VIDEO: UNICEF's Rachel O'Brien reports on the nutritional assessment survey carried out in flood- and typhoon-affected areas of Lao PDR.

An assessment conducted in May and June

BACKGROUND

The First Summit of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) takes place in Hua Hin, Thailand, on 5 April 2010 to gather regional Prime Ministers, political leaders, MRCs Dialogue Partners, the People's Republic of China and the Union of Myanmar, its Development Partners and a range of experts in the field of transboundary water resources management. This event marks the 15th Anniversary of the Mekong River Commission and will serve to reaffirm at the highest level, political commitment of Member Countries to the mission of the MRC.

A report released by the Mekong River Commission (MRC) reveals good news for the general health of the Mekong Basin, but warns that this and the eco-systems of the river system could be threatened by proposed infrastructure and expanding populations.

"The water quality of almost all the mainstream monitoring stations is rated as 'excellent' for the protection of aquatic life," says the MRC's State of the Basin Report 2010, released today, with the exception of areas of high population density and in the

Hydropower, climate change, fisheries and flood management loom large for the Mekong Basin, with ministers from four countries meeting in Hua Hin this week to discuss strategies for trans-boundary river management.

The annual meeting of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Council was an opportunity for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam to share views and discuss the future direction of the river basin, as well as how Member Countries can assist each other in addressing the challenges posed by increasing pressures on water resources.

Villagers have this week been provided with 12 phones, flood markers and other equipment, as well as training as observers to take wet-season water level measurements in 19 remote villages in Hatxayfong & Sikkothabong Districts, near Vientiane. The Mekong River Commission (MRC) supported scheme is part of a regional trial to

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No.1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid , and in particular Article 2(a) and Article 13 thereof:

Whereas:

(1) A substantial rodent infestation linked to the bamboo flowering - a phenomenon which occurs at unpredictable time intervals in South East Asia - has resulted in massive and widespread loss of crops and food stocks in seven Northern provinces of Laos;

(2) The 2008 harvest failure, the loss

It is my pleasure to present to you the 2008 Annual Report for the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

For the millions of people affected by natural disasters and conflict worldwide, 2008 was a year of enormous challenges. More than 211 million people were affected by natural disasters, with more than 238,000 killed and US$200 billion in damages, making 2008 one of the most devastating years in terms of human and material losses. 2008 also

"This is an important development for the Lao People's Democratic Republic and civil society," UN Resident Coordinator in Laos, Sonam Yangchen Rana, told IRIN from the capital Vientiane.

By November this year Lao citizens will be able to apply to form NGOs after the Decree on Associations was signed by Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh and announced on 11 May.

In brief

Programme purpose: The support to the Viet Nam Red Cross (VNRC) focuses on three main areas:

- Strengthen the VNRC's capacity to continue implementation of sustainable initiatives that reduce losses and effects from disasters.

- VNRC delivers quality health and care programmes and services that address the needs of vulnerable people in Viet Nam.

- VNRC is a strong, relevant and well-functioning national society that is more effective at all levels, thus providing better