UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the "indiscriminate" attack on a provincial police headquarters in Afghanistan, saying those who carry out such crimes must be held accountable.

A car bomb targeting an Afghan police headquarters in the western province of Ghor on Sunday killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 100, including women and children.

''The Secretary-General expresses his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,''&nbsp;a statement issued by his spokesperson said on Monday.

Guterres strongly condemned the ''indiscriminate attack''&nbsp;in an area where many civilians are present.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting the people and government of Afghanistan, the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the "indiscriminate" attack on a provincial police headquarters in Afghanistan, saying those who carry out such crimes must be held accountable.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the "indiscriminate" attack on a provincial police headquarters in Afghanistan, saying those who carry out such crimes must be held accountable. A car bomb targeting an Afghan police headquarters in the western province of Ghor on Sunday killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 100, including women and children. ''The Secretary-General expresses his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,'' a statement issued by his spokesperson said on Monday. Guterres strongly condemned the ''indiscriminate attack'' in an area where many civilians are present. The United Nations remains committed to supporting the people and government of Afghanistan, the spokesperson said.

UN chief condemns attack on police headquarters in Afghanistan's Ghor province

Sweden on Tuesday announced that it has banned&nbsp;the use of telecom equipment from China's Huawei&nbsp;from upcoming 5G networks.

The announcement comes as a major setback for the company that was banned in the United Kingdom earlier in July.

The ban is in line with new legislation that entered into force in January 2020, following an examination by the Swedish armed forces and security service "to ensure that the use of radio equipment in these bands does not cause harm to Sweden's security," the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority said in a statement.

European governments have been reviewing the role of Chinese companies in building their networks following pressure from the United States, which says they pose a security threat because, among other concerns, Chinese companies and citizens must by law aid the state in intelligence gathering.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/huawei-in-talks-to-sell-parts-of-its-honor-smartphone-business-sources-335255">Huawei in talks to sell parts of its Honor smartphone business: Sources</a>

The United Kingdom in July ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely from Britain’s 5G network by 2027, becoming one of the first European countries to do so.

Huawei and ZTE did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the decision by Sweden.

PTS said companies taking part in the auction must remove Huawei and ZTE gear from existing central functions by Jan. 1 2025.

The regulator defined central functions as equipment used to build the radio access network, the transmission network, the core network and the service and maintenance of the network.

PTS said the licence conditions were decided to address the assessments made by the armed forces and security service.

Sweden on Tuesday announced that it has banned the use of telecom equipment from China's Huawei from upcoming 5G networks. The announcement comes as a major setback for the company that was banned in the United Kingdom earlier in July.

Sweden on Tuesday announced that it has banned the use of telecom equipment from China's Huawei from upcoming 5G networks. The announcement comes as a major setback for the company that was banned in the United Kingdom earlier in July. The ban is in line with new legislation that entered into force in January 2020, following an examination by the Swedish armed forces and security service "to ensure that the use of radio equipment in these bands does not cause harm to Sweden's security," the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority said in a statement. European governments have been reviewing the role of Chinese companies in building their networks following pressure from the United States, which says they pose a security threat because, among other concerns, Chinese companies and citizens must by law aid the state in intelligence gathering. Also read| Huawei in talks to sell parts of its Honor smartphone business: Sources The United Kingdom in July ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely from Britain’s 5G network by 2027, becoming one of the first European countries to do so. Huawei and ZTE did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the decision by Sweden. PTS said companies taking part in the auction must remove Huawei and ZTE gear from existing central functions by Jan. 1 2025. The regulator defined central functions as equipment used to build the radio access network, the transmission network, the core network and the service and maintenance of the network. PTS said the licence conditions were decided to address the assessments made by the armed forces and security service.

After United Kingdom, Sweden bans Huawei from upcoming 5G networks

Samuel Paty, the 47-year old history teacher beheaded by a suspected Islamist last week, will posthumously get France's highest award, the "Legion d'Honneur", education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer told BFM TV on Tuesday.

Paty was murdered on Friday in broad daylight outside his school in a middle-class Paris suburb by an 18-year-old of Chechen origin. Police shot the attacker dead.

The teenager sought to avenge his victim's use of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression. Muslims believe that any depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous.

The murder shocked France, and carried echoes of the attack five years ago on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Public figures called the killing an attack on the Republic and on French values.

A national ceremony in honour of Paty will be held at Paris' Sorbonne university on Wednesday.

Samuel Paty, the 47-year old history teacher beheaded by a suspected Islamist last week, will posthumously get France's highest award, the "Legion d'Honneur", education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer told BFM TV on Tuesday.

Samuel Paty, the 47-year old history teacher beheaded by a suspected Islamist last week, will posthumously get France's highest award, the "Legion d'Honneur", education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer told BFM TV on Tuesday. Paty was murdered on Friday in broad daylight outside his school in a middle-class Paris suburb by an 18-year-old of Chechen origin. Police shot the attacker dead. The teenager sought to avenge his victim's use of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression. Muslims believe that any depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous. The murder shocked France, and carried echoes of the attack five years ago on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Public figures called the killing an attack on the Republic and on French values. A national ceremony in honour of Paty will be held at Paris' Sorbonne university on Wednesday.

Paris teacher attack: Beheaded Samuel Paty will get France's highest honour

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government and the Army are responsible for the ongoing atrocities on people of Balochistan, said Balochistan National Party (BNP) president Akhtar Mengal and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman at the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rally in Karachi.

During the Sunday's rally, both leaders also hit out at Khan and the Army for their plans of annexing islands of Sindh and Balochistan.

Rehman slammed Imran Khan for antagonising its friends like Saudi Arabia. He further said that Khan has created distrust in China towards Pakistan.

Taking a dig at the Army, he said, "If the Army remains within its constitutional domain then I support it."To Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, he said: "Bajwa Sahib, I respect you so much. But please try to avoid these foolish [PM Imran Khan] friends."

Speaking on the 11-party opposition alliance PDM`s aims, Rehman said that the PDM wants to restore a "free, democratic atmosphere" and to ensure the survival of the state, Geo News reported."No amendment will be accepted which would reduce the rights of the people...If the people of Sindh do not want, no one can dare to divide Sindh," he said.He further said it is "not conscionable to recognise this government".

The ordinance, which has emanated without a discussion in the Parliament; in its 25 pages, clearly stated that can not be challenged into Pakistani Courts.

Meaning, nobody, starting from the Parliament democratically elected, can challenge the law.During the rally, BNP president Akhtar Mengal also hit out at the Imran Khan government for inflicting atrocities on the people of Balochistan saying that if Pakistan is not to be blamed for the atrocities, who should be blamed.

"When mothers and sisters come to know about a body at the hospital, they can identify their son/brother`s body not by looking at their face but by seeing the footwear. They identify their ward by looking at the clothes that they were wearing while they were subjected to torture," he said.

He added, "Is this the Pakistan, which has been declared an Islamic state? Are such atrocities are inflicted upon people? Was this country made for us, or for DHA? Is it made for those who live in this country or for cantonments, for the public or for the pizza guys?"

The BNP president further said that the blood of the Baloch people is being shed across the country adding that the people of Balochistan can`t even grieve the atrocities they are facing."If we don`t blame them (Pakistan government), then who do we blame? Ourselves? I am ready to salute you if you are ready to give me an account of the bloodshed of my fellow Baloch and only then I shall salute you," he said further.

Balochistan is a resource-rich but least developed province of Pakistan where a movement for freedom is ongoing for the past several decades.

Many Baloch believe that the region was independent before 1947 and was forcibly occupied by Pakistan. Pakistan Army has launched several operations in Balochistan and has supported criminals, whom locals call "death squads".

The list of leaders who showed up at the `jalsa` were -- JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Pakistan People`s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, Maulana Shah Owais Noorani, Allama Sajid Mir, Dr Abdul Malik, Iftikhar Hussain, Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldini.

This was the second power show of the 11-party opposition alliance PDM. The first was held in Gujranwala in Lahore.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government and the Army are responsible for the ongoing atrocities on people of Balochistan, said Balochistan National Party (BNP) president Akhtar Mengal and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman at the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rally in Karachi.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government and the Army are responsible for the ongoing atrocities on people of Balochistan, said Balochistan National Party (BNP) president Akhtar Mengal and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman at the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rally in Karachi. During the Sunday's rally, both leaders also hit out at Khan and the Army for their plans of annexing islands of Sindh and Balochistan. Rehman slammed Imran Khan for antagonising its friends like Saudi Arabia. He further said that Khan has created distrust in China towards Pakistan. Taking a dig at the Army, he said, "If the Army remains within its constitutional domain then I support it."To Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, he said: "Bajwa Sahib, I respect you so much. But please try to avoid these foolish [PM Imran Khan] friends." Speaking on the 11-party opposition alliance PDM`s aims, Rehman said that the PDM wants to restore a "free, democratic atmosphere" and to ensure the survival of the state, Geo News reported."No amendment will be accepted which would reduce the rights of the people...If the people of Sindh do not want, no one can dare to divide Sindh," he said.He further said it is "not conscionable to recognise this government". The ordinance, which has emanated without a discussion in the Parliament; in its 25 pages, clearly stated that can not be challenged into Pakistani Courts. Meaning, nobody, starting from the Parliament democratically elected, can challenge the law.During the rally, BNP president Akhtar Mengal also hit out at the Imran Khan government for inflicting atrocities on the people of Balochistan saying that if Pakistan is not to be blamed for the atrocities, who should be blamed. "When mothers and sisters come to know about a body at the hospital, they can identify their son/brother`s body not by looking at their face but by seeing the footwear. They identify their ward by looking at the clothes that they were wearing while they were subjected to torture," he said. He added, "Is this the Pakistan, which has been declared an Islamic state? Are such atrocities are inflicted upon people? Was this country made for us, or for DHA? Is it made for those who live in this country or for cantonments, for the public or for the pizza guys?" The BNP president further said that the blood of the Baloch people is being shed across the country adding that the people of Balochistan can`t even grieve the atrocities they are facing."If we don`t blame them (Pakistan government), then who do we blame? Ourselves? I am ready to salute you if you are ready to give me an account of the bloodshed of my fellow Baloch and only then I shall salute you," he said further. Balochistan is a resource-rich but least developed province of Pakistan where a movement for freedom is ongoing for the past several decades. Many Baloch believe that the region was independent before 1947 and was forcibly occupied by Pakistan. Pakistan Army has launched several operations in Balochistan and has supported criminals, whom locals call "death squads". The list of leaders who showed up at the `jalsa` were -- JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Pakistan People`s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, Maulana Shah Owais Noorani, Allama Sajid Mir, Dr Abdul Malik, Iftikhar Hussain, Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldini. This was the second power show of the 11-party opposition alliance PDM. The first was held in Gujranwala in Lahore.

Imran Khan, Army responsible for ongoing atrocities on people of Balochistan: PDM

The first-ever official United Arab Emirates delegation to Israel set off on Tuesday after the two countries normalised ties last month under a US-brokered accord forged largely over shared fears of Iran.

An Etihad Airways plane carrying Emirati government officials, with US&nbsp;dignitaries accompanying them, left the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, headed to Ben-Gurion Airport, according to flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.

Israeli officials said the five-hour visit would be restricted to the airport due to coronavirus concerns.

The UAE and fellow Gulf state Bahrain in September became the first Arab states in a quarter of a century to sign deals to establish formal ties with Israel, a move that Washington and its allies have said would foster regional peace and stability but which has been rejected by the Palestinians.

"This is an historical moment for the UAE country and Israel and we are looking forward to salaam (peace) ... in the region," one of the pilots could be heard saying in a video posted on Twitter by US&nbsp;Middle East envoy Ari Berkowitz.

Berkowitz and US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are accompanying the Emirati delegation, which is being led by Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq al-Mari and Minister of State for Financial Affairs Obaid Humaid al-Tayer, according to a UAE foreign ministry spokeswoman.

The US&nbsp;officials had on Sunday joined an Israeli delegation to Bahrain for a signing ceremony to formalise ties.

Israel and the UAE have already signed several commercial deals since mid-August when they first announced they would establish full relations.

Israeli officials said the two sides were expected to sign a mutual visa-exemption agreement - Israel's first with an Arab country.

The first-ever official United Arab Emirates delegation to Israel set off on Tuesday after the two countries normalised ties last month under a US-brokered accord forged largely over shared fears of Iran.

The first-ever official United Arab Emirates delegation to Israel set off on Tuesday after the two countries normalised ties last month under a US-brokered accord forged largely over shared fears of Iran. An Etihad Airways plane carrying Emirati government officials, with US dignitaries accompanying them, left the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, headed to Ben-Gurion Airport, according to flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. Israeli officials said the five-hour visit would be restricted to the airport due to coronavirus concerns. The UAE and fellow Gulf state Bahrain in September became the first Arab states in a quarter of a century to sign deals to establish formal ties with Israel, a move that Washington and its allies have said would foster regional peace and stability but which has been rejected by the Palestinians. "This is an historical moment for the UAE country and Israel and we are looking forward to salaam (peace) ... in the region," one of the pilots could be heard saying in a video posted on Twitter by US Middle East envoy Ari Berkowitz. Berkowitz and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are accompanying the Emirati delegation, which is being led by Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq al-Mari and Minister of State for Financial Affairs Obaid Humaid al-Tayer, according to a UAE foreign ministry spokeswoman. The US officials had on Sunday joined an Israeli delegation to Bahrain for a signing ceremony to formalise ties. Israel and the UAE have already signed several commercial deals since mid-August when they first announced they would establish full relations. Israeli officials said the two sides were expected to sign a mutual visa-exemption agreement - Israel's first with an Arab country.

UAE government delegation heads to Israel for first official visit

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Sri Lanka and the Maldives this month, officials of both Indian Ocean nations said on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to counter China's growing influence in the region.

Pompeo will hold two-way talks in Colombo on October&nbsp;28, a spokesman for Sri Lanka's foreign ministry said but gave no details.

Two people familiar with arrangements for the trip said Pompeo was likely to stop in the Maldives' capital of Male for several hours on the same day.

"Incoming visits of official foreign delegations will be announced once a visit is scheduled and confirmed," the Maldives' foreign ministry said in a statement.

China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, visited Colombo this month. In recent years, Beijing has increasingly provided financing and construction for critical infrastructure in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, alarming traditional regional power India.

Last week, an Indian government source said Pompeo was also set to visit New Delhi this month, along with Defense Secretary Mark Esper, for talks with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Sri Lanka and the Maldives this month, officials of both Indian Ocean nations said on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to counter China's growing influence in the region.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Sri Lanka and the Maldives this month, officials of both Indian Ocean nations said on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to counter China's growing influence in the region. Pompeo will hold two-way talks in Colombo on October 28, a spokesman for Sri Lanka's foreign ministry said but gave no details. Two people familiar with arrangements for the trip said Pompeo was likely to stop in the Maldives' capital of Male for several hours on the same day. "Incoming visits of official foreign delegations will be announced once a visit is scheduled and confirmed," the Maldives' foreign ministry said in a statement. China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, visited Colombo this month. In recent years, Beijing has increasingly provided financing and construction for critical infrastructure in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, alarming traditional regional power India. Last week, an Indian government source said Pompeo was also set to visit New Delhi this month, along with Defense Secretary Mark Esper, for talks with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Pompeo to visit Sri Lanka and Maldives as China threat looms

After Boris Johnson whines about his low salary, here is how much world leaders earn

Police in Thailand said on Monday that it will&nbsp;investigate media coverage over protests taking place in the country to curb&nbsp;“distorted information”.

Deputy police spokesman Kissana Phataracharoen confirmed the probe and said the protests are causing&nbsp;''unrest and confusion in society''.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fight-against-crown-thailand-locals-stages-biggest-pro-democracy-protest-in-bangkok-335894">Fight against crown: Thailand locals stages biggest pro-democracy protest in Bangkok</a>

Under existing laws, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society are empowered to ban broadcasts and block internet content.

Police themselves can also do so under the emergency decree, which went into effect October&nbsp;15, a day after protesters heckled a royal motorcade in once unthinkable scene in a country where the monarchy is protected by strict laws and treated with reverence.<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailands-anti-govt-protests-continue-despite-police-ban-336343/embed" style="width: 100%; max-width: 560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The censorship request&nbsp;calls for blocking access four news outlets in particular, namely Voice TV, The Reporters, The Standard, Prachatai, and Free Youth.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;announcement prompted anger from media groups and accusations of an attack on press freedom by the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former junta leader the protesters are seeking to drive from off.

The government ordered a ban on news and online information that could affect national security last Thursday as it also banned political gatherings of more than five people in the face of the growing challenge.

Protests have taken place every day since then, the latest drawing tens of thousands of people in Bangkok and across the country. Police gave a figure of 20,000 protesters in the capital.

"We will prosecute everyone," deputy Bangkok police chief Piya Tawichai said, adding that 74 protesters had been arrested since Oct. 13.

Protesters seek the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth, accusing him of engineering last year's election to keep hold of power he first seized in a 2014 coup. He says the election was fair.

The protesters have also grown more vocal in demanding reforms to the monarchy to reduce the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The Royal Palace has made no comment on the protests or protesters' demands.

Protesters have said they will demonstrate every day, but had yet to set out a plan for protests on Monday.

Prayuth has said he will not quit. Speaking at Government House on Monday, Prayuth said he supported a proposal for a special parliament session to discuss the situation. His supporters have a majority in parliament.

"We are just asking people not to do wrong and destroy the government and people’s property," he said. "What the government needs to do is to protect the monarchy."

Police in Thailand said on Monday that it will investigate media coverage over protests taking place in the country to curb “distorted information”. Deputy police spokesman Kissana Phataracharoen confirmed the probe and said the protests are causing ''unrest and confusion in society''.

Police in Thailand said on Monday that it will investigate media coverage over protests taking place in the country to curb “distorted information”. Deputy police spokesman Kissana Phataracharoen confirmed the probe and said the protests are causing ''unrest and confusion in society''. Also see: Fight against crown: Thailand locals stages biggest pro-democracy protest in Bangkok Under existing laws, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society are empowered to ban broadcasts and block internet content. Police themselves can also do so under the emergency decree, which went into effect October 15, a day after protesters heckled a royal motorcade in once unthinkable scene in a country where the monarchy is protected by strict laws and treated with reverence. The censorship request calls for blocking access four news outlets in particular, namely Voice TV, The Reporters, The Standard, Prachatai, and Free Youth. The announcement prompted anger from media groups and accusations of an attack on press freedom by the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former junta leader the protesters are seeking to drive from off. The government ordered a ban on news and online information that could affect national security last Thursday as it also banned political gatherings of more than five people in the face of the growing challenge. Protests have taken place every day since then, the latest drawing tens of thousands of people in Bangkok and across the country. Police gave a figure of 20,000 protesters in the capital. "We will prosecute everyone," deputy Bangkok police chief Piya Tawichai said, adding that 74 protesters had been arrested since Oct. 13. Protesters seek the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth, accusing him of engineering last year's election to keep hold of power he first seized in a 2014 coup. He says the election was fair. The protesters have also grown more vocal in demanding reforms to the monarchy to reduce the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The Royal Palace has made no comment on the protests or protesters' demands. Protesters have said they will demonstrate every day, but had yet to set out a plan for protests on Monday. Prayuth has said he will not quit. Speaking at Government House on Monday, Prayuth said he supported a proposal for a special parliament session to discuss the situation. His supporters have a majority in parliament. "We are just asking people not to do wrong and destroy the government and people’s property," he said. "What the government needs to do is to protect the monarchy."

Police in Thailand investigate media coverage over protests

In an historical high,&nbsp;New Zealand's next parliament is set to be the most inclusive ever,&nbsp;with several people of colour, members from the rainbow communities and a high number of women.

Among 40 new faces entering the parliament will include first African, Latin American and Sri Lankan MPs.

Seven out of 10 seats from the Green Party along with over half of Labour Party's seats will be occupied by women.

The ruling Labour Party was handed a resounding mandate in the election over the weekend, as voters rewarded Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her decisive response to coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-credits-coronavirus-response-for-election-win-336150">New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern credits coronavirus response for election win</a>

Although Ardern has the numbers to govern alone, she is in talks with former ally the Green Party to build a wider consensus.&nbsp;

Labour won 64 of the 120 parliamentary seats, and more than half of those are female candidates. It also has 16 indigenous Maori MPs, the first leader of African origin, Ibrahim Omar, and Vanushi Walters of Sri Lankan origin.

"This is the most diverse parliament we have ever had in terms of gender, and minority ethnic and indigenous representation," said Professor Paul Spoonley from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University.

Its also expected to be the most rainbow representative parliament system in the world, with about 10% of the members in the 120-seat house being openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

This includes prominent leaders like Finance Minister Grant Robertson who is openly gay.

The Greens surprisingly won as many as 10 seats in parliament and a majority of them are women, indigenous leaders or LGBTQ+.

The majority of the new MPs elected into parliament are also much younger and many of them are millennials, Spoonley said.

"What we have seen is a departure of many of the older, male, white MPs including some who have been in parliament for over 30 years," said Spoonley.

Ardern herself arrived onto the global scene in 2017 when she became the world's youngest female head of government at the age of 37.

The 40-year-old leader is feted globally as a progressive leader, who is a champion for woman's rights, equality and inclusivity.

In an historical high, New Zealand's next parliament is set to be the most inclusive ever, with several people of colour, members from the rainbow communities and a high number of women.

In an historical high, New Zealand's next parliament is set to be the most inclusive ever, with several people of colour, members from the rainbow communities and a high number of women. Among 40 new faces entering the parliament will include first African, Latin American and Sri Lankan MPs. Seven out of 10 seats from the Green Party along with over half of Labour Party's seats will be occupied by women. The ruling Labour Party was handed a resounding mandate in the election over the weekend, as voters rewarded Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her decisive response to coronavirus. Also read: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern credits coronavirus response for election win Although Ardern has the numbers to govern alone, she is in talks with former ally the Green Party to build a wider consensus. Labour won 64 of the 120 parliamentary seats, and more than half of those are female candidates. It also has 16 indigenous Maori MPs, the first leader of African origin, Ibrahim Omar, and Vanushi Walters of Sri Lankan origin. "This is the most diverse parliament we have ever had in terms of gender, and minority ethnic and indigenous representation," said Professor Paul Spoonley from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University. Its also expected to be the most rainbow representative parliament system in the world, with about 10% of the members in the 120-seat house being openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. This includes prominent leaders like Finance Minister Grant Robertson who is openly gay. The Greens surprisingly won as many as 10 seats in parliament and a majority of them are women, indigenous leaders or LGBTQ+. The majority of the new MPs elected into parliament are also much younger and many of them are millennials, Spoonley said. "What we have seen is a departure of many of the older, male, white MPs including some who have been in parliament for over 30 years," said Spoonley. Ardern herself arrived onto the global scene in 2017 when she became the world's youngest female head of government at the age of 37. The 40-year-old leader is feted globally as a progressive leader, who is a champion for woman's rights, equality and inclusivity.

'Historical high': New Zealand's newly elected parliament is the most diverse ever

The United Kingdom is going to rewite the&nbsp;Internal Market Bill,&nbsp;currently passing through parliament, to&nbsp;to bind Brexit treaty as per&nbsp;Bloomberg news.

Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the treaty-breaking Brexit bill has become a point of contention and soured relations between the&nbsp;British government and the&nbsp;European Union.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-door-remains-ajar-for-post-brexit-trade-deal-336236">UK says door remains 'ajar' for post-Brexit trade deal</a>

The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is&nbsp;now winding its way through parliament&nbsp;and is due to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday.

While Boris Johnson believed that the previous provisions in the bill&nbsp;a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland, the proposed law had&nbsp;infuriated the Europeans who had&nbsp;launched a legal case against the country.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-eu-takes-legal-action-against-uk-over-internal-market-bill-331695">Brexit: EU takes legal action against UK over Internal Market Bill</a>

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the draft bill was a "breach of obligation of good faith" established in the Withdrawal Agreement, and would contradict the protocol of Ireland/Northern Ireland.

However, this&nbsp;step would act as a breakthrough as it would give the British government&nbsp;the right to override parts of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Britain says the bill will not be needed if negotiations on future relations with the EU, notably trade, are successful.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;senior minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he was still hopeful there would be an agreement, telling TV interviews the door remained "ajar" if the EU would change its position.

The United Kingdom is going to rewite the Internal Market Bill, currently passing through parliament, to to bind Brexit treaty as per Bloomberg news. Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the treaty-breaking Brexit bill has become a point of contention and soured relations between the British government and the European Union.

The United Kingdom is going to rewite the Internal Market Bill, currently passing through parliament, to to bind Brexit treaty as per Bloomberg news. Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the treaty-breaking Brexit bill has become a point of contention and soured relations between the British government and the European Union. Also read: UK says door remains 'ajar' for post-Brexit trade deal The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is now winding its way through parliament and is due to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday. While Boris Johnson believed that the previous provisions in the bill a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland, the proposed law had infuriated the Europeans who had launched a legal case against the country. Also read| Brexit: EU takes legal action against UK over Internal Market Bill European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the draft bill was a "breach of obligation of good faith" established in the Withdrawal Agreement, and would contradict the protocol of Ireland/Northern Ireland. However, this step would act as a breakthrough as it would give the British government the right to override parts of the Withdrawal Agreement. Britain says the bill will not be needed if negotiations on future relations with the EU, notably trade, are successful. Meanwhile, senior minister Michael Gove said on Sunday he was still hopeful there would be an agreement, telling TV interviews the door remained "ajar" if the EU would change its position.

UK to change provisions in Internal Market Bill to bind Brexit treaty

October 19 in history: Discovery of the first line of offense against tuberculosis and more

A human&nbsp;rights group on Monday said that&nbsp;North Korean justice system treats people ''less than an animal''.

US-based Human Rights Watch called&nbsp;out the country's&nbsp;pretrial detention system and legal processes for the torture, humiliation and coerced confessions on&nbsp;detainees and officials.

North Korea has been&nbsp;accused of widespread rights abuses by the United Nations and other critics, is a "closed" country and little is known about its criminal justice system.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-top-aide-executed-by-north-korean-death-squad-reports-26770">Kim Jong-un's top aide executed by North Korean death squad: Reports</a>

The rights group&nbsp;drew on interviews with dozens of former North Korean detainees and officials to highlight what it called inhuman conditions at detention facilities that often amount to torture.

Mistreatment of detainees,&nbsp;beating with a stick or kicking,&nbsp;was "especially harsh" in the early stages of pretrial detention, interviewees said.

"The regulations say there shouldn't be any beatings, but we need confessions during the investigation and early stages of the preliminary examination," a former police officer said. "So you have to hit them in order to get the confession."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-officials-to-be-punished-after-typhoon-causes-dozens-of-casualties-325465">North Korea officials to be punished after typhoon causes 'dozens of casualties'</a>

Former detainees said they were forced to sit still on the floor, kneeling or with their legs crossed, for as long as 16 hours a day, with even a flicker of movement leading to punishment.

The punishments ranged from hitting,&nbsp;using hands, sticks, or leather belts,&nbsp;to forcing them to run in circles around a yard up to 1,000 times.

"If I or others moved (in the cell), the guards would order me or all the cellmates to extend our hands through the cell bars and would step on them repeatedly with their boots," said former detainee Park Ji Cheol.

Yoon Young Cheol, another former detainee, added: "There, you are just treated like you are worth less than an animal, and that's what you end up becoming."

Some female interviewees testified to rampant sexual violence at the facilities.

Kim Sun Young, a former trader in her 50s who fled North Korea in 2015 said she had been raped by her interrogator at a detention centre.

Another police officer sexually assaulted her by touching her underneath her clothes while interrogating her, Kim added, but said she had been "powerless to resist".

The report called on Pyongyang to "end endemic torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in detention" and urged South Korea, the United States and other UN member states to "publicly and privately pressure the North Korean government".

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is the third generation of his family to rule the country, where state surveillance is widespread and dissent not tolerated.

The country already stands accused by the UN of "systematic, widespread and gross" human rights violations that range from torture, extrajudicial killings to running prison camps.

Pyongyang maintains that it protects and promotes "genuine human rights", and says there is no justification for the West to try to set human rights standards for the rest of the world.

It condemns international criticism on the issue as a smear campaign to undermine its "sacred socialist system".

A human rights group on Monday said that North Korean justice system treats people ''less than an animal''. US-based Human Rights Watch called out the country's pretrial detention system and legal processes for the torture, humiliation and coerced confessions on detainees and officials.

A human rights group on Monday said that North Korean justice system treats people ''less than an animal''. US-based Human Rights Watch called out the country's pretrial detention system and legal processes for the torture, humiliation and coerced confessions on detainees and officials. North Korea has been accused of widespread rights abuses by the United Nations and other critics, is a "closed" country and little is known about its criminal justice system. Also read: Kim Jong-un's top aide executed by North Korean death squad: Reports The rights group drew on interviews with dozens of former North Korean detainees and officials to highlight what it called inhuman conditions at detention facilities that often amount to torture. Mistreatment of detainees, beating with a stick or kicking, was "especially harsh" in the early stages of pretrial detention, interviewees said. "The regulations say there shouldn't be any beatings, but we need confessions during the investigation and early stages of the preliminary examination," a former police officer said. "So you have to hit them in order to get the confession." Also read: North Korea officials to be punished after typhoon causes 'dozens of casualties' Former detainees said they were forced to sit still on the floor, kneeling or with their legs crossed, for as long as 16 hours a day, with even a flicker of movement leading to punishment. The punishments ranged from hitting, using hands, sticks, or leather belts, to forcing them to run in circles around a yard up to 1,000 times. "If I or others moved (in the cell), the guards would order me or all the cellmates to extend our hands through the cell bars and would step on them repeatedly with their boots," said former detainee Park Ji Cheol. Yoon Young Cheol, another former detainee, added: "There, you are just treated like you are worth less than an animal, and that's what you end up becoming." Some female interviewees testified to rampant sexual violence at the facilities. Kim Sun Young, a former trader in her 50s who fled North Korea in 2015 said she had been raped by her interrogator at a detention centre. Another police officer sexually assaulted her by touching her underneath her clothes while interrogating her, Kim added, but said she had been "powerless to resist". The report called on Pyongyang to "end endemic torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in detention" and urged South Korea, the United States and other UN member states to "publicly and privately pressure the North Korean government". North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is the third generation of his family to rule the country, where state surveillance is widespread and dissent not tolerated. The country already stands accused by the UN of "systematic, widespread and gross" human rights violations that range from torture, extrajudicial killings to running prison camps. Pyongyang maintains that it protects and promotes "genuine human rights", and says there is no justification for the West to try to set human rights standards for the rest of the world. It condemns international criticism on the issue as a smear campaign to undermine its "sacred socialist system".

Human Rights Watch says North Korean justice system treats people worse than animals

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vyomica Berry

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.