Updates

Following the positive reception of OCHA’s set of 250 public domain humanitarian icons in 2012, the organization is releasing an extended and completely redesigned new collection in 2018 (295 and counting).

The original suite was developed because at OCHA we understand that during the response to an emergency it is critical to share and understand complex information in a timely fashion. Icons — with their easily accessible, universal visual language — are vital to achieve this.

This Thailand Disaster Management Reference Handbook offers readers an operational understanding of the nation’s disaster management capability and vulnerability, with detailed information on demographics, hazards, government structure, regional and international assistance, infrastructure, laws and guidelines, risks and vulnerabilities, and other areas vital to a comprehensive disaster management knowledge base.

Welcome - Note from the Director

OVERVIEW

• Countries in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region experience a range of natural hazards, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, forest fires, hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, and volcanoes. El Niño and La Niña phenomena occur periodically, exacerbating the impacts of hydrometeorological events in the LAC region. Unplanned urban expansion, environmental and natural resource degradation, and land-use management challenges also increase populations’ vulnerability and exposure to natural hazards.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

A natural disaster is 30 times more likely to occur in the Pacific Islands than in the U.S. The pressing issues include the region’s vulnerability to disasters and the impacts of climate change. Even small disasters can overwhelm small-island economies like the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Many communities in FSM are being displaced due to rising sea levels. The Pacific is also dealing poverty issues, urbanization and population growth.

Executive Summary

Timor-Leste is located in the southern-most part of Southeast Asia on the eastern half of the island of the Timor Sea between Indonesia and Australia. Timor-Leste has a population of approximately 1.1 million people. In May 2002, Timor-Leste gained independence from Indonesia. Prior to independence, United Nations (UN) peace-keeping forces were installed in Timor-Leste in late 1999 (following the referendum for independence) to stop the ensuing violence, and establish a national government.

By Staff Writer
U.S. Embassy Apia

Increase in Cancer Unlikely following Fukushima Exposure - says UN Report

Low Risk of Thyroid Cancer Among Children Most Exposed

VIENNA, 2 April (UN Information Service) - Cancer levels are likely to remain stable in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power accident, according to a new UN report released today.

A lot more need to be known to reach HFA goals and far more needs to be done during HFA2 process.

Description

The Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) was established in May 2000 and provides direct grant assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable groups in developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) while fostering long-term socioeconomic development. The grants target poverty reduction initiatives with the direct participation of nongovernment organizations, community groups, and civil society.

Executive summary

Document Summary

UNDP has a presence on the ground in over 170 countries and territories and decades of concrete development experience in countries ranging from fragile States to middle-income countries like Brazil and Indonesia. This, combined with our four focus areas — poverty reduction and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); democratic governance; crisis prevention and recovery; and environment and sustainable development — make us uniquely situated and qualified to answer the UN’s call for a better and more sustainable future.

Executive summary

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 11 March 2011 led to releases of radioactive material into the environment from the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. This report describes an initial estimate of radiation doses resulting from this accident to characteristic members of the public in populations around the world.

From Soil Carbon to Decommissioning Nuclear Reactors, UNEP Year Book Highlights Key Emerging Issues

Dramatic improvements in the way the world manages its precious soils will be key to food, water and climate security in the 21st century.

12th Special Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum

Nairobi, 13 February 2012 ? Dramatic improvements in the way the world manages its precious soils will be key to food, water and climate security in the 21st century.

(Extract)

1. Our year (GRI 1.1)

Yet again, over the past year there have been complex humanitarian emergencies occurring on an unimaginable scale. Oxfam’s emergency response to the January earthquake in Haiti was still underway when huge flooding hit Pakistan in August 2010 affecting an overwhelming 20 million people.

1. Who are we?

The 37 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in Asia Pacific work to help the most vulnerable groups in their respective countries who are most affected by disasters and socio-economic and health crises. With their widespread network of grassroots members and volunteers, they seek to address the needs of the most vulnerable people in disaster and non-disaster situations.

Our Approach

Total Disaster Risk Management (TDRM)

Like many international organisations involved in the delivery of medical and humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities, MERCY Malaysia has been actively involved in providing emergency assistance to affected populations.

In January 2005, MERCY Malaysia began implementing its key domestic and international projects and programmes by utilising a holistic approach to manage natural disasters,
Total Disaster Risk Management (TDRM).