India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that human rights issue was not a topic of discussion. During the India-US 2+2 meeting this week he asserted that whenever there is a discussion the Indian government will not think twice about voicing its own opinion.

Jaishankar responds to Blinken's remarks on human rights situation in India

Russia has been suspended from the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, prompting Moscow to quit the body. The action was taken on reports of "gross and systematic violations and violations of human rights" by Russian troops in the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-says-russia-hiding-thousands-killed-in-mariupol-468954" hreflang="en">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol</a>

Following the vote, Russia's deputy UN Ambassador Gennady Kuzmin called the decision "illegitimate and politically motivated," and declared that Russia would withdraw from the Human Rights Council altogether.

"The Russian Federation made a decision about, um, about ending or suspending its right, its membership in the Human Rights Council before the end of its term on the 7th of April of this year," Kuzmin said. "In today's conditions, the council is in fact monopolized by one group of states who use it for their short term aims.”

Afterwards, while talking to reporters&nbsp;Ukraine's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya commented "you do not submit your resignation after you are fired".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-borodyanka-destruction-more-horrific-than-bucha-says-zelensky-469254" hreflang="en">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Borodyanka destruction 'more horrific' than Bucha, says Zelensky</a>

In the vote, 93 votes were in favour, 24 countries voted against and 58 countries abstained. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the 193-member General Assembly, a two-third majority of voting members were required to suspend Russia from the 47-member Human Rights Council. Abstentions do not count in this vote. &nbsp;

The resolution, which was adopted by the UNGA on Thursday, expressed "grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine," particularly at reports of rights abuses by Russia. &nbsp;

India had abstained in this resolution.&nbsp;After the vote, Permanent Representative TS Tirumurti said, "If India has chosen any side, it is the side of peace and it is for an immediate end to violence."

Watch:&nbsp;India's neutrality on test at United Nations General Assembly

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For the abstention, he said, "We do so for reasons of both substance and process." &nbsp;

This was the third resolution adopted by the assembly since Russia had invaded Ukraine on February 24. Earlier, two resolutions denounced Russia’s invasion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russia has been suspended from the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, prompting Moscow to quit the body.

Russia has been suspended from the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, prompting Moscow to quit the body. The action was taken on reports of "gross and systematic violations and violations of human rights" by Russian troops in the war in Ukraine. Also Read: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol Following the vote, Russia's deputy UN Ambassador Gennady Kuzmin called the decision "illegitimate and politically motivated," and declared that Russia would withdraw from the Human Rights Council altogether. "The Russian Federation made a decision about, um, about ending or suspending its right, its membership in the Human Rights Council before the end of its term on the 7th of April of this year," Kuzmin said. "In today's conditions, the council is in fact monopolized by one group of states who use it for their short term aims.” Afterwards, while talking to reporters Ukraine's UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya commented "you do not submit your resignation after you are fired". Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Borodyanka destruction 'more horrific' than Bucha, says Zelensky In the vote, 93 votes were in favour, 24 countries voted against and 58 countries abstained. In the 193-member General Assembly, a two-third majority of voting members were required to suspend Russia from the 47-member Human Rights Council. Abstentions do not count in this vote. The resolution, which was adopted by the UNGA on Thursday, expressed "grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine," particularly at reports of rights abuses by Russia. India had abstained in this resolution. After the vote, Permanent Representative TS Tirumurti said, "If India has chosen any side, it is the side of peace and it is for an immediate end to violence." Watch: India's neutrality on test at United Nations General Assembly × For the abstention, he said, "We do so for reasons of both substance and process." This was the third resolution adopted by the assembly since Russia had invaded Ukraine on February 24. Earlier, two resolutions denounced Russia’s invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia 'quitting' human rights body after UNGA votes to suspend it

The United Nations General Assembly has voted to suspend Russia from the human rights body. 93 countries voted in favor, while 24 countries voted no and 58 countries abstained.

United Nations suspends Russia from Human Rights Council

The World Bank has suspended four projects worth $600 million in Afghanistan in response to the Taliban barring girls from attending high school.

The projects aimed at improving education, health and agriculture, among others. They were to be funded under the revamped Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), which was frozen

They also had a "strong focus on ensuring that girls and women participate and benefit from the support," the bank had said earlier, reports Reuters.

The bank’s guidance requires all ARTF-financed activities to support access to —and equity of services for —women and girls in Afghanistan, the bank said, citing its deep concerns over the Taliban's ban on girls attending high school, reports the Reuters.

Hence, the bank asserted that the four projects will be approved only "when the World Bank and international partners have a better understanding of the situation and confidence that the goals of the projects can be met."

Also read |&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/every-afghan-girl-has-right-to-education-us-allies-slam-taliban-ban-on-girls-education-465293">Every Afghan girl has right to education': US, allies slam Taliban ban on girls' education</a>

Last week, the Taliban said it is reversing its decision to allow schools to open for girls following&nbsp;months-long restriction.&nbsp;The militant organisation argued&nbsp;that they are yet to arrive at a decision over uniforms for female students in accordance with "Sharia law and Afghan tradition".

The move drew international condemnation, with protesters thronging the office of the Ministry of Education in the country's capital Kabul on Saturday to demand that the schools be reopened.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nationwide-protests-if-afghan-girls-schools-stay-shut-activists-466010">Nationwide protests if Afghan girls' schools stay shut: Activists</a>

On Friday, a joint statement by officials from 10 countries, including the US and UK, described the Taliban's actions as "profoundly disturbing".

The US State Department has also cancelled meetings with the Taliban, which were scheduled to take place in Qatar.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Bank has suspended four projects worth $600 million in Afghanistan in response to the Taliban barring girls from attending high school. The projects aimed at improving education, health and agriculture, among others.

The World Bank has suspended four projects worth $600 million in Afghanistan in response to the Taliban barring girls from attending high school. The projects aimed at improving education, health and agriculture, among others. They were to be funded under the revamped Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), which was frozen They also had a "strong focus on ensuring that girls and women participate and benefit from the support," the bank had said earlier, reports Reuters. The bank’s guidance requires all ARTF-financed activities to support access to —and equity of services for —women and girls in Afghanistan, the bank said, citing its deep concerns over the Taliban's ban on girls attending high school, reports the Reuters. Hence, the bank asserted that the four projects will be approved only "when the World Bank and international partners have a better understanding of the situation and confidence that the goals of the projects can be met." Also read | 'Every Afghan girl has right to education': US, allies slam Taliban ban on girls' education Last week, the Taliban said it is reversing its decision to allow schools to open for girls following months-long restriction. The militant organisation argued that they are yet to arrive at a decision over uniforms for female students in accordance with "Sharia law and Afghan tradition". The move drew international condemnation, with protesters thronging the office of the Ministry of Education in the country's capital Kabul on Saturday to demand that the schools be reopened. Also read | Nationwide protests if Afghan girls' schools stay shut: Activists On Friday, a joint statement by officials from 10 countries, including the US and UK, described the Taliban's actions as "profoundly disturbing". The US State Department has also cancelled meetings with the Taliban, which were scheduled to take place in Qatar. (With inputs from agencies)

World Bank suspends projects in Afghanistan after Taliban prohibit girls from school

Chinese President Xi Jinping has supported the governments from around the world who support Beijing Winter Olympics.

Beijing mixes sports with Politics: President Xi Jinping hosts world leaders

Amid Human Rights violation allegations on China in Xinjiang region, United Nations Chief calls for a visit by UN Human Rights Chief.

UN Chief: Let UN Human Rights Chief visit Xinjiang in China

Beijing Winter Games have kicked off while china may be lauding its zero COVID-19 strategies, its officials drag away a reporter.

Chinese officials drag away Dutch reporter as Winter Olympics are underway in Beijing

As Beijing winter games have begun officially, protests against the games were held across the world. In San Francisco a coalition of groups including people from Hong Kong, Tibet and Uyghurs gathered at the golden gate bridge and urged people not to watch the games.

Global protests rage against Beijing Winter Olympics

Taiwan alleges an insult to the spirit of winter Olympics as China holds the Beijing-Moscow summit amid the tainted Human Rights record of the Chinese nation.

Taiwan condemns China-Russia summit & alleges it is an insult to the spirit of Olympic games

Raising human rights concerns, the Biden administration has cancelled USD 130 million military aid to Egypt on Friday.&nbsp;

This comes just days after it had approved a massive USD 2.5 billion arms sale to the country. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-to-move-troops-to-eastern-europe-amid-russia-tensions-448630" hreflang="en">US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions</a>

On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. &nbsp;

While announcing the cancellation, the department did not mention the USD 2.5 billion sale of military transport planes and radar systems, which it approved on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-russia-invades-ukraine-nord-stream-2-pipeline-will-not-move-forward-us-448278" hreflang="en">If Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not move forward: US</a>

In September, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had approved the release of USD 300 million in foreign military financing to Egypt but withheld another USD 130 million unless the government addressed 'specific human-rights related conditions' by the end of January 2022. &nbsp;

“The deadline for meeting those conditions will soon pass. The (government of Egypt) made notable progress on the conditions but to date has not met them all. Therefore, after January 30, the secretary intends to reprogramme the USD 130 million to other national security priorities," the department said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Raising human rights concerns, the Biden administration has cancelled USD 130 million military aid to Egypt on Friday. This comes just days after it had approved a massive USD 2.

Raising human rights concerns, the Biden administration has cancelled USD 130 million military aid to Egypt on Friday. This comes just days after it had approved a massive USD 2.5 billion arms sale to the country. Also Read: US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. While announcing the cancellation, the department did not mention the USD 2.5 billion sale of military transport planes and radar systems, which it approved on Tuesday. Also Read | If Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not move forward: US In September, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had approved the release of USD 300 million in foreign military financing to Egypt but withheld another USD 130 million unless the government addressed 'specific human-rights related conditions' by the end of January 2022. “The deadline for meeting those conditions will soon pass. The (government of Egypt) made notable progress on the conditions but to date has not met them all. Therefore, after January 30, the secretary intends to reprogramme the USD 130 million to other national security priorities," the department said. (With inputs from agencies)

Over human rights concerns, US cancels USD 130 million military aid to Egypt after arms sale

In a bid to improve and overhaul its prison systems, Egypt is allowing female inmates to exhibit artwork & knitting at the centre.

Egypt is overhauling prisons & improving human rights as female inmates exhibit artwork & knitting

Due to the "worsening" human rights situation and failing rule of law after the country’s military seized power in a coup last year, energy giants TotalEnergies and Chevron Corp have announced their pullout from Myanmar.&nbsp;

The announcement came a day after France's Total called for targeted international sanctions on Myanmar's oil and gas sector, requiring all revenues to be placed in escrow, in an effort to cut off the army's main source of foreign currency funding after it overthrew Myanmar's elected government in February 2021.&nbsp;

Since the coup, Myanmar security forces have killed more than 1,400 people and arrested thousands to try to crush resistance, local non-governmental organisation Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said. The Junta disputes the figures.

"The situation, in terms of human rights and more generally the rule of law, which have kept worsening in Myanmar since the coup of February 2021, has led us to reassess the situation and no longer allows&nbsp;TotalEnergies&nbsp;to make a sufficiently positive contribution in the country," the French energy group&nbsp;TotalEnergies said in a statement. 
 
"In light of circumstances in Myanmar, we (will) enable a planned and orderly transition that will lead to an exit from the country," Chevron spokesman Cameron Van Ast said in the statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lankas-energy-minister-warns-of-long-power-cuts-if-failed-to-secure-loan-by-march-2022-446512">Also read |&nbsp;Lanka’s energy minister warns of long power cuts if failed to secure loan by March 2022</a>

The junta seized power alleging widespread fraud in a November 2020 election won by a landslide by the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. International and local monitoring groups said there were no major irregularities with the vote.

Total Energies did not quantify the financial impact of the withdrawal, but said the country represented a minor part of its revenues.

TotalEnergies&nbsp;said it had notified its partners in Myanmar of its withdrawal, which will become effective at the latest at the expiry of a 6-month contractual period. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Due to the "worsening" human rights situation and failing rule of law after the country’s military seized power in a coup last year, energy giants TotalEnergies and Chevron Corp have announced their pullout from Myanmar.

Due to the "worsening" human rights situation and failing rule of law after the country’s military seized power in a coup last year, energy giants TotalEnergies and Chevron Corp have announced their pullout from Myanmar. The announcement came a day after France's Total called for targeted international sanctions on Myanmar's oil and gas sector, requiring all revenues to be placed in escrow, in an effort to cut off the army's main source of foreign currency funding after it overthrew Myanmar's elected government in February 2021. Since the coup, Myanmar security forces have killed more than 1,400 people and arrested thousands to try to crush resistance, local non-governmental organisation Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said. The Junta disputes the figures. "The situation, in terms of human rights and more generally the rule of law, which have kept worsening in Myanmar since the coup of February 2021, has led us to reassess the situation and no longer allows TotalEnergies to make a sufficiently positive contribution in the country," the French energy group TotalEnergies said in a statement. "In light of circumstances in Myanmar, we (will) enable a planned and orderly transition that will lead to an exit from the country," Chevron spokesman Cameron Van Ast said in the statement. Also read | Lanka’s energy minister warns of long power cuts if failed to secure loan by March 2022 The junta seized power alleging widespread fraud in a November 2020 election won by a landslide by the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. International and local monitoring groups said there were no major irregularities with the vote. Total Energies did not quantify the financial impact of the withdrawal, but said the country represented a minor part of its revenues. TotalEnergies said it had notified its partners in Myanmar of its withdrawal, which will become effective at the latest at the expiry of a 6-month contractual period. (With inputs from agencies)

Oil giants Total, Chevron exit Myanmar due to human rights abuses

An Italian couple has won a two-decade long legal battle in which they used a post-World War II international treaty to show the allowed volume of a toilet flush.

The experience began as a regular neighbourhood feud, but it lasted over two decades before reaching Italy's Supreme Court last week, according to Rome daily La Repubblica.

It all started in 2003, when four brothers in the La Spezia district of northwest Italy constructed a new toilet in their apartment.

The next-door couple quickly complained that the toilet was flushed regularly during the night, and that the flush was so loud that it woke them up each time.&nbsp;

The couple took their matter to court, demanding that the noise problem be resolved and that damages be paid, but the trial judge dismissed their case.

The couple opted to take their case to Genoa's appeals court, which resulted in an investigation of the two flats that was eventually favourable to them.

Investigators observed "a large excess of three decibels over the threshold required by statute," according to the report.

In other words, that flush was just too loud. 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-italy-says-noisy-toilets-are-a-human-rights-violation-446046/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

From the time the toilet was installed in 2003, the four brothers were compelled to modify the WC flush location in the flat and pay 500 euros per year.&nbsp;

The four brothers eventually agreed to take "the flush case" to Italy's highest court of appeals, the Court of Cassation.

But, in the end, the top court decided in favour of the couple, citing the flush's negative impact on their quality of life as an infringement of a constitutionally given right to "respect one's own private and family life," as protected by Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

And finally, the destiny of the four brothers was sealed after 19 years of warfare, and the flush conflict was put to rest for good.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Italian couple has won a two-decade long legal battle in which they used a post-World War II international treaty to show the allowed volume of a toilet flush.

An Italian couple has won a two-decade long legal battle in which they used a post-World War II international treaty to show the allowed volume of a toilet flush. The experience began as a regular neighbourhood feud, but it lasted over two decades before reaching Italy's Supreme Court last week, according to Rome daily La Repubblica. It all started in 2003, when four brothers in the La Spezia district of northwest Italy constructed a new toilet in their apartment. The next-door couple quickly complained that the toilet was flushed regularly during the night, and that the flush was so loud that it woke them up each time. The couple took their matter to court, demanding that the noise problem be resolved and that damages be paid, but the trial judge dismissed their case. The couple opted to take their case to Genoa's appeals court, which resulted in an investigation of the two flats that was eventually favourable to them. Investigators observed "a large excess of three decibels over the threshold required by statute," according to the report. In other words, that flush was just too loud. Watch: From the time the toilet was installed in 2003, the four brothers were compelled to modify the WC flush location in the flat and pay 500 euros per year. The four brothers eventually agreed to take "the flush case" to Italy's highest court of appeals, the Court of Cassation. But, in the end, the top court decided in favour of the couple, citing the flush's negative impact on their quality of life as an infringement of a constitutionally given right to "respect one's own private and family life," as protected by Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). And finally, the destiny of the four brothers was sealed after 19 years of warfare, and the flush conflict was put to rest for good. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Loud toilet flush is violation of human rights, rules Italy's high court

The Winter Olympics begin in less than 3 weeks. A group of activists is giving the Olympians some advice. They say athletes should stay silent on the issue of human rights in Beijing. IOC might not be able to protect them. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Winter Olympics: Athletes could pay a heavy price for speaking out

Italy's top court has ruled that your neighbour's noisy toilet counts as a human rights violation. In a world plagued by genocides and persecution, is Italy trivialising the idea of human rights? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Italy says noisy toilets are a human rights violation

As Winter Olympics looks all set to commence from 4th February in Beijing, A Human Rights watch body has condemned China.

Winter Olympics to commence from 4th February in Beijing amid Human Rights abuse accusations

Amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz meets with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Meanwhile, the opposition in Israel has slammed the government move.

Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz meets with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas

Although detaining a person without disclosing whereabouts or providing legal support should be illegal, it is approved by law in China. &nbsp;

Since 2012, police, after changes to Chinese criminal law, have the right to detain anyone, whether foreign or Chinese, for up to six months at a designated location. It can be done without disclosing the person’s whereabouts. &nbsp;

The inhumane system, which is called 'Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location' (RSDL), has been criticised by a human rights group. It has claimed immense torture in this secret detention system. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-satellite-captures-images-of-us-city-while-rotating-in-few-seconds-claims-report-440597" hreflang="en">Chinese satellite captures images of US city while rotating in few seconds, claims report</a>

Safeguard Defenders, a Spain-based rights group, has said that around 27,208 to 56,963 people have gone through RSDL system in China since its introduction in 2013. It has cited data provided by Supreme People’s Court and the testimony of several survivors and lawyers. &nbsp;

Michael Caster, co-founder, rights watchdog Safeguard Defenders, said around 10,000 to 15,000 went through the system in 2020, which is up from just 500 in 2013. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There’s no transparency in this system, rued Caster. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-faces-backlash-in-china-after-beijings-complaint-to-un-440608" hreflang="en">Elon Musk faces backlash in China after Beijing's complaint to UN</a>

In a similar parallel system known as liuzhi, state employees, Communist Party members and others in “public affairs” can be held. &nbsp;

In both RSDL and liuzhi, inmates face torture and are arrested without a right to legal counsel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The detainees are allegedly subjected to isolation, solitary confinement, sleep deprivation, beatings and forced stress positions in both systems. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Although detaining a person without disclosing whereabouts or providing legal support should be illegal, it is approved by law in China. Since 2012, police, after changes to Chinese criminal law, have the right to detain anyone, whether foreign or Chinese, for up to six months at a designated location.

Although detaining a person without disclosing whereabouts or providing legal support should be illegal, it is approved by law in China. Since 2012, police, after changes to Chinese criminal law, have the right to detain anyone, whether foreign or Chinese, for up to six months at a designated location. It can be done without disclosing the person’s whereabouts. The inhumane system, which is called 'Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location' (RSDL), has been criticised by a human rights group. It has claimed immense torture in this secret detention system. Also Read: Chinese satellite captures images of US city while rotating in few seconds, claims report Safeguard Defenders, a Spain-based rights group, has said that around 27,208 to 56,963 people have gone through RSDL system in China since its introduction in 2013. It has cited data provided by Supreme People’s Court and the testimony of several survivors and lawyers. Michael Caster, co-founder, rights watchdog Safeguard Defenders, said around 10,000 to 15,000 went through the system in 2020, which is up from just 500 in 2013. There’s no transparency in this system, rued Caster. Also Read: Elon Musk faces backlash in China after Beijing's complaint to UN In a similar parallel system known as liuzhi, state employees, Communist Party members and others in “public affairs” can be held. In both RSDL and liuzhi, inmates face torture and are arrested without a right to legal counsel. The detainees are allegedly subjected to isolation, solitary confinement, sleep deprivation, beatings and forced stress positions in both systems. (With inputs from agencies)

Human rights group slams inhumane Chinese secret detention system

Japan hanged three death-row inmates on Tuesday, its first executions in two years, amid growing criticism by human rights groups of the country’s use of the death penalty. Executions are carried out in high secrecy in Japan, where prisoners are not informed of their fate until the morning they are hanged.

Japan defends capital punishment, hangs three death-row inmates

United Nations Human Rights Commission creates a panel to investigate crimes & human rights abuses in Ethiopia during the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Ethiopia slams investigation.

UN rights body creates a panel to investigate crimes & human rights abuses in Ethiopia

Amid a crop of disputes, the United States has been ramping up pressure on China. The US Senate has unanimously voted to make it the first country to virtually ban all imports from Xinjiang. WION's Susan Tehrani brings in more latest on this.

US imposes new investment restrictions on China over human rights violation

Joe Biden's pick for U.S. envoy to India Eric Garcetti says he 'will actively raise human rights issue'. Garcetti's own record as Mayor of Los Angeles is abysmal. He's not a seasoned diplomat either. Palki Sharma asks: Is the selection based on merit or his closeness to President Biden?

Gravitas: US ambassador-designate to India will 'actively raise human rights issue'

Amid a crop of disputes, the United States has been ramping up pressure on China. The US Senate has unanimously voted to make it the first country to virtually ban all imports from Xinjiang.

US blacklists 34 Chinese firms over human rights abuse

The United States on Friday blacklisted a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up and imposed sanctions on two ethnic Uyghur political leaders for human rights violations of Muslims in Xinjian’s Uyghur region.

The US Treasury Department in a statement said that China's artificial intelligence company SenseTime, and two ethnic Uyghur political leaders, Shohrat Zakir and Erken Tuniyaz, took part in the sweeping oppression of Uyghurs.

The US added that Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime to a list of “Chinese military-industrial complex companies”, accusing it of having developed facial recognition programs that can determine a target's ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tribunal-rules-china-committed-genocide-against-uyghurs-jinping-primarily-responsible-435811">Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible</a>

The Treasury said SenseTime's facial recognition programs were designed in part to be used in Xinjiang against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, more than one million of who have been incarcerated in prison camps in the region.

"The mass detention of Uyghurs is part of an effort by (Chinese) authorities to use detentions and data-driven surveillance to create a police state in the Xinjiang region," the Treasury said.

The US sanctions come on the day when the world was observing the International Human Rights Day on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734">Also see |&nbsp;A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community</a>

“Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-rights-groups-report-on-xinjiang-and-uighur-muslims-366040">Also read |&nbsp;China condemns rights group's report on Xinjiang and Uighur Muslims</a>

Apart from China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh have also been placed under sanctions for alleged human rights violations.

Canada and the United Kingdom also joined the United States in imposing sanctions related to human rights abuse in Myanmar.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Friday blacklisted a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up and imposed sanctions on two ethnic Uyghur political leaders for human rights violations of Muslims in Xinjian’s Uyghur region.

The United States on Friday blacklisted a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up and imposed sanctions on two ethnic Uyghur political leaders for human rights violations of Muslims in Xinjian’s Uyghur region. The US Treasury Department in a statement said that China's artificial intelligence company SenseTime, and two ethnic Uyghur political leaders, Shohrat Zakir and Erken Tuniyaz, took part in the sweeping oppression of Uyghurs. The US added that Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime to a list of “Chinese military-industrial complex companies”, accusing it of having developed facial recognition programs that can determine a target's ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs. Also read | Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible The Treasury said SenseTime's facial recognition programs were designed in part to be used in Xinjiang against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, more than one million of who have been incarcerated in prison camps in the region. "The mass detention of Uyghurs is part of an effort by (Chinese) authorities to use detentions and data-driven surveillance to create a police state in the Xinjiang region," the Treasury said. The US sanctions come on the day when the world was observing the International Human Rights Day on Friday. Also see | A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community “Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression.” Also read | China condemns rights group's report on Xinjiang and Uighur Muslims Apart from China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh have also been placed under sanctions for alleged human rights violations. Canada and the United Kingdom also joined the United States in imposing sanctions related to human rights abuse in Myanmar. (With inputs from agencies)

US blacklists Chinese firm, sanctions political leaders over human rights violations of Uyghurs

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea on Friday. &nbsp;

To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tribunal-rules-china-committed-genocide-against-uyghurs-jinping-primarily-responsible-435811" hreflang="en">Tribunal says China's Jinping 'primarily' responsible for Uyghur 'genocide'</a>

The US was also joined by Canada and the United Kingdom in imposing sanctions related to rights abuses in Myanmar. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an action to mark Human Rights Day, Washington targetted entities of military in Myanmar and others. &nbsp;

Watch: The US imposes human rights sanctions

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Under President Joe Biden's administration, Washington also imposed the first fresh sanctions on North Korea.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, said, "Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-abortion-providers-to-challenge-texas-law-in-federal-court-435920">US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law</a>

The US move was also denounced by China's embassy in Washington as "serious interference in China's internal affairs" and a "severe violation of basic norms governing international relations." &nbsp;

Liu Pengyu, spokesman, embassy said it would do "grave harm to China-US relations" and urged Washington to revoke the decision. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea on Friday. To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group.

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea on Friday. To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group. Also Read: Tribunal says China's Jinping 'primarily' responsible for Uyghur 'genocide' The US was also joined by Canada and the United Kingdom in imposing sanctions related to rights abuses in Myanmar. In an action to mark Human Rights Day, Washington targetted entities of military in Myanmar and others. Watch: The US imposes human rights sanctions × Under President Joe Biden's administration, Washington also imposed the first fresh sanctions on North Korea. In a statement, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, said, "Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression." Also Read: US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law The US move was also denounced by China's embassy in Washington as "serious interference in China's internal affairs" and a "severe violation of basic norms governing international relations." Liu Pengyu, spokesman, embassy said it would do "grave harm to China-US relations" and urged Washington to revoke the decision. (With inputs from agencies)

On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea

Now in a move that can further worsen the already strained tasks between the United States and China the United States has now interestingly decided to impose human rights-related sanctions on China for its alleged atrocities in the Xinjiang province.

The U.S imposes human rights sanctions

From the Uighurs in China to the Rohingya in Myanmar, the last decade has seen a rapid rise in human rights violations. To make matters worse, abusers like China and Pakistan are placed on the UN rights body. Watch Palki Sharma's message on World Human Rights day.

Gravitas: Rights abusers on UN Human Rights Council

An investigation conducted by an independent panel in London held Chinese President Xi Jinping responsible for the Uighur genocide in the Xinjiang Region. Meanwhile, China discredits the report.

UK Tribunal: China committed genocide in the Xinjiang region

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said that Formula One is “duty bound” to raise awareness of human rights issues as the series closes its season in the Middle East. Qatar is holding its maiden Formula 1 race this weekend and, from 2023, has a 10-year contract that is said to be the most lucrative in F1.

Hamilton calls for Qatar and Saudi Arabia to be scrutinised over human rights issues

US President Joe Biden held a virtual meeting with Xi Jinping. In this meeting, both the countries discussed common issues, strategic issues including mutual relations. Taiwan and human rights violations were Biden's top focus. During this meeting, Chinese President Xi said that America and China should respect each other.

Joe Biden, Xi Jinping hold crucial meeting; Taiwan and Human Rights violations top focus

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