Press centre
Press releases and news notes
East Asia and Pacific
UNICEF and Xinhua join forces to promote children’s rights
BEIJING, 5 November 2009 – UNICEF and Xinhua News Agency today signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining joint plans to promote...
Needs of children and women prominent in appeal for communities devastated by recent floods in southern Laos
VIENTIANE, 22 October 2009 - UNICEF and other UN agencies have joined the Government of the Lao PDR to launch an international appeal for funds to...
UNICEF seeks $3 million to meet immediate needs of children affected by Indonesian earthquake
JAKARTA, INDONESIA, 9 October 2009 — As part of the UN Humanitarian Response Plan to last week’s earthquake in Indonesia, which was launched...
UN Flash Appeal of nearly $75 million for assistance to victims of Ketsana/Ondoy
MANILA, 7 October 2009 - The United Nations and the Government of the Philippines presented today in Manila a joint appeal seeking $74,021,809...
Nearly 70,000 children return to classes following Indonesia earthquake
JAKARTA, INDONESIA, 5 October 2009 – Less than one week after a major earthquake devastated the Indonesian province of West Sumatra, nearly 70,000...
UNICEF rapid response team on the ground in Samoa
SUVA, 5 October 2009 – A team of six emergency personnel are currently conducting rapid assessments in Samoa to ensure that the urgent needs of children...
UNICEF Pacific is mobilising $200.000 for supplies and assistance to Samoa and Tonga
SUVA, 1 October 2009 - UNICEF Pacific office based in Suva, Fiji, is sending a team to Samoa and Tonga to assist with a rapid assessment on the needs of...
UNICEF ready to meet urgent needs of children affected by Indonesia quake
JAKARTA, INDONESIA, 2 October 2009 – UNICEF emergency personnel are on the ground in the Indonesian province of West Sumatra to ensure that the...
Tens of thousands of Indonesians forced to flee homes after deadly quake
JAKARTA, 1 October 2009 – UNICEF Indonesia is deploying emergency staff to the province of West Sumatra to assess the immediate health, water...
UNICEF provides immediate assistance to children affected by tropical storm Ondoy
MANILA, 28 September 2009 - UNICEF has provided $143,000 in supplies to address the urgent needs of affected children and their families in the...
Government of Lao PDR and UNICEF reaffirm their commitment to children
VIENTIANE, 23 September 2009 - The needs and rights of children will remain a key priority as Lao PDR moves towards its broader development goals...
Government of the Republic of Korea and UNICEF sign agreement to strengthen collaboration
NEW YORK, 22 September 2009 - The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and UNICEF signed a new agreement today to strengthen collaboration...
Despite regional efforts, trafficking continues to take heavy toll on children
BANGKOK/WELLINGTON, 1 September, 2009 – A recent assessment of child trafficking programmes in seven countries in East and Southeast Asia...
Children, young people unite online to address climate change
DAEJEON, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, 20 August 2009 - Children and young people across the world are joining forces to address climate change with a new...
Asia and Pacific database on education launched by UNICEF and UNESCO
BANGKOK, 17 August — UNICEF and UNESCO go online today with a one-stop Education for All database for Asia and the Pacific that enables governments...
Government of Japan provides $5.6 million to health programmes in Sudan
KHARTOUM, 29 July 2009 – The Government of Japan will sign a new agreement with UNICEF tomorrow, making available US$ 5.6 million...
Japan will assist children and families in IDP camps and host communities of northwest Pakistan
TOKYO, 15 June 2009 – Internally displaced children and their families affected by conflict in northwest Pakistan will receive $4 million in...
Global aid agencies call for greater investment in life-saving vitamins and minerals
BEIJING, CHINA, 12 May 2009 – Seven of the world’s leading development agencies are calling on governments and other partners around...
UNICEF continues support for China earthquake recovery, detailed report on aid for children and women released at one year anniversary
BEIJING, 11 May 2009 – One year after a devastating 8.0 Richter scale earthquake hit China's Sichuan province, extensive assistance from...
One year after Cyclone Nargis: Myanmar on hard road to recovery
Yangon/Geneva, 1 May 2009 — Communities devastated by Cyclone Nargis one year ago have faced formidable challenges during the year of recovery and rebuilding.
Building back better: 200th school opened in Indonesia
BANDA ACEH, 19 February 2009 – UNICEF and the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency for Aceh-Nias (BRR) today opened SDN 34, the 200th school built by UNICEF.
Japan first government to donate to UNICEF for Gaza crisis
GENEVA, 23 January 2009 – The Government of Japan has stepped up with a donation of $3 million to support UNICEF’s relief work in Gaza following the recent crisis.
East Asia and Pacific countries discuss measures to address economic crisis on children
SINGAPORE, 6 January 2009 — At the start of a new year mired by a worsening economic crisis, key leaders in East Asia and the Pacific began discussions ...
China and Ghana broadcasters win 2008 International Day of Broadcasting Awards
NEW YORK, 11 November 2008 – UNICEF presented the 2008 International Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Awards to China Central Television and Ghana ...
180 days after Cyclone Nargis: Relief efforts on track but support is still needed
YANGON/ GENEVA/ NEW YORK, 31 October, 2008 — Six months after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Delta, relief efforts are on track but support...
UNICEF and WHO China Statement on contaminated infant formula
BEIJING, 24 September 2008 - UNICEF and WHO Offices in China have observed with great sadness and concern the unfolding story of tainted infant formula produced...
120 days after Nargis: Children’s needs are being met but threats remain
YANGON, 1 September 2008 — Children’s needs in Myanmar are being met four months after the cyclone hit the Ayeyarwady delta and the Yangon division, UNICEF said today.
UN support the Lao Government in its response to the flooding emergency
VIENTIANE, 19 August 2008 - United Nations agencies have commended the Lao government for its successful measures to handle the floods that....
UNICEF "Champions for Children" gala brings stars together to support children's causes
BEIJING, 12 August 2008 – With the world’s attention focusing on the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, UNICEF China hosted a “Champions for Children”...
Strengthening the cold chain system to preserve vaccines in Myanmar
YANGON, 12 August 2008 - UNICEF and WHO handed over a new cold chain facility to the Myanmar Ministry of Health today...
UNICEF: Nearly 700,000 children still in need of assistance in Myanmar
YANGON, GENEVA, 25 July 2008 - Close to three months after Cyclone Nargis slammed into Myanmar, nearly 700,000 children under the age of 17 are still in need of longer ...
UNICEF to support water, sanitation and hygiene in China's quake zone
BEIJING, 1 July 2008 – Now that more than 5 million people have been relocated to temporary shelters due to the 12 May Sichuan earthquake, provision of safe water ...
Young leaders from around the world convene at Junior 8 Summit
CHITOSE CITY, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN/ GENEVA, 2 July 2008 - In a few hours, young people from G8 countries and the developing world will open the fourth annual “Junior 8” ...
More than 10,000 schools in Sichuan badly damaged
BEIJING, 5 June 2008 – According to data recently collected, more than 10,000 school buildings in Sichuan were badly damaged by the 12 May earthquake.
UNICEF to focus on damaged schools in unreached areas of Myanmar
YANGON, MYANMAR, 28 May 2008 – UNICEF will work with the Ministry of Education to reopen schools in some cyclone-affected areas by 2 June.
Too many children still need life-saving relief in Myanmar, says UNICEF welcoming government’s response to ease delivery of aid
NEW YORK, 23 May 2008 – UNICEF says that too many children still need life-saving assistance in Myanmar three weeks after powerful cyclone Nargis hit the country.
UNICEF assists post-earthquake child support mission
BEIJING, 21 May 2008 – The Government of China has organized a high level mission to Sichuan - with support from UNICEF - to provide immediate...
School collapses as major earthquake hits China
BEIJING, 12 May 2008 - UNICEF China is deeply concerned that large numbers of children could be affected by a major earthquake in Sichuan Province.
UNICEF flying in emergency supplies to Myanmar
NEW YORK, May 9, 2008 - A Thai Airways plane carrying UNICEF emergency supplies landed in Yangon today, carrying three million water purification tablets.
Injury a leading killer for children in Asia
BANGKOK, 11 March 2008 - Children in Asia are at great risk of dying from injuries such as drowning and road accidents. Surveys from Bangladesh...
UNICEF Executive Board members visit child friendly school in northern Lao PDR
OUDOMXAY, NORTHERN LAO PDR, 13 February 2008 - Children at Nongboua primary school in Oudomxay’s La district laid on a warm welcome...
Maldives launches its first national campaign on drug prevention
MALE / MALDIVES, 5 December 2007 – A nationwide campaign on drug prevention and promoting recovery among addicts entitled “Wake Up” is being launched today by...
UNICEF, Special Olympics champion cause of children with intellectual disabilities
NEW YORK/WASHINGTON DC/SHANGHAI, 3 October 2007 – A partnership to advance the rights of children with intellectual disabilities was announced today by...
FIFA and UNICEF launch Goals for Girls! campaign on eve of Women’s 2007 World Cup
SHANGHAI, 7 September 2007 - The fifth Women’s World Cup – which begins in China on Monday – forms the backdrop for a joint campaign between UNICEF and...
UNICEF calls for protection of schools and learning spaces in Timor Leste
DILI / TIMOR-LESTE, 10 August 2007 – UNICEF strongly condemns the destruction and vandalizing of schools, learning spaces and play areas during the ongoing unrest in certain parts of Timor-Leste.
Experts gather to discuss remaining pockets of iodine deficiency in China
BEIJING, 30 July 2007- Vice-Minister of Health Wang Longde opened a meeting today of national and international experts who gathered in Beijing to discuss global progress on iodine deficiency disorder (IDD).
Manchester United stars speak out on children and HIV
GUANGZHOU,CHINA, 27 July 2007 - Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Dong Fangzhuo took time out of the club’s Far East Tour for a meeting with three children whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS and have suffered from stigma and discrimination as a result.
Water and sanitation to be provided to thousands of displaced children in Eastern Chad
TOKYO, 20 July 2007 - Some 30,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Eastern Chad, including 18,000 children, will have better access to clean water and sanitation as a result of emergency funding of $1.18 million from the Government of Japan to build new boreholes and communal latrines.
WHO and UNICEF call for renewed commitment to breastfeeding
MANILA, 20 June 2007 – Exclusive breastfeeding rates in East Asia and the Pacific are just 61per cent at four months of babies' lives and even lower, at 35per cent, at six months. And yet science has...
UN agencies call for concerted effort to rapidly scale up access to HIV testing and counselling services in Asia and the Pacific
PHNOM PENH/CAMBODIA, 4 June 2007– Fewer than 10 per cent of people infected with HIV in HIV in Asia and the Pacific are aware of their status. This is a...
UNICEF and IPU Join Forces to Stop Violence against Children
BALI / INDONESIA, 2 May 2007 - At the 116th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), meeting in Nusa Dua (Indonesia), UNICEF and IPU members said more...
On Labour Day, Lao Trade Union leaders call on working dads to protect their families from HIV
VIENTIANE, 1 May 2007 – Leaders of the Lao Trade Union today launched the “Caring Dads” campaign aimed at inspiring working fathers to care for children and..
Days of Peace campaign begins to reach remote conflict affected areas
MANILA, 27 April 2007 - UNICEF Representative Dr. Nicholas Alipui, Tuesday, led an unprecedented field mission to remote communities in Mindanao to deliver essential child health services under the Days of Peace...
UNICEF: Urgent appeal for funds for hard hit Solomon Islands
GENEVA, 4 April 2007 – UNICEF appealed for urgent funding to respond to the people affected by the devastating tsunami that swept through coastal villages...
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director applauds Viet Nam’s efforts for children
Hanoi, 27 March 2007 -- UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Mr. Kul Gautam has congratulated Viet Nam for its achievements in improving the lives of children.
Largest-ever survey on situation of children and women in Thailand shows progress and challenges
BANGKOK, 9 March 2007 – Thailand has made significant progress in improving the situation of children and women in recent years, however...
Child nutrition survey shows improvements in DPRK, but UN agencies concerned about holding onto gains
PYONGYANG / GENEVA, 16 February 2003 - Malnutrition rates among children in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have improved considerably over the past four years, according to a new survey, but the UN agencies that announced the findings today said the gains could be lost if international support for humanitarian assistance to the country continues to slacken. (Press Release)
Myanmar joins global measles-control effort
YANGON, 14 January 2007 – A brightly-painted papier-mâché doll sold in the shops outside pagodas has become the symbol for Myanmar’s national measles vaccination campaign, part of a national measles strategy launched today in Yangon.
UNICEF launches global web site in Chinese
NEW YORK/BEIJING, 15 January 2007 – UNICEF launched its Chinese-language web site today bringing information about HIV/AIDS prevention, girls’ education...
UNICEF-supported report on Maternal and Child Survival in China Launched
BEIJING, 11 January 2007.The report launched today confirms that while China is on-track for reaching MDG's four and five, there remain serious concerns about slowing progress...
UNICEF sends aid to Aceh flood victims
BANDA ACEH, 27 DECEMBER 2006 – Emergency UNICEF supplies are on their way to help tens of thousands of people affected by severe flooding in parts of Aceh.
Indonesia to ratify mine ban treaty
JAKARTA, 8 December 2006 - Indonesia moved a step closer this week to ratifying the International Mine Ban Treaty.
Girl rights role model Marta launched to promote gender equality in Timor-Leste
DILI/TIMOR-LESTE, 10 November 2006 – The Office for Promotion of Equality (OPE), which comes under the Office of the Prime Minister, with UNICEF, officially launched the Marta Communication Initiative on 10 November 2006.
Thailand launches national Avian Influenza awareness, prevention campaign in schools
BANGKOK, 10 October 2006 - A nationwide school-based campaign aimed at helping Thai children and their families protect themselves from the threat of Avian Influenza was launched Tuesday by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
UNICEF opens standard-setting schools in Indonesia’s Aceh
BANDA ACEH, 18 September 2006 - The first of 367 permanent schools for Aceh and Nias were officially opened on Monday with support from UNICEF.
Putting young people to the fore of the AIDS response
BEIJING, 10 September, 2006 - China’s Vice-Minister of Health Huang Jiefu officially launched the Campaign on Children and AIDS on behalf of the State Council AIDS Working Committee Office (SCAWCO). Vice-Minister Huang pledged the Government’s enhanced commitment to putting a broad alliance of children and young people to the fore of the national AIDS response.
Back-to-school campaign in Timor-Leste ready for roll out
DILI, 1 September 2006 – Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Education and Culture and UNICEF will launch a nationwide ‘Back to School’ campaign on Monday 4 September to encourage over 200,000 children to resume formal education at the start of a new school year.
Elimination of Iodine deficiency disorders
HANOI, 24 August 2006 – Viet Nam has achieved the international goal on elimination of iodine deficiency by 2005– the Ministry of Health announced today at the Ten Years Review Symposium of the National Programme on Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control in Hanoi.
Malaysian website to empower young people to resist experimenting with drugs
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 June 2006 - Young people in Malaysia can now log-on to www.whatareyoudoing.net to learn about drugs and why ‘using is for losers’. The website is part of the ‘Keep the Music Clean’ campaign designed to engage, educate and empower young people to resist the temptation to experiment with drugs.
Nutritional screening to save lives in Timor-Leste
DILI, 30 June 2006 – The Ministry of Health of Timor-Leste, supported by UNICEF and other partners, plan to begin the nutritional screening of displaced children in the capital, Dili, today to assess the scale of malnutrition as the country enters its third month of emergency.
UNICEF sends emergency supplies to help victims of South Sulewesi floods
JAKARTA, 23 June 2006 – UNICEF is airlifting emergency supplies of hygiene equipment and water containers to flood affected districts in the Indonesian province of South Sulewesi.
Measles vaccination to target 30,000 displaced children in Dili
DILI, 12 June 2006 - The Ministry of Health and UNICEF will launch a mass measles vaccination campaign on 13 June targeting all children aged six months to 14 years living in displacement camps in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste.
UNICEF responds with aid for families still displaced in Timor-Leste
DILI, 9 June, 2006 - Around 66,000 people are housed in more than 35 camps in Dili, and the number of camps and internally displaced people changes daily as the crisis in the capital stretches into its third month. The internally displaced population currently represents about 40 per cent of Dili’s population of 170,000.
UNICEF provides aid to Timorese displaced by conflict
DILI, 30 May 2006 – Aid has begun to reach the thousands of Timorese living in camps around East Timor’s capital city of Dili, displaced by conflict. The Australian army’s presence in Dili has improved the security situation and UNICEF and other agencies have been able to reach people living in crowded conditions and in desperate need of food, access to clean water and sanitation, and protection for children. There are an estimated 70,000 residing in camps in Dili alone and another 45,000 who have moved to the districts.
UNICEF supplies arrive in earthquake zone
Emergency supplies for people made homeless by Saturday’s earthquake are being distributed in the most affected areas of the devastated city of Yogyakarta today.
Timor’s childhood under threat
DILY, 29 May 2006 – Ongoing ethnic and political tensions in Timor-Leste have escalated into large-scale civil unrest in Dili, with the districts practically cut off and isolated from the capital city. As people flee the conflict, children's lives are being uprooted.
Executive Director Ann M. Veneman on the earthquake in Indonesia
NEW YORK, 27 May 2006 - "We are saddened to hear of the devastating earthquake in Indonesia and express our heartfelt condolences to all those who have suffered injury or loss. So often in natural disasters children and the elderly suffer disproportionately because they are least able to react quickly."
Lao television drama highlights dangers of child trafficking
Vientiane 26 May 2006 - Lessons of Life, a compelling television drama about a Lao teenage girl who is trafficked abroad, had its national premiere on Lao Television today. The original ninety minute anti-trafficking drama was produced to warn young people of the dangers they face and to stimulate awareness and discussion.
Viet Nam: Partnership for water supply and sanitation
Hanoi, 23 May 2006 – UNICEF and 13 other international organizations have joined the Government of Viet Nam in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of Viet Nam Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Partnership, an unique partnership which aims at better coordination and more effective support for the improvement of water supply, sanitation and hygiene situation for rural communities and schools in Viet Nam.
Viet Nam Eliminates Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus
HANOI/MANILA/BANGKOK, 28 February, 2006 - Viet Nam has eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus as a public health problem, the Ministry of Health of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UNICEF announced today.
Tsunami Generation of Children See Hope for the Future, According to UNICEF Survey
NEW YORK, 22 December 2005 – One year after the tsunami dramatically changed their lives, children in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand feel hopeful about the future, while children in Indonesia are recovering at a slower pace, according to a survey of tsunami-affected children released today by UNICEF.
Children, the Focus for Islamic Solidarity
A new report says action is urgently needed to tackle a range of problems facing over 600 million children in the Islamic world, from poverty and disease to education and protection.
Manchester United announces four year plan to lend sports leadership to UNICEF to deliver development targets for children
BEIJING, 26 July 2005 – Manchester United today announced a four-year pledge to use their leadership in sport to assist UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, in achieving its development targets for children. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill was joined by Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs and Chinese player Dong Fangzhuo *.
Seminar on Children affected by HIV/AIDS held in Beijing
20 JULY, 2005 - A one-day Seminar on “Care and Love for Children affected by HIV/AIDS” opened this morning at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
New HIV/AIDS data reveals gravity of situation for children in Asia and the Pacific
3 July 2005, KOBE, Japan - More than 1.5 million children in Asia and the Pacific are now orphaned by AIDS, according to new regional data, making protection, care and support efforts for children more urgent than ever.
UNICEF and Viet Nam celebrate 30 years of progress for children
HANOI, 23 June 2005 -- UNICEF gathered with Vietnamese government officials today to celebrate a 30-year nationwide partnership that has dramatically improved the health of women and children, assisted in halving poverty and increased access to education.
Six months after tsunami, UN agencies say hardest work lies ahead
GENEVA/NEW YORK, 23 June 2005 - Six months after the tsunami ripped through communities across the Indian Ocean last December, the development agencies most involved in the recovery effort said the toughest challenges still lie ahead - including the complex issues of where to re-establish housing, how to quickly restore livelihoods, and what to prioritize now that the immediate relief phase is over.
EAPRO consultation concludes: violence is not inevitable
BANGKOK, 16 June 2005 – “Violence is not inevitable but rather an injustice that can be ended by recognizing that peace is a human right and that this responsibility belongs to everyone,” more than 250 delegates proclaimed at the end of the three-day Regional Consultation on Violence Against Children.
School construction in Banda Aceh kicks off as six month mark nears
JAKARTA, 16 June 2005 - Work has started on a fast-track building programme that will see two hundred temporary schools built in one month across the tsunami-damaged region of Aceh, UNICEF said today.
UNICEF says HIV/AIDS education in Myanmar can save thousands of lives
YANGON, 10 June 2005 – Following her recent visit to Myanmar, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Anupama Rao Singh, said that actively educating Myanmar’s children about HIV/AIDS will save thousands of lives.
Central Asian Countries Agree to Improve Quality and Access to Education by 2015
Dushanbe, 9 June, 2005 – Concluding a 3-day meeting in Warzob, delegates from five Central Asian countries committed to speeding up the common education reform process in each country in the face of limited resources for investment in the education sector.
Government of Lao PDR, UNICEF launch media awareness campaign to protect young people from dangers of trafficking
Vientianem, 1 June 2005 - The Government of Lao PDR and UNICEF today launched a multi-media campaign designed to raise awareness of the risks posed by trafficking and protect those most at risk from its dangers. Lao youth music celebrities will perform a concert in Vientiane, the nation’s capital, to mark Children’s Day and promote the campaign’s themes.
UNICEF supplies 200 new temporary school buildings to Aceh
BANDA ACEH, INDONESIA, 26 May 2005 - UNICEF is building two hundred temporary primary schools in the areas of Aceh worst affected by the tsunami. The buildings would cost $US 2.3 million, or about $11,500 each and were designed to be used while permanent classrooms were being constructed.
Channeling adolescent potential to bring about change
BAMAKO, 23 May 2005 - Mr. Ezio Murzi, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, launched today in Bamako the new publication Adolescent Programming in Conflict and Post Conflict Situations. The publication provides a set of recommendations to encourage adolescent participation in community development and peace building during crises.
UNICEF helps Indonesia fight back against polio
JAKARTA, 5 MAY 2005 - UNICEF is supporting the emergency vaccination of children in a district near Jakarta, Indonesia, on 5-6 May in an attempt to halt the spread of an outbreak of polio.
UNICEF to support US $90 million in rebuilding tsunami affected schools
JAKARTA, May 4, 2005 - UNICEF will support the Indonesian Government through Ministry of National Education by allocating US $90 million to rebuild 300 destroyed primary schools and repair another 200 damaged schools in the tsunami devastated province of Aceh as well as Nias island in North Sumatra province.
Jackie Chan, UNICEF/UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador says stop discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS
HANOI, 25th April – At the conclusion of his first mission to Viet Nam, UNICEF/ UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan called for an end to discrimination and stigma towards children and families infected or affected with HIV/AIDS.
Jackie Chan, UNICEF/UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador on 6-day mission to Cambodia and Viet Nam to highlight AIDS and landmines
HANOI/PHNOM PENH, 18 April 2005 - Action film superstar Jackie Chan will return to Cambodia and make his first official visit to Viet Nam in his capacity as a UNICEF and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador.
New rapid nutritional assessment survey of Aceh released
ACEH, 15 April 2005 - A survey of more than 3700 households in the aftermath of the tsunami in Aceh confirms the immediate nutritional needs of high-risk groups in tsunami-affected areas have been met.
Lao PDR high level leaders focus on mother and child health
VIENTIANE, 6 April 2005 - Over 200 high level participants from central government and provinces gathered with donors and international agencies in Vientiane today to celebrate World Health Day on the theme: “Make every mother and child count”.
School children across Lao PDR help test salt for iodine
VENTIANE, 1 April 2005 – School children across the Lao PDR are helping the government this week with the push to wipe out iodine deficiency disorders by the target date of 2006. In all 142 districts of the country, children are bringing salt from home to school where it is being tested to determine if it meets national standards for iodization.
Bellamy - “when China achieves, the world achieves”
BEIJING, 24 February, 2005 - Carol Bellamy addressed government leaders, UN agency heads, programme partners, children and the media this morning at a Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and UNICEF cosponsored forum in Beijing on “A Decade of Achievement for Children”.
MTV Asia AID concert to benefit UNICEF
BANGKOK/GENEVA/NEW YORK, 3 February 2005 - On her arrival in Bangkok to attend the MTV Asia AID concert, UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy said she was delighted that MTV had refashioned its annual awards show into a global benefit that enables young people to contribute directly to the tsunami recovery effort.
For tsunami homeless, sanitation a critical concern
NEW YORK, 25 January 2005 – Hundreds of thousands of tsunami survivors living in temporary camps face a growing risk of water-borne disease due to flooding of toilets and inadequate numbers of toilets and bathing facilities, UNICEF said today.
Hundreds of schools destroyed by tsunami
NEW YORK, 14 January 2005 – Children in some of the areas affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami began returning to school this week even though the disaster destroyed or damaged over one thousand schools and killed thousands of teachers.
UNICEF Ambassador David Beckham launches UNICEF global TV campaign for tsunami emergency appeal
LONDON, 12 January 2005 – Newly appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham, will speak out for the Tsunami affected children in a UNICEF TV campaign urging support for the organisation’s work to meet their immediate and long term needs.
UNICEF brings the healing power of play to traumatized children in the Maldives
MALE, 6 January 2005 – “If I were a superman, I would have stopped the waves with my powerful hands and helped everybody” says Ali Zian, a 10 year old boy, as he shows off the superman he’s just sketched and colored on a drawing sheet. Zian is one of the 332 children on the island of Huraa where UNICEF distributed recreational kits containing foot balls, crayons, dolls, drawing boards and books as a first response to address trauma and shock.
Tsunami-affected families in Myanmar receive more UNICEF assistance
YANGON, 11 January 2005 – UNICEF has delivered emergency family kits to children and families in tsunami-affected areas of Myanmar’s Ayeyarwaddy District. The UNICEF kits are packed with blankets, clothing, utensils, soap, mosquito nets and other essential items to help families contend with the after-effects of the recent tsunami disaster.
UNICEF mobilizes child trauma experts
PHUKET, 10 January - UNICEF said today that a team of specially trained child trauma experts from Thailand have been mobilized and are now commencing work in provinces hardest hit by the deadly Tsunumi.
Clinton Foundation and UNICEF launch Tsunami Water and Sanitation Fund
NEW YORK, 10 January 2005 – Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy today announced the creation of a joint initiative that will bring safe drinking water and sanitation systems to children and families affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami.
UNICEF support gives relief to Somalia Tsunami victims
NAIROBI, 10 January 2005 - UNICEF is providing crucial support to help alleviate the suffering of communities in villages along the coastline of Northeast Somalia (‘Puntland’) most affected by the recent tsunami.
Clinton Foundation and UNICEF to make tsunami relief announcement
MEDIA ADVISORY, 8 January 2005 - On Monday, 10 January 2005, Former President Clinton and UNICEF will make an announcement related to ongoing philanthropic efforts aimed at public health.
How to protect children in the tsunami zone
LONDON, 8 January 2005 – Measures to protect children in the Tsunami zone from exploitation, abuse, and criminal trafficking are needed immediately to prevent them from slipping between the cracks, UNICEF said today, outlining the key steps essential to protecting orphans and other vulnerable children.
UNICEF welcomes British Airways support of tsunami relief efforts
NEW YORK, 5 January 2005 – UNICEF welcomes the support of British Airways for making a weekly 747 freighter flight available to UNICEF to get humanitarian supplies to tsunami-stricken countries.
From Indonesia: First UNICEF relief arrives in Indonesia
JAKARTA, 31 December 2004 - Emergency medical kits for 200,000 victims of the Boxing Day Earthquake and tsunami arrived in Jakarta airport today on route to Sumatra tomorrow.
ATP commits $25,000 to UNICEF relief effort
CHENNAI, INDIA, 31 December 2004 – Tournament organizers of the Chennai Open have joined with the ATP to commit financial support to relief efforts benefiting victims of the tsunami which has devastated Southern Asia. The ATP, governing body of the international men’s professional tennis circuit, will donate the $25,000 sanction fee for the tournament and direct it in full to UNICEF emergency relief efforts in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, of which Chennai is the capital.
Hundred of schools damaged in the Maldives
MALE, MALDIVES, 31 December 2004 - Hundreds of schools in the Maldives are now known to have been damaged by the Asian tsunami that struck the archipelago.
After the torrents, the next threat is standing water
NEW YORK, 29 December 2004 – UNICEF warned today that without immediate, wide-scale action to provide safe water in the communities hit by Sunday’s massive ocean flooding, millions of people will be at grave risk of water-borne disease.
UNICEF calls for aid to tsunami-struck countries
NEW YORK, 27 December 2004 – UNICEF is rushing relief assistance to the countries hardest hit by massive ocean flooding following Sunday’s earthquake, working to meet the urgent needs of hundreds of thousands of people who survived the tsunamis but now need shelter, water, medical supplies and other urgent assistance.
Bellamy: UNICEF ready to respond to quake victims in South Asia
UNICEF country offices circling the Indian Ocean are assessing damage from the Sumatra earthquake that touched off a series of tsunamis early today, killing thousands of people and leaving hundreds of thousands of children and their families in jeopardy.
Buddhist art promotes compassion for people living with HIV/AIDS
VIENTIANE, 20 December 2004 –Over this year’s festive season in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Buddhist monks will be encouraging the Lao people to show love, sympathetic joy, compassion and equanimity to all, including those living with HIV.
Philippines: UNICEF makes urgent appeal for typhoon devastation
GENEVA/MANILA, 3 December 2004 - UNICEF is making an urgent appeal for US$800,000 to meet the needs of children and families suffering from the devastation inflicted by a recent succession of tropical depressions and typhoons.
UNICEF hails world’s first regional agreement on human trafficking
YANGON, MYANMAR, 29 October 2004 – Today ministers from China, Cambodia, Thailand, Lao PDR, Viet Nam and Myanmar signed a landmark memorandum of understanding that sets forth a framework of action to fight human trafficking.
Child trafficking requires action in Lao PDR
VIENTIANE, LAOS, 26 October 2004 – Child trafficking is an important problem for Lao PDR which requires urgent action, according to the first national study on the subject released today by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and UNICEF.
Asian children and societies still being crippled by landmines
BANGKOK, 30 August 2004 – As landmines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO) continue indiscriminately to maim and kill children across the region, UNICEF called today for governments to redouble their efforts to prevent conflict-related injuries, which represent the fourth leading cause of all fatal injuries worldwide.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore raising funds for children orphaned by AIDS in China
BEIJING, 6 August 2004 - Sir Roger and Lady Kristina Moore touched down safely in Beijing on Wednesday 4th August, and have already begun their mission to raise awareness and funds for children orphaned by AIDS in China.
Children on the Brink 2004 - Global orphan numbers would be falling without AIDS
BANGKOK, THAILAND, 13 July 2004 - By 2010, sub-Saharan Africa will be home to an estimated 50 million orphaned children, and more than a third will have lost one or both parents to AIDS, according to a biennial report on global orphaning released today by USAID, UNAIDS and UNICEF.
Former Prime Minister of Thailand leads the fight against HIV/AIDS
NEW YORK, BANGKOK, 15 September 2003 - At a ceremony today at UNICEF'S New York Headquarters, former Prime Minister of Thailand, Anand Panyarachun, received an award honouring his years of service to the children of Thailand. UNICEF presented the award to Panyarachun at its Executive Board meeting.
First UNICEF awards for youth leadership announced
BALI, 6 May 2003 - UNICEF today announced the winners of the inaugural UNICEF Award for Youth Leadership in East Asia and the Pacific. (News Note)
Leaders urge East Asia and Pacific to do their utmost for children
BALI, 5 May 2003 – President of Indonesia, H.E. Megawati Sukarnoputri, opened today the Sixth East Asia and Pacific Ministerial Consultation on Children calling on all nations of the world to work hard for the protection and well-being of children. (News Note)
East Asian and Pacific nations act for children
BALI, 7 May 2003 - Twenty five nations in the East Asia and Pacific Region Wednesday, May 7, decided to step-up action against child sexual exploitation and trafficking. (News Note)
UN taskforce meets to address infant infection with HIV/AIDS
BANGKOK, May 10 – UNICEF will convene tomorrow the UN Regional Taskforce Meeting on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. More than 700,000 children under 15 are infected worldwide with HIV/AIDS every year, almost all through vertical transmission of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breast feeding. As the epidemic spreads in Asia and the Pacific, the number of children infected is rising. Years of hard-won progress in child survival are set to be reversed.
UNICEF and H&M in partnership for girls' education and HIV/AIDS awareness
UNICEF today announced a new partnership and thanked the global fashion company H&M for its donation of $1.5 million toward UNICEF girls’ education programmes worldwide and HIV/AIDS prevention programmes in Cambodia. The donation will be given over a three-year period.
Iodine deficiency still leaves millions of children at risk of mental retardation
BEIJING, 15 October 2003 – Despite major advances over the last 12 years, millions of children are still being born in households where iodized salt is not consumed, putting them at risk of developing the mental disabilities caused by Iodine Deficiency Disorder, UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy said today.
Japan gives major boost to education in Afghanistan
TOKYO / GENEVA / NEW YORK, 26 July - The Japanese Government has donated $10.8 million for education programmes for displaced children returning to their villages and refugee children returning to Afghanistan, UNICEF announced today, saying the funds were urgently needed to keep up with the large numbers of children seeking to resume learning.
UNICEF calls for change in justice systems on behalf of child prisoners in E. Asia and Pacific
BANGKOK, 18 March 2004 – A UNICEF report released today calls for urgent improvements in judicial systems for children and young people in East Asia and the Pacific.
HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia; Young people are the solution
DUBLIN, 22 February 2004 -- “HIV/AIDS has a young face and it is essential, therefore, for young people to be at the heart of a new and effective pan-European prevention effort,” said UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy on the eve of the Irish EU Presidency Conference on HIV/AIDS: Breaking Barriers, Partnership to fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia.
Single-dose Nevirapine should be available to HIV-positive mothers
UNAIDS, UNICEF and EGPAF today expressed concern about the South African Medicine Control Council’s decision to discontinue use of single-dose nevirapine for prevention of mother to child transmission.
Indian icon Shabana Azmi tells South Asian leaders to ‘get real’ about HIV/AIDS
Bangkok, 15 July 2004 - Indian film star and social activist Shabana Azmi told participants at the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok that South Asian leaders must do much more to help protect their young people from the threat of HIV/AIDS.
UNICEF assists schools affected by recent violence in Thailand
BANGKOK, May 3 – UNICEF is sending school supplies to the three southern provinces in Thailand affected by the recent violence. since January 2004, an estimated 30 schools have been destroyed in southern Thailand, affecting some 5,000 students. Teachers have been intimidated and there is a fear that some schools may not reopen after the current holiday due to security considerations, according to UNICEF.
Dramatic improvements in child health and education noted on Timor Leste's second anniversary
TIMOR LESTE, 20 May 2004 - As Timor Leste, the world’s newest nation and youngest democracy, marks its 2nd anniversary on May 20, it can also celebrate dramatic improvements in health and education services for children, says UNICEF.
Humanitarian aid needed for children in Aceh
BANGKOK/JAKARTA, INDONESIA, 23 May 2003 - A humanitarian crisis is exploding in the Indonesian province of Aceh, where 23,000 children have been displaced and 425 schools destroyed because of renewed fighting in the province. (News Note)
Jackie Chan wraps up mission to Cambodia
PHNOM PENH, April 28 – Newly appointed UNICEF/UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan Wednesday wrapped up a busy three-day mission to Cambodia during which he played with HIV-positive children, blew up landmines, met Prime Minister Hun Sen and pledged to do “whatever I can do” to promote the cause of children.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore to Visit Cambodia
PHNOM PENH, 16 October 2003 – Sir Roger Moore, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and popular actor, will visit Cambodia October 22-26 to promote the increased consumption and production of iodized salt to combat the threat of mental retardation and other disabilities caused by iodine deficiency.
Japan donates $2 million to UNICEF to get children out of orphanages in Central Asia
TOKYO/GENEVA/NEW YORK, 31 August 2004 – The Government of Japan is donating more than US$ 2 million to UNICEF to get children out of orphanages and other residential institutions across Central Asia. The announcement coincides with a tour of Central Asia by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, which ended today.
UNICEF warns urgent action needed to end child trafficking
INDONESIA, 29 March 2004 - On the eve of a UNICEF sponsored regional conference on child sexual exploitation and trafficking in Medan in North Sumatra, UNICEF warned today that urgent action was needed to end child sexual exploitation and trafficking. Surveys conducted in the region showed that trafficking of children was lucrative, well organized within and across countries and linked to criminal activity and corruption.
Vitamins & minerals for children fortifies economic development in China
BEIJING/GENEVA/ NEW YORK, 3 September 2004 – China’s massive drive to reduce the damage done by vitamin and mineral deficiency, particularly to children, is paying rich dividends for its economy, UNICEF and the Chinese Ministry of Health announced today.
More Afghan children protected against measles thanks to immunization campaigns
KABUL, 3 August 2003 - Even more of Afghanistan’s children are protected against measles today, thanks to a one-month immunization campaign spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, and supported by UNICEF, WHO and other partners. The campaign, which was held across the country in June 2003, reached more than 5 million children aged nine months to five years.
UNICEF urges demobilization, integration of child soldiers
Bangkok, 30 October - Noting that up to one quarter of the world's estimated 300,000 child soldiers are currently serving in the East Asia and Pacific region, the head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Wednesday called for new and concerted efforts to demobilize them and assist their reintegration into society.
Mongolian Buddhists join fight to prevent HIV/AIDS
ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA, 12 April 2004 – Buddhists monks from the Dashichoiling Monastery, one of the some 150 Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia, are joining the global fight to prevent HIV/AIDS in the country. Mongolia is a country with only four reported HIV positive cases but it is in a highly vulnerable zone sandwiched between China and Russia, where HIV/AIDS prevalence is alarmingly high.
Bellamy sees improvements for children in DPRK
SEOUL, 17 March 2004 – Despite international isolation and a political impasse with the West, efforts to save and improve the lives of North Korean children are working, the head of UNICEF said today, citing vastly improved immunization rates and better systems for finding and treating cases of severe malnutrition.
East Asia and Pacific region at forefront of action to counter the commercial sexual exploitation of children
BANGKOK, 10 November, 2004 – New initiatives in East Asia and the Pacific are leading the way in combating the commercial sexual exploitation of children, according to senior government officials from across the region.
2005 CBD: Country Programme Evaluation Royal Government of Cambodia / UNICEF 2001-2005
