partnership Group meeting, attended by over 80 experts, heads of missions and UN agencies, diplomats and aid workers.
8 March 2011, Yangon — Equal access to education, training and technology can enable women to improve the health and well-being of their families, take advantage of income-earning opportunities and protect themselves from exploitation and vulnerability.
Yangon, Myanmar, 07 March 2011 – Working to enhance the country’s human resources and institutional capacity, UN hub for ICT capacity development, APCICT, and Myanmar collaborate to train over 50 government officials and 650 representatives from academia.
The Millennium Campaign has launched on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/mcampaign) a photo-story competition for the upcoming International Women’s day, 8th March 2011, so to highlight the interconnectedness of women’s issues to all of the Millennium Development Goals.
New York, 4 February 2011 - The Secretary-General has taken note of the announcement by the newly convened Parliament of the Union of Myanmar of the election of the new President and Vice-Presidents of the Union Government.
Yangon, 27 January ---- Additional assistance is needed to support early recovery efforts in areas affected by Cyclone Giri, which struck Myanmar’s Rakhine State on 22 October. Three months on, key challenges facing the affected communities include inadequate shelter, damaged crop and embankments, food insecurity and indebtedness due to loss of income opportunities, according to recent assessments carried out jointly by UN agencies and non-governmental organizations operating in the areas.
The Embassy of Israel in collaboration with the German Embassy, the French Embassy and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) will present “The Art Exhibition of Sara Atzmon.” This Exhibition also coincides with the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust (27 January 2011).
Yangon, 20 December --- Local communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience in coping with the destructions caused by Cyclone Giri, which struck on 22 October.
Yangon, 1 December 2010 - Increased national and international commitment is sought to support the Millennium Development Goals in Myanmar.
As Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, I have just concluded a two-day visit to Myanmar at the invitation of the Government. My visit is in continuation of the good offices dialogue between the United Nations and Myanmar following the last visit by Secretary-General in July 2009.
Yangon, 25 November --- The cyclone that struck Myanmar’s Rakhine State on 22 October continues to affect the lives of some 260,000 people, according to assessments carried out by the humanitarian community in Myanmar.
New York, 18 November 2010 - The Secretary-General called Daw Aung San Suu Kyi this morning to personally greet her following her long-awaited release from detention.
A United Nations video conference to promote education about the Holocaust, with students in seven countries in Africa and Asia, will take place on Monday, 15 November.
Seoul-New York, 13 November 2010 - The Secretary-General expresses his deep admiration and heartfelt best wishes today to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on the occasion of her long-awaited release from detention.
New York, 8 November 2010 -The Secretary-General has been following with great attention the elections held in Myanmar yesterday.
UN agencies and international and national non-governmental organizations are working with authorities in Myanmar to provide aid to people affected by Cyclone Giri, which struck on 22 October. Over 200,000 people in Rakhine State are in need of immediate relief assistance and early recovery support.
From conflict and crisis to renewal: generations of change
New UNFPA Report Links Peace, Security and Development to Women’s Rights and Empowerment
29 October 2010 Yangon, Myanmar - The Launching Ceremony of The State of World Population 2010 Report was organized by UNFPA today at the Sedona Hotel, Yangon. The ceremony was attended by more than 60 participants consisting of representatives from embassies, donor agencies, UN agencies, government departments, NGOs/INGOs, and civil societies.
When women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies, according to The State of World Population 2010, published by UNFPA.
UN agencies and international and national non-governmental organizations present in Myanmar are mobilizing aid and deploying assessment teams following the Category 4 Cyclonic Storm, which made landfall in Rakhine State on 22 October.
(Yangon, 13 October 2010) – The Government of Myanmar, diplomats, the UN, international and national non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders all joined together today for a high level event to observe the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and create awareness about measures to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.
The principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality and the role of humanitarian aid workers were the key themes for World Humanitarian Day, celebrated today by the international humanitarian community in Myanmar.
The multi-agency Framework for Action for the Dry Zone, presented today at the monthly Myanmar Humanitarian Partnership Group meeting, aims to support the Government of Myanmar in its efforts to improve food security and income opportunities in an area affected by three consecutive years of drought.
(UNITED NATIONS, YANGON, 12 August) – The United Nations is launching the International Year of the Youth today. All around the world, young people are encouraged to take part in activities under the theme Dialogue and Mutual Understanding. The Year, which runs from 12 August 2010 to 11 August 2011, aims to promote the ideals of peace and solidarity across generations, cultures, religions and civilizations.
(Yangon, Myanmar, 20 July 2010) Findings from the Periodic Review IV and Social Impacts Monitoring III, launched in Yangon by the Tripartite Core Group today, highlighted progress across sectors and across geographic areas impacted by Cyclone Nargis.
Updated data on mortality rates among mothers and young children are likely to encourage G8 leaders, who at their meeting later this week will make this health issue – long considered a neglected area of international development efforts – a 2010 priority.
(19 June 2010) The UN has extended its support to people affected by landslides in Myanmar’s Northern Rakhine State.
(Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 18 June 2010) The Third Recovery Forum was held today with the participation of several Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Director-Generals and senior officials from the Government of the Union of Myanmar, representatives from ASEAN, UN Agencies, diplomatic community, INGOs, NGOs and the private sector.
(Yangon, 2 June 2010) Norway’s minister for Development and Environment, Mr. Erik Solheim, has concluded a one-day visit to cyclone-affected areas of Yangon and Ayeyarwady Divions.
Norwalk,23 May 2010 - It is a pleasure to greet all those attending the U Thant Institute’s annual lunch. I thank you for supporting the United Nations and I commend you in particular for focusing on climate change, which I believe is the defining challenge of our time.
12 May 2010 - Two years after disaster struck the Ayeyarwady delta on 2nd and 3rd May 2008, many of the communities affected by the destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis have been able to restart and rebuilt their lives; but for many to re-building their lives is still a struggle.
Yangon, 30 April 2010 – Two years after the destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis, many survivors have been able to rebuild their lives and move towards full recovery.
Yangon, 12 March 2010 — Cyclone Nargis not only killed tens of thousands of women and destroyed homes and livelihoods for millions, but also impacted the composition of households.