- In November, a cyclone kills around 3,300 people and leaves hundreds of thousands homeless and in desperate need of supplies in Bangladesh. A military-led relief effort, aided by a fleet of US helicopters, is hampered by huge logistical hurdles after many roads are washed away by a tidal wave or blocked by fallen trees.

- More than 3,200 people are killed and 25 million of others marooned and displaced in the worst floods in decades across South Asia between June and September. Heavy monsoon rains and snow

GA/10674

Sixty-second General Assembly
Plenary
69th, 70th & 71st Meetings (AM, PM & Night)

Also Stress That, despite Progress in Target Areas of 2002 Action Plan, Millions of Children Remain Victims of Hunger, Violence, HIV/AIDS, Exploitation

Since the Anti-Personnel Mine-Ban Treaty was adopted in September 1997, mine action has helped an ever-increasing number of civilians reclaim their lives and restore their livelihoods. The treaty has helped mobilize the international community's response to landmines and their impact on people. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we collectively take on a grave humanitarian and development challenge.

The United Nations pledges to assist mine-affected countries in meeting their obligations under the Anti-Personnel

GENEVA, Switzerland - 12 November 2007 - Many states are not on course to meet their Mine Ban Treaty mine clearance obligations, according to Landmine Monitor Report 2007: Toward a Mine-Free World. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) releases the 1,124-page report at the United Nations today.

Landmine Monitor reports on the global landmine situation and scrutinizes the implementation of and compliance with the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. Landmine Monitor Report 2007 is the ninth annual edition of the report.

GA/SPD/386

Sixty-second General Assembly
Fourth Committee
17th Meeting (PM)

Explosive Remnants of War Still Contaminate Territories Worldwide; Speakers Seek Assistance for Victims, Mine Clearance, End to Proliferation of ‘Killer Toys’

1. The present sixth report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict is submitted in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1674 (2006) and 1738 (2006). Resolution 1674 (2006) marked a watershed in the protection of civilians by providing a clear framework for action by the Council and the United Nations in this area - action that is as critical and necessary today as it was eight years ago, when the Council

SC/9151
Security Council
5766th Meeting (AM & PM)

Members adopt Presidential Statement as Secretary-General urges strengthening of collective response to 'hideous' behaviour

The Security Council expressed its deep concern today that gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, remained pervasive despite its repeated condemnation of all acts of violence, including killing, maiming, sexual violence, exploitation and abuse in situations of armed conflict.

1. A significant increase in the numbers of persons of concern to UNHCR brought new challenges in 2006. While there was a 14 per cent increase in refugee numbers from the previous year, the Office's involvement, together with other humanitarian partners, in protecting and assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) under the inter-agency cluster approach, resulted in a doubling of IDP figures. Thanks to better data capturing, many more stateless people have been identified, also swelling numbers.

2. Despite a plethora of complex challenges,

The daily Jutarnji List said on Thursday Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel P. Fata had broached the issue with a Croatian military delegation in Washington in September.

He asked if Zagreb was ready to "protect NATO's borders" in the event of a refugee crisis. Croatia's near neighbours