The Taliban marked the first anniversary of its return to power in Afghanistan following a turbulent year that saw women's rights crushed and a humanitarian crisis worsen. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint | Taliban mark turbulent first year in power

Taliban marked the first anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan. A turbulent year wherein women's rights were crushed and humanitarian crisis worsened.

Afghanistan: Women devoid of the right to education, illegal underground schools prop-up in Kabul

The Taliban and western diplomats have began their first official talks in Norway’s capital Oslo since they took over control of Afghanistan. The three-day talks will focus on how to alleviate humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Taliban holds first official talks with the west in Oslo to discuss Afghanistan

Taliban officials appealed to the international community to help Afghanistan as the country currently is in dire straits, facing an economic and humanitarian crisis, which has created fears of another refugee exodus.

Taliban officials appealed to the international community to help Afghanistan as the country currently is in dire straits, facing an economic and humanitarian crisis, which has created fears of another refugee exodus. The crisis has been escalated ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August and, in immediate response, major donors halted their support for the country by freezing funds. Afghanistan also faced challenges of drought caused by global warming. "The impact of the frozen funds is on the common people and not Taliban authorities," deputy Foreign Minister, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said at a special meeting meant to mark the UN's international migrants day. ALSO READ | Rewind 2021: When Taliban in Afghanistan became the 'new normal' In the conference, which was attended by representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the United Nations refugee organisation, he appealed to the countries like the United States to help Afghanistan recover after decades of war. "If the political and economic situation doesn't change, there will be more migration," Stanikzai added. As per repeated warnings by the United Nations, Afghanistan is on the brink of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. However, international donors recently agreed to release $280 million in aid to Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) will go "to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan at this critical time," the World Bank said in a statement, which was released on Friday (December 10). ALSO READ | Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget The Taliban regime is also looking forward to bridging the gap between other countries as made a fresh appeal on Friday (December 17) for Afghanistan's seat at the United Nations after the ambassador of the former US-backed government left his post. The UN seat, and some other embassies abroad, are at the centre of a tug-of-war between exiled diplomats of the old government and Afghanistan's new Islamist rulers. No country has yet recognised the Taliban regime. × (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban officials appeal for international help to combat a deepening economic crisis in Afghanistan

Amid the worsening humanitarian crisis, crippling economy and deepening poverty, the latest move by Taliban has provided a ray of hope for thousands of Afghans.

Afghanistan: Taliban to resume reissuing passports | Humanitarian Crisis

India sent its first medical consignment containing life-saving medicines to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. The medicines will bring a sigh of relief for Afghan people amid a humanitarian crisis in the south-Asian country.

India sends life-saving medicines to war-torn Afghanistan amid a humanitarian crisis

As the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues, Saudi Arabian govt has called for an urgent meeting of the organisation of the Islamic cooperation to address the matter. The Saudi govt reiterated that millions of Afghans face worsening crisis this winter and are in need of assistance.

Ahead of winters, Saudi Arabia calls for OIC meeting to address Afghan humanitarian crisis

Over 2,000 migrants are stranded at Belarus' border with Poland. Many are suffering from hypothermia; many have broken bones. Among the migrants are babies and pregnant mothers. Who will help them? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: A humanitarian crisis at Belarus-Poland border

Leaders of the G20 group of nations have agreed to work together to try and head off the humanitarian crisis looming in Afghanistan. The EU has pledged a billion Euro aid package for the country.

G20 leaders agree to avert Afghanistan humanitarian crisis

The Taliban have been desperate to get international recognition as the official government of Afghanistan. America and the United Nations have allowed limited humanitarian assistance into the country. WION tells you more.

US and UN allow limited humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan

Diplomats from the United Kingdom have met with the Taliban government in Kabul for the first time since taking power. They discussed the humanitarian crisis and the safe return of British citizens.

UK diplomats meet Taliban leaders in Afghanistan for first time since takeover

The United Nations which has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover is convening an aid conference in Geneva on Monday in an effort to raise more than $600 million for the Afghans.

UN hopes to raise over $600 million to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

Syria's longest river, Euphrates is drying. Because of this, there is an increase in risk of dam turbines grinding to a halt. The aid groups and engineers have warned of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Syria's longest river, Euphrates dries

When we talk about Yemen- it is usually about its humanitarian crisis. But what about its cultural heritage? The war-torn nation has always been a treasure trove of history. On The West Asia Post this week, Ghadi Francis takes a look at the toll the long-drawn conflict has taken on its past. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post | A look at Yemen's museums; Battle to save the past

An international medical humanitarian organisation Doctor without Borders has slammed Brazil government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aid group has said that the authorities have not taken the disease seriously enough in the country.

Brazil govt's negligence of COVID-19 causing humanitarian catastrophe

The war in Yemen has resulted in a situation that has been described as the ‘worst humanitarian’ crisis. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic is adding a new dimension to the struggle and the second wave of infections has overwhelmed the country.

Second wave of COVID-19 infections overwhelms Yemen

Yemen is at the highest risk of a humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned.

The country has topped the grim list for the third year in a row due to continuing conflict, and widespread hunger. The country already had very less international aid, but due to the ongoing pandemic, it has further tumbled.

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IRC’s aid agency director for Yemen, Tamuna Sabadze, said that support for Yemen was now more critical “than ever”, in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/saudi-led-coalition-bombs-yemen-rebel-sites-after-aramco-attack-345914" hreflang="en">Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen rebel sites after Aramco attack</a>

Sabadze also urged for more “commitment than we see today” from internal as well global actors to end the conflict in Yemen.

“Without this, things will not change in Yemen; the ordinary civilians of Yemen will really have no future and no hope”, the director further told Al Jazeera.

According to her, twenty four million people in the region now require humanitarian aid in terms of food, health services, education.

Other countries that were on the watchlist after Yemen include - Afghanistan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Mozambique, in that order.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/yemen-in-imminent-danger-of-worlds-worst-famine-in-decades-warns-un-344441" hreflang="en">Yemen in 'imminent danger' of world's worst famine in decades, warns UN</a>

The list also named ten more countries, but without being able to ascertain the intensity - Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Lebanon, Mali, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, and Sudan, in that order.

The country has not been receiving much financial aid, with the UN warning in November that the country had received less than half of the emergency funds required this year. The country has received $1.5 billion in donations, roughly 45 per cent of the $3.4 billion required. Around this time in 2019, Yemen had received $3 billion.

The UN has earlier said that 80 per cent of Yemen’s 30 million population require aid and protection. The organisation also claimed that 13.5 Yemenis are facing acute shortages in food, while 16,500 are living in conditions akin to a famine.

Yemen is at the highest risk of a humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned. The country has topped the grim list for the third year in a row due to continuing conflict, and widespread hunger.

Yemen is at the highest risk of a humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned. The country has topped the grim list for the third year in a row due to continuing conflict, and widespread hunger. The country already had very less international aid, but due to the ongoing pandemic, it has further tumbled. IRC’s aid agency director for Yemen, Tamuna Sabadze, said that support for Yemen was now more critical “than ever”, in an interview with Al Jazeera. Also read: Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen rebel sites after Aramco attack Sabadze also urged for more “commitment than we see today” from internal as well global actors to end the conflict in Yemen. “Without this, things will not change in Yemen; the ordinary civilians of Yemen will really have no future and no hope”, the director further told Al Jazeera. According to her, twenty four million people in the region now require humanitarian aid in terms of food, health services, education. Other countries that were on the watchlist after Yemen include - Afghanistan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Mozambique, in that order. Also read: Yemen in 'imminent danger' of world's worst famine in decades, warns UN The list also named ten more countries, but without being able to ascertain the intensity - Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Lebanon, Mali, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, and Sudan, in that order. The country has not been receiving much financial aid, with the UN warning in November that the country had received less than half of the emergency funds required this year. The country has received $1.5 billion in donations, roughly 45 per cent of the $3.4 billion required. Around this time in 2019, Yemen had received $3 billion. The UN has earlier said that 80 per cent of Yemen’s 30 million population require aid and protection. The organisation also claimed that 13.5 Yemenis are facing acute shortages in food, while 16,500 are living in conditions akin to a famine.

Yemen at highest risk of humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, warns IRC

The year 2020 — dubbed as the 'pandemic year' — has been one of the worst years due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Many have been waiting for this year to end so that they get a fresh start in the year 2021. However, experts believe 2021 will, instead, be&nbsp;“catastrophic”.

David Beasley, the Chief of the World Food Programme has raised concerns about the upcoming year and has warned people to brace themselves for a&nbsp;“catastrophic” humanitarian crises.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-29-million-women-and-girls-victims-of-modern-slavery-un-report-334530">Around 29 million women and girls victims of modern slavery: UN report</a>

As per the experts, 2021 can be one of the worst years human beings have seen in almost a century. The year can bring in extreme starvation and famine, especially in the third-world countries.

Beasley sounded the alarm in the&nbsp;United Nations General Assembly during a discussion about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its effects on the world. As per the WFP, nearly 270 million people around the globe are "marching toward starvation" and the experts are predicting a famine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-stillbirth-every-16-seconds-and-this-could-get-worse-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-333385">One stillbirth every 16 seconds and this could get worse due to COVID-19 pandemic</a>

"2021 is literally going to be catastrophic, based on what we're seeing at this stage in the game," Beasley said. He also pointed out lack of funds which has happened "because we've spent $19 trillion, that money may not, and will not most likely be available for 2021."

"We’re now looking literally at 2021 being the worst humanitarian crisis year since the beginning of the United Nations, and we’re going to have to step up," he continued.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-ngos-shaken-by-dr-congo-sex-abuse-claims-332143">UN, NGOs shaken by DR Congo sex abuse claims</a>

Beasley said it is not simply the pandemic which has led to this catastrophic situation. While the pandemic and the government-regulated lockdowns have brought a steep decline in human progress, the "man-made conflict", too, has played a major role in this situation, especially in countries such as&nbsp;Syria, Yemen, and South Sudan.

"We’ve got to end some of these wars. We’ve got to bring these wars to an end, so we can achieve the sustainable development goals that we so desire," he said. Explaining the situation with the metaphor of Titanic, he continued, "If we’re strategic and put the funds to these particular icebergs before us, I believe that we can get through 2021, while we work with the vaccines and rebuild the economies."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-child-malnutrition-soars-in-yemen-347944">WATCH|</a>

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Earlier, too, WFP had warned governments about a possible spike of 80 per cent in people facing malnutrition by the end of the year. The organisation had warned against a "famine of biblical proportions" and had predicted death of nearly 1.2 million under the age of five within six months.

The year 2020 — dubbed as the 'pandemic year' — has been one of the worst years due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Many have been waiting for this year to end so that they get a fresh start in the year 2021.

The year 2020 — dubbed as the 'pandemic year' — has been one of the worst years due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Many have been waiting for this year to end so that they get a fresh start in the year 2021. However, experts believe 2021 will, instead, be “catastrophic”. David Beasley, the Chief of the World Food Programme has raised concerns about the upcoming year and has warned people to brace themselves for a “catastrophic” humanitarian crises. Also read| Around 29 million women and girls victims of modern slavery: UN report As per the experts, 2021 can be one of the worst years human beings have seen in almost a century. The year can bring in extreme starvation and famine, especially in the third-world countries. Beasley sounded the alarm in the United Nations General Assembly during a discussion about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its effects on the world. As per the WFP, nearly 270 million people around the globe are "marching toward starvation" and the experts are predicting a famine. Also read| One stillbirth every 16 seconds and this could get worse due to COVID-19 pandemic "2021 is literally going to be catastrophic, based on what we're seeing at this stage in the game," Beasley said. He also pointed out lack of funds which has happened "because we've spent $19 trillion, that money may not, and will not most likely be available for 2021." "We’re now looking literally at 2021 being the worst humanitarian crisis year since the beginning of the United Nations, and we’re going to have to step up," he continued. Also read| UN, NGOs shaken by DR Congo sex abuse claims Beasley said it is not simply the pandemic which has led to this catastrophic situation. While the pandemic and the government-regulated lockdowns have brought a steep decline in human progress, the "man-made conflict", too, has played a major role in this situation, especially in countries such as Syria, Yemen, and South Sudan. "We’ve got to end some of these wars. We’ve got to bring these wars to an end, so we can achieve the sustainable development goals that we so desire," he said. Explaining the situation with the metaphor of Titanic, he continued, "If we’re strategic and put the funds to these particular icebergs before us, I believe that we can get through 2021, while we work with the vaccines and rebuild the economies." WATCH| × Earlier, too, WFP had warned governments about a possible spike of 80 per cent in people facing malnutrition by the end of the year. The organisation had warned against a "famine of biblical proportions" and had predicted death of nearly 1.2 million under the age of five within six months.

World Food Programme warns 2021 will bring 'catastrophic' humanitarian crisis

The violence that has erupted in&nbsp;Ethiopia's Tigray region has left nearly 2.3 million children helpless and in urgent need of assistance, UNICEF reported on Friday.

The region of Tigray has been observing violent conflicts and fights for the past few weeks after the&nbsp;Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the launch of military operations against the regional government.

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This constant fighting has affected millions of people, especially young children, who are stranded in refugee camps as the area has had several blackouts and establishing communication in the restricted areas has been nearly impossible for the authorities and volunteers.

"Inside the Tigray region, restricted access and the ongoing communication blackout have left an estimated 2.3 million children in need of humanitarian assistance and out of reach," UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore said.&nbsp;

These millions of children have been left unattended in the refugee camps. "Some 12,000 children – some of them without parents or relatives – are among those sheltering in camps and registration centres and are at risk," the report states.

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This is the count when hundreds of people have fled the region through Ethiopia's northern border into the neighbouring Sudan area. This has led to a lack of space in the refugee camps, and the people sheltering there are facing extreme unsanitary and unhygienic conditions, leading to depleting health.

The UN is now hoping to provide immediate support to the children living in these "extremely harsh" conditions, and have urged authorities to refrain from using explosives, especially in densely populated areas.

"Every effort should be made to keep children out of harm's way, and to ensure that they are protected from recruitment and use in the conflict," Fore said.&nbsp;

The violence that has erupted in Ethiopia's Tigray region has left nearly 2.3 million children helpless and in urgent need of assistance, UNICEF reported on Friday.

The violence that has erupted in Ethiopia's Tigray region has left nearly 2.3 million children helpless and in urgent need of assistance, UNICEF reported on Friday. The region of Tigray has been observing violent conflicts and fights for the past few weeks after the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the launch of military operations against the regional government. Also read| Around 29 million women and girls victims of modern slavery: UN report This constant fighting has affected millions of people, especially young children, who are stranded in refugee camps as the area has had several blackouts and establishing communication in the restricted areas has been nearly impossible for the authorities and volunteers. "Inside the Tigray region, restricted access and the ongoing communication blackout have left an estimated 2.3 million children in need of humanitarian assistance and out of reach," UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore said. These millions of children have been left unattended in the refugee camps. "Some 12,000 children – some of them without parents or relatives – are among those sheltering in camps and registration centres and are at risk," the report states. × This is the count when hundreds of people have fled the region through Ethiopia's northern border into the neighbouring Sudan area. This has led to a lack of space in the refugee camps, and the people sheltering there are facing extreme unsanitary and unhygienic conditions, leading to depleting health. The UN is now hoping to provide immediate support to the children living in these "extremely harsh" conditions, and have urged authorities to refrain from using explosives, especially in densely populated areas. "Every effort should be made to keep children out of harm's way, and to ensure that they are protected from recruitment and use in the conflict," Fore said.

Ethiopia violence has put 2.3 million children in crisis: UNICEF

Rapid population growth, lack of access to food and water, and increased exposure to natural disasters mean more than 1 billion people face being displaced by 2050

1 Billion people will have to forcefully migrate: New report predicts humanitarian crisis

Russia and China vetoed a last-ditch attempt by Western members of the U.N. Security Council to extend approval - which expires on Friday - for humanitarian aid to be delivered across two border crossings into Syria from Turkey for the next six months.

The United Nations says millions of Syrian civilians in the country`s northwest depend on the humanitarian aid delivered from Turkey, describing it as a "lifeline." The remaining 13 council members voted in favor of the resolution on Friday.

The 15-member council has been split, with most members pitted against Syrian allies Russia and China, who want to cut the number of border crossings to one, arguing those areas can be reached with humanitarian help from within Syria.

Later on Friday the council voted on a Russian draft text to approve aid deliveries for one Turkish crossing for one year, but it failed after only garnering four votes in favor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-veto-un-extension-of-aid-deliveries-to-syria-from-turkey-311484">Also read: Russia, China veto UN extension of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey</a>

Diplomats said work would continue to see if a compromise could be reached among council members. 
The council has now unsuccessfully voted four times on the issue and Russia and China have cast two vetoes this week.

The Security Council first authorized the cross-border aid operation into Syria six year ago, which also included access from Jordan and Iraq. Those crossings were cut in January due to opposition by Russia and China.

On Tuesday, Russia and China vetoed a bid to extend for a year approval of the two Turkey crossings. The remaining 13 members voted in favor of the resolution, drafted by Germany and Belgium. Russia then failed to win enough support on Wednesday for its proposal to authorize one crossing for six months.

Russia has now vetoed 16 council resolutions on Syria since Syria`s President Bashar al-Assad cracked down on protesters in 2011, leading to civil war. For many of those votes, Moscow has been backed in the council by China.

Russia and China vetoed a last-ditch attempt by Western members of the U.N. Security Council to extend approval - which expires on Friday - for humanitarian aid to be delivered across two border crossings into Syria from Turkey for the next six months.

Russia and China vetoed a last-ditch attempt by Western members of the U.N. Security Council to extend approval - which expires on Friday - for humanitarian aid to be delivered across two border crossings into Syria from Turkey for the next six months. The United Nations says millions of Syrian civilians in the country`s northwest depend on the humanitarian aid delivered from Turkey, describing it as a "lifeline." The remaining 13 council members voted in favor of the resolution on Friday. The 15-member council has been split, with most members pitted against Syrian allies Russia and China, who want to cut the number of border crossings to one, arguing those areas can be reached with humanitarian help from within Syria. Later on Friday the council voted on a Russian draft text to approve aid deliveries for one Turkish crossing for one year, but it failed after only garnering four votes in favor. Also read: Russia, China veto UN extension of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey Diplomats said work would continue to see if a compromise could be reached among council members. The council has now unsuccessfully voted four times on the issue and Russia and China have cast two vetoes this week. The Security Council first authorized the cross-border aid operation into Syria six year ago, which also included access from Jordan and Iraq. Those crossings were cut in January due to opposition by Russia and China. On Tuesday, Russia and China vetoed a bid to extend for a year approval of the two Turkey crossings. The remaining 13 members voted in favor of the resolution, drafted by Germany and Belgium. Russia then failed to win enough support on Wednesday for its proposal to authorize one crossing for six months. Russia has now vetoed 16 council resolutions on Syria since Syria`s President Bashar al-Assad cracked down on protesters in 2011, leading to civil war. For many of those votes, Moscow has been backed in the council by China.

Russia, China veto Syria aid via Turkey for second time this week

War, hunger and pandemic --&nbsp;Yemen is facing the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It is the most needy place on earth right now. Yemen is&nbsp;completely devasted by conflict.

Millions have no access to food, healthcare, clean water or sanitation. It's a festering pool of coronavirus infections.

In a country ravaged by war, the true scale of the pandemic is beyond comprehension. The United Nations (UN) says the death toll could surpass 100,000. That is more than the combined death toll of war, disease, and hunger in Yemen over the last five years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/millions-of-yemeni-children-face-threat-of-starvation-309148">Also watch:&nbsp;Millions of Yemeni children face threat of starvation</a>

The COVID-19 mortality rate is five times the global average.&nbsp;One out of five people infected by the virus is dying. Five years of war has decimated the healthcare system. Nearly half of Yemen's 3,500 medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed in air strikes. Clinics are overcrowded without basic medicines and equipment.

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In a country of 27.5 million people, only 500 ventilators and 700 intensive care units are available. Even before the pandemic, Yemen faced a health crisis with mounting cases of dengue, malaria and cholera. Now, it has become worse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-led-coalition-starts-military-operation-against-yemens-houthis-310372">Also watch:&nbsp;Saudi-led coalition starts military operation against Yemen's Houthis</a>

The UN is not able to do much due to lack of funds. It has warned that most of its relief programs will be suspended in the coming weeks.

"More than 30 of the 41 UN-supported programmes in Yemen will close in the coming weeks if additional funds are not secured. Now, more than ever, the country needs the outside world's help, and it's not really getting it."

In early June,&nbsp;the UN raised the alarm and received 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Yemen, which is just half of what it got last year.

For Yemen, which entirely depends on aid to survive, this is detrimental as 80 per cent of the population relies on handouts.

Over two million children suffer malnutrition and&nbsp;could be pushed to the brink of starvation.&nbsp;

The war has turned Yemen into middle-east's poorest nation. Northern Yemen is held by Saudi Arabia-backed government and southern Yemen is ruled by the Houthi militants with the help of Iran.

The civil war has left millions unemployed. Now, 80 per cent of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance but the two warring sides are blocking vital food and medical aid.

Yemen is a failed state without a central government in charge.

War, hunger and pandemic -- Yemen is facing the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It is the most needy place on earth right now. Yemen is completely devasted by conflict.

War, hunger and pandemic -- Yemen is facing the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It is the most needy place on earth right now. Yemen is completely devasted by conflict. Millions have no access to food, healthcare, clean water or sanitation. It's a festering pool of coronavirus infections. In a country ravaged by war, the true scale of the pandemic is beyond comprehension. The United Nations (UN) says the death toll could surpass 100,000. That is more than the combined death toll of war, disease, and hunger in Yemen over the last five years. Also watch: Millions of Yemeni children face threat of starvation The COVID-19 mortality rate is five times the global average. One out of five people infected by the virus is dying. Five years of war has decimated the healthcare system. Nearly half of Yemen's 3,500 medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed in air strikes. Clinics are overcrowded without basic medicines and equipment. In a country of 27.5 million people, only 500 ventilators and 700 intensive care units are available. Even before the pandemic, Yemen faced a health crisis with mounting cases of dengue, malaria and cholera. Now, it has become worse. Also watch: Saudi-led coalition starts military operation against Yemen's Houthis The UN is not able to do much due to lack of funds. It has warned that most of its relief programs will be suspended in the coming weeks. "More than 30 of the 41 UN-supported programmes in Yemen will close in the coming weeks if additional funds are not secured. Now, more than ever, the country needs the outside world's help, and it's not really getting it." In early June, the UN raised the alarm and received 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Yemen, which is just half of what it got last year. For Yemen, which entirely depends on aid to survive, this is detrimental as 80 per cent of the population relies on handouts. Over two million children suffer malnutrition and could be pushed to the brink of starvation. The war has turned Yemen into middle-east's poorest nation. Northern Yemen is held by Saudi Arabia-backed government and southern Yemen is ruled by the Houthi militants with the help of Iran. The civil war has left millions unemployed. Now, 80 per cent of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance but the two warring sides are blocking vital food and medical aid. Yemen is a failed state without a central government in charge.

Yemen's humanitarian crisis becomes worse; death toll may cross 100,000

The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children`s agency UNICEF said on Friday.

A UNICEF report warned of a rise of 20 per cent in the number of malnourished children under the age of five - almost half of all of that age in the country.

"If we do not receive urgent funding, children will be pushed to the brink of starvation and many will die," said UNICEF Yemen representative Sara Beysolow Nyanti. "We cannot overstate the scale of this emergency."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-half-year-into-coronavirus-pandemic-and-these-migrants-have-not-heard-about-covid-19-308551">Also read:&nbsp;A half-year into coronavirus pandemic, and these migrants have not heard about COVID-19</a>

Yemen has been wracked for more than five years by a war pitting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement which controls much of the country and a Saudi-led coalition which supports the internationally-recognised government based in the south.

Tens of thousands of people have died, many of them civilians, and the ensuing humanitarian crisis has been called the worst in the world.

The United Nations has said it does not have enough funding to maintain the aid response, the world`s largest. A pledging event this month raised half of what was needed and aid programmes impacting millions are set to close in coming weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theres-a-country-where-thousands-havent-even-heard-of-coronavirus-308208">Also read: There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus!</a>

UNICEF is appealing for $461 million for its humanitarian response, which is currently only 39% funded, and $53 million for its COVID-19 response which is only 10% funded.

Sanitation, immunisation and malnutrition programmes risk reduction and closure.

Yemen`s health system is already on the brink of collapse, kept going through aid. Cholera, malaria and dengue were rife amid a malnourished population even before the coronavirus outbreak.

About 7.8 million children are now out of school, putting them at risk of child labour, recruitment into armed groups and child marriage, UNICEF said.

"UNICEF has previously said, and again repeats, that Yemen is the worst place in the world to be a child and it is not getting any better," Nyanti said.

Cases of coronavirus infection reported by Yemeni authorities surpassed 1,000 on Wednesday, but the United Nations says the virus is spreading unmitigated in a country with shattered health systems and infections are likely much higher.

The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children`s agency UNICEF said on Friday.

The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children`s agency UNICEF said on Friday. A UNICEF report warned of a rise of 20 per cent in the number of malnourished children under the age of five - almost half of all of that age in the country. "If we do not receive urgent funding, children will be pushed to the brink of starvation and many will die," said UNICEF Yemen representative Sara Beysolow Nyanti. "We cannot overstate the scale of this emergency." Also read: A half-year into coronavirus pandemic, and these migrants have not heard about COVID-19 Yemen has been wracked for more than five years by a war pitting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement which controls much of the country and a Saudi-led coalition which supports the internationally-recognised government based in the south. Tens of thousands of people have died, many of them civilians, and the ensuing humanitarian crisis has been called the worst in the world. The United Nations has said it does not have enough funding to maintain the aid response, the world`s largest. A pledging event this month raised half of what was needed and aid programmes impacting millions are set to close in coming weeks. Also read: There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus! UNICEF is appealing for $461 million for its humanitarian response, which is currently only 39% funded, and $53 million for its COVID-19 response which is only 10% funded. Sanitation, immunisation and malnutrition programmes risk reduction and closure. Yemen`s health system is already on the brink of collapse, kept going through aid. Cholera, malaria and dengue were rife amid a malnourished population even before the coronavirus outbreak. About 7.8 million children are now out of school, putting them at risk of child labour, recruitment into armed groups and child marriage, UNICEF said. "UNICEF has previously said, and again repeats, that Yemen is the worst place in the world to be a child and it is not getting any better," Nyanti said. Cases of coronavirus infection reported by Yemeni authorities surpassed 1,000 on Wednesday, but the United Nations says the virus is spreading unmitigated in a country with shattered health systems and infections are likely much higher.

More Yemeni children face malnourishment amid aid shortage, coronavirus - UNICEF

Haiti needs international support to tackle an unfolding humanitarian crisis, President Jovenel Moise said in an interview, two months into anti-government protests that have exacerbated food insecurity in the Americas' poorest nation.

Moise also told Reuters he was holding closed-door talks with civil society groups and the private sector, as well as radical and moderate members of the opposition in a bid to break political gridlock by creating a government of unity.

However the 51-year-old president - who faces widespread anger over galloping inflation, rampant insecurity and allegations of corruption - would not say with whom he was talking. Haiti's leading opposition parties have for months said the time for dialogue is over.

"We are in the midst of a humanitarian crisis," Moise said in the interview on Friday in the garden of his home in the hillside suburb of Petionville, overlooking Port-au-Prince and the Caribbean sea. "We need international support to get through this crisis."

More than one-in-three Haitians need urgent assistance to meet their daily food requirements, meaning nearly 3.7 million people, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) said earlier this month.

But aid organizations are struggling to provide relief due to protester barricades blocking roads, as well as gang violence and other crime. The WFP has said it is ready to launch air and maritime transport operations but needs to raise $2.9 million to do so.

Moise said his acting government had written to the Trump administration requesting aid last month and the US&nbsp;Agency for International Development agreed to provide 2,000 tonnes of food aid to address urgent needs.

The opposition accuses the United States, which has frequently determined the fate of Haitian politics, of propping up Moise and ignoring the people.

The US&nbsp;government has urged all stakeholders to work toward an inclusive dialogue without pre-conditions.

Fuel shortages in August sparked protests that have morphed into a fierce campaign against Moise that has shuttered businesses and schools and galvanized the political opposition.

While turnout in what has become Haiti's longest wave of demonstrations for years has weakened somewhat over the last two weeks, the opposition is calling for a nationwide protest on Monday, a bank holiday that commemorates a major battle of Haiti's independence war.&nbsp;

Moise said he started meeting "lots of people" behind closed doors a week and a half ago, rather than continuing to meet in public.

Two of the most prominent opposition leaders, Andre Michel and Moise Jean Charles, as well as the spokesman of the Episcopal Conference Father Loudeger Mazile, told Reuters they were not participating in the conversations and did not know of any significant figure or group that was.

Democratic void

Haiti has not had a government since March as parliament is required to ratify the president's choice of the prime minister and the minority opposition has blocked such a vote from taking place.

The opposition accuses Moise's ruling alliance of seeking to replace the previous prime minister because he was too keen on investigating the embezzlement of Venezuelan aid funds that could have sullied its members, including the president himself. Moise denies any wrongdoing.

The lack of a government, in turn, is preventing Haiti from accessing hundreds of millions of dollars in international aid funds as well as loans from the World Bank, Inter-American Bank and others earmarked for it.

From next year, it will no longer have a parliament either. The mandates of deputies and most senators ends in January and Haiti failed to hold legislative elections in October as required by the constitution.

"We don't want to govern the country without democratic institutions," said Moise. "But unfortunately it looks like we are headed in that direction and that's why today we are working on finding a political accord."

He reiterated that he had no intention of resigning or holding early elections.

Instead, he said, he wanted to carry out reforms including changing the constitution to strengthen the president's powers so he is not held hostage by parliament.

The presidency is weak under Haiti's current constitution as it was written in the wake of the dynastic dictatorships of Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier.

On the economic front, Moise said he hopes to implement stronger mechanisms to avoid tax and customs evasion to help reduce the ballooning budgetary deficit. This could in turn help bring down inflation of around 20 per cent.

On the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Venezuelan aid funds, the president said his acting government was pressing for an update.

Moise's opponents, who say he disappeared from public sight at the start of the current crisis, criticize it as too little too late, nearly three years into his five-year mandate.

Haiti needs international support to tackle an unfolding humanitarian crisis, President Jovenel Moise said in an interview, two months into anti-government protests that have exacerbated food insecurity in the Americas' poorest nation.

Haiti needs international support to tackle an unfolding humanitarian crisis, President Jovenel Moise said in an interview, two months into anti-government protests that have exacerbated food insecurity in the Americas' poorest nation. Moise also told Reuters he was holding closed-door talks with civil society groups and the private sector, as well as radical and moderate members of the opposition in a bid to break political gridlock by creating a government of unity. However the 51-year-old president - who faces widespread anger over galloping inflation, rampant insecurity and allegations of corruption - would not say with whom he was talking. Haiti's leading opposition parties have for months said the time for dialogue is over. "We are in the midst of a humanitarian crisis," Moise said in the interview on Friday in the garden of his home in the hillside suburb of Petionville, overlooking Port-au-Prince and the Caribbean sea. "We need international support to get through this crisis." More than one-in-three Haitians need urgent assistance to meet their daily food requirements, meaning nearly 3.7 million people, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) said earlier this month. But aid organizations are struggling to provide relief due to protester barricades blocking roads, as well as gang violence and other crime. The WFP has said it is ready to launch air and maritime transport operations but needs to raise $2.9 million to do so. Moise said his acting government had written to the Trump administration requesting aid last month and the US Agency for International Development agreed to provide 2,000 tonnes of food aid to address urgent needs. The opposition accuses the United States, which has frequently determined the fate of Haitian politics, of propping up Moise and ignoring the people. The US government has urged all stakeholders to work toward an inclusive dialogue without pre-conditions. Fuel shortages in August sparked protests that have morphed into a fierce campaign against Moise that has shuttered businesses and schools and galvanized the political opposition. While turnout in what has become Haiti's longest wave of demonstrations for years has weakened somewhat over the last two weeks, the opposition is calling for a nationwide protest on Monday, a bank holiday that commemorates a major battle of Haiti's independence war. Moise said he started meeting "lots of people" behind closed doors a week and a half ago, rather than continuing to meet in public. Two of the most prominent opposition leaders, Andre Michel and Moise Jean Charles, as well as the spokesman of the Episcopal Conference Father Loudeger Mazile, told Reuters they were not participating in the conversations and did not know of any significant figure or group that was. Democratic void Haiti has not had a government since March as parliament is required to ratify the president's choice of the prime minister and the minority opposition has blocked such a vote from taking place. The opposition accuses Moise's ruling alliance of seeking to replace the previous prime minister because he was too keen on investigating the embezzlement of Venezuelan aid funds that could have sullied its members, including the president himself. Moise denies any wrongdoing. The lack of a government, in turn, is preventing Haiti from accessing hundreds of millions of dollars in international aid funds as well as loans from the World Bank, Inter-American Bank and others earmarked for it. From next year, it will no longer have a parliament either. The mandates of deputies and most senators ends in January and Haiti failed to hold legislative elections in October as required by the constitution. "We don't want to govern the country without democratic institutions," said Moise. "But unfortunately it looks like we are headed in that direction and that's why today we are working on finding a political accord." He reiterated that he had no intention of resigning or holding early elections. Instead, he said, he wanted to carry out reforms including changing the constitution to strengthen the president's powers so he is not held hostage by parliament. The presidency is weak under Haiti's current constitution as it was written in the wake of the dynastic dictatorships of Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier. On the economic front, Moise said he hopes to implement stronger mechanisms to avoid tax and customs evasion to help reduce the ballooning budgetary deficit. This could in turn help bring down inflation of around 20 per cent. On the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Venezuelan aid funds, the president said his acting government was pressing for an update. Moise's opponents, who say he disappeared from public sight at the start of the current crisis, criticize it as too little too late, nearly three years into his five-year mandate.

Haiti's president calls for support as humanitarian crisis looms

The conflict in Yemen, described by the United Nations as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, originated with the&nbsp;political transition that occurred in the country following the uprising of the Arab Spring.

The transition from the longtime authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh to his deputy Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi in 2011 was expected to bring stability to Yemen.

The new government under Hadi, however, struggled to deal with several problems.

Besides corruption, unemployment and food security, Hadi also faced difficulty in handling the security personnel who continued to exhibit loyalty to Saleh.

Hadi's government also faced attacks from the jihadists.

Taking advantage of the weak Hadi government, Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority who had fought series of rebellions against Saleh during the previous decade, took control of their northern heartland of Saada province and neighbouring areas.&nbsp;

Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority's Houthi movement was also supported by many ordinary Yemenis - including Sunnis.

The Houthis and security forces loyal to Saleh then attempted to take control of the entire country, forcing Hadi to flee the country in March 2015.

The crisis in Yemen escalated in 2015 after the intervention of the Shia power Iran, Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Arab states.

The rebels in the country, backed by Iran, fought against the Saudi-led military coalition which supported the government.

The war has since then left about 10,000 dead, the World Health Organisation states. The United Nations has also defined the conflict in Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Here is a broad overview:

Riyadh enters the war

Houthi fighters from the Zaidi Shiite minority, opposed to the central government for a decade, launch their offensive in mid-2014, seizing swathes of territory.

Their conquests include the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeida, a crucial entry point for imports and humanitarian aid.

A coalition led by regional Sunni power Saudi Arabia comes to the embattled government's aid on March 26, 2015, launching air strikes on rebels.

Their intervention is requested by Hadi, who moved to the southern city of Aden after the fall of Sanaa.

Riyadh has since deployed 1,50,000 troops and 100 fighter planes to the conflict, according to Saudi television Al-Arabiya.

The United Arab Emirates contributes 30 fighter jets. The United States says it is providing logistical support and intelligence.

Coalition successes

On March 27 the coalition says it has full control of Yemen's airspace and destroyed aircraft seized by the Houthis.

In July the Yemen government announces it has retaken the entire province of Aden, its first success since the coalition stepped in.

The coalition supplements its air power with hundreds of ground troops.

By mid-August 2015 loyalist forces have retaken five southern provinces. Aden city becomes the de facto capital, with Sanaa still under rebel control.

In October the government reclaims the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an internationally vital shipping route.

Saudi vs Iran

Splits emerge in the rebel camp in 2017 after their ally, ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, makes overtures to the Saudi-led coalition.&nbsp;

Armed clashes rock Sanaa and in December he is assassinated by the Houthis.

In November 2017 Houthi rebels fire a missile in the direction of the international airport in Riyadh.&nbsp;

Intercepted and destroyed, it is the first to reach the Saudi capital. Saudi Arabia is enraged, accusing its arch-foe Iran of "blatant military aggression" through its support for the rebels.

Iran denies supplying them with weapons.

Rebels have since regularly fired missiles at Saudi Arabia.

Battle for aid port

In December 2017 government forces make a breakthrough in efforts to reconquer the aid hub of Hodeida when they drive Houthi fighters out of a town en route.

As they press their advance, the insurgents' second-in-command, Saleh al-Sammad, dies in a coalition air raid in April 2018.

In June government fighters, backed by Saudi and Emirati land forces, launch an offensive on Hodeida.

With international players stepping up diplomatic efforts to end the war, government forces say in November they have orders to halt operations against the rebels.

Rebel leaders and Yemeni officials meet for UN-brokered talks in Sweden in December.&nbsp;

After a week of meetings, a ceasefire in Hodeida is announced.

It comes into effect on December 18, 2018, but both sides accuse each other of violations.

A UN-led ceasefire monitoring team deploys to the city from December 22 but is unable to secure the pullback of armed forces, as agreed in the peace deal.

(With inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The conflict in Yemen, described by the United Nations as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, originated with the political transition that occurred in the country following the uprising of the Arab Spring.

The conflict in Yemen, described by the United Nations as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, originated with the political transition that occurred in the country following the uprising of the Arab Spring. The transition from the longtime authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh to his deputy Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi in 2011 was expected to bring stability to Yemen. The new government under Hadi, however, struggled to deal with several problems. Besides corruption, unemployment and food security, Hadi also faced difficulty in handling the security personnel who continued to exhibit loyalty to Saleh. Hadi's government also faced attacks from the jihadists. Taking advantage of the weak Hadi government, Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority who had fought series of rebellions against Saleh during the previous decade, took control of their northern heartland of Saada province and neighbouring areas. Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority's Houthi movement was also supported by many ordinary Yemenis - including Sunnis. The Houthis and security forces loyal to Saleh then attempted to take control of the entire country, forcing Hadi to flee the country in March 2015. The crisis in Yemen escalated in 2015 after the intervention of the Shia power Iran, Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Arab states. The rebels in the country, backed by Iran, fought against the Saudi-led military coalition which supported the government. The war has since then left about 10,000 dead, the World Health Organisation states. The United Nations has also defined the conflict in Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Here is a broad overview: Riyadh enters the war Houthi fighters from the Zaidi Shiite minority, opposed to the central government for a decade, launch their offensive in mid-2014, seizing swathes of territory. Their conquests include the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeida, a crucial entry point for imports and humanitarian aid. A coalition led by regional Sunni power Saudi Arabia comes to the embattled government's aid on March 26, 2015, launching air strikes on rebels. Their intervention is requested by Hadi, who moved to the southern city of Aden after the fall of Sanaa. Riyadh has since deployed 1,50,000 troops and 100 fighter planes to the conflict, according to Saudi television Al-Arabiya. The United Arab Emirates contributes 30 fighter jets. The United States says it is providing logistical support and intelligence. Coalition successes On March 27 the coalition says it has full control of Yemen's airspace and destroyed aircraft seized by the Houthis. In July the Yemen government announces it has retaken the entire province of Aden, its first success since the coalition stepped in. The coalition supplements its air power with hundreds of ground troops. By mid-August 2015 loyalist forces have retaken five southern provinces. Aden city becomes the de facto capital, with Sanaa still under rebel control. In October the government reclaims the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an internationally vital shipping route. Saudi vs Iran Splits emerge in the rebel camp in 2017 after their ally, ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, makes overtures to the Saudi-led coalition. Armed clashes rock Sanaa and in December he is assassinated by the Houthis. In November 2017 Houthi rebels fire a missile in the direction of the international airport in Riyadh. Intercepted and destroyed, it is the first to reach the Saudi capital. Saudi Arabia is enraged, accusing its arch-foe Iran of "blatant military aggression" through its support for the rebels. Iran denies supplying them with weapons. Rebels have since regularly fired missiles at Saudi Arabia. Battle for aid port In December 2017 government forces make a breakthrough in efforts to reconquer the aid hub of Hodeida when they drive Houthi fighters out of a town en route. As they press their advance, the insurgents' second-in-command, Saleh al-Sammad, dies in a coalition air raid in April 2018. In June government fighters, backed by Saudi and Emirati land forces, launch an offensive on Hodeida. With international players stepping up diplomatic efforts to end the war, government forces say in November they have orders to halt operations against the rebels. Rebel leaders and Yemeni officials meet for UN-brokered talks in Sweden in December. After a week of meetings, a ceasefire in Hodeida is announced. It comes into effect on December 18, 2018, but both sides accuse each other of violations. A UN-led ceasefire monitoring team deploys to the city from December 22 but is unable to secure the pullback of armed forces, as agreed in the peace deal. (With inputs from AFP)

Yemen: A humanitarian crisis with thousands dead

The number of children who are affected by the Venezuelan crisis and who will need humanitarian aid this year is expected to more than double to reach 1.1 million, up from nearly 500,000, the UN children's agency said Thursday.

The figure includes children uprooted from Venezuela, those who have returned and others in host and transit communities across Latin America and the Caribbean, said a UNICEF statement.

The latest estimate highlighted expectations among aid agencies that the political crisis in Venezuela will worsen in the coming months, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation of children and families. &nbsp;

UNICEF called on governments in the region to uphold the rights of children and ensure they have access to essential services.

An internal UN report seen by AFP last week said seven million people -- about 24 per cent of Venezuela's population -- are in need of humanitarian aid, lacking access to food and medical care.

President Nicolas Maduro has blamed US sanctions for Venezuela's economic problems but opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, says government corruption and mismanagement are at fault.&nbsp;

Guaido is recognised by the United States and around 50 other governments.

The UN Security Council is expected to meet next week at the request of the United States to discuss Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.

The number of children who are affected by the Venezuelan crisis and who will need humanitarian aid this year is expected to more than double to reach 1.1 million, up from nearly 500,000, the UN children's agency said Thursday.

The number of children who are affected by the Venezuelan crisis and who will need humanitarian aid this year is expected to more than double to reach 1.1 million, up from nearly 500,000, the UN children's agency said Thursday. The figure includes children uprooted from Venezuela, those who have returned and others in host and transit communities across Latin America and the Caribbean, said a UNICEF statement. The latest estimate highlighted expectations among aid agencies that the political crisis in Venezuela will worsen in the coming months, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation of children and families. UNICEF called on governments in the region to uphold the rights of children and ensure they have access to essential services. An internal UN report seen by AFP last week said seven million people -- about 24 per cent of Venezuela's population -- are in need of humanitarian aid, lacking access to food and medical care. President Nicolas Maduro has blamed US sanctions for Venezuela's economic problems but opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, says government corruption and mismanagement are at fault. Guaido is recognised by the United States and around 50 other governments. The UN Security Council is expected to meet next week at the request of the United States to discuss Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.

1.1 million children affected by Venezuela crisis: UNICEF

Venezuela's migrant exodus has sparked a "monumental" humanitarian crisis, UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi said during a visit Sunday to a border area of neighbouring Colombia.

Grandi said he could better appreciate the scale of the crisis after visiting the city of Cucuta on the Colombian-Venezuelan border and he expected the United Nations will be able to provide more funds to help Colombia deal with the influx.

His visit "symbolizes the will of the international community to be close to Colombia in this very important effort to respond to a monumental crisis," Grandi told reporters.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Grandi will have talks Monday with Colombia's President Ivan Duque, who has called for more international assistance.

"Impressed by Colombia’s efforts to document, feed, shelter &amp; care for thousands of Venezuelans arriving every day," Grandi said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Many are involved: government, local authorities, NGOs, churches, civil society. This extraordinary solidarity needs more international support."

Colombia has taken around half the nearly two million people the UN says have exited Venezuela since 2015, driven by economic collapse which has led to dire shortages of food and medicine.

Grandi opened a medical center in Cucuta which can cater for 320 people a day.

The center, which will also offer protection to minors, was built with the support of the UNHCR and the Norwegian Refugee Council, Colombia's foreign ministry said.

Venezuela's migrant exodus has sparked a "monumental" humanitarian crisis, UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi said during a visit Sunday to a border area of neighbouring Colombia.

Venezuela's migrant exodus has sparked a "monumental" humanitarian crisis, UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi said during a visit Sunday to a border area of neighbouring Colombia. Grandi said he could better appreciate the scale of the crisis after visiting the city of Cucuta on the Colombian-Venezuelan border and he expected the United Nations will be able to provide more funds to help Colombia deal with the influx. His visit "symbolizes the will of the international community to be close to Colombia in this very important effort to respond to a monumental crisis," Grandi told reporters. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Grandi will have talks Monday with Colombia's President Ivan Duque, who has called for more international assistance. "Impressed by Colombia’s efforts to document, feed, shelter & care for thousands of Venezuelans arriving every day," Grandi said on Twitter. "Many are involved: government, local authorities, NGOs, churches, civil society. This extraordinary solidarity needs more international support." Colombia has taken around half the nearly two million people the UN says have exited Venezuela since 2015, driven by economic collapse which has led to dire shortages of food and medicine. Grandi opened a medical center in Cucuta which can cater for 320 people a day. The center, which will also offer protection to minors, was built with the support of the UNHCR and the Norwegian Refugee Council, Colombia's foreign ministry said.

Venezuela migrant crisis 'monumental': UN Refugee Agency chief

Saudi Arabia has said that two of its soldiers were killed in fighting against Yemen's Huthi rebels as the kingdom reported foiling a drone attack on a southern airport.

The official SPA news agency reported late Saturday that two soldiers from the national guards have killed "during their participation on the southern border" -- a reference normally used for the fighting in Yemen against the Iran-backed Huthis.

SPA, however, did not provide details on when or how the two soldiers were killed but said senior officials took part in their funerals.

A Saudi-led Arab coalition has been fighting in Yemen since March 2015 against the Huthi rebels with the goal of reinstating the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

Colonel Turki al-Maleki, the spokesman for the coalition, meanwhile said Saudi air defences had intercepted and destroyed a Huthi drone that targeted the international airport in Abha in the south.

An examination of the debris showed the drone was manufactured by Iran and used by the Huthi rebels, Maleki said in a statement late Saturday cited by the SPA.

The three-year conflict has left nearly 10,000 people dead and more than 55,000 wounded, according to the World Health Organization.

More than 2,200 others have died from cholera and millions are on the verge of famine in what the United Nations says is the world's gravest humanitarian crisis.

Saudi Arabia has said that two of its soldiers were killed in fighting against Yemen's Huthi rebels as the kingdom reported foiling a drone attack on a southern airport

Saudi Arabia has said that two of its soldiers were killed in fighting against Yemen's Huthi rebels as the kingdom reported foiling a drone attack on a southern airport. The official SPA news agency reported late Saturday that two soldiers from the national guards have killed "during their participation on the southern border" -- a reference normally used for the fighting in Yemen against the Iran-backed Huthis. SPA, however, did not provide details on when or how the two soldiers were killed but said senior officials took part in their funerals. A Saudi-led Arab coalition has been fighting in Yemen since March 2015 against the Huthi rebels with the goal of reinstating the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. Colonel Turki al-Maleki, the spokesman for the coalition, meanwhile said Saudi air defences had intercepted and destroyed a Huthi drone that targeted the international airport in Abha in the south. An examination of the debris showed the drone was manufactured by Iran and used by the Huthi rebels, Maleki said in a statement late Saturday cited by the SPA. The three-year conflict has left nearly 10,000 people dead and more than 55,000 wounded, according to the World Health Organization. More than 2,200 others have died from cholera and millions are on the verge of famine in what the United Nations says is the world's gravest humanitarian crisis.

Saudi Arabia says 2 soldiers killed in Yemen fighting

The Trump administration has decided to terminate the temporary protection status for nearly 9,000 Nepalese immigrants with authorities asking them to leave or find another way to stay in the US to allow for an orderly transition.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation afforded to nationals of countries experiencing humanitarian crisis such as violent conflict, environmental disasters, earthquake or epidemics that would prevent nationals from returning safely.

This decision affects 8,950 people, 85 per cent of whom live in New York.

All of these people from Nepal would have to go back to Nepal or face deportation.

However, to allow for an orderly transition, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M Nielsen has determined to delay the termination for 12 months.

The designation will now terminate on June 24, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security said.

The decision to terminate TPS for Nepal was made after a review of the environmental disaster-related conditions upon which the country's original designation was based and an assessment of whether those originating conditions continue to exist as required by statute.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration has decided to terminate the temporary protection status for nearly 9,000 Nepalese immigrants with authorities asking them to leave or find another way to stay in the US to allow for an orderly transition

The Trump administration has decided to terminate the temporary protection status for nearly 9,000 Nepalese immigrants with authorities asking them to leave or find another way to stay in the US to allow for an orderly transition. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation afforded to nationals of countries experiencing humanitarian crisis such as violent conflict, environmental disasters, earthquake or epidemics that would prevent nationals from returning safely. This decision affects 8,950 people, 85 per cent of whom live in New York. All of these people from Nepal would have to go back to Nepal or face deportation. However, to allow for an orderly transition, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M Nielsen has determined to delay the termination for 12 months. The designation will now terminate on June 24, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security said. The decision to terminate TPS for Nepal was made after a review of the environmental disaster-related conditions upon which the country's original designation was based and an assessment of whether those originating conditions continue to exist as required by statute.

Trump administration ends protected status for 9,000 Nepalese immigrants

Saudi Arabia's crown prince travels Sunday to France on the next leg of his global tour, extending his diplomatic charm offensive as he seeks to project a new liberal image of his conservative kingdom.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman's two-day official visit, which starts Monday, comes after a weeks-long tour of the United States, Britain and Egypt, where the self-styled moderniser courted business leaders and signed a host of multimillion-dollar deals.&nbsp

French President Emmanuel Macron treads a delicate line as he hosts the king-in-waiting in a visit expected to focus on cultural ties and investments, as well as the long-running war in Yemen, dubbed the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

"This is not a traditional state visit," a source close to the crown prince's delegation told AFP.&nbsp

"It is about forging a new partnership with France, not just shopping for deals."

More than a dozen memorandums of understanding in tourism, energy and transportation are set to be signed between French and Saudi organisations, another source close to the delegation told AFP.&nbsp

A Franco-Saudi cooperation deal to develop Al Ula, a Saudi city richly endowed with archaeological remnants, is also expected to be a central highlight of the visit, he added.&nbsp

Enduring scepticism&nbsp

Prince Mohammed's first visit to France as the heir to the Saudi throne comes after a tumultuous period at home that saw a major military shake-up and a royal purge as he consolidates power to a level unseen by previous rulers.&nbsp

His global tour is meant to "garner recognition and acceptance as the de facto leader and next king of Saudi Arabia," Bernard Haykel, a professor at Princeton University, told AFP.&nbsp

"This is a signal both to domestic as well as international observers that he is in charge and can leave the country for several weeks without any challenge to his authority," he added.

The 32-year-old prince, well-known as MBS, has used his global tour to project his dazzling reforms including the historic lifting of a ban on women driving, cinemas and mixed-gender concerts, following his public vow to return the kingdom to moderate Islam.

"There is little genuine affection for Saudi Arabia across the West," Kristin Diwan, of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP.&nbsp

"MBS's clear break with Saudi taboos on women and religious tolerance have been welcomed, but with a fair amount of enduring scepticism."

Underlying tensions

Saudi officials project strong ties between Prince Mohammed and Macron, both young leaders undertaking the difficult task of reforming their countries, but the trip follows a period of underlying tensions.&nbsp

Macron waded into a regional crisis last November when Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri tendered his resignation on live television from Riyadh, apparently under pressure from the crown prince.&nbsp

Macron invited Hariri to Paris for talks and he has since rescinded his resignation.&nbsp

"There were tensions when MBS reportedly attempted to challenge Macron in his role in the Hariri episode, but later MBS had to back down," said Abdullah Alaoudh, a Saudi scholar at Yale Law School.&nbsp

"It's never easy for an authoritarian like him to accept that."&nbsp

In another embarrassment, a French arrest warrant was issued in December against the crown prince's sister for allegedly ordering her bodyguard to beat up a worker at her Paris apartment in 2016.&nbsp

Macron also faces the challenge of bolstering ties with the world's top crude exporter while managing other regional relationships in the Middle East.&nbsp

The crown prince has emphasised closer ties with US President Donald Trump just as Macron has sought to improve relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-nemesis.

Trump has threatened to abandon the 2015 nuclear cooperation deal with Iran unless improvements are proposed by May 12.

The challenge for Macron is to convince the crown prince that "it is better to have the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran than no deal at all," Denis Bauchard, of the &nbspFrench Institute of International Relations, told AFP.

Macron also faces seething criticism from over the export of arms to Saudi Arabia, including Caesar artillery guns, sniper rifles and armoured vehicles despite the kingdom's role in the Yemen crisis.&nbsp

Three out of four French people believe it is "unacceptable" to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia, according to a poll last month by independent research group YouGov.

And this week, 10 international rights groups implored Macron to pressure Prince Mohammed over the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen.&nbsp

But there are several areas of convergence, including anti-terrorism cooperation as France mourns the latest jihadist rampage in the towns of Carcassonne and Trebes last month where a 25-year-old Islamist killed four people.

The incident triggered a new debate in France over radical Salafist interpretations of Islam which originated in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp

Macron's office said the trip would also focus on investment in the digital economy as well as renewable energy, as the oil-rich kingdom invests billions of dollars in the sector in a bid to diversify.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince travels Sunday to France on the next leg of his global tour, extending his diplomatic charm offensive as he seeks to project a new liberal image of his conservative kingdom

Saudi Arabia's crown prince travels Sunday to France on the next leg of his global tour, extending his diplomatic charm offensive as he seeks to project a new liberal image of his conservative kingdom. Prince Mohammed bin Salman's two-day official visit, which starts Monday, comes after a weeks-long tour of the United States, Britain and Egypt, where the self-styled moderniser courted business leaders and signed a host of multimillion-dollar deals. French President Emmanuel Macron treads a delicate line as he hosts the king-in-waiting in a visit expected to focus on cultural ties and investments, as well as the long-running war in Yemen, dubbed the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. "This is not a traditional state visit," a source close to the crown prince's delegation told AFP. "It is about forging a new partnership with France, not just shopping for deals." More than a dozen memorandums of understanding in tourism, energy and transportation are set to be signed between French and Saudi organisations, another source close to the delegation told AFP. A Franco-Saudi cooperation deal to develop Al Ula, a Saudi city richly endowed with archaeological remnants, is also expected to be a central highlight of the visit, he added. Enduring scepticism Prince Mohammed's first visit to France as the heir to the Saudi throne comes after a tumultuous period at home that saw a major military shake-up and a royal purge as he consolidates power to a level unseen by previous rulers. His global tour is meant to "garner recognition and acceptance as the de facto leader and next king of Saudi Arabia," Bernard Haykel, a professor at Princeton University, told AFP. "This is a signal both to domestic as well as international observers that he is in charge and can leave the country for several weeks without any challenge to his authority," he added. The 32-year-old prince, well-known as MBS, has used his global tour to project his dazzling reforms including the historic lifting of a ban on women driving, cinemas and mixed-gender concerts, following his public vow to return the kingdom to moderate Islam. "There is little genuine affection for Saudi Arabia across the West," Kristin Diwan, of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP. "MBS's clear break with Saudi taboos on women and religious tolerance have been welcomed, but with a fair amount of enduring scepticism." Underlying tensions Saudi officials project strong ties between Prince Mohammed and Macron, both young leaders undertaking the difficult task of reforming their countries, but the trip follows a period of underlying tensions. Macron waded into a regional crisis last November when Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri tendered his resignation on live television from Riyadh, apparently under pressure from the crown prince. Macron invited Hariri to Paris for talks and he has since rescinded his resignation. "There were tensions when MBS reportedly attempted to challenge Macron in his role in the Hariri episode, but later MBS had to back down," said Abdullah Alaoudh, a Saudi scholar at Yale Law School. "It's never easy for an authoritarian like him to accept that." In another embarrassment, a French arrest warrant was issued in December against the crown prince's sister for allegedly ordering her bodyguard to beat up a worker at her Paris apartment in 2016. Macron also faces the challenge of bolstering ties with the world's top crude exporter while managing other regional relationships in the Middle East. The crown prince has emphasised closer ties with US President Donald Trump just as Macron has sought to improve relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-nemesis. Trump has threatened to abandon the 2015 nuclear cooperation deal with Iran unless improvements are proposed by May 12. The challenge for Macron is to convince the crown prince that "it is better to have the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran than no deal at all," Denis Bauchard, of the &nbspFrench Institute of International Relations, told AFP. Macron also faces seething criticism from over the export of arms to Saudi Arabia, including Caesar artillery guns, sniper rifles and armoured vehicles despite the kingdom's role in the Yemen crisis. Three out of four French people believe it is "unacceptable" to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia, according to a poll last month by independent research group YouGov. And this week, 10 international rights groups implored Macron to pressure Prince Mohammed over the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen. But there are several areas of convergence, including anti-terrorism cooperation as France mourns the latest jihadist rampage in the towns of Carcassonne and Trebes last month where a 25-year-old Islamist killed four people. The incident triggered a new debate in France over radical Salafist interpretations of Islam which originated in Saudi Arabia. Macron's office said the trip would also focus on investment in the digital economy as well as renewable energy, as the oil-rich kingdom invests billions of dollars in the sector in a bid to diversify.

Saudi crown prince to visit France in whirlwind global tour

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged the international community to contribute generously to enable appropriate health services to the 1.3 million "highly vulnerable" Rohingyas in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar as the refugees face "grave" risks to their lives and health in view of the coming rainy season.

This is one of the "biggest" humanitarian crisis in recent times, the WHO's South East Asia Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, said at a meeting of partners in Dhaka.

"No single agency or the Bangladesh government alone can meet the massive health needs of such a large population group. The Rohingya population are settled in an area that is prone to cyclone, and a terrain that would be flooded as soon as rains begin," the official said.

"The risk of outbreak of life threatening water and vector borne diseases under such conditions is huge," Singh said.

Coordinating the work of over a 100 partners along with the Ministry of Health, Bangladesh, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has facilitated a contingency plan for the rainy season and coordinated a simulation around it.

The plan aims to ensure continuity of health services during rains and floods to minimise the risk of disease and deaths among the affected population, a WHO statement said.

All 207 health facilities in the area have been assessed for vulnerability during rains, following which nearly 25 per cent of them are being relocated.

Another cholera and measles vaccination campaign is being planned in April as a preventive measure for the vulnerable population, the statement said.

Earlier, 900,000 doses of cholera vaccine were administered to the refugees and their host communities, in addition to two vaccination campaigns for measles and three for diphtheria which concluded earlier this week with WHO's support.

Since the start of the Rohingya crisis, the WHO has provided over 120 tons of supplies and logistics support to its partners.

"However, much of the health sector's capacity to respond depends on availability of resources," said Singh who visited Rohingya camps earlier this week.

Besides risks posed by floods and rain, the vulnerable population would need continued services for reproductive, maternal and child health, for communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as psychosocial support, the regional director said.

Earlier in Cox's Bazar, Singh visited the warehouse where the WHO has pre-positioned supplies.

She observed the diphtheria vaccination campaign, inaugurated a fixed immunization site for children, visited a primary health centre and a diphtheria treatment centre run by Samaritan's Purse.

The WHO has appealed for $16.5 million from partners to facilitate its support to the Rohingya response in 2018, the statement said.

This is part of the $113.1 million being sought by all health partners under the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya crisis, it said.&nbsp;

This is one of the 'biggest' humanitarian crisis in recent times, the WHO's South East Asia Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, said at a meeting of partners in Dhaka

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged the international community to contribute generously to enable appropriate health services to the 1.3 million "highly vulnerable" Rohingyas in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar as the refugees face "grave" risks to their lives and health in view of the coming rainy season. This is one of the "biggest" humanitarian crisis in recent times, the WHO's South East Asia Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, said at a meeting of partners in Dhaka. "No single agency or the Bangladesh government alone can meet the massive health needs of such a large population group. The Rohingya population are settled in an area that is prone to cyclone, and a terrain that would be flooded as soon as rains begin," the official said. "The risk of outbreak of life threatening water and vector borne diseases under such conditions is huge," Singh said. Coordinating the work of over a 100 partners along with the Ministry of Health, Bangladesh, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has facilitated a contingency plan for the rainy season and coordinated a simulation around it. The plan aims to ensure continuity of health services during rains and floods to minimise the risk of disease and deaths among the affected population, a WHO statement said. All 207 health facilities in the area have been assessed for vulnerability during rains, following which nearly 25 per cent of them are being relocated. Another cholera and measles vaccination campaign is being planned in April as a preventive measure for the vulnerable population, the statement said. Earlier, 900,000 doses of cholera vaccine were administered to the refugees and their host communities, in addition to two vaccination campaigns for measles and three for diphtheria which concluded earlier this week with WHO's support. Since the start of the Rohingya crisis, the WHO has provided over 120 tons of supplies and logistics support to its partners. "However, much of the health sector's capacity to respond depends on availability of resources," said Singh who visited Rohingya camps earlier this week. Besides risks posed by floods and rain, the vulnerable population would need continued services for reproductive, maternal and child health, for communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as psychosocial support, the regional director said. Earlier in Cox's Bazar, Singh visited the warehouse where the WHO has pre-positioned supplies. She observed the diphtheria vaccination campaign, inaugurated a fixed immunization site for children, visited a primary health centre and a diphtheria treatment centre run by Samaritan's Purse. The WHO has appealed for $16.5 million from partners to facilitate its support to the Rohingya response in 2018, the statement said. This is part of the $113.1 million being sought by all health partners under the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya crisis, it said.

WHO appeals for contributions for health services to Rohingya refugees

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