Patents are slowing the vaccinations down. Since last year, India and South Africa have been pushing for a ban on vaccine patents. Only to be stonewalled by the rich countries. A last-ditch attempt is now underway to unlock the vaccine patents. &nbsp;

The world's leading powers are struggling as they are at the mercy of vaccine makers. The supply of shots has been slow as there aren't enough vials to go around. &nbsp;

More than seven billion people are to be vaccinated but only a handful of companies can produce vaccines.&nbsp;

The reason is vaccine patents. Only companies with patents can produce vaccines as their numbers are limited, so is their capacity. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Why can't more vaccine makers produce the coronavirus shot? &nbsp;&nbsp;

India and South Africa are pushing for it. They want a temporary waiver on vaccine patents. India and South Africa have moved a proposal at the World Trade Organisation but it did not find many takers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-india-wants-vaccine-patents-to-be-waived-365768">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-india-wants-vaccine-patents-to-be-waived-365768/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In October last year, India and South Africa asked WTO to waive some provisions in a trade agreement. It would allow countries to waive off intellectual property rights on diagnostics, medicines and vaccines. It would have been a temporary measure to control the pandemic but rich countries want to make profits from the pandemic. This month, they blocked this proposal as they are also hoarding vaccines. They made millions of pre-orders and now, they don't want to share the patent.&nbsp;

The list includes the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. They have all opposed the proposal. They say it would stifle innovation. &nbsp;

A patent ban would rob big pharma companies of the incentive to make huge investments in research and development. So, is the proposal dead? Not yet. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India and South Africa along with other co-sponsors are now reaching out to WTO members individually. Reports say, the outline, scope and time frame for the patent waiver is being discussed.&nbsp;

The race to grab vaccines has divided the world. These divisions are showing at the WTO too.&nbsp;

Developed countries like Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom and Switzerland are saying they will not back the patent waiver while the developing world supports it.&nbsp;

Countries that still need their share of shots are co-sponsoring India and South Africa's proposal. It includes Bolivia, Eswatini, Kenya, Egypt, Mozambique, Mongolia, Pakistan, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.&nbsp;

Reports say a final call on the proposal may be taken this month. This decision will dictate for how long humanity will have to fight the coronavirus. The more vaccines we have, the sooner the pandemic will end.&nbsp;

Patents are slowing the vaccinations down. Since last year, India and South Africa have been pushing for a ban on vaccine patents. Only to be stonewalled by the rich countries.

Patents are slowing the vaccinations down. Since last year, India and South Africa have been pushing for a ban on vaccine patents. Only to be stonewalled by the rich countries. A last-ditch attempt is now underway to unlock the vaccine patents. The world's leading powers are struggling as they are at the mercy of vaccine makers. The supply of shots has been slow as there aren't enough vials to go around. More than seven billion people are to be vaccinated but only a handful of companies can produce vaccines. The reason is vaccine patents. Only companies with patents can produce vaccines as their numbers are limited, so is their capacity. Why can't more vaccine makers produce the coronavirus shot? India and South Africa are pushing for it. They want a temporary waiver on vaccine patents. India and South Africa have moved a proposal at the World Trade Organisation but it did not find many takers. WATCH| In October last year, India and South Africa asked WTO to waive some provisions in a trade agreement. It would allow countries to waive off intellectual property rights on diagnostics, medicines and vaccines. It would have been a temporary measure to control the pandemic but rich countries want to make profits from the pandemic. This month, they blocked this proposal as they are also hoarding vaccines. They made millions of pre-orders and now, they don't want to share the patent. The list includes the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. They have all opposed the proposal. They say it would stifle innovation. A patent ban would rob big pharma companies of the incentive to make huge investments in research and development. So, is the proposal dead? Not yet. India and South Africa along with other co-sponsors are now reaching out to WTO members individually. Reports say, the outline, scope and time frame for the patent waiver is being discussed. The race to grab vaccines has divided the world. These divisions are showing at the WTO too. Developed countries like Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom and Switzerland are saying they will not back the patent waiver while the developing world supports it. Countries that still need their share of shots are co-sponsoring India and South Africa's proposal. It includes Bolivia, Eswatini, Kenya, Egypt, Mozambique, Mongolia, Pakistan, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. Reports say a final call on the proposal may be taken this month. This decision will dictate for how long humanity will have to fight the coronavirus. The more vaccines we have, the sooner the pandemic will end.

The fight for Covid-19 vaccine patents rages on

Are you ready to live with the coronavirus for another five years? Answer is surely no. The entire world is desperate for the pandemic to end, but for it, we need herd immunity. The global population is now close to eight billion. Out of this, 75 per cent needs to be vaccinated. Each individual need two doses. So, where do we stand?&nbsp;

Right now, more than six million shots are being administered every day across the world. At this rate, it will take five years to cover 75 per cent of the world's population. We started in 2021 with vaccines but the rollout has been terribly slow. Rich countries are hoarding vaccines and there is a supply shortage.&nbsp;

Countries like Japan might waste millions of shots as they don't have the right needles. Last week, the United Nations said 130 countries still haven't received even a single shot. The global vaccination programme needs a jump start and India can help.&nbsp;

India is running the world's largest vaccination drive right now. It could be the catalyst that the global vaccination drive needs. There are two reasons. &nbsp;

Firstly, India has a population of more than one billion. It is almost 18 per cent of the world's total population. If India vaccinates 75 per cent of its population. Close to a billion people will be immune to the virus. This can encourage more people around the world to take vaccines.&nbsp;

Secondly, India's vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Before the pandemic, India produced 60 per cent of the vaccines for the world and delivering 390 million doses annually for aliments like measles and tuberculosis already.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India is contributing to the global fight as it is sending vaccines to all corners of the world. Both under commercial contracts as well as gifts. By mid February, India exported more than 1.6 crore shots. 37 per cent of these supplies were gifts to friendly countries and a large shipment of the oxford vaccine was dispatched from India for Covax, the global vaccine alliance, led by the World Health Organization. These shots will be sent to 25 to 30 countries.&nbsp;

What about India's own vaccination drive? How is the world's largest vaccination drive faring?&nbsp;

It depends on which numbers you consider. India was the fastest country to administer six million shots. The second fastest to complete 10 million vaccinations. As of today, more than 1.17 crore shots have been given.&nbsp;

India ranks number five after the United States, China, the European Union, the United Kingdom, when it comes to the sheer number of doses administered. India administered its first shot on the 16th of January.&nbsp;

In less than 40 days, it has administered more than one crore shots. But how close are we to inoculating 75 per cent of our population, the herd immunity mark? India has a long way to go.&nbsp;

As of the Feburary 21, India has administered just 0.8 doses per 100 people. Not even one shot per 100.&nbsp;

Till Monday, less than 0.1 per cent of India had been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Not even one per cent of India has got a shot. And India is the pharmacy of the world. But is it doing enough when it comes to inoculating its own people?&nbsp;

Supplying vaccines to the world is great, but is it happening at the cost of people at home? It's important to understand India's current rollout plan.&nbsp;

Right now, the vaccine drive is in the hands of the government. The government procures the vaccines and sends them to vaccination centres around the country.&nbsp;

For the moment, only health workers are being inoculated in India. The govt's targets are ambitious as India set a goal to inoculate 300 million people by August but as of the beginning of February, the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine maker and the supplier of the oxford shot was sitting on a stockpile of 70 million doses. &nbsp;

India has more than enough doses to share with the world and vaccinate its own. There's a stockpile of millions waiting to be used. What India needs is wider administration of the vaccine and more centres.&nbsp;

This is where the private players come in. If the vaccine is safe and the stock is available. The private sector should be allowed to join the programme. The same happened with testing. Virus testing on a wide scale began once the private sector was made part of it. So why is the govt shy of including the private sector in the vaccination drive?&nbsp;

Remember, these vaccines are still new and most countries in the world have granted restricted permissions to vaccine makers for two reasons. One for shortage in supplies and two to avoid adverse events, in case the vaccines show any major side effects.&nbsp;

India is following global standards with restricted permissions. It granted vaccines an emergency approval first. Reports say no adverse effects have been found so far. So, India needs to evolve its strategy and rollout plan, and consider involving the private sector. In fact, the serum institute has said that the rest of the world will have to wait for its supplies. It has been directed to fulfil the domestic needs first. It's a welcome step as India needs to expand its domestic programme. Else, the 300 million target will be hard to chase. &nbsp;

Are you ready to live with the coronavirus for another five years? Answer is surely no. The entire world is desperate for the pandemic to end, but for it, we need herd immunity.

Are you ready to live with the coronavirus for another five years? Answer is surely no. The entire world is desperate for the pandemic to end, but for it, we need herd immunity. The global population is now close to eight billion. Out of this, 75 per cent needs to be vaccinated. Each individual need two doses. So, where do we stand? Right now, more than six million shots are being administered every day across the world. At this rate, it will take five years to cover 75 per cent of the world's population. We started in 2021 with vaccines but the rollout has been terribly slow. Rich countries are hoarding vaccines and there is a supply shortage. Countries like Japan might waste millions of shots as they don't have the right needles. Last week, the United Nations said 130 countries still haven't received even a single shot. The global vaccination programme needs a jump start and India can help. India is running the world's largest vaccination drive right now. It could be the catalyst that the global vaccination drive needs. There are two reasons. Firstly, India has a population of more than one billion. It is almost 18 per cent of the world's total population. If India vaccinates 75 per cent of its population. Close to a billion people will be immune to the virus. This can encourage more people around the world to take vaccines. Secondly, India's vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Before the pandemic, India produced 60 per cent of the vaccines for the world and delivering 390 million doses annually for aliments like measles and tuberculosis already. WATCH| India is contributing to the global fight as it is sending vaccines to all corners of the world. Both under commercial contracts as well as gifts. By mid February, India exported more than 1.6 crore shots. 37 per cent of these supplies were gifts to friendly countries and a large shipment of the oxford vaccine was dispatched from India for Covax, the global vaccine alliance, led by the World Health Organization. These shots will be sent to 25 to 30 countries. What about India's own vaccination drive? How is the world's largest vaccination drive faring? It depends on which numbers you consider. India was the fastest country to administer six million shots. The second fastest to complete 10 million vaccinations. As of today, more than 1.17 crore shots have been given. India ranks number five after the United States, China, the European Union, the United Kingdom, when it comes to the sheer number of doses administered. India administered its first shot on the 16th of January. In less than 40 days, it has administered more than one crore shots. But how close are we to inoculating 75 per cent of our population, the herd immunity mark? India has a long way to go. As of the Feburary 21, India has administered just 0.8 doses per 100 people. Not even one shot per 100. Till Monday, less than 0.1 per cent of India had been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Not even one per cent of India has got a shot. And India is the pharmacy of the world. But is it doing enough when it comes to inoculating its own people? Supplying vaccines to the world is great, but is it happening at the cost of people at home? It's important to understand India's current rollout plan. Right now, the vaccine drive is in the hands of the government. The government procures the vaccines and sends them to vaccination centres around the country. For the moment, only health workers are being inoculated in India. The govt's targets are ambitious as India set a goal to inoculate 300 million people by August but as of the beginning of February, the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine maker and the supplier of the oxford shot was sitting on a stockpile of 70 million doses. India has more than enough doses to share with the world and vaccinate its own. There's a stockpile of millions waiting to be used. What India needs is wider administration of the vaccine and more centres. This is where the private players come in. If the vaccine is safe and the stock is available. The private sector should be allowed to join the programme. The same happened with testing. Virus testing on a wide scale began once the private sector was made part of it. So why is the govt shy of including the private sector in the vaccination drive? Remember, these vaccines are still new and most countries in the world have granted restricted permissions to vaccine makers for two reasons. One for shortage in supplies and two to avoid adverse events, in case the vaccines show any major side effects. India is following global standards with restricted permissions. It granted vaccines an emergency approval first. Reports say no adverse effects have been found so far. So, India needs to evolve its strategy and rollout plan, and consider involving the private sector. In fact, the serum institute has said that the rest of the world will have to wait for its supplies. It has been directed to fulfil the domestic needs first. It's a welcome step as India needs to expand its domestic programme. Else, the 300 million target will be hard to chase.

What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation?

Amid the growing activities in the South China Sea region by Beijing, Vietnam has been building up its defences in the Spratly Islands for the past two years 'to ensure it can strike Chinese facilities'.&nbsp;

Citing the Centre for Strategic and International Studies' Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative's report, South China Morning Post said that emplacements for air and coastal defence systems have been installed on most of Vietnam's bases in the Spratly islands, with the most significant upgrades at West Reef and Sin Cowe Island.&nbsp;

The report further stated that the building work by Vietnam is to emphasise its stance against China and also to ensure that the Chinese bases were within striking range.&nbsp;

According to the report, the recent upgrades at West Reef and Sin Cowe 'follow established patterns seen at other Vietnamese outposts in the Spratlys', the SCMP said.&nbsp;

"The coastal defence installations - concrete emplacements often connected to a bunker - are ubiquitous at Vietnam's larger outposts," the report said.&nbsp;

"In the past two years, West Reef has seen significant new construction, including several coastal defense installations, administrative buildings, concrete pads and bunkers, and a large tower structure presumably for communications or signals intelligence. The northern and southern tips of the island also saw the construction of a tunnel network similar to those on other Vietnamese features, as well as the planting of vegetation," it read.&nbsp;

The report further said that Sin Cowe Island has seen significant upgrades over the last two years, most notably the construction of an array of defensive installations along the coastline.&nbsp;

"This work began in 2019 and is concentrated on the roughly 26 acres of reclaimed land built between 2013 and 2016. The reclaimed area on the north side of Sin Cowe, vegetated in images from 2018, was cleared for the construction of new tunnels and coastal fortifications," it added.&nbsp;

The South China Sea is grouped into three archipelagos including the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has aggressively asserted its stake in recent years. &nbsp;

Paracel island is disputed between China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It has been occupied by China. Meanwhile, Spratly island is claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and to a lesser degree, Brunei.&nbsp;

Amid the growing activities in the South China Sea region by Beijing, Vietnam has been building up its defences in the Spratly Islands for the past two years 'to ensure it can strike Chinese facilities'.

Amid the growing activities in the South China Sea region by Beijing, Vietnam has been building up its defences in the Spratly Islands for the past two years 'to ensure it can strike Chinese facilities'. Citing the Centre for Strategic and International Studies' Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative's report, South China Morning Post said that emplacements for air and coastal defence systems have been installed on most of Vietnam's bases in the Spratly islands, with the most significant upgrades at West Reef and Sin Cowe Island. The report further stated that the building work by Vietnam is to emphasise its stance against China and also to ensure that the Chinese bases were within striking range. According to the report, the recent upgrades at West Reef and Sin Cowe 'follow established patterns seen at other Vietnamese outposts in the Spratlys', the SCMP said. "The coastal defence installations - concrete emplacements often connected to a bunker - are ubiquitous at Vietnam's larger outposts," the report said. "In the past two years, West Reef has seen significant new construction, including several coastal defense installations, administrative buildings, concrete pads and bunkers, and a large tower structure presumably for communications or signals intelligence. The northern and southern tips of the island also saw the construction of a tunnel network similar to those on other Vietnamese features, as well as the planting of vegetation," it read. The report further said that Sin Cowe Island has seen significant upgrades over the last two years, most notably the construction of an array of defensive installations along the coastline. "This work began in 2019 and is concentrated on the roughly 26 acres of reclaimed land built between 2013 and 2016. The reclaimed area on the north side of Sin Cowe, vegetated in images from 2018, was cleared for the construction of new tunnels and coastal fortifications," it added. The South China Sea is grouped into three archipelagos including the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has aggressively asserted its stake in recent years. Paracel island is disputed between China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It has been occupied by China. Meanwhile, Spratly island is claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and to a lesser degree, Brunei.

Vietnam builds up defences against China in Spratly Islands

South Korea's fertility rate fell to the lowest in the world last year, data showed on Wednesday, as uncertainty over the coronavirus discouraged couples from marrying and having children.&nbsp;

The number of expected babies per South Korean woman fell to 0.84 in 2020, dropping further from the country's previous record low of 0.92 a year earlier, the official annual reading from the Statistics Korea showed.&nbsp;

That is the lowest among over 180 member countries of the World Bank, and far below 1.73 in the United States and 1.42 in Japan.&nbsp;

The grim milestone comes after the population fell for the first time ever last year.&nbsp;

Asia's fourth-largest economy is the fastest aging country in the OECD. The government has failed to reverse the falling birth rate despite spending billions of dollars each year on childcare subsidies and maternity leave support.&nbsp;

The nation's capital Seoul logged the lowest birth rate of 0.64.&nbsp;

In some recent reports, the number of newborns in China also plummeted by 15 per cent in 2020 from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Public Security, with the onset of the novel coronavirus disrupting the economy and weighing on decisions to have a family.&nbsp;

China saw 10.035 million births last year, the ministry said on Monday, compared with 11.79 million in 2019. Of those born last year, 52.7% were boys and 47.3% girls.&nbsp;

Posts on Chinese social media with the hashtag 'How to get China out of a low fertility trap' were viewed 120 million times recently, with some comments linking low fertility rates to high living costs, while others said social norms were changing.&nbsp;

“The declining fertility rate actually reflects the progress in the thinking of Chinese people - women are no longer a fertility tool,” wrote a user of Weibo, a Twitter-like microblog popular in China.&nbsp;

South Korea's fertility rate fell to the lowest in the world last year, data showed on Wednesday, as uncertainty over the coronavirus discouraged couples from marrying and having children.

South Korea's fertility rate fell to the lowest in the world last year, data showed on Wednesday, as uncertainty over the coronavirus discouraged couples from marrying and having children. The number of expected babies per South Korean woman fell to 0.84 in 2020, dropping further from the country's previous record low of 0.92 a year earlier, the official annual reading from the Statistics Korea showed. That is the lowest among over 180 member countries of the World Bank, and far below 1.73 in the United States and 1.42 in Japan. The grim milestone comes after the population fell for the first time ever last year. Asia's fourth-largest economy is the fastest aging country in the OECD. The government has failed to reverse the falling birth rate despite spending billions of dollars each year on childcare subsidies and maternity leave support. The nation's capital Seoul logged the lowest birth rate of 0.64. In some recent reports, the number of newborns in China also plummeted by 15 per cent in 2020 from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Public Security, with the onset of the novel coronavirus disrupting the economy and weighing on decisions to have a family. China saw 10.035 million births last year, the ministry said on Monday, compared with 11.79 million in 2019. Of those born last year, 52.7% were boys and 47.3% girls. Posts on Chinese social media with the hashtag 'How to get China out of a low fertility trap' were viewed 120 million times recently, with some comments linking low fertility rates to high living costs, while others said social norms were changing. “The declining fertility rate actually reflects the progress in the thinking of Chinese people - women are no longer a fertility tool,” wrote a user of Weibo, a Twitter-like microblog popular in China.

South Korea's fertility rate drops to lowest in world

Malaysia's government faced mounting criticism from opposition MPs and rights groups on Wednesday over its decision to deport over 1,000 Myanmar nationals in defiance of a court order. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The migrants, whom activists say include vulnerable asylum seekers, departed on Tuesday on Myanmar navy ships from a Malaysian military base back to their homeland, just weeks after a coup. &nbsp;

Rights groups had fiercely criticised the plan, and hours before the deportation, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered it be temporarily halted to allow a legal challenge from activists. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But officials pushed ahead regardless, repatriating 1,086 migrants and offering no explanation as to why the court's instructions were ignored. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a joint statement, four opposition lawmakers condemned the 'inhumane' deportation and suggested government officials could be held in contempt for ignoring the legal ruling. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"This act... is a clear display that the Malaysian government does not respect the ongoing court process and has put Malaysia in a bad light on the human rights front," they said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Amnesty International, one of the groups that challenged the deportation, said the government 'owes an explanation to the people of Malaysia as to why they chose to defy the court order'. &nbsp;

"These dangerous deportations have not been properly scrutinised and put individuals at grave risk," said Katrina Jorene Maliamauv, executive director of Amnesty's Malaysia office. &nbsp;

More than 100 migrants originally to be deported are believed to have been left behind, with officials offering no explanation as to why. On Wednesday, the high court ruled those remaining should be not sent back as NGOs challenge the repatriation. &nbsp;

Malaysian immigration officials insisted there were no members of the persecuted Rohingya minority, who are not recognised as citizens in Myanmar or asylum seekers among those repatriated. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But rights groups have raised doubts over authorities' claims there were no asylum seekers among the deportees. &nbsp;

Authorities have since 2019 blocked the UN refugee agency from immigration detention centres, meaning they cannot assess which migrants have genuine asylum claims and should be allowed to remain in Malaysia. &nbsp;

It is rare for NGOs to challenge repatriations but in the latest case, they were particularly concerned about the worsening human rights situation in Myanmar since the coup.&nbsp;

Malaysia's government faced mounting criticism from opposition MPs and rights groups on Wednesday over its decision to deport over 1,000 Myanmar nationals in defiance of a court order.

Malaysia's government faced mounting criticism from opposition MPs and rights groups on Wednesday over its decision to deport over 1,000 Myanmar nationals in defiance of a court order. The migrants, whom activists say include vulnerable asylum seekers, departed on Tuesday on Myanmar navy ships from a Malaysian military base back to their homeland, just weeks after a coup. Rights groups had fiercely criticised the plan, and hours before the deportation, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered it be temporarily halted to allow a legal challenge from activists. But officials pushed ahead regardless, repatriating 1,086 migrants and offering no explanation as to why the court's instructions were ignored. In a joint statement, four opposition lawmakers condemned the 'inhumane' deportation and suggested government officials could be held in contempt for ignoring the legal ruling. "This act... is a clear display that the Malaysian government does not respect the ongoing court process and has put Malaysia in a bad light on the human rights front," they said. Amnesty International, one of the groups that challenged the deportation, said the government 'owes an explanation to the people of Malaysia as to why they chose to defy the court order'. "These dangerous deportations have not been properly scrutinised and put individuals at grave risk," said Katrina Jorene Maliamauv, executive director of Amnesty's Malaysia office. More than 100 migrants originally to be deported are believed to have been left behind, with officials offering no explanation as to why. On Wednesday, the high court ruled those remaining should be not sent back as NGOs challenge the repatriation. Malaysian immigration officials insisted there were no members of the persecuted Rohingya minority, who are not recognised as citizens in Myanmar or asylum seekers among those repatriated. But rights groups have raised doubts over authorities' claims there were no asylum seekers among the deportees. Authorities have since 2019 blocked the UN refugee agency from immigration detention centres, meaning they cannot assess which migrants have genuine asylum claims and should be allowed to remain in Malaysia. It is rare for NGOs to challenge repatriations but in the latest case, they were particularly concerned about the worsening human rights situation in Myanmar since the coup.

Malaysia under fire after controversial Myanmar nationals' deportation

Malaysia sent more than 1,000 Myanmar nationals back to their strife-torn homeland on Tuesday despite a court order to halt the deportation, a move rights groups said could endanger the deportees' lives.&nbsp;

The 1,086 Myanmar citizens were sent back on three navy ships sent by Myanmar's military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, sparking weeks of protests from pro-democracy activists. Malaysia had initially said it would deport 1,200.&nbsp;

Malaysia vowed not to deport Rohingya Muslims or refugees registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). But the agency has said at least six people registered with it were among the deportees. Refugee groups also say asylum seekers from the minority Chin, Kachin and non-Rohingya Muslim communities fleeing conflict and persecution at home are among those being deported.&nbsp;

Malaysia's Immigration Department director-general said the repatriated Myanmar citizens did not include Rohingya refugees or asylum-seekers.&nbsp;

"All of those returned had agreed to be sent back voluntarily without being forced by any party," Khairul Dzaimee Daud said in a statement.&nbsp;

He did not respond to queries on why the repatriation was carried out despite the court-ordered halt.&nbsp;

The Kuala Lumpur High Court had granted a stay until 10 am on Wednesday, when it was scheduled to hear an application by rights groups for a judicial review to suspend the deportation.&nbsp;

Just before the ruling, the migrants were sent by bus from across the country to the naval base at Lumut in western Malaysia where the Myanmar ships were docked.&nbsp;

Those deported had been detained for immigration offences. Malaysia does not formally recognise refugees, treating them as undocumented migrants.&nbsp;

Amnesty International, one of the groups, which requested the judicial review, called the decision to deport without a proper assessment of the returnees 'inhumane and devastating'.&nbsp;

"Using indirect means to push people back to face grave human rights violations is essentially constructive refoulement," Katrina Maliamauv, Amnesty Malaysia director, said in a statement.&nbsp;

"There are still huge, deeply concerning question marks over the status of those sent back today."&nbsp;

The rights groups in their court filing said among the deportees were three people registered with the UNHCR and 17 minors, who have at least one parent in Malaysia.&nbsp;

Malaysia sent more than 1,000 Myanmar nationals back to their strife-torn homeland on Tuesday despite a court order to halt the deportation, a move rights groups said could endanger the deportees' lives.

Malaysia sent more than 1,000 Myanmar nationals back to their strife-torn homeland on Tuesday despite a court order to halt the deportation, a move rights groups said could endanger the deportees' lives. The 1,086 Myanmar citizens were sent back on three navy ships sent by Myanmar's military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, sparking weeks of protests from pro-democracy activists. Malaysia had initially said it would deport 1,200. Malaysia vowed not to deport Rohingya Muslims or refugees registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). But the agency has said at least six people registered with it were among the deportees. Refugee groups also say asylum seekers from the minority Chin, Kachin and non-Rohingya Muslim communities fleeing conflict and persecution at home are among those being deported. Malaysia's Immigration Department director-general said the repatriated Myanmar citizens did not include Rohingya refugees or asylum-seekers. "All of those returned had agreed to be sent back voluntarily without being forced by any party," Khairul Dzaimee Daud said in a statement. He did not respond to queries on why the repatriation was carried out despite the court-ordered halt. The Kuala Lumpur High Court had granted a stay until 10 am on Wednesday, when it was scheduled to hear an application by rights groups for a judicial review to suspend the deportation. Just before the ruling, the migrants were sent by bus from across the country to the naval base at Lumut in western Malaysia where the Myanmar ships were docked. Those deported had been detained for immigration offences. Malaysia does not formally recognise refugees, treating them as undocumented migrants. Amnesty International, one of the groups, which requested the judicial review, called the decision to deport without a proper assessment of the returnees 'inhumane and devastating'. "Using indirect means to push people back to face grave human rights violations is essentially constructive refoulement," Katrina Maliamauv, Amnesty Malaysia director, said in a statement. "There are still huge, deeply concerning question marks over the status of those sent back today." The rights groups in their court filing said among the deportees were three people registered with the UNHCR and 17 minors, who have at least one parent in Malaysia.

Defying court order, Malaysia deports over 1,000 Myanmar refugees

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven most developed countries on Tuesday 'firmly condemned' the deadly use of force by Myanmar's military against people protesting a coup.&nbsp;

"We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union firmly condemn violence committed by Myanmar's security forces against peaceful protests," the joint statement from the G7 read.&nbsp;

According to Sputnik, at least two protesters have died after the junta seized power in Myanmar on February 1. Tens of thousands have rallied across the country to demand the release of the elected leaders, prompting a military crackdown.&nbsp;

The group offered condolences for the loss of life and called for the Myanmar military to exercise 'utmost respect and respect international law'.&nbsp;

"We offer condolences for the loss of life. The military and the police must exercise utmost restraint and respect human rights and international law. Use of live ammunition against unarmed people is unacceptable. Anyone responding to peaceful protests with violence must be held to account," the group said.&nbsp;

The group has also condemned the intimidation of those opposing the coup and raised concerns at the crackdown on freedom of expression, including through the internet blackout and draconian changes to the law that repress free speech. "The systematic targeting of protesters, doctors, civil society and journalists must stop and the state of emergency must be revoked. We continue to call for full humanitarian access to support the most vulnerable," the group continued.&nbsp;

The G7 foreign ministers reiterated their call for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained arbitrarily, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and continue to stand with the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and freedom.&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven most developed countries on Tuesday 'firmly condemned' the deadly use of force by Myanmar's military against people protesting a coup.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven most developed countries on Tuesday 'firmly condemned' the deadly use of force by Myanmar's military against people protesting a coup. "We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union firmly condemn violence committed by Myanmar's security forces against peaceful protests," the joint statement from the G7 read. According to Sputnik, at least two protesters have died after the junta seized power in Myanmar on February 1. Tens of thousands have rallied across the country to demand the release of the elected leaders, prompting a military crackdown. The group offered condolences for the loss of life and called for the Myanmar military to exercise 'utmost respect and respect international law'. "We offer condolences for the loss of life. The military and the police must exercise utmost restraint and respect human rights and international law. Use of live ammunition against unarmed people is unacceptable. Anyone responding to peaceful protests with violence must be held to account," the group said. The group has also condemned the intimidation of those opposing the coup and raised concerns at the crackdown on freedom of expression, including through the internet blackout and draconian changes to the law that repress free speech. "The systematic targeting of protesters, doctors, civil society and journalists must stop and the state of emergency must be revoked. We continue to call for full humanitarian access to support the most vulnerable," the group continued. The G7 foreign ministers reiterated their call for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained arbitrarily, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and continue to stand with the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and freedom.

G7 'firmly condemns' Myanmar coup, use of force against protesters

Exiled journalists, human rights activists, and Uyghurs on Tuesday gathered at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) headquarters in Paris to persuade the anti-terror financing organisation to place Pakistan on the blacklist.&nbsp;

"We have gathered here outside the FATF building as it will be meeting next week to discuss and review the case of Pakistan to make it remain under grey list or put it in the black-list. The idea of protest was to gather dissidents from Balochistan, Pashtun areas, Tibet, Hong Kong and Uyghur community to build a united front and to remind people of Pakistan-China nexus," said Taha Siddiqui, Pakistani journalist in exile and editor of South Asia press.&nbsp;

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"Pakistan should be held accountable for its continued support to terror groups and terror financing. We're here to remind FATF News and its members to not come under China's pressure when they meet this week," tweeted South Asia Press responding to Taha Siddiqui's statement.&nbsp;

Fazal Rehman Afridi, Pashtun Rights Activist said, "It's very important for the international community. Look at the case of Daniel Pearl, the terrorist who murdered him, Omar Sheikh, who has recently been released by Sindh High Court. The human rights activists, who are working for the rights of the people, are languishing in jails. So, it shows Pakistan's duplicity, what the government is saying to the world and what actually is happening. Even if they promulgate laws against terrorism, they will not act upon it, because the judiciary of Pakistan has compromised its working on the dictates of the military establishment - it is involved in terror-training, terror-financing, not only in Pakistan but in the region and around the world."&nbsp;

"We request the international community, particularly the EU to look into the matter of GSP Plus, because Pakistan is a state that is financing terrorism, violating the human rights of its own people. Pakistani Army is involved in human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It should be made accountable," added Afridi.&nbsp;

Exiled journalists, human rights activists, and Uyghurs on Tuesday gathered at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) headquarters in Paris to persuade the anti-terror financing organisation to place Pakistan on the blacklist.

Exiled journalists, human rights activists, and Uyghurs on Tuesday gathered at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) headquarters in Paris to persuade the anti-terror financing organisation to place Pakistan on the blacklist. "We have gathered here outside the FATF building as it will be meeting next week to discuss and review the case of Pakistan to make it remain under grey list or put it in the black-list. The idea of protest was to gather dissidents from Balochistan, Pashtun areas, Tibet, Hong Kong and Uyghur community to build a united front and to remind people of Pakistan-China nexus," said Taha Siddiqui, Pakistani journalist in exile and editor of South Asia press. × "Pakistan should be held accountable for its continued support to terror groups and terror financing. We're here to remind FATF News and its members to not come under China's pressure when they meet this week," tweeted South Asia Press responding to Taha Siddiqui's statement. Fazal Rehman Afridi, Pashtun Rights Activist said, "It's very important for the international community. Look at the case of Daniel Pearl, the terrorist who murdered him, Omar Sheikh, who has recently been released by Sindh High Court. The human rights activists, who are working for the rights of the people, are languishing in jails. So, it shows Pakistan's duplicity, what the government is saying to the world and what actually is happening. Even if they promulgate laws against terrorism, they will not act upon it, because the judiciary of Pakistan has compromised its working on the dictates of the military establishment - it is involved in terror-training, terror-financing, not only in Pakistan but in the region and around the world." "We request the international community, particularly the EU to look into the matter of GSP Plus, because Pakistan is a state that is financing terrorism, violating the human rights of its own people. Pakistani Army is involved in human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It should be made accountable," added Afridi.

Activists protest in Paris to ensure Pak gets placed on FATF blacklist

Fuel is on fire in India, touching Rs 100 a litre at some places. For the first time, it has hit a three-digit number. Before Sunday, oil prices were hiked every day for 12 days straight. &nbsp;&nbsp;

At Rs 100, oil in India was reportedly the costliest in South Asia. The Sensex fell by more than 1,000 points today. Oil wasn't the only reason for the falling stocks, but it was a major reason. Investors were spooked by the soaring prices. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There are also reports of fuel smuggling. A tanker carrying more than 1,000 litres of oil was held in Nepal last week. That's when prices in Nepal were around Rs 70 a litre. &nbsp;

The irony is Nepal gets its oil supplies from India. So, the question is why are Indians paying so much for oil? &nbsp;

The short and simple answer is taxes. Our oil taxes are abominably high. The long answer is more complex, it includes global oil prices and international politics. &nbsp; &nbsp;

A year ago, oil prices had hit negative territory less than zero. It was at the height of the pandemic. Now, the demand has increased. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-2-factors-are-dictating-how-much-you-spend-on-fuel-365528">WATCH|</a>

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Prices have shot up again. Where will they go from here? It depends on what oil producers decide and how the market responds. These two factors will dictate how much you pay for fuel. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Earlier this month, the price of oil recovered and returned to pre-pandemic levels. The lockdowns around the world had killed demand for oil. &nbsp;

Now, the world is out. So, the demand has revived and prices have gone up. &nbsp;

Right now, they are hovering around 60 dollars per barrel. Oil was selling at 20 dollars per barrel in April last year. So, the prices have tripled. &nbsp;

The brent-crude futures is the benchmark of the energy markets. It has risen by more than 50 per cent since October last year. It's proof of recovery. &nbsp;

The global prices are higher. So, a country like India, which imports more than 80 per cent of its fuel needs, must pay more to buy oil in the international market. &nbsp;

So far, so bad. What about the future? It depends on one meeting next month. The meeting of organisation of petroleum exporting countries (OPEC) and Russia. Together, they form a cartel and control the supply of oil into the global markets. &nbsp;

Now, this grouping has a problem as the two leading exporters, Saudi Arabia and Russia are at loggerheads with each other. One wants to increase supply, the other doesn't. &nbsp;

According to reports, Saudi Arabia does not want to increase oil supply and wants the prices to remain high. While Russia wants to increase supply. &nbsp; &nbsp;

It affects us. If Saudi Arabia has its way, supply will be limited but demand is increasing. So, prices will go up. If Russia has its way, supply will increase and there will be more oil in the market. So, prices could come down. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Reports say OPEC and its allies are withholding seven million barrels a day from the market. It's about seven per cent of the global supply. If all of this is released, global prices would fall, dramatically. But that isn't happening at the moment. &nbsp;

In recent months, some events have contributed to the jump in global prices. Saudi Arabia has cut production. In January, Riyadh decided to make an extra cut of one million barrels. It led to a spike in prices. &nbsp;

The winter storm in oil-rich Texas, US is another reason as the big freeze has knocked out 40 per cent of US's oil output. Production has been shut due to the icy weather for days now. Output has dropped by one to four million barrels per day. &nbsp;

The result of the shutdown was hike in oil prices. The global oil markets are nowhere close to a full recovery. But they have got a short-term boost.&nbsp;

Fuel is on fire in India, touching Rs 100 a litre at some places. For the first time, it has hit a three-digit number. Before Sunday, oil prices were hiked every day for 12 days straight.

Fuel is on fire in India, touching Rs 100 a litre at some places. For the first time, it has hit a three-digit number. Before Sunday, oil prices were hiked every day for 12 days straight. At Rs 100, oil in India was reportedly the costliest in South Asia. The Sensex fell by more than 1,000 points today. Oil wasn't the only reason for the falling stocks, but it was a major reason. Investors were spooked by the soaring prices. There are also reports of fuel smuggling. A tanker carrying more than 1,000 litres of oil was held in Nepal last week. That's when prices in Nepal were around Rs 70 a litre. The irony is Nepal gets its oil supplies from India. So, the question is why are Indians paying so much for oil? The short and simple answer is taxes. Our oil taxes are abominably high. The long answer is more complex, it includes global oil prices and international politics. A year ago, oil prices had hit negative territory less than zero. It was at the height of the pandemic. Now, the demand has increased. WATCH| Prices have shot up again. Where will they go from here? It depends on what oil producers decide and how the market responds. These two factors will dictate how much you pay for fuel. Earlier this month, the price of oil recovered and returned to pre-pandemic levels. The lockdowns around the world had killed demand for oil. Now, the world is out. So, the demand has revived and prices have gone up. Right now, they are hovering around 60 dollars per barrel. Oil was selling at 20 dollars per barrel in April last year. So, the prices have tripled. The brent-crude futures is the benchmark of the energy markets. It has risen by more than 50 per cent since October last year. It's proof of recovery. The global prices are higher. So, a country like India, which imports more than 80 per cent of its fuel needs, must pay more to buy oil in the international market. So far, so bad. What about the future? It depends on one meeting next month. The meeting of organisation of petroleum exporting countries (OPEC) and Russia. Together, they form a cartel and control the supply of oil into the global markets. Now, this grouping has a problem as the two leading exporters, Saudi Arabia and Russia are at loggerheads with each other. One wants to increase supply, the other doesn't. According to reports, Saudi Arabia does not want to increase oil supply and wants the prices to remain high. While Russia wants to increase supply. It affects us. If Saudi Arabia has its way, supply will be limited but demand is increasing. So, prices will go up. If Russia has its way, supply will increase and there will be more oil in the market. So, prices could come down. Reports say OPEC and its allies are withholding seven million barrels a day from the market. It's about seven per cent of the global supply. If all of this is released, global prices would fall, dramatically. But that isn't happening at the moment. In recent months, some events have contributed to the jump in global prices. Saudi Arabia has cut production. In January, Riyadh decided to make an extra cut of one million barrels. It led to a spike in prices. The winter storm in oil-rich Texas, US is another reason as the big freeze has knocked out 40 per cent of US's oil output. Production has been shut due to the icy weather for days now. Output has dropped by one to four million barrels per day. The result of the shutdown was hike in oil prices. The global oil markets are nowhere close to a full recovery. But they have got a short-term boost.

What led to hike in fuel prices?

Oil producers are getting benefitted but it's not enough as they are reporting staggering losses. The pandemic has triggered a crisis, a battle for survival in the oil sector.&nbsp;

A barrel of oil costs around 60 dollars. In April last year, it was 20 dollars. It is a three-fold jump. But it's not enough for oil exporters. They are still losing money.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia needs to balance its budget next year and it would like oil to sell at 68 dollars a barrel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

For Iraq, the ideal price should be 80 dollars per barrel. Will oil touch these levels? The answer depends on which projections you believe.&nbsp;

Golman Sachs says oil prices will see a 20 per cent jump this year. The World Bank, on the other hand, is not so optimistic.&nbsp;

It says oil prices are will remain below 50 dollars per barrel through 2022. It will put a big hole in the budgets of oil exporting countries. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-despite-a-price-jump-major-oil-exporters-are-losing-cash-365533">WATCH|</a>

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The regional alliance of Arab states is already predicting a budget deficit. Last year, the deficit was a little more than nine per cent.&nbsp;

In 2021, it will be close to six per cent. The losses could grow in the future. Between 2020 and 2023, the deficit of GCC countries is set to touch $ 490 billion dollars.&nbsp;

The lack of alternatives to cover up losses, forced this bloc to borrow more in 2020. An estimate from last year suggests GCC government debt is set to surge by $ 100 billion dollars. &nbsp;

Major oil countries are still reeling from the pandemic shock. And they are losing money on every barrel they sell. The world's biggest oil producing companies too are losing billions. &nbsp;

This month, they have reported record annual losses.&nbsp;

US's biggest oil producer, Exxon Mobil, has suffered a loss of more than 20 billion dollars. The first annual loss in the company's history. Conoco Phillips lost 2.7 billion dollars. In the United Kingdom, energy group BP reported 5.7 billion in losses.&nbsp;

It is a sign. The world wants to wean itself away from oil. It will mean trillions of dollars of losses in the next 20 years for oil producers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 40 countries, which rely on oil for most of their income, could see their revenues fall by 46 per cent on average. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of $9 trillion over the next 20 years due to international initiatives to meet the Paris Agreement’s emission targets. It means a total loss of nine trillion dollars.&nbsp;

Oil producers are getting benefitted but it's not enough as they are reporting staggering losses. The pandemic has triggered a crisis, a battle for survival in the oil sector.

Oil producers are getting benefitted but it's not enough as they are reporting staggering losses. The pandemic has triggered a crisis, a battle for survival in the oil sector. A barrel of oil costs around 60 dollars. In April last year, it was 20 dollars. It is a three-fold jump. But it's not enough for oil exporters. They are still losing money. Saudi Arabia needs to balance its budget next year and it would like oil to sell at 68 dollars a barrel. For Iraq, the ideal price should be 80 dollars per barrel. Will oil touch these levels? The answer depends on which projections you believe. Golman Sachs says oil prices will see a 20 per cent jump this year. The World Bank, on the other hand, is not so optimistic. It says oil prices are will remain below 50 dollars per barrel through 2022. It will put a big hole in the budgets of oil exporting countries. WATCH| The regional alliance of Arab states is already predicting a budget deficit. Last year, the deficit was a little more than nine per cent. In 2021, it will be close to six per cent. The losses could grow in the future. Between 2020 and 2023, the deficit of GCC countries is set to touch $ 490 billion dollars. The lack of alternatives to cover up losses, forced this bloc to borrow more in 2020. An estimate from last year suggests GCC government debt is set to surge by $ 100 billion dollars. Major oil countries are still reeling from the pandemic shock. And they are losing money on every barrel they sell. The world's biggest oil producing companies too are losing billions. This month, they have reported record annual losses. US's biggest oil producer, Exxon Mobil, has suffered a loss of more than 20 billion dollars. The first annual loss in the company's history. Conoco Phillips lost 2.7 billion dollars. In the United Kingdom, energy group BP reported 5.7 billion in losses. It is a sign. The world wants to wean itself away from oil. It will mean trillions of dollars of losses in the next 20 years for oil producers. Around 40 countries, which rely on oil for most of their income, could see their revenues fall by 46 per cent on average. A total of $9 trillion over the next 20 years due to international initiatives to meet the Paris Agreement’s emission targets. It means a total loss of nine trillion dollars.

Oil exporters report losses despite price hike

Rwandan Hutu rebels on Tuesday denied accusations they were behind the killing of the Italian ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and instead blamed the armies of the DRC and Rwanda, as further details emerged about the attack.&nbsp;

Luca Attanasio, 43, died on Monday after a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy was ambushed in a dangerous part of eastern DRC.&nbsp;

The envoy's Italian bodyguard, Vittorio Iacovacci, and a Congolese driver, who has not been identified also died on the field trip.&nbsp;

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The DRC's interior ministry on Monday blamed the killings on 'members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)', Rwandan Hutu rebel group that has plagued the region for more than a quarter of a century.&nbsp;

But the FDLR rejected the allegation, blaming the Rwandan army and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) for the attack in a statement received on Tuesday. &nbsp; &nbsp;

It said the ambassador's convoy was attacked near the Rwandan border, 'not far from a position of the FARDC'.&nbsp;

"The responsibility for this despicable killing is to be found in the ranks of these two armies and their sponsors, who have forged an unnatural alliance to perpetuate the pillaging of eastern DRC," it said.&nbsp;

The FDLR called on Kinshasa and UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO to 'shed light' on the killings 'instead of resorting to hasty accusations'.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-ambassador-luca-attanasio-killed-in-dr-congo-during-kidnapping-attempt-365444">Italian ambassador Luca Attanasio killed in DR Congo during kidnapping attempt</a>

The DRC and Rwanda authorities have not reported the presence of any regular Rwandan troops in the DRC.&nbsp;

But an expert at the Kivu Security Tracker (KST), a US monitor, said the Hutu rebel group has a known presence in the region. &nbsp;

"The FDLR are near the place where the attack took place. It's in the realm of possibility that the Rwandan rebels are responsible for this attack," the expert said, speaking on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Rwandan Hutu rebels on Tuesday denied accusations they were behind the killing of the Italian ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and instead blamed the armies of the DRC and Rwanda, as further details emerged about the attack.

Rwandan Hutu rebels on Tuesday denied accusations they were behind the killing of the Italian ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and instead blamed the armies of the DRC and Rwanda, as further details emerged about the attack. Luca Attanasio, 43, died on Monday after a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy was ambushed in a dangerous part of eastern DRC. The envoy's Italian bodyguard, Vittorio Iacovacci, and a Congolese driver, who has not been identified also died on the field trip. × The DRC's interior ministry on Monday blamed the killings on 'members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)', Rwandan Hutu rebel group that has plagued the region for more than a quarter of a century. But the FDLR rejected the allegation, blaming the Rwandan army and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) for the attack in a statement received on Tuesday. It said the ambassador's convoy was attacked near the Rwandan border, 'not far from a position of the FARDC'. "The responsibility for this despicable killing is to be found in the ranks of these two armies and their sponsors, who have forged an unnatural alliance to perpetuate the pillaging of eastern DRC," it said. The FDLR called on Kinshasa and UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO to 'shed light' on the killings 'instead of resorting to hasty accusations'. Also Read: Italian ambassador Luca Attanasio killed in DR Congo during kidnapping attempt The DRC and Rwanda authorities have not reported the presence of any regular Rwandan troops in the DRC. But an expert at the Kivu Security Tracker (KST), a US monitor, said the Hutu rebel group has a known presence in the region. "The FDLR are near the place where the attack took place. It's in the realm of possibility that the Rwandan rebels are responsible for this attack," the expert said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Hutu rebels blame DRC, Rwanda armies for Italian ambassador's killing

Ukraine has accused Russia of targeted assassinations of 'perceived opponents' in a case lodged at the European Court of Human Rights, the latest salvo by Kiev in a barrage of legal complaints against Moscow.&nbsp;

The case, which was filed last week, accuses Russia of carrying out 'state-authorised' assassinations "in Russia and on the territory of other states... outside a situation of armed conflict", the court said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Europeiska Pravda, a Ukrainian news outlet specialising in European affairs, said the complaint included the case of leading Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned last year with the Novichok nerve agent in an attack blamed on Moscow.&nbsp;

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This could not immediately be confirmed by the Strasbourg court, which provided no details of any of the alleged assassinations in its statement.&nbsp;

It is the ninth case taken by Ukraine against Russia at the ECHR, which hears complaints over alleged breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights. &nbsp;

"We have finally done this," said Ivan Lishchyna, Ukraine's deputy justice minister and a commissioner for the rights court.&nbsp;

"We tried to cover all cases for which there is solid evidence of Russian involvement," he said on Facebook.&nbsp;

Ukraine also accuses Russia of failing to investigate the assassinations "and of deliberately mounting cover-up operations aimed at frustrating efforts to find the persons responsible", the court said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-sanction-four-russian-officials-for-crackdown-on-kremlin-critic-navalny-365490">EU to sanction four Russian officials for crackdown on Kremlin critic Navalny</a>

Ukraine argues that they constitute an infringement of the right to life, which is protected by the Convention on Human Rights, to which Russia is a signatory.&nbsp;

Other cases taken by Ukraine relate to the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in July 2014, human rights violations in the Crimea peninsula which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014, and Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian navy vessels in the Kerch Strait in 2018.&nbsp;

Ukraine's government has been at war with separatists in eastern Ukraine since pro-Russian militias launched a bid for independence in the wake of Moscow's annexation of Crimea.&nbsp;

Nearly 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which deepened Russia's estrangement from the West.&nbsp;

Ukraine has accused Russia of targeted assassinations of 'perceived opponents' in a case lodged at the European Court of Human Rights, the latest salvo by Kiev in a barrage of legal complaints against Moscow.

Ukraine has accused Russia of targeted assassinations of 'perceived opponents' in a case lodged at the European Court of Human Rights, the latest salvo by Kiev in a barrage of legal complaints against Moscow. The case, which was filed last week, accuses Russia of carrying out 'state-authorised' assassinations "in Russia and on the territory of other states... outside a situation of armed conflict", the court said on Tuesday. Europeiska Pravda, a Ukrainian news outlet specialising in European affairs, said the complaint included the case of leading Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned last year with the Novichok nerve agent in an attack blamed on Moscow. × This could not immediately be confirmed by the Strasbourg court, which provided no details of any of the alleged assassinations in its statement. It is the ninth case taken by Ukraine against Russia at the ECHR, which hears complaints over alleged breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights. "We have finally done this," said Ivan Lishchyna, Ukraine's deputy justice minister and a commissioner for the rights court. "We tried to cover all cases for which there is solid evidence of Russian involvement," he said on Facebook. Ukraine also accuses Russia of failing to investigate the assassinations "and of deliberately mounting cover-up operations aimed at frustrating efforts to find the persons responsible", the court said. Also Read: EU to sanction four Russian officials for crackdown on Kremlin critic Navalny Ukraine argues that they constitute an infringement of the right to life, which is protected by the Convention on Human Rights, to which Russia is a signatory. Other cases taken by Ukraine relate to the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in July 2014, human rights violations in the Crimea peninsula which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014, and Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian navy vessels in the Kerch Strait in 2018. Ukraine's government has been at war with separatists in eastern Ukraine since pro-Russian militias launched a bid for independence in the wake of Moscow's annexation of Crimea. Nearly 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which deepened Russia's estrangement from the West.

Ukraine takes Russia to Europe court over 'targeted assassinations'

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