At Tokyo's prestigious Bunka Fashion College, students concentrate in silence that is broken only by the sound of scissors and sewing machines as they strive to emulate the global success of alumni like Kenzo.

The loss of greats Kenzo Takada and Issey Miyake heralds the end of a fashion era, decades after Japanese design revolutionised Parisian catwalks in the 1970s and '80s.

And the French capital remains a goal for emerging talent like Bunka graduate Takuya Morikawa, whose streetwear-inspired tailoring made its Paris Fashion Week debut two years ago.

Morikawa, 40, hopes his shows at the industry's top event will lead to "an amazing future, beyond my wildest dreams".

Before launching his label TAAKK in 2013, Morikawa spent eight years at Miyake's studio, where he worked on runway collections and the famous "Pleats Please" line, but also harvested rice and made paper to learn about traditional craft methods.

He told AFP he was saddened by Miyake's death this summer but implored younger designers not to feel disheartened.

"We need to do our best to not let these designers' deaths impact the fashion world. If that happens, it means we're doing our job badly," he said.

One of the big names picking up the baton is Nigo, who shot to fame in the 1990s with his streetwear brand A Bathing Ape.

The designer, who also studied at Bunka and whose real name is Tomoaki Nagao, was named artistic director at Kenzo last year after founder Takada died of Covid-19 in 2020.

Another Japanese label enjoying international success is Sacai, founded in 1999 by Chitose Abe, who was tapped as the first guest couture designer for Jean Paul Gaultier.

-&nbsp;'Goosebumps' -

Kenzo and textile visionary Miyake became hugely influential by pursuing their passion in Paris, as did haute couture trailblazer Hanae Mori, who died in August.

Left holding the torch are Yohji Yamamoto, now 79, and 80-year-old Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garcons, who shook up the fashion establishment in the early 1980s.

New challenges, including the vast range of styles now available for every taste, have made it harder for&nbsp;emerging designers to grab global attention, according to Bunka president Sachiko Aihara.

"The world was shocked" by avant-garde Japanese design, she said, recalling how her students began to dress in black after Yamamoto launched his first monochromatic clothing line.

"But we no longer live in an era where a designer presents a collection and everyone wears it," she said at the school, whose basement archive is packed with valuable garments that students and teachers can study.

This is because of the explosion in diverse types of clothing, "not a decline in talent", stressed Aihara, adding that it was now also essential to study business to start a competitive brand.

Designer Mariko Nakayama, who worked as a stylist in Tokyo's fashion scene for decades, also remembers "feeling goosebumps" wearing Comme des Garcons for the first time.

She agrees, however, that the industry is different now.

"Looking at Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton, for example, I feel that now is an era of edit," with designers making modern tweaks to classic shapes and patterns, she said at her boutique in Tokyo's upscale Omotesando district.

- 'Create new values' -

Working in Paris, London, New York or Milan is still seen as key to succeeding for Japanese designers, said Aya Takeshima, 35, who studied at Central Saint Martins in the British capital.

Takeshima's recent show at Tokyo Fashion Week for her brand Ayame featured women wearing sheer blouses and embossed dresses, while male models donned delicate dresses.&nbsp;

She told AFP she had chosen to study abroad to "learn what I needed to become an independent designer", adding that the experience had helped her understand different perspectives.

"Honestly, I think it would be difficult" to succeed internationally while only working in Japan, she said.

"In Japan, it felt like technique was drilled into you first, while ideas and concepts... were secondary", but it was the other way around in London, Takeshima explained.

Bunka college recognises these benefits and plans to offer a scholarship for studying abroad as part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations next year.

For 21-year-old Natalia Sato, a student at Bunka, Miyake and the old guard of Japanese designers "brought a great deal of Japanese and Eastern values" to the world, including techniques inspired by "delicate" traditional craftsmanship.

"I'm worried that the foundation they built might be destroyed by their passing", but "at the same time, this is a turning point" that could provide new creative opportunities, she said.

"It's a chance for me to think about how we can create new values."

At Tokyo's prestigious Bunka Fashion College, students concentrate in silence that is broken only by the sound of scissors and sewing machines as they strive to emulate the global success of alumni like Kenzo.

At Tokyo's prestigious Bunka Fashion College, students concentrate in silence that is broken only by the sound of scissors and sewing machines as they strive to emulate the global success of alumni like Kenzo. The loss of greats Kenzo Takada and Issey Miyake heralds the end of a fashion era, decades after Japanese design revolutionised Parisian catwalks in the 1970s and '80s. And the French capital remains a goal for emerging talent like Bunka graduate Takuya Morikawa, whose streetwear-inspired tailoring made its Paris Fashion Week debut two years ago. Morikawa, 40, hopes his shows at the industry's top event will lead to "an amazing future, beyond my wildest dreams". Before launching his label TAAKK in 2013, Morikawa spent eight years at Miyake's studio, where he worked on runway collections and the famous "Pleats Please" line, but also harvested rice and made paper to learn about traditional craft methods. He told AFP he was saddened by Miyake's death this summer but implored younger designers not to feel disheartened. "We need to do our best to not let these designers' deaths impact the fashion world. If that happens, it means we're doing our job badly," he said. One of the big names picking up the baton is Nigo, who shot to fame in the 1990s with his streetwear brand A Bathing Ape. The designer, who also studied at Bunka and whose real name is Tomoaki Nagao, was named artistic director at Kenzo last year after founder Takada died of Covid-19 in 2020. Another Japanese label enjoying international success is Sacai, founded in 1999 by Chitose Abe, who was tapped as the first guest couture designer for Jean Paul Gaultier. - 'Goosebumps' - Kenzo and textile visionary Miyake became hugely influential by pursuing their passion in Paris, as did haute couture trailblazer Hanae Mori, who died in August. Left holding the torch are Yohji Yamamoto, now 79, and 80-year-old Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garcons, who shook up the fashion establishment in the early 1980s. New challenges, including the vast range of styles now available for every taste, have made it harder for emerging designers to grab global attention, according to Bunka president Sachiko Aihara. "The world was shocked" by avant-garde Japanese design, she said, recalling how her students began to dress in black after Yamamoto launched his first monochromatic clothing line. "But we no longer live in an era where a designer presents a collection and everyone wears it," she said at the school, whose basement archive is packed with valuable garments that students and teachers can study. This is because of the explosion in diverse types of clothing, "not a decline in talent", stressed Aihara, adding that it was now also essential to study business to start a competitive brand. Designer Mariko Nakayama, who worked as a stylist in Tokyo's fashion scene for decades, also remembers "feeling goosebumps" wearing Comme des Garcons for the first time. She agrees, however, that the industry is different now. "Looking at Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton, for example, I feel that now is an era of edit," with designers making modern tweaks to classic shapes and patterns, she said at her boutique in Tokyo's upscale Omotesando district. - 'Create new values' - Working in Paris, London, New York or Milan is still seen as key to succeeding for Japanese designers, said Aya Takeshima, 35, who studied at Central Saint Martins in the British capital. Takeshima's recent show at Tokyo Fashion Week for her brand Ayame featured women wearing sheer blouses and embossed dresses, while male models donned delicate dresses. She told AFP she had chosen to study abroad to "learn what I needed to become an independent designer", adding that the experience had helped her understand different perspectives. "Honestly, I think it would be difficult" to succeed internationally while only working in Japan, she said. "In Japan, it felt like technique was drilled into you first, while ideas and concepts... were secondary", but it was the other way around in London, Takeshima explained. Bunka college recognises these benefits and plans to offer a scholarship for studying abroad as part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations next year. For 21-year-old Natalia Sato, a student at Bunka, Miyake and the old guard of Japanese designers "brought a great deal of Japanese and Eastern values" to the world, including techniques inspired by "delicate" traditional craftsmanship. "I'm worried that the foundation they built might be destroyed by their passing", but "at the same time, this is a turning point" that could provide new creative opportunities, she said. "It's a chance for me to think about how we can create new values."

'A turning point': Japanese fashion after Kenzo and Miyake's demise

The West has been pressuring Kosovo for months to drop the trade barrier, which has been poisoning already fraught ties with Serbia, a former war foe, since late 2018.

But the "half measure" Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced Thursday was met with disapproval from Richard Grenell, the outspoken US envoy to Kosovo and Serbia who was also recently named President Donald Trump's acting intelligence chief.

"Our position is quite clear: the tariffs must be completely dropped. Mr Kurti is making a serious mistake," he continued.

Under Kurti's plan the tariff, which has become the latest source of animosity between Kosovo and Serbia, would be first lifted on raw materials.

It would then be scrapped in full in April, but only if Serbia also shows signs of goodwill, Kurti said.&nbsp;

The newly-elected premier also received blowback from both allies and opponents at home.

Kurti's key coalition ally, the LDK party, threatened to quit the government if the tariff was not "revoked unconditionally," deputy Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti told local media.&nbsp;

"Can a government that does not enjoy the United States' support govern successfully?" he asked.

Kurti did however get measured support from the EU, who welcomed the "first step" towards resuming the EU-led talks between Serbia and Kosovo.

The tariff dispute has formed the latest chapter in turbulent ties between the Balkan neighbours, who have yet to normalise their relationship since Kosovo, a former Serbian province, broke away in a 1998-99 war led by ethnic Albanian separatists.&nbsp;

Serbia has never recognised the independence that Kosovo declared in 2008 and has lobbied hard to keep it out of global organisations, including the United Nations.

After it was levied in late 2018, the tariff brought EU-led negotiations between the neighbours to a standstill.

The West has been pressuring Kosovo for months to drop the trade barrier, which has been poisoning already fraught ties with Serbia, a former war foe, since late 2018.

The West has been pressuring Kosovo for months to drop the trade barrier, which has been poisoning already fraught ties with Serbia, a former war foe, since late 2018. But the "half measure" Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced Thursday was met with disapproval from Richard Grenell, the outspoken US envoy to Kosovo and Serbia who was also recently named President Donald Trump's acting intelligence chief. "Our position is quite clear: the tariffs must be completely dropped. Mr Kurti is making a serious mistake," he continued. Under Kurti's plan the tariff, which has become the latest source of animosity between Kosovo and Serbia, would be first lifted on raw materials. It would then be scrapped in full in April, but only if Serbia also shows signs of goodwill, Kurti said. The newly-elected premier also received blowback from both allies and opponents at home. Kurti's key coalition ally, the LDK party, threatened to quit the government if the tariff was not "revoked unconditionally," deputy Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti told local media. "Can a government that does not enjoy the United States' support govern successfully?" he asked. Kurti did however get measured support from the EU, who welcomed the "first step" towards resuming the EU-led talks between Serbia and Kosovo. The tariff dispute has formed the latest chapter in turbulent ties between the Balkan neighbours, who have yet to normalise their relationship since Kosovo, a former Serbian province, broke away in a 1998-99 war led by ethnic Albanian separatists. Serbia has never recognised the independence that Kosovo declared in 2008 and has lobbied hard to keep it out of global organisations, including the United Nations. After it was levied in late 2018, the tariff brought EU-led negotiations between the neighbours to a standstill.

Backlash Friday:-Kosovo's partially lift a tariff on Serbian imports while US condemns.

Taliban loyalists are cheering the prospect of a deal with the US that after 18 years of gruelling conflict will see "defeated" American "invaders" finally go home.

While details of the deal have not been announced, it is widely expected the Pentagon will slash its troop presence in Afghanistan in return for various Taliban commitments.

AFP spoke to several Taliban fighters and supporters in and around Kandahar&nbsp;the southern Afghan province that is the birthplace of the Islamist movement and a key stronghold.

'Islamic values'

Mohammad Manzoor Hussaini, who previously fought for the Taliban, was until two years ago hiding out in Pakistan but returned to Kandahar as the group's influence strengthened.

All Afghans want is a peace founded on "Islamic values", he said, using the same stock phrase the Taliban has used in talks with the United States.

The term is seen as contentious because it is open to broad interpretation, and the Taliban are known for pushing some of the most extreme views of the Islamic faith, including an almost total denial of all freedoms for women.

"Afghans wish for peace, moreover they want a dignified peace based on Islamic values, and peace among all Afghans," Hussaini said.

"Afghans should trust each other, and should be honest with each other, and should not pay attention to any foreigners".

But if things are handled poorly, the war could go on for another 20 years and spread to other countries too, Hussaini warned.

Leaving with 'shame'

Hafiz Mohammad Wali, a gardener from the Shahjoy District of Zabul province, which neighbours Kandahar, was delighted at the news that a deal is likely to see the US military draw down its forces.

"For nearly 20 years, we have been hoping for this news, to see the Americans leave Afghanistan with shame," he said.

"People now are praying for peace in the country. We have fought a lot, and the fighting still continues today."

Like most of the Taliban supporters AFP spoke to, Wali worried about whether the group would be able to make a separate agreement with the Afghan government.

"Our main concern is how the Taliban and the Afghan government make peace," he said.

"Afghans have been fighting with each other for years in the villages and districts. Will they sit together? This is not just my concern, but other villagers are also worried about it."

Until now, the Taliban have refused to talk to the administration of President Ashraf Ghani, whom they view as a US stooge.

The upcoming withdrawal deal with the Taliban is expected to require "intra-Afghan" talks between the insurgents and Kabul.

'Defeated' America

Mullah Gul Agha, a Taliban commander from the Marja district of Helmand province, another insurgent stronghold, said Afghans would never accept foreigners as their "masters".

"The Afghans have been fighting invaders for decades, once it was the Russians, today it is the Americans and the British," Agha said.

"With the Help of Almighty Allah, we have defeated them again."

The toll the war has taken on the US military more than 2,400 US troops killed in combat and thousands more with horrendous wounds&nbsp;would make America think twice before invading other countries, he said.

"Afghans accept a poor, humble life, but never anybody as their masters," he said.

Both sides 'tired'

Mullah Rauf, who was once a Taliban commander in the central province of Ghazni, was optimistic peace might finally come to Afghanistan after 18 years of conflict.

"Both sides in this war are tired," he said.

"I am very happy America is leaving, because they didn't give Afghans anything but war and destruction, and thousands of Afghans were killed if Afghans join hands, they can prevent more destruction and bloodshed."

Taliban loyalists are cheering the prospect of a deal with the US that after 18 years of gruelling conflict will see "defeated" American "invaders" finally go home.

Taliban loyalists are cheering the prospect of a deal with the US that after 18 years of gruelling conflict will see "defeated" American "invaders" finally go home. While details of the deal have not been announced, it is widely expected the Pentagon will slash its troop presence in Afghanistan in return for various Taliban commitments. AFP spoke to several Taliban fighters and supporters in and around Kandahar the southern Afghan province that is the birthplace of the Islamist movement and a key stronghold. 'Islamic values' Mohammad Manzoor Hussaini, who previously fought for the Taliban, was until two years ago hiding out in Pakistan but returned to Kandahar as the group's influence strengthened. All Afghans want is a peace founded on "Islamic values", he said, using the same stock phrase the Taliban has used in talks with the United States. The term is seen as contentious because it is open to broad interpretation, and the Taliban are known for pushing some of the most extreme views of the Islamic faith, including an almost total denial of all freedoms for women. "Afghans wish for peace, moreover they want a dignified peace based on Islamic values, and peace among all Afghans," Hussaini said. "Afghans should trust each other, and should be honest with each other, and should not pay attention to any foreigners". But if things are handled poorly, the war could go on for another 20 years and spread to other countries too, Hussaini warned. Leaving with 'shame' Hafiz Mohammad Wali, a gardener from the Shahjoy District of Zabul province, which neighbours Kandahar, was delighted at the news that a deal is likely to see the US military draw down its forces. "For nearly 20 years, we have been hoping for this news, to see the Americans leave Afghanistan with shame," he said. "People now are praying for peace in the country. We have fought a lot, and the fighting still continues today." Like most of the Taliban supporters AFP spoke to, Wali worried about whether the group would be able to make a separate agreement with the Afghan government. "Our main concern is how the Taliban and the Afghan government make peace," he said. "Afghans have been fighting with each other for years in the villages and districts. Will they sit together? This is not just my concern, but other villagers are also worried about it." Until now, the Taliban have refused to talk to the administration of President Ashraf Ghani, whom they view as a US stooge. The upcoming withdrawal deal with the Taliban is expected to require "intra-Afghan" talks between the insurgents and Kabul. 'Defeated' America Mullah Gul Agha, a Taliban commander from the Marja district of Helmand province, another insurgent stronghold, said Afghans would never accept foreigners as their "masters". "The Afghans have been fighting invaders for decades, once it was the Russians, today it is the Americans and the British," Agha said. "With the Help of Almighty Allah, we have defeated them again." The toll the war has taken on the US military more than 2,400 US troops killed in combat and thousands more with horrendous wounds would make America think twice before invading other countries, he said. "Afghans accept a poor, humble life, but never anybody as their masters," he said. Both sides 'tired' Mullah Rauf, who was once a Taliban commander in the central province of Ghazni, was optimistic peace might finally come to Afghanistan after 18 years of conflict. "Both sides in this war are tired," he said. "I am very happy America is leaving, because they didn't give Afghans anything but war and destruction, and thousands of Afghans were killed if Afghans join hands, they can prevent more destruction and bloodshed."

Afghanistan: Taliban supporters cheer US withdrawal plans

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia.

Ukraine captured Vladimir Tsemakh, accused of fighting for pro-Russian separatists, in June, but he is believed to be a person of interest in the downing of MH17.&nbsp;

European lawmakers described him as a "key suspect" and asked Kyiv to make him available for testimony in the probe.

An AFP journalist was present as appellate court judge Yury Sliva in Kyiv ruled to release Tsemakh, cautioning him to remain available for questioning and not attempt to flee.

Tsemakh is a Ukrainian who is believed to have been in charge of air defence in the forces of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic near Snizhne in eastern Ukraine.

This is where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 came down in 2014, killing 298 people, most of them Dutch citizens.

Through his involvement in MH17 has never been confirmed by Ukraine, 40 European lawmakers on Wednesday asked President Volodymyr Zelensky to make sure he is available to be questioned by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team.

Russian and Ukrainian media have reported that Moscow is demanding that Tsemakh be handed over to Russia as part of an expected prisoner swap between the two countries.&nbsp;

Several high-profile Ukrainian prisoners are to be released from Russian jails under the swap, but the process had stalled amid reports that some Ukrainians have already been moved to Moscow from their prisons.

Dutch MEP Kati Piri said demanding the exchange of Tsemakh is a "strange request" which "suggests that the Russian government wants to prevent this suspect from appearing in court".

A Ukrainian source close to the talks told AFP that the exchange will happen "soon," possibly this week, but refused to comment on whether Tsemakh is among the individuals prepared for the swap.

The MH17 Boeing jet en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a BUK anti-aircraft missile.&nbsp;

Dutch investigators say the projectile originated from the Russian military's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade after it was transported to Snizhne from Russia's south-west Kursk region.

Tsemakh's release provoked criticism in Ukraine, with some predicting there would be consequences for the attempts by Ukraine's new president to build relations with the European Union.

"Ukraine is becoming a de facto co-conspirator in the MH17 crime," wrote journalist Petro Shuklinov on Facebook.&nbsp;

Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia.

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia. Ukraine captured Vladimir Tsemakh, accused of fighting for pro-Russian separatists, in June, but he is believed to be a person of interest in the downing of MH17. European lawmakers described him as a "key suspect" and asked Kyiv to make him available for testimony in the probe. An AFP journalist was present as appellate court judge Yury Sliva in Kyiv ruled to release Tsemakh, cautioning him to remain available for questioning and not attempt to flee. Tsemakh is a Ukrainian who is believed to have been in charge of air defence in the forces of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic near Snizhne in eastern Ukraine. This is where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 came down in 2014, killing 298 people, most of them Dutch citizens. Through his involvement in MH17 has never been confirmed by Ukraine, 40 European lawmakers on Wednesday asked President Volodymyr Zelensky to make sure he is available to be questioned by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team. Russian and Ukrainian media have reported that Moscow is demanding that Tsemakh be handed over to Russia as part of an expected prisoner swap between the two countries. Several high-profile Ukrainian prisoners are to be released from Russian jails under the swap, but the process had stalled amid reports that some Ukrainians have already been moved to Moscow from their prisons. Dutch MEP Kati Piri said demanding the exchange of Tsemakh is a "strange request" which "suggests that the Russian government wants to prevent this suspect from appearing in court". A Ukrainian source close to the talks told AFP that the exchange will happen "soon," possibly this week, but refused to comment on whether Tsemakh is among the individuals prepared for the swap. The MH17 Boeing jet en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a BUK anti-aircraft missile. Dutch investigators say the projectile originated from the Russian military's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade after it was transported to Snizhne from Russia's south-west Kursk region. Tsemakh's release provoked criticism in Ukraine, with some predicting there would be consequences for the attempts by Ukraine's new president to build relations with the European Union. "Ukraine is becoming a de facto co-conspirator in the MH17 crime," wrote journalist Petro Shuklinov on Facebook. Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

Ukraine court releases MH17 'suspect' pending trial

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday.

Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies.

Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal.

They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month.

'Fresh legs on the pound'

"News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP.

"After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit.

"Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added.

The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash".

Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31.

"The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP.

"Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23.

"The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels&nbsp;but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added.

The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18.

Stocks mainly climb

Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe.

Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub.

But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit.

Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month.

However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses.&nbsp;

Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in.

Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance. By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday. Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies. Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal. They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month. 'Fresh legs on the pound' "News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP. "After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit. "Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added. The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash". Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31. "The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP. "Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23. "The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added. The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18. Stocks mainly climb Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe. Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub. But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit. Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month. However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses. Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in. Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

Pound tops $1.23 on fading no-deal Brexit prospect

Seoul and Washington began annual joint military exercises on Monday, defying warnings from Pyongyang that the war games will jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea.

Seoul and Washington began annual joint military exercises on Monday, defying warnings from Pyongyang that the war games will jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea. The drills come after Pyongyang tested a series of short-range projectiles in recent days, calling one of them a "solemn warning" to Seoul against pursuing the mainly computer-simulated drills with Washington. South Korean defence minister Jeong Kyeong-doo told parliament that the joint exercise began Monday, adding that Seoul was "clearly maintaining its readiness posture against any military action by North Korea". Details about the training have not been disclosed, but a ministry official in Seoul said this year's exercise will include verifying South Korea's abilities to take operational control in wartime. Under the US-South Korea security treaty, an American general will take command of their combined forces in the event of armed conflict, but Seoul has long sought to reverse the position. Analysts say the military activities by both sides could delay talks on the North's weapons programmes - which have seen it subjected to multiple sets of UN Security Council sanctions - until later this year. After a year of mutual threats and mounting tensions, US President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un held a historic meeting in Singapore last year, when Kim signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreement on sanctions relief and what the North might be willing to give up in return. Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during their impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin. The nuclear-armed North - which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War - has always been infuriated by military exercises between the US and the South, decrying them as rehearsals for invasion. After the Singapore summit, Trump made a shock announcement halting joint drills, adopting Pyongyang's description of them as "provocative" at an extraordinary, freewheeling press conference. War games known as Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) and scheduled for August last year were subsequently suspended. And the allies' biggest annual drills, Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, which took place every spring and involved tens of thousands of troops, were replaced with a shorter "Dong Maeng" or "Alliance" exercise in March. Changing stance The August drills were scaled down earlier this year, Yonhap news agency reported, and have not been named, with an official from Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) telling AFP that they "cannot comment any further" on their designation. South Korean media have dubbed the command post exercise "19-2 Dong Maeng", indicating the second Dong Maeng exercise of 2019. Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington push ahead with the manoeuvres. And on Friday, North Korea carried out its third weapons test in the space of eight days, firing what it called a new "large calibre multiple launch guided rocket system". Seoul's presidential office said it was highly likely to be "a new type of short-range ballistic missile". Ahn Chan-il, a North Korean defector and researcher in Seoul, told AFP: "Drills might not have taken place today if there had been some concrete progress with the nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington, considering UFG was suspended last year." The North's recent launches also affected the allies' decision, he added. "This also signals Seoul's changing stance on Pyongyang." Trump has brushed off the North's tests, saying Kim will not want to "disappoint" him because he has "far too much to lose". "He will do the right thing because he is far too smart not to, and he does not want to disappoint his friend, President Trump!" he said. There are 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea to protect it against its neighbour, many of them based south of Seoul at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek - Washington's biggest overseas military facility.

US, South Korea defy North's warnings, start joint drills

Humanity's next test: Feeding 10 billion without ruining Earth

A lower-than-expected population of male Bengal tigers in the world's largest mangrove forest has sparked fears about the long-term viability of the endangered species in Bangladesh, officials said Tuesday.

A poaching crackdown by authorities in the Bangladeshi part of the Sundarbans mangroves saw an increase in the big cat population from 106 to 114 four years ago, according to a census published in May.

But a closer analysis of the data found the number of male tigers was lower than the typical ratio of one male for every three tigresses, with the figure now at one male for every five females, officials said.

"We are extremely worried. The standard ratio should be one male for every three female tigers," Jahidul Kabir, the government's conservator of forest wildlife, told AFP.

"In the Sharonkhola range, we found only two males against 19 female tigers," he said, adding the future of the tiger population in the Sundarbans could be at stake if the forest continues to lose male tigers," he added.

Authorities are planning to capture male tigers from other parts of the forest and introduce them in the Sharonkhola range, which is the densest tiger habitat in the mangroves.

The census was conducted on 1,656 square kilometres (640 square miles) of forest last year and used camera traps to count the big cats.

The Sundarbans, which also straddle parts of eastern India, is home to some rare flora and fauna including Irrawaddy dolphins and Bengal tigers, both declared endangered because of poaching and loss of habitat.

Alarm bells rang in 2015 when a census found that only 106 tigers were living in the forest, less than a quarter of the 440-strong population in 2004.&nbsp;

Since the 2015 findings, authorities have undertaken a series of measures to boost the number of Bengal tigers in the forest - one of the world's last remaining wild habitats for the big cats. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As part of the measures, the size of the wildlife sanctuary in the forest was more than doubled. An elite security force launched a major crackdown against pirates-turned-poachers active in the forest.

Monirul Khan, a zoology professor and a tiger expert at the state-run Jahangirnagar University, said he believed poaching was behind the low male tiger numbers.

"No doubt this is a worrying trend. And the possible reason is poaching," Khan said.

"Male tigers are aggressive and they cover bigger territory, which make them vulnerable to poaching."

A lower-than-expected population of male Bengal tigers in the world's largest mangrove forest has sparked fears about the long-term viability of the endangered species in Bangladesh, officials said Tuesday.

A lower-than-expected population of male Bengal tigers in the world's largest mangrove forest has sparked fears about the long-term viability of the endangered species in Bangladesh, officials said Tuesday. A poaching crackdown by authorities in the Bangladeshi part of the Sundarbans mangroves saw an increase in the big cat population from 106 to 114 four years ago, according to a census published in May. But a closer analysis of the data found the number of male tigers was lower than the typical ratio of one male for every three tigresses, with the figure now at one male for every five females, officials said. "We are extremely worried. The standard ratio should be one male for every three female tigers," Jahidul Kabir, the government's conservator of forest wildlife, told AFP. "In the Sharonkhola range, we found only two males against 19 female tigers," he said, adding the future of the tiger population in the Sundarbans could be at stake if the forest continues to lose male tigers," he added. Authorities are planning to capture male tigers from other parts of the forest and introduce them in the Sharonkhola range, which is the densest tiger habitat in the mangroves. The census was conducted on 1,656 square kilometres (640 square miles) of forest last year and used camera traps to count the big cats. The Sundarbans, which also straddle parts of eastern India, is home to some rare flora and fauna including Irrawaddy dolphins and Bengal tigers, both declared endangered because of poaching and loss of habitat. Alarm bells rang in 2015 when a census found that only 106 tigers were living in the forest, less than a quarter of the 440-strong population in 2004. Since the 2015 findings, authorities have undertaken a series of measures to boost the number of Bengal tigers in the forest - one of the world's last remaining wild habitats for the big cats. As part of the measures, the size of the wildlife sanctuary in the forest was more than doubled. An elite security force launched a major crackdown against pirates-turned-poachers active in the forest. Monirul Khan, a zoology professor and a tiger expert at the state-run Jahangirnagar University, said he believed poaching was behind the low male tiger numbers. "No doubt this is a worrying trend. And the possible reason is poaching," Khan said. "Male tigers are aggressive and they cover bigger territory, which make them vulnerable to poaching."

Bangladesh 'extremely worried' over low male tiger population

As <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-medals-unveiled-a-year-before-games-238165&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwit3Ibe9c_jAhVr6XMBHbRXALsQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw32CPD1RrfrmBTHqwYdqa2V">Tokyo 2020 Olympics</a> preparations enter their final stage, officials are touting the city's readiness, but activists and workers groups say speedy venue construction has had dangerous consequences.

The Olympic opening ceremony is now less than a year away and more than half the new venues being built for the Games are already complete.

"We are where we want to be," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike confidently told reporters earlier this month.

But some argue the city has kept on schedule at the cost of the health and safety of the thousands of workers building the sites.

An official tally shows there have been at least two deaths linked to Olympics construction in Tokyo.

In 2017, a 23-year-old Olympic stadium worker killed himself after clocking nearly 200 hours of overtime the month before, with the local labour office recognising his suicide as a case of death from overwork, a phenomenon known as "karoshi".

The following year, a man was crushed to death between a crane and scaffolding.

Fourteen people have also been injured during construction, according to official records through the end of 2018.

But while London had a near-perfect construction safety record for the 2012 Games, Tokyo is still doing significantly better than other Olympic hosts.

In Rio, at least 11 people were killed during construction for the Games, and in Beijing, authorities acknowledged at least six deaths but media reports said more than 10 people were killed.

Too busy

 
Still, workers in Tokyo say they are being squeezed by the twin pressures of labour shortages and a tight schedule.

"The work is hard," said one veteran contractor in his sixties, who works as a sub-subcontractor on a project to build the Olympic Village.

He said manpower was about 40 percent short, and the pressure to stay on schedule has led to safety shortcuts.

He described days when he and his colleagues continued to work as a crane arm clutching a huge block of concrete moved overhead. They didn't move even after safety whistles were blown.

"We were too busy," he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"It's like an assembly line for cars. You have to install the hoods no matter what because those putting in the windshields are waiting next."

They would only move when labour office inspectors came over.

"The breaks resulted in us being forced to hurry even more for the rest of the day, only increasing the risks," he said.

Labour unions say the problems with Olympic construction reflect issues in the industry in Japan more broadly, including the widespread use of multiple subcontractors who have little power to protest poor conditions.

Six-day workweeks are common, and the ageing country's labour shortage means workers are stretched thin.

One in four workers in Japan's construction industry is 60 or older, far outstripping the number of workers aged 30 or younger.

Overwork is also a problem for workers in other industries, despite government efforts to address excessive hours.

Conditions are really good

 
The conditions have raised concern among labour activists.

In May, the Building and Wood Worker's International union reported "alarming" testimony from 40 workers building the new national stadium and Olympic village.

The report warned of "dangerous patterns of overwork" and alleged some workers had been forced to buy their protective equipment.

It said workers described unsafe conditions and that half of those interviewed did not have formal contracts -- a situation not illegal in Japan but uncommon in industrialised countries.

It also accused employers of creating a "culture of fear" with workers afraid of losing their jobs if they complained or reported problems.

Olympic organisers, along with the Tokyo local government and the Japan Sport Council (JSC) in charge of building the new stadium, said they are discussing the report with BWI.

JSC vice president Jugo Imaizumi said he thought there had been a "misunderstanding".

"Many people who came back here after working elsewhere say they realised conditions here are really good," Imaizumi told AFP.

Olympics worksites close at night to prevent overwork and employees have Sundays off, he added.

Officials also say only a handful of complaints have been submitted to the Tokyo local government and Olympic organising committee.

But labour officials said that is merely evidence of workers' reluctance to speak up because although they can request anonymity they are required to submit their name and phone number when filing a complaint.

"Their logic is that since there is no filing of complaints, there is no problem," a labour union official near Tokyo told AFP.&nbsp;

"The system is just to establish an 'alibi' for them."

As Tokyo 2020 Olympics preparations enter their final stage, officials are touting the city's readiness, but activists and workers groups say speedy venue construction has had dangerous consequences.

As Tokyo 2020 Olympics preparations enter their final stage, officials are touting the city's readiness, but activists and workers groups say speedy venue construction has had dangerous consequences. The Olympic opening ceremony is now less than a year away and more than half the new venues being built for the Games are already complete. "We are where we want to be," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike confidently told reporters earlier this month. But some argue the city has kept on schedule at the cost of the health and safety of the thousands of workers building the sites. An official tally shows there have been at least two deaths linked to Olympics construction in Tokyo. In 2017, a 23-year-old Olympic stadium worker killed himself after clocking nearly 200 hours of overtime the month before, with the local labour office recognising his suicide as a case of death from overwork, a phenomenon known as "karoshi". The following year, a man was crushed to death between a crane and scaffolding. Fourteen people have also been injured during construction, according to official records through the end of 2018. But while London had a near-perfect construction safety record for the 2012 Games, Tokyo is still doing significantly better than other Olympic hosts. In Rio, at least 11 people were killed during construction for the Games, and in Beijing, authorities acknowledged at least six deaths but media reports said more than 10 people were killed. Too busy Still, workers in Tokyo say they are being squeezed by the twin pressures of labour shortages and a tight schedule. "The work is hard," said one veteran contractor in his sixties, who works as a sub-subcontractor on a project to build the Olympic Village. He said manpower was about 40 percent short, and the pressure to stay on schedule has led to safety shortcuts. He described days when he and his colleagues continued to work as a crane arm clutching a huge block of concrete moved overhead. They didn't move even after safety whistles were blown. "We were too busy," he told AFP on condition of anonymity. "It's like an assembly line for cars. You have to install the hoods no matter what because those putting in the windshields are waiting next." They would only move when labour office inspectors came over. "The breaks resulted in us being forced to hurry even more for the rest of the day, only increasing the risks," he said. Labour unions say the problems with Olympic construction reflect issues in the industry in Japan more broadly, including the widespread use of multiple subcontractors who have little power to protest poor conditions. Six-day workweeks are common, and the ageing country's labour shortage means workers are stretched thin. One in four workers in Japan's construction industry is 60 or older, far outstripping the number of workers aged 30 or younger. Overwork is also a problem for workers in other industries, despite government efforts to address excessive hours. Conditions are really good The conditions have raised concern among labour activists. In May, the Building and Wood Worker's International union reported "alarming" testimony from 40 workers building the new national stadium and Olympic village. The report warned of "dangerous patterns of overwork" and alleged some workers had been forced to buy their protective equipment. It said workers described unsafe conditions and that half of those interviewed did not have formal contracts -- a situation not illegal in Japan but uncommon in industrialised countries. It also accused employers of creating a "culture of fear" with workers afraid of losing their jobs if they complained or reported problems. Olympic organisers, along with the Tokyo local government and the Japan Sport Council (JSC) in charge of building the new stadium, said they are discussing the report with BWI. JSC vice president Jugo Imaizumi said he thought there had been a "misunderstanding". "Many people who came back here after working elsewhere say they realised conditions here are really good," Imaizumi told AFP. Olympics worksites close at night to prevent overwork and employees have Sundays off, he added. Officials also say only a handful of complaints have been submitted to the Tokyo local government and Olympic organising committee. But labour officials said that is merely evidence of workers' reluctance to speak up because although they can request anonymity they are required to submit their name and phone number when filing a complaint. "Their logic is that since there is no filing of complaints, there is no problem," a labour union official near Tokyo told AFP. "The system is just to establish an 'alibi' for them."

Tokyo Olympic construction race raises worker safety questions

Eleven-year-old Jerry's crime was breaking curfew laws after fleeing violence at home. His punishment? Being sent to a youth detention centre, where he says he endured sexual abuse.&nbsp;

Officially called "Houses of Hope", proponents in the Philippines say such facilities are places for reformation and education, but critics slam many of them as "hellholes" where children are treated like caged animals.

Rights' groups say Jerry should never have been detained under current laws, but warn a proposed bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12, will mean thousands of more children will be sent to overcrowded and underfunded centres - leaving them vulnerable to mistreatment.

"I felt so dirty. That was the first time it happened to me," Jerry told AFP as he recalled the night he was pulled from his bed, forced to the bathroom and attacked by older boys also held at a decaying centre in Manila.

"I cannot forget the sexual abuse," he explained, adding that he left home to escape beatings from his father and ended up sleeping on the streets. His mother works in Kuwait.

Under existing law, Houses of Hope is primarily to hold young offenders aged 15 to 18. But charities say younger vulnerable children from troubled homes, like Jerry, are sometimes swept up in the dragnet even for minor misdemeanours and struggle to recover from the experience.

Watchdogs and former wards warn planned legislation to criminalise children as young as 12 and then detain them with older teens and in some cases, adults will put those least able to defend themselves at risk.

"There is a higher potential for abuse because the government is not prepared," said Melanie Ramos-Llana of Child Rights Network Philippines.

"You put more children into Houses of Hope which are not equipped, lack personnel and programmes, you will have problems. Jails or detention centres are not places for children," she added.&nbsp;

Youth advocate Louise Suamen warns mixing youngsters who have committed minor infringements with older criminals could create a "school of crime".

"If you are a child subjected to this environment, you can learn violence or abusive behaviour. If they want to change something... treat detention as the last resort," explained Suamen of Bahay Tuluyan Foundation.&nbsp;

'Hellholes of subhuman conditions' 
A bill to give authorities the power to prosecute younger children stalled in the session of the legislature that wrapped up last month.&nbsp;

But it is a key plank of President Rodrigo Duterte's tough-on-crime stance, which includes restoring the death penalty and his internationally condemned drug crackdown that has killed thousands since 2016.

After sweeping May's midterm polls, Duterte allies dominate Congress and have vowed to advance his agenda when the session opens on Monday.

But critics insist conditions in many of the facilities are identical to or worse than the jails adults are sent to.

"Children are detained in these so-called House of Hope like animals in cages," said Father Shay Cullen, president of PREDA Foundation which helps boys like Jerry.&nbsp;

"These are really hellholes of subhuman conditions," he added.&nbsp;

Five children previously held in the system, including Jerry, told AFP they suffered abuse in youth centres.&nbsp;

All the boys are identified using a pseudonym because they are minors or were when held.&nbsp;

Justin, who was 17 when he was brought to a youth centre in the capital in 2017, said other boys beat him on the pretext he had broken house rules. &nbsp;

"They would punch us in the chest, stomach and sometimes the chin. It was so painful. I learned to be callous there because of what they did to me and I wanted revenge," he said. &nbsp;

There are 55 government-run Houses of Hope nationwide, but this is well short of the 114 the Philippines has estimated it needs to properly house troubled juveniles.

According to official data only eight comply with social welfare rules.

These guidelines include having one social worker for every 25 children, providing one bed per resident along with nutritious meals, clothing, toiletries and rehabilitation programmes.

"Some of the Houses of Hope we saw was worse than prisons. They have no programmes," Tricia Oco, executive director of the government's Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, told a senate inquiry in January.

'We are like flowers' 
Tristan, 15, was relieved when he was transferred to a House of Hope in Manila after being held in an adult jail on a drug trafficking charge he said police fabricated. &nbsp;

"I thought it would be a lovely home. But it was also a prison, a prison for children," he told AFP. &nbsp;

The facilities where Jerry, Justin, and Tristan stayed denied AFP's requests for a visit.&nbsp;

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it did not monitor peer abuse in centres, but institutions that failed to meet standards should be "held responsible". &nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/you-must-be-stupid-president-rodrigo-duterte-says-he-wont-be-tried-by-international-court-236653&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj22L6zucjjAhXLqY8KHYWiAtcQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2WAYk8KvSpqwPQB33PzGO9">Philippines</a> raised the age of criminal responsibility from 9 to 15 in 2006, a move hailed as a step toward humane treatment.&nbsp;

However, Duterte has repeatedly attacked the change as hampering police efforts to crack down on underage couriers for drug syndicates.&nbsp;

The gaps in the system stem from insufficient funding, weak congressional oversight and authorities' preference for detention over community-based programmes, advocates say. &nbsp;

"In reality, detention becomes the first resort," said Rowena Legaspi, executive director of the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center.

The current law tasks provinces and cities with building and operating the centres but the national government monitors compliance.&nbsp;

Many Houses of Hope struggle with inadequate resources, said Jay Mark Chico, centre head in northern Bulacan province.&nbsp;

His facility was built to accommodate 60 children but now houses 144 -&nbsp;squashed into rooms behind metal bars where some must sleep on the floor.

Chico told AFP the province had a daily food budget of 33 pesos (0.65 US cents) per child but was pushing to increase this while building a bigger centre to address overcrowding. &nbsp;

Still, some say their time in the centres helped them. &nbsp;

"I am so grateful because I never imagined I could still pursue my studies," said 21-year-old Nathan Andres, who was detained as a juvenile for rape but has been allowed to serve out his sentence in the Bulacan youth facility. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, Andres, who wants to become a teacher, says targeting 12-year-olds is not the answer.

He mused, "We are like the flowers we craft from old papers. People think we are garbage, useless. But actually, we still have value."

Eleven-year-old Jerry's crime was breaking curfew laws after fleeing violence at home. His punishment? Being sent to a youth detention centre, where he says he endured sexual abuse.

Eleven-year-old Jerry's crime was breaking curfew laws after fleeing violence at home. His punishment? Being sent to a youth detention centre, where he says he endured sexual abuse. Officially called "Houses of Hope", proponents in the Philippines say such facilities are places for reformation and education, but critics slam many of them as "hellholes" where children are treated like caged animals. Rights' groups say Jerry should never have been detained under current laws, but warn a proposed bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12, will mean thousands of more children will be sent to overcrowded and underfunded centres - leaving them vulnerable to mistreatment. "I felt so dirty. That was the first time it happened to me," Jerry told AFP as he recalled the night he was pulled from his bed, forced to the bathroom and attacked by older boys also held at a decaying centre in Manila. "I cannot forget the sexual abuse," he explained, adding that he left home to escape beatings from his father and ended up sleeping on the streets. His mother works in Kuwait. Under existing law, Houses of Hope is primarily to hold young offenders aged 15 to 18. But charities say younger vulnerable children from troubled homes, like Jerry, are sometimes swept up in the dragnet even for minor misdemeanours and struggle to recover from the experience. Watchdogs and former wards warn planned legislation to criminalise children as young as 12 and then detain them with older teens and in some cases, adults will put those least able to defend themselves at risk. "There is a higher potential for abuse because the government is not prepared," said Melanie Ramos-Llana of Child Rights Network Philippines. "You put more children into Houses of Hope which are not equipped, lack personnel and programmes, you will have problems. Jails or detention centres are not places for children," she added. Youth advocate Louise Suamen warns mixing youngsters who have committed minor infringements with older criminals could create a "school of crime". "If you are a child subjected to this environment, you can learn violence or abusive behaviour. If they want to change something... treat detention as the last resort," explained Suamen of Bahay Tuluyan Foundation. 'Hellholes of subhuman conditions' A bill to give authorities the power to prosecute younger children stalled in the session of the legislature that wrapped up last month. But it is a key plank of President Rodrigo Duterte's tough-on-crime stance, which includes restoring the death penalty and his internationally condemned drug crackdown that has killed thousands since 2016. After sweeping May's midterm polls, Duterte allies dominate Congress and have vowed to advance his agenda when the session opens on Monday. But critics insist conditions in many of the facilities are identical to or worse than the jails adults are sent to. "Children are detained in these so-called House of Hope like animals in cages," said Father Shay Cullen, president of PREDA Foundation which helps boys like Jerry. "These are really hellholes of subhuman conditions," he added. Five children previously held in the system, including Jerry, told AFP they suffered abuse in youth centres. All the boys are identified using a pseudonym because they are minors or were when held. Justin, who was 17 when he was brought to a youth centre in the capital in 2017, said other boys beat him on the pretext he had broken house rules. "They would punch us in the chest, stomach and sometimes the chin. It was so painful. I learned to be callous there because of what they did to me and I wanted revenge," he said. There are 55 government-run Houses of Hope nationwide, but this is well short of the 114 the Philippines has estimated it needs to properly house troubled juveniles. According to official data only eight comply with social welfare rules. These guidelines include having one social worker for every 25 children, providing one bed per resident along with nutritious meals, clothing, toiletries and rehabilitation programmes. "Some of the Houses of Hope we saw was worse than prisons. They have no programmes," Tricia Oco, executive director of the government's Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, told a senate inquiry in January. 'We are like flowers' Tristan, 15, was relieved when he was transferred to a House of Hope in Manila after being held in an adult jail on a drug trafficking charge he said police fabricated. "I thought it would be a lovely home. But it was also a prison, a prison for children," he told AFP. The facilities where Jerry, Justin, and Tristan stayed denied AFP's requests for a visit. The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it did not monitor peer abuse in centres, but institutions that failed to meet standards should be "held responsible". The Philippines raised the age of criminal responsibility from 9 to 15 in 2006, a move hailed as a step toward humane treatment. However, Duterte has repeatedly attacked the change as hampering police efforts to crack down on underage couriers for drug syndicates. The gaps in the system stem from insufficient funding, weak congressional oversight and authorities' preference for detention over community-based programmes, advocates say. "In reality, detention becomes the first resort," said Rowena Legaspi, executive director of the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center. The current law tasks provinces and cities with building and operating the centres but the national government monitors compliance. Many Houses of Hope struggle with inadequate resources, said Jay Mark Chico, centre head in northern Bulacan province. His facility was built to accommodate 60 children but now houses 144 - squashed into rooms behind metal bars where some must sleep on the floor. Chico told AFP the province had a daily food budget of 33 pesos (0.65 US cents) per child but was pushing to increase this while building a bigger centre to address overcrowding. Still, some say their time in the centres helped them. "I am so grateful because I never imagined I could still pursue my studies," said 21-year-old Nathan Andres, who was detained as a juvenile for rape but has been allowed to serve out his sentence in the Bulacan youth facility. However, Andres, who wants to become a teacher, says targeting 12-year-olds is not the answer. He mused, "We are like the flowers we craft from old papers. People think we are garbage, useless. But actually, we still have value."

Children in Philippine youth homes face abuses 'worse than prison'

The Australian Federal Police arrested a 59-year-old Korean man from Sydney for allegedly working as an economic agent for North Korea, reports said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Chan Han Choi was the first person in Australia charged with working as a black-market agent, brokering sales and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction.&nbsp;

He had reportedly been getting income from the North Korean government for sale of ballistic missile technology to foreign entities, reports further claimed.&nbsp;

Choi has broken the UN and Australian sanctions and has also been charged with attempts to brokering the sale of coal from North Korea to groups in Indonesia and Vietnam, media reports say.&nbsp;

The 59-year-old has been charged under the 1995 Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act for being in touch with top officials from North Korea.&nbsp;

The arrested man is facing six charges in connection with the acts.

There was no threat to Australians and that the man was not considered a &quot;spy&quot;, AFP assistant commissioner Neil Gaughan told the media in Sydney on Sunday.

&quot;This man was acting as a loyal agent for North Korea who believed he was acting to serve some higher patriotic purpose,&quot; he said.

&quot;At the end of the day, he would sell whatever he could to make money for the North Korean government&quot; and is believed to have endeavored to sell gemstones and other product as well.

The man who has been identified as Choi Han Chan, a 59-year-old from Sydney's Eastwood, allegedly breached United Nation's sanctions and Australian federal law, and has been charged with brokering sales and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction

The Australian Federal Police arrested a 59-year-old Korean man from Sydney for allegedly working as an economic agent for North Korea, reports said on Sunday. Chan Han Choi was the first person in Australia charged with working as a black-market agent, brokering sales and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction. He had reportedly been getting income from the North Korean government for sale of ballistic missile technology to foreign entities, reports further claimed. Choi has broken the UN and Australian sanctions and has also been charged with attempts to brokering the sale of coal from North Korea to groups in Indonesia and Vietnam, media reports say. The 59-year-old has been charged under the 1995 Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act for being in touch with top officials from North Korea. The arrested man is facing six charges in connection with the acts. There was no threat to Australians and that the man was not considered a "spy", AFP assistant commissioner Neil Gaughan told the media in Sydney on Sunday. "This man was acting as a loyal agent for North Korea who believed he was acting to serve some higher patriotic purpose," he said. "At the end of the day, he would sell whatever he could to make money for the North Korean government" and is believed to have endeavored to sell gemstones and other product as well.

Sydney man charged with acting as agent for North Korea

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