After a human right activist launched a campaign to create awareness about the plight of Balochis in Pakistan, the British government has said that they were aware of mass graves in Balochistan.

UK concerned over mass graves in Balochistan

"Indian government is committed to welfare for all. Pakistan is the epicentre of global terror": India's statement at UNHRC in Geneva

Kashmir will remain an integral part of India: India's statement at UNHRC in Geneva

During a tram ride in the Swiss city of Geneva last month, 41-year-old Jehanne was repeatedly insulted for supporting LGBT rights after she threatened to call the police. So, Swiss LGBT to get legal protection?

Switzerland: LGBT groups face public discrimination even after legal laws

The United Nations said recently that its offices in Geneva and Vienna were targeted by a "well-resourced" cyber attack in the middle of last year that exposed a list of user accounts.

The hack targeted an active user directory, which contained the&nbsp;IDs of the UN staff and devices.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-instructs-officials-not-to-use-whatsapp-not-supported-as-a-secure-mechanism-says-spokesman-276367">Also Read: UN instructs officials not to use WhatsApp</a>

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, however, added that "the damage related to the specific attack has been contained and additional measures implemented."

Hackers reportedly targeted the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) which collects data on rights abuses across the world.

"The UN responds to multiple attacks at various levels of sophistication on a daily basis, this particular attack is not a landmark event," the spokesman added.

The world body said the hackers "did not compromise sensitive information" while adding that it faces "frequent attempts to access our computer systems".

Post the unprecedented cyber hack, additional mitigation measures have been implemented by the UN amid continuing threats of future attacks.&nbsp;

In June last year, the UN world body had directed its officials not to use WhatsApp to communicate because of it not qualifying as a secured mechanism.&nbsp;

Headquartered in New York, the United Nations has its offices in Geneva, home to to the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner for human rights, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization.

The United Nations said recently that its offices in Geneva and Vienna were targeted by a "well-resourced" cyber attack in the middle of last year that exposed a list of user accounts.

The United Nations said recently that its offices in Geneva and Vienna were targeted by a "well-resourced" cyber attack in the middle of last year that exposed a list of user accounts. The hack targeted an active user directory, which contained the IDs of the UN staff and devices. Also Read: UN instructs officials not to use WhatsApp UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, however, added that "the damage related to the specific attack has been contained and additional measures implemented." Hackers reportedly targeted the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) which collects data on rights abuses across the world. "The UN responds to multiple attacks at various levels of sophistication on a daily basis, this particular attack is not a landmark event," the spokesman added. The world body said the hackers "did not compromise sensitive information" while adding that it faces "frequent attempts to access our computer systems". Post the unprecedented cyber hack, additional mitigation measures have been implemented by the UN amid continuing threats of future attacks. In June last year, the UN world body had directed its officials not to use WhatsApp to communicate because of it not qualifying as a secured mechanism. Headquartered in New York, the United Nations has its offices in Geneva, home to to the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner for human rights, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization.

United Nations confirms Geneva, Vienna offices hacked

India spoke at Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. Watch what India said at the Forum.

India speaks at Global Refugee Forum in Geneva

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday summoned an emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) core committee to discuss the conviction of former military <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-an-army-general-dictator-and-convict-268670">dictator Pervez Musharraf</a> in a high treason case.

The Prime Minister was in Geneva on Tuesday to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-once-again-issues-nuclear-threat-to-india-this-time-over-citizenship-amendment-act-268834">"Global Refugee Forum"</a> when the special court formed to try the ex-president announced its verdict awarding him the death penalty for imposing a state of emergency in 2007 and suspending the Constitution.

Khan had to cut short his visit to the European country in the wake of the verdict, according to The News International.

The verdict, announced by a three-member bench of the special tribunal, was received with a 'lot of pain and anguish' by the Pakistan Army.

The government, too, expressed its reservations to the verdict, saying that the requirements for a fair trial under Article 10-A were not fulfilled in the case.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital

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Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan has already made it clear that the government will not oppose an appeal against the special court's verdict.

In the meeting today, the ruling party is further expected to discuss matters related to legislation regarding the extension of services of the army chief and the appointment of a chief election commissioner and other members of the electoral body.

The PTI's legal team will brief the members about the extension issue after the detailed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/musharrafs-sentence-received-with-pain-anguish-he-can-never-be-a-traitor-pak-army-268772">verdict of the Supreme Court</a> in this regard.

Meanwhile, UK-based Barrister Toby Cadman, a former representative of Musharraf at the United Nations, on Tuesday pointed out what he deemed 'flaws' in the capital punishment handed to the former president in a high treason case and called for a full review of the case.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday summoned an emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) core committee to discuss the conviction of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf in a high treason case.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday summoned an emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) core committee to discuss the conviction of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf in a high treason case. The Prime Minister was in Geneva on Tuesday to attend the "Global Refugee Forum" when the special court formed to try the ex-president announced its verdict awarding him the death penalty for imposing a state of emergency in 2007 and suspending the Constitution. Khan had to cut short his visit to the European country in the wake of the verdict, according to The News International. The verdict, announced by a three-member bench of the special tribunal, was received with a 'lot of pain and anguish' by the Pakistan Army. The government, too, expressed its reservations to the verdict, saying that the requirements for a fair trial under Article 10-A were not fulfilled in the case. Also Watch: Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital × Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan has already made it clear that the government will not oppose an appeal against the special court's verdict. In the meeting today, the ruling party is further expected to discuss matters related to legislation regarding the extension of services of the army chief and the appointment of a chief election commissioner and other members of the electoral body. The PTI's legal team will brief the members about the extension issue after the detailed verdict of the Supreme Court in this regard. Meanwhile, UK-based Barrister Toby Cadman, a former representative of Musharraf at the United Nations, on Tuesday pointed out what he deemed 'flaws' in the capital punishment handed to the former president in a high treason case and called for a full review of the case.

Imran Khan cuts short Geneva visit, calls emergency meeting to discuss Musharraf verdict

The Global Refugee Forum is being held in Geneva and the international community is coming together to announce bold, new measures to ease pressures on host countries, enhance refugee self-reliance, and find lasting solutions for those uprooted from their homes by wars and persecution. For three days the international community is exclusively focusing on the refugee crisis. # GlobalRefugeeForum #Geneva

Global Refugee Forum held in Geneva, major bold measures to take place

The first ever Global Refugee Forum will open on Tuesday (December 17) in Geneva in a bid to find new approaches to deal with refugees-related issues, as displacement numbers hit a new record in 2019.

UNHCR launch first Global Refugee Forum as displacements reach highest ever level

Egypt has been trying to deflect criticism of its human rights record and prison conditions ahead of a U.N. review in Geneva on Wednesday that comes in the wake of thousands of new arrests.

The crackdown, which rights activists say was the most intensive campaign of arrests for years, came after rare protests against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo and other cities in late September.

More than 4,400 were detained, among them prominent activists, lawyers, academics and political figures, according to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms.

Around 3,000 are still being held under charges including using social media to spread false news, joining a banned terrorist group, and protesting without a permit, ECRF said.

In late September, Egypt's public prosecution acknowledged the arrest of not more than 1,000 people accused of involvement in the protests.

Some of the detained are in Cairo's Tora prison, where relatives and lawyers say inmates are often held in poor conditions and denied adequate healthcare.

Tora is the prison complex in which former president Mohamed Mursi, whose overthrow in 2013 was led by Sisi, suffered a fatal heart attack in June during a courtroom hearing.

U.N. experts said on Friday the prison regime may have led directly to Mursi's death after he was held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day and was denied life-saving care for diabetes and high blood pressure.

Thousands more are at severe risk, the experts said, adding that two senior former aides of the banned Brotherhood were "effectively being killed by the conditions under which they are held and the denial of medical treatment".

Egyptian officials have denied mistreating prisoners or neglecting their health.

On Sunday, Egypt's State Information Service released a video of an inspection of Tora by officials from the state security prosecution service. It included interviews with two prisoners who said they were largely satisfied with conditions.

A series of photos at the start of the film showed the officials visiting a well-stocked pharmacy and grocery shop and tasting food in the prison refectory.

On Monday, selected local and foreign journalists were invited to visit Tora, where they were shown a football match for prisoners, farm animals, and a metal workshop, but were not allowed to talk to inmates, according to one reporter present. Reuters was not invited on the visit.

State TV has also aired a short programme on the detention system with a commentary saying that prisons are being modernised in line with international standards.

Criticism from Western powers keen to develop security and economic ties with Sisi's Egypt has been muted, and the session in Geneva provides a rare forum in which they can pose questions publicly.

The U.N. Human Rights Council will be reviewing Egypt's record for the first time in five years, as part of the forum's regular appraisal of all U.N. member states.

Advance questions cover prison conditions, torture and the recent arrests of activists, among other issues. One rights lawyer, Mohamed al-Baqer, was interrogated over his engagement with the U.N. review following his detention, according to a question submitted by Liechtenstein.

International rights group Amnesty International called on states "to vehemently condemn the vicious crackdown by authorities against NGO workers and civil society".

It said that since accepting 237 out of 300 recommendations at its last review in 2014, Egyptian authorities had "adopted even more repressive measures that further restricted basic rights and freedoms".

Egypt has been trying to deflect criticism of its human rights record and prison conditions ahead of a U.N. review in Geneva on Wednesday that comes in the wake of thousands of new arrests.

Egypt has been trying to deflect criticism of its human rights record and prison conditions ahead of a U.N. review in Geneva on Wednesday that comes in the wake of thousands of new arrests. The crackdown, which rights activists say was the most intensive campaign of arrests for years, came after rare protests against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo and other cities in late September. More than 4,400 were detained, among them prominent activists, lawyers, academics and political figures, according to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms. Around 3,000 are still being held under charges including using social media to spread false news, joining a banned terrorist group, and protesting without a permit, ECRF said. In late September, Egypt's public prosecution acknowledged the arrest of not more than 1,000 people accused of involvement in the protests. Some of the detained are in Cairo's Tora prison, where relatives and lawyers say inmates are often held in poor conditions and denied adequate healthcare. Tora is the prison complex in which former president Mohamed Mursi, whose overthrow in 2013 was led by Sisi, suffered a fatal heart attack in June during a courtroom hearing. U.N. experts said on Friday the prison regime may have led directly to Mursi's death after he was held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day and was denied life-saving care for diabetes and high blood pressure. Thousands more are at severe risk, the experts said, adding that two senior former aides of the banned Brotherhood were "effectively being killed by the conditions under which they are held and the denial of medical treatment". Egyptian officials have denied mistreating prisoners or neglecting their health. On Sunday, Egypt's State Information Service released a video of an inspection of Tora by officials from the state security prosecution service. It included interviews with two prisoners who said they were largely satisfied with conditions. A series of photos at the start of the film showed the officials visiting a well-stocked pharmacy and grocery shop and tasting food in the prison refectory. On Monday, selected local and foreign journalists were invited to visit Tora, where they were shown a football match for prisoners, farm animals, and a metal workshop, but were not allowed to talk to inmates, according to one reporter present. Reuters was not invited on the visit. State TV has also aired a short programme on the detention system with a commentary saying that prisons are being modernised in line with international standards. Criticism from Western powers keen to develop security and economic ties with Sisi's Egypt has been muted, and the session in Geneva provides a rare forum in which they can pose questions publicly. The U.N. Human Rights Council will be reviewing Egypt's record for the first time in five years, as part of the forum's regular appraisal of all U.N. member states. Advance questions cover prison conditions, torture and the recent arrests of activists, among other issues. One rights lawyer, Mohamed al-Baqer, was interrogated over his engagement with the U.N. review following his detention, according to a question submitted by Liechtenstein. International rights group Amnesty International called on states "to vehemently condemn the vicious crackdown by authorities against NGO workers and civil society". It said that since accepting 237 out of 300 recommendations at its last review in 2014, Egyptian authorities had "adopted even more repressive measures that further restricted basic rights and freedoms".

Egypt seeks to parry human rights criticism after mass arrests

A U.N. envoy concluded an opening round of talks on the political future of Syria on Friday meant to bring political reconciliation after 8-1/2 years of war, saying they went better than expected and would reconvene later this month.

Acknowledging that discussions were sometimes "very painful" Geir Pedersen said the delegates to the Constitutional Committee from the government, opposition and civil society addressed them with professionalism.

"I believe it has gone much better than most people would have expected," he told journalists in Geneva.

"The next round of discussions will start on November 25," Pedersen said.

He said the discussions focused on issues of sovereignty, territorial integrity and terrorism, without going into details.

There was no immediate deal on the release of thousands of detainees in the country, one of the points that Pedersen had previously said was an important step needed to build confidence between the parties.

A U.N. envoy concluded an opening round of talks on the political future of Syria on Friday meant to bring political reconciliation after 8-1/2 years of war, saying they went better than expected and would reconvene later this month.

A U.N. envoy concluded an opening round of talks on the political future of Syria on Friday meant to bring political reconciliation after 8-1/2 years of war, saying they went better than expected and would reconvene later this month. Acknowledging that discussions were sometimes "very painful" Geir Pedersen said the delegates to the Constitutional Committee from the government, opposition and civil society addressed them with professionalism. "I believe it has gone much better than most people would have expected," he told journalists in Geneva. "The next round of discussions will start on November 25," Pedersen said. He said the discussions focused on issues of sovereignty, territorial integrity and terrorism, without going into details. There was no immediate deal on the release of thousands of detainees in the country, one of the points that Pedersen had previously said was an important step needed to build confidence between the parties.

Syrian talks to reconvene in Geneva on November 25: U.N. envoy

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-haitis-president-moise-257138">Haiti since mid-September</a>, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise.

"We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement.

It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers.

Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots.

At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected.

Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious.

Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent.

But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption.

An auditors' court probing two billion dollars in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme."

The protests are spreading: in recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police.

OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel".

There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-haitis-president-moise-257138">weak economy</a> is starting to suffer.

Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis. The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise. "We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement. It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers. Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots. At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected. Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious. Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent. But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption. An auditors' court probing two billion dollars in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme." The protests are spreading: in recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police. OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel". There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already weak economy is starting to suffer. Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 killed in Haiti protest violence: United Nations

The members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from Pakistan have alleged persecution and demanded justice during a side event organized on the margins the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

In 1974, Pakistan's Constitution was amended and the Ahmadis, a minority community, were declared non-Muslims according to the new law.

In 1984, under the rule of former President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the Pakistani government enacted ordinance and made it a criminal offence, punishable by three years imprisonment and a fine, for the Ahmadis to call themselves as Muslims, refer to their faith as Islam, call their place of worship a 'Mosque' and make the call for prayers (Azan).

Fareed Ahmad, the National Secretary for the External Affairs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in UK said, "The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is being targeted.&nbsp;The legislation calls for Ahmadiyyas to be targeted so why should we not call out against them?"

He added, "Hundreds of Ahmadis have been killed in Pakistan. Thousands of our community members have been harassed.&nbsp;Tens of thousands are being charged under the laws. We do not have access to a proper education system. We have also been denied the fundamental right to vote in Pakistan."

Many of the Ahmadis are being falsely targeted under the country's blasphemy law, the activist alleged.

Meanwhile, Sir Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said that the Pakistani Constitution promises equal rights for every citizen, but "members of our community are facing persecution".

He said, "The whole world knows what is happening to the Ahmadis in Pakistan in relation to their civic and economic rights, education. They are being deprived of everything. And, yet Article 20 of its Constitution states that everyone will be granted freedom of religion.&nbsp;In Pakistan, our community is not even allowed to possess our holy scriptures as well as the Quran."

The event, which was attended by members of the European Parliament and the former European politicians, was organized in order to raise the voices of the Ahmadiyya community that has faced suppression and decades of severe state-sponsored persecution.

Hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims have been murdered in recent years, with many facing a relentless tide of vilification, harassment, and violence.

In 2017 nationwide anti-Ahmadi protests brought Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, to a standstill.

The situation has been described by some observers as equivalent to genocide in Pakistan.

The members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from Pakistan have alleged persecution and demanded justice during a side event organized on the margins the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from Pakistan have alleged persecution and demanded justice during a side event organized on the margins the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. In 1974, Pakistan's Constitution was amended and the Ahmadis, a minority community, were declared non-Muslims according to the new law. In 1984, under the rule of former President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the Pakistani government enacted ordinance and made it a criminal offence, punishable by three years imprisonment and a fine, for the Ahmadis to call themselves as Muslims, refer to their faith as Islam, call their place of worship a 'Mosque' and make the call for prayers (Azan). Fareed Ahmad, the National Secretary for the External Affairs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in UK said, "The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is being targeted. The legislation calls for Ahmadiyyas to be targeted so why should we not call out against them?" He added, "Hundreds of Ahmadis have been killed in Pakistan. Thousands of our community members have been harassed. Tens of thousands are being charged under the laws. We do not have access to a proper education system. We have also been denied the fundamental right to vote in Pakistan." Many of the Ahmadis are being falsely targeted under the country's blasphemy law, the activist alleged. Meanwhile, Sir Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said that the Pakistani Constitution promises equal rights for every citizen, but "members of our community are facing persecution". He said, "The whole world knows what is happening to the Ahmadis in Pakistan in relation to their civic and economic rights, education. They are being deprived of everything. And, yet Article 20 of its Constitution states that everyone will be granted freedom of religion. In Pakistan, our community is not even allowed to possess our holy scriptures as well as the Quran." The event, which was attended by members of the European Parliament and the former European politicians, was organized in order to raise the voices of the Ahmadiyya community that has faced suppression and decades of severe state-sponsored persecution. Hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims have been murdered in recent years, with many facing a relentless tide of vilification, harassment, and violence. In 2017 nationwide anti-Ahmadi protests brought Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, to a standstill. The situation has been described by some observers as equivalent to genocide in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Ahmadiyya Muslims allege persecution, demand justice at UN event

Activists from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-plan-shopping-mall-sit-ins-after-hill-top-human-chains-249585">Hong Kong</a> and Xinjiang shared a platform to raise their voice against human rights violations by China on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday.

Beatrice Li and Andy Li, the two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-seeks-trump-us-congress-support-249535">activists from Hong Kong</a>, brought used tear gas canisters, solid rubber batons, smoke grenade, rubber rocket and other arms used by the Hong Kong Police against the protesters to the side event to establish their claim.

<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>They said that the residents of Hong Kong are denied fundamental rights and are living in fear of being targeted.

"Hong Kong police has physically and verbally assaulted the journalists and other citizens", said Beatrice Li, an activist from Hong Kong adding that the use of lethal and chemical weapons is causing health issues for residents.

Meanwhile, Andy Li, Human Rights activist from Hong Kong said, "If the Chinese government has already committed atrocities in other lands which they do not have legal control of, we cannot imagine what would have happened if they are allowed full legal control over the Hong Kong land."

"The people of Hong Kong have realised that the government of Hong Kong is accountable to China, not to its own people," he added.

Since June, millions of Hong Kong people began to mobilise against an extradition bill that would allow dissidents to be sent to face trial in China, whose criminal justice system is rife with human rights abuses.

Instead of listening to the demands of the people, the Hong Kong government has engaged in a coordinated suppression of Hong Kongers rights and freedoms, including those of assembly, expression and the press.

The Hong Kong Police Force has moreover used escalating tactics of state violence to suppress largely peaceful political protests.

According to data, 1,453 people have been arrested from June 09 until September 16.

Dolkun Isa of&nbsp;World&nbsp;Uyghur Congress, said people in Xinjiang have been suffering China's brutalities for the past many decades.

He also showed sympathy for Hong Kong people saying that China is breaking the democratic values of Hong Kong by interfering in its internal affairs."Hong Kong people don't want to be Xinjiang", he added.

Activists from Hong Kong and Xinjiang shared a platform to raise their voice against human rights violations by China on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday.

Activists from Hong Kong and Xinjiang shared a platform to raise their voice against human rights violations by China on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday. Beatrice Li and Andy Li, the two activists from Hong Kong, brought used tear gas canisters, solid rubber batons, smoke grenade, rubber rocket and other arms used by the Hong Kong Police against the protesters to the side event to establish their claim. They said that the residents of Hong Kong are denied fundamental rights and are living in fear of being targeted. "Hong Kong police has physically and verbally assaulted the journalists and other citizens", said Beatrice Li, an activist from Hong Kong adding that the use of lethal and chemical weapons is causing health issues for residents. Meanwhile, Andy Li, Human Rights activist from Hong Kong said, "If the Chinese government has already committed atrocities in other lands which they do not have legal control of, we cannot imagine what would have happened if they are allowed full legal control over the Hong Kong land." "The people of Hong Kong have realised that the government of Hong Kong is accountable to China, not to its own people," he added. Since June, millions of Hong Kong people began to mobilise against an extradition bill that would allow dissidents to be sent to face trial in China, whose criminal justice system is rife with human rights abuses. Instead of listening to the demands of the people, the Hong Kong government has engaged in a coordinated suppression of Hong Kongers rights and freedoms, including those of assembly, expression and the press. The Hong Kong Police Force has moreover used escalating tactics of state violence to suppress largely peaceful political protests. According to data, 1,453 people have been arrested from June 09 until September 16. Dolkun Isa of World Uyghur Congress, said people in Xinjiang have been suffering China's brutalities for the past many decades. He also showed sympathy for Hong Kong people saying that China is breaking the democratic values of Hong Kong by interfering in its internal affairs."Hong Kong people don't want to be Xinjiang", he added.

Geneva: Activists from Hong Kong, Xinjiang raise concerns over human rights violations by China

In a number of billboards posted across the Swiss city of Geneva, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">Pashtun</a> people are urging the United Nations to take action against Pakistan to stop the extermination of their people.

The Pashtuns, mostly residing in the Sindh and Punjab<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pakistan-rakes-up-kashmir-issue-at-unhrc-india-hits-back-248819"> provinces </a>of Pakistan, continue to face a cultural annihilation along with systematic violence, mistreatment, and intimidation at the hands of the Pakistani military establishment.

The billboards highlight an upcoming exposition on the genocide of the Pashtuns in Pakistan. The exposition, which will be held on September 17 and September 27 at the Hall Bungener in Geneva, is part of a movement to elevate the voices of the Pashtuns.

The Pakistani military establishment through various operations in the region has continued to wreak havoc and injustices on the entire community of the Pashtuns. 
&nbsp;Hundreds of civilians have been killed or forcibly disappeared.&nbsp;

The minority group has been forced either to relegate themselves to such atrocious conditions or abandon their homes.

Flocking to neighbouring cities in mass numbers, the displaced Pashtuns are stereotyped as terrorists when they attempt to settle elsewhere. At present, extrajudicial executions of the Pashtuns are on the rise.&nbsp;

The number of deaths and missing persons has skyrocketed. Neither the state nor external authorities and organisations have made a point to protest against these blatant human rights abuses on the global platform.

Until and unless the UN takes clear and definitive action against the<a href="close NEWS WRAP Get Handpicked Stories from our editors directly to your mailbox Your email WORLD ORDERSOUTH ASIAWORLDBUSINESSSPORTSVIDEOSENTERTAINMENTPHOTOSGLOBAL SUMMITLIVE TV Geneva: Pakistan Foreign Minister mentions Jammu and Kashmir as 'Indian state' File photo: Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi (C) addresses the United Nations Human Rights Council on September 10, 2019 in Geneva. Photograph:( AFP ) FOLLOW US ANI New Delhi Sep 10, 2019, 05.47 PM (IST) Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an &quot;Indian state&quot; following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here. Speaking to reporters, Shah said, &quot;India is trying to give an impression to the world that life has returned to normalcy. If the life has returned to normalcy, then I say, why don't they allow you, the international media, why don't they allow the international organisations, the NGOs, civil society organisations to go into the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and see for themselves what the reality is.&quot; Till date, Pakistan, in all its official communication, has been referring to Jammu and Kashmir as &quot;Indian Administered Kashmir&quot; Qureshi's remarks came after his address at the UNHRC session, where he presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. Time and again Islamabad has been left red-faced after all its desperate attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue fell flat with countries like Russia, UAE and US siding with India. While Pakistan has been running from pillar to post, New Delhi has maintained that Kashmir is a strictly internal matter. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation "> Pakistani government</a>, the Pashtun people will continue to suffer under Islamabad`s brutal discriminatory agenda. The UN and the rest of the international community must utilize its diplomatic resources to finally end the genocide of the Pashtun people once and for all.

The development has come at the same time when Pakistan has been continuing to cry foul over Kashmir during the ongoing 42nd UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

In a number of billboards posted across the Swiss city of Geneva, the Pashtun people are urging the United Nations to take action against Pakistan to stop the extermination of their people.

In a number of billboards posted across the Swiss city of Geneva, the Pashtun people are urging the United Nations to take action against Pakistan to stop the extermination of their people. The Pashtuns, mostly residing in the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan, continue to face a cultural annihilation along with systematic violence, mistreatment, and intimidation at the hands of the Pakistani military establishment. The billboards highlight an upcoming exposition on the genocide of the Pashtuns in Pakistan. The exposition, which will be held on September 17 and September 27 at the Hall Bungener in Geneva, is part of a movement to elevate the voices of the Pashtuns. The Pakistani military establishment through various operations in the region has continued to wreak havoc and injustices on the entire community of the Pashtuns. Hundreds of civilians have been killed or forcibly disappeared. The minority group has been forced either to relegate themselves to such atrocious conditions or abandon their homes. Flocking to neighbouring cities in mass numbers, the displaced Pashtuns are stereotyped as terrorists when they attempt to settle elsewhere. At present, extrajudicial executions of the Pashtuns are on the rise. The number of deaths and missing persons has skyrocketed. Neither the state nor external authorities and organisations have made a point to protest against these blatant human rights abuses on the global platform. Until and unless the UN takes clear and definitive action against the Pakistani government, the Pashtun people will continue to suffer under Islamabad`s brutal discriminatory agenda. The UN and the rest of the international community must utilize its diplomatic resources to finally end the genocide of the Pashtun people once and for all. The development has come at the same time when Pakistan has been continuing to cry foul over Kashmir during the ongoing 42nd UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

Billboards across Geneva calls for attention to Pakistan's cultural genocide of Pashtuns

Pakistan's Anti-India Rhetoric Finds No Takers AT UNHRC In Geneva

Gravitas: India rebuts Pakistan's Charges on Kashmir at UNHRC

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an "Indian state" following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

Speaking to reporters, Shah said, "India is trying to give an impression to the world that life has returned to normalcy. If the life has returned to normalcy, then I say, why don't they allow you, the international media, why don't they allow the international organisations, the NGOs, civil society organisations to go into the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and see for themselves what the reality is."

Till date, Pakistan, in all its official communication, has been referring to Jammu and Kashmir as "Indian Administered Kashmir" 
Qureshi's remarks came after his address at the UNHRC session, where he presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370.

Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan.

Time and again Islamabad has been left red-faced after all its desperate attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue fell flat with countries like Russia, UAE and US siding with India.

While Pakistan has been running from pillar to post, New Delhi has maintained that Kashmir is a strictly internal matter.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an "Indian state" following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an "Indian state" following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here. Speaking to reporters, Shah said, "India is trying to give an impression to the world that life has returned to normalcy. If the life has returned to normalcy, then I say, why don't they allow you, the international media, why don't they allow the international organisations, the NGOs, civil society organisations to go into the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and see for themselves what the reality is." Till date, Pakistan, in all its official communication, has been referring to Jammu and Kashmir as "Indian Administered Kashmir" Qureshi's remarks came after his address at the UNHRC session, where he presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. Time and again Islamabad has been left red-faced after all its desperate attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue fell flat with countries like Russia, UAE and US siding with India. While Pakistan has been running from pillar to post, New Delhi has maintained that Kashmir is a strictly internal matter.

Geneva: Pakistan Foreign Minister mentions Jammu and Kashmir as 'Indian state'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../over-400000-advised-evacuating-as-the-storm- bears-down-on-japan-243089">Japan </a>insisted Friday it no longer hunts endangered sei whales in international waters but faced accusations of still violating a wildlife treaty by allowing commercialisation of meat from past catches.

The standing committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) last October found Japan in breach of the treaty and ordered it to rectify the situation or face trade sanctions.

The elected panel, which handles the treaty's compliance and enforcement, dismissed Japan's claims that the cull since 2002 of some 1,500 North Pacific sei whales was only scientifically motivated.

Instead, it found that the hunt was primarily commercially motivated, and thus constituted international trade in a protected species and a clear violation of the treaty.

Japan told the committee meeting in Geneva on Friday that it no longer permits taking sei whales on the high sea and is therefore in compliance with CITES.

"This matter should be considered closed," a member of the Japanese delegation said, &nbsp;a day before a global conference of all 183 countries that have signed the treaty kicks off in Geneva.

But committee members from a range of countries, including the European Union, Israel, Niger, Peru and the United States, disagreed.

Many voiced outrage&nbsp;at the continued sale of meat and blubber from the whales deemed to have been illegally culled and imported over a 16-year period.

According to conservationists, 1,500 tonnes of meat from 131 sei whales killed in 2018 alone have been commercialised in Japan, and sei whale meat remains widely available in shops and restaurants in the country.

'Truly shocking'&nbsp;

"It is truly shocking," the representative from Niger told the meeting, maintaining that when illegal international trade is detected in other endangered species, such as elephant ivory, the stockpiles are ordered confiscated and destroyed.&nbsp;

The European Union representative agreed, pointing to article 8 of the convention, which he said "requires ... confiscating specimens traded, or in this case introduced from the sea, in violation of CITES."

Japan meanwhile stressed that it had immediately followed the committee's October ruling, but baulked at the idea it should be applied retroactively.

In the end, the committee ordered Japan to report back on its use of the sei whale stockpiles, but put off the thorny discussion on confiscation until next year.

While Japan remains bound by CITES &nbsp;international wildlife trade restrictions, it has withdrawn from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), enabling it last month to resume commercial whaling in its territorial waters for the first time in decades.

It has allotted itself a hunting quota of 227 of the giant sea mammals this year, including 25 sei whales.

Japan insisted Friday it no longer hunts endangered sei whales in international waters but faced accusations of still violating a wildlife treaty by allowing commercialisation of meat from past catches.

Japan insisted Friday it no longer hunts endangered sei whales in international waters but faced accusations of still violating a wildlife treaty by allowing commercialisation of meat from past catches. The standing committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) last October found Japan in breach of the treaty and ordered it to rectify the situation or face trade sanctions. The elected panel, which handles the treaty's compliance and enforcement, dismissed Japan's claims that the cull since 2002 of some 1,500 North Pacific sei whales was only scientifically motivated. Instead, it found that the hunt was primarily commercially motivated, and thus constituted international trade in a protected species and a clear violation of the treaty. Japan told the committee meeting in Geneva on Friday that it no longer permits taking sei whales on the high sea and is therefore in compliance with CITES. "This matter should be considered closed," a member of the Japanese delegation said, a day before a global conference of all 183 countries that have signed the treaty kicks off in Geneva. But committee members from a range of countries, including the European Union, Israel, Niger, Peru and the United States, disagreed. Many voiced outrage at the continued sale of meat and blubber from the whales deemed to have been illegally culled and imported over a 16-year period. According to conservationists, 1,500 tonnes of meat from 131 sei whales killed in 2018 alone have been commercialised in Japan, and sei whale meat remains widely available in shops and restaurants in the country. 'Truly shocking' "It is truly shocking," the representative from Niger told the meeting, maintaining that when illegal international trade is detected in other endangered species, such as elephant ivory, the stockpiles are ordered confiscated and destroyed. The European Union representative agreed, pointing to article 8 of the convention, which he said "requires ... confiscating specimens traded, or in this case introduced from the sea, in violation of CITES." Japan meanwhile stressed that it had immediately followed the committee's October ruling, but baulked at the idea it should be applied retroactively. In the end, the committee ordered Japan to report back on its use of the sei whale stockpiles, but put off the thorny discussion on confiscation until next year. While Japan remains bound by CITES international wildlife trade restrictions, it has withdrawn from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), enabling it last month to resume commercial whaling in its territorial waters for the first time in decades. It has allotted itself a hunting quota of 227 of the giant sea mammals this year, including 25 sei whales.

Japan under pressure over past hunting of endangered whales

Global meat consumption must fall to curb global warming, reduce growing strains on land and water and improve food security, health, and biodiversity, a United Nations report on the effects of climate change concluded.

Global meat consumption must fall to curb global warming, reduce growing strains on land and water and improve food security, health, and biodiversity, a United Nations report on the effects of climate change concluded. Although the report stopped short of explicitly advocating going meat-free, it called for big changes to farming and eating habits to limit the impact of population growth and changing consumption patterns on stretched land and water resources. Plant-based foods and sustainable animal-sourced food could free up several million square kilometers of land by 2050 and cut 0.7-8.0 gigatonnes a year of carbon dioxide equivalent, the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said. "There are certain kinds of diets that have a lower carbon footprint and put less pressure on land," Jim Skea, professor at London's Imperial College, said on Thursday. The IPCC met this week in Geneva, Switzerland to finalize its report which should help to guide the government's meeting this year in Chile on ways to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement. "The IPCC does not recommend people's diets ... Dietary choices are very often shaped or influenced by local production practices and cultural habits," Skea, who is one of the report's authors, told reporters in Geneva. Land can be both a source and sink of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, and better land management can help to tackle climate change, the IPCC said. But it is not the only solution and cutting emissions from all sectors is essential to quickly curtail global warming. "The window for making these changes is closing fast. If there is a further delay in reducing emissions, we will miss the opportunity to successfully manage the climate change transition in the land sector," it said. Since the pre-industrial era, the land surface air temperature has risen by 1.53 degrees Celsius, twice as much as the global average temperature (0.87C), causing more heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rain, as well as land degradation and desertification. Human use directly affects more than 70 per cent of the global, ice-free land surface and agriculture accounts for 70 per cent of freshwater use, the IPCC added in the report. Agriculture, forestry and other land use activities accounted for 23 per cent of total net man-made greenhouse gas emissions from 2007-2016. When pre- and post-production activities in the food system are included, that rises to up to 37 per cent . Last year the IPCC's first special report warned that keeping the Earth's temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), rather than the 2C target agreed under the Paris accord, required rapid change across society. FOOD SECURITY The IPCC warned of more disruption to global food chains as extreme weather becomes more frequent due to climate change and said environmental costs should be factored into food. It projects a median increase of 7.6 per cent in cereal prices by 2050, meaning higher food prices and an increased risk of hunger. While an estimated 821 million people are undernourished, changing consumption habits have already contributed to about 2 billion adults being overweight or obese. Per capita supply of vegetable oils and meat has more than doubled based on data since 1961 but 25-30 per cent of the total food produced is still lost or wasted. Yields of crops such as maize and wheat have declined in some regions, while those of maize, wheat, and sugar beets have increased in others in recent decades. FOREST FACTOR While forests can soak up heat-trapping gases from the atmosphere, desertification and deforestation can amplify warming due to the loss of vegetation cover and soil erosion. Measures to cut emissions, such as the production of biofuels, biochar - made from biomass - as well as planting trees, will also increase demand for land conversion. Reducing deforestation and forest degradation could result in a reduction of 0.4-5.8 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent, the report said. The Amazon, about 60 per cent of which lies in Brazil, is sometimes called the "lungs of the world" due to the amount of CO2 it can absorb but it was not directly mentioned in the IPCC's summary for policymakers. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has supported opening up protected areas of the world's largest tropical rainforest to facilitate agriculture and mining since taking office in January. The report text is prepared by over 100 scientists but has to be approved by governments. In those discussions, Brazil and India were very active to protect their national agro-industrial interests, a source familiar with the talks said.

UN flags need to cut meat to curb land use impact on global warming

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

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 29th, 2019

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Ambassadors from 50 countries to the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG) have co-signed a letter to the President of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to voice their support for China's position on issues related to its Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Earlier on July 12, a number of ambassadors in Geneva sent the joint letter to show their support for China, and as of Friday evening, more ambassadors had joined, Chen Xu, the permanent representative of China to United Nations' Geneva Office, revealed. In the joint letter, the ambassadors commend China for its economic and social progress, effective counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures, and the strong guarantee of human rights.

Ambassadors from 50 countries support China's position on issues related to Xinjiang

Representatives from the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-muller-to-testify-before-house-committees-on-us-russia-probe-in-july-congress-230456&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMqYiKornjAhXKso8KHeq_DFMQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2sjx_-5jhYFhUOAKW0ZERJ">United States and Russia</a> are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to explore the concept of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China, senior US officials said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump has said that he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons. He has broached the topic individually with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including most recently at the G20 summit in Osaka last month.

China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks, said the officials, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.

"A good meeting would be some greater clarity about where the Russians see things going with the Chinese," one official said.

China's Foreign Ministry reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks.

"At present, we cannot see the preconditions or basis for China participating in these negotiations between the United States and Russia," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation, which will include Tim Morrison, a top aide at the White House National Security Council, and representatives from the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Security Agency, the US officials said.

Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, will lead the Russian delegation, the US officials said.

"We actually feel that - touch wood - we've actually got to a point where we can try to start this again," one US official said.

"I say touch wood because we're always just one incident away from unfortunately things getting derailed," the official said.

Relations between the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-russia-relations-are-getting-worse-and-worse-226830&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMqYiKornjAhXKso8KHeq_DFMQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0tvrZETUunIs5K2GbpcHAL">United States and Russia</a> have been sour for years, deteriorating after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war.

Trump has sought better relations but has been hamstrung by a two-year investigation into the 2016 influence campaign by Russian operatives to attack Trump's Democratic rival in the presidential election, Hillary Clinton.

The investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller found there was insufficient evidence that the Trump campaign illegally conspired with Moscow. The Kremlin has denied any meddling.

Relations also frayed over Russia's poisoning of a former spy and his daughter on British soil, the detention of Ukrainian navy boats and crew near Crimea, and Russia's detention of US citizens, among other incidents.

The Geneva meeting will be just two weeks before the United States withdraws from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty that required both countries to eliminate short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles.

US authorities believe Moscow is developing and has deployed a ground-launched system in breach of the INF treaty that could allow it to launch a nuclear strike on Europe at short notice. Russia has consistently denied any such violation.

No breakthrough is expected on the INF treaty, the US officials said.

US officials also are not planning to discuss renewal of the 2011 New START treaty, a US-Russia arms control pact which limits deployed strategic nuclear weapons.

One of the officials told reporters it would be "premature" to talk about New START, which is set to expire in February 2021 but can be extended for five years if both sides agree, calling the issues a "next-year problem."

Representatives from the United States and Russia are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to explore the concept of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China, senior US officials said on Monday.

Representatives from the United States and Russia are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to explore the concept of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China, senior US officials said on Monday. US President Donald Trump has said that he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons. He has broached the topic individually with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including most recently at the G20 summit in Osaka last month. China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks, said the officials, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity. "A good meeting would be some greater clarity about where the Russians see things going with the Chinese," one official said. China's Foreign Ministry reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks. "At present, we cannot see the preconditions or basis for China participating in these negotiations between the United States and Russia," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing. US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation, which will include Tim Morrison, a top aide at the White House National Security Council, and representatives from the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Security Agency, the US officials said. Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, will lead the Russian delegation, the US officials said. "We actually feel that - touch wood - we've actually got to a point where we can try to start this again," one US official said. "I say touch wood because we're always just one incident away from unfortunately things getting derailed," the official said. Relations between the United States and Russia have been sour for years, deteriorating after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war. Trump has sought better relations but has been hamstrung by a two-year investigation into the 2016 influence campaign by Russian operatives to attack Trump's Democratic rival in the presidential election, Hillary Clinton. The investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller found there was insufficient evidence that the Trump campaign illegally conspired with Moscow. The Kremlin has denied any meddling. Relations also frayed over Russia's poisoning of a former spy and his daughter on British soil, the detention of Ukrainian navy boats and crew near Crimea, and Russia's detention of US citizens, among other incidents. The Geneva meeting will be just two weeks before the United States withdraws from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty that required both countries to eliminate short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles. US authorities believe Moscow is developing and has deployed a ground-launched system in breach of the INF treaty that could allow it to launch a nuclear strike on Europe at short notice. Russia has consistently denied any such violation. No breakthrough is expected on the INF treaty, the US officials said. US officials also are not planning to discuss renewal of the 2011 New START treaty, a US-Russia arms control pact which limits deployed strategic nuclear weapons. One of the officials told reporters it would be "premature" to talk about New START, which is set to expire in February 2021 but can be extended for five years if both sides agree, calling the issues a "next-year problem."

US, Russia to discuss nuclear arms limits in Geneva on Wednesday: Officials

UN ambassadors from 37 countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, have released a letter defending China's "contribution to the international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-has-destroyed-graveyard-of-uighur-community-historian-226704">human rights cause</a>" in the Xinjiang region, in direct response to Western criticism earlier this week.

On July 10, a group of 22 countries, including the member states of the European Union, joined by Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, issued a statement urging China to stop the mass detention and arbitrary incarceration of ethnic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighur-wives-forced-to-drink-alcohol-and-eat-pork-in-chinas-re-education-camps-214757">Uighurs</a> and other Muslims in its western Xinjiang region, The New York Times reported.

On Friday a diverse group of states -- including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Algeria and North Korea -- replied on Beijing`s behalf, claiming China had faced terrorism, separatism and religious extremism in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-spies-tourists-in-xinjiang-232866&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjCnbaFrLHjAhUISY8KHQG-Bz4QFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hm9yJMhvV9x9Z2dKXq8Fk">Xinjiang</a>, the vast northwest region that is mainly Muslim.

But through counterterrorism measures and vocational training, these states said, China had restored peace and security there.

"We note with appreciation that human rights are respected and protected in China in the process of counterterrorism and de-radicalisation," they said in the letter to the UN.

China denounced the West`s letter as "distortions" and "hypocrisy" of the Western media, and insisted that the region`s people "feel much better and much more happy and secure.

"Chinese diplomats further suggested that China`s experience in tackling terrorism could even be usefully shared with other countries.

China has been condemned internationally for setting up detention camps, which it describes as "education training centres" helping to stamp out "extremism" and give people new skills.

UN ambassadors from 37 countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, have released a letter defending China's "contribution to the international human rights cause" in the Xinjiang region, in direct response to Western criticism earlier this week.

UN ambassadors from 37 countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, have released a letter defending China's "contribution to the international human rights cause" in the Xinjiang region, in direct response to Western criticism earlier this week. On July 10, a group of 22 countries, including the member states of the European Union, joined by Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, issued a statement urging China to stop the mass detention and arbitrary incarceration of ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims in its western Xinjiang region, The New York Times reported. On Friday a diverse group of states -- including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Algeria and North Korea -- replied on Beijing`s behalf, claiming China had faced terrorism, separatism and religious extremism in Xinjiang, the vast northwest region that is mainly Muslim. But through counterterrorism measures and vocational training, these states said, China had restored peace and security there. "We note with appreciation that human rights are respected and protected in China in the process of counterterrorism and de-radicalisation," they said in the letter to the UN. China denounced the West`s letter as "distortions" and "hypocrisy" of the Western media, and insisted that the region`s people "feel much better and much more happy and secure. "Chinese diplomats further suggested that China`s experience in tackling terrorism could even be usefully shared with other countries. China has been condemned internationally for setting up detention camps, which it describes as "education training centres" helping to stamp out "extremism" and give people new skills.

37 countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, defend China in UN letter over Xinjiang

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