1.8 billion Muslims globally are observing the holy month of Ramazan. But how safe is fasting safe during a pandemic & does taking a vaccine invalidate your fast? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a fact-check.

Gravitas: Ramazan & The Pandemic

France is legislating to contain Radical Islam. It is setting a template for all EU member states. The new French law could affect over 25 million Muslims. WION's Palki Sharma asks- Is France setting the right example?

Gravitas: French template to deal with Radical Islam

Emmanuel Macron has changed the DNA of French politics by rejecting appeasement. His brand of politics has broken out of the classic left-right division. But a 'far-right' leader Marine Le Pen is looking to end Macron's rule. Will she succeed? WION's Palki Sharma tells what the odds are.

Gravitas: Emmanuel Macron's brand of politics

The French Government is pushing a bill to fight Islamist Extremism. With this new law, French President Emmanuel Macron is making a clear distinction between Islamophobia and fighting extremism. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about the 7 key features of the proposed law.

Gravitas: French President Macron pushes law to fight radical Islam

The United Nations has called Sri Lanka's enforced cremations a violation of Human Rights. Since March 2020, Colombo has forced Muslims to cremate their loved ones lost to the Wuhan Virus. WION's Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka accused of Human Rights violation

China had an "appalling year" in terms of human rights in 2020, said Human Rights Watch on Wednesday. 
 
The group took into account the crackdown on free speech in Hong Kong with new security laws, the persecution of Uighur Muslims, and attempts at silencing people that were vigorously reporting on the pandemic.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-condemn-chinese-abuse-against-uighur-minority-356359/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Just last week, a court in China sentenced a citizen-journalist to four years in jail after he reported from Wuhan, the original epicentre of the virus where it initially began. Many others who attempted to report on the pandemic have since then disappeared.

"To crack down on whistleblowers and citizen-journalists at this particular moment ... helps highlight to the rest of the world what the consequences of violations inside China can be," Sophie Richardson, Human Rights Watch (HRW) for China claimed after releasing its yearly report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-denies-forceful-use-of-birth-control-measures-on-uighur-women-355991" hreflang="en">China denies forceful use of birth control measures on Uighur women</a> 
 
Earlier, HRW's Executive Director Kenneth Roth had told Reuters that China is the biggest threat to human rights around the world. Roth added that President Xi Jinping had "embarked on the most intense repression" in China since 1989 when the Tiananmen Square crackdown took place.

As part of the national security law which was introduced in Hong Kong, 53 pro-democracy activists have been arrested in raids over the last week.&nbsp;

In addition, Beijing stands accused of the persecution and forced labour of Uighurs in the western region of Xinjiang.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/twitter-removes-chinese-embassys-post-claiming-uighur-women-not-forcefully-sterilised-355755" hreflang="en">Twitter removes Chinese embassy's post claiming Uighur women not forcefully sterilised</a>

Richardson noted how Uighurs' plight remains largely ignored on the global stage, and how it was similar to what Rohingya Muslims were undergoing in Myanmar. 
 
She added how the European Union's investment pact with China remains problematic, after a year of China "publicly shredding" its commitments in terms of human rights. 
 
"Putting a dent in the Chinese government's sense of impunity for serious human rights violations is a real priority, we think, for governments and for institutions like the UN," she said, while adding that criticism against China is now growing in the international community.

China had an "appalling year" in terms of human rights in 2020, said Human Rights Watch on Wednesday. The group took into account the crackdown on free speech in Hong Kong with new security laws, the persecution of Uighur Muslims, and attempts at silencing people that were vigorously reporting on the pandemic.

China had an "appalling year" in terms of human rights in 2020, said Human Rights Watch on Wednesday. The group took into account the crackdown on free speech in Hong Kong with new security laws, the persecution of Uighur Muslims, and attempts at silencing people that were vigorously reporting on the pandemic. Just last week, a court in China sentenced a citizen-journalist to four years in jail after he reported from Wuhan, the original epicentre of the virus where it initially began. Many others who attempted to report on the pandemic have since then disappeared. "To crack down on whistleblowers and citizen-journalists at this particular moment ... helps highlight to the rest of the world what the consequences of violations inside China can be," Sophie Richardson, Human Rights Watch (HRW) for China claimed after releasing its yearly report. Also read: China denies forceful use of birth control measures on Uighur women Earlier, HRW's Executive Director Kenneth Roth had told Reuters that China is the biggest threat to human rights around the world. Roth added that President Xi Jinping had "embarked on the most intense repression" in China since 1989 when the Tiananmen Square crackdown took place. As part of the national security law which was introduced in Hong Kong, 53 pro-democracy activists have been arrested in raids over the last week. In addition, Beijing stands accused of the persecution and forced labour of Uighurs in the western region of Xinjiang. Also read: Twitter removes Chinese embassy's post claiming Uighur women not forcefully sterilised Richardson noted how Uighurs' plight remains largely ignored on the global stage, and how it was similar to what Rohingya Muslims were undergoing in Myanmar. She added how the European Union's investment pact with China remains problematic, after a year of China "publicly shredding" its commitments in terms of human rights. "Putting a dent in the Chinese government's sense of impunity for serious human rights violations is a real priority, we think, for governments and for institutions like the UN," she said, while adding that criticism against China is now growing in the international community.

For China, 2020 was an 'appalling year' of violations: Human Rights Watch

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is using the pandemic to pander to Islamophobia, and play politics. By cremating Muslims, the Rajapaksa govt has denied the country's minorities even the basic dignity in death

Gravitas: Why Sri Lanka is cremating Muslims

19 Muslims to be cremated against families' wishes in Sri Lanka. Watch this video to know more.

Sri Lanka: 19 Muslims to be cremated against families' wishes

Malaysia has said that the issue of Halal will not effect the corona vaccine roll-out in the country, Malaysian councils for islamic affairs held a meeting to discuss whether the vaccines wil be administerd to the muslims as sixty percent of population are muslim in the country.

Malaysia: Halal is not an issue for coronavirus vaccine roll-out

Muslims in Nepal on Sunday organised a protest against atrocities on Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang province of China.

The protesters raised voice against the demolition of thousands of mosques in Xinjiang and the treatment being meted out to them by the Chinese government.Muslims in Pokhara also joined the international community in expressing their views on the gruesome human rights violations against Uighur Muslims.

The Muslim Kalyankari Samaj held a protest in Pokhara highlighting the severe anxiety and anger among local Muslims against Uighur in China.

The community leaders said that they would keep raising their concern against atrocities on Uighurs in the future as well.Similar protests were held in Nepal a few days ago.

For the last six years, millions of East Turkistan people, mostly of Muslim faith, have been held in concentration camps, prisons, and slave labour camps.According to survivors` accounts, they are being tortured, killed for their organs, raped, sterilised and executed.

Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uighur Muslims worldwide.

However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training. People in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language.&nbsp;

Muslims in Nepal on Sunday organised a protest against atrocities on Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang province of China. The protesters raised voice against the demolition of thousands of mosques in Xinjiang and the treatment being meted out to them by the Chinese government.

Muslims in Nepal on Sunday organised a protest against atrocities on Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang province of China. The protesters raised voice against the demolition of thousands of mosques in Xinjiang and the treatment being meted out to them by the Chinese government.Muslims in Pokhara also joined the international community in expressing their views on the gruesome human rights violations against Uighur Muslims. The Muslim Kalyankari Samaj held a protest in Pokhara highlighting the severe anxiety and anger among local Muslims against Uighur in China. The community leaders said that they would keep raising their concern against atrocities on Uighurs in the future as well.Similar protests were held in Nepal a few days ago. For the last six years, millions of East Turkistan people, mostly of Muslim faith, have been held in concentration camps, prisons, and slave labour camps.According to survivors` accounts, they are being tortured, killed for their organs, raped, sterilised and executed. Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uighur Muslims worldwide. However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training. People in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language.

Muslims in Nepal hold anti-China protest demanding justice for Uighurs

Jordanian ruler Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein gloated in 1924 when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the visionary who carved modern Turkey out of the ruins of the Ottoman empire, abolished the Caliphate.

The battle for the soul of Islam

China on Tuesday announced new rules for Muslims embarking upon the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Stipulating that the pilgrimage should be organised only by the country's Islamic Association, Bejing has ordered Chinese Muslims not to oppose the regulations.

China announces new regulations for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Muslims return to Saudi Arabia for Hajj Pilgrimage amid the pandemic. Muslims gather at a grand mosque for the pilgrimage. Watch this video to know more.

Muslims return to Saudi Arabia for Hajj Pilgrimage amid the pandemic

Three Myanmar military officers were found guilty by a court martial investigating atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in conflict-ridden Rakhine state, the army announced Tuesday. 
 
The rare action against military members came as Myanmar faces charges of genocide at the United Nations' top court over a brutal 2017 crackdown against the Rohingya. 
 
Some 750,000 Rohingya fled to neighbouring Bangladesh with accounts of widespread murder, rape and arson.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/suspected-rohingya-refugee-boat-seen-floating-off-indonesia-308314" hreflang="en">Suspected Rohingya refugee boat seen floating off Indonesia</a> 
 
Rights groups accused security forces of committing atrocities in various villages, including Gu Dar Pyin, where they alleged at least five shallow mass graves had been found.&nbsp; 
 
After initially denying the allegations, the military started court martial proceedings in September, admitting there had been "weakness in following instructions" in the village.&nbsp; 
 
The commander-in-chief's office announced Tuesday the court martial had "confirmed the guilty verdict" and sentenced three officers.&nbsp; 
 
No details were provided on the perpetrators, their crimes, or sentences.&nbsp; 
 
Estimates from survivors in Bangladesh put the death toll from the village in the hundreds.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/malaysia-could-send-rohingya-detainees-back-out-to-sea-sources-306778" hreflang="en">Malaysia could send Rohingya detainees back out to sea: Sources</a> 
 
The government has largely supported the army's justification of the 2017 operations as a means of rooting out insurgents. 
 
Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi admitted at the International Court of Justice in December, however, that disproportionate force may have been used. 
 
The military has maintained any atrocities were committed by a few maverick individuals.&nbsp; 
 
UN investigators also found evidence of extrajudicial killings in other Rakhine villages, Maung Nu and Chut Pyin.&nbsp; 
 
The army chief's office said Tuesday a court of inquiry would "continue to investigate" events at both villages. &nbsp; 
 
In 2018 the military sentenced members of the security forces to a decade in prison for the killing of 10 Rohingya in Inn Din village, but they were released after serving less than a year.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/traffickers-demand-payments-for-rohingya-stranded-at-sea-306121" hreflang="en">Traffickers demand payments for Rohingya stranded at sea</a> 
 
Two journalists who exposed that&nbsp;massacre were detained for more than 16 months before they were pardoned following global outcry.&nbsp; 
 
The state remains a flashpoint of ethnic and religious tensions, and the military has been locked in battle since January last year with insurgents fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. 
 
Intensified fighting over the weekend drew alarm from the UN on Sunday, who called for both sides to respect international humanitarian law as thousands more civilians fled their homes from artillery shelling.

Three Myanmar military officers were found guilty by a court martial investigating atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in conflict-ridden Rakhine state, the army announced Tuesday.

Three Myanmar military officers were found guilty by a court martial investigating atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in conflict-ridden Rakhine state, the army announced Tuesday. The rare action against military members came as Myanmar faces charges of genocide at the United Nations' top court over a brutal 2017 crackdown against the Rohingya. Some 750,000 Rohingya fled to neighbouring Bangladesh with accounts of widespread murder, rape and arson. Also read: Suspected Rohingya refugee boat seen floating off Indonesia Rights groups accused security forces of committing atrocities in various villages, including Gu Dar Pyin, where they alleged at least five shallow mass graves had been found. After initially denying the allegations, the military started court martial proceedings in September, admitting there had been "weakness in following instructions" in the village. The commander-in-chief's office announced Tuesday the court martial had "confirmed the guilty verdict" and sentenced three officers. No details were provided on the perpetrators, their crimes, or sentences. Estimates from survivors in Bangladesh put the death toll from the village in the hundreds. Also read: Malaysia could send Rohingya detainees back out to sea: Sources The government has largely supported the army's justification of the 2017 operations as a means of rooting out insurgents. Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi admitted at the International Court of Justice in December, however, that disproportionate force may have been used. The military has maintained any atrocities were committed by a few maverick individuals. UN investigators also found evidence of extrajudicial killings in other Rakhine villages, Maung Nu and Chut Pyin. The army chief's office said Tuesday a court of inquiry would "continue to investigate" events at both villages. In 2018 the military sentenced members of the security forces to a decade in prison for the killing of 10 Rohingya in Inn Din village, but they were released after serving less than a year. Also read: Traffickers demand payments for Rohingya stranded at sea Two journalists who exposed that massacre were detained for more than 16 months before they were pardoned following global outcry. The state remains a flashpoint of ethnic and religious tensions, and the military has been locked in battle since January last year with insurgents fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Intensified fighting over the weekend drew alarm from the UN on Sunday, who called for both sides to respect international humanitarian law as thousands more civilians fled their homes from artillery shelling.

Myanmar finds soldiers guilty in Rohingya atrocities court martial

People traffickers holding hundreds of Rohingya refugees at sea are demanding payments from their families before they will release them from boats off the shores of Southeast Asia, relatives and rights groups say.

Several hundred Rohingya, members of a Muslim minority from Myanmar fleeing persecution at home and refugee camps in Bangladesh, have been stranded for months after countries sealed their borders to block the spread of the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/first-rohingya-refugee-dies-from-coronavirus-in-bangladesh-official-302571" hreflang="en">First Rohingya refugee dies from coronavirus in Bangladesh: Official</a>

Three people who said their relatives were at sea told Reuters that traffickers had demanded money to release them from boats that have been off Southeast Asia since February, trying to find a place to land.

"Before, the deal was that if they were able to reach the Malaysian shore then they will take the money, but they're asking for it now," said Mohammed Ayas, who said his 16-year-old brother left a refugee camp in Bangladesh in February.&nbsp;

Since then, the family has heard nothing from him, Ayas said.

Musha, whose two sisters are also at sea after leaving camps in Bangladesh in February, said brokers acting for the traffickers asked the family to pay 12,000 ringitt ($2,800) by a mobile banking service for their transfer to Malaysia.&nbsp;

He said the family paid the sum but did not know the fate of the two teenaged girls.

For years, Rohingya have boarded boats between November and April, when the seas are calm, to get to Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. But coronavirus lockdowns have left boats stranded at sea.

Dozens of people died aboard a boat that had to return to Bangladesh in April after running out of food and water, survivors told Reuters. [nL4N2CH0VK]

Authorities in Malaysia detained 269 Rohingya who came ashore from a damaged boat last week. Human Rights Watch said about 70% of them were too weak to walk.

"OFFSHORE CAMP"

At least one vessel remains at sea, according to rights groups, with as many as 300 people on board, some of whom are believed to be sick. Its location is not known.

"This boat has been turned into an offshore traffickers' camp," said Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan Project, a group focusing on the Rohingya crisis. She described the people at sea as hostages and said the latest demands were for 5,000 Malaysian ringgit ($1,170) per passenger to get to Malaysia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/15000-rohingya-under-coronavirus-quarantine-as-cases-hit-29-301020" hreflang="en">15,000 Rohingya under coronavirus quarantine as cases hit 29</a>

An official with the Thai marine police said the vessel was not in Thai waters but had sought provisions from fishing boats. A second Thai police official, who also asked not to be named, said three boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya were close to Koh Adang, a Thai island, but on the Malaysian side of the border.

Malaysian officials, including the country's maritime enforcement agency, did not respond to requests for comment. The agency said it turned away a boat carrying about 300 Rohingya last week, media reported.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled from Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017 following a military crackdown the United Nations has said was carried out with "genocidal intent". Myanmar denies genocide, saying it was responding to attacks on security posts by Rohingya militants.&nbsp;

Nearly a million Rohingya now live in camps in southeast Bangladesh.&nbsp;

During a crackdown on trafficking networks that led to a similar crisis in 2015, gangs cast passengers adrift with meagre food and water. Many died at sea.

People traffickers holding hundreds of Rohingya refugees at sea are demanding payments from their families before they will release them from boats off the shores of Southeast Asia, relatives and rights groups say.

People traffickers holding hundreds of Rohingya refugees at sea are demanding payments from their families before they will release them from boats off the shores of Southeast Asia, relatives and rights groups say. Several hundred Rohingya, members of a Muslim minority from Myanmar fleeing persecution at home and refugee camps in Bangladesh, have been stranded for months after countries sealed their borders to block the spread of the coronavirus. Also read: First Rohingya refugee dies from coronavirus in Bangladesh: Official Three people who said their relatives were at sea told Reuters that traffickers had demanded money to release them from boats that have been off Southeast Asia since February, trying to find a place to land. "Before, the deal was that if they were able to reach the Malaysian shore then they will take the money, but they're asking for it now," said Mohammed Ayas, who said his 16-year-old brother left a refugee camp in Bangladesh in February. Since then, the family has heard nothing from him, Ayas said. Musha, whose two sisters are also at sea after leaving camps in Bangladesh in February, said brokers acting for the traffickers asked the family to pay 12,000 ringitt ($2,800) by a mobile banking service for their transfer to Malaysia. He said the family paid the sum but did not know the fate of the two teenaged girls. For years, Rohingya have boarded boats between November and April, when the seas are calm, to get to Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. But coronavirus lockdowns have left boats stranded at sea. Dozens of people died aboard a boat that had to return to Bangladesh in April after running out of food and water, survivors told Reuters. [nL4N2CH0VK] Authorities in Malaysia detained 269 Rohingya who came ashore from a damaged boat last week. Human Rights Watch said about 70% of them were too weak to walk. "OFFSHORE CAMP" At least one vessel remains at sea, according to rights groups, with as many as 300 people on board, some of whom are believed to be sick. Its location is not known. "This boat has been turned into an offshore traffickers' camp," said Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan Project, a group focusing on the Rohingya crisis. She described the people at sea as hostages and said the latest demands were for 5,000 Malaysian ringgit ($1,170) per passenger to get to Malaysia. Also read: 15,000 Rohingya under coronavirus quarantine as cases hit 29 An official with the Thai marine police said the vessel was not in Thai waters but had sought provisions from fishing boats. A second Thai police official, who also asked not to be named, said three boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya were close to Koh Adang, a Thai island, but on the Malaysian side of the border. Malaysian officials, including the country's maritime enforcement agency, did not respond to requests for comment. The agency said it turned away a boat carrying about 300 Rohingya last week, media reported. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled from Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017 following a military crackdown the United Nations has said was carried out with "genocidal intent". Myanmar denies genocide, saying it was responding to attacks on security posts by Rohingya militants. Nearly a million Rohingya now live in camps in southeast Bangladesh. During a crackdown on trafficking networks that led to a similar crisis in 2015, gangs cast passengers adrift with meagre food and water. Many died at sea.

Traffickers demand payments for Rohingya stranded at sea

Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid in their respective ways in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch report.

How the world is celebrating Eid in COVID-19 Era?

Muslims all over the world are celebrating Eid ul-fitr as the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close.

Watch how world celebrates Eid under lockdown

Days before the holy fasting month of Ramadan begins, the Islamic world is grappling with an untimely paradox of the new coronavirus pandemic: enforced separation at a time when socializing is almost sacred.

Amid coronavirus, Muslims face Ramadan like never before

A leaked document has emerged that details exactly how China targets its Uighur Muslims, it reinforces the claim that besides political extremism the Chinese government focused exclusively on religion as a reason for cracking down on the ethnic minority population.

The 'Karakax' list exposes how China Targets Uighur Muslims

Pakistan PM Imran Khan tweets an old video from Bangladesh, calls it 'program against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. #ImranKhan #FakeNews #Pakistan

Gravitas: Pak PM Imran Khan: The source of fake news!

No Unity On Any Common Issue Among Muslim-Majority Countries One look at the Muslim-majority countries shows that there is no common stance on any major issue confronting the community; Palestine, uighur detention camps, War in Yemen, Rohingya crisis, Syria or Libya. #Gravitas #CAA #Uighur #Muslim

WION Edit: Political Fronts In Muslim World Have Betrayed Muslim People

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said the Muslim world is in a "state of crisis". #WION #WIONDispatch #MalaysiaPM #Mahathir Mohamad

WION Dispatch: Malaysia PM flags concerns of Muslims

Dozens of Rohingya Muslims appeared in a Myanmar court on Wednesday (December 11) to face charges of travelling illegally after they were arrested while fleeing persecution, as leader Aung San Suu Kyi defended the country against accusations of genocide against the minority at The Hague.

Fleeing Rohingya on trial in Myanmar for 'illegal travel'

Nearly 100 Rohingya appeared in a Myanmar court Wednesday after being arrested for trying to flee persecution, their lawyer said, as leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/incomplete-and-misleading-suu-kyi-at-un-court-while-referring-to-accusations-of-rohingya-genocide-267647">Aung San Suu Kyi</a> addressed the UN's top court to deny allegations of a genocidal campaign against the ethnic minority.

One-by-one, the weary detainees stepped down from a police van at the courthouse in the western Myanmar city of Pathein.

Their crime was to leave their home townships without permission from authorities.

Rohingya in Rakhine state live under tight restrictions with little access to healthcare, education or livelihoods in conditions Amnesty International brands as "apartheid".

For years Rohingya have taken to boats, trains and buses in attempts to get out, risking everything in the process.

The 95 people, including 25 children, each paid several hundred dollars for a chance at a better life, lawyer Thazin Myat Myat Win told AFP.

"Some even sold their labour in advance" to pay the broker fees, she added.

Instead, they likely face two years in prison for violating the immigration act.

'Apartheid' conditions&nbsp;

They were arrested November 29 after travelling by boat from Rakhine to a southern beach where buses were waiting to take them to the commercial capital Yangon.

Their court appearance came as former rights icon Suu Kyi denied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-told-to-stop-the-genocide-in-united-nations-court-over-rohingya-crisis-267445">"genocidal intent"</a> in her defence of Myanmar's military operation against the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On Tuesday the Nobel Peace Prize laureate sat through gruesome testimony of the violence suffered by Rohingya in the bloody military crackdown in 2017 that forced some 740,000 to flee to Bangladesh.

The Gambia, on behalf of dozens of Muslim countries, accuses Buddhist-majority Myanmar of genocide.

The West African state is calling for provisional measures to halt the ongoing persecution suffered by Rohingya in Rakhine.

Some 600,000 remain confined in Myanmar camps and villages, unable to leave without permission.

Many have tried to escape over the years to Thailand or Malaysia, often paying extortionate fees to human traffickers for places on overcrowded, decrepit boats.

'We are helpless'

The next hearing for the detained <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">Rohingya in Pathein</a> will be December 20.

They are the third group in recent months to be caught, arrested and put on trial in their attempt to flee Rakhine.

To the outrage of rights groups, the children and teenagers have so far been sent to a detention centre while one five-year-old child was imprisoned with his mother and the rest of the group.

All 52 people were sentenced to two years behind bars.

"Myanmar authorities should urgently&nbsp;free Rohingya jailed for exercising their right to freedom of movement," said John Quinley from Fortify Rights.

He cited the arrests as an example of continued efforts by the government to destroy the Rohingya.

"The International Court of Justice should issue provisional measures to stop the ongoing persecution and violence."

The Rohingya garner little sympathy within Myanmar, where many people buy the official line that the minority are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even though many trace their roots back generations.

"We are helpless. We've been here eight years and have no jobs," one Rohingya man from Thetkalpyin camp told AFP by phone.

"We hope she (Suu Kyi) will do her best to reveal the truth and solve our problems."

Nearly 100 Rohingya appeared in a Myanmar court Wednesday after being arrested for trying to flee persecution, their lawyer said, as leader Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the UN's top court to deny allegations of a genocidal campaign against the ethnic minority.

Nearly 100 Rohingya appeared in a Myanmar court Wednesday after being arrested for trying to flee persecution, their lawyer said, as leader Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the UN's top court to deny allegations of a genocidal campaign against the ethnic minority. One-by-one, the weary detainees stepped down from a police van at the courthouse in the western Myanmar city of Pathein. Their crime was to leave their home townships without permission from authorities. Rohingya in Rakhine state live under tight restrictions with little access to healthcare, education or livelihoods in conditions Amnesty International brands as "apartheid". For years Rohingya have taken to boats, trains and buses in attempts to get out, risking everything in the process. The 95 people, including 25 children, each paid several hundred dollars for a chance at a better life, lawyer Thazin Myat Myat Win told AFP. "Some even sold their labour in advance" to pay the broker fees, she added. Instead, they likely face two years in prison for violating the immigration act. 'Apartheid' conditions They were arrested November 29 after travelling by boat from Rakhine to a southern beach where buses were waiting to take them to the commercial capital Yangon. Their court appearance came as former rights icon Suu Kyi denied "genocidal intent" in her defence of Myanmar's military operation against the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). On Tuesday the Nobel Peace Prize laureate sat through gruesome testimony of the violence suffered by Rohingya in the bloody military crackdown in 2017 that forced some 740,000 to flee to Bangladesh. The Gambia, on behalf of dozens of Muslim countries, accuses Buddhist-majority Myanmar of genocide. The West African state is calling for provisional measures to halt the ongoing persecution suffered by Rohingya in Rakhine. Some 600,000 remain confined in Myanmar camps and villages, unable to leave without permission. Many have tried to escape over the years to Thailand or Malaysia, often paying extortionate fees to human traffickers for places on overcrowded, decrepit boats. 'We are helpless' The next hearing for the detained Rohingya in Pathein will be December 20. They are the third group in recent months to be caught, arrested and put on trial in their attempt to flee Rakhine. To the outrage of rights groups, the children and teenagers have so far been sent to a detention centre while one five-year-old child was imprisoned with his mother and the rest of the group. All 52 people were sentenced to two years behind bars. "Myanmar authorities should urgently free Rohingya jailed for exercising their right to freedom of movement," said John Quinley from Fortify Rights. He cited the arrests as an example of continued efforts by the government to destroy the Rohingya. "The International Court of Justice should issue provisional measures to stop the ongoing persecution and violence." The Rohingya garner little sympathy within Myanmar, where many people buy the official line that the minority are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even though many trace their roots back generations. "We are helpless. We've been here eight years and have no jobs," one Rohingya man from Thetkalpyin camp told AFP by phone. "We hope she (Suu Kyi) will do her best to reveal the truth and solve our problems."

95 Rohingya in Myanmar face jail as UN hears 'genocide' case

Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar today at United Nations' World Court said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-told-to-stop-the-genocide-in-united-nations-court-over-rohingya-crisis-267445">genocide case</a> brought against her country is ''incomplete and misleading''. She was defending her country, which has faced accusations of mass murdering the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.&nbsp;

The case against Myanmar was launched by the Gambia, a small West African country. It was taken up at the International Court of Justice, the United Nations' highest court. According to the Gambia, Myanmar violated the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Yesterday, Suu Kyi listened on as lawyers for Gambia detailed graphic testimony of suffering of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">Rohingya</a> at the hands of the Myanmar military.

Suu Kyi travelled to The Hague to present her country's stance. According to her office, she was going to "defend the national interest".

The Gambia made its case for the close relationship between Suu Kyi and her country's military by sharing a picture of her with government ministers - Lieutenant-General Ye Aung, Lieutenant General Sein Win and Lieutenant General Kyaw Swe.

The hearing will span for three days with the first phase being about ''provisional measures'' - a somewhat equivalent of a restraining order against Myanmar.&nbsp;

"It cannot be ruled out that disproportionate force was used by members of the defence services in some cases in disregard of international humanitarian law, or that they did not distinguish clearly enough between fighters and civilians," she said.

But she said that Myanmar was undertaking its own investigations, adding: "Surely under the circumstances, genocidal intent cannot be the only hypothesis."

Watch:&nbsp;Aung San Suu Kyi to defend Myanmar at ICJ

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aung-san-suu-kyi-to-defend-myanmar-at-icj-267434/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Although Suu Kyi has not revealed details of her government's defence, she and her legal team are expected to argue that the court lacks jurisdiction and that no genocide has taken place in Myanmar.

The Gambia has argued it is every country's duty under the convention to prevent a genocide from taking place. The Gambia has political support from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar after the military launched a crackdown in western Rakhine state in August 2017. Most now live in crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Myanmar argues the military&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">"clearance operations"</a>&nbsp;in Rakhine were a justifiable response to acts of terrorism.

(With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar today at United Nations' World Court said that the genocide case brought against her country is ''incomplete and misleading''.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar today at United Nations' World Court said that the genocide case brought against her country is ''incomplete and misleading''. She was defending her country, which has faced accusations of mass murdering the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar. The case against Myanmar was launched by the Gambia, a small West African country. It was taken up at the International Court of Justice, the United Nations' highest court. According to the Gambia, Myanmar violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. Yesterday, Suu Kyi listened on as lawyers for Gambia detailed graphic testimony of suffering of Rohingya at the hands of the Myanmar military. Suu Kyi travelled to The Hague to present her country's stance. According to her office, she was going to "defend the national interest". The Gambia made its case for the close relationship between Suu Kyi and her country's military by sharing a picture of her with government ministers - Lieutenant-General Ye Aung, Lieutenant General Sein Win and Lieutenant General Kyaw Swe. The hearing will span for three days with the first phase being about ''provisional measures'' - a somewhat equivalent of a restraining order against Myanmar. "It cannot be ruled out that disproportionate force was used by members of the defence services in some cases in disregard of international humanitarian law, or that they did not distinguish clearly enough between fighters and civilians," she said. But she said that Myanmar was undertaking its own investigations, adding: "Surely under the circumstances, genocidal intent cannot be the only hypothesis." Watch: Aung San Suu Kyi to defend Myanmar at ICJ Although Suu Kyi has not revealed details of her government's defence, she and her legal team are expected to argue that the court lacks jurisdiction and that no genocide has taken place in Myanmar. The Gambia has argued it is every country's duty under the convention to prevent a genocide from taking place. The Gambia has political support from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar after the military launched a crackdown in western Rakhine state in August 2017. Most now live in crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. Myanmar argues the military "clearance operations" in Rakhine were a justifiable response to acts of terrorism. (With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

'Incomplete and misleading': Suu Kyi at UN court while referring to accusations of Rohingya genocide

Lebanese Sunnis want <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hariri-says-he-does-not-want-be-pm-264904">Saad al-Hariri</a> to be prime minister of the next government, businessman Samir Khatib said on Sunday after meeting Lebanon's top Sunni cleric, spelling the end of his own candidacy for the position.

Hariri quit on October 29, prompted by protests against the corruption of Lebanon's ruling elite. The protests have continued since then and Lebanon is in dire need of a new government to start tackling an economic crisis.

The prime minister's post is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-pm-saad-al-hariri-resigns-as-crisis-turns-violent-258682">Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system</a>. Hariri said last week he backed Khatib as consensus appeared to emerge among Lebanon's main parties on him being designated in formal consultations that President Michel Aoun is due to convene on Monday.

But Khatib, speaking after a meeting with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, said the mufti backed Hariri.

"I learnt ... that as a result of meetings and consultations and contacts with the sons of the (Sunni) Islamic sect, an agreement was reached on nominating Saad al-Hariri to form the coming government," Khatib said.

Khatib said he would head to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hariri-ready-to-be-lebanese-prime-minister-again-but-with-conditions-report-258873">Hariri's Beirut residence</a> to inform him of this "because he is the one who nominated me to form the new government".

Hariri had said he would only return as prime minister if he could lead a government of specialist ministers which he believes would be best placed to deal with the crisis and attract foreign aid.

But his demand was rejected by groups including the powerful Shi'ite party Hezbollah and its ally Aoun. Both say the government must include politicians.

Lebanese Sunnis want Saad al-Hariri to be prime minister of the next government, businessman Samir Khatib said on Sunday after meeting Lebanon's top Sunni cleric, spelling the end of his own candidacy for the position.

Lebanese Sunnis want Saad al-Hariri to be prime minister of the next government, businessman Samir Khatib said on Sunday after meeting Lebanon's top Sunni cleric, spelling the end of his own candidacy for the position. Hariri quit on October 29, prompted by protests against the corruption of Lebanon's ruling elite. The protests have continued since then and Lebanon is in dire need of a new government to start tackling an economic crisis. The prime minister's post is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system. Hariri said last week he backed Khatib as consensus appeared to emerge among Lebanon's main parties on him being designated in formal consultations that President Michel Aoun is due to convene on Monday. But Khatib, speaking after a meeting with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, said the mufti backed Hariri. "I learnt ... that as a result of meetings and consultations and contacts with the sons of the (Sunni) Islamic sect, an agreement was reached on nominating Saad al-Hariri to form the coming government," Khatib said. Khatib said he would head to Hariri's Beirut residence to inform him of this "because he is the one who nominated me to form the new government". Hariri had said he would only return as prime minister if he could lead a government of specialist ministers which he believes would be best placed to deal with the crisis and attract foreign aid. But his demand was rejected by groups including the powerful Shi'ite party Hezbollah and its ally Aoun. Both say the government must include politicians.

Sunnis want Hariri to be Prime Minister again: Lebanon's Khatib

A trove of leaked Chinese government documents reveals details of its clampdown on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-world-bank-cuts-related-to-uighur-rights-concerns-261605">Uighurs and other Muslims</a> in the country's western Xinjiang region under President Xi Jinping, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

United Nations experts and activists say at least 1 million Uighurs and members of other largely Muslim minority groups have been detained in camps in Xinjiang in a crackdown that has drawn condemnation from the United States and other countries.

The documents, which the newspaper said were leaked by "a member of the Chinese political establishment," show how Xi gave a series of internal speeches to officials during and after a 2014 visit to Xinjiang following a stabbing attack by Uighur militants at a train station that killed 31 people.

The report said Xi called for an "all-out 'struggle against terrorism, infiltration, and separatism' using the 'organs of dictatorship,' and showing 'absolutely no mercy'."

The documents show that the Chinese leadership's fears were heightened by terrorist attacks in other countries and the US&nbsp;drawdown of troops from Afghanistan.

It is unclear how the documents totalling 403 pages were gathered and selected, the newspaper said.

Beijing denies any mistreatment of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-bank-ends-funding-to-controversial-uighur-schools-in-china-261467">Uighurs or others in Xinjiang</a>, saying it is providing vocational training to help stamp out Islamic extremism and separatism and teach new skills.

China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment from Reuters on Sunday.

The documents show how officials were given talking points to explain to returning university students that their family members had been taken away for training, and how the program faced pushback from some local officials, the report said.

They also show that the internment camps expanded quickly after Chen Quanguo was appointed in August 2016 as the party boss of the region, the report said. Chen had taken a tough line to quell restiveness against Communist Party rule during his previous posting in Tibet.

A trove of leaked Chinese government documents reveals details of its clampdown on Uighurs and other Muslims in the country's western Xinjiang region under President Xi Jinping, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

A trove of leaked Chinese government documents reveals details of its clampdown on Uighurs and other Muslims in the country's western Xinjiang region under President Xi Jinping, the New York Times reported on Saturday. United Nations experts and activists say at least 1 million Uighurs and members of other largely Muslim minority groups have been detained in camps in Xinjiang in a crackdown that has drawn condemnation from the United States and other countries. The documents, which the newspaper said were leaked by "a member of the Chinese political establishment," show how Xi gave a series of internal speeches to officials during and after a 2014 visit to Xinjiang following a stabbing attack by Uighur militants at a train station that killed 31 people. The report said Xi called for an "all-out 'struggle against terrorism, infiltration, and separatism' using the 'organs of dictatorship,' and showing 'absolutely no mercy'." The documents show that the Chinese leadership's fears were heightened by terrorist attacks in other countries and the US drawdown of troops from Afghanistan. It is unclear how the documents totalling 403 pages were gathered and selected, the newspaper said. Beijing denies any mistreatment of the Uighurs or others in Xinjiang, saying it is providing vocational training to help stamp out Islamic extremism and separatism and teach new skills. China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment from Reuters on Sunday. The documents show how officials were given talking points to explain to returning university students that their family members had been taken away for training, and how the program faced pushback from some local officials, the report said. They also show that the internment camps expanded quickly after Chen Quanguo was appointed in August 2016 as the party boss of the region, the report said. Chen had taken a tough line to quell restiveness against Communist Party rule during his previous posting in Tibet.

Leaked Chinese government documents show details of Xinjiang clampdown: Report

A gunmen fired on a convoy of buses carrying Muslims in northwest Sri Lanka before the beginning of presidential elections, as per the reports there are no casualties so far.

Voters' convoy ambushed in Sri Lanka

The World Bank announced Monday it was cutting back a vocational education project in China's Xinjiang province, even though an internal investigation did not back up claims the scheme was linked to the mistreatment of minority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-members-split-on-chinas-uighur-rights-record-258772">Muslim Uighurs</a>.

The World Bank launched a review of the program in late August after Foreign Policy magazine reported that a school that benefited from a tranche of the $50 million loan to China bought "barbed wire, gas launchers, and body armour."&nbsp;

The Washington-based development lender said its review "did not substantiate the allegations."

Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, it said it was cutting funding to the scheme's "partner schools" throughout Xinjiang province that were the target of the allegations.

"In light of the risks associated with the partner schools, which are widely dispersed and difficult to monitor, the scope and footprint of the project is being reduced," the World Bank said in a statement.

"Specifically, the project component that involves the partner schools in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-chinese-officials-demands-end-to-uighur-repression-254612">Xinjiang</a> is being closed."

Watch: Medical experiments, torture, and rapes - how China treats Uighurs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-medical-experiments-torture-rapes-how-china-treats-uighurs-260629/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

World Bank funding to the five schools directly supported by the project will continue, under "enhanced supervision."

China's treatment of the Uighurs, a mostly Muslim, Turkic-speaking minority concentrated in the tightly-controlled northwestern Xinjiang region, has come under growing scrutiny.

Rights groups and experts say more than one million mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been interned in re-education camps in Xinjiang, where they are being tortured and forced to renounce their religion.

China initially denied the existence of the camps before admitting to running what it called "vocational education centers," which it presented as necessary to combat religious extremism and boost employment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734">In pics: A day in the life of China's persecuted Uighur community</a>

The World Bank announced Monday it was cutting back a vocational education project in China's Xinjiang province, even though an internal investigation did not back up claims the scheme was linked to the mistreatment of minority Muslim Uighurs.

The World Bank announced Monday it was cutting back a vocational education project in China's Xinjiang province, even though an internal investigation did not back up claims the scheme was linked to the mistreatment of minority Muslim Uighurs. The World Bank launched a review of the program in late August after Foreign Policy magazine reported that a school that benefited from a tranche of the $50 million loan to China bought "barbed wire, gas launchers, and body armour." The Washington-based development lender said its review "did not substantiate the allegations." Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, it said it was cutting funding to the scheme's "partner schools" throughout Xinjiang province that were the target of the allegations. "In light of the risks associated with the partner schools, which are widely dispersed and difficult to monitor, the scope and footprint of the project is being reduced," the World Bank said in a statement. "Specifically, the project component that involves the partner schools in Xinjiang is being closed." Watch: Medical experiments, torture, and rapes - how China treats Uighurs World Bank funding to the five schools directly supported by the project will continue, under "enhanced supervision." China's treatment of the Uighurs, a mostly Muslim, Turkic-speaking minority concentrated in the tightly-controlled northwestern Xinjiang region, has come under growing scrutiny. Rights groups and experts say more than one million mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been interned in re-education camps in Xinjiang, where they are being tortured and forced to renounce their religion. China initially denied the existence of the camps before admitting to running what it called "vocational education centers," which it presented as necessary to combat religious extremism and boost employment. In pics: A day in the life of China's persecuted Uighur community

World Bank scales back funding to controversial Uighur schools in China

Authorities here have said that thousands of Rohingya living in the refugee camps in southern coastal regions of Bangladesh will be relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal that is prone to flooding.

The country`s refugee commissioner refused to divulge when the Rohingyas would be moved, but a senior Navy officer involved in building facilities on the island said the relocation could start by December, with some 500 refugees sent daily, Al Jazeera reported.

Some 740,000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar in August 2017 in the face of a military crackdown, joining 200,000 refugees already in makeshift tent settlements at Cox`s Bazar.

Dhaka has long wanted to move 100,000 refugees to the islet, saying it would take pressure off the overcrowded border camps where almost a million Rohingya are currently residing.

Bangladesh had been planning since last year to relocate the refugees to the desolate flood-prone site, which is an hour by boat from the mainland.

Rights groups have warned that the island, which emerged from the sea only about two decades ago, might not be able to withstand violent storms during the annual monsoon season.

Residents from nearby Hatiya Island told Human Rights Watch the island was not habitable."Part of the island is eroded by the monsoon every year," a man was quoted as saying.

"In that time, we never dare go to that island, so how will thousands of Rohingya live there?" he added further.

In the past half-century, powerful cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in the Meghna River estuary where the island is located.

Rohingya leaders would be taken to Bhashan Char to view the facilities and living conditions soon, the commissioner said.

The official also said that a nine-foot (three-metre) high embankment has been built on the island to ensure the safety of the refugees from tidal surges during cyclones, along with a warehouse to store months worth of rations.

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation deal two years ago, but virtually no refugees have returned to date, with UN investigators describing conditions in Myanmar as "unsafe, unsustainable and impossible".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Authorities here have said that thousands of Rohingya living in the refugee camps in southern coastal regions of Bangladesh will be relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal that is prone to flooding.

Authorities here have said that thousands of Rohingya living in the refugee camps in southern coastal regions of Bangladesh will be relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal that is prone to flooding. The country`s refugee commissioner refused to divulge when the Rohingyas would be moved, but a senior Navy officer involved in building facilities on the island said the relocation could start by December, with some 500 refugees sent daily, Al Jazeera reported. Some 740,000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar in August 2017 in the face of a military crackdown, joining 200,000 refugees already in makeshift tent settlements at Cox`s Bazar. Dhaka has long wanted to move 100,000 refugees to the islet, saying it would take pressure off the overcrowded border camps where almost a million Rohingya are currently residing. Bangladesh had been planning since last year to relocate the refugees to the desolate flood-prone site, which is an hour by boat from the mainland. Rights groups have warned that the island, which emerged from the sea only about two decades ago, might not be able to withstand violent storms during the annual monsoon season. Residents from nearby Hatiya Island told Human Rights Watch the island was not habitable."Part of the island is eroded by the monsoon every year," a man was quoted as saying. "In that time, we never dare go to that island, so how will thousands of Rohingya live there?" he added further. In the past half-century, powerful cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in the Meghna River estuary where the island is located. Rohingya leaders would be taken to Bhashan Char to view the facilities and living conditions soon, the commissioner said. The official also said that a nine-foot (three-metre) high embankment has been built on the island to ensure the safety of the refugees from tidal surges during cyclones, along with a warehouse to store months worth of rations. Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation deal two years ago, but virtually no refugees have returned to date, with UN investigators describing conditions in Myanmar as "unsafe, unsustainable and impossible".

Rohingya refugees to relocate to flood-prone island next month

The United States takes on China on the issue of Uighurs.

U.S Attacks China on Uighurs

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