After several UK parliamentarians and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the United Nations Chief has also addressed the ongoing farmers' protest in India.&nbsp;

"As to the question of India, what I would say to you is what I've said to others when raising these issues is that people have a right to demonstrate peacefully, and authorities need to let them do so," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eam-s-jaishankar-to-skip-canada-led-covid-meet-after-justin-trudeaus-remarks-on-farmers-protest-347792/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thousands of farmers are demonstrating from several days at border areas of the national capital against three farm laws that were approved in September.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/diljit-dosanjh-makes-surprise-appearance-at-singhu-border-to-support-farmers-347750">Diljit Dosanjh makes surprise appearance at Singhu border to support farmers</a>

Earlier, Trudeau extended his support to the protests despite strong opposition from New Delhi, calling it India's internal matter.&nbsp;

At least 36 parliamentarians of various parties in the UK have also written a letter to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to take up the matter with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar as it affects many British Sikhs and Punjabis.&nbsp;

"This is an issue of particular concern to Sikhs in the UK and those linked to Punjab, although it also heavily impacts on other Indian states. Many British Sikhs and Punjabis have taken this matter up with their MPs, as they are directly affected with family members and ancestral land in Punjab," the content of the letter said.

"This is a joint letter calling for representation to be made by yourself to your Indian counterpart about the impact on British Sikhs and Punjabis, with longstanding links to land and farming in India."&nbsp;

After several UK parliamentarians and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the United Nations Chief has also addressed the ongoing farmers' protest in India. "As to the question of India, what I would say to you is what I've said to others when raising these issues is that people have a right to demonstrate peacefully, and authorities need to let them do so," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.

After several UK parliamentarians and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the United Nations Chief has also addressed the ongoing farmers' protest in India. "As to the question of India, what I would say to you is what I've said to others when raising these issues is that people have a right to demonstrate peacefully, and authorities need to let them do so," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary-General. Watch | Thousands of farmers are demonstrating from several days at border areas of the national capital against three farm laws that were approved in September. Also read | Diljit Dosanjh makes surprise appearance at Singhu border to support farmers Earlier, Trudeau extended his support to the protests despite strong opposition from New Delhi, calling it India's internal matter. At least 36 parliamentarians of various parties in the UK have also written a letter to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to take up the matter with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar as it affects many British Sikhs and Punjabis. "This is an issue of particular concern to Sikhs in the UK and those linked to Punjab, although it also heavily impacts on other Indian states. Many British Sikhs and Punjabis have taken this matter up with their MPs, as they are directly affected with family members and ancestral land in Punjab," the content of the letter said. "This is a joint letter calling for representation to be made by yourself to your Indian counterpart about the impact on British Sikhs and Punjabis, with longstanding links to land and farming in India."

UN chief comments on farmers protest in India

The UN said Tuesday that $35 billion would be needed for aid in 2021, as the pandemic leaves tens of millions more people in crisis, and with the risk of multiple famines looming.

The world body's annual Global Humanitarian Overview estimated that 235 million people worldwide will need some form of emergency assistance next year — a staggering 40-per cent increase in the past year.

"The increase arises almost entirely because of Covid-19," United Nations emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock told reporters.

Next year, one in 33 people worldwide will be in need of aid, the report found, stressing that if all of them lived in one country, it would be the world's fifth-largest nation.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-do-everything-to-discover-origin-of-covid-19-says-who-346541">'Will do everything' to discover origin of COVID-19, says WHO</a>

The annual appeal by UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations usually presents a depressing picture of soaring needs brought on by conflicts, displacement, natural disasters and climate change.

But now, it warned, the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 1.45 million people worldwide, has disproportionately hit those "already living on a knife's edge."&nbsp;

"The picture we are presenting is the bleakest and darkest perspective on humanitarian need in the period ahead that we have ever set out," Lowcock said.&nbsp;

The money requested in the appeal would be enough to help 160 million of the most vulnerable people across 56 countries, the UN said.

'Alarm bells are ringing'

For the first time since the 1990s, extreme poverty is set to rise, life expectancy will fall and the annual death toll from HIV, tuberculosis and malaria could potentially double.

"Possibly the most alarming thing... is the threat of the return of famines, potentially in multiple locations," Lowcock said.

With only one true famine so far in the 21st century —&nbsp;in Somalia nearly a decade ago — mass starvation had appeared to have been "assigned to the dustbin of history," he said.

But now, he warned, "the red lights are flashing and the alarm bells are ringing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-sudan-needs-150-million-to-cope-with-migration-crisis-346469">Also watch|</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-sudan-needs-150-million-to-cope-with-migration-crisis-346469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

By the end of 2020, the number of acutely food-insecure people worldwide could swell to as much as 270 million -- an 82-per cent increase over the pre-Covid-19 number.&nbsp;

Conditions in Yemen, Burkina Faso, South Sudan and northeastern Nigeria indicated they are already on the brink of famine, while a range of other countries and regions, including Afghanistan and the Sahel, were also "potentially very vulnerable", he said.

"If we get through 2021 without major famines, that will be a significant achievement."

Tuesday's appeal shows that war-ravaged Syria and Yemen top the list of the countries most in need of humanitarian assistance.

The UN is seeking close to $6 billion to help millions of Syrians inside and outside the country wracked by a decade of conflict.

And it is asking for nearly $3.5 billion to help nearly 20 million Yemenis caught up in the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

'Darkest hour'

Other major crises requiring substantial funds include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Ethiopia.

Raising the full $35 billion needed at a time of global economic crisis could meanwhile be a daunting task -- the amount is more than double the $17 billion raised so far this year.

That amount is already a record but still falls far short of the nearly $29 billion asked for during last year's appeal, even before the pandemic reared its head.

"The crisis is far from over. Humanitarian aid budgets face dire shortfalls as the impact of the global pandemic continues to worsen," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

"Together we must mobilise resources and stand in solidarity with people in their darkest hour of need."

Lowcock meanwhile insisted that while the total dollar amount asked for seemed high, it was actually tiny compared to the amounts wealthy countries are pumping in to rescue their tanking economies.

"What is at stake is the lives of huge numbers of vulnerable people, and the cost of safeguarding their lives is actually very small in relation to all of the other challenges we face."

The UN said Tuesday that $35 billion would be needed for aid in 2021, as the pandemic leaves tens of millions more people in crisis, and with the risk of multiple famines looming.

The UN said Tuesday that $35 billion would be needed for aid in 2021, as the pandemic leaves tens of millions more people in crisis, and with the risk of multiple famines looming. The world body's annual Global Humanitarian Overview estimated that 235 million people worldwide will need some form of emergency assistance next year — a staggering 40-per cent increase in the past year. "The increase arises almost entirely because of Covid-19," United Nations emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock told reporters. Next year, one in 33 people worldwide will be in need of aid, the report found, stressing that if all of them lived in one country, it would be the world's fifth-largest nation. Also read| 'Will do everything' to discover origin of COVID-19, says WHO The annual appeal by UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations usually presents a depressing picture of soaring needs brought on by conflicts, displacement, natural disasters and climate change. But now, it warned, the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 1.45 million people worldwide, has disproportionately hit those "already living on a knife's edge." "The picture we are presenting is the bleakest and darkest perspective on humanitarian need in the period ahead that we have ever set out," Lowcock said. The money requested in the appeal would be enough to help 160 million of the most vulnerable people across 56 countries, the UN said. 'Alarm bells are ringing' For the first time since the 1990s, extreme poverty is set to rise, life expectancy will fall and the annual death toll from HIV, tuberculosis and malaria could potentially double. "Possibly the most alarming thing... is the threat of the return of famines, potentially in multiple locations," Lowcock said. With only one true famine so far in the 21st century — in Somalia nearly a decade ago — mass starvation had appeared to have been "assigned to the dustbin of history," he said. But now, he warned, "the red lights are flashing and the alarm bells are ringing." Also watch| × By the end of 2020, the number of acutely food-insecure people worldwide could swell to as much as 270 million -- an 82-per cent increase over the pre-Covid-19 number. Conditions in Yemen, Burkina Faso, South Sudan and northeastern Nigeria indicated they are already on the brink of famine, while a range of other countries and regions, including Afghanistan and the Sahel, were also "potentially very vulnerable", he said. "If we get through 2021 without major famines, that will be a significant achievement." Tuesday's appeal shows that war-ravaged Syria and Yemen top the list of the countries most in need of humanitarian assistance. The UN is seeking close to $6 billion to help millions of Syrians inside and outside the country wracked by a decade of conflict. And it is asking for nearly $3.5 billion to help nearly 20 million Yemenis caught up in the world's worst humanitarian crisis. 'Darkest hour' Other major crises requiring substantial funds include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Ethiopia. Raising the full $35 billion needed at a time of global economic crisis could meanwhile be a daunting task -- the amount is more than double the $17 billion raised so far this year. That amount is already a record but still falls far short of the nearly $29 billion asked for during last year's appeal, even before the pandemic reared its head. "The crisis is far from over. Humanitarian aid budgets face dire shortfalls as the impact of the global pandemic continues to worsen," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. "Together we must mobilise resources and stand in solidarity with people in their darkest hour of need." Lowcock meanwhile insisted that while the total dollar amount asked for seemed high, it was actually tiny compared to the amounts wealthy countries are pumping in to rescue their tanking economies. "What is at stake is the lives of huge numbers of vulnerable people, and the cost of safeguarding their lives is actually very small in relation to all of the other challenges we face."

UN sees emergency aid needs exploding due to pandemic

United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades.&nbsp;

"In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-torn-yemen-on-brink-of-losing-an-entire-generation-of-children-to-hunger-un-338662">War-torn Yemen on brink of losing an entire generation of children to hunger: UN</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The war-torn nation has suffered a five-year war between Iranian-backed Huthi rebels and government-backed by Saudi Arabia, the United States and other Western nations.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-reveal-real-covid-19-death-toll-in-yemen-338476">Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen</a>

The UN chief's warning comes at a time when Trump administration is considering labelling the Huthis a terror group, a move that could further escalate the crisis.&nbsp;

Aid groups say that the US's action could affect aid deliveries also.&nbsp;

"I urge all those with influence to act urgently on these issues to stave off catastrophe, and I also request that everyone avoids taking any action that could make the already dire situation even worse," Guterres said.&nbsp;

The UN chief later told reporters that the US's move to label Huthis could further destabilize a "very fragile situation".&nbsp;

"We believe that any other unilateral initiative will probably not be positive. I don't think we should rock the boat at the present moment," he said. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades. "In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as quoted by news agency AFP.

United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades. "In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | War-torn Yemen on brink of losing an entire generation of children to hunger: UN The war-torn nation has suffered a five-year war between Iranian-backed Huthi rebels and government-backed by Saudi Arabia, the United States and other Western nations. Also read | Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen The UN chief's warning comes at a time when Trump administration is considering labelling the Huthis a terror group, a move that could further escalate the crisis. Aid groups say that the US's action could affect aid deliveries also. "I urge all those with influence to act urgently on these issues to stave off catastrophe, and I also request that everyone avoids taking any action that could make the already dire situation even worse," Guterres said. The UN chief later told reporters that the US's move to label Huthis could further destabilize a "very fragile situation". "We believe that any other unilateral initiative will probably not be positive. I don't think we should rock the boat at the present moment," he said.

Yemen in 'imminent danger' of world's worst famine in decades, warns UN

A major row over the gag order issued earlier this year can derail the celebration of the 75th-anniversary of the&nbsp;United Nations on&nbsp;October 24.

The&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict and to replace an ineffective League of&nbsp;Nations.

On June 26, 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;Conference on International Organization to draw up the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;Charter. Those delegates deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Kingdom, and the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States at Dumbarton Oaks,&nbsp;United&nbsp;States in August-October 1944. The Charter then came into force on October 24, 1945.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-are-un-employees-being-denied-the-right-to-protest-337262/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations' past has been as fraught as its present and future seems to be. It was hamstrung during the Cold War by superpower rivalry, leading it to near inertia as the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States, former the Soviet Union, and China either threatened to or did, veto resolution after resolution.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

In the 90s its reputation was badly damaged by its apparent helplessness to end to the conflict in former Yugoslavia -- let alone manage a successful peacekeeping and humanitarian operation.

In&nbsp;the summer of 2020, as anti-racism demonstrations spread around the globe in response to the murder of George Floyd, UN&nbsp;civil servants who wanted to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement were up in arms about instructions from the UN&nbsp;ethics office telling personnel to steer clear of public demonstrations, even in their free time.

The directive, which was initially endorsed by the UN chief&nbsp;Antonio Guterres&nbsp;expressly banned participation in the protests.

Guterres then reversed course, assuring UN&nbsp;employees at a hastily arranged town hall meeting in June that they could take part, as long as they didn’t wave the UN&nbsp;flag. In a letter to staff on June 9, Guterres insisted that “there is no ban on personal expressions of solidarity or acts of peaceful civic engagement, provided they are carried out in an entirely private capacity.”

But his statement didn’t put the matter to rest—or give an explicit green light to UN&nbsp;staffers to participate in political demonstrations, UN&nbsp;officials contend. Staffers at an organization founded to advance fundamental human rights and freedoms now wonder if they can even advocate for those rights, or if they’re going to be gagged to avoid courting public controversy.

On June 22, less than two weeks after Guterres sent the letter, the UN&nbsp;Development Program reissued its own gag order. “The international, impartial nature of your role limits your freedom to publicly express views on controversial matters,” the UNDP’s Code of Ethics document, which was revised this year, states. “For example, you cannot take part in political demonstrations, or wear politically-themed clothing or buttons. You may not publicly criticize governments, or run for or hold political office at any level while working for UNDP.”

The internal debate over the UN&nbsp;response to the Black Lives Matter movement raises difficult questions about the rights of international civil servants to express support for core UN&nbsp;values, including the promotion of equality and human rights, if they are viewed as controversial by member states. It also places the UN&nbsp;leadership in the awkward position of urging countries around the world to promote free expression and assembly, while restraining their own staff from exercising those same rights.

The UN&nbsp;development agency—which relies on the cooperation of foreign governments to carry out its work—has been among the UN’s most risk-averse entities, seeking to avoid offending member states at almost any cost. But the guidance did not sit well with some UNDP staffers, who argued that it didn’t comply with the policy laid out by Guterres.

Niall McCann, an Irish national who works in UNDP’s Brussels office, filed a complaint against UNDP’s administrator and ethics office with the development agency’s internal Office of Audit and Investigations, and he requested an investigation into the matter. The ban on participation in demonstrations, McCann wrote, constituted an “abuse of authority.”

“This assertion directly contradicts the UN&nbsp;Secretary-General, who specifically commented on this matter, in the context of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protest movement in the United States,” he wrote in the complaint, which was reviewed by&nbsp;Foreign Policy. McCann argued that there was no legal basis for the protest prohibition, insisting that it is not expressly banned by the key directives governing staff conduct: the UN&nbsp; Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service or the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations.

He also accused UNDP’s ethics chief, Peter Liria, of seeking to “muzzle UNDP staff standing up against racism.”

Several leaders have called for a reform of the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;and in particular the 15-member Security Council, arguing it was unfair that the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States, Russia, China, France and Britain were the only permanent veto-wielding powers.

With barely days left for the United Nations Day, the world body finds itself in an awkward spot.&nbsp;

The United Nations&nbsp;pushes member countries to promote free speech, expression, and the right of assembly. But as an organisation it is restricting its own staff from exercising the same fundamental rights.

A major row over the gag order issued earlier this year can derail the celebration of the 75th-anniversary of the United Nations on October 24. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict and to replace an ineffective League of Nations.

A major row over the gag order issued earlier this year can derail the celebration of the 75th-anniversary of the United Nations on October 24. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict and to replace an ineffective League of Nations. On June 26, 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter. Those delegates deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States at Dumbarton Oaks, United States in August-October 1944. The Charter then came into force on October 24, 1945. × The United Nations' past has been as fraught as its present and future seems to be. It was hamstrung during the Cold War by superpower rivalry, leading it to near inertia as the United States, former the Soviet Union, and China either threatened to or did, veto resolution after resolution. Also read| Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations In the 90s its reputation was badly damaged by its apparent helplessness to end to the conflict in former Yugoslavia -- let alone manage a successful peacekeeping and humanitarian operation. In the summer of 2020, as anti-racism demonstrations spread around the globe in response to the murder of George Floyd, UN civil servants who wanted to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement were up in arms about instructions from the UN ethics office telling personnel to steer clear of public demonstrations, even in their free time. The directive, which was initially endorsed by the UN chief Antonio Guterres expressly banned participation in the protests. Guterres then reversed course, assuring UN employees at a hastily arranged town hall meeting in June that they could take part, as long as they didn’t wave the UN flag. In a letter to staff on June 9, Guterres insisted that “there is no ban on personal expressions of solidarity or acts of peaceful civic engagement, provided they are carried out in an entirely private capacity.” But his statement didn’t put the matter to rest—or give an explicit green light to UN staffers to participate in political demonstrations, UN officials contend. Staffers at an organization founded to advance fundamental human rights and freedoms now wonder if they can even advocate for those rights, or if they’re going to be gagged to avoid courting public controversy. On June 22, less than two weeks after Guterres sent the letter, the UN Development Program reissued its own gag order. “The international, impartial nature of your role limits your freedom to publicly express views on controversial matters,” the UNDP’s Code of Ethics document, which was revised this year, states. “For example, you cannot take part in political demonstrations, or wear politically-themed clothing or buttons. You may not publicly criticize governments, or run for or hold political office at any level while working for UNDP.” The internal debate over the UN response to the Black Lives Matter movement raises difficult questions about the rights of international civil servants to express support for core UN values, including the promotion of equality and human rights, if they are viewed as controversial by member states. It also places the UN leadership in the awkward position of urging countries around the world to promote free expression and assembly, while restraining their own staff from exercising those same rights. The UN development agency—which relies on the cooperation of foreign governments to carry out its work—has been among the UN’s most risk-averse entities, seeking to avoid offending member states at almost any cost. But the guidance did not sit well with some UNDP staffers, who argued that it didn’t comply with the policy laid out by Guterres. Niall McCann, an Irish national who works in UNDP’s Brussels office, filed a complaint against UNDP’s administrator and ethics office with the development agency’s internal Office of Audit and Investigations, and he requested an investigation into the matter. The ban on participation in demonstrations, McCann wrote, constituted an “abuse of authority.” “This assertion directly contradicts the UN Secretary-General, who specifically commented on this matter, in the context of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protest movement in the United States,” he wrote in the complaint, which was reviewed by Foreign Policy. McCann argued that there was no legal basis for the protest prohibition, insisting that it is not expressly banned by the key directives governing staff conduct: the UN Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service or the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations. He also accused UNDP’s ethics chief, Peter Liria, of seeking to “muzzle UNDP staff standing up against racism.” Several leaders have called for a reform of the United Nations and in particular the 15-member Security Council, arguing it was unfair that the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain were the only permanent veto-wielding powers. With barely days left for the United Nations Day, the world body finds itself in an awkward spot. The United Nations pushes member countries to promote free speech, expression, and the right of assembly. But as an organisation it is restricting its own staff from exercising the same fundamental rights.

How row over gag order could derail the celebration of UN's 75 anniversary

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

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday (October 2) that the world is living “in the shadow of nuclear catastrophe,” fuelled by growing distrust and tensions between the nuclear powers.

Addressing the delegates during the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons he said that, it was the only way “to completely eliminate nuclear risk.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At today's <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> General Assembly commemoration of Int'l Day for the Total Elimination of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NuclearWeapons?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NuclearWeapons</a>, Secretary-General <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a> urged returning to a common path towards nuclear <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/disarmament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#disarmament</a> &amp; strengthened, inclusive <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/multilateralism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#multilateralism</a>. See 👉 <a href="https://t.co/xa6bBpPTkG">https://t.co/xa6bBpPTkG</a> <a href="https://t.co/4mK4S19nuV">pic.twitter.com/4mK4S19nuV</a>
— ODA (@UN_Disarmament) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_Disarmament/status/1312036157027422209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Progress towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons has “stalled and is at risk of backsliding”, the UN chief warned. 
 
“For the sake of all of our security, the world must return to a common path towards nuclear disarmament”, he underscored, adding that it is “imperative” for Russia and the United States to extend, “without delay”, the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) for the maximum duration of five years.

Guterres said he also looks forward to the entry into force of the first-ever treaty to ban nuclear weapons, which was adopted in July 2017 by 122 countries. Once it has 50 ratifications, the treaty will enter force in 90 days, and with Malaysia’s ratification on Sept. 30 it now has 46.

At Friday’s high-level meeting, 103 of the 193 UN member nations were scheduled to speak for two minutes each. But many spoke longer so only 79 delivered addresses, and the UN said it would post the rest.

(With input from agencies)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday (October 2) that the world is living “in the shadow of nuclear catastrophe,” fuelled by growing distrust and tensions between the nuclear powers.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday (October 2) that the world is living “in the shadow of nuclear catastrophe,” fuelled by growing distrust and tensions between the nuclear powers. Addressing the delegates during the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons he said that, it was the only way “to completely eliminate nuclear risk.” At today's @UN General Assembly commemoration of Int'l Day for the Total Elimination of #NuclearWeapons, Secretary-General @antonioguterres urged returning to a common path towards nuclear #disarmament & strengthened, inclusive #multilateralism. See 👉 https://t.co/xa6bBpPTkG pic.twitter.com/4mK4S19nuV — ODA (@UN_Disarmament) October 2, 2020 × Progress towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons has “stalled and is at risk of backsliding”, the UN chief warned. “For the sake of all of our security, the world must return to a common path towards nuclear disarmament”, he underscored, adding that it is “imperative” for Russia and the United States to extend, “without delay”, the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) for the maximum duration of five years. Guterres said he also looks forward to the entry into force of the first-ever treaty to ban nuclear weapons, which was adopted in July 2017 by 122 countries. Once it has 50 ratifications, the treaty will enter force in 90 days, and with Malaysia’s ratification on Sept. 30 it now has 46. At Friday’s high-level meeting, 103 of the 193 UN member nations were scheduled to speak for two minutes each. But many spoke longer so only 79 delivered addresses, and the UN said it would post the rest. (With input from agencies)

World living in 'shadow of nuclear catastrophe', says UN chief; calls for disarmament

United Nation secretary-general&nbsp;Antonio Guterres has reiterated his call for a global ceasefire amidst the COVID pandemic in his message on the birth anniversary of India's father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

Highlighting the "remarkable power of non-violence and peaceful protest",&nbsp;Guterres&nbsp;said, "its&nbsp;timely reminder to strive to uphold the values Gandhi lived by the promotion of dignity, equal protection for all and communities living together in peace".

Explaining,"This year we have a special duty, stop the fighting to focus on our common enemy COVID 19. Only one winner during a conflict during a pandemic--the virus itself...I have called for a global ceasefire, we need to make this a reality by the end of this year"

Guterres&nbsp;was speaking at a&nbsp;mega first-ever virtual event on the occasion&nbsp;organised by Indian mission to the United Nations.&nbsp;Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on 2nd October is also the&nbsp;international day of non-violence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-celebrates-151st-birth-anniversary-of-father-of-the-nation-mahatma-gandhi-331873" hreflang="en">India celebrates birth anniversary of 'father of the nation' Mahatma Gandhi</a>

The special commemoration included a video that showed reactions from the UN diplomats in the Security Council on Gandhi's assassination. It also showed footage of world leaders, including former US president Barack Obama, citing Gandhi's principles and ideologies during their addresses to the UN General Assembly over the years.

Indian envoy to United Nations&nbsp;TS Tirumurti speaking at the event said," Mahatma Gandhi was born in India but belongs to all humanity. No doubt, non-violence, is and&nbsp;will&nbsp;always be directly relevant to address the burning issues of the day"

Adding, "Gandhi Ji did not see political freedom, only freedom worth fighting for..but also liberating human beings from all forms of bondage and injustice...for him non-violence was a tool to fight injustice"

21 foreign envoys to the United Nations spoke at the event on the relevance of Gandhi to the world and to there country. These were envoys of&nbsp;Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Lebanon, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Nigeria, Oman, Russia, South Africa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sri Lanka and the United States.

United Nation secretary-general Antonio Guterres has reiterated his call for a global ceasefire amidst the COVID pandemic in his message on the birth anniversary of India's father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

United Nation secretary-general Antonio Guterres has reiterated his call for a global ceasefire amidst the COVID pandemic in his message on the birth anniversary of India's father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Highlighting the "remarkable power of non-violence and peaceful protest", Guterres said, "its timely reminder to strive to uphold the values Gandhi lived by the promotion of dignity, equal protection for all and communities living together in peace". Explaining,"This year we have a special duty, stop the fighting to focus on our common enemy COVID 19. Only one winner during a conflict during a pandemic--the virus itself...I have called for a global ceasefire, we need to make this a reality by the end of this year" Guterres was speaking at a mega first-ever virtual event on the occasion organised by Indian mission to the United Nations. Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on 2nd October is also the international day of non-violence. Also read: India celebrates birth anniversary of 'father of the nation' Mahatma Gandhi The special commemoration included a video that showed reactions from the UN diplomats in the Security Council on Gandhi's assassination. It also showed footage of world leaders, including former US president Barack Obama, citing Gandhi's principles and ideologies during their addresses to the UN General Assembly over the years. Indian envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti speaking at the event said," Mahatma Gandhi was born in India but belongs to all humanity. No doubt, non-violence, is and will always be directly relevant to address the burning issues of the day" Adding, "Gandhi Ji did not see political freedom, only freedom worth fighting for..but also liberating human beings from all forms of bondage and injustice...for him non-violence was a tool to fight injustice" 21 foreign envoys to the United Nations spoke at the event on the relevance of Gandhi to the world and to there country. These were envoys of Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Lebanon, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Nigeria, Oman, Russia, South Africa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sri Lanka and the United States.

On Gandhi's birth anniversary, UN chief reiterates call for global ceasefire

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that the global body would not give in to US demands to reimpose sanctions on Iran until he gets such nod from its security council.&nbsp;

Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a 30-day process that will reimpose sanctions on Iran, a move rejected by 13 of the UNSC members saying that the mechanism is void as Washington left the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-slap-sanctions-on-over-two-dozen-targets-tied-to-iran-arms-328984">US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms</a>

The secretary-general in a letter addressed to the council president said the "Security Council has taken no action subsequent to the receipt of the letter of the US Secretary of state, neither have any of its members or its president".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-us-faces-maximum-isolation-as-world-powers-dismiss-sanctions-328980">Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions</a>

He added the UNSC presidents for August and Septembers have indicated that they couldn't take any action in this matter.

Therefore, "it is not for the secretary-general to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he added.&nbsp;

Pompeo on Saturday warned of "consequences" to countries that "fail to fulfil their obligations to implement" the sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Major US allies the UK, France and Germany on Friday told the council that UN sanctions relief on Iran would continue and any move to reimpose these measures would be incapable of legal effect."

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that the global body would not give in to US demands to reimpose sanctions on Iran until he gets such nod from its security council.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that the global body would not give in to US demands to reimpose sanctions on Iran until he gets such nod from its security council. Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a 30-day process that will reimpose sanctions on Iran, a move rejected by 13 of the UNSC members saying that the mechanism is void as Washington left the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018. Also read | US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms The secretary-general in a letter addressed to the council president said the "Security Council has taken no action subsequent to the receipt of the letter of the US Secretary of state, neither have any of its members or its president". Also read | Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions He added the UNSC presidents for August and Septembers have indicated that they couldn't take any action in this matter. Therefore, "it is not for the secretary-general to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he added. Pompeo on Saturday warned of "consequences" to countries that "fail to fulfil their obligations to implement" the sanctions on Iran. Major US allies the UK, France and Germany on Friday told the council that UN sanctions relief on Iran would continue and any move to reimpose these measures would be incapable of legal effect."

UN to not reimpose sanctions on Iran until nod given by Security Council: Guterres

UN chief warns of 'generational catastrophe' as pandemic forces schools to be shut down in more than 160 countries.

Coronavirus pandemic disrupts education for 1 billion students: UN

According to a recent report, the COVID-19 pandemic could push up to 132 million people into hunger by the end of 2020. Watch to know more.

COVID-19 may push 132 million people into hunger: UN

Severe flooding in Bangladesh, which has killed at least 54 people and affected over 2.4 million people, could be the worst since 1988, the United Nations has said.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Tuesday&nbsp;that some 56,000 of those impacted already have been displaced and are taking refuge in government shelters.

"At least 54 people have reportedly been killed to date as a result," Dujarric told reporters at a regular briefing.

"The UN and our humanitarian partners are helping the government respond to the situation by providing food, water purification facilities, hygiene and dignity kits, as well as emergency shelter supplies," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/millions-at-risk-in-bangladesh-as-monsoon-floods-add-to-coronavirus-worries-309937">Millions at risk in Bangladesh as monsoon floods add to coronavirus worries</a>

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund recently provided UN agencies with 5.2 million US dollars to help families most at risk, the spokesman said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on its website, "The anticipatory funding has since July 11 allowed partners to reach communities early with key assistance, including the distribution of sealable drums to protect agricultural equipment, and hygiene, dignity and health kits, as well as cash assistance."

"Responding to the flood is complicated by the fact that these efforts are taking place as Bangladesh is also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering from Cyclone Amphan," Dujarric said.

Amphan, which hit Bangladesh in May, was the strongest storm in the Bay of Bengal, the American Red Cross said.The 1988 floods claimed the lives of about 500 people and left more than 25 million people homeless, as per the UN records.

Severe flooding in Bangladesh, which has killed at least 54 people and affected over 2.4 million people, could be the worst since 1988, the United Nations has said.

Severe flooding in Bangladesh, which has killed at least 54 people and affected over 2.4 million people, could be the worst since 1988, the United Nations has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Tuesday that some 56,000 of those impacted already have been displaced and are taking refuge in government shelters. "At least 54 people have reportedly been killed to date as a result," Dujarric told reporters at a regular briefing. "The UN and our humanitarian partners are helping the government respond to the situation by providing food, water purification facilities, hygiene and dignity kits, as well as emergency shelter supplies," he said. Also read: Millions at risk in Bangladesh as monsoon floods add to coronavirus worries The UN Central Emergency Response Fund recently provided UN agencies with 5.2 million US dollars to help families most at risk, the spokesman said. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on its website, "The anticipatory funding has since July 11 allowed partners to reach communities early with key assistance, including the distribution of sealable drums to protect agricultural equipment, and hygiene, dignity and health kits, as well as cash assistance." "Responding to the flood is complicated by the fact that these efforts are taking place as Bangladesh is also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering from Cyclone Amphan," Dujarric said. Amphan, which hit Bangladesh in May, was the strongest storm in the Bay of Bengal, the American Red Cross said.The 1988 floods claimed the lives of about 500 people and left more than 25 million people homeless, as per the UN records.

Bangladesh floods claim 54 lives, affect 2.4 million people, says UN

A pair of notorious Russian pranksters fooled Poland's president Andrzej Duda by posing as U.N. secretary-general General Antonio Guterres.

The duo called as Vovan and Lexus, is&nbsp;known for posing as foreign officials in prank calls with European politicians have hoodwinked Duda after they were able to reach his telephone.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prankster-puts-putins-portrait-in-trumps-place-in-colorado-155458">Prankster replaces Trump portrait with Putin's in Colorado capitol building</a>

Vovan, whose real name is Vladimir Kuznetsov, posted a recording of the 11-minute call on YouTube. Duda's office confirmed that it was authentic.

The imposters referred to him as ''Your Excellency''. Initially, they congratulated him on eking out a second presidential term but took the president to task for his hostile campaign comments about the LGBT community, drawing Duda's assurance that he has ''huge respect for every human being.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-reveals-agony-of-megxit-on-phone-call-from-fake-greta-thunberg-285603">Prince Harry reveals agony of Megxit on phone call from fake Greta Thunberg</a>

At various points in the conversation, conducted in English, Duda sounds surprised at the line of questioning. But soon rendered him speechless with questions about Ukraine, Russia, and his re-election on Sunday.

He also rejected a provocative suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was part of Poland before World War II.

In a tweet, Duda said he realized ''something was not right''&nbsp;during the conversation and was suspicious because the real Antonio Guterres does not pronounce the name of Polish vodka brand Zubrowka as well as the caller did.&nbsp; 
But he agreed that the ''voice was very similar''.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
W trakcie rozmowy zorientowałem się, że coś chyba jest nie tak. Sekretarz Generalny nie wymawia aż tak dobrze słowa „żubrówka”, choć głos był bardzo podobny. 😂
— Andrzej Duda (@AndrzejDuda) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrzejDuda/status/1283370856316624901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Polish state security is investigating how the prankster got through to the president and whether Russia's secret services were involved.

The Internal Security Agency said in a statement the call had been authorized by an official with Poland's mission to the United Nations and that his actions are under investigation.

Vovan and Lexus have previously embarrassed a host of world leaders and celebrities, including Prince Harry, Boris Johnson, Elton John and French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

Russia and Poland's relationship is tense these days, especially over Poland's support for Ukraine's drive for closer links with the European Union.

Duda also rejected a provocative suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was part of Poland before World War II.

“No! No! This is Ukraine,” Duda emphasized, adding that no political group in Poland harbored such an idea.

The president also said that Poland has a “discussion about history” with Russian President Vladimir Putin about World War II and the Soviet “occupation” of Poland after the war.

A pair of notorious Russian pranksters fooled Poland's president Andrzej Duda by posing as U.N. secretary-general General Antonio Guterres. The duo called as Vovan and Lexus, is known for posing as foreign officials in prank calls with European politicians have hoodwinked Duda after they were able to reach his telephone.

A pair of notorious Russian pranksters fooled Poland's president Andrzej Duda by posing as U.N. secretary-general General Antonio Guterres. The duo called as Vovan and Lexus, is known for posing as foreign officials in prank calls with European politicians have hoodwinked Duda after they were able to reach his telephone. Also read: Prankster replaces Trump portrait with Putin's in Colorado capitol building Vovan, whose real name is Vladimir Kuznetsov, posted a recording of the 11-minute call on YouTube. Duda's office confirmed that it was authentic. The imposters referred to him as ''Your Excellency''. Initially, they congratulated him on eking out a second presidential term but took the president to task for his hostile campaign comments about the LGBT community, drawing Duda's assurance that he has ''huge respect for every human being.'' Also read: Prince Harry reveals agony of Megxit on phone call from fake Greta Thunberg At various points in the conversation, conducted in English, Duda sounds surprised at the line of questioning. But soon rendered him speechless with questions about Ukraine, Russia, and his re-election on Sunday. He also rejected a provocative suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was part of Poland before World War II. In a tweet, Duda said he realized ''something was not right'' during the conversation and was suspicious because the real Antonio Guterres does not pronounce the name of Polish vodka brand Zubrowka as well as the caller did. But he agreed that the ''voice was very similar''. W trakcie rozmowy zorientowałem się, że coś chyba jest nie tak. Sekretarz Generalny nie wymawia aż tak dobrze słowa „żubrówka”, choć głos był bardzo podobny. 😂 — Andrzej Duda (@AndrzejDuda) July 15, 2020 × Polish state security is investigating how the prankster got through to the president and whether Russia's secret services were involved. The Internal Security Agency said in a statement the call had been authorized by an official with Poland's mission to the United Nations and that his actions are under investigation. Vovan and Lexus have previously embarrassed a host of world leaders and celebrities, including Prince Harry, Boris Johnson, Elton John and French President Emmanuel Macron. Russia and Poland's relationship is tense these days, especially over Poland's support for Ukraine's drive for closer links with the European Union. Duda also rejected a provocative suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was part of Poland before World War II. “No! No! This is Ukraine,” Duda emphasized, adding that no political group in Poland harbored such an idea. The president also said that Poland has a “discussion about history” with Russian President Vladimir Putin about World War II and the Soviet “occupation” of Poland after the war.

Notorious Russian pranksters trick Polish President by claiming to be UN secretary general

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a virtual keynote address at the valedictory session along with the PM of Norway Erna Solberg and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

PM Modi's keynote address at the UN ECOSOC segment

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has made the West Bank settlements one of his major agendas for his reelection campaign.

UN Chief Guterres Urges Israel To 'abandon' West Bank Annexation Plan

The UN human rights chief called Thursday for a "moratorium" on the use of facial recognition technology during peaceful protests, stressing that it could increase discrimination against people of African descent and other minorities.

Michelle Bachelet's appeal came as her office published a report about the impact of new technologies on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of assemblies, including peaceful protests.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a>

''There should be a moratorium on the use of facial recognition technology in the context of peaceful protests, until states meet certain conditions including human rights due diligence before deploying it," Bachelet said in a statement.&nbsp;

The report was requested by the United Nations Human Rights Council two years ago, but it comes as demonstrations have erupted in a number of countries.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-could-hit-drug-markets-as-in-2008-crisis-united-nations-308473">Pandemic could hit drug markets as in 2008 crisis: United Nations</a>

"New technologies can be used to mobilise and organise peaceful protests, form networks and coalitions, and help people to be better informed about demonstrations and the reasons they are happening, thus driving social change,"&nbsp;Bachelet said.

But, she stressed, "as we have seen, they can be -- and are being -- used to restrict and infringe on protesters' rights, to surveil and track them, and invade their privacy."

The UN report pointed out that technology-enabled surveillance had been a major factor in shrinking civic space in a range of countries, with some states using intrusive online surveillance and the hacking of social media accounts used by protest organisers and demonstrators themselves.

It voiced particular concern over facial recognition technology, "which allows for the automated identification, surveillance and tracking of protesters."

Facial recognition has numerous uses that could simplify people's lives, as seen with Apple using it to unlock smartphones.

But the technology has a dark side, with facial recognition integrated into China's massive public surveillance system and its social credit experiment, where even minor infractions of public norms can result in sanctions.

As protests about police violence and racism spread across the United States, pressure mounted on the tech firms behind the technology.

Microsoft and Amazon announced they would suspend sales of facial recognition software to police forces, while IBM said it would quit the business.

The UN human rights chief called Thursday for a "moratorium" on the use of facial recognition technology during peaceful protests, stressing that it could increase discrimination against people of African descent and other minorities.

The UN human rights chief called Thursday for a "moratorium" on the use of facial recognition technology during peaceful protests, stressing that it could increase discrimination against people of African descent and other minorities. Michelle Bachelet's appeal came as her office published a report about the impact of new technologies on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of assemblies, including peaceful protests. Also see: World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest ''There should be a moratorium on the use of facial recognition technology in the context of peaceful protests, until states meet certain conditions including human rights due diligence before deploying it," Bachelet said in a statement. The report was requested by the United Nations Human Rights Council two years ago, but it comes as demonstrations have erupted in a number of countries. Also read| Pandemic could hit drug markets as in 2008 crisis: United Nations "New technologies can be used to mobilise and organise peaceful protests, form networks and coalitions, and help people to be better informed about demonstrations and the reasons they are happening, thus driving social change," Bachelet said. But, she stressed, "as we have seen, they can be -- and are being -- used to restrict and infringe on protesters' rights, to surveil and track them, and invade their privacy." The UN report pointed out that technology-enabled surveillance had been a major factor in shrinking civic space in a range of countries, with some states using intrusive online surveillance and the hacking of social media accounts used by protest organisers and demonstrators themselves. It voiced particular concern over facial recognition technology, "which allows for the automated identification, surveillance and tracking of protesters." Facial recognition has numerous uses that could simplify people's lives, as seen with Apple using it to unlock smartphones. But the technology has a dark side, with facial recognition integrated into China's massive public surveillance system and its social credit experiment, where even minor infractions of public norms can result in sanctions. As protests about police violence and racism spread across the United States, pressure mounted on the tech firms behind the technology. Microsoft and Amazon announced they would suspend sales of facial recognition software to police forces, while IBM said it would quit the business.

UN urges 'moratorium' on facial recognition tech use in protests

The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has expressed hope that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;will hear global calls and will not go ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, which would undermine a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The UN has been consistently conveying the message “that annexation would be not only against international law but it would be a major factor to destabilise the region”, he said in an interview.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-troops-kill-palestinian-who-tried-car-ramming-in-west-bank-police-308080">Israeli troops kill Palestinian who tried car-ramming in West Bank: Police</a>

He spoke ahead of a high-level UN security council meeting on Wednesday on the Mideast where Israel’s plans to annex around 30 per cent&nbsp;of the West Bank in line with US president Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan is certain to be a major topic.

Guterres will speak before briefings from Arab League secretary-general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and UN special coordinator, Nickolay Mladenov. France, which holds the council presidency this month, said half a dozen foreign ministers are expected to take part, along with the Palestinian foreign minister and Israel’s UN ambassador.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-mulls-two-phase-west-bank-annexation-306513">Israel's Netanyahu mulls two-phase West Bank annexation</a>

Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 war and has built dozens of settlements that are now home to nearly 500,000 Israelis, but it never formally claimed it as an Israeli territory due to stiff international opposition.

The Palestinians, with wide international backing, seek the territory as the heartland of their future independent state.

The Trump administration has taken a much softer line toward Israeli settlements than its predecessors. With Trump’s reelection prospects uncertain this November, Israeli hardliners have urged their prime minister,&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu, to move ahead with annexation quickly. The Israeli leader’s new coalition deal includes an official clause allowing him to present his annexation plan to the government starting July 1.

Such a unilateral move would all but dash Palestinian hopes of establishing a viable independent state and is vehemently opposed by the Palestinians, Arab nations and most of the rest of the world.

Guterres said annexation “would undermine what I believe is necessary, which is a two-state solution in which Israelis and the Palestinians can live together in peace, respect each other, and guarantee each other’s security”.

“I hope that this voice of reason that is not only mine, it is echoing across the world, will be heard by the Israeli authorities and that annexation does not take place on July 1,” he said.

The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has expressed hope that Israel will hear global calls and will not go ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, which would undermine a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has expressed hope that Israel will hear global calls and will not go ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, which would undermine a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The UN has been consistently conveying the message “that annexation would be not only against international law but it would be a major factor to destabilise the region”, he said in an interview. Also read: Israeli troops kill Palestinian who tried car-ramming in West Bank: Police He spoke ahead of a high-level UN security council meeting on Wednesday on the Mideast where Israel’s plans to annex around 30 per cent of the West Bank in line with US president Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan is certain to be a major topic. Guterres will speak before briefings from Arab League secretary-general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and UN special coordinator, Nickolay Mladenov. France, which holds the council presidency this month, said half a dozen foreign ministers are expected to take part, along with the Palestinian foreign minister and Israel’s UN ambassador. Also read: Israel's Netanyahu mulls two-phase West Bank annexation Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 war and has built dozens of settlements that are now home to nearly 500,000 Israelis, but it never formally claimed it as an Israeli territory due to stiff international opposition. The Palestinians, with wide international backing, seek the territory as the heartland of their future independent state. The Trump administration has taken a much softer line toward Israeli settlements than its predecessors. With Trump’s reelection prospects uncertain this November, Israeli hardliners have urged their prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to move ahead with annexation quickly. The Israeli leader’s new coalition deal includes an official clause allowing him to present his annexation plan to the government starting July 1. Such a unilateral move would all but dash Palestinian hopes of establishing a viable independent state and is vehemently opposed by the Palestinians, Arab nations and most of the rest of the world. Guterres said annexation “would undermine what I believe is necessary, which is a two-state solution in which Israelis and the Palestinians can live together in peace, respect each other, and guarantee each other’s security”. “I hope that this voice of reason that is not only mine, it is echoing across the world, will be heard by the Israeli authorities and that annexation does not take place on July 1,” he said.

UN chief Antonio Guterres urges Israel to back away from West Bank annexation

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday&nbsp;said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world.

She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter.

"People are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things", says Ms Thunberg, "we cannot keep sweeping these injustices under the carpet".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-pushes-legal-complaint-against-five-countries-at-un-296921">Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN</a>

She says lockdown has given her time to relax and reflect away from the public gaze.

Preparing for her appearance before the UN&nbsp;General Assembly last fall, Greta Thunberg found herself constantly interrupted by world leaders, including U.N. chief Antonio Guterres and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had formed a queue to speak to her and take selfies.

“Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, waits in line but doesn’t quite make it before it’s time for the event to start,” Thunberg recalls.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-lawmakers-nominate-greta-thunberg-for-nobel-peace-prize-277600">Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize</a>

Such surreal memories for a teenager form the opening to a 75-minute monologue broadcast on Swedish public radio Saturday that soon shifts to the serious matter of climate change that’s at the heart of Thunberg’s work.

The 17-year-old has become a global figurehead of the youth climate movement since she started her one-woman protests outside the Swedish parliament in 2018.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world. She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world. She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter. "People are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things", says Ms Thunberg, "we cannot keep sweeping these injustices under the carpet". Also read: Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN She says lockdown has given her time to relax and reflect away from the public gaze. Preparing for her appearance before the UN General Assembly last fall, Greta Thunberg found herself constantly interrupted by world leaders, including U.N. chief Antonio Guterres and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had formed a queue to speak to her and take selfies. “Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, waits in line but doesn’t quite make it before it’s time for the event to start,” Thunberg recalls. Also read: Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize Such surreal memories for a teenager form the opening to a 75-minute monologue broadcast on Swedish public radio Saturday that soon shifts to the serious matter of climate change that’s at the heart of Thunberg’s work. The 17-year-old has become a global figurehead of the youth climate movement since she started her one-woman protests outside the Swedish parliament in 2018.

Climate change as 'urgent' as coronavirus pandemic, says Greta Thunberg

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged India and China to exercise maximum restraint. Associate Spokesperson of United Nations secretary-general said on Tuesday that the world body was concerned about reports of violence and deaths at Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China and urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged India and China to exercise maximum restraint. Associate Spokesperson of United Nations secretary-general said on Tuesday that the world body was concerned about reports of violence and deaths at Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China and urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint. ''We take positive note of reports that two countries have engaged to deescalate the situation,'' he added. During the violent faceoff, both the sides suffered casualties after the Chinese side departed from the consensus to respect the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galway Valley. While at least 20 Indians soldiers were killed, 43 casualties have also been reported from the Chinese side, according to ANI. The face-off took place in Ladakh`s Galwan Valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on Tuesday. Indian and Chinese troops later disengaged. China`s Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri met in Beijing amid de-escalation efforts, sources said earlier in the day.

UN Secretary-General Guterres urges India and China to 'exercise maximum restraint'

To fight&nbsp;the pandemic, almost every country in the world is trying their best to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.

To help in this matter, the United Kingdom on Thursday organised a Global Vaccine Summit 2020. The virtual summit&nbsp;virtual saw attendance of representatives of more than 50 countries, including various&nbsp;business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State and country leaders.&nbsp;

The summit helped secure USD 7.4 billion in funding to support global vaccine supply and immunisation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pledges-15-million-to-global-alliance-for-vaccine-and-immunisation-303467">Also watch:&nbsp;India pledges $15 Million to 'Global Alliance For Vaccine And Immunisation'</a>

The summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of India.

All the attendees pledge their support to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in its commitment to help save up to 8 million lives over the next five years, as per an official release.

The initiative by Gavi will help further the research to&nbsp;help stop the spread of infectious diseases and the resurgence of other epidemics. If a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine is developed, it will also have a role in its delivery around the world. Global access will ensure collective international recovery, the release added.&nbsp;

Addressing the attendees, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "I hope this summit will be the moment when the world comes together to unite humanity in the fight against the disease. I urge you to join us to fortify this lifesaving alliance and inaugurate a new era of global health co-operation, which I believe is now the most essential shared endeavour of our lifetimes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-urges-global-effort-at-covid-19-vaccine-summit-303173/amp">Also watch:&nbsp;UK PM urges global effort at COVID-19 vaccine summit</a>

Thanking PM Modi, Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said,&nbsp;"I was pleased to see such a strong endorsement from Prime Minister Modi at today's summit and to hear his message about the importance of global solidarity. As he said, India's capacity to produce vaccines at low cost and research expertise will play a very important role. The UK is Gavi's leading donor and already playing a major role in the international response to Coronavirus. I'm delighted to see the continuing and excellent UK-India collaboration as a force for good against Covid-19 - from vaccine development to keeping essential medical supply routes open."

Through a video message, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called coronavirus "the greatest public health crisis of our generation", and urged all countries and world leaders to come forwards in solidarity to fight against this pandemic that has already claimed more than 383,000 deaths worldwide.

To fight the pandemic, almost every country in the world is trying their best to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. To help in this matter, the United Kingdom on Thursday organised a Global Vaccine Summit 2020.

To fight the pandemic, almost every country in the world is trying their best to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. To help in this matter, the United Kingdom on Thursday organised a Global Vaccine Summit 2020. The virtual summit virtual saw attendance of representatives of more than 50 countries, including various business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State and country leaders. The summit helped secure USD 7.4 billion in funding to support global vaccine supply and immunisation. Also watch: India pledges $15 Million to 'Global Alliance For Vaccine And Immunisation' The summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of India. All the attendees pledge their support to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in its commitment to help save up to 8 million lives over the next five years, as per an official release. The initiative by Gavi will help further the research to help stop the spread of infectious diseases and the resurgence of other epidemics. If a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine is developed, it will also have a role in its delivery around the world. Global access will ensure collective international recovery, the release added. Addressing the attendees, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "I hope this summit will be the moment when the world comes together to unite humanity in the fight against the disease. I urge you to join us to fortify this lifesaving alliance and inaugurate a new era of global health co-operation, which I believe is now the most essential shared endeavour of our lifetimes." Also watch: UK PM urges global effort at COVID-19 vaccine summit Thanking PM Modi, Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said, "I was pleased to see such a strong endorsement from Prime Minister Modi at today's summit and to hear his message about the importance of global solidarity. As he said, India's capacity to produce vaccines at low cost and research expertise will play a very important role. The UK is Gavi's leading donor and already playing a major role in the international response to Coronavirus. I'm delighted to see the continuing and excellent UK-India collaboration as a force for good against Covid-19 - from vaccine development to keeping essential medical supply routes open." Through a video message, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called coronavirus "the greatest public health crisis of our generation", and urged all countries and world leaders to come forwards in solidarity to fight against this pandemic that has already claimed more than 383,000 deaths worldwide.

COVID 19: Global vaccine mission secures $7.4 billion; India joins UK's mission

The coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;has starkly exposed inequalities worldwide and could set back human development for the first time since 1990, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

It said the crisis had, though, revealed the strength of collective action in the face of a common threat and urged the world to show the same force on climate change.

''The Covid-19 pandemic is unleashing a human development crisis,''&nbsp;the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said in a report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-vaccine-produces-antibodies-in-mice-guinea-pigs-300037">US: COVID-19 vaccine produces antibodies in mice, guinea pigs</a>

Other shocks such as the financial crisis of 2007-2009 or the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2016 have dealt a blow but did not prevent year-on-year development gains overall, said UNDP head Achim Steiner.

''Covid-19, with its triple hit to health, education, and income, may change this trend,''&nbsp;he added.

Besides deaths from Covid-19, which have now topped 320,000, the crisis could indirectly mean an extra 6,000 children die each day from preventable causes in the next six months, UNDP said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-finds-evidence-of-parallel-universe-where-time-runs-backward-299949" hreflang="en">NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward</a>

Six out of 10 children globally are not getting an education due to school closures, and with deep recessions hitting most economies, the decline in UNDP's human development index would be equivalent to erasing all the progress of the past six years.

The decline is affecting rich and poor nations, but is expected to be far steeper in developing countries that are less able to cope with the pandemic’s social and economic fallout.

''If we fail to bring equity into the policy toolkit, many will fall further behind,''&nbsp;said Pedro Conceição, director of the UNDP office that produces its annual Human Development Report.

''This is particularly important for the 'new necessities'&nbsp;of the 21st century, such as access to the internet, which is helping us to benefit from tele-education, telemedicine, and to work from home,''&nbsp;he added in a statement.

UNDP estimated that 86 per cent of children in primary education are effectively out of school in countries with low development, because they lack the tools for web-based learning, compared with just 20 per cent in the wealthiest nations.

Expanding access to the internet in low- and middle-income countries would cost US$100 billion, about 15 per cent of the income they will lose this year and 1 per cent of the fiscal stimulus the world has committed in response to Covid-19, the report said.

The coronavirus pandemic has starkly exposed inequalities worldwide and could set back human development for the first time since 1990, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

The coronavirus pandemic has starkly exposed inequalities worldwide and could set back human development for the first time since 1990, the United Nations said on Wednesday. It said the crisis had, though, revealed the strength of collective action in the face of a common threat and urged the world to show the same force on climate change. ''The Covid-19 pandemic is unleashing a human development crisis,'' the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said in a report. Also read: US: COVID-19 vaccine produces antibodies in mice, guinea pigs Other shocks such as the financial crisis of 2007-2009 or the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2016 have dealt a blow but did not prevent year-on-year development gains overall, said UNDP head Achim Steiner. ''Covid-19, with its triple hit to health, education, and income, may change this trend,'' he added. Besides deaths from Covid-19, which have now topped 320,000, the crisis could indirectly mean an extra 6,000 children die each day from preventable causes in the next six months, UNDP said. Also read: NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward Six out of 10 children globally are not getting an education due to school closures, and with deep recessions hitting most economies, the decline in UNDP's human development index would be equivalent to erasing all the progress of the past six years. The decline is affecting rich and poor nations, but is expected to be far steeper in developing countries that are less able to cope with the pandemic’s social and economic fallout. ''If we fail to bring equity into the policy toolkit, many will fall further behind,'' said Pedro Conceição, director of the UNDP office that produces its annual Human Development Report. ''This is particularly important for the 'new necessities' of the 21st century, such as access to the internet, which is helping us to benefit from tele-education, telemedicine, and to work from home,'' he added in a statement. UNDP estimated that 86 per cent of children in primary education are effectively out of school in countries with low development, because they lack the tools for web-based learning, compared with just 20 per cent in the wealthiest nations. Expanding access to the internet in low- and middle-income countries would cost US$100 billion, about 15 per cent of the income they will lose this year and 1 per cent of the fiscal stimulus the world has committed in response to Covid-19, the report said.

Coronavirus pandemic may reverse human development for first time in three decades: UN

An attempt by Estonia and Germany to overcome an impasse between the United States and China at the United Nations Security Council instead appeared on Thursday to have reinforced their stalemate over action on the coronavirus pandemic.

For more than seven weeks the 15-member council has been trying to agree on a text that ultimately aims to back a March 23 call by UN&nbsp;chief Antonio Guterres for a ceasefire in global conflicts so the world can focus on the pandemic.

But talks on a resolution drafted by France and Tunisia have been stymied by a stand-off between China and the United States over whether to urge support for the World Health Organization. The United States does not want a reference to the global health body, while China has insisted it be included.

So on Tuesday, Estonia and Germany circulated a new streamlined draft text to the Security Council that simply focuses on backing Guterres and calling for a 90-day humanitarian truce in conflicts around the world. It does not reference WHO.

“All we want to see is a resolution that states the ceasefire,” US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft said during a Thursday online conversation with the Institute of Politics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“It doesn’t matter what country puts forth that resolution. What matters is that it’s streamlined, it speaks about the global ceasefire and making sure that humanitarian aid is reaching those people that are most in need,” she said, signaling support for Estonia and Germany’s draft.

However, a Chinese diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the French and Tunisian draft resolution, which made a veiled reference to the WHO, “still enjoys the overwhelming support from the members and represents the best way forward.”

“There is no possibility for adoption of the German and Estonian draft,” the diplomat said.

Washington has halted funding for the WHO, a UN&nbsp;agency, after President Donald Trump accused it of being “China-centric” and promoting China’s “disinformation” about the outbreak, assertions the WHO denies.

It appeared last week that the Security Council had reached a compromise on the French and Tunisian-drafted resolution. Instead of naming the WHO, the draft referenced “specialized health agencies.” The WHO is the only such agency.

But Washington rejected that language, diplomats said. The Chinese diplomat said Beijing had agreed to the compromise.

While the Security Council - charged with maintaining international peace and security - cannot do much to deal with the coronavirus itself, diplomats and analysts say it can project global unity by backing Guterres’ ceasefire call.

An attempt by Estonia and Germany to overcome an impasse between the United States and China at the United Nations Security Council instead appeared on Thursday to have reinforced their stalemate over action on the coronavirus pandemic.

An attempt by Estonia and Germany to overcome an impasse between the United States and China at the United Nations Security Council instead appeared on Thursday to have reinforced their stalemate over action on the coronavirus pandemic. For more than seven weeks the 15-member council has been trying to agree on a text that ultimately aims to back a March 23 call by UN chief Antonio Guterres for a ceasefire in global conflicts so the world can focus on the pandemic. But talks on a resolution drafted by France and Tunisia have been stymied by a stand-off between China and the United States over whether to urge support for the World Health Organization. The United States does not want a reference to the global health body, while China has insisted it be included. So on Tuesday, Estonia and Germany circulated a new streamlined draft text to the Security Council that simply focuses on backing Guterres and calling for a 90-day humanitarian truce in conflicts around the world. It does not reference WHO. “All we want to see is a resolution that states the ceasefire,” US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft said during a Thursday online conversation with the Institute of Politics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “It doesn’t matter what country puts forth that resolution. What matters is that it’s streamlined, it speaks about the global ceasefire and making sure that humanitarian aid is reaching those people that are most in need,” she said, signaling support for Estonia and Germany’s draft. However, a Chinese diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the French and Tunisian draft resolution, which made a veiled reference to the WHO, “still enjoys the overwhelming support from the members and represents the best way forward.” “There is no possibility for adoption of the German and Estonian draft,” the diplomat said. Washington has halted funding for the WHO, a UN agency, after President Donald Trump accused it of being “China-centric” and promoting China’s “disinformation” about the outbreak, assertions the WHO denies. It appeared last week that the Security Council had reached a compromise on the French and Tunisian-drafted resolution. Instead of naming the WHO, the draft referenced “specialized health agencies.” The WHO is the only such agency. But Washington rejected that language, diplomats said. The Chinese diplomat said Beijing had agreed to the compromise. While the Security Council - charged with maintaining international peace and security - cannot do much to deal with the coronavirus itself, diplomats and analysts say it can project global unity by backing Guterres’ ceasefire call.

US-China deadlock over United Nations coronavirus action deepens

World leaders are "unlikely" to participate in the annual UN general assembly that will be held in New York in September due to coronavirus pandemic, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.&nbsp;

With an interview with a French magazine,&nbsp;UN chief said that he has been looking at "various alternatives" possible due to digital technology and he will present it to the member states.&nbsp;

According to many UN envoys, the meeting is most likely to be held by a videoconference. This year will also mark the 75th anniversary for the United Nations.&nbsp;

One of the anonymous ambassadors told the AFP that this year "the procedures are certainly going to be atypical, hybrid, different" and "much lighter in terms of a physical presence."

The ambassador also said that he does not understand how the United Nations will manage such an "enormous" mass gathering in New York.&nbsp;

New York has been the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States since mid-March. UN employees and diplomats have worked from home.&nbsp;

Despite the UN headquarters is open to all but very few people are working there and the Security Council and the General Assembly meet via videoconferencing. These working conditions are predicted to stay at least till June end.&nbsp;

The annual General Assembly is scheduled to begin on September 15 and the world leaders will begin their respective speeches on September 22.&nbsp;

It is the largest annual diplomatic gathering in the world and it features events on the sidelines of New York, as well as thousands of bilateral and multilateral meetings.

The meeting has never been cancelled since 1945, but it has been delayed. It has been delayed twice, once during the 1964 financial crisis within the organization and because several members were facing the loss of their voting rights. The second time when it got delayed was during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York.&nbsp;

World leaders are "unlikely" to participate in the annual UN general assembly that will be held in New York in September due to coronavirus pandemic, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

World leaders are "unlikely" to participate in the annual UN general assembly that will be held in New York in September due to coronavirus pandemic, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. With an interview with a French magazine, UN chief said that he has been looking at "various alternatives" possible due to digital technology and he will present it to the member states. According to many UN envoys, the meeting is most likely to be held by a videoconference. This year will also mark the 75th anniversary for the United Nations. One of the anonymous ambassadors told the AFP that this year "the procedures are certainly going to be atypical, hybrid, different" and "much lighter in terms of a physical presence." The ambassador also said that he does not understand how the United Nations will manage such an "enormous" mass gathering in New York. New York has been the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States since mid-March. UN employees and diplomats have worked from home. Despite the UN headquarters is open to all but very few people are working there and the Security Council and the General Assembly meet via videoconferencing. These working conditions are predicted to stay at least till June end. The annual General Assembly is scheduled to begin on September 15 and the world leaders will begin their respective speeches on September 22. It is the largest annual diplomatic gathering in the world and it features events on the sidelines of New York, as well as thousands of bilateral and multilateral meetings. The meeting has never been cancelled since 1945, but it has been delayed. It has been delayed twice, once during the 1964 financial crisis within the organization and because several members were facing the loss of their voting rights. The second time when it got delayed was during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York.

World leaders 'unlikely' to meet at UN General Assembly in September: Antonio Guterres

The coronavirus pandemic requires an unprecedented global response, and reducing the funding of the World Health Organization (WHO), is untimely, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a Russian news agency.

The coronavirus pandemic requires an unprecedented global response, and reducing the funding of the World Health Organization (WHO), is untimely, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a Russian news agency. Guterres' remark comes at the backdrop US President Donald Trump`s decision to cut the funding to the health organisation over negligence, claiming that the UN health agency had impeded the global response to the pandemic. "Once we have finally turned the page on COVID-19, there will be time to look back fully and understand how such a disease emerged and spread its devastation so quickly across the globe, and how all those involved reacted to the crisis. The lessons learned will be essential to address similar challenges effectively, as they may arise in the future," Guterres said. UN chief further said that "now is not that time. Nor is it the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the WHO or any other humanitarian organization in the fight against the virus." He described the coronavirus pandemic as "unprecedented in our lifetime" and therefore requiring an "unprecedented response." "The World Health Organization is leading our response to the pandemic by supporting countries to prepare and to address the virus, with special attention to the most vulnerable countries," the UN chief said. (With inputs from ANI)

Reducing funding of WHO is untimely, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

The rise in domestic violence amid lockdown due to COVID-19 has been reported in different countries. United Nations' Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all the nations across the globe to end gender violence rises amid the lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak.

Surge in domestic violence cases during coronavirus crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch a global initiative on Friday to accelerate work to fight COVID-19, the World Health Organization said, but the United States said it will not take part.

The WHO said late on Thursday it would to announce a "landmark collaboration" on Friday to speed development of safe, effective drugs, tests and vaccines to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/27-million-in-new-york-may-have-coronavirus-survey-suggests-294543">2.7 million in New York may have coronavirus, survey suggests</a>

WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told a UN&nbsp;briefing on Friday that Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would take part in the 1300 GMT announcement, led by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were also to take part, diplomatic sources told Reuters.

"Today is a kind of political commitment from all these partners to make sure that when we have all these new tools no one is left behind, that those who can afford vaccines or therapeutics can buy them and (put) them at the disposal of the population," Chaib said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-meat-gains-popularity-as-china-recovers-from-coronavirus-pandemic-294559">'Fake' meat gains popularity as China recovers from coronavirus pandemic</a>

"It is very important to make sure that you have equitable access to quality, efficient, new tools for COVID-19," she said.

A spokesman for the US mission in Geneva told Reuters the United States would not take part.

"There will be no US official participation", he said in an email reply to a query. "We look forward to learning more about this initiative in support of international cooperation to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 as soon as possible."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicotine-to-help-fight-coronavirus-french-authorities-limit-sale-of-product-294565">Nicotine to help fight coronavirus? French authorities limit sale of product</a>

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has lambasted the WHO as being slow to react to the outbreak and being "China-centric" and announced a suspension of funding.

Asked to confirm whether the United States was going to be participating at the meeting, a WHO source said: "No, but almost everyone else is."

Vaccine trials

More than 2.7 million people have been infected with the disease, which has claimed nearly 190,000 lives since emerging in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, according to a Reuters tally.

More than 100 potential COVID-19 vaccines are being developed, including six already in clinical trials, said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of the GAVI vaccine alliance, a public-private partnership that leads immunisation campaigns in poor countries.

"We need to ensure that there are enough vaccines for everyone, we are going to need global leadership to identify and prioritise vaccine candidates," he told a separate Geneva news briefing before taking part in the formal WHO announcement.

Global manufacturing capacity must be ramped up ahead of choosing "a winner" vaccine, Berkley said, noting that GAVI and the World Bank were looking at the issue.

"We can't have a repeat of what happened in 2009, the H1N1 vaccine, when there was not enough supply for developing countries or when supply did come it came much later," he said.

Another important questions was how well a vaccine would work in people most at risk from COVID-19, Berkley said.

"How well do they work in the elderly, are they single or multiple dose etc?" he said, noting that older people had weaker immune systems.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch a global initiative on Friday to accelerate work to fight COVID-19, the World Health Organization said, but the United States said it will not take part.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch a global initiative on Friday to accelerate work to fight COVID-19, the World Health Organization said, but the United States said it will not take part. The WHO said late on Thursday it would to announce a "landmark collaboration" on Friday to speed development of safe, effective drugs, tests and vaccines to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19. Also read: 2.7 million in New York may have coronavirus, survey suggests WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told a UN briefing on Friday that Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would take part in the 1300 GMT announcement, led by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. British foreign minister Dominic Raab and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were also to take part, diplomatic sources told Reuters. "Today is a kind of political commitment from all these partners to make sure that when we have all these new tools no one is left behind, that those who can afford vaccines or therapeutics can buy them and (put) them at the disposal of the population," Chaib said. Also read: 'Fake' meat gains popularity as China recovers from coronavirus pandemic "It is very important to make sure that you have equitable access to quality, efficient, new tools for COVID-19," she said. A spokesman for the US mission in Geneva told Reuters the United States would not take part. "There will be no US official participation", he said in an email reply to a query. "We look forward to learning more about this initiative in support of international cooperation to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 as soon as possible." Also read: Nicotine to help fight coronavirus? French authorities limit sale of product US President Donald Trump has lambasted the WHO as being slow to react to the outbreak and being "China-centric" and announced a suspension of funding. Asked to confirm whether the United States was going to be participating at the meeting, a WHO source said: "No, but almost everyone else is." Vaccine trials More than 2.7 million people have been infected with the disease, which has claimed nearly 190,000 lives since emerging in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, according to a Reuters tally. More than 100 potential COVID-19 vaccines are being developed, including six already in clinical trials, said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of the GAVI vaccine alliance, a public-private partnership that leads immunisation campaigns in poor countries. "We need to ensure that there are enough vaccines for everyone, we are going to need global leadership to identify and prioritise vaccine candidates," he told a separate Geneva news briefing before taking part in the formal WHO announcement. Global manufacturing capacity must be ramped up ahead of choosing "a winner" vaccine, Berkley said, noting that GAVI and the World Bank were looking at the issue. "We can't have a repeat of what happened in 2009, the H1N1 vaccine, when there was not enough supply for developing countries or when supply did come it came much later," he said. Another important questions was how well a vaccine would work in people most at risk from COVID-19, Berkley said. "How well do they work in the elderly, are they single or multiple dose etc?" he said, noting that older people had weaker immune systems.

World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part

United Nations' Secretary General Antonio Guterres urges all the nations across the globe to end gender violence rises amid the lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak.

U.N Secretary General urge nations to end domestic violence rises amid lockdown

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres requested countries across the world to lay down their weapons in support of the bigger battle against COVID-19. He called for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world. He said, "It is time to put the armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives.”

UN Chief calls for Global ceasefire amid coronavirus outbreak: Focus on true fight of lives

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called women's inequality "stupid" and a cause for global shame. He pledged to press governments to end discriminatory laws in the face of a "strong and relentless pushback" against women's rights.

UN Chief Slams Gender Inequality

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres on Friday made an impassioned call for ending the ongoing conflict in Syria.

''This man-made humanitarian nightmare for the long-suffering Syrian people must stop. It must stop now," he said but did not offer any specific plan for curbing the bloodshed in the final rebel holdout.

"The message is clear: There is no military solution for the Syrian crisis. The only possible solution remains political."

Guterres recalled that he had repeatedly called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Idlib, and urged all parties to avoid any escalation in the fighting.

"It is crucial to break the vicious circle of violence and suffering," he said.

The latest offensive in the regions of Aleppo and Idlib has uprooted nearly 1 million people - most of them are women and children.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres on Friday made an impassioned call for ending the ongoing conflict in Syria. ''This man-made humanitarian nightmare for the long-suffering Syrian people must stop.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres on Friday made an impassioned call for ending the ongoing conflict in Syria. ''This man-made humanitarian nightmare for the long-suffering Syrian people must stop. It must stop now," he said but did not offer any specific plan for curbing the bloodshed in the final rebel holdout. "The message is clear: There is no military solution for the Syrian crisis. The only possible solution remains political." Guterres recalled that he had repeatedly called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Idlib, and urged all parties to avoid any escalation in the fighting. "It is crucial to break the vicious circle of violence and suffering," he said. The latest offensive in the regions of Aleppo and Idlib has uprooted nearly 1 million people - most of them are women and children. (With inputs from AFP)

UN secretary-general calls for an end to 'humanitarian nightmare' in Syria 

In Pakistan, UN Chief Antonio Guterres praised Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees. Did the Secretary General ignore Islamabad's role in backing terrorists in Afghanistan? Wion's palki gets you a report.

Gravitas: UN Chief lauds Pakistan's 'generosity'

In Pakistan, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres made an offer to mediate a peace agreement between India and Pakistan. From another corner of the world, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a message for Guterres.

Gravitas: India rebuffs UN Chief on Kashmir