UNHCR to train relief agencies in Asia/Pacific

UNHCR welcomes the Japanese government's support for plans to train and develop non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Asia/Pacific region. The UNHCR programme, which will include internet-based training and seminars, was presented in Tokyo on Monday by visiting High Commissioner Sadako Ogata. The High Commissioner received support for the programme from Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and Foreign Minister Yohei Kono, with whom she met on Monday. Under the programme, UNHCR plans to establish a Regional Centre for International Humanitarian Response in Tokyo. The centre will provide emergency preparedness training to interested governments, NGOs, UN and other humanitarian actors. Other countries in the region have also indicated interest in the centre. Initial training is due to start during the second half of the year.