Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) hailed the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict of acquitting Sawan Masih, a Christian man on death row from the last eight years.

Sawan Masih belonged to Joseph Colony Lahore and was a sanitary worker and a father of three children, having a wife and old parents. He was convicted of insulting the prophet Muhammad.

A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on March 8, 2013, in which the applicant stated that Sawan used derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad. He was then arrested and sent to judicial lock-up first in Lahore and then to Faisalabad.

The attached steel market of Badami Bagh`s workers in collusion with extremists in the mob attacked Joseph Colony for revenge from Christians and demanded to hand over Sawan Masih for execution at the spot. The residents had no option but to vacate the colony leaving behind their hard-earned valuables.Most of the families fled, around 200 houses burnt and looted including Sawan`s house. Sawan Masih was convicted on March 27, 2014, in the court of Ch. Ghulam Murtaza, Additional Sessions Judge Lahore for offence u/s 295-C PPC and sentenced to death along with a fine was imposed.

Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said that the charges of blasphemy are in fact the results of personal grudges, biased behaviours and discriminatory practices, the verdict on the Sawan Masih case has proved again after Asia bibi`s case.

He added, "The blasphemy cases processed slower because in such cases the free and fair trials also become a challenge, the basic principles of criminal justice is ignored as in Sawan`s case, the trial court completely ignored a serious lapse in the prosecution case of 33 hours of unexplained inordinate delay of recording the FIR over such a sensitive issue by the complainant, the trial court based on the conviction on second version of the complainant recorded in the supplementary statement of March 15, 2013, after eight days of occurrence in a poor attempt to remove the lacuna earlier pointed out by the Supreme Court on 13th March 2013 in Suo Moto proceedings, the trial court failed to take judicial notice of the false story in which the complainant stated that suddenly the accused started uttering derogatory remarks, the statement of the accused under section 342 CrPC was completely ignored by the trial court in which he stated that he have deep respect for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his own beliefs do not allow him to commit blasphemy of any prophet".

Naveed Walter said that the victims of blasphemy face exacerbated trauma amid delays in their cases reaching trial and justice, bear spitting and abusive arguing like infidels and inhuman insulting behaviours, violent attitudes, sufferings and face extreme hardships. He said the victims of blasphemy need proper diets, health and ensure their safety in prisons and during court hearings, he added.

The HRFP has been raising voice for justice to blasphemy victims and against all discriminatory practices against minorities in Pakistan.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) hailed the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict of acquitting Sawan Masih, a Christian man on death row from the last eight years. Sawan Masih belonged to Joseph Colony Lahore and was a sanitary worker and a father of three children, having a wife and old parents.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) hailed the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict of acquitting Sawan Masih, a Christian man on death row from the last eight years. Sawan Masih belonged to Joseph Colony Lahore and was a sanitary worker and a father of three children, having a wife and old parents. He was convicted of insulting the prophet Muhammad. A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on March 8, 2013, in which the applicant stated that Sawan used derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad. He was then arrested and sent to judicial lock-up first in Lahore and then to Faisalabad. The attached steel market of Badami Bagh`s workers in collusion with extremists in the mob attacked Joseph Colony for revenge from Christians and demanded to hand over Sawan Masih for execution at the spot. The residents had no option but to vacate the colony leaving behind their hard-earned valuables.Most of the families fled, around 200 houses burnt and looted including Sawan`s house. Sawan Masih was convicted on March 27, 2014, in the court of Ch. Ghulam Murtaza, Additional Sessions Judge Lahore for offence u/s 295-C PPC and sentenced to death along with a fine was imposed. Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said that the charges of blasphemy are in fact the results of personal grudges, biased behaviours and discriminatory practices, the verdict on the Sawan Masih case has proved again after Asia bibi`s case. He added, "The blasphemy cases processed slower because in such cases the free and fair trials also become a challenge, the basic principles of criminal justice is ignored as in Sawan`s case, the trial court completely ignored a serious lapse in the prosecution case of 33 hours of unexplained inordinate delay of recording the FIR over such a sensitive issue by the complainant, the trial court based on the conviction on second version of the complainant recorded in the supplementary statement of March 15, 2013, after eight days of occurrence in a poor attempt to remove the lacuna earlier pointed out by the Supreme Court on 13th March 2013 in Suo Moto proceedings, the trial court failed to take judicial notice of the false story in which the complainant stated that suddenly the accused started uttering derogatory remarks, the statement of the accused under section 342 CrPC was completely ignored by the trial court in which he stated that he have deep respect for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his own beliefs do not allow him to commit blasphemy of any prophet". Naveed Walter said that the victims of blasphemy face exacerbated trauma amid delays in their cases reaching trial and justice, bear spitting and abusive arguing like infidels and inhuman insulting behaviours, violent attitudes, sufferings and face extreme hardships. He said the victims of blasphemy need proper diets, health and ensure their safety in prisons and during court hearings, he added. The HRFP has been raising voice for justice to blasphemy victims and against all discriminatory practices against minorities in Pakistan.

Human rights group hails acquittal of Pakistani Christian on death row for blasphemy

As Pakistan bears the brunt of human rights violations in the country against journalists, in Balochistan and the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region, Prime Minister Imran Khan has now turned to recommend books to the youth of the nation.According to The News, for the month of October, Khan recommended Elif Shafak`s "The Forty Rules of Love" for the youth of Pakistan in an attempt to "bring them close" to Islam.

"This October I suggest our youth to read "The Forty Rules of Love" by Elif Shafak. An inspirational book about divine love, Sufism, Rumi &amp; his Murshid Shams Tabriz. I read it a few years back and was deeply inspired," Khan captioned his post where he shared the photograph of the book on Instagram.

In May, in the wake of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Khan recommended that the youth read the famous book `Lost Islamic History`."A great read for our youth during lockdown days. An excellent brief history of the driving force that made Islamic civilisation the greatest of its time and then the factors behind its decline," he tweeted.

The United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed its concern over the increasing instances of threats of violence against journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-hc-to-hear-plea-for-banning-sharifs-speech-332405">Islamabad HC to hear plea for banning Sharifs' speech</a> 
 
"We have followed with increasing concern numerous instances of incitement to violence - online and offline - against journalists and human rights defenders in Pakistan, in particular against women and minorities. Especially worrying are accusations of blasphemy - which can put accused individuals at imminent risk of violence," said a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville in a briefing.

With Regard to the GB region, Pakistan is also planning to hold elections to the so-called Gilgit Baltistan legislative assembly on November 15.India had said that any action by Islamabad to alter the status of the military occupied so-called `Gilgit-Baltistan` has no legal basis whatsoever and is totally ab-initio.

As Pakistan bears the brunt of human rights violations in the country against journalists, in Balochistan and the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region, Prime Minister Imran Khan has now turned to recommend books to the youth of the nation.

As Pakistan bears the brunt of human rights violations in the country against journalists, in Balochistan and the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region, Prime Minister Imran Khan has now turned to recommend books to the youth of the nation.According to The News, for the month of October, Khan recommended Elif Shafak`s "The Forty Rules of Love" for the youth of Pakistan in an attempt to "bring them close" to Islam. "This October I suggest our youth to read "The Forty Rules of Love" by Elif Shafak. An inspirational book about divine love, Sufism, Rumi & his Murshid Shams Tabriz. I read it a few years back and was deeply inspired," Khan captioned his post where he shared the photograph of the book on Instagram. In May, in the wake of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Khan recommended that the youth read the famous book `Lost Islamic History`."A great read for our youth during lockdown days. An excellent brief history of the driving force that made Islamic civilisation the greatest of its time and then the factors behind its decline," he tweeted. The United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed its concern over the increasing instances of threats of violence against journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan. Also Read | Islamabad HC to hear plea for banning Sharifs' speech "We have followed with increasing concern numerous instances of incitement to violence - online and offline - against journalists and human rights defenders in Pakistan, in particular against women and minorities. Especially worrying are accusations of blasphemy - which can put accused individuals at imminent risk of violence," said a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville in a briefing. With Regard to the GB region, Pakistan is also planning to hold elections to the so-called Gilgit Baltistan legislative assembly on November 15.India had said that any action by Islamabad to alter the status of the military occupied so-called `Gilgit-Baltistan` has no legal basis whatsoever and is totally ab-initio.

Imran Khan turns to recommending books to youth as Pakistan bears brunt of human rights violations

Pakistan`s Human Rights Ministry has engaged the Child Protection Committees of Islamabad to raise awareness about the rights of children and steps aimed at preventing them from abuse.

The Ministry under its Human Rights Awareness Programme, has so far held five sessions by engaging eight of the 15 Child Protection Committees, reports Dawn news.

The committees were formed in 2019 by the Ministry's National Child Protection Centre to identify, prevent and report issues of child abuse in the city in collaboration with the relevant authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reopens-kartarpur-shrine-indians-allowed-with-immediate-effect-332104">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan reopens Kartarpur shrine, Indians allowed with 'immediate effect'</a>

In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry said that these sessions helped improve participants' knowledge about the rights provided to children in the Constitution.

The Ministry further said it had plans to further hold these sessions in other communities.

In its 2019 annual report on nationwide child abuse cases, Sahil — an NGO working for the protection of children from violence — revealed that throughout the year, a total of 2,846 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in newspapers, indicating a decrease of 26 per cent as compared to 2018, The Express Tribune reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-reopening-pak-going-against-bilateral-commitments-creating-mirage-of-goodwill-says-india-308981">Also read:&nbsp;Pak going against bilateral commitments, creating mirage of goodwill, says India</a>

The report further stated that victims as young as a few months old up to the age of five also fall pretty to sexual violence.

A total of 3,722 abusers were identified last year, out of which 2,222 were acquainted with the victims — including, relatives, cousins, neighbours, family friends, clerics, teachers, and even a parent.

Pakistan`s Human Rights Ministry has engaged the Child Protection Committees of Islamabad to raise awareness about the rights of children and steps aimed at preventing them from abuse.

Pakistan`s Human Rights Ministry has engaged the Child Protection Committees of Islamabad to raise awareness about the rights of children and steps aimed at preventing them from abuse. The Ministry under its Human Rights Awareness Programme, has so far held five sessions by engaging eight of the 15 Child Protection Committees, reports Dawn news. The committees were formed in 2019 by the Ministry's National Child Protection Centre to identify, prevent and report issues of child abuse in the city in collaboration with the relevant authorities. Also read: Pakistan reopens Kartarpur shrine, Indians allowed with 'immediate effect' In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry said that these sessions helped improve participants' knowledge about the rights provided to children in the Constitution. The Ministry further said it had plans to further hold these sessions in other communities. In its 2019 annual report on nationwide child abuse cases, Sahil — an NGO working for the protection of children from violence — revealed that throughout the year, a total of 2,846 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in newspapers, indicating a decrease of 26 per cent as compared to 2018, The Express Tribune reported. Also read: Pak going against bilateral commitments, creating mirage of goodwill, says India The report further stated that victims as young as a few months old up to the age of five also fall pretty to sexual violence. A total of 3,722 abusers were identified last year, out of which 2,222 were acquainted with the victims — including, relatives, cousins, neighbours, family friends, clerics, teachers, and even a parent.

Pakistan's Human Rights Ministry takes steps to protect kids from abuse

Calling Water essential to human rights, India has said that it is committed to ensuring access to it for its citizens at the United Nations Human Rights Council or UN HRC. India's first secretary to United Nations in Geneva, Vimarsh Aryan said, "India is committed to ensuring access to water and sanitation in all spheres of life beyond the household, particularly in public spaces" which is "an essential element of the human rights to water and sanitation."

The Indian government has undertaken Jal Shakti Abhiyan which focuses on water conservation and water security.

Highlighting Sabka Saath, Sabka vikas, Sabka Vishwas motto of the Indian Govt, Vimarsh said,"with the objective of citizen-centric governance we have accorded highest priority to ensuring access to water and sanitation for all citizens through two flagship programmes — Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission".&nbsp;

Under the Swachh Bharat mission, all Indian states have already declared themselves open defecation free. The focus of Jal Jeevan Mission is on providing functional tap connection to all households in the country.

India's statement was at the interactive dialogue with the special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation at the 45th session of the Human Rights Council.

Calling Water essential to human rights, India has said that it is committed to ensuring access to it for its citizens at the United Nations Human Rights Council or UN HRC.

Calling Water essential to human rights, India has said that it is committed to ensuring access to it for its citizens at the United Nations Human Rights Council or UN HRC. India's first secretary to United Nations in Geneva, Vimarsh Aryan said, "India is committed to ensuring access to water and sanitation in all spheres of life beyond the household, particularly in public spaces" which is "an essential element of the human rights to water and sanitation." The Indian government has undertaken Jal Shakti Abhiyan which focuses on water conservation and water security. Highlighting Sabka Saath, Sabka vikas, Sabka Vishwas motto of the Indian Govt, Vimarsh said,"with the objective of citizen-centric governance we have accorded highest priority to ensuring access to water and sanitation for all citizens through two flagship programmes — Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission". Under the Swachh Bharat mission, all Indian states have already declared themselves open defecation free. The focus of Jal Jeevan Mission is on providing functional tap connection to all households in the country. India's statement was at the interactive dialogue with the special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation at the 45th session of the Human Rights Council.

Water essential element to human right, committed to ensuring access says India at Human Rights Council

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human Rights Council (UNHRC) after they raked the Kashmir matter at the Geneva-based body.

India: OIC has allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has justified the Uighur camps in Xinjiang probes. Wang Yi also justified the abuse of Uighur muslims on his first European tour.

China denies ill-treatment of Uighur, FM rebuffs human rights concerns

The Communist Party of China is an "enemy" of humanity and is terrorising its own people, a blind Chinese human rights activist has said, urging other countries to join US President Donald Trump to stop China's "aggression". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-son-lashes-out-on-rival-joe-biden-calls-him-pushover-to-china-323196">Also read | Donald Trump's son lashes out on rival Joe Biden, calls him 'pushover' to China</a> 
 
"Standing up to tyranny is not easy. I know. When I spoke out against China's 'one child'' policy and other injustices, I was persecuted, beaten and sent to prison and put under house arrest by the Chinese Communist Party," Chen Guangcheng said in his address to the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/if-elected-joe-biden-will-clear-path-for-chinas-treacherous-agenda-292289">Opinion | If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda</a>

Chen Guangcheng, who was brought to the United States by the Obama administration 2012, said the Chinese Communist Party is an "enemy of humanity." 
 
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"It is terrorising its own people. And it is threatening the well being of the world," he said adding that in China, expressing beliefs or ideas not approved by the CCP - religion, democracy, human rights - can lead to prison and the nation lives under mass surveillance and censorship.

He said the US must use its values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law to "gather a coalition of other democracies to stop China's aggression."

President Trump has led on this and we need the other countries to join him in this fight. A fight for our future," Chen Guangcheng, who is blind since childhood and is self-taught in law, said. He added that he knows standing up to fight unfairness is not easy and so does Trump "but he has shown the courage to wage that fight. We need to support, vote, and fight for President Trump . . . for the sake of the world."

Chen Guangcheng spoke excerpts at the Convention from his prepared remarks. In his full remarks, released by the Trump campaign and himself, he said outside its borders, the CCP ignores international treaties and norms, whether it is violating the rights of Hong Kong, cheating on trade deals, threatening Taiwan, or exploiting the World Health Organisation.

"The coronavirus pandemic, originating in China - and covered up by the CCP - has caused mass death and social upheaval around the world. In the same way, the virus of the CCP is threatening the people of the world," Chen Guangcheng said, according to the text of his full remarks.

Chen Guangcheng said that the CCP is focused on power and control, and acts without regard to the law or to human rights. "Countless activists have disappeared or are under house arrest. Just consider the sad plight of the Uyghurs in concentration camps."

Chen Guangcheng accused the Obama-Biden administration of having a policy of appeasement.

"The policy of appeasement of former administrations - including Obama and Biden - has allowed the CCP to infiltrate and corrode different aspects of the global community," he said on the policies of the Democratic Party.

"The Chinese Communist Party goes through the dance of diplomacy... but it seeks to make the rest of the world bow to its authoritarian vision. The CCP is waiting patiently for the US and other democracies to bend to its will under fear of economic retribution," he said, according to the text of his prepared remarks.

The Communist Party of China is an "enemy" of humanity and is terrorising its own people, a blind Chinese human rights activist has said, urging other countries to join US President Donald Trump to stop China's "aggression".

The Communist Party of China is an "enemy" of humanity and is terrorising its own people, a blind Chinese human rights activist has said, urging other countries to join US President Donald Trump to stop China's "aggression". Also read | Donald Trump's son lashes out on rival Joe Biden, calls him 'pushover' to China "Standing up to tyranny is not easy. I know. When I spoke out against China's 'one child'' policy and other injustices, I was persecuted, beaten and sent to prison and put under house arrest by the Chinese Communist Party," Chen Guangcheng said in his address to the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. Opinion | If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda Chen Guangcheng, who was brought to the United States by the Obama administration 2012, said the Chinese Communist Party is an "enemy of humanity." Also see: How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse "It is terrorising its own people. And it is threatening the well being of the world," he said adding that in China, expressing beliefs or ideas not approved by the CCP - religion, democracy, human rights - can lead to prison and the nation lives under mass surveillance and censorship. He said the US must use its values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law to "gather a coalition of other democracies to stop China's aggression." President Trump has led on this and we need the other countries to join him in this fight. A fight for our future," Chen Guangcheng, who is blind since childhood and is self-taught in law, said. He added that he knows standing up to fight unfairness is not easy and so does Trump "but he has shown the courage to wage that fight. We need to support, vote, and fight for President Trump . . . for the sake of the world." Chen Guangcheng spoke excerpts at the Convention from his prepared remarks. In his full remarks, released by the Trump campaign and himself, he said outside its borders, the CCP ignores international treaties and norms, whether it is violating the rights of Hong Kong, cheating on trade deals, threatening Taiwan, or exploiting the World Health Organisation. "The coronavirus pandemic, originating in China - and covered up by the CCP - has caused mass death and social upheaval around the world. In the same way, the virus of the CCP is threatening the people of the world," Chen Guangcheng said, according to the text of his full remarks. Chen Guangcheng said that the CCP is focused on power and control, and acts without regard to the law or to human rights. "Countless activists have disappeared or are under house arrest. Just consider the sad plight of the Uyghurs in concentration camps." Chen Guangcheng accused the Obama-Biden administration of having a policy of appeasement. "The policy of appeasement of former administrations - including Obama and Biden - has allowed the CCP to infiltrate and corrode different aspects of the global community," he said on the policies of the Democratic Party. "The Chinese Communist Party goes through the dance of diplomacy... but it seeks to make the rest of the world bow to its authoritarian vision. The CCP is waiting patiently for the US and other democracies to bend to its will under fear of economic retribution," he said, according to the text of his prepared remarks.

Vote for Trump to stop China's ‘aggression’: Chinese Human Rights activist

China is "straying away" from the path of openness and West will respond more decisively if it continues to do the same, Switzerland's foreign minister told a Sunday newspaper.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sends-team-of-seven-to-hong-kong-to-do-widespread-coronavirus-testing-317595" hreflang="en">China sends team of seven to Hong Kong to do widespread coronavirus testing</a>

According to Ignazio Cassis, economic liberalisation has not matched with political liberalisation and human rights breaches are on the rise.&nbsp;

"We are seeing China stray from the path of openness," he told SonntagsBlick.&nbsp;

"This means that Switzerland, too, must defend its interests and values more robustly, for example by strengthening international law and the multilateral system."

Cassis said that Switzerland established a "constructive but critical" relationship with Beijing 70 years ago.&nbsp;

"The rule of law and human rights have always been part of our dialogue," he said.

Cassis added: "Now we realise that the story is more turbulent than we thought. Human rights violations are on the increase. We want to protect these rights."

Beijing's actions against Hong Kong has drawn criticism across the globe and the new national security law has increased its control over the semi-autonomous city.&nbsp;

Hong Kong is guaranteed certain freedoms and autonomy in a "One Country, Two Systems" deal agreed ahead of its 1997 handover from Britain.

"If China abandons the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle in the case of Hong Kong, it also affects many Swiss companies that have invested there," said Cassis.

"If China sticks to its new course, the Western world will react more decisively."

China is "straying away" from the path of openness and West will respond more decisively if it continues to do the same, Switzerland's foreign minister told a Sunday newspaper.

China is "straying away" from the path of openness and West will respond more decisively if it continues to do the same, Switzerland's foreign minister told a Sunday newspaper. Also read: China sends team of seven to Hong Kong to do widespread coronavirus testing According to Ignazio Cassis, economic liberalisation has not matched with political liberalisation and human rights breaches are on the rise. "We are seeing China stray from the path of openness," he told SonntagsBlick. "This means that Switzerland, too, must defend its interests and values more robustly, for example by strengthening international law and the multilateral system." Cassis said that Switzerland established a "constructive but critical" relationship with Beijing 70 years ago. "The rule of law and human rights have always been part of our dialogue," he said. Cassis added: "Now we realise that the story is more turbulent than we thought. Human rights violations are on the increase. We want to protect these rights." Beijing's actions against Hong Kong has drawn criticism across the globe and the new national security law has increased its control over the semi-autonomous city. Hong Kong is guaranteed certain freedoms and autonomy in a "One Country, Two Systems" deal agreed ahead of its 1997 handover from Britain. "If China abandons the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle in the case of Hong Kong, it also affects many Swiss companies that have invested there," said Cassis. "If China sticks to its new course, the Western world will react more decisively."

China 'straying away' from path to openness, says Swiss Foreign Minister

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul.&nbsp;

"The cases illustrate a worrying pattern of violent arrest, beatings, and other abuse that seems to be part of an increase in violent treatment in custody," the rights group said in a report. "They should be fully investigated."

In June, the Turkish parliament passed a controversial bill that gives nightwatchmen greater powers, with critics accusing the government of seeking to build a loyal "militia".

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Under the law, the nightwatchmen are allowed to carry firearms and have the powers to stop and search people during neighbourhood patrols.&nbsp;

The alleged torture took place in Kurdish-majority Diyarbakir and in Istanbul and targeted 14 people in the last two months, according to the Human Rights Watch report.&nbsp;

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In two incidents, police dogs were set on people in their homes, leaving them with bite marks on their limbs, the report said.&nbsp;

In two others, involving the detention of suspects in the fatal shooting of police officers, images of the detainees with signs of having been beaten and otherwise abused were posted on private social media accounts.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch said it had reviewed photos, videos, and legal and medical documents and interviewed lawyers, families, and witnesses and, where possible, the victims.

"Turkish authorities should immediately investigate these credible allegations of serious abuse and hold those responsible accountable," said Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch.

The Turkish government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" for torture. New York-based Human Rights Watch said in four of the cases, the authorities have publicly refuted or countered allegations of abuse.

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul.

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul. "The cases illustrate a worrying pattern of violent arrest, beatings, and other abuse that seems to be part of an increase in violent treatment in custody," the rights group said in a report. "They should be fully investigated." In June, the Turkish parliament passed a controversial bill that gives nightwatchmen greater powers, with critics accusing the government of seeking to build a loyal "militia". Also read: Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill Under the law, the nightwatchmen are allowed to carry firearms and have the powers to stop and search people during neighbourhood patrols. The alleged torture took place in Kurdish-majority Diyarbakir and in Istanbul and targeted 14 people in the last two months, according to the Human Rights Watch report. Also see: Five countries where environmental activism could get you killed In two incidents, police dogs were set on people in their homes, leaving them with bite marks on their limbs, the report said. In two others, involving the detention of suspects in the fatal shooting of police officers, images of the detainees with signs of having been beaten and otherwise abused were posted on private social media accounts. Human Rights Watch said it had reviewed photos, videos, and legal and medical documents and interviewed lawyers, families, and witnesses and, where possible, the victims. "Turkish authorities should immediately investigate these credible allegations of serious abuse and hold those responsible accountable," said Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. The Turkish government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" for torture. New York-based Human Rights Watch said in four of the cases, the authorities have publicly refuted or countered allegations of abuse.

Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police

Britain will on Monday name the first individuals to be sanctioned under a new regime targeting people who violate human rights, with Russians and Saudis reportedly on the list. 
 
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will set out the new sanctions powers in parliament and reveal a list of individuals who will immediately be subject to UK asset and visa bans. 
 
"From today, the UK will have new powers to stop those involved in serious human rights abuses and violations from entering the UK, channelling money through our banks and profiting from our economy," Raab said in a statement.

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"This is a clear example of how the UK will help to lead the world in standing up for human rights.&nbsp; 
 
"We will not let those who seek to inflict pain and destroy the lives of innocent victims benefit from what the UK has to offer." 
 
The Foreign Office declined to say in advance who would be on the list. 
 
But the Financial Times said it is expected to include people believed by Britain to be implicated in the deaths of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 
 
Magnitsky was arrested after detailing an alleged large-scale tax fraud by Russian officials. He died in jail in 2009.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/drunk-people-cant-socially-distance-uk-police-conclude-310878" hreflang="en">Drunk people can't socially distance, UK police conclude</a> 
 
Khashoggi was a Saudi insider-turned-critic who was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018.&nbsp; 
 
Five people were sentenced to death for his killing in Saudi Arabia last year, but 20 more, including two former aides to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,&nbsp;are currently on trial in Turkey. 
 
The new sanctions regime, set up under a 2018 British law, will also target figures from North Korea but not China, the FT and the BBC reported. 
 
The Foreign Office said: "Future targets of the regime may include those who commit unlawful killings perpetrated against journalists and media workers, or activity motivated on the grounds of religion or belief." 
 
Overall, the regime could apply to those who "facilitate, incite, promote, or support these violations/abuses, as well as those who financially profit from human rights violations and abuses".

Britain will on Monday name the first individuals to be sanctioned under a new regime targeting people who violate human rights, with Russians and Saudis reportedly on the list.

Britain will on Monday name the first individuals to be sanctioned under a new regime targeting people who violate human rights, with Russians and Saudis reportedly on the list. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will set out the new sanctions powers in parliament and reveal a list of individuals who will immediately be subject to UK asset and visa bans. "From today, the UK will have new powers to stop those involved in serious human rights abuses and violations from entering the UK, channelling money through our banks and profiting from our economy," Raab said in a statement. Also read: UK to end use of Huawei technology in its 5G network: Report "This is a clear example of how the UK will help to lead the world in standing up for human rights. "We will not let those who seek to inflict pain and destroy the lives of innocent victims benefit from what the UK has to offer." The Foreign Office declined to say in advance who would be on the list. But the Financial Times said it is expected to include people believed by Britain to be implicated in the deaths of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Magnitsky was arrested after detailing an alleged large-scale tax fraud by Russian officials. He died in jail in 2009. Also read: Drunk people can't socially distance, UK police conclude Khashoggi was a Saudi insider-turned-critic who was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Five people were sentenced to death for his killing in Saudi Arabia last year, but 20 more, including two former aides to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are currently on trial in Turkey. The new sanctions regime, set up under a 2018 British law, will also target figures from North Korea but not China, the FT and the BBC reported. The Foreign Office said: "Future targets of the regime may include those who commit unlawful killings perpetrated against journalists and media workers, or activity motivated on the grounds of religion or belief." Overall, the regime could apply to those who "facilitate, incite, promote, or support these violations/abuses, as well as those who financially profit from human rights violations and abuses".

UK to unveil sanctions against human rights violators

The United Nations has called for decisive measures to protect fundamental freedoms in China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the details.

Gravitas: UN calls out China on human rights

Tomas Ojea Quintana, a United Nations human rights expert said that North Korea is facing a “widespread food shortages and malnutrition”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-take-legal-action-against-defectors-sending-messages-to-the-north-304816" hreflang="en">South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North</a>

Quintana is a UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). He urged UNSC to "reconsider" the sanctions imposed on the country to ensure the flow of food supplies.&nbsp;

“There have been reports of an increase of homeless people in large cities – including kotjebi (street children), and medicine prices have reportedly skyrocketed. An increasing number of families eat only twice a day or eat only corn, and some are starving,” he said in a statement.

The spokeswoman of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), Elisabeth Byrs told that the humanitarian situation in North Korea "remains bleak" after 40 per cent of North Korea's need humanitarian aid.&nbsp;

South Korea and North Korea relations have been deteriorating. Earlier, South Korea has said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct sending propaganda and contraband into the North.

This has come in the aftermath of North Korea suspending communication hotlines with the South over such defectors.

North Korea gets enraged when the defectors in the South send material such as anti-North leaflets and rice - usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by the sea - and its media has in recent days denounced the "mongrel dogs" who do it.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Tomas Ojea Quintana, a United Nations human rights expert said that North Korea is facing a “widespread food shortages and malnutrition”. Also read: South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North Quintana is a UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Tomas Ojea Quintana, a United Nations human rights expert said that North Korea is facing a “widespread food shortages and malnutrition”. Also read: South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North Quintana is a UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). He urged UNSC to "reconsider" the sanctions imposed on the country to ensure the flow of food supplies. “There have been reports of an increase of homeless people in large cities – including kotjebi (street children), and medicine prices have reportedly skyrocketed. An increasing number of families eat only twice a day or eat only corn, and some are starving,” he said in a statement. The spokeswoman of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), Elisabeth Byrs told that the humanitarian situation in North Korea "remains bleak" after 40 per cent of North Korea's need humanitarian aid. South Korea and North Korea relations have been deteriorating. Earlier, South Korea has said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct sending propaganda and contraband into the North. This has come in the aftermath of North Korea suspending communication hotlines with the South over such defectors. North Korea gets enraged when the defectors in the South send material such as anti-North leaflets and rice - usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by the sea - and its media has in recent days denounced the "mongrel dogs" who do it. (Inputs from Reuters)

'Widespread food shortages': UN human rights expert on North Korea's situation

The death of George Floyd in the US has triggered mass protests. Floyd was suffocated to death under police custody. WION'S Palki Sharma brings you a video timeline of what happened on the 25th of May.

Gravitas: How George Floyd's death unfolded in Minneapolis? | US Riots

Various agencies of the United States often issue resolutions on human rights violations across the world. But, does the US practice what it preaches? WION's Palki Sharma tells you how America has failed to ensure equal rights to the African American community.

Gravitas: The United States | The biggest violator of human rights?

The death of an African American in Minnesota has triggered violent mass protests. The clashes between the cops and the protesters even led to riots and mass looting. WION's Palki Sharma sums up how America's moral authority and credibility is fast eroding.

Gravitas: Superpower unravels | Riots in the United States

Politics is intensifying after the death of an African American in the United States triggered violent protests. WION'a Palki Sharma tells you how the opposition is blaming US President Donald Trump for the escalating tensions.

Gravitas: United States | Politics erupts over the death of an African American

The US leaves no opportunity in commenting on the affairs of other countries. What does the world make of violence in America? WION's Palki Sharma brings you global reactions.

Gravitas: Riots in the United States | How is the world reacting?

Despite China's controversial history of systematic human rights violations, the country has been appointed to a panel on the United Nations Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

During this, China will play a key role in picking the world body’s human rights investigators, including global monitors on freedom of speech, health, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention.&nbsp;

The latest move has sparked protests by international human rights activists due to the country's history of "oppressive and inhumane" practices in the country.

Also read: <a href="China extends its influence over United Nations Security Council, one post at a time!">China extends its influence over United Nations Security Council, one post at a time!</a>

"Allowing China's oppressive and inhumane regime to choose the world investigators on freedom of speech, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances is like making a pyromaniac into the town fire chief,"&nbsp;said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch.

"It's absurd and immoral for the UN to allow China’s oppressive government a key role in selecting officials who shape international human rights standards and report on violations worldwide," Neuer also said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violation-of-one-china-policy-says-china-as-it-slams-indian-media-over-coronvirus-coverage-289770">Violation of One-China Policy, says China as it slams Indian media over coronvirus coverage</a>

The &nbsp;executive director and a strong critic of China also said that UN is undermining "their legitimacy by picking an authoritarian regime."

"The UN often describes the UN human rights experts as the 'crown jewels' of its Human Rights Council, yet the world body only undermines their legitimacy by picking an authoritarian regime that oppresses human rights activists, dissidents and minorities to preside over the experts’ appointment."&nbsp;

By joining the UNHRC panel, China will be able to influence the selection of at least 17 UN human rights mandate-holders over the next year, known as special procedures, who investigate, monitor, and publicly report on either specific country situations, or on thematic issues in all parts of the world, such as freedom of speech and religion.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-china-deletes-whistleblowers-interview-people-become-watchdog-and-keep-the-truth-alive-290480">China deletes whistleblower's interview; people become watchdog and keep the truth alive</a>

China will help vet candidates for the critical UN human rights posts — serving as Chair of the interview processes for at least five of the mandates and help decide whom to recommend for appointment. In most cases, the council president appoints the experts selected by the 5-nation panel.

Beijing has been under global criticism over its surveillance technology and re-education camps in Xinjiang. The United Nations estimates roughly 1 million Uighurs have been previously detained in Xinjiang.

Beijing denies any mistreatment of Uighurs or others in Xinjiang, saying it is providing vocational training to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach new skills.

In January, US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a scathing review of the Chinese government, calling on the international community to push back against "the most brutal and pervasive oppression China has seen in decades" in its 2020 annual report.

The report condemns Beijing’s treatment of Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region and warns that China’s growing political influence and efforts to censor people abroad pose an “existential threat to the international human rights system.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Despite China's controversial history of systematic human rights violations, the country has been appointed to a panel on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Despite China's controversial history of systematic human rights violations, the country has been appointed to a panel on the United Nations Human Rights Council. During this, China will play a key role in picking the world body’s human rights investigators, including global monitors on freedom of speech, health, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention. The latest move has sparked protests by international human rights activists due to the country's history of "oppressive and inhumane" practices in the country. Also read: China extends its influence over United Nations Security Council, one post at a time! "Allowing China's oppressive and inhumane regime to choose the world investigators on freedom of speech, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances is like making a pyromaniac into the town fire chief," said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch. "It's absurd and immoral for the UN to allow China’s oppressive government a key role in selecting officials who shape international human rights standards and report on violations worldwide," Neuer also said. Also read: Violation of One-China Policy, says China as it slams Indian media over coronvirus coverage The executive director and a strong critic of China also said that UN is undermining "their legitimacy by picking an authoritarian regime." "The UN often describes the UN human rights experts as the 'crown jewels' of its Human Rights Council, yet the world body only undermines their legitimacy by picking an authoritarian regime that oppresses human rights activists, dissidents and minorities to preside over the experts’ appointment." By joining the UNHRC panel, China will be able to influence the selection of at least 17 UN human rights mandate-holders over the next year, known as special procedures, who investigate, monitor, and publicly report on either specific country situations, or on thematic issues in all parts of the world, such as freedom of speech and religion. Also read: China deletes whistleblower's interview; people become watchdog and keep the truth alive China will help vet candidates for the critical UN human rights posts — serving as Chair of the interview processes for at least five of the mandates and help decide whom to recommend for appointment. In most cases, the council president appoints the experts selected by the 5-nation panel. Beijing has been under global criticism over its surveillance technology and re-education camps in Xinjiang. The United Nations estimates roughly 1 million Uighurs have been previously detained in Xinjiang. Beijing denies any mistreatment of Uighurs or others in Xinjiang, saying it is providing vocational training to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach new skills. In January, US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a scathing review of the Chinese government, calling on the international community to push back against "the most brutal and pervasive oppression China has seen in decades" in its 2020 annual report. The report condemns Beijing’s treatment of Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region and warns that China’s growing political influence and efforts to censor people abroad pose an “existential threat to the international human rights system.” (With inputs from agencies)

'It's like making pyromaniac the fire chief': UN watchdog on China joining human rights panel

The Egyptian police force, in tandem with the National Security Agency has been accused of forced disappearances, torture of children. Human Rights Watch and Belady: An Island for Humanity in report which was released today claim that the legal system ignored the abuse.

The report titled “No one cared he was a child: Egyptian Security Forces’ Abuse of Children in Detention” claims 20 children aged 12-17 were arrested and abused by forces.

“The harrowing accounts of these children and their families reveal how Egypt’s machinery of repression has subjected children to grave abuses,” said Aya Hijazi, co-director of Belady.&nbsp;

“Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added.

Based on the account mentioned on the Human Rights Watch website, 15 out of 20 children claim to have been tortured during interrogation. A child was also badly assaulted during the process.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a46e3b-cfeb-42c6-9627-f4e2fbce268c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_28.jpg" /> 
A picture taken during a guided tour organised by Egypt's State Information Service on February 11, 2020, shows Egyptian policemen at the entrance of the Tora prison in the Egyptian capital Cairo | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

As many as seven children claim that they were tortured using sophisticated electricity driven tools like stun guns.

“Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added.

Many children were tied with arms behind their backs which led to the dislocation of their shoulders. A 14-year-old boy claimed that his joints had be put back into place with manipulation from another prison, who is allegedly a doctor.

Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/egypt-extends-state-of-emergency-to-three-years-275532" hreflang="en">Egypt extends state of emergency to three years</a>

“Children are describing being waterboarded and electrocuted on their tongues and genitals, and yet Egypt’s security forces are facing no consequences,” said Bill Van Esveld, associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch.&nbsp;

Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit.

“Governments that want to end these horrors should end support to Egyptian security services and condition any future agreements on there being real reforms”, Esveld added.

Even though children were put into detention, their families were not informed. Many of them were missing in action for over 13 months.&nbsp;

A child was given the death sentence, which is in direct violation of international human rights protocols in place. Additionally, three were indefinitely put in solitary confinement. When families tried to reach out to their kids, their requests were denied.

<img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7671e0c9-e525-4f66-a949-68248371e340" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_30.jpg" />

Many narratives claim that there was not enough room for everybody to sleep, owing to which most kids slept in shifts.

A harrowing account released by Human Rights Watch suggests that kids were threatened were re-detention if they didn’t confess to the crime they were being held for.

According to Egyptian law, all detainees have to be presented in front of a prosecutor within 24 hours of taking them into custody. However, the authorities circumvented this law by claiming that the kids were “arrested”.

The law states that children cannot be tried before criminal courts, however, two kids were tried in military courts, which clearly disregards the law in place.

Under the 1996 Child Law and the subsequent amendments, special protection is accorded to children, and they cannot be detained and penalised along the same lines as adults.

A loophole in the Child Law enables officers to send children to criminal courts if their accomplices were adults, which is abused to prosecute children.

According to the human rights group, the allies of Egypt, including the US and many European countries need to end their support to the country in order for them to be held accountable for their trespassing.

(With inputs from the report released by Human Rights Watch)

The Egyptian police force, in tandem with the National Security Agency has been accused of forced disappearances, torture of children. Human Rights Watch and Belady: An Island for Humanity in report which was released today claim that the legal system ignored the abuse.

The Egyptian police force, in tandem with the National Security Agency has been accused of forced disappearances, torture of children. Human Rights Watch and Belady: An Island for Humanity in report which was released today claim that the legal system ignored the abuse. The report titled “No one cared he was a child: Egyptian Security Forces’ Abuse of Children in Detention” claims 20 children aged 12-17 were arrested and abused by forces. “The harrowing accounts of these children and their families reveal how Egypt’s machinery of repression has subjected children to grave abuses,” said Aya Hijazi, co-director of Belady. “Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added. Based on the account mentioned on the Human Rights Watch website, 15 out of 20 children claim to have been tortured during interrogation. A child was also badly assaulted during the process. A picture taken during a guided tour organised by Egypt's State Information Service on February 11, 2020, shows Egyptian policemen at the entrance of the Tora prison in the Egyptian capital Cairo | AFP As many as seven children claim that they were tortured using sophisticated electricity driven tools like stun guns. “Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added. Many children were tied with arms behind their backs which led to the dislocation of their shoulders. A 14-year-old boy claimed that his joints had be put back into place with manipulation from another prison, who is allegedly a doctor. Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit. Also read: Egypt extends state of emergency to three years “Children are describing being waterboarded and electrocuted on their tongues and genitals, and yet Egypt’s security forces are facing no consequences,” said Bill Van Esveld, associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch. Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit. “Governments that want to end these horrors should end support to Egyptian security services and condition any future agreements on there being real reforms”, Esveld added. Even though children were put into detention, their families were not informed. Many of them were missing in action for over 13 months. A child was given the death sentence, which is in direct violation of international human rights protocols in place. Additionally, three were indefinitely put in solitary confinement. When families tried to reach out to their kids, their requests were denied. Many narratives claim that there was not enough room for everybody to sleep, owing to which most kids slept in shifts. A harrowing account released by Human Rights Watch suggests that kids were threatened were re-detention if they didn’t confess to the crime they were being held for. According to Egyptian law, all detainees have to be presented in front of a prosecutor within 24 hours of taking them into custody. However, the authorities circumvented this law by claiming that the kids were “arrested”. The law states that children cannot be tried before criminal courts, however, two kids were tried in military courts, which clearly disregards the law in place. Under the 1996 Child Law and the subsequent amendments, special protection is accorded to children, and they cannot be detained and penalised along the same lines as adults. A loophole in the Child Law enables officers to send children to criminal courts if their accomplices were adults, which is abused to prosecute children. According to the human rights group, the allies of Egypt, including the US and many European countries need to end their support to the country in order for them to be held accountable for their trespassing. (With inputs from the report released by Human Rights Watch)

Egyptian security forces allegedly torture, detain children in direct violation of law

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Saturday for the second day in a row, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing.

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The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 110 new coronavirus cases on Friday compared with 114 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 7,979. The death toll rose by five to 72<a href="https://t.co/E24cJgsx0I">https://t.co/E24cJgsx0I</a>
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The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 107 new coronavirus cases on Saturday compared with 110 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 8,086.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-weighs-on-south-korea-february-trade-ministry-says-worse-to-come-283540">Coronavirus weighs on South Korea February trade; ministry says worse to come</a>

In contrast, 204 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated for treatment. The death toll rose by one to 73.

For the second day in a row, the daily number of recovered people exceeded that of new confirmed cases since South Korea's first patient was confirmed on January 20.

With the latest figures, South Korea has continued to see a steady drop in the number of new cases, raising hopes that the outbreak may be slowing in Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Officials, however, urged to stay vigilant as the emergence of clusters of infection in the capital Seoul and metropolitan areas continues.

"It's the weekend, and we understand that you feel frustrated, but please stay at home and avoid contacting with other people as much as possible," a health ministry official told a briefing.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-813-more-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-total-3150-283468">South Korea reports 813 more coronavirus cases in 24-hours, total 3,150</a>

Of the latest 107 cases, 62 were from the hard-hit southeastern city of Daegu where a fringe Christian church at the centre of the epidemic is located, while 15 and 13 were in Gyeonggi and Seoul, respectively. Daegu and Gyeongbuk province has seen a drop in new case numbers.

South Korea, which has the second-highest number of infections in Asia after China, has been testing hundreds of thousands of people and tracking potential carriers like detectives, using the cell phone and satellite technology.

The KCDC has distributed guidelines for publishing travel logs of coronavirus patients to local government, factoring in the National Human Rights Commission of Korea's suggestions to ensure both public health protection and privacy, said Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director at the KCDC, at a briefing.

The guidelines advise not to include private information such as detailed residence addresses and workplaces.

The new coronavirus has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and left more than 5,000 dead.

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Saturday for the second day in a row, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing.

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Saturday for the second day in a row, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 110 new coronavirus cases on Friday compared with 114 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 7,979. The death toll rose by five to 72https://t.co/E24cJgsx0I — WION (@WIONews) March 13, 2020 × The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 107 new coronavirus cases on Saturday compared with 110 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 8,086. Also Read: Coronavirus weighs on South Korea February trade; ministry says worse to come In contrast, 204 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated for treatment. The death toll rose by one to 73. For the second day in a row, the daily number of recovered people exceeded that of new confirmed cases since South Korea's first patient was confirmed on January 20. With the latest figures, South Korea has continued to see a steady drop in the number of new cases, raising hopes that the outbreak may be slowing in Asia's fourth-largest economy. Officials, however, urged to stay vigilant as the emergence of clusters of infection in the capital Seoul and metropolitan areas continues. "It's the weekend, and we understand that you feel frustrated, but please stay at home and avoid contacting with other people as much as possible," a health ministry official told a briefing. Also Read: South Korea reports 813 more coronavirus cases in 24-hours, total 3,150 Of the latest 107 cases, 62 were from the hard-hit southeastern city of Daegu where a fringe Christian church at the centre of the epidemic is located, while 15 and 13 were in Gyeonggi and Seoul, respectively. Daegu and Gyeongbuk province has seen a drop in new case numbers. South Korea, which has the second-highest number of infections in Asia after China, has been testing hundreds of thousands of people and tracking potential carriers like detectives, using the cell phone and satellite technology. The KCDC has distributed guidelines for publishing travel logs of coronavirus patients to local government, factoring in the National Human Rights Commission of Korea's suggestions to ensure both public health protection and privacy, said Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director at the KCDC, at a briefing. The guidelines advise not to include private information such as detailed residence addresses and workplaces. The new coronavirus has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and left more than 5,000 dead.

South Korea reports 107 new coronavirus cases, total 8,086: Report

By Shelley Inglis

Remember former President Barack Obama’s infamous red line speech in 2012? In that speech, the president made it clear that the US would not stand for the use of chemical or biological weapons by President Bashar al-Assad against opposition forces in Syria.

But, despite subsequent evidence of the use of these weapons by Assad’s forces, the US declined to directly confront the regime.

A complex, devastating conflict has continued ever since, killing close to 400,000 Syrians and forcing millions from their homes. It has involved a range of players over nine years: the Assad-controlled government regime, various rebel opposition groups, the Islamic State, Syria’s Kurdish minority and major international powers, including the United States, Iran, Turkey, Russia and the European Union.

Consequently, some confusion about current events and what they mean is understandable. So, here are some answers to key questions about why Syria is back in the news.

1. What’s going on right now?

The war in Syria has resulted in more than 11 million people displaced. Over half of these displaced people are refugees, with the vast majority currently hosted in the regional states of Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.

The war has now reached a crisis point. Since December, the Russian-backed Assad regime has significantly increased air and ground assaults on civilian sites in Idlib province, causing destruction and mass displacement.

Idlib is considered the remaining stronghold of the rebel opposition to Assad’s regime. Lying in the northeast of Syria bordering Turkey, it is home to approximately 3.5 million people.

The United Nations has repeatedly called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Nonetheless, the assaults continued.

2. How many people are fleeing?

Since December, nearly 950,000 people, an estimated 80 per cent of whom are women and children, have fled their homes because of ground and air assaults by the Russian-backed Assad forces during an uncharacteristically cold winter.

Many live in makeshift displaced persons camps in northern Syria. Reports show that women are burning plastic to keep warm, and babies and children are dying due to the cold.

The UN estimates that close to 2 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance. While aid is being delivered, it is insufficient to meet the needs of families for food, clean water and heating.

Local aid workers have also been killed.

3. Why is this considered a humanitarian crisis?

Until early January, humanitarian assistance was coming from international organizations into Syria through Iraq. Aid is currently coming in through Turkey, as it affords the most feasible route for people to seek refuge and for humanitarian assistance to get through to Syria.

However, Turkey has effectively closed its borders to those fleeing from Idlib, noting it already hosts over 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

Some reports put the death toll around Idlib in the thousands. The UN has recorded hundreds of deaths in Idlib and Aleppo due to the recent attacks, which are backed militarily by Russia. Many medical facilities and schools have been targeted or impacted.

Experts claim that the attacks are part of a strategy to explicitly target civilians. Such targeting of civilians, schools and hospitals could be war crimes – grave violations of the law of war.

The UN Commission of Inquiry and European courts are investigating crimes committed during the Syrian conflict.

4. Who is involved in this fight?

The conflict in Syria started with a peaceful uprising in 2011 against the four-decade authoritarian rule of the Assad family. Since then, it has become increasingly complicated, involving a number of countries near and far.

Iran has remained a steadfast supporter of Assad throughout the conflict, although its exact military and financial support is difficult to track.

In 2015, Russia, a historic ally of the Assad family, directly entered the conflict to support the government through airstrikes. It controls much of the airspace in northern Syria today.

The United States entered the war as part of a coalition in 2014. It has supported Syrian Kurdish militia, known as the People’s Protection Units, in a joint fight against the Islamic State, which had gained power in parts of Syria. The United States’ support of the Syrian Kurds has consistently rattled Turkey, which links the group to its own Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist group by neighbouring Turkey, the European Union and the United States.

In October, President Donald Trump ordered the removal of U.S. military personnel from northern Syria, abandoning the traditional support by the US for Syrian Kurds and opening up advantages for the Assad regime and Russia.

In response, Turkey intervened militarily to undermine the Syrian Kurds and create a safe zone along its borders. These actions infuriated Turkey’s western allies because it heightened the conflict in parts of the north that had been peacefully governed by the Syrian Kurds.

While Turkey and Russia do not agree on Syria, they have been coming closer since 2015, even overcoming crises like the downing of a Russian aircraft by Turkish forces near the Syrian border.

Turkey, the United States and European Union states are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, known as NATO. Deepening a divide between Turkey and NATO is considered by experts to be in the interest of Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin.

5. What now? 
The humanitarian crisis is grave, and the situation in flux. With the fighting around Idlib continuing, international tensions are flaring.

After 33 Turkish soldiers died in an attack by Russian-backed Syrian forces on Feb. 27, Turkey called for NATO to meet and has retaliated in Syria. Russia has denied any involvement in the specific assault.

Neither Turkey nor Russia appears to be decreasing their interventions in Syria.

With Russia wielding a veto power on the United Nations Security Council, the institution responsible for addressing threats to international peace and security has been unable to effectively intervene to halt the conflict and protect civilians.

Many experts contend that the war could be in its final throes and some victory for Assad is no longer in question. For now, the Trump administration has indicated it has no intention of reengaging in Syria to protect the people of Idlib.

However, in such a complex conflict, the delicate balance of interests can be disrupted. For example, Turkey has opened its borders for Syrian refugees to flow into Europe, creating a potential renewed crisis for the European Union.

Turkey has asked NATO for military support for a no-fly zone over Idlib, but has gained no traction so far. Experts agree that the best route to protect civilians would be such a zone and argue the United States must play a role.

Others are calling for an EU-NATO intervention to protect the people of Idlib. The EU is meeting to discuss the crisis.

For now, Turkey is taking on the Syrian forces alone and claiming some success. Russia and Turkey are set to meet to discuss the conflict on March 5.

(Shelley Inglis is Executive Director, University of Dayton Human Rights Center, University of Dayton)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-worst-humanitarian-crisis-of-the-21st-century-5-questions-on-syria-answered-132571"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Shelley Inglis Remember former President Barack Obama’s infamous red line speech in 2012? In that speech, the president made it clear that the US would not stand for the use of chemical or biological weapons by President Bashar al-Assad against opposition forces in Syria.

By Shelley Inglis Remember former President Barack Obama’s infamous red line speech in 2012? In that speech, the president made it clear that the US would not stand for the use of chemical or biological weapons by President Bashar al-Assad against opposition forces in Syria. But, despite subsequent evidence of the use of these weapons by Assad’s forces, the US declined to directly confront the regime. A complex, devastating conflict has continued ever since, killing close to 400,000 Syrians and forcing millions from their homes. It has involved a range of players over nine years: the Assad-controlled government regime, various rebel opposition groups, the Islamic State, Syria’s Kurdish minority and major international powers, including the United States, Iran, Turkey, Russia and the European Union. Consequently, some confusion about current events and what they mean is understandable. So, here are some answers to key questions about why Syria is back in the news. 1. What’s going on right now? The war in Syria has resulted in more than 11 million people displaced. Over half of these displaced people are refugees, with the vast majority currently hosted in the regional states of Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. The war has now reached a crisis point. Since December, the Russian-backed Assad regime has significantly increased air and ground assaults on civilian sites in Idlib province, causing destruction and mass displacement. Idlib is considered the remaining stronghold of the rebel opposition to Assad’s regime. Lying in the northeast of Syria bordering Turkey, it is home to approximately 3.5 million people. The United Nations has repeatedly called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Nonetheless, the assaults continued. 2. How many people are fleeing? Since December, nearly 950,000 people, an estimated 80 per cent of whom are women and children, have fled their homes because of ground and air assaults by the Russian-backed Assad forces during an uncharacteristically cold winter. Many live in makeshift displaced persons camps in northern Syria. Reports show that women are burning plastic to keep warm, and babies and children are dying due to the cold. The UN estimates that close to 2 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance. While aid is being delivered, it is insufficient to meet the needs of families for food, clean water and heating. Local aid workers have also been killed. 3. Why is this considered a humanitarian crisis? Until early January, humanitarian assistance was coming from international organizations into Syria through Iraq. Aid is currently coming in through Turkey, as it affords the most feasible route for people to seek refuge and for humanitarian assistance to get through to Syria. However, Turkey has effectively closed its borders to those fleeing from Idlib, noting it already hosts over 3.6 million Syrian refugees. Some reports put the death toll around Idlib in the thousands. The UN has recorded hundreds of deaths in Idlib and Aleppo due to the recent attacks, which are backed militarily by Russia. Many medical facilities and schools have been targeted or impacted. Experts claim that the attacks are part of a strategy to explicitly target civilians. Such targeting of civilians, schools and hospitals could be war crimes – grave violations of the law of war. The UN Commission of Inquiry and European courts are investigating crimes committed during the Syrian conflict. 4. Who is involved in this fight? The conflict in Syria started with a peaceful uprising in 2011 against the four-decade authoritarian rule of the Assad family. Since then, it has become increasingly complicated, involving a number of countries near and far. Iran has remained a steadfast supporter of Assad throughout the conflict, although its exact military and financial support is difficult to track. In 2015, Russia, a historic ally of the Assad family, directly entered the conflict to support the government through airstrikes. It controls much of the airspace in northern Syria today. The United States entered the war as part of a coalition in 2014. It has supported Syrian Kurdish militia, known as the People’s Protection Units, in a joint fight against the Islamic State, which had gained power in parts of Syria. The United States’ support of the Syrian Kurds has consistently rattled Turkey, which links the group to its own Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist group by neighbouring Turkey, the European Union and the United States. In October, President Donald Trump ordered the removal of U.S. military personnel from northern Syria, abandoning the traditional support by the US for Syrian Kurds and opening up advantages for the Assad regime and Russia. In response, Turkey intervened militarily to undermine the Syrian Kurds and create a safe zone along its borders. These actions infuriated Turkey’s western allies because it heightened the conflict in parts of the north that had been peacefully governed by the Syrian Kurds. While Turkey and Russia do not agree on Syria, they have been coming closer since 2015, even overcoming crises like the downing of a Russian aircraft by Turkish forces near the Syrian border. Turkey, the United States and European Union states are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, known as NATO. Deepening a divide between Turkey and NATO is considered by experts to be in the interest of Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin. 5. What now? The humanitarian crisis is grave, and the situation in flux. With the fighting around Idlib continuing, international tensions are flaring. After 33 Turkish soldiers died in an attack by Russian-backed Syrian forces on Feb. 27, Turkey called for NATO to meet and has retaliated in Syria. Russia has denied any involvement in the specific assault. Neither Turkey nor Russia appears to be decreasing their interventions in Syria. With Russia wielding a veto power on the United Nations Security Council, the institution responsible for addressing threats to international peace and security has been unable to effectively intervene to halt the conflict and protect civilians. Many experts contend that the war could be in its final throes and some victory for Assad is no longer in question. For now, the Trump administration has indicated it has no intention of reengaging in Syria to protect the people of Idlib. However, in such a complex conflict, the delicate balance of interests can be disrupted. For example, Turkey has opened its borders for Syrian refugees to flow into Europe, creating a potential renewed crisis for the European Union. Turkey has asked NATO for military support for a no-fly zone over Idlib, but has gained no traction so far. Experts agree that the best route to protect civilians would be such a zone and argue the United States must play a role. Others are calling for an EU-NATO intervention to protect the people of Idlib. The EU is meeting to discuss the crisis. For now, Turkey is taking on the Syrian forces alone and claiming some success. Russia and Turkey are set to meet to discuss the conflict on March 5. (Shelley Inglis is Executive Director, University of Dayton Human Rights Center, University of Dayton) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Syria civil war: The worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century

The United States barred Sri Lankan Army Chief, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva from entering the country on charges of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings during the country's civil war in 2009.

U.S. puts travel ban on Sri Lankan Lt. Gen. Silva over accusations of human rights violations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the UN Human Rights Council a 'biased' body. This comes after the UN Human Rights Office have named the companies that have business ties with US settlements in the west bank. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Netanyahu hits back at UN, Calls it biased

The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution condemning human rights abuses against Muslim Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar. #UNGA #Rohingya #Myanmar #WION

UNGA condemns human rights violation against Rohingyas in Myanmar

Indian armed forces not only ensure the protection of human rights of our own people but also of adversaries and deal with the prisoners of war as per the Geneva Conventions, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday.

He was addressing the interns and senior officers of the National Human Rights Commission on 'Preserving Human Rights in Times of War and Prisoners of War'.

He said the country's armed forces were disciplined and have the utmost respect for human rights laws.

According to a NHRC release, Army Chief said that the driving ethos of the Indian armed forces is "Insaniyat"( Humanity) and "Sharafat"( Decency) and they are extremely secular.

The Army Chief said there was a challenge of changing warfare tactics with the advent of technology.

He said that unlike the attack by any armed force, the terror attacks remain unaccountable in international law.

"Hence, the counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations have to be dealt in a manner of winning the hearts of the people by identifying and alienating the insurgents among them without collateral damage, which becomes very challenging and difficult", he said.

The Army chief said that Army Headquarters had created a human rights cell in 1993, which now is being upgraded to the level of a Directorate to be headed by an Additional Director General.

This will also have police personnel to address the complaints of human rights violations against the armed forces and facilitate related inquiries, he said.

General Rawat said that a new initiative has been taken in October this year by recruiting women jawans in Military Police Force.

He said that the Army takes along with it several police personnel in search operations, but keeping in view the concerns of women during such operations, the army has now decided to deploy the lady jawans of its Military Police force also.

He said that keeping in view provisions of human rights law and the importance of the protection of human rights, a court of inquiry is being held after every anti-insurgency operation and all records are maintained related to such operations.

Referring to the Armed Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Army Chief said that the Act gives almost the same powers to the Army, which are also exercised by police and CRPF in connection with search and inquiry operations.

However, he said that over the years the army itself has diluted its application in its own way under the ten commandments issued by the Chief of Army Staff, which are to be strictly adhered by every soldier, and particularly those deployed for operations in anti-insurgency areas.

The Supreme Court guidelines on this are also being strictly followed by soldiers, who are given special training before their deployment in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, he said.

Earlier, NHRC Member Justice P.C. Pant gave an insight into various laws protecting human rights.&nbsp;

Indian armed forces not only ensure the protection of human rights of our own people but also of adversaries and deal with the prisoners of war as per the Geneva Conventions, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday.

Indian armed forces not only ensure the protection of human rights of our own people but also of adversaries and deal with the prisoners of war as per the Geneva Conventions, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday. He was addressing the interns and senior officers of the National Human Rights Commission on 'Preserving Human Rights in Times of War and Prisoners of War'. He said the country's armed forces were disciplined and have the utmost respect for human rights laws. According to a NHRC release, Army Chief said that the driving ethos of the Indian armed forces is "Insaniyat"( Humanity) and "Sharafat"( Decency) and they are extremely secular. The Army Chief said there was a challenge of changing warfare tactics with the advent of technology. He said that unlike the attack by any armed force, the terror attacks remain unaccountable in international law. "Hence, the counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations have to be dealt in a manner of winning the hearts of the people by identifying and alienating the insurgents among them without collateral damage, which becomes very challenging and difficult", he said. The Army chief said that Army Headquarters had created a human rights cell in 1993, which now is being upgraded to the level of a Directorate to be headed by an Additional Director General. This will also have police personnel to address the complaints of human rights violations against the armed forces and facilitate related inquiries, he said. General Rawat said that a new initiative has been taken in October this year by recruiting women jawans in Military Police Force. He said that the Army takes along with it several police personnel in search operations, but keeping in view the concerns of women during such operations, the army has now decided to deploy the lady jawans of its Military Police force also. He said that keeping in view provisions of human rights law and the importance of the protection of human rights, a court of inquiry is being held after every anti-insurgency operation and all records are maintained related to such operations. Referring to the Armed Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Army Chief said that the Act gives almost the same powers to the Army, which are also exercised by police and CRPF in connection with search and inquiry operations. However, he said that over the years the army itself has diluted its application in its own way under the ten commandments issued by the Chief of Army Staff, which are to be strictly adhered by every soldier, and particularly those deployed for operations in anti-insurgency areas. The Supreme Court guidelines on this are also being strictly followed by soldiers, who are given special training before their deployment in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, he said. Earlier, NHRC Member Justice P.C. Pant gave an insight into various laws protecting human rights.

Indian armed forces ensure protection of human rights of adversaries also: General Rawat

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-south-korea-prepare-for-trilateral-summit-amid-tensions-269632">Chinese authorities</a> today denied the allegations of prisoners being forced into physical labour.&nbsp;

According to a British newspaper, a schoolgirl in London received a message in a Christmas card. Allegedly, it came from inmates at Shanghai's Qingpu Prison.&nbsp;

Tesco, the supermarket giant, recently announced the end of production at its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-should-abandon-their-double-standards-china-slams-eurpopean-union-parliament-over-uighur-sanctions-resolution-269347">factory in China</a> after a similar debacle. A charity card from Tesco contained a cry for help from a prisoner, as reported by the Sunday Times newspaper.

China has continuously denied the claims, referring to them as fictitious.&nbsp;

"I can tell you responsibly that, after seeking clarification from relevant departments, Shanghai Qingpu prison does not at all have ... forced labour by foreign convicts" said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Shuang also took the opportunity to attack former journalist Peter Humphrey who had written the article. He called the story a ''farce'' to ''hype himself up''.

Humphrey was detained in Qinqpu prison until his release in 2015.

Watch:&nbsp;U.S. blacklists China &amp; Pak, both languish in the blacklist

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-blacklists-china-pak-both-languish-in-the-blacklist-269482/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are foreign prisoners in Shanghai Qingpu Prison <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-next-hong-kongers-rally-for-chinas-uighurs-269572">China</a>," said the message, in a charity card featuring a kitten in a Santa hat

"Forced to work against our will. Please help us and notify human rights organisation."

According to the Sunday Times, the note inside the card requested the finder to report the concerns to Humphrey, which the schoolgirl's father did, after which it was made public.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese authorities today denied the allegations of prisoners being forced into physical labour. According to a British newspaper, a schoolgirl in London received a message in a Christmas card.

Chinese authorities today denied the allegations of prisoners being forced into physical labour. According to a British newspaper, a schoolgirl in London received a message in a Christmas card. Allegedly, it came from inmates at Shanghai's Qingpu Prison. Tesco, the supermarket giant, recently announced the end of production at its factory in China after a similar debacle. A charity card from Tesco contained a cry for help from a prisoner, as reported by the Sunday Times newspaper. China has continuously denied the claims, referring to them as fictitious. "I can tell you responsibly that, after seeking clarification from relevant departments, Shanghai Qingpu prison does not at all have ... forced labour by foreign convicts" said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Shuang also took the opportunity to attack former journalist Peter Humphrey who had written the article. He called the story a ''farce'' to ''hype himself up''. Humphrey was detained in Qinqpu prison until his release in 2015. Watch: U.S. blacklists China & Pak, both languish in the blacklist "We are foreign prisoners in Shanghai Qingpu Prison China," said the message, in a charity card featuring a kitten in a Santa hat "Forced to work against our will. Please help us and notify human rights organisation." According to the Sunday Times, the note inside the card requested the finder to report the concerns to Humphrey, which the schoolgirl's father did, after which it was made public. (With inputs from agencies)

'Made up': China denies allegations of forced labour at Shanghai prison

As temperatures drop below freezing on Wednesday (December 18) in Ciudad Juarez, Mexican officials tried to move an encampment of migrant asylum seekers - including around 200 young children - to shelters.

Mexican children shiver in tents at US border as temperature freezes

A delegation of Rohingya refugees on Thursday (December 19) refused to accept a proposal made by Myanmar officials to repatriate them to Myanmar, citing that their demands have not been met.

Rohingya refugees reject Myanmar officials' proposal to return home

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

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

There are now over 4.5 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants living outside the country according to the UN's refugee agency and the outflow of people shows no signs of slowing down due to political and economic crisis in the South American country.

Venezuelan exodus and need for aid will increase in 2020 -UN

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meets-erdogan-unannounced-at-nato-summit-266252">Tayyip Erdogan</a> accused the Nobel academy on Tuesday of rewarding human rights violations by awarding the prize for literature to Peter Handke, who has been criticised for backing late Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic.

Turkey has said it is joining Albania and Kosovo in boycotting the Nobel awards ceremony to protest the academy's choice of Austrian Handke for the prize.

"Giving the Nobel Literature Prize to a racist, who denies the genocide in Bosnia and defends war criminals, on December 10, Human Rights Day, will have no meaning other than the rewarding of human rights violations," Erdogan said.

The academy's choice has been widely criticised.

Handke, now 77, expressed support for Milosevic and spoke at the funeral of the former Serbian president in 2006 after he died in detention during his trial at the UN&nbsp;war crimes tribunal.

Milosevic was charged with war crimes in connection with atrocities and ethnic cleansing committed by Serb forces in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo during the 1990s wars triggered by the disintegration of federal Yugoslavia.

On Friday, Handke dismissed questions about his support for Milosevic. On Tuesday, he will formally be handed the 9 million crown ($935,000) award and later attend the traditional Nobel banquet.

Handke is the author of books such as "The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick" and "Slow Homecoming". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-summon-turkish-envoy-over-erdogans-insults-265301">He also co-wrote the script</a> of the critically acclaimed 1987 film "Wings of Desire".

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the Nobel academy on Tuesday of rewarding human rights violations by awarding the prize for literature to Peter Handke, who has been criticised for backing late Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the Nobel academy on Tuesday of rewarding human rights violations by awarding the prize for literature to Peter Handke, who has been criticised for backing late Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic. Turkey has said it is joining Albania and Kosovo in boycotting the Nobel awards ceremony to protest the academy's choice of Austrian Handke for the prize. "Giving the Nobel Literature Prize to a racist, who denies the genocide in Bosnia and defends war criminals, on December 10, Human Rights Day, will have no meaning other than the rewarding of human rights violations," Erdogan said. The academy's choice has been widely criticised. Handke, now 77, expressed support for Milosevic and spoke at the funeral of the former Serbian president in 2006 after he died in detention during his trial at the UN war crimes tribunal. Milosevic was charged with war crimes in connection with atrocities and ethnic cleansing committed by Serb forces in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo during the 1990s wars triggered by the disintegration of federal Yugoslavia. On Friday, Handke dismissed questions about his support for Milosevic. On Tuesday, he will formally be handed the 9 million crown ($935,000) award and later attend the traditional Nobel banquet. Handke is the author of books such as "The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick" and "Slow Homecoming". He also co-wrote the script of the critically acclaimed 1987 film "Wings of Desire".

Nobel academy rewarding human rights violations: Turkey's Erdogan

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