A crackdown last week on protests in Zimbabwe is a foretaste of how the government will respond to future unrest, the president's spokesman said, fuelling concerns that the country is reverting to authoritarian rule.

Police say three people died during protests over fuel price hikes in Harare's capital and second city Bulawayo that turned violent. But human rights groups say evidence suggests at least a dozen people were killed while scores were treated for gunshot wounds.

"(The) government will not stand by while such narrow interests play out so violently. The response so far is just a foretaste of things to come," said President Emmerson Mnangagwa's spokesman George Charamba.

Charamba told the state-controlled Sunday Mail newspaper the government would review some provisions of the constitution adopted in 2013, which he said were being abused by proponents of democracy.

Lawyers and activists say hundreds of Zimbabweans were detained last week accused of public order offences, including at least four lawmakers from the opposition MDC party and Evan Mawarire, a pastor who rose to prominence as a critic of former leader Robert Mugabe critic and led a national shutdown in 2016.

Local rights groups say security forces, accused of night raids at homes of suspected protesters, are now trying to track down people who have gone into hiding.

A partial internet blackout was still in force on Sunday, two days after mobile networks sent messages to customers saying they had been ordered to keep social media sites shut until further notice.

When he was elected in July, Mnangagwa promised a clean break with the 37-year rule of Mugabe, who used the security forces to quell civilian protests before being forced out in a de facto coup in November 2017.

But the MDC says former Mugabe ally Mnangagwa is now overseeing a reversion to authoritarian rule by using the same tactic.

Charamba, who is on an official trip with Mnangagwa to Azerbaijan, said the MDC leadership and affiliate organisations would be "held fully accountable for the violence and the looting." The MDC denies fomenting unrest.

U.N. rights officials denounced last week's crackdown, while an independent inquiry found that the army used excessive force when it stepped in to stop post-election violence last August, during which six people were shot dead.

Zimbabweans, who have seen their purchasing power eroded by soaring inflation, also say Mnangagwa has not delivered on pre-election pledges to kick-start economic growth after Mugabe's exit.

A crackdown last week on protests in Zimbabwe is a foretaste of how the government will respond to future unrest, the president's spokesman said, fuelling concerns that the country is reverting to authoritarian rule.

A crackdown last week on protests in Zimbabwe is a foretaste of how the government will respond to future unrest, the president's spokesman said, fuelling concerns that the country is reverting to authoritarian rule. Police say three people died during protests over fuel price hikes in Harare's capital and second city Bulawayo that turned violent. But human rights groups say evidence suggests at least a dozen people were killed while scores were treated for gunshot wounds. "(The) government will not stand by while such narrow interests play out so violently. The response so far is just a foretaste of things to come," said President Emmerson Mnangagwa's spokesman George Charamba. Charamba told the state-controlled Sunday Mail newspaper the government would review some provisions of the constitution adopted in 2013, which he said were being abused by proponents of democracy. Lawyers and activists say hundreds of Zimbabweans were detained last week accused of public order offences, including at least four lawmakers from the opposition MDC party and Evan Mawarire, a pastor who rose to prominence as a critic of former leader Robert Mugabe critic and led a national shutdown in 2016. Local rights groups say security forces, accused of night raids at homes of suspected protesters, are now trying to track down people who have gone into hiding. A partial internet blackout was still in force on Sunday, two days after mobile networks sent messages to customers saying they had been ordered to keep social media sites shut until further notice. When he was elected in July, Mnangagwa promised a clean break with the 37-year rule of Mugabe, who used the security forces to quell civilian protests before being forced out in a de facto coup in November 2017. But the MDC says former Mugabe ally Mnangagwa is now overseeing a reversion to authoritarian rule by using the same tactic. Charamba, who is on an official trip with Mnangagwa to Azerbaijan, said the MDC leadership and affiliate organisations would be "held fully accountable for the violence and the looting." The MDC denies fomenting unrest. U.N. rights officials denounced last week's crackdown, while an independent inquiry found that the army used excessive force when it stepped in to stop post-election violence last August, during which six people were shot dead. Zimbabweans, who have seen their purchasing power eroded by soaring inflation, also say Mnangagwa has not delivered on pre-election pledges to kick-start economic growth after Mugabe's exit.

Zimbabwe crackdown a sign of things to come: Emmerson Mnangagwa's spokesman

China is leading the charge in a bid to undermine accepted concepts of human rights accountability and justice.

The Chinese effort backed by autocrats elsewhere has turned human rights into an underrated, yet crucial battleground in the shaping of a new world order. &nbsp;

China is manoeuvring against the backdrop of an unprecedented crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its north-western province of Xinjiang, the accelerated rollout of restrictions elsewhere in the country, and the export of key elements of its model of a 21st-century Orwellian surveillance state.

The Chinese effort, highlighted in Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2019, is multipronged.

It involves proposals to alter the principles on which the United Nations Human Rights Council operates in ways that would enable repressive, autocratic regimes.

To achieve its goal, China is employing its financial muscle and infrastructure and energy-driven Belt and Road initiative to economically entice countries that are financially strapped, desperate for investment and/or on the defensive because of human rights abuses.

China is also seeking a dominant role in various countries’ digital infrastructure and media that would allow it to influence the flow of information and enable its allies to better control dissent.

China is waging its campaign at a crucial juncture of history. It benefits from the rise of ethno- and religious nationalism, populism, intolerance and widespread anti-migration sentiment across the world’s democracies.

The campaign is enabled by the emergence of presidents like Donald J. Trump in the United States, the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Hungary’s Victor Orban and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro who have either deemphasized human rights or gone as far as justifying abuses in addition to seeking to limit, if not undermine, independent media that hold them accountable.

The timing of the Chinese effort is significant because it comes at a moment that predictions of the death of popular protest, symbolized by the defeat of the initially successful 2011 popular Arab revolts, are being called into question.

Mass anti-government demonstrations in Sudan demand the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir. Anti-Chinese groups march in Kyrgyzstan while protests in Zimbabwe decry repression, poor public services, high unemployment, widespread corruption and delays in civil servants receiving their salaries. The past year has also seen widespread anti-government agitation in countries like Morocco and Jordan.

The protests and what Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth describes in his foreword to the group’s just published, 674-page World Report 2019 as “a resistance that keeps winning battles” suggests that China’s campaign may have won battles but has yet to win the war.

“Victory isn’t assured but the successes of the past year suggest that the abuses of authoritarian rule are prompting a powerful human rights counterattack,” Mr. Roth wrote.

Nonetheless, Human Rights Watch’s China director Sophie Richardson warned that “people outside China don’t yet seem to realize that their human rights are…increasingly under threat as Beijing becomes more powerful… In recent years, Beijing has…sought to extend its influence into, and impose its standards and policies on, key international human rights institutions—weakening some of the only means of accountability and justice available to people around the world,”

Ms. Richardson noted that China had last year successfully pushed a non-binding resolution in the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) that advocated promotion of human rights on the basis of the People’s Republic’s principle of win-win, a principle that cynics assert means China wins twice.

In a sign of the times, the resolution garnered significant support. The United States, in a twist of irony, was the only Council member to vote against it with countries like Germany and Australia abstaining.

China is not the only country that would like a globally accepted approach to be altered to the detriment of human rights. Muslim nations, with Saudi Arabia in the lead, have, for example, long sought to have blasphemy criminalized.

The resolution “gutted the ideas of accountability for actual human rights violations, suggesting ‘dialogue’ instead. It failed to specify any course of action when rights violators refuse to cooperate with UN experts, retaliate against rights defenders or actively reject human rights principles. And it even failed to acknowledge any role for the HRC itself to address serious human rights violations when ‘dialogue’ and ‘cooperation’ don’t produce results,” Ms. Richardson said.

“If these ideas become not just prevailing norms but also actual operating principles for the HRC, victims of state-sponsored abuses worldwide—including in Myanmar, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen—will face almost impossible odds in holding abusive governments accountable,” Ms. Richardson cautioned.

In a separate interview, Ms. Richardson described the resolution as “the start of a process to wither away the UN human rights eco system.”

She said human rights groups were concerned “about what China will try to do next, whether it will more aggressively try to change the council’s mandate or nibble away at language in treaties or roll back the role of civil society. China wants inter-governmental cooperation instead of accountability, government officials discussing among themselves with no discussion of accountability for abuses and no participation of independent groups.”

China’s efforts are both an attempt to rewrite international norms and counter sharp Western criticism of its moves against Christians and Muslim and its crackdown in Xinjiang.

Up to one million Turkic Muslims have reportedly been incarcerated in re-education camps that China projects as vocational training facilities. To maintain its crackdown, China depends on a fragile silence in the Muslim world that is fraying at the edges.

In addition to attempting to change the operating principles of the UN Human Rights Commission, lobbying UN and foreign government officials to tone down criticism and invited foreign diplomats and journalists on choreographed visits to Xinjiang, China has at times successfully employed its economic and financial clout to buy either support or silence.

Pakistan, the host of the Belt and Road’s US$45 billion crown jewel, has curbed its initial criticism of the crackdown in Xinjiang.

Similarly, China is pressuring Myanmar to revive the suspended US$3.6 billion Myitsone dam project, which if built as previously designed would flood 600 square kilometres of forestland in northern Kachin state and export 90 % of the power produced to China.

China has reportedly offered in return for the dam to support Myanmar that has been condemned by the United Nations, Western countries and some Muslim nations for its repressive campaign against the Rohingya, some 700,000 of which fled to Bangladesh last year.

In a bid to pacify, criticism of its Xinjiang policy in Central Asia where anti-Chinese sentiment has been rising, China agreed this month to allow some 2,000 ethnic Kazakhs to renounce their Chinese citizenship and leave the country.

The decision follows testimony in a Kazakh court of a former employee of a re-education camp detailing three facilities in which up to 7,500 Kazaks and Chinese nationals of Kazakh descent allegedly were being held. The testimony prompted sharp criticism in parliament and on social media.

China and the West’s diametrically opposed concepts of human rights are part of a larger contest for dominance over the future of technology and global influence.

Freedom House, a Washington-based freedom watchdog, reported last year that China was exporting to at least 18 countries sophisticated surveillance systems capable of identifying threats to public order and has made it easier to repress free speech in 36 others.

“They are passing on their norms for how technology should govern society,” said Adrian Shahbaz, the author of the report.

Added Nadège Rolland, a senior fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, a Washington think tank, speaking to Bloomberg: “There’s a 1984 component to it that’s kind of scary.”

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China is leading the charge in a bid to undermine accepted concepts of human rights accountability and justice. The Chinese effort backed by autocrats elsewhere has turned human rights into an underrated, yet crucial battleground in the shaping of a new world order.

China is leading the charge in a bid to undermine accepted concepts of human rights accountability and justice. The Chinese effort backed by autocrats elsewhere has turned human rights into an underrated, yet crucial battleground in the shaping of a new world order. China is manoeuvring against the backdrop of an unprecedented crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its north-western province of Xinjiang, the accelerated rollout of restrictions elsewhere in the country, and the export of key elements of its model of a 21st-century Orwellian surveillance state. The Chinese effort, highlighted in Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2019, is multipronged. It involves proposals to alter the principles on which the United Nations Human Rights Council operates in ways that would enable repressive, autocratic regimes. To achieve its goal, China is employing its financial muscle and infrastructure and energy-driven Belt and Road initiative to economically entice countries that are financially strapped, desperate for investment and/or on the defensive because of human rights abuses. China is also seeking a dominant role in various countries’ digital infrastructure and media that would allow it to influence the flow of information and enable its allies to better control dissent. China is waging its campaign at a crucial juncture of history. It benefits from the rise of ethno- and religious nationalism, populism, intolerance and widespread anti-migration sentiment across the world’s democracies. The campaign is enabled by the emergence of presidents like Donald J. Trump in the United States, the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Hungary’s Victor Orban and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro who have either deemphasized human rights or gone as far as justifying abuses in addition to seeking to limit, if not undermine, independent media that hold them accountable. The timing of the Chinese effort is significant because it comes at a moment that predictions of the death of popular protest, symbolized by the defeat of the initially successful 2011 popular Arab revolts, are being called into question. Mass anti-government demonstrations in Sudan demand the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir. Anti-Chinese groups march in Kyrgyzstan while protests in Zimbabwe decry repression, poor public services, high unemployment, widespread corruption and delays in civil servants receiving their salaries. The past year has also seen widespread anti-government agitation in countries like Morocco and Jordan. The protests and what Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth describes in his foreword to the group’s just published, 674-page World Report 2019 as “a resistance that keeps winning battles” suggests that China’s campaign may have won battles but has yet to win the war. “Victory isn’t assured but the successes of the past year suggest that the abuses of authoritarian rule are prompting a powerful human rights counterattack,” Mr. Roth wrote. Nonetheless, Human Rights Watch’s China director Sophie Richardson warned that “people outside China don’t yet seem to realize that their human rights are…increasingly under threat as Beijing becomes more powerful… In recent years, Beijing has…sought to extend its influence into, and impose its standards and policies on, key international human rights institutions—weakening some of the only means of accountability and justice available to people around the world,” Ms. Richardson noted that China had last year successfully pushed a non-binding resolution in the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) that advocated promotion of human rights on the basis of the People’s Republic’s principle of win-win, a principle that cynics assert means China wins twice. In a sign of the times, the resolution garnered significant support. The United States, in a twist of irony, was the only Council member to vote against it with countries like Germany and Australia abstaining. China is not the only country that would like a globally accepted approach to be altered to the detriment of human rights. Muslim nations, with Saudi Arabia in the lead, have, for example, long sought to have blasphemy criminalized. The resolution “gutted the ideas of accountability for actual human rights violations, suggesting ‘dialogue’ instead. It failed to specify any course of action when rights violators refuse to cooperate with UN experts, retaliate against rights defenders or actively reject human rights principles. And it even failed to acknowledge any role for the HRC itself to address serious human rights violations when ‘dialogue’ and ‘cooperation’ don’t produce results,” Ms. Richardson said. “If these ideas become not just prevailing norms but also actual operating principles for the HRC, victims of state-sponsored abuses worldwide—including in Myanmar, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen—will face almost impossible odds in holding abusive governments accountable,” Ms. Richardson cautioned. In a separate interview, Ms. Richardson described the resolution as “the start of a process to wither away the UN human rights eco system.” She said human rights groups were concerned “about what China will try to do next, whether it will more aggressively try to change the council’s mandate or nibble away at language in treaties or roll back the role of civil society. China wants inter-governmental cooperation instead of accountability, government officials discussing among themselves with no discussion of accountability for abuses and no participation of independent groups.” China’s efforts are both an attempt to rewrite international norms and counter sharp Western criticism of its moves against Christians and Muslim and its crackdown in Xinjiang. Up to one million Turkic Muslims have reportedly been incarcerated in re-education camps that China projects as vocational training facilities. To maintain its crackdown, China depends on a fragile silence in the Muslim world that is fraying at the edges. In addition to attempting to change the operating principles of the UN Human Rights Commission, lobbying UN and foreign government officials to tone down criticism and invited foreign diplomats and journalists on choreographed visits to Xinjiang, China has at times successfully employed its economic and financial clout to buy either support or silence. Pakistan, the host of the Belt and Road’s US$45 billion crown jewel, has curbed its initial criticism of the crackdown in Xinjiang. Similarly, China is pressuring Myanmar to revive the suspended US$3.6 billion Myitsone dam project, which if built as previously designed would flood 600 square kilometres of forestland in northern Kachin state and export 90 % of the power produced to China. China has reportedly offered in return for the dam to support Myanmar that has been condemned by the United Nations, Western countries and some Muslim nations for its repressive campaign against the Rohingya, some 700,000 of which fled to Bangladesh last year. In a bid to pacify, criticism of its Xinjiang policy in Central Asia where anti-Chinese sentiment has been rising, China agreed this month to allow some 2,000 ethnic Kazakhs to renounce their Chinese citizenship and leave the country. The decision follows testimony in a Kazakh court of a former employee of a re-education camp detailing three facilities in which up to 7,500 Kazaks and Chinese nationals of Kazakh descent allegedly were being held. The testimony prompted sharp criticism in parliament and on social media. China and the West’s diametrically opposed concepts of human rights are part of a larger contest for dominance over the future of technology and global influence. Freedom House, a Washington-based freedom watchdog, reported last year that China was exporting to at least 18 countries sophisticated surveillance systems capable of identifying threats to public order and has made it easier to repress free speech in 36 others. “They are passing on their norms for how technology should govern society,” said Adrian Shahbaz, the author of the report. Added Nadège Rolland, a senior fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, a Washington think tank, speaking to Bloomberg: “There’s a 1984 component to it that’s kind of scary.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Shaping the new world order: The battle for human rights

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-president-sparks-outrage-for-calling-god-stupid-147127">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte</a> and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world".

Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sirisena-keeps-control-of-police-as-lanka-political-crisis-festers-187245">Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena</a> told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard".

Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate".

"No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights".

The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully.

On Friday, the presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash".

Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence.

More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign.

International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said.

Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed.

Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte.

"We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said.

A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte that he wanted to 'follow your footsteps to control this hazard'.

Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world". Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard". Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Duterte's campaign was "a human rights calamity that no country in the world should even try to emulate". "No 'drug war' that treated the drug problem purely from a crime perspective has ever succeeded," he said. "What they have wrought are untold suffering and the further destruction of the rule of law and the diminution of human rights". The Philippine government has consistently refuted that and said the crackdown, which started in July 2016, was being administered lawfully. On Friday, the presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said any allegations of state-sponsored killings were "pure hogwash". Police say they have since killed at least 5,000 suspected drug dealers, although activists say the number could be far higher and they dispute official accounts that the killings were all in self-defence. More than 200 people in Bangladesh have been killed by police in a similar campaign. International drug smugglers have increasingly turned to Sri Lanka as a transit hub in Asia, authorities there have said. Predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka voted in favour of a UN resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty in 2015, but Sirisena said last year he wanted convicted traffickers caught arranging drugs deals from jail to be executed. Philippines human rights group iDefend said that if Sirisena was serious about following Duterte's lead, he should be ready to face scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, which has started a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte. "We warn Asian leaders not to emulate the Philippine model but adopt a humane, evidence-based public health approach to the drugs issue through rights-based governance that strengthens, not erodes democratic institutions," iDefend spokesman Judy Pasimio said. A spokesman for Sirisena did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Activists decry Sri Lankan president's praise for Duterte's drugs war

Canada urged<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-court-sentences-canadian-to-death-as-diplomatic-row-deepens-190320"> Beijing</a> on Tuesday to grant clemency to a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking after his sentence reignited a diplomatic dispute that began last month.

Ottawa has warned its citizens about the risk of "arbitrary enforcement" of laws in China following a court's sentencing of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, to death on Monday, increasing a previous 15-year prison term.

The sentence came during a clash between Ottawa and Beijing over Canada's arrest in December of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei, on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations.

"We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency" for Schellenberg, Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec.

Earlier, Beijing said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made "irresponsible remarks" for saying China chose to "arbitrarily apply" death penalties. 
Freeland recalled Canada's long-standing opposition to capital punishment.

"We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it," she said.

In a move observers see as retaliation over the Huawei case, Chinese authorities detained two other Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security. 
The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence and the inclusion of new evidence raised suspicion among observers.

Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said China was "playing hostage politics."&nbsp;

In response to Canada's travel advisory on China, Beijing issued a similar response, urging its nationals to "travel cautiously."&nbsp;

China executes one or two foreigners every year -- nearly all for drug offences according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Canada urged Beijing on Tuesday to grant clemency to a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking after his sentence reignited a diplomatic dispute that began last month.

Canada urged Beijing on Tuesday to grant clemency to a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking after his sentence reignited a diplomatic dispute that began last month. Ottawa has warned its citizens about the risk of "arbitrary enforcement" of laws in China following a court's sentencing of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, to death on Monday, increasing a previous 15-year prison term. The sentence came during a clash between Ottawa and Beijing over Canada's arrest in December of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei, on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. "We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency" for Schellenberg, Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Earlier, Beijing said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made "irresponsible remarks" for saying China chose to "arbitrarily apply" death penalties. Freeland recalled Canada's long-standing opposition to capital punishment. "We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it," she said. In a move observers see as retaliation over the Huawei case, Chinese authorities detained two other Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security. The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence and the inclusion of new evidence raised suspicion among observers. Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said China was "playing hostage politics." In response to Canada's travel advisory on China, Beijing issued a similar response, urging its nationals to "travel cautiously." China executes one or two foreigners every year -- nearly all for drug offences according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group.

Canada asks China clemency for convicted drug trafficker

International rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged major donors to impose sanctions on Afghanistan's newly appointed acting defence minister over alleged war crimes and human rights abuses.

President Ashraf Ghani's decision last month to appoint the fiercely anti-Taliban Asadullah Khalid prompted an outcry from human rights organisations which accuse him of being involved in assassinations, torture and illicit drug business while serving as governor of Ghazni and later of southern Kandahar in 2005 and 2008.

"Credible evidence of serious human rights abuses and war crimes linked to Khalid have followed him throughout his government career," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Saturday.

Brad Adams, Asia Director at HRW called on donors including the United States and Canada to impose sanctions on Khalid, freeze his assets and ban him from entry.

"The European Union and other donors should impose similar sanctions to send a clear message that returning a known human rights abuser to a position of authority is simply unacceptable," he said.

Khalid, who barely survived a Taliban suicide attack shortly he took over the National Directorate for Security in 2012, denies the charges and says they are politically motivated.

An uncompromising opponent of the Taliban, Khalid accuses Pakistan of aiding the insurgent group, which Pakistan denies.

His appointment and that of fellow Taliban critic Amrullah Saleh as interior minister come amid growing momentum in talks between U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives, who have resisted US&nbsp;pressure to include Ghani's government.

Critics say Khalid's appointment will only complicate peace efforts after 17 years of conflict. It has also fuelled accusations that Ghani was trying to neutralise potential opponents by bringing them onto his side ahead of the election.

International rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged major donors to impose sanctions on Afghanistan's newly appointed acting defence minister over alleged war crimes and human rights abuses.

International rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged major donors to impose sanctions on Afghanistan's newly appointed acting defence minister over alleged war crimes and human rights abuses. President Ashraf Ghani's decision last month to appoint the fiercely anti-Taliban Asadullah Khalid prompted an outcry from human rights organisations which accuse him of being involved in assassinations, torture and illicit drug business while serving as governor of Ghazni and later of southern Kandahar in 2005 and 2008. "Credible evidence of serious human rights abuses and war crimes linked to Khalid have followed him throughout his government career," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Saturday. Brad Adams, Asia Director at HRW called on donors including the United States and Canada to impose sanctions on Khalid, freeze his assets and ban him from entry. "The European Union and other donors should impose similar sanctions to send a clear message that returning a known human rights abuser to a position of authority is simply unacceptable," he said. Khalid, who barely survived a Taliban suicide attack shortly he took over the National Directorate for Security in 2012, denies the charges and says they are politically motivated. An uncompromising opponent of the Taliban, Khalid accuses Pakistan of aiding the insurgent group, which Pakistan denies. His appointment and that of fellow Taliban critic Amrullah Saleh as interior minister come amid growing momentum in talks between U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives, who have resisted US pressure to include Ghani's government. Critics say Khalid's appointment will only complicate peace efforts after 17 years of conflict. It has also fuelled accusations that Ghani was trying to neutralise potential opponents by bringing them onto his side ahead of the election.

Human Rights Watch calls for sanctions against new Afghan defence minister

Pakistan's Chief Justice Saqib Nisar has suspended the execution of a mentally ill former policeman, who was scheduled to be hanged on Monday, media reports said.

Chief Justice Nisar suspended the execution of Khizar Hayat late Saturday night following appeals from the prisoner's mother and human rights advocates calling for the suspension of his capital punishment.

The suspension came a day after a district and sessions judge scheduled Hayat's execution on January 15 at the Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail, the Express Tribune reported.

Hayat was sentenced to death in 2003 over the shooting of a fellow officer. He has spent nearly 15 years on death row. Hayat was first diagnosed as a schizophrenic in 2008 by jail medical authorities, Dawn reported.

Justice Nisar has also fixed the case for hearing on January 14, following calls from the rights organisations to review Hayat's case in the court.

"Taking notice of the issue, the chief justice suspended the sentence of the prisoner till further orders and fixed the matter for hearing on Jan 14," the paper said, quoting a statement from the Supreme Court.

In 2010, the jail medical officer recommended that Hayat needed specialised treatment and should be shifted to the psychiatric facility. However, this was never done, the report said.

In a letter, Hayat's mother requested the chief justice to visit the Kot Lakhpat jail ward for mentally ill prisoners and investigate what medicines were being given to her son.

She urged that Hayat's medical records be investigated to determine why his treatment was not being done properly and why his condition was worsening day by day.

Meanwhile, a two-member bench comprising Justice Mansoor Ahmad Malik and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood will hear an appeal for the suspension of death sentence of Hayat, the report said.

Pakistan's Chief Justice Saqib Nisar has suspended the execution of a mentally ill former policeman, who was scheduled to be hanged on Monday, media reports said.

Pakistan's Chief Justice Saqib Nisar has suspended the execution of a mentally ill former policeman, who was scheduled to be hanged on Monday, media reports said. Chief Justice Nisar suspended the execution of Khizar Hayat late Saturday night following appeals from the prisoner's mother and human rights advocates calling for the suspension of his capital punishment. The suspension came a day after a district and sessions judge scheduled Hayat's execution on January 15 at the Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail, the Express Tribune reported. Hayat was sentenced to death in 2003 over the shooting of a fellow officer. He has spent nearly 15 years on death row. Hayat was first diagnosed as a schizophrenic in 2008 by jail medical authorities, Dawn reported. Justice Nisar has also fixed the case for hearing on January 14, following calls from the rights organisations to review Hayat's case in the court. "Taking notice of the issue, the chief justice suspended the sentence of the prisoner till further orders and fixed the matter for hearing on Jan 14," the paper said, quoting a statement from the Supreme Court. In 2010, the jail medical officer recommended that Hayat needed specialised treatment and should be shifted to the psychiatric facility. However, this was never done, the report said. In a letter, Hayat's mother requested the chief justice to visit the Kot Lakhpat jail ward for mentally ill prisoners and investigate what medicines were being given to her son. She urged that Hayat's medical records be investigated to determine why his treatment was not being done properly and why his condition was worsening day by day. Meanwhile, a two-member bench comprising Justice Mansoor Ahmad Malik and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood will hear an appeal for the suspension of death sentence of Hayat, the report said.

Pakistan chief justice stays execution of mentally ill policeman

A Saudi woman held at Bangkok airport said she would be killed if she was repatriated by Thai immigration officials, who confirmed the 18-year-old was denied entry to the country on Sunday.

The incident comes against the backdrop of intense scrutiny of Saudi Arabia over its investigation and handling of the shocking murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last year, which has renewed criticism of the kingdom's rights record.

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun told AFP she was stopped by Saudi and Kuwaiti officials when she arrived in Suvarnabhumi airport and her travel document was forcibly taken from her, a claim backed by Human Rights Watch.

"They took my passport," she told AFP, adding that her male guardian had reported her for travelling "without his permission".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kuwait airlines and Saudi embassy work together!! They took my passport
— Rahaf Mohammed (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082081214742224896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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They are liars!!!!! <a href="https://t.co/I9zgoQVRBz">https://t.co/I9zgoQVRBz</a>
— Rahaf Mohammed (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082080876823928832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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I’m calling for all people inside the transit area in Bangkok to protest against deporting me to Kuwait 
Please I need u all 
I’m shouting out for help of humanity
— Rahaf Mohammed (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082097331279970304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Qunun said she was trying to flee her family, who subjected her to physical and psychological abuse.&nbsp;

"My family is strict and locked me in a room for six months just for cutting my hair," she said, adding that she is certain she will be imprisoned if she is sent back.&nbsp;

"I'm sure 100 per cent they will kill me as soon as I get out of the Saudi jail," she said, adding that she was "scared" and "losing hope".

Qunun was stopped from entering Thailand when she flew in from Kuwait on Sunday, Thailand's immigration chief Surachate Hakparn told AFP.

"She had no further documents such as return ticket or money," he said, adding that Rahaf was currently in an airport hotel.

"She ran away from her family to avoid marriage and she is concerned she may be in trouble returning to Saudi Arabia. We sent officials to take care of her now," he said.&nbsp;

He added that Thai authorities had contacted the "Saudi Arabia embassy to coordinate".&nbsp;

'Can't escape'&nbsp;

But Qunun disputed his account, saying that she was only in transit to seek asylum in Australia, and was accosted by Saudi and Kuwaiti embassy representatives when she arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport.&nbsp;

She took to Twitter to plead her case, creating a profile with an Arabic bio that reads "I just want to survive".

During a video livestream showing her walking around a carpeted hallway, Qunun spoke in Arabic about how her father had told Saudi embassy officials she was a "psychiatric patient" who had to be returned, even though she had "an Australian visa".

"I can't escape the airport," she said in the live video. "I tried but there's a security (official) watching me."

In a sign of growing desperation over the last few hours, the woman live tweeted barricading her hotel room door with furniture.

Immigration head Surachate said Qunun would be sent back to Saudi Arabia by Monday morning.&nbsp;

"It's a family problem," he said of the case.&nbsp;

But Human Rights Watch said Thai authorities must allow the teenager to make a refugee claim with UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency.&nbsp;

"Saudi women fleeing their families can face severe violence from relatives, deprivation of liberty, and other serious harm if returned against their will," said &nbsp;Michael Page, HRW deputy Middle East director.&nbsp;

"Thai authorities should immediately halt any deportation, and either allow her to continue her travel to Australia or permit her to remain in Thailand to seek protection as a refugee."

'Family problem'

Abdulilah al-Shouaibi, charge d'affaires at the Saudi embassy in Bangkok, acknowledged the woman's father had contacted the diplomatic mission for "help" to bring her back.

But in an interview with Saudi-owned channel Rotana Khalijial, he denied that her passport had been seized and that embassy officials were present inside the airport.

Saudi Arabia has come under fierce criticism following the murder of dissident journalist Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate on October 2 -- a case that stunned the world.

The ultra-conservative kingdom has long been attacked for imposing some of the world's toughest restrictions on women.

That includes a guardianship system that allows men to exercise arbitrary authority to make decisions on behalf of their female relatives.

In addition to facing punishment for "moral" crimes, women can also become the target of "honour killings" at the hands of their families, activists say.&nbsp;

A Saudi woman held at Bangkok airport said she would be killed if she was repatriated by Thai immigration officials, who confirmed the 18-year-old was denied entry to the country on Sunday.

A Saudi woman held at Bangkok airport said she would be killed if she was repatriated by Thai immigration officials, who confirmed the 18-year-old was denied entry to the country on Sunday. The incident comes against the backdrop of intense scrutiny of Saudi Arabia over its investigation and handling of the shocking murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last year, which has renewed criticism of the kingdom's rights record. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun told AFP she was stopped by Saudi and Kuwaiti officials when she arrived in Suvarnabhumi airport and her travel document was forcibly taken from her, a claim backed by Human Rights Watch. "They took my passport," she told AFP, adding that her male guardian had reported her for travelling "without his permission". Kuwait airlines and Saudi embassy work together!! They took my passport — Rahaf Mohammed (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × They are liars!!!!! https://t.co/I9zgoQVRBz — Rahaf Mohammed (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × I’m calling for all people inside the transit area in Bangkok to protest against deporting me to Kuwait Please I need u all I’m shouting out for help of humanity — Rahaf Mohammed (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × Qunun said she was trying to flee her family, who subjected her to physical and psychological abuse. "My family is strict and locked me in a room for six months just for cutting my hair," she said, adding that she is certain she will be imprisoned if she is sent back. "I'm sure 100 per cent they will kill me as soon as I get out of the Saudi jail," she said, adding that she was "scared" and "losing hope". Qunun was stopped from entering Thailand when she flew in from Kuwait on Sunday, Thailand's immigration chief Surachate Hakparn told AFP. "She had no further documents such as return ticket or money," he said, adding that Rahaf was currently in an airport hotel. "She ran away from her family to avoid marriage and she is concerned she may be in trouble returning to Saudi Arabia. We sent officials to take care of her now," he said. He added that Thai authorities had contacted the "Saudi Arabia embassy to coordinate". 'Can't escape' But Qunun disputed his account, saying that she was only in transit to seek asylum in Australia, and was accosted by Saudi and Kuwaiti embassy representatives when she arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport. She took to Twitter to plead her case, creating a profile with an Arabic bio that reads "I just want to survive". During a video livestream showing her walking around a carpeted hallway, Qunun spoke in Arabic about how her father had told Saudi embassy officials she was a "psychiatric patient" who had to be returned, even though she had "an Australian visa". "I can't escape the airport," she said in the live video. "I tried but there's a security (official) watching me." In a sign of growing desperation over the last few hours, the woman live tweeted barricading her hotel room door with furniture. Immigration head Surachate said Qunun would be sent back to Saudi Arabia by Monday morning. "It's a family problem," he said of the case. But Human Rights Watch said Thai authorities must allow the teenager to make a refugee claim with UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency. "Saudi women fleeing their families can face severe violence from relatives, deprivation of liberty, and other serious harm if returned against their will," said Michael Page, HRW deputy Middle East director. "Thai authorities should immediately halt any deportation, and either allow her to continue her travel to Australia or permit her to remain in Thailand to seek protection as a refugee." 'Family problem' Abdulilah al-Shouaibi, charge d'affaires at the Saudi embassy in Bangkok, acknowledged the woman's father had contacted the diplomatic mission for "help" to bring her back. But in an interview with Saudi-owned channel Rotana Khalijial, he denied that her passport had been seized and that embassy officials were present inside the airport. Saudi Arabia has come under fierce criticism following the murder of dissident journalist Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate on October 2 -- a case that stunned the world. The ultra-conservative kingdom has long been attacked for imposing some of the world's toughest restrictions on women. That includes a guardianship system that allows men to exercise arbitrary authority to make decisions on behalf of their female relatives. In addition to facing punishment for "moral" crimes, women can also become the target of "honour killings" at the hands of their families, activists say.

Saudi woman held at Bangkok airport fears she will be killed if repatriated

Syria's nearly eight-year-old conflict saw its lowest annual death toll in 2018 as the regime reasserted its authority over swathes of territory, a war monitor said on Monday.

A total of 19,666 people were killed this year as a result of the conflict, which erupted in 2011, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported.

"2018 was the lowest annual toll since the start of the conflict," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

The Britain-based monitor relies on a vast network of sources across Syria to document the war that broke out after the brutal repression of nationwide anti-regime protests in 2011.

The death toll for 2017 stood at more than 33,000 and the highest annual figure was reached in 2014 -- the year the Islamic State jihadist group proclaimed a "caliphate" over large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq -- when 76,000 people were killed.

Among those killed in 2018 were 6,349 civilians, 1,437 of them children, Abdel Rahman said.

Eastern Ghouta

"Most of those killed during the first part of the year were killed in regime and Russian bombardment of opposition areas, including Eastern Ghouta," Abdel Rahman said.

"The majority of those killed in the second half of the year were killed in coalition air strikes," he added.

The first months of 2018 were marked by major Russian-backed government operations to retake rebel and jihadist bastions in and around the capital Damascus.

The bloodiest of them was an assault on Eastern Ghouta, a densely-populated area east of Damascus that remained besieged for years.

The most active front of the past few months has been the battle against the remnants of the Islamic State group in eastern Syria.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by a US-led coalition carrying out air strikes, launched an offensive on September 10.

Jihadist fighters defending the last rump of their once sprawling proto-state, near the Iraqi border along the Euphrates River, have put up fierce resistance but seem close to collapsing.

While fighting has ended or is winding down in several parts of the country, 2019 could see its share of military flare-ups.

Threatened Turkish offensive

Besides the continued threat posed by IS sleeper cells even after it loses its last pocket in eastern Syria, two other areas remain of concern.

Turkey has threatened a major offensive against the Kurdish militia that controls regions along its border in northeastern Syria.

The announcement made by Donald Trump two weeks ago that he had ordered a full troop pullout from Syria left the US-led coalition's Kurdish allies more exposed.

Thousands of rebel fighters and jihadists also remain in Idlib, a northern province where many of them were transferred as a result of deals to end government assaults on other areas across the country.

Under an agreement reached in Russia, Turkey was tasked with disarming some of the groups active in Idlib but little progress has been achieved.

President Bashar al-Assad has consistently said that his forces would seek to reconquer the entire Syrian territory.

According to the Observatory, the government and its allies now controls 60.2 per cent of Syrian territory, while the SDF hold 28.8 per cent.

The Kurds last week asked for the regime's help against the threat of a Turkish offensive, a move that will put pay to their ambitions of increased autonomy.

By comparison, the US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project puts the number of conflict-related deaths in Afghanistan at more than 40,000 this year.

Syria's nearly eight-year-old conflict saw its lowest annual death toll in 2018 as the regime reasserted its authority over swathes of territory, a war monitor said on Monday.

Syria's nearly eight-year-old conflict saw its lowest annual death toll in 2018 as the regime reasserted its authority over swathes of territory, a war monitor said on Monday. A total of 19,666 people were killed this year as a result of the conflict, which erupted in 2011, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported. "2018 was the lowest annual toll since the start of the conflict," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. The Britain-based monitor relies on a vast network of sources across Syria to document the war that broke out after the brutal repression of nationwide anti-regime protests in 2011. The death toll for 2017 stood at more than 33,000 and the highest annual figure was reached in 2014 -- the year the Islamic State jihadist group proclaimed a "caliphate" over large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq -- when 76,000 people were killed. Among those killed in 2018 were 6,349 civilians, 1,437 of them children, Abdel Rahman said. Eastern Ghouta "Most of those killed during the first part of the year were killed in regime and Russian bombardment of opposition areas, including Eastern Ghouta," Abdel Rahman said. "The majority of those killed in the second half of the year were killed in coalition air strikes," he added. The first months of 2018 were marked by major Russian-backed government operations to retake rebel and jihadist bastions in and around the capital Damascus. The bloodiest of them was an assault on Eastern Ghouta, a densely-populated area east of Damascus that remained besieged for years. The most active front of the past few months has been the battle against the remnants of the Islamic State group in eastern Syria. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by a US-led coalition carrying out air strikes, launched an offensive on September 10. Jihadist fighters defending the last rump of their once sprawling proto-state, near the Iraqi border along the Euphrates River, have put up fierce resistance but seem close to collapsing. While fighting has ended or is winding down in several parts of the country, 2019 could see its share of military flare-ups. Threatened Turkish offensive Besides the continued threat posed by IS sleeper cells even after it loses its last pocket in eastern Syria, two other areas remain of concern. Turkey has threatened a major offensive against the Kurdish militia that controls regions along its border in northeastern Syria. The announcement made by Donald Trump two weeks ago that he had ordered a full troop pullout from Syria left the US-led coalition's Kurdish allies more exposed. Thousands of rebel fighters and jihadists also remain in Idlib, a northern province where many of them were transferred as a result of deals to end government assaults on other areas across the country. Under an agreement reached in Russia, Turkey was tasked with disarming some of the groups active in Idlib but little progress has been achieved. President Bashar al-Assad has consistently said that his forces would seek to reconquer the entire Syrian territory. According to the Observatory, the government and its allies now controls 60.2 per cent of Syrian territory, while the SDF hold 28.8 per cent. The Kurds last week asked for the regime's help against the threat of a Turkish offensive, a move that will put pay to their ambitions of increased autonomy. By comparison, the US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project puts the number of conflict-related deaths in Afghanistan at more than 40,000 this year.

In 8 years of war, Syria records lowest death toll with over 19,000 killed in 2018

The trial of a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer took place Wednesday but was closed to the public because of "state secrets", a northern Chinese court said.

Wang Quanzhang, 42, who defended political activists and victims of land seizures, disappeared in a 2015 sweep&nbsp;known as the "709" crackdown aimed at courtroom critics of Communist authorities.

Charged in January 2016 with alleged "subversion of state power", Wang had been in legal limbo detained without a trial date until Monday, when his government-appointed lawyer finally contacted his wife with the court date.

"The defendant... was tried in the first instance of the Tianjin Second Intermediate People's Court today," the court said in a statement.

"Due to the state secrets involved, the court decided not to open the trial to the public. The verdict, in this case, will be pronounced at a later date."

The closed-door proceedings were conducted in a heavily-guarded courthouse in the northern city of Tianjin, with Wang's wife prevented from attending the session and at least two activists detained for protesting outside the building.

Wang's wife, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wife-of-vanished-chinese-lawyer-marches-for-answers-128622">Li Wenzu</a>, was on Tuesday placed under de facto house arrest with "more than 20" security personnel outside her apartment.&nbsp;

In an account posted on Twitter early Wednesday morning, a supporter Wang Qiaoling detailed how she and Li were barred from leaving a Beijing housing compound by groups of police officers for over an hour.

'Another potential enemy'&nbsp;

"The authorities in cases like these see the defendant as their enemy and anyone close to them as either a potential tool to be manipulated... or as another potential enemy to be controlled," Eva Pils, a professor specialising in human rights law at King's College London, told AFP.

"Placing Li Wenzu under house arrest would fall in that category."

Just before 10:00 am (0200 GMT), AFP journalists witnessed Heilongjiang activist Yang Chunlin getting arrested after he protested outside the court in Tianjin, describing the situation as "fascist rule" and "absurd".

Several plainclothes officers set on Yang and bundled him into a waiting black SUV.

Witnesses told AFP that Zhang Zhecheng, a rights activist from central China, had been taken away at about 8:15 am after holding up a sign calling for Wang's release.

Wang is charged with being influenced by "infiltrating anti-China forces", of being trained by a foreign group and accepting their funding, and of having subversive thoughts as a result.

The documents seen by AFP said he worked with Peter Dahlin, a Swedish human rights activist whose group offered training to lawyers who have tried to use the tightly controlled Chinese judiciary to redress apparent government abuses.

Dahlin was deported in 2016 after a 23-day detention.

Wang is also accused of hyping up and distorting facts in cases he worked on, including a "cult" he was defending.

Stay quiet'&nbsp;

In Hong Kong, about 50 people marched to China's liaison office on Wednesday, demanding the release of Wang and others detained during the 709 crackdowns.

The sweep has dealt a blow to China's human rights defence movement, with most lawyers either jailed, disbarred or under heavy surveillance, making it impossible for them to work, said Human Rights Watch China researcher Yaqiu Wang.

"The Chinese government, paranoiacally, sees grassroots Chinese activists and organisations working with foreign non-government organisations as attempts to foment a 'colour revolution' to challenge the Communist Party's grip on power," she said.&nbsp;

Li and three others last week shaved their heads in protest of Wang's indefinite detention and tried to submit a petition to the courts but were prevented from doing so by the police.

"Family members of detained activists are often warned to 'stay quiet' to avoid their loved ones getting harsher sentences," said Doriane Lau, China researcher at Amnesty International.&nbsp;

"In the hope of getting the activist out earlier by succumbing to the threats of the authorities, family members and friends avoid bringing the case to journalists or calling for support on social media."

The trial of a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer took place Wednesday but was closed to the public because of "state secrets", a northern Chinese court said.

The trial of a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer took place Wednesday but was closed to the public because of "state secrets", a northern Chinese court said. Wang Quanzhang, 42, who defended political activists and victims of land seizures, disappeared in a 2015 sweep known as the "709" crackdown aimed at courtroom critics of Communist authorities. Charged in January 2016 with alleged "subversion of state power", Wang had been in legal limbo detained without a trial date until Monday, when his government-appointed lawyer finally contacted his wife with the court date. "The defendant... was tried in the first instance of the Tianjin Second Intermediate People's Court today," the court said in a statement. "Due to the state secrets involved, the court decided not to open the trial to the public. The verdict, in this case, will be pronounced at a later date." The closed-door proceedings were conducted in a heavily-guarded courthouse in the northern city of Tianjin, with Wang's wife prevented from attending the session and at least two activists detained for protesting outside the building. Wang's wife, Li Wenzu, was on Tuesday placed under de facto house arrest with "more than 20" security personnel outside her apartment. In an account posted on Twitter early Wednesday morning, a supporter Wang Qiaoling detailed how she and Li were barred from leaving a Beijing housing compound by groups of police officers for over an hour. 'Another potential enemy' "The authorities in cases like these see the defendant as their enemy and anyone close to them as either a potential tool to be manipulated... or as another potential enemy to be controlled," Eva Pils, a professor specialising in human rights law at King's College London, told AFP. "Placing Li Wenzu under house arrest would fall in that category." Just before 10:00 am (0200 GMT), AFP journalists witnessed Heilongjiang activist Yang Chunlin getting arrested after he protested outside the court in Tianjin, describing the situation as "fascist rule" and "absurd". Several plainclothes officers set on Yang and bundled him into a waiting black SUV. Witnesses told AFP that Zhang Zhecheng, a rights activist from central China, had been taken away at about 8:15 am after holding up a sign calling for Wang's release. Wang is charged with being influenced by "infiltrating anti-China forces", of being trained by a foreign group and accepting their funding, and of having subversive thoughts as a result. The documents seen by AFP said he worked with Peter Dahlin, a Swedish human rights activist whose group offered training to lawyers who have tried to use the tightly controlled Chinese judiciary to redress apparent government abuses. Dahlin was deported in 2016 after a 23-day detention. Wang is also accused of hyping up and distorting facts in cases he worked on, including a "cult" he was defending. Stay quiet' In Hong Kong, about 50 people marched to China's liaison office on Wednesday, demanding the release of Wang and others detained during the 709 crackdowns. The sweep has dealt a blow to China's human rights defence movement, with most lawyers either jailed, disbarred or under heavy surveillance, making it impossible for them to work, said Human Rights Watch China researcher Yaqiu Wang. "The Chinese government, paranoiacally, sees grassroots Chinese activists and organisations working with foreign non-government organisations as attempts to foment a 'colour revolution' to challenge the Communist Party's grip on power," she said. Li and three others last week shaved their heads in protest of Wang's indefinite detention and tried to submit a petition to the courts but were prevented from doing so by the police. "Family members of detained activists are often warned to 'stay quiet' to avoid their loved ones getting harsher sentences," said Doriane Lau, China researcher at Amnesty International. "In the hope of getting the activist out earlier by succumbing to the threats of the authorities, family members and friends avoid bringing the case to journalists or calling for support on social media."

Prominent Chinese human rights lawyer trial held behind closed doors

The government of Nicaraguan President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nicaraguas-ortega-must-reform-or-face-downfall-analysts-say-180720">Daniel Ortega</a> expelled two expert missions from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Wednesday, accusing them of meddling and bias in evaluating the crisis-hit country.

A letter to Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Luis Almagro said the suspension of the Special Follow-up Mechanism for Nicaragua (MESENI) and the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI) would remain "until conditions of respect for sovereignty and internal affairs are re-established."

Read to mission members by foreign minister Denis Moncada, it accused the two entities of demonstrating "an interfering, interventionist attitude, echoing United States government policies against Nicaragua." The missions said they would leave the country on Thursday.

The order came a day before GIEI&nbsp;created to collaborate with authorities to assess Nicaragua's human rights situation was due to present findings on human rights during the first weeks of anti-government protests, which erupted in April.

But the government accused it of acting outside agreed parameters by directly interviewing victims.

GIEI coordinator Amerigo Incalcaterra denied the allegations but said the mission had been advised not to present its report.

MESENI representative Ana Maria Tello meanwhile told a press conference it would continue to monitor the situation in Nicaragua from Washington.

Ortega's government also accused the Organization of the American States of promoting an "irresponsible" and "slanderous" campaign against Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.

In a statement, the General Secretariat of the OAS said the expulsion decision "further places Nicaragua into the terrain of authoritarianism." It comes as the Ortega government revoked local human rights groups' permits, raiding their headquarters along with those of independent media. In September, the government also expelled a UN human rights mission, branding a report it produced as biased.

Rights groups say at least 320 people have been killed in Nicaragua in a brutal government crackdown launched in response to the escalation in April of street protests, initially against now-ditched pension reform.

The government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega expelled two expert missions from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Wednesday, accusing them of meddling and bias in evaluating the crisis-hit country.

The government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega expelled two expert missions from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Wednesday, accusing them of meddling and bias in evaluating the crisis-hit country. A letter to Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Luis Almagro said the suspension of the Special Follow-up Mechanism for Nicaragua (MESENI) and the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI) would remain "until conditions of respect for sovereignty and internal affairs are re-established." Read to mission members by foreign minister Denis Moncada, it accused the two entities of demonstrating "an interfering, interventionist attitude, echoing United States government policies against Nicaragua." The missions said they would leave the country on Thursday. The order came a day before GIEI created to collaborate with authorities to assess Nicaragua's human rights situation was due to present findings on human rights during the first weeks of anti-government protests, which erupted in April. But the government accused it of acting outside agreed parameters by directly interviewing victims. GIEI coordinator Amerigo Incalcaterra denied the allegations but said the mission had been advised not to present its report. MESENI representative Ana Maria Tello meanwhile told a press conference it would continue to monitor the situation in Nicaragua from Washington. Ortega's government also accused the Organization of the American States of promoting an "irresponsible" and "slanderous" campaign against Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. In a statement, the General Secretariat of the OAS said the expulsion decision "further places Nicaragua into the terrain of authoritarianism." It comes as the Ortega government revoked local human rights groups' permits, raiding their headquarters along with those of independent media. In September, the government also expelled a UN human rights mission, branding a report it produced as biased. Rights groups say at least 320 people have been killed in Nicaragua in a brutal government crackdown launched in response to the escalation in April of street protests, initially against now-ditched pension reform.

Nicaragua expels international human rights missions

Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan have been lauded for providing lifesaving medical supplies to prisoners in the country's Malakal city.

Indian peacekeepers deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) donated medical supplies, including antibiotics, fortified malnutrition supplements and bandages to a state prison in Malakal.&nbsp;

"This medicine will go a long way in helping the vulnerable people who are here, said Major General Paul Puk Kun, director of the correctional facility, adding that the donated drugs would also provide a buffer to cover their shortages.

A total of 32 cartons containing an assortment of multi-purpose drugs were handed over to the prison. The contribution was made possible by the proactive cooperation between the peacekeeping mission's Human Rights office and the hospital run by the Indian battalion, according to information on the UNMISS website.

Colonel Anupam Tuteja, in charge of the Indian health facility, said that he remains committed to supporting the prison population as much as possible.

Human Rights Officers who regularly visit the jail have noted that conditions have greatly improved, particularly related to health and cleanliness.

India is currently the largest contributor of peacekeepers to UNMISS with close to 2,400 military and police personnel deployed.

Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan have been lauded for providing lifesaving medical supplies to prisoners in the country's Malakal city.

Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan have been lauded for providing lifesaving medical supplies to prisoners in the country's Malakal city. Indian peacekeepers deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) donated medical supplies, including antibiotics, fortified malnutrition supplements and bandages to a state prison in Malakal. "This medicine will go a long way in helping the vulnerable people who are here, said Major General Paul Puk Kun, director of the correctional facility, adding that the donated drugs would also provide a buffer to cover their shortages. A total of 32 cartons containing an assortment of multi-purpose drugs were handed over to the prison. The contribution was made possible by the proactive cooperation between the peacekeeping mission's Human Rights office and the hospital run by the Indian battalion, according to information on the UNMISS website. Colonel Anupam Tuteja, in charge of the Indian health facility, said that he remains committed to supporting the prison population as much as possible. Human Rights Officers who regularly visit the jail have noted that conditions have greatly improved, particularly related to health and cleanliness. India is currently the largest contributor of peacekeepers to UNMISS with close to 2,400 military and police personnel deployed.

Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan lauded for providing medical supplies to prisoners 

As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70, there are signs that the goals outlined in the text are facing unprecedented threats, from rising nationalism to a worldwide assault on multilateral institutions.

This week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, warned that the global system "that gave teeth to the vision of the Universal Declaration is being chipped away by governments and politicians increasingly focused on narrow, nationalist interests."&nbsp;

But some experts have argued that as the global rights movement born after World War II comes under attack, the UDHR may have an opportunity to reassert its relevance.

The text adopted in Paris by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, aimed to redress the centuries-old notion that rights are granted to citizens by states.

According to the UN rights office, this was in response to the argument of Nazi defendants at the Nuremberg trials that the leaders of a sovereign state acting in what they deemed the national interest "could not be held guilty of the newly-conceived 'crimes against humanity'."&nbsp;

The UDHR was therefore meant to establish the rights that belong to every person, regardless of whether they live in a democratic republic, a monarchy or a military dictatorship.&nbsp;

The declaration "was written for a precise moment like now when the attractions of nationalism and populism are sweeping through even democratic nations, once more," Francesca Klug, one of Britain's leading human rights scholars and the author of "A Magna Carta for All Humanity", told AFP.&nbsp;

&nbsp;US leadership 'forsaken'&nbsp;

One of the main challenges that has always faced the concept of universal human rights is enforcement.&nbsp;

A professor of human rights law at the London School of Economics, Conor Gearty, told AFP that even if the UDHR was written to establish the values that should transcend national sovereignty, it was always "states that truly mattered," because governments -- not a global entity like the UN -- had the power of enforcement.&nbsp;

Gearty said the notion of universal human rights saw major progress through the second half of the 20th century, including new multilateral treaties and national legislation embedding the articles of the UDHR.

Broadly, he credits the United States with leading this effort, calling human rights "the flagship of American global ascendency," in a 2017 article for the European Human Rights Law Review.&nbsp;

Gearty concedes that US foreign policy had always been characterised by "double standards... (and) calculated hypocrisies," but nevertheless described Washington as the "patron" of the post-war human rights era.

However, Gearty argued, that the "America First" administration of US President Donald Trump who has attacked multilateralism and pulled the US out of the UN Human Rights Council mark the end Washington's stewardship of the global rights movement.

"The US has forsaken any role as defender of international human rights, even on a hypocritical basis," he said, describing Trump's rise as the culmination of a US withdrawal that began with the so-called "war or terror" after September 11, 2001.&nbsp;

"The Americans have left the building," Gearty said.&nbsp;

At the same time, he maintained that "human rights need a powerful international patron, or they will wither on the vine," and identified the European Union as "the only credible candidate" to take the mantle from Washington.&nbsp;

The future 

Bachelet, Chile's former president who took over as UN rights chief in September, downplayed the notion that for the Universal Declaration to remain relevant it needed support from a superpower.&nbsp;

She said the text would endure because "its precepts are so fundamental that they can be applied to every new dilemma," including climate change and artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

The 30 articles of the UDHR range from equality rights to guarantees of a fair trial and the right to paid leave.&nbsp;

For its time, the text drafted by delegates from across the globe was surprisingly progressive on gender, using male pronouns only twice.&nbsp;

It also offers freedom from discrimination on the basis of "race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or other status."&nbsp;

The phrase "other status" has been applauded for anticipating the rights of LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex) people, decades before they were recognised anywhere.&nbsp;

The UDHR "has withstood the tests of the passing years," Bachelet said.&nbsp;

"It is, I firmly believe, as relevant today as it was when it was adopted 70 years ago."

As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70, there are signs that the goals outlined in the text are facing unprecedented threats, from rising nationalism to a worldwide assault on multilateral institutions.

As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70, there are signs that the goals outlined in the text are facing unprecedented threats, from rising nationalism to a worldwide assault on multilateral institutions. This week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, warned that the global system "that gave teeth to the vision of the Universal Declaration is being chipped away by governments and politicians increasingly focused on narrow, nationalist interests." But some experts have argued that as the global rights movement born after World War II comes under attack, the UDHR may have an opportunity to reassert its relevance. The text adopted in Paris by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, aimed to redress the centuries-old notion that rights are granted to citizens by states. According to the UN rights office, this was in response to the argument of Nazi defendants at the Nuremberg trials that the leaders of a sovereign state acting in what they deemed the national interest "could not be held guilty of the newly-conceived 'crimes against humanity'." The UDHR was therefore meant to establish the rights that belong to every person, regardless of whether they live in a democratic republic, a monarchy or a military dictatorship. The declaration "was written for a precise moment like now when the attractions of nationalism and populism are sweeping through even democratic nations, once more," Francesca Klug, one of Britain's leading human rights scholars and the author of "A Magna Carta for All Humanity", told AFP. US leadership 'forsaken' One of the main challenges that has always faced the concept of universal human rights is enforcement. A professor of human rights law at the London School of Economics, Conor Gearty, told AFP that even if the UDHR was written to establish the values that should transcend national sovereignty, it was always "states that truly mattered," because governments -- not a global entity like the UN -- had the power of enforcement. Gearty said the notion of universal human rights saw major progress through the second half of the 20th century, including new multilateral treaties and national legislation embedding the articles of the UDHR. Broadly, he credits the United States with leading this effort, calling human rights "the flagship of American global ascendency," in a 2017 article for the European Human Rights Law Review. Gearty concedes that US foreign policy had always been characterised by "double standards... (and) calculated hypocrisies," but nevertheless described Washington as the "patron" of the post-war human rights era. However, Gearty argued, that the "America First" administration of US President Donald Trump who has attacked multilateralism and pulled the US out of the UN Human Rights Council mark the end Washington's stewardship of the global rights movement. "The US has forsaken any role as defender of international human rights, even on a hypocritical basis," he said, describing Trump's rise as the culmination of a US withdrawal that began with the so-called "war or terror" after September 11, 2001. "The Americans have left the building," Gearty said. At the same time, he maintained that "human rights need a powerful international patron, or they will wither on the vine," and identified the European Union as "the only credible candidate" to take the mantle from Washington. The future Bachelet, Chile's former president who took over as UN rights chief in September, downplayed the notion that for the Universal Declaration to remain relevant it needed support from a superpower. She said the text would endure because "its precepts are so fundamental that they can be applied to every new dilemma," including climate change and artificial intelligence. The 30 articles of the UDHR range from equality rights to guarantees of a fair trial and the right to paid leave. For its time, the text drafted by delegates from across the globe was surprisingly progressive on gender, using male pronouns only twice. It also offers freedom from discrimination on the basis of "race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or other status." The phrase "other status" has been applauded for anticipating the rights of LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex) people, decades before they were recognised anywhere. The UDHR "has withstood the tests of the passing years," Bachelet said. "It is, I firmly believe, as relevant today as it was when it was adopted 70 years ago."

At 70, universal rights declaration facing uncertain future

Nearly 130,000 Rohingya and other displaced Muslims still live in crowded camps in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine, six years after Buddhist mobs razed most of their homes.

The government of Aung San Suu Kyi, under international pressure to address their plight, said that it is now closing the camps on the grounds that doing so will help development and put the labour of camp residents to good use. But Reuters' interviews with more than a dozen residents from five camps and internal United Nations documents show the move simply means building new, more permanent homes next to the camps -- rather than allowing them to return to the areas from which they fled.

Those that have moved into the new accommodation remain under the same severe movement restrictions as before, residents and staff working in the camps said. A network of official checkpoints and threats of violence by local Buddhists prevent Muslims from moving freely in Rakhine.

The UN chief in Myanmar, Knut Ostby, warned in a September 24 note that camp closures "risk further entrenching segregation while denying IDPs (internally displaced persons) many of their fundamental human rights". It could also drive more people to risk a hazardous maritime escape route. On Tuesday (December 4) a boat carrying 20 men believed to be Rohingya Muslims landed on Indonesia's Sumatra island, part of a series of boat departures from Myanmar and Bangladesh in recent weeks.

Pierre Peron, spokesman for the UN&nbsp;Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Myanmar, said the government should be focusing on getting the people to return home safely before closing those camps.

"What we are not seeing is people being able to return home to where they fled from," he said, adding that "the people in those places in those camps, still are relying on humanitarian assistance because they still do not have freedom of movement."

Myanmar said it is working with the United Nations on a national strategy to close camps housing people forced out of their homes by violence in Rakhine and elsewhere. It said such closures are in line with the 2017 recommendations of a commission led by the late former UN&nbsp;chief Kofi Annan.

But Rohingya community leaders said that improving conditions for those still living in Rakhine is one of the keys to persuading the hundreds of thousands sheltering in refugee camps in Bangladesh to return.

Some 730,000 fled a military crackdown after attacks by Rohingya militants in August 2017. UN-mandated investigators have said the Myanmar military unleashed a campaign of killings, rape and arson with "genocidal intent". Myanmar has denied almost all the accusations against its troops, whom it said were engaged in legitimate operations against terrorists.

Nearly 130,000 Rohingya and other displaced Muslims still live in crowded camps in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine, six years after Buddhist mobs razed most of their homes.

Nearly 130,000 Rohingya and other displaced Muslims still live in crowded camps in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine, six years after Buddhist mobs razed most of their homes. The government of Aung San Suu Kyi, under international pressure to address their plight, said that it is now closing the camps on the grounds that doing so will help development and put the labour of camp residents to good use. But Reuters' interviews with more than a dozen residents from five camps and internal United Nations documents show the move simply means building new, more permanent homes next to the camps -- rather than allowing them to return to the areas from which they fled. Those that have moved into the new accommodation remain under the same severe movement restrictions as before, residents and staff working in the camps said. A network of official checkpoints and threats of violence by local Buddhists prevent Muslims from moving freely in Rakhine. The UN chief in Myanmar, Knut Ostby, warned in a September 24 note that camp closures "risk further entrenching segregation while denying IDPs (internally displaced persons) many of their fundamental human rights". It could also drive more people to risk a hazardous maritime escape route. On Tuesday (December 4) a boat carrying 20 men believed to be Rohingya Muslims landed on Indonesia's Sumatra island, part of a series of boat departures from Myanmar and Bangladesh in recent weeks. Pierre Peron, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Myanmar, said the government should be focusing on getting the people to return home safely before closing those camps. "What we are not seeing is people being able to return home to where they fled from," he said, adding that "the people in those places in those camps, still are relying on humanitarian assistance because they still do not have freedom of movement." Myanmar said it is working with the United Nations on a national strategy to close camps housing people forced out of their homes by violence in Rakhine and elsewhere. It said such closures are in line with the 2017 recommendations of a commission led by the late former UN chief Kofi Annan. But Rohingya community leaders said that improving conditions for those still living in Rakhine is one of the keys to persuading the hundreds of thousands sheltering in refugee camps in Bangladesh to return. Some 730,000 fled a military crackdown after attacks by Rohingya militants in August 2017. UN-mandated investigators have said the Myanmar military unleashed a campaign of killings, rape and arson with "genocidal intent". Myanmar has denied almost all the accusations against its troops, whom it said were engaged in legitimate operations against terrorists.

Myanmar’s plan to 'close' Rohingya camps threatens deeper segregation

A military court in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on Monday sentenced six people, including a woman, to death by hanging for "collaborating" with Israel, authorities said.

In total 14 people were sentenced for "collaborating with the occupation," with six sentenced to be hanged and the rest sentenced to hard labour, the interior ministry in Gaza said.

The rulings came three weeks after eight people were killed when an alleged Israeli army cell in Gaza was uncovered on November 11, leading to a vicious fire fight.

Hamas fired hundreds of rockets at Israel in response, with the Jewish state striking dozens of targets in Gaza before a November 13 ceasefire agreement.

The six sentenced to death Monday were not directly related to the flareup, officials said.

Iyad al-Bozum, the spokesman of the interior ministry in Gaza, told AFP they were linked "to a communications and eavesdropping device planted by the (Israeli) occupation".&nbsp;

Six Hamas members were killed when the device apparently exploded after detection near Deir al-Balah in central Gaza in May.

Among those sentenced was a woman living inside Israel, named only as Amal, who was sentenced in absentia and is alleged to have encouraged her nephew in Gaza to collaborate with Israeli intelligence, according to the interior ministry.

Bozum hailed the rulings as a "clear message" to those who would cooperate with Israel.

"Collaborators must realise the (Israeli) occupation will not be able to protect them," he told a news conference.

The verdicts drew condemnation from Human Rights Watch.

"Rushing to sentence people to death smacks of militia rule, not the rule of law," said Omar Shakir, the watchdog's director for Israel and the Palestinian territories.

"The death penalty is a barbaric practice and always wrong, no matter the circumstance," he told AFP.

It was not clear when the executions of those in custody would take place.

According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, 28 executions have been carried out in Gaza since Hamas seized control of the coastal enclave in 2007 from rival faction Fatah.

In May 2017, Hamas security forces invited journalists to attend the hanging in Gaza City of three men convicted over the assassination of a senior military commander of the Islamist movement.

During the 2014 war with Israel, a firing squad from Hamas's armed wing killed six men accused of collaborating with the Jewish state.

Hamas and its allies have fought three wars with Israel since 2008 and the Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade for a decade.

Israel says the measure is necessary to isolate Hamas, though critics say they amount to collective punishment of the territory's two million residents.

A military court in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on Monday sentenced six people, including a woman, to death by hanging for "collaborating" with Israel, authorities said.

A military court in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on Monday sentenced six people, including a woman, to death by hanging for "collaborating" with Israel, authorities said. In total 14 people were sentenced for "collaborating with the occupation," with six sentenced to be hanged and the rest sentenced to hard labour, the interior ministry in Gaza said. The rulings came three weeks after eight people were killed when an alleged Israeli army cell in Gaza was uncovered on November 11, leading to a vicious fire fight. Hamas fired hundreds of rockets at Israel in response, with the Jewish state striking dozens of targets in Gaza before a November 13 ceasefire agreement. The six sentenced to death Monday were not directly related to the flareup, officials said. Iyad al-Bozum, the spokesman of the interior ministry in Gaza, told AFP they were linked "to a communications and eavesdropping device planted by the (Israeli) occupation". Six Hamas members were killed when the device apparently exploded after detection near Deir al-Balah in central Gaza in May. Among those sentenced was a woman living inside Israel, named only as Amal, who was sentenced in absentia and is alleged to have encouraged her nephew in Gaza to collaborate with Israeli intelligence, according to the interior ministry. Bozum hailed the rulings as a "clear message" to those who would cooperate with Israel. "Collaborators must realise the (Israeli) occupation will not be able to protect them," he told a news conference. The verdicts drew condemnation from Human Rights Watch. "Rushing to sentence people to death smacks of militia rule, not the rule of law," said Omar Shakir, the watchdog's director for Israel and the Palestinian territories. "The death penalty is a barbaric practice and always wrong, no matter the circumstance," he told AFP. It was not clear when the executions of those in custody would take place. According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, 28 executions have been carried out in Gaza since Hamas seized control of the coastal enclave in 2007 from rival faction Fatah. In May 2017, Hamas security forces invited journalists to attend the hanging in Gaza City of three men convicted over the assassination of a senior military commander of the Islamist movement. During the 2014 war with Israel, a firing squad from Hamas's armed wing killed six men accused of collaborating with the Jewish state. Hamas and its allies have fought three wars with Israel since 2008 and the Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade for a decade. Israel says the measure is necessary to isolate Hamas, though critics say they amount to collective punishment of the territory's two million residents.

Gaza court sentences 6 people to hang for 'collaborating' with Israel

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari's terse remarks came a day after President Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.&nbsp;

The minister, known to be a hawk, in a series of tweets said that whether China or Iran, US policies of "containment and isolation" do not coincide with Pakistan's strategic interests.

Mazari, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Trump's latest criticism of Pakistan should be a "lesson" to those Pakistani leaders who "appeased" America, especially after the 9/11 terror attacks.

"Trump's tirade against Pak &amp; his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc," she tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Trump's tirade against Pak &amp; his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT; the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064352254231289863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," Mazari said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. <a href="https://t.co/tFBe9BentG">https://t.co/tFBe9BentG</a>
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064353325146169345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In reply to another tweet calling out Trump over his remarks, Mazari said: "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Former foreign minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan continues to "pay in blood" for what it did for the USA and described the bilateral ties as a "relationship of betrayals &amp; sanctions."

"We continue to pay in blood for what we did for USA from Beda Ber to fighting wars wich weren't ours. Reinvented our religion to suit US interests, destroyed our tolerant ethos, replaced it with bigotry &amp; intolerance. A relationship of betrayals &amp; sanctions," Asif tweeted.

Referring to bin Laden and his hideout in Abbottabad, Trump in an interview to Fox News on Sunday said, "You know, living, think of this&nbsp;living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer."

The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed bin Laden in 2011. 
"But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added.

"And we give Pakistan US $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them US $1.3 billion a year -- which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said.

The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled US $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari's terse remarks came a day after President Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. The minister, known to be a hawk, in a series of tweets said that whether China or Iran, US policies of "containment and isolation" do not coincide with Pakistan's strategic interests. Mazari, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Trump's latest criticism of Pakistan should be a "lesson" to those Pakistani leaders who "appeased" America, especially after the 9/11 terror attacks. "Trump's tirade against Pak & his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc," she tweeted. Trump's tirade against Pak & his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT; the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × "The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," Mazari said. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. https://t.co/tFBe9BentG — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × In reply to another tweet calling out Trump over his remarks, Mazari said: "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Former foreign minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan continues to "pay in blood" for what it did for the USA and described the bilateral ties as a "relationship of betrayals & sanctions." "We continue to pay in blood for what we did for USA from Beda Ber to fighting wars wich weren't ours. Reinvented our religion to suit US interests, destroyed our tolerant ethos, replaced it with bigotry & intolerance. A relationship of betrayals & sanctions," Asif tweeted. Referring to bin Laden and his hideout in Abbottabad, Trump in an interview to Fox News on Sunday said, "You know, living, think of this living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer." The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed bin Laden in 2011. "But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added. "And we give Pakistan US $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them US $1.3 billion a year -- which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said. The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. In September, the Trump administration cancelled US $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

President Trump's tirade against Pakistan shows he suffers from 'perpetual historic amnesia': Minister

Facebook Inc on Monday said a human rights report it commissioned on its presence in Myanmar showed it had not done enough to prevent its social network from being used to incite violence.

The report by San Francisco-based nonprofit Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) recommended that Facebook more strictly enforce its content policies, increase engagement with both Myanmar officials and civil society groups and regularly release additional data about its progress in the country.

"The report concludes that, prior to this year, we weren't doing enough to help prevent our platform from being used to foment division and incite offline violence. We agree that we can and should do more," Alex Warofka, a Facebook product policy manager, said in a blog post.

BSR also warned that Facebook must be prepared to handle a likely onslaught of misinformation during Myanmar's 2020 elections, and new problems as use of its WhatsApp grows in Myanmar, according to the report, which Facebook released.

A Reuters special report https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/myanmar-facebook-hate in August found that Facebook failed to promptly heed numerous warnings from organizations in Myanmar about social media posts fueling attacks on minority groups such as the Rohingya.

In August 2017 the military led a crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents, pushing more than 700,000 Muslims to neighboring Bangladesh, according to U.N. agencies.

The social media website in August removed several Myanmar military officials from the platform to prevent the spread of "hate and misinformation," for the first time banning a country's military or political leaders.

It also removed dozens of accounts for engaging in a campaign that "used seemingly independent news and opinion pages to covertly push the messages of the Myanmar military."

The move came hours after United Nations investigators said the army carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Muslim Rohingya with “genocidal intent.”

Facebook said it has begun correcting shortcomings.

Facebook said that it now has 99 Myanmar language specialists reviewing potentially questionable content. In addition, it has expanded use of automated tools to reduce distribution of violent and dehumanizing posts while they undergo review.

In the third quarter, the company said it "took action" on about 64,000 pieces of content that violated its hate speech policies. About 63 percent were identified by automated software, up from 52 percent in the prior quarter.

Facebook has roughly 20 million users in Myanmar, according to BSR, which warned Facebook faces several unresolved challenges in Myanmar.

BSR said locating staff there, for example, could aid in Facebook's understanding of how its services are used locally but said its workers could be targeted by the country's military, which has been accused by the U.N. of ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya.

Facebook Inc on Monday said a human rights report it commissioned on its presence in Myanmar showed it had not done enough to prevent its social network from being used to incite violence.

Facebook Inc on Monday said a human rights report it commissioned on its presence in Myanmar showed it had not done enough to prevent its social network from being used to incite violence. The report by San Francisco-based nonprofit Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) recommended that Facebook more strictly enforce its content policies, increase engagement with both Myanmar officials and civil society groups and regularly release additional data about its progress in the country. "The report concludes that, prior to this year, we weren't doing enough to help prevent our platform from being used to foment division and incite offline violence. We agree that we can and should do more," Alex Warofka, a Facebook product policy manager, said in a blog post. BSR also warned that Facebook must be prepared to handle a likely onslaught of misinformation during Myanmar's 2020 elections, and new problems as use of its WhatsApp grows in Myanmar, according to the report, which Facebook released. A Reuters special report https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/myanmar-facebook-hate in August found that Facebook failed to promptly heed numerous warnings from organizations in Myanmar about social media posts fueling attacks on minority groups such as the Rohingya. In August 2017 the military led a crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents, pushing more than 700,000 Muslims to neighboring Bangladesh, according to U.N. agencies. The social media website in August removed several Myanmar military officials from the platform to prevent the spread of "hate and misinformation," for the first time banning a country's military or political leaders. It also removed dozens of accounts for engaging in a campaign that "used seemingly independent news and opinion pages to covertly push the messages of the Myanmar military." The move came hours after United Nations investigators said the army carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Muslim Rohingya with “genocidal intent.” Facebook said it has begun correcting shortcomings. Facebook said that it now has 99 Myanmar language specialists reviewing potentially questionable content. In addition, it has expanded use of automated tools to reduce distribution of violent and dehumanizing posts while they undergo review. In the third quarter, the company said it "took action" on about 64,000 pieces of content that violated its hate speech policies. About 63 percent were identified by automated software, up from 52 percent in the prior quarter. Facebook has roughly 20 million users in Myanmar, according to BSR, which warned Facebook faces several unresolved challenges in Myanmar. BSR said locating staff there, for example, could aid in Facebook's understanding of how its services are used locally but said its workers could be targeted by the country's military, which has been accused by the U.N. of ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya.

Facebook says human rights report shows it should do more in Myanmar

More than 2,000 migrants have died since January trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, the UN said Tuesday, adding that more than half of them were headed for Italy.

"The number of lives lost on the Mediterranean this year has now exceeded 2000" after 17 people were found dead off the Spanish coast this week, said Charlie Yaxley, spokesperson for the UNHCR refugee agency.

He said some 105,000 migrants and refugees seeking asylum have reached Europe so far this year, representing a drop to pre-2014 levels.&nbsp;

But the drownings this year mean that the rate of deaths has escalated sharply.

The UNHCR "has called repeatedly for urgent action to address this situation," he said.

"The Mediterranean has for several years been the world’s deadliest sea route for refugees and migrants. That it continues to be so should be unacceptable to all."

A spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration, Joel Millman, said it was the fifth consecutive year that arrivals have topped 100,000.

But he noted that in previous years that threshold was crossed much earlier in the year.

Last year that figure was reached in July, as it was in 2014. In 2015, arrivals topped 100,000 by June and in 2016 it was in February.

Spain was the top destination for migrants and refugees this year, with more than 49,000 arrivals by sea, ahead of Greece with more 27,700 and Italy with over 22,160.

But of the more than 2,000 who died, some 1,260 were en route to Italy, according to the IOM.

Many of the migrants make the perilous crossing on overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels.

Yaxley also said the UNHCR remains "very concerned about the legal and logistical restrictions that have been placed on a number of NGOs wishing to conduct search and rescue operations" in the Mediterranean.

These included operations by the civilian rescue ship the Aquarius, which was chartered by the charities Doctors without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee.

More than 2,000 migrants have died since January trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, the UN said Tuesday, adding that more than half of them were headed for Italy.

More than 2,000 migrants have died since January trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, the UN said Tuesday, adding that more than half of them were headed for Italy. "The number of lives lost on the Mediterranean this year has now exceeded 2000" after 17 people were found dead off the Spanish coast this week, said Charlie Yaxley, spokesperson for the UNHCR refugee agency. He said some 105,000 migrants and refugees seeking asylum have reached Europe so far this year, representing a drop to pre-2014 levels. But the drownings this year mean that the rate of deaths has escalated sharply. The UNHCR "has called repeatedly for urgent action to address this situation," he said. "The Mediterranean has for several years been the world’s deadliest sea route for refugees and migrants. That it continues to be so should be unacceptable to all." A spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration, Joel Millman, said it was the fifth consecutive year that arrivals have topped 100,000. But he noted that in previous years that threshold was crossed much earlier in the year. Last year that figure was reached in July, as it was in 2014. In 2015, arrivals topped 100,000 by June and in 2016 it was in February. Spain was the top destination for migrants and refugees this year, with more than 49,000 arrivals by sea, ahead of Greece with more 27,700 and Italy with over 22,160. But of the more than 2,000 who died, some 1,260 were en route to Italy, according to the IOM. Many of the migrants make the perilous crossing on overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. Yaxley also said the UNHCR remains "very concerned about the legal and logistical restrictions that have been placed on a number of NGOs wishing to conduct search and rescue operations" in the Mediterranean. These included operations by the civilian rescue ship the Aquarius, which was chartered by the charities Doctors without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee.

More than 2,000 migrants drown in Mediterranean this year: UN

India has expressed regret that the work of the Human Rights Council is getting more contentious and difficult, as it voiced concern over instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool.

India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tanmaya Lal mentioned that though the Human Rights Council continues to expand with growing number of resolutions and decisions, greater frequency of meetings and special sessions, the effectiveness of its work is, however, not always clear.

"While a very comprehensive normative framework of human rights treaties and Covenants has evolved, the work of the Human Rights Council and its associated procedures and mandates is, regrettably, getting more contentious and difficult," Lal said at the UN General Assembly session on Report of the Human Rights Council Friday.

He said more broadly, the global situation today is a troubled one, with growing concerns about the multiple challenges posed to the spirit of multilateralism due to ineffectiveness of the global governance mechanisms to find commonly acceptable solutions.

"The reasons for many of the difficulties surrounding the discussions on the human rights agenda are not hard to find. They flow from the often very divergent priorities and concerns of member states in terms of their levels of development, social and cultural contexts and governance systems," he said.

Lal noted that while the global discourse on human rights continues to evolve, fundamental contradictions remain. The relative prioritisation of the individual versus State, national sovereignty versus international norms and universal versus culture-specific approach, all evoke differing opinions.

"Constraints on national capacities to implement certain rights, instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool, and perceived intrusiveness beyond mandated activities remain areas of concern," he said.

He further said while the work of the Human Rights Council continues to expand with growing number of resolutions and decisions, greater frequency of meetings and special sessions, the effectiveness of its work is, however, not always clear.&nbsp;

"There is also a proliferation of special procedures both on thematic and country-specific situations. Their effectiveness is also constrained by lack of, and opacity of funding, lack of a balanced representation in staffing, mistrust on some of them clearly exceeding their mandates and politicising their approach. Country-specific procedures have largely been counter-productive," he said.

"Instances of such mechanisms and offices operating on their own without any mandate and producing clearly biased documents only further harm the credibility of United Nations??," Lal said.

In June this year, India had rejected then Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's report on Kashmir in which he had called for an independent international probe into the human rights situation in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Lal had said then that the "so-called" report reflects the "clear bias of an official who was acting without any mandate whatsoever and relied on unverified sources of information."&nbsp;

Lal had said the report "was not even found fit to be considered by the membership of the forum where it was submitted."

At the Friday session, Lal pointed out that the palette of human rights ranges from individual to collective on one hand, and from civil and political, to economic and social and cultural rights to the right to development on the other.&nbsp;

"Agreement on not only the prioritisation and the interpretation of various rights but on the best way to promote and protect human rights, including in situations of possible gross and systematic violations, often remains elusive, especially if it clashes with the idea of sovereignty of nation states," he said.

Describing terrorism as one of the worst forms of violation of human rights, Lal said India has had to face repeated terrorist attacks on innocent people, emanating from beyond its borders, thinly veiled reference to Pakistan.&nbsp;

He said despite terrorism being acknowledged as one of the foremost global challenges, any meaningful collective response to address this menace continues to be thwarted by some.

He stressed that the human rights agenda must be pursued in a fair and equal manner with objectivity, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, non-selectivity and transparency.

"For the success of our collective and common cause or promoting and protecting human rights, our emphasis at the Human Rights Council and Treaty bodies, and Special Procedures and the OHCHR ?should not be confrontational but instead focus on achieving the desired results from a more inclusive, participatory and positive approach through dialogue and capacity building," he said.

India has expressed regret that the work of the Human Rights Council is getting more contentious and difficult, as it voiced concern over instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool.

India has expressed regret that the work of the Human Rights Council is getting more contentious and difficult, as it voiced concern over instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool. India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tanmaya Lal mentioned that though the Human Rights Council continues to expand with growing number of resolutions and decisions, greater frequency of meetings and special sessions, the effectiveness of its work is, however, not always clear. "While a very comprehensive normative framework of human rights treaties and Covenants has evolved, the work of the Human Rights Council and its associated procedures and mandates is, regrettably, getting more contentious and difficult," Lal said at the UN General Assembly session on Report of the Human Rights Council Friday. He said more broadly, the global situation today is a troubled one, with growing concerns about the multiple challenges posed to the spirit of multilateralism due to ineffectiveness of the global governance mechanisms to find commonly acceptable solutions. "The reasons for many of the difficulties surrounding the discussions on the human rights agenda are not hard to find. They flow from the often very divergent priorities and concerns of member states in terms of their levels of development, social and cultural contexts and governance systems," he said. Lal noted that while the global discourse on human rights continues to evolve, fundamental contradictions remain. The relative prioritisation of the individual versus State, national sovereignty versus international norms and universal versus culture-specific approach, all evoke differing opinions. "Constraints on national capacities to implement certain rights, instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool, and perceived intrusiveness beyond mandated activities remain areas of concern," he said. He further said while the work of the Human Rights Council continues to expand with growing number of resolutions and decisions, greater frequency of meetings and special sessions, the effectiveness of its work is, however, not always clear. "There is also a proliferation of special procedures both on thematic and country-specific situations. Their effectiveness is also constrained by lack of, and opacity of funding, lack of a balanced representation in staffing, mistrust on some of them clearly exceeding their mandates and politicising their approach. Country-specific procedures have largely been counter-productive," he said. "Instances of such mechanisms and offices operating on their own without any mandate and producing clearly biased documents only further harm the credibility of United Nations??," Lal said. In June this year, India had rejected then Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's report on Kashmir in which he had called for an independent international probe into the human rights situation in Kashmir. Lal had said then that the "so-called" report reflects the "clear bias of an official who was acting without any mandate whatsoever and relied on unverified sources of information." Lal had said the report "was not even found fit to be considered by the membership of the forum where it was submitted." At the Friday session, Lal pointed out that the palette of human rights ranges from individual to collective on one hand, and from civil and political, to economic and social and cultural rights to the right to development on the other. "Agreement on not only the prioritisation and the interpretation of various rights but on the best way to promote and protect human rights, including in situations of possible gross and systematic violations, often remains elusive, especially if it clashes with the idea of sovereignty of nation states," he said. Describing terrorism as one of the worst forms of violation of human rights, Lal said India has had to face repeated terrorist attacks on innocent people, emanating from beyond its borders, thinly veiled reference to Pakistan. He said despite terrorism being acknowledged as one of the foremost global challenges, any meaningful collective response to address this menace continues to be thwarted by some. He stressed that the human rights agenda must be pursued in a fair and equal manner with objectivity, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, non-selectivity and transparency. "For the success of our collective and common cause or promoting and protecting human rights, our emphasis at the Human Rights Council and Treaty bodies, and Special Procedures and the OHCHR ?should not be confrontational but instead focus on achieving the desired results from a more inclusive, participatory and positive approach through dialogue and capacity building," he said.

India expresses concern over politicisation of human rights as foreign policy tool

The Islamic State group has ousted a US-backed coalition of Kurdish and Arab forces from its holdout in eastern Syria, killing dozens of fighters, a monitoring group said Sunday.

A Syrian Democratic Forces commander, asking not to be named, confirmed the SDF retreat from the Hajin pocket near the Iraqi border seven weeks into an offensive.

The SDF, who are backed by air strikes of the US-led coalition, launched its campaign to retake the IS holdout on September 10.

But they have faced a fierce fightback from the jihadists, including under the cover of sandstorms, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says.

"In counterattacks since Friday to Sunday dawn, IS has taken back all positions to which the SDF had advanced inside the Hajin pocket," the monitoring group's chief Rami Abdel Rahman said.

The Observatory reported 72 SDF fighters killed, as IS took advantage of the storm that hampered coalition air cover and dispatched suicide bombers as part of their fightback.

The SDF commander told AFP that his forces had faced a "strong dust storm" and lacked local knowledge of the terrain.

Unlike IS, "our forces don't know the area and can't move around in conditions of zero visibility," he said.

"Military reinforcements and heavy weapons have been sent to the front and some units will be replaced by more experienced ones," the commander said.

"We will launch a new military campaign as soon as those reinforcements have arrived," he said.

More than 300 SDF fighters and around 500 IS jihadists have been killed in the past seven weeks of fighting, the Observatory says.

The coalition estimates that 2,000 IS fighters remain in the Hajin area.

IS overran large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, proclaiming a "caliphate" across land it controlled.

But the jihadist group has since lost most of that territory to various offensives in both countries.

In Syria, its presence has been reduced to parts of the vast Badia desert also in the east and the Hajin pocket.

A total of more than 360,000 people have been killed since Syria's war erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

The Islamic State group has ousted a US-backed coalition of Kurdish and Arab forces from its holdout in eastern Syria, killing dozens of fighters, a monitoring group said Sunday.

The Islamic State group has ousted a US-backed coalition of Kurdish and Arab forces from its holdout in eastern Syria, killing dozens of fighters, a monitoring group said Sunday. A Syrian Democratic Forces commander, asking not to be named, confirmed the SDF retreat from the Hajin pocket near the Iraqi border seven weeks into an offensive. The SDF, who are backed by air strikes of the US-led coalition, launched its campaign to retake the IS holdout on September 10. But they have faced a fierce fightback from the jihadists, including under the cover of sandstorms, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says. "In counterattacks since Friday to Sunday dawn, IS has taken back all positions to which the SDF had advanced inside the Hajin pocket," the monitoring group's chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. The Observatory reported 72 SDF fighters killed, as IS took advantage of the storm that hampered coalition air cover and dispatched suicide bombers as part of their fightback. The SDF commander told AFP that his forces had faced a "strong dust storm" and lacked local knowledge of the terrain. Unlike IS, "our forces don't know the area and can't move around in conditions of zero visibility," he said. "Military reinforcements and heavy weapons have been sent to the front and some units will be replaced by more experienced ones," the commander said. "We will launch a new military campaign as soon as those reinforcements have arrived," he said. More than 300 SDF fighters and around 500 IS jihadists have been killed in the past seven weeks of fighting, the Observatory says. The coalition estimates that 2,000 IS fighters remain in the Hajin area. IS overran large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, proclaiming a "caliphate" across land it controlled. But the jihadist group has since lost most of that territory to various offensives in both countries. In Syria, its presence has been reduced to parts of the vast Badia desert also in the east and the Hajin pocket. A total of more than 360,000 people have been killed since Syria's war erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

IS repels US-backed forces from east Syria holdout: Monitor

India appears set to be elected to the United Nations's top human rights body in the Asia-Pacific category for a period of three years.&nbsp;

The 193-member UN General Assembly will elect new members on Friday to the UN Human Rights Council. The members are elected by absolute majority through a secret ballot. Countries need a minimum of 97 votes to get elected to the Council.&nbsp;

India will be vying for the seat in the Asia Pacific category. Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and the Philippines will also stake a claim in the same regional group. Given that there are five nations vying for five seats in the Asia Pacific category, India's election to the Council is all but certain.&nbsp;

Ahead of the election, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had tweeted that "Pitching together. Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji, India &amp; the Philippines stake claim to 5 seats for Asia-Pacific region at Human Rights Council elections."&nbsp;

The new members will serve a term of three years beginning January 1, 2019. India had previously been elected to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council for the 2011-2014 and 2014-2017 term. Its last tenure had ended on December 31, 2017 and in accordance with the rules, it was not eligible for immediate re-election since it had already served two consecutive terms.&nbsp;

Created by the Assembly in March 2006 as the principal United Nations body dealing with human rights, the Human Rights Council comprises 47 elected Member States.&nbsp;

On the basis of equitable geographical distribution, Council seats are allocated to the five regional groups as follows: African States, 13 seats; Asia Pacific States, 13 seats; Eastern European States, 6 seats; Latin American and Caribbean States, 8 seats; and Western European and other States, 7 seats.&nbsp;

All five of the General Assembly's regional groups submitted competition-free slates, meaning that all candidates, regardless of their rights records, are virtually assured seats on the council.&nbsp;

Since 18 nations are vying for a total of 18 seats across five geographical groups, they are expected to be elected unopposed. Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eritrea, Somalia and Togo are vying for five seats in the African States category, Bulgaria and Czech Republic for two seats in the Eastern European States group, Argentina, Bahamas and Uruguay for three seats in the Latin American &amp; Caribbean States group and Austria, Denmark and Italy for three vacant seats in the Western European &amp; other States category.&nbsp;

On the eve of the elections, rights group Human Rights Watch said UN member countries should oppose the candidacies of the Philippines and Eritrea for the Human Rights Council because of their "egregious human rights records?.

India appears set to be elected to the United Nations's top human rights body in the Asia-Pacific category for a period of three years. The 193-member UN General Assembly will elect new members on Friday to the UN Human Rights Council.

India appears set to be elected to the United Nations's top human rights body in the Asia-Pacific category for a period of three years. The 193-member UN General Assembly will elect new members on Friday to the UN Human Rights Council. The members are elected by absolute majority through a secret ballot. Countries need a minimum of 97 votes to get elected to the Council. India will be vying for the seat in the Asia Pacific category. Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and the Philippines will also stake a claim in the same regional group. Given that there are five nations vying for five seats in the Asia Pacific category, India's election to the Council is all but certain. Ahead of the election, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had tweeted that "Pitching together. Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji, India & the Philippines stake claim to 5 seats for Asia-Pacific region at Human Rights Council elections." The new members will serve a term of three years beginning January 1, 2019. India had previously been elected to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council for the 2011-2014 and 2014-2017 term. Its last tenure had ended on December 31, 2017 and in accordance with the rules, it was not eligible for immediate re-election since it had already served two consecutive terms. Created by the Assembly in March 2006 as the principal United Nations body dealing with human rights, the Human Rights Council comprises 47 elected Member States. On the basis of equitable geographical distribution, Council seats are allocated to the five regional groups as follows: African States, 13 seats; Asia Pacific States, 13 seats; Eastern European States, 6 seats; Latin American and Caribbean States, 8 seats; and Western European and other States, 7 seats. All five of the General Assembly's regional groups submitted competition-free slates, meaning that all candidates, regardless of their rights records, are virtually assured seats on the council. Since 18 nations are vying for a total of 18 seats across five geographical groups, they are expected to be elected unopposed. Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eritrea, Somalia and Togo are vying for five seats in the African States category, Bulgaria and Czech Republic for two seats in the Eastern European States group, Argentina, Bahamas and Uruguay for three seats in the Latin American & Caribbean States group and Austria, Denmark and Italy for three vacant seats in the Western European & other States category. On the eve of the elections, rights group Human Rights Watch said UN member countries should oppose the candidacies of the Philippines and Eritrea for the Human Rights Council because of their "egregious human rights records?.

India appears all set to win election to UN Human Rights Council unopposed

More than 18,000 people, nearly half of them civilians, have been killed in Russian air strikes on Syria since Moscow began its game-changing intervention three years ago, a monitor said.

Russia, a steadfast ally of Syria's ruling regime, began carrying out bombing raids in the country on September 30, 2015 -- more than four years into the devastating conflict.

Since then, they have killed 18,096 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"That number includes 7,988 civilians, or nearly half of the total," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman.&nbsp;

Another 5,233 Islamic State fighters were also killed in Russian strikes, with the rest of the dead including other rebels, Islamists, and jihadists, the Britain-based monitor said.

Russia has operated a naval base in Syria's coastal Tartus province for decades, but expanded its operations to the nearby Hmeimim airbase in 2015.

It also has special forces and military police units on the ground in government-controlled parts of the country.

The air strikes were crucial in helping troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad retake swathes of the country, including second city Aleppo in 2016 and areas around Damascus, the rural centre, and the south this year alone.

"The regime controlled just 26 per cent of Syrian territory" when Russia intervened, said Abdel Rahman, compared with close to two-thirds now.

But human rights groups and Western governments have criticised Russia's air war in Syria, saying it bombs indiscriminately and targets civilian infrastructure including hospitals.

In addition to the Russian and Syrian air forces, warplanes from the US-led coalition fighting IS have also been carrying out bombing raids on Syria since September 2014.

Last week, the Observatory said that US-led coalition air strikes on Syria had killed more than 3,300 civilians since the alliance began operations against IS targets there in 2014.

The Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its reports, says it determines whose planes carried out strikes according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions involved.

More than 18,000 people, nearly half of them civilians, have been killed in Russian air strikes on Syria since Moscow began its game-changing intervention three years ago, a monitor said.

More than 18,000 people, nearly half of them civilians, have been killed in Russian air strikes on Syria since Moscow began its game-changing intervention three years ago, a monitor said. Russia, a steadfast ally of Syria's ruling regime, began carrying out bombing raids in the country on September 30, 2015 -- more than four years into the devastating conflict. Since then, they have killed 18,096 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "That number includes 7,988 civilians, or nearly half of the total," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman. Another 5,233 Islamic State fighters were also killed in Russian strikes, with the rest of the dead including other rebels, Islamists, and jihadists, the Britain-based monitor said. Russia has operated a naval base in Syria's coastal Tartus province for decades, but expanded its operations to the nearby Hmeimim airbase in 2015. It also has special forces and military police units on the ground in government-controlled parts of the country. The air strikes were crucial in helping troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad retake swathes of the country, including second city Aleppo in 2016 and areas around Damascus, the rural centre, and the south this year alone. "The regime controlled just 26 per cent of Syrian territory" when Russia intervened, said Abdel Rahman, compared with close to two-thirds now. But human rights groups and Western governments have criticised Russia's air war in Syria, saying it bombs indiscriminately and targets civilian infrastructure including hospitals. In addition to the Russian and Syrian air forces, warplanes from the US-led coalition fighting IS have also been carrying out bombing raids on Syria since September 2014. Last week, the Observatory said that US-led coalition air strikes on Syria had killed more than 3,300 civilians since the alliance began operations against IS targets there in 2014. The Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its reports, says it determines whose planes carried out strikes according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions involved.

Three years of Russia strikes on Syria kill 18,000: Monitor

The Islamic State group had lost ground Saturday in a town on the Syrian-Iraqi border after pro-regime forces repelled a major attack the day before, a Britain-based monitor said.

Violent clashes were ongoing in Albu Kamal, which lies in the Euphrates Valley in eastern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

"IS has retreated from inside the town to its western and northwestern parts" after pro-regime forces pushed back the jihadists, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said.

Pro-government reinforcements had arrived, he said.

On Friday, IS used at least 10 suicide bombers in its offensive on Albu Kamal, swiftly taking several of its neighbourhoods, the monitor said.&nbsp

It was the biggest attack on the town since the jihadist group lost it in November 2017, and the latest in a string of attacks by IS across Syria.

Neither Syrian state media nor the army reported Friday's attack on Albu Kamal.

The fighting in the town over the past 24 hours has killed 30 pro-regime fighters, the Observatory said.

These include 16 regime troops among them a general, as well as 14 non-Syrian combattants, notably Iranians and Lebanese Hezbollah movement fighters, the monitor said.

Twenty-one IS jihadists were also killed in that same period, including the 10 suicide bombers, according to the same source.

IS has ramped up its attacks against pro-regime forces since its fighters in May left their last bastion near Damascus under an evacuation deal with the regime.

IS in 2014 proclaimed a cross-border "caliphate" in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, but has since lost most of its territory to various military offensives.

Its presence is mostly confined to pockets of eastern Syria in the vast desert stretching from the country's centre to the border with Iraq.

Earlier this week, IS assaults in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor killed 45 pro-regime fighters.

On Thursday, IS jihadists also killed 22 pro-regime fighters in surprise attacks in the southern province of Sweida, a monitor said.

Violent clashes were ongoing in Albu Kamal, which lies in the Euphrates Valley in eastern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said

The Islamic State group had lost ground Saturday in a town on the Syrian-Iraqi border after pro-regime forces repelled a major attack the day before, a Britain-based monitor said. Violent clashes were ongoing in Albu Kamal, which lies in the Euphrates Valley in eastern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. "IS has retreated from inside the town to its western and northwestern parts" after pro-regime forces pushed back the jihadists, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said. Pro-government reinforcements had arrived, he said. On Friday, IS used at least 10 suicide bombers in its offensive on Albu Kamal, swiftly taking several of its neighbourhoods, the monitor said. It was the biggest attack on the town since the jihadist group lost it in November 2017, and the latest in a string of attacks by IS across Syria. Neither Syrian state media nor the army reported Friday's attack on Albu Kamal. The fighting in the town over the past 24 hours has killed 30 pro-regime fighters, the Observatory said. These include 16 regime troops among them a general, as well as 14 non-Syrian combattants, notably Iranians and Lebanese Hezbollah movement fighters, the monitor said. Twenty-one IS jihadists were also killed in that same period, including the 10 suicide bombers, according to the same source. IS has ramped up its attacks against pro-regime forces since its fighters in May left their last bastion near Damascus under an evacuation deal with the regime. IS in 2014 proclaimed a cross-border "caliphate" in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, but has since lost most of its territory to various military offensives. Its presence is mostly confined to pockets of eastern Syria in the vast desert stretching from the country's centre to the border with Iraq. Earlier this week, IS assaults in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor killed 45 pro-regime fighters. On Thursday, IS jihadists also killed 22 pro-regime fighters in surprise attacks in the southern province of Sweida, a monitor said.

IS jihadists lose ground in Syria town after major attack: Monitor

German prosecutors have issued an international arrest warrant for a top Syrian intelligence officer accused of overseeing the torture and murder of hundreds of detainees, a media report said Friday.

German news weekly Der Spiegel said Jamil Hassan, the head of Syria's notorious airforce intelligence directorate and a close ally of President Bashar al-Assad, was wanted on charges of crimes against humanity.

The magazine described the warrant for Hassan's arrest as "the most serious effort yet by a Western country" to hold Assad's regime accountable for crimes committed against Syrians since a 2011 uprising sparked a brutal civil war.

The German federal prosecutor's office declined to comment when contacted by AFP.

Spiegel said prosecutors are alleging that 64-year-old Hassan authorised his officers to "beat, rape, torture and kill" hundreds of prisoners in Syrian government detention facilities between 2011 and 2013.

The charges against Hassan are reportedly based in part on witness reports and photographic evidence smuggled out of the country by a photographer who worked for the Syrian military police.

Known as "Caesar", the photographer fled his homeland in 2013 carrying 55,000 photographs showing the bodies of people who had been tortured.

Although the alleged abuses did not happen in Germany, the case has been filed under the legal principle of universal jurisdiction, meaning that any country can pursue perpetrators regardless of where the crime was committed.

Germany is one of the few countries in the world to apply the universal jurisdiction principle.

The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), a Berlin-based rights group, said the warrant for Hassan's arrest came after it filed a criminal complaint last year against 10 high-ranking Syrian officials accusing them of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The ECCHR, which filed its complaint jointly with a group of Syrian torture survivors and activists, hailed the prosecutors' move as "great news".&nbsp

On its Twitter feed, it quoted torture survivor Munem Hilaneh as saying: "The silence of the world during 7 years of ongoing crimes in Syria made me doubt if justice still exists. What happened today gives hope to me and to thousands of Syrians".

Amnesty International also welcomed the arrest warrant.

"We demand his arrest in the name of every person whose tortured image burns in our minds," it tweeted.

More than 350,000 people have been killed in the Syrian seven-year war, which started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

German prosecutors have issued an international arrest warrant for a top Syrian intelligence officer accused of overseeing the torture and murder of hundreds of detainees, a media report said Friday

German prosecutors have issued an international arrest warrant for a top Syrian intelligence officer accused of overseeing the torture and murder of hundreds of detainees, a media report said Friday. German news weekly Der Spiegel said Jamil Hassan, the head of Syria's notorious airforce intelligence directorate and a close ally of President Bashar al-Assad, was wanted on charges of crimes against humanity. The magazine described the warrant for Hassan's arrest as "the most serious effort yet by a Western country" to hold Assad's regime accountable for crimes committed against Syrians since a 2011 uprising sparked a brutal civil war. The German federal prosecutor's office declined to comment when contacted by AFP. Spiegel said prosecutors are alleging that 64-year-old Hassan authorised his officers to "beat, rape, torture and kill" hundreds of prisoners in Syrian government detention facilities between 2011 and 2013. The charges against Hassan are reportedly based in part on witness reports and photographic evidence smuggled out of the country by a photographer who worked for the Syrian military police. Known as "Caesar", the photographer fled his homeland in 2013 carrying 55,000 photographs showing the bodies of people who had been tortured. Although the alleged abuses did not happen in Germany, the case has been filed under the legal principle of universal jurisdiction, meaning that any country can pursue perpetrators regardless of where the crime was committed. Germany is one of the few countries in the world to apply the universal jurisdiction principle. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), a Berlin-based rights group, said the warrant for Hassan's arrest came after it filed a criminal complaint last year against 10 high-ranking Syrian officials accusing them of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The ECCHR, which filed its complaint jointly with a group of Syrian torture survivors and activists, hailed the prosecutors' move as "great news". On its Twitter feed, it quoted torture survivor Munem Hilaneh as saying: "The silence of the world during 7 years of ongoing crimes in Syria made me doubt if justice still exists. What happened today gives hope to me and to thousands of Syrians". Amnesty International also welcomed the arrest warrant. "We demand his arrest in the name of every person whose tortured image burns in our minds," it tweeted. More than 350,000 people have been killed in the Syrian seven-year war, which started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Germany issues arrest warrant for top Assad ally: Report

At least 121 people have been killed in a wave of protests since&nbsp;April 18&nbsp;against President Daniel Ortega's government, Nicaragua's main human rights group said today.

The latest toll includes a young boy killed by gunfire during clashes today in the city of Granada between anti-government protesters and riot police, the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights said.

It said 1,300 people had been wounded in the violence. A parish priest, Wilmer Perez, earlier told the 100% news channel that the boy was killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and pro-government supporters trying to clear a barricade in the city, 45 kilometers south of the capital Managua.

Ten people were killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya, the center said.

Residents armed with homemade mortars and slingshots faced off in clashes with what they said were paramilitary forces and riot police loyal to Ortega, who has dominated the Central American country's politics for four decades.

The Catholic Church initially tried to mediate the conflict, but called off the talks after a crackdown on a march led by victims' mothers&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;left another 16 people dead.

On Monday, Ortega's wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo -- a figure widely reviled by the protesters -- made an appeal to return to dialogue. "We all want peace, we want dialogue, we want to work together and listen to each other, discuss all issues, because there's a solution for everything," she told state media.

"Let's not keep suffering losses, pain, mourning in our families." The Church has said talks are impossible as long as "the people continue to be repressed and killed" by "groups close to the government."

Ten people were killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya

At least 121 people have been killed in a wave of protests since April 18 against President Daniel Ortega's government, Nicaragua's main human rights group said today. The latest toll includes a young boy killed by gunfire during clashes today in the city of Granada between anti-government protesters and riot police, the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights said. It said 1,300 people had been wounded in the violence. A parish priest, Wilmer Perez, earlier told the 100% news channel that the boy was killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and pro-government supporters trying to clear a barricade in the city, 45 kilometers south of the capital Managua. Ten people were killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya, the center said. Residents armed with homemade mortars and slingshots faced off in clashes with what they said were paramilitary forces and riot police loyal to Ortega, who has dominated the Central American country's politics for four decades. The Catholic Church initially tried to mediate the conflict, but called off the talks after a crackdown on a march led by victims' mothers on Wednesday left another 16 people dead. On Monday, Ortega's wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo -- a figure widely reviled by the protesters -- made an appeal to return to dialogue. "We all want peace, we want dialogue, we want to work together and listen to each other, discuss all issues, because there's a solution for everything," she told state media. "Let's not keep suffering losses, pain, mourning in our families." The Church has said talks are impossible as long as "the people continue to be repressed and killed" by "groups close to the government."

Human rights group says 121 dead in weeks of Nicaragua protests

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday.

Spreading violence has forced many schools to close, undermining fragile gains in education for girls in a country where millions have never set foot in a class room.

Some 3.7 million children between the ages of seven and 17, or 44 per cent of all children, are out of school, 2.7 million of them girls, Education Minister Mirwais Balkhi told a seminar, explaining a study conducted by UNICEF, USAID and the independent Samuel Hall think-tank.

The Taliban, seeking to oust the U.S.-backed government and return the country to strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster, are adamantly opposed to education for girls and threats from Islamic State has forced the closure of dozens of schools.

Without mentioning the Taliban or Islamic State, Balkhi said there were "many reasons" for children not going to school.

"Education of children is the most important development in all human communities," he said. "It is the most important tool in fighting war, poverty and unemployment."

In the worst affected provinces, up to 85 per cent of girls are not going to school, the aid groups said. They did not give specific time periods or comparisons.

In April this year, militants set ablaze two schools and widespread violence had led to closure of hundreds of private schools.

"Business as usual is not an option for Afghanistan if we are to fulfil the right to edIucation for every child," said Adele Khodr of UNICEF in the report.

"When children are not in school, they are at increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment."

One teenage girl, Ziwar, from central Daikundi, one of the safest provinces in the country, said she had been at school until she was 14.

"I can read and write. I can write a letter," she told seminar delegates. "I learn from books. I want to continue my studies. I want to become a doctor in the future."

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday. Spreading violence has forced many schools to close, undermining fragile gains in education for girls in a country where millions have never set foot in a class room. Some 3.7 million children between the ages of seven and 17, or 44 per cent of all children, are out of school, 2.7 million of them girls, Education Minister Mirwais Balkhi told a seminar, explaining a study conducted by UNICEF, USAID and the independent Samuel Hall think-tank. The Taliban, seeking to oust the U.S.-backed government and return the country to strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster, are adamantly opposed to education for girls and threats from Islamic State has forced the closure of dozens of schools. Without mentioning the Taliban or Islamic State, Balkhi said there were "many reasons" for children not going to school. "Education of children is the most important development in all human communities," he said. "It is the most important tool in fighting war, poverty and unemployment." In the worst affected provinces, up to 85 per cent of girls are not going to school, the aid groups said. They did not give specific time periods or comparisons. In April this year, militants set ablaze two schools and widespread violence had led to closure of hundreds of private schools. "Business as usual is not an option for Afghanistan if we are to fulfil the right to edIucation for every child," said Adele Khodr of UNICEF in the report. "When children are not in school, they are at increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment." One teenage girl, Ziwar, from central Daikundi, one of the safest provinces in the country, said she had been at school until she was 14. "I can read and write. I can write a letter," she told seminar delegates. "I learn from books. I want to continue my studies. I want to become a doctor in the future."

Nearly half Afghan children out of school, rising for first time since 2002

Human rights groups took to the streets in cities across the United States&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;to protest the Trump administration's policy to separate asylum-seeking Central American immigrant children from their parents.

Hundreds of people chanted "families belong together" in front of the Justice Department in Washington, accusing the government of violating human rights and traumatizing children for political reasons.

"This is indeed an emergency -- every single day children are ripped apart from their parents and the Trump administration must immediately cease this policy," said Jessica Morales, chairwoman of We Belong Together, an immigrant advocacy group.

The protests came after President Donald Trump's administration confirmed that it had split hundreds of families who crossed the southern border without immigration documents since October.

Last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced an official policy of arresting and separating all parents from their children if they cross the border illegally.

The government sees the policy as a necessary deterrent to illegal immigration, but the critics say it is cruel to refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence in Central America.

"This attorney general made a decision to separate our kids from their parents. This is immoral, it's a crime, and we are not going to accept that," said Gustavo Torres, executive director of the immigrant advocacy group CASA.

The backlash has placed Trump, who has promised to halt illegal immigration, on the defensive, ironically blaming Democrats for a policy choice his administration has made.

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit challenging the policy, calling it a violation of human rights.

"Separating families is more than cruel and unnecessary -- it's torture," the ACLU said.

The policy aims to stem a surge of poor families mostly from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras pouring into the United States.

Citing the daily violence in their home countries, thousands each week cross the US-Mexico border and immediately turn themselves into authorities asking for asylum.

They are part of a broader rebound in illegal immigration that has deeply angered Trump.

In April alone, 50,924 people were detained after crossing the border without papers, including 4,314 unaccompanied children and 9,647 family units, according to US Customs and Border Patrol.

Late last year, the Trump administration quietly began separating some illegal border crossers from their children, sending the youngsters to holding facilities for several weeks before either transferring them back to parents or to relatives already living in the United States.

From October to April, about 700 children were separated from their parents.

With illegal border crossings and asylum requests undeterred, Sessions announced last month a "zero tolerance" policy that will see every unauthorized border-crosser charged with a crime even before they can request asylum.

"Today, we are here to send a message to the world: we are not going to let this country be overwhelmed... If you cross this border unlawfully, then we will prosecute you," Sessions said.

"If you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you and that child will be separated from you as required by law," he said, adding: "If you don't like that, then don't smuggle children over our border."

The administration says the families who send or bring their children across the border are working with organized human smugglers who teach them exactly what to say to be placed into the asylum processing. That gives an incentive for people to head to the United States, they argue.

The immigrants say they are fleeing real dangers in their home countries.

In the two weeks that followed Sessions' announcement, authorities arrested 658 children together with 638 adults, US Border Patrol deputy chief of operations Richard Hudson told lawmakers last week.

The children are believed to have been taken away from their parents, but Hudson would not confirm that.

At the Washington protest, Guatemala native Exel Estrada, who came to the United States at 15 and just finished his first year in a US college, said the Trump administration is "against all immigrants."

"I too was an unaccompanied minor, I too was in a detention center," Estrada said.

"If there were policies like these four years ago, I would not be standing here today."

Hundreds of people chanted 'families belong together' in front of the Justice Department in Washington

Human rights groups took to the streets in cities across the United States on Friday to protest the Trump administration's policy to separate asylum-seeking Central American immigrant children from their parents. Hundreds of people chanted "families belong together" in front of the Justice Department in Washington, accusing the government of violating human rights and traumatizing children for political reasons. "This is indeed an emergency -- every single day children are ripped apart from their parents and the Trump administration must immediately cease this policy," said Jessica Morales, chairwoman of We Belong Together, an immigrant advocacy group. The protests came after President Donald Trump's administration confirmed that it had split hundreds of families who crossed the southern border without immigration documents since October. Last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced an official policy of arresting and separating all parents from their children if they cross the border illegally. The government sees the policy as a necessary deterrent to illegal immigration, but the critics say it is cruel to refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence in Central America. "This attorney general made a decision to separate our kids from their parents. This is immoral, it's a crime, and we are not going to accept that," said Gustavo Torres, executive director of the immigrant advocacy group CASA. The backlash has placed Trump, who has promised to halt illegal immigration, on the defensive, ironically blaming Democrats for a policy choice his administration has made. The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit challenging the policy, calling it a violation of human rights. "Separating families is more than cruel and unnecessary -- it's torture," the ACLU said. The policy aims to stem a surge of poor families mostly from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras pouring into the United States. Citing the daily violence in their home countries, thousands each week cross the US-Mexico border and immediately turn themselves into authorities asking for asylum. They are part of a broader rebound in illegal immigration that has deeply angered Trump. In April alone, 50,924 people were detained after crossing the border without papers, including 4,314 unaccompanied children and 9,647 family units, according to US Customs and Border Patrol. Late last year, the Trump administration quietly began separating some illegal border crossers from their children, sending the youngsters to holding facilities for several weeks before either transferring them back to parents or to relatives already living in the United States. From October to April, about 700 children were separated from their parents. With illegal border crossings and asylum requests undeterred, Sessions announced last month a "zero tolerance" policy that will see every unauthorized border-crosser charged with a crime even before they can request asylum. "Today, we are here to send a message to the world: we are not going to let this country be overwhelmed... If you cross this border unlawfully, then we will prosecute you," Sessions said. "If you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you and that child will be separated from you as required by law," he said, adding: "If you don't like that, then don't smuggle children over our border." The administration says the families who send or bring their children across the border are working with organized human smugglers who teach them exactly what to say to be placed into the asylum processing. That gives an incentive for people to head to the United States, they argue. The immigrants say they are fleeing real dangers in their home countries. In the two weeks that followed Sessions' announcement, authorities arrested 658 children together with 638 adults, US Border Patrol deputy chief of operations Richard Hudson told lawmakers last week. The children are believed to have been taken away from their parents, but Hudson would not confirm that. At the Washington protest, Guatemala native Exel Estrada, who came to the United States at 15 and just finished his first year in a US college, said the Trump administration is "against all immigrants." "I too was an unaccompanied minor, I too was in a detention center," Estrada said. "If there were policies like these four years ago, I would not be standing here today."

Protesters attack 'immoral' Trump policy on immigrant families

South Korea held its first ever drag parade this weekend, a small but significant step for rights activists in a country that remains deeply conservative when it comes to gender and sexuality.

Dozens of drag queens and kings marched through Itaewon on Saturday, a suburb of Seoul best known for its nightlife and a nascent but vibrant gay scene.

Carrying rainbow flags, they cheered and strutted their best outfits, receiving shouts of support and the odd baffled look from those they passed.

While homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea, same-sex marriage is not recognised and people cannot legally change their birth gender.&nbsp

The country is home to a large evangelical Christian community and LGBT people feel pervasive pressure to to stay closeted.&nbsp

"When it comes to South Korea, human rights guarantees for sexual minorities are insufficient," Yang Heezy, a drag queen and the organiser of Seoul Drag Parade, told AFP.

"Today's drag parade and more queer culture festivals should take place to bring attention to sexual minorities and help those who are not from those minorities learn more," he added, sporting a flame red wig and floral dress.

Both South Koreans and foreigners participated in Saturday's parade.

One participant, who gave her drag queen name Lola Bank, said there was a feeling of exhilaration among marchers.

"The fact that we are able to be in public in drag is a huge milestone to queer acceptance in Korea," Lola enthused, dragging on a cigarette.

"I’ve always struggled with my masculinity and my femininity. And when I get in drag I’m saying kind of like a 'fuck you' to society’s expectations of how I should behave as a male."

Gay pride parades have been a fixture in South Korea for years but have often been protested by religious groups, who have held rival anti-homosexuality rallies while trying to physically block marchers.

Even left-leaning South Korean President Moon Jae-in -– a former human rights lawyer –- said he "opposed homosexuality" during a campaign debate last year.

Gay rights activists claim that some progress has been made in recent years, with surveys showing increasing tolerance -- particularly among young people -- and growing participation at gay pride events.&nbsp

Saturday's small parade saw no counter-demonstration.&nbsp

Lee Hyang-soon, an elderly street vendor, smiled and waved to participants as they passed.

"It's really cool. Seeing all the foreigners join in, it feels like Korea is becoming world famous," she said. "I'm happy. It's fabulous."

Dozens of drag queens and kings marched through Itaewon on Saturday, a suburb of Seoul best known for its nightlife and a nascent but vibrant gay scene

South Korea held its first ever drag parade this weekend, a small but significant step for rights activists in a country that remains deeply conservative when it comes to gender and sexuality. Dozens of drag queens and kings marched through Itaewon on Saturday, a suburb of Seoul best known for its nightlife and a nascent but vibrant gay scene. Carrying rainbow flags, they cheered and strutted their best outfits, receiving shouts of support and the odd baffled look from those they passed. While homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea, same-sex marriage is not recognised and people cannot legally change their birth gender. The country is home to a large evangelical Christian community and LGBT people feel pervasive pressure to to stay closeted. "When it comes to South Korea, human rights guarantees for sexual minorities are insufficient," Yang Heezy, a drag queen and the organiser of Seoul Drag Parade, told AFP. "Today's drag parade and more queer culture festivals should take place to bring attention to sexual minorities and help those who are not from those minorities learn more," he added, sporting a flame red wig and floral dress. Both South Koreans and foreigners participated in Saturday's parade. One participant, who gave her drag queen name Lola Bank, said there was a feeling of exhilaration among marchers. "The fact that we are able to be in public in drag is a huge milestone to queer acceptance in Korea," Lola enthused, dragging on a cigarette. "I’ve always struggled with my masculinity and my femininity. And when I get in drag I’m saying kind of like a 'fuck you' to society’s expectations of how I should behave as a male." Gay pride parades have been a fixture in South Korea for years but have often been protested by religious groups, who have held rival anti-homosexuality rallies while trying to physically block marchers. Even left-leaning South Korean President Moon Jae-in -– a former human rights lawyer –- said he "opposed homosexuality" during a campaign debate last year. Gay rights activists claim that some progress has been made in recent years, with surveys showing increasing tolerance -- particularly among young people -- and growing participation at gay pride events. Saturday's small parade saw no counter-demonstration. Lee Hyang-soon, an elderly street vendor, smiled and waved to participants as they passed. "It's really cool. Seeing all the foreigners join in, it feels like Korea is becoming world famous," she said. "I'm happy. It's fabulous."

In a first, South Korea holds drag parade with Rainbow flags and high heels

The Egyptian foreign ministry said on Saturday its embassy in Syria had been able to get seven Egyptians out of shelters in areas now controlled by the Syrian government.

The embassy had cooperated with the Syrian authorities to secure their release from camps where thousands of civilians fleeing the Eastern Ghouta Damascus suburb were now staying.

One citizen was able to leave one of the shelters on Saturday, while another Egyptian, his mother, his sister, and his Syrian wife and children were able to leave another shelter the same day.

The ministry said preparations were underway to fly them home.

The embassy was able to rescue another Egyptian family "from the area of military operations in Ghouta a few weeks ago," the ministry said.

Syria's regime lost swathes of territory to rebels early in the uprising but has since made a comeback and recaptured large parts of the country.

It used military pressure and population transfers to flush fighters and civilians out of territory around Damascus, most notably the Eastern Ghouta suburb.

The assault on Eastern Ghouta has a sparked a mass exodus from the shrinking rebel enclave, with 50,000 people reaching shelters in regime-controlled areas in the past week, according to the United Nations.

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Syria in March condemned the "tragic" living conditions of the displaced massed in the makeshift shelters.

Prior to the assault, Ghouta's 400,000 residents had suffered five years of crippling regime siege that made food and medicine nearly impossible to access or afford.&nbsp

Syria's conflict broke out in March 2011 with protests against the government but has since evolved into a civil war that has killed more than 350,000 people and triggered a staggering humanitarian crisis.

The embassy had cooperated with the Syrian authorities to secure their release from camps where thousands of civilians fleeing the Eastern Ghouta Damascus suburb were now staying

The Egyptian foreign ministry said on Saturday its embassy in Syria had been able to get seven Egyptians out of shelters in areas now controlled by the Syrian government. The embassy had cooperated with the Syrian authorities to secure their release from camps where thousands of civilians fleeing the Eastern Ghouta Damascus suburb were now staying. One citizen was able to leave one of the shelters on Saturday, while another Egyptian, his mother, his sister, and his Syrian wife and children were able to leave another shelter the same day. The ministry said preparations were underway to fly them home. The embassy was able to rescue another Egyptian family "from the area of military operations in Ghouta a few weeks ago," the ministry said. Syria's regime lost swathes of territory to rebels early in the uprising but has since made a comeback and recaptured large parts of the country. It used military pressure and population transfers to flush fighters and civilians out of territory around Damascus, most notably the Eastern Ghouta suburb. The assault on Eastern Ghouta has a sparked a mass exodus from the shrinking rebel enclave, with 50,000 people reaching shelters in regime-controlled areas in the past week, according to the United Nations. The UN humanitarian coordinator in Syria in March condemned the "tragic" living conditions of the displaced massed in the makeshift shelters. Prior to the assault, Ghouta's 400,000 residents had suffered five years of crippling regime siege that made food and medicine nearly impossible to access or afford. Syria's conflict broke out in March 2011 with protests against the government but has since evolved into a civil war that has killed more than 350,000 people and triggered a staggering humanitarian crisis.

Cairo gets 7 Egyptians out of Syria-controlled shelters

Saudi authorities have released a fourth women's rights advocate following her detention in a sweeping crackdown against activists, a month before the kingdom lifts its ban on women drivers, campaigners said Friday.

Walaa al-Shubbar, said to be in her 20s, was among at least 11 activists arrested last week, mostly identified by rights groups as veteran women campaigners for the right to drive and to end the conservative Islamic country's male guardianship system.

News of her freedom comes after campaigners including Amnesty International confirmed the release of Aisha al-Mana, Hessa al-Sheikh and Madeha al-Ajroush, elderly activists well-known for being part of a group that launched the first Saudi protest movement in 1990 for the right to drive.

There was no immediate comment from Saudi officials and campaigners said the terms of their release are not known.

"We call on Saudi authorities to release all other human rights defenders unconditionally and immediately," said Samah Hadid, Amnesty International's Middle East director of campaigns.

"This wave of repression in Saudi Arabia must end. These arrests are completely unjustified."

Without naming those detained, authorities last week accused the detainees of "suspicious contact with foreign parties", providing financial support to hostile nations and attempting to undermine the kingdom's "security and stability".

The names of the four released activists did not appear in reports of state-backed media that branded the detainees traitors and "agents of embassies".

The detainees include three generations of activists, among them 28-year-old Loujain al-Hathloul, also held in 2014 for more than 70 days for attempting to drive from neighbouring United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia, and Aziza al-Yousef, a retired professor at Riyadh's King Saud University.&nbsp

Their fate remains unclear.

The Gulf Centre for Human Rights voiced concern that Hathloul, one of the most outspoken activists, was being held incommunicado, while other campaigners said the detainees had no access to lawyers and their whereabouts were unknown.

The crackdown has sparked a torrent of global criticism, casting a shadow on the kingdom's much-publicised liberalisation push launched by powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who recently undertook a global tour aimed at reshaping his kingdom's austere image.

The self-styled reformer has sought to break with long-held restrictions on women and the mixing of the genders, with the decades-old driving ban on women slated to end June 24.

"It seems Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman -- who presents himself as a 'reformer', having pledged to increase women’s employment and overseeing the royal decree allowing women to drive -- sees no irony in taking credit for the symbolic change, while targeting the women responsible for pushing for it," Amnesty said earlier this week.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-ahead-of-lifting-of-ban-on-woman-driving-7-womens-rights-activists-detained-138252">Saudi Arabia detains seven activists ahead of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-ahead-of-lifting-of-ban-on-woman-driving-7-womens-rights-activists-detained-138252">lifting</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-ahead-of-lifting-of-ban-on-woman-driving-7-womens-rights-activists-detained-138252"> of driving ban</a>

Saudi authorities have released a fourth women's rights advocate following her detention in a sweeping crackdown against activists, a month before the kingdom lifts its ban on women drivers, campaigners said Friday

Saudi authorities have released a fourth women's rights advocate following her detention in a sweeping crackdown against activists, a month before the kingdom lifts its ban on women drivers, campaigners said Friday. Walaa al-Shubbar, said to be in her 20s, was among at least 11 activists arrested last week, mostly identified by rights groups as veteran women campaigners for the right to drive and to end the conservative Islamic country's male guardianship system. News of her freedom comes after campaigners including Amnesty International confirmed the release of Aisha al-Mana, Hessa al-Sheikh and Madeha al-Ajroush, elderly activists well-known for being part of a group that launched the first Saudi protest movement in 1990 for the right to drive. There was no immediate comment from Saudi officials and campaigners said the terms of their release are not known. "We call on Saudi authorities to release all other human rights defenders unconditionally and immediately," said Samah Hadid, Amnesty International's Middle East director of campaigns. "This wave of repression in Saudi Arabia must end. These arrests are completely unjustified." Without naming those detained, authorities last week accused the detainees of "suspicious contact with foreign parties", providing financial support to hostile nations and attempting to undermine the kingdom's "security and stability". The names of the four released activists did not appear in reports of state-backed media that branded the detainees traitors and "agents of embassies". The detainees include three generations of activists, among them 28-year-old Loujain al-Hathloul, also held in 2014 for more than 70 days for attempting to drive from neighbouring United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia, and Aziza al-Yousef, a retired professor at Riyadh's King Saud University. Their fate remains unclear. The Gulf Centre for Human Rights voiced concern that Hathloul, one of the most outspoken activists, was being held incommunicado, while other campaigners said the detainees had no access to lawyers and their whereabouts were unknown. The crackdown has sparked a torrent of global criticism, casting a shadow on the kingdom's much-publicised liberalisation push launched by powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who recently undertook a global tour aimed at reshaping his kingdom's austere image. The self-styled reformer has sought to break with long-held restrictions on women and the mixing of the genders, with the decades-old driving ban on women slated to end June 24. "It seems Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman -- who presents himself as a 'reformer', having pledged to increase women’s employment and overseeing the royal decree allowing women to drive -- sees no irony in taking credit for the symbolic change, while targeting the women responsible for pushing for it," Amnesty said earlier this week. Also read: Saudi Arabia detains seven activists ahead of lifting of driving ban

Saudi Arabia frees fourth activist after crackdown: Report

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border.

In the 41-page ruling published by the justice ministry Thursday night the panel of three justices unanimously rejected a petition by Israeli and Palestinian rights groups to restrain the army's use of snipers firing live ammunition.&nbsp

Chief Justice Esther Hayut accepted the government position that the Gaza protesters were not peaceful civilian demonstrators but part of the "armed conflict" between Israel and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas.

But she said that despite the ruling the army should continue its internal review of the events and of its procedures.

The rules of engagement came under international fire after Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Gazans on May 14, when thousands of Palestinians protested as the US officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. &nbsp&nbsp

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "violence of the Israeli armed forces against the protesters".

UN and European Union demand for an independent investigation were echoed by Britain, Germany and Switzerland.

Israel has rejected the idea and the United States, its strongest backer, has blocked moves for a probe at the United Nations.

Ireland and Belgium summoned the Israeli envoys in their capitals, while South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel.

With at least 2,400 other Palestinians wounded, it was the bloodiest day of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza war and the peak of a campaign of protests launched on March 30.

Israeli forces have killed 121 Palestinians in those clashes. One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded over the same period.

Five Israeli NGOs and the Gaza-based Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights had argued in the court that international law bars the use of lethal fire against unarmed demonstrators.

The army has accused Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out attacks.

It says that live fire is only used as a last resort after non-lethal means have failed to stop actions it considers "a real danger" to Israeli troops and civilians living near the border with Gaza.

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border. In the 41-page ruling published by the justice ministry Thursday night the panel of three justices unanimously rejected a petition by Israeli and Palestinian rights groups to restrain the army's use of snipers firing live ammunition. Chief Justice Esther Hayut accepted the government position that the Gaza protesters were not peaceful civilian demonstrators but part of the "armed conflict" between Israel and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas. But she said that despite the ruling the army should continue its internal review of the events and of its procedures. The rules of engagement came under international fire after Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Gazans on May 14, when thousands of Palestinians protested as the US officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "violence of the Israeli armed forces against the protesters". UN and European Union demand for an independent investigation were echoed by Britain, Germany and Switzerland. Israel has rejected the idea and the United States, its strongest backer, has blocked moves for a probe at the United Nations. Ireland and Belgium summoned the Israeli envoys in their capitals, while South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel. With at least 2,400 other Palestinians wounded, it was the bloodiest day of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza war and the peak of a campaign of protests launched on March 30. Israeli forces have killed 121 Palestinians in those clashes. One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded over the same period. Five Israeli NGOs and the Gaza-based Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights had argued in the court that international law bars the use of lethal fire against unarmed demonstrators. The army has accused Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out attacks. It says that live fire is only used as a last resort after non-lethal means have failed to stop actions it considers "a real danger" to Israeli troops and civilians living near the border with Gaza.

Gaza violence: Israel's Supreme Court upholds open-fire rules on Gaza border

Premier&nbsp;Li Keqiang said on Thursday&nbsp;China's constitution protects&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;after he was asked&nbsp;about&nbsp;Liu Xia, the widow of Nobel Peace Prize-winner Liu Xiaobo, with concern growing that&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;will not allow her to leave the country.

Liu Xia, an artist and poet who suffers from depression, has been under effective house arrest since her husband was awarded the prize in 2010. She has never been charged with any crime.

Liu Xiaobo died of liver cancer in July while in Chinese custody, having been jailed in 2009 for inciting subversion.

Li answered a question&nbsp;about&nbsp;Liu Xia's freedom by saying&nbsp;China's constitution states that it respects and protects&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights. He said at a joint briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel&nbsp;in&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;he hoped&nbsp;China&nbsp;and Germany could&nbsp;talk&nbsp;about&nbsp;individual&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights&nbsp;cases on an equal basis.

"China&nbsp;will respect the actions taken in accordance with the law by judicial and law enforcement bodies, but at the same time we must respect&nbsp;humanitarianism and follow&nbsp;humanitarian principles," Li said.

"On relevant individual cases, we hope to have a dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and equality. We will explain our situation," Li said, without elaborating or mentioning Liu Xia by name.

Merkel&nbsp;had brought up&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights&nbsp;issues with him and&nbsp;China&nbsp;was willing to hold&nbsp;talks on the subject with Germany by the end of this year, he said.

China&nbsp;has repeatedly said Liu Xia is free and is accorded all&nbsp;rights&nbsp;guaranteed to her by Chinese law.

However,&nbsp;Beijing-based Western diplomats say she has been closely monitored by Chinese authorities since her husband's death and has only been able to meet and speak to friends and family in pre-arranged phone calls and visits.

Repeated delays by&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;in recent months over discussions that would allow Liu Xia to leave China&nbsp;have raised concern that she will be unable to fulfil her wish to live overseas, a Western diplomat involved in the case told Reuters.

Dozens of writers, poets and artists from around the world called last week for&nbsp;China&nbsp;to release Liu Xia after a friend who lives in Germany released details of a phone conversation where Liu Xia said she was prepared to die in&nbsp;China.

Western diplomats in&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;took the rare step two weeks ago of attempting to visit Liu Xia in her home but were turned away by security personnel, an official of one of the embassies involved told Reuters. The official declined to be identified.

Germany and China were among the five nations that negotiated the Iran deal and have called for it to continue despite the U.S. pullout.

Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday China's constitution protects human rights after he was asked about Liu Xia, the widow of Nobel Peace Prize-winner Liu Xiaobo, with concern growing that Beijing will not allow her to leave the country. Liu Xia, an artist and poet who suffers from depression, has been under effective house arrest since her husband was awarded the prize in 2010. She has never been charged with any crime. Liu Xiaobo died of liver cancer in July while in Chinese custody, having been jailed in 2009 for inciting subversion. Li answered a question about Liu Xia's freedom by saying China's constitution states that it respects and protects human rights. He said at a joint briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Beijing he hoped China and Germany could talk about individual human rights cases on an equal basis. "China will respect the actions taken in accordance with the law by judicial and law enforcement bodies, but at the same time we must respect humanitarianism and follow humanitarian principles," Li said. "On relevant individual cases, we hope to have a dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and equality. We will explain our situation," Li said, without elaborating or mentioning Liu Xia by name. Merkel had brought up human rights issues with him and China was willing to hold talks on the subject with Germany by the end of this year, he said. China has repeatedly said Liu Xia is free and is accorded all rights guaranteed to her by Chinese law. However, Beijing-based Western diplomats say she has been closely monitored by Chinese authorities since her husband's death and has only been able to meet and speak to friends and family in pre-arranged phone calls and visits. Repeated delays by Beijing in recent months over discussions that would allow Liu Xia to leave China have raised concern that she will be unable to fulfil her wish to live overseas, a Western diplomat involved in the case told Reuters. Dozens of writers, poets and artists from around the world called last week for China to release Liu Xia after a friend who lives in Germany released details of a phone conversation where Liu Xia said she was prepared to die in China. Western diplomats in Beijing took the rare step two weeks ago of attempting to visit Liu Xia in her home but were turned away by security personnel, an official of one of the embassies involved told Reuters. The official declined to be identified.

China Premier meets Germany's Merkel in Beijing, hopes to talk about human rights

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