Chinese authorities are exerting "extreme pressure" to force rural Tibetans into mass relocation from their villages, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).&nbsp;These new findings were revealed in a 71-page report, titled ‘Educate the Masses to Change Their Minds’: China’s Coercive Relocation of Rural Tibetans.&nbsp;

The treatment of Tibetans by the Chinese government has been a subject of intense international scrutiny and controversy for decades. Now the report put a spotlight on the mass relocation.

The report pointed out that since 2016, officials have relocated or are in the process of relocating 500 villages in the Tibet Autonomous Region, displacing over 140,000 residents to distant locations.

According to the report, these programmes amount to forced evictions in breach of international law that countries are supposed to adhere to.&nbsp;

The report is based on over 1,000 official Chinese media articles from 2016 to 2023 and includes three case studies with video evidence.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/california-court-reviews-law-on-app-based-drivers-classification-as-contractors-724142">California Court reviews law on app-based drivers' classification as contractors</a>

It revealed how Chinese officials pressure residents into "consenting" to relocate through intense “publicity work” and “door-to-door ideological work” during home visits.&nbsp;

One particular instance is now raising eyebrows where 200 out of 262 households in a Nagchu Municipality village initially resisted relocation but eventually agreed "voluntarily."&nbsp;

However, the report said that in many of these instances, Chinese officials resorted to repeated visits and threats of service cuts.

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Acting China director at Human Rights Watch&nbsp;Maya Wang said,&nbsp;“The Chinese government says that the relocation of Tibetan villages is voluntary, but official media reports contradict this claim."

“Those reports make clear that when a whole village is targeted for relocation, it is practically impossible for the residents to refuse to move without facing serious repercussions,” Wang added.&nbsp;

<h2>Poor families targeted&nbsp;</h2>

HRW found that officials use pressure and threats of administrative and criminal penalties against dissenters.&nbsp;Additionally, officials employ “individual household relocation,” targeting poorer families for moves to areas purportedly better for income generation.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hush-money-trial-trumps-hush-money-trial-near-its-end-724139">Hush Money Trial: Trump's hush money trial near its end</a>

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Between 2016 and 2020, an estimated 567,000 people were relocated under this programme.

Many relocated individuals struggle to find employment, having been moved to peri-urban areas where their farming or herding skills are irrelevant.

HRW warned that these relocations are part of China's efforts to destroy Tibetan culture which threatens to devastate Tibetan communities. Forced to abandon traditional livelihoods, many Tibetans find themselves seeking work in unfamiliar industries, eroding their cultural heritage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese authorities are exerting "extreme pressure" to force rural Tibetans into mass relocation from their villages, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Chinese authorities are exerting "extreme pressure" to force rural Tibetans into mass relocation from their villages, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). These new findings were revealed in a 71-page report, titled ‘Educate the Masses to Change Their Minds’: China’s Coercive Relocation of Rural Tibetans. The treatment of Tibetans by the Chinese government has been a subject of intense international scrutiny and controversy for decades. Now the report put a spotlight on the mass relocation. The report pointed out that since 2016, officials have relocated or are in the process of relocating 500 villages in the Tibet Autonomous Region, displacing over 140,000 residents to distant locations. According to the report, these programmes amount to forced evictions in breach of international law that countries are supposed to adhere to. The report is based on over 1,000 official Chinese media articles from 2016 to 2023 and includes three case studies with video evidence. Also Read | California Court reviews law on app-based drivers' classification as contractors It revealed how Chinese officials pressure residents into "consenting" to relocate through intense “publicity work” and “door-to-door ideological work” during home visits. One particular instance is now raising eyebrows where 200 out of 262 households in a Nagchu Municipality village initially resisted relocation but eventually agreed "voluntarily." However, the report said that in many of these instances, Chinese officials resorted to repeated visits and threats of service cuts. Also Read | Thousands at Iran's late president Raisi's funeral procession in Tehran Acting China director at Human Rights Watch Maya Wang said, “The Chinese government says that the relocation of Tibetan villages is voluntary, but official media reports contradict this claim." “Those reports make clear that when a whole village is targeted for relocation, it is practically impossible for the residents to refuse to move without facing serious repercussions,” Wang added. Poor families targeted HRW found that officials use pressure and threats of administrative and criminal penalties against dissenters. Additionally, officials employ “individual household relocation,” targeting poorer families for moves to areas purportedly better for income generation. Watch | Hush Money Trial: Trump's hush money trial near its end × Between 2016 and 2020, an estimated 567,000 people were relocated under this programme. Many relocated individuals struggle to find employment, having been moved to peri-urban areas where their farming or herding skills are irrelevant. HRW warned that these relocations are part of China's efforts to destroy Tibetan culture which threatens to devastate Tibetan communities. Forced to abandon traditional livelihoods, many Tibetans find themselves seeking work in unfamiliar industries, eroding their cultural heritage. (With inputs from agencies)

China using 'extreme forms of pressure to coerce' Tibetan villagers into mass relocation

A survey from the<a href="https://www.henleyglobal.com/newsroom/press-releases/henley-private-wealth-migration-report-2023"> Henley Private Wealth Migration Report&nbsp;2023</a>, which monitors wealth and investment movement patterns globally, predicts that 6,500 high-net-worth people (HNIs) would likely leave India in 2023.

China is projected to lose 13,500 HNIs this year, and India will follow. According to the forecast, there will be fewer HNIs departing than the 7,500 millionaires who left the previous year, reported Live Mint.&nbsp;

As per&nbsp;the report, the outflow is not especially alarming because India can produce new millionaires. The analysis projects that by 2031, there will be a spectacular 80 per cent&nbsp;rise in the population of high-net-worth individuals, making India one of the world's wealth markets with the quickest growth rates during this time. Financial services, healthcare, and other sectors will be particularly important drivers of this development.

As the standard of living rises, it has also noticed&nbsp;a trend of wealthy people returning to India, and it expects a significant number of these people to return in increasing numbers.

The UK will have 3,200 millionaires, while Russia will have 3,000 HNIs, according to a study citing New World Money, a company that has been monitoring patterns in the movement of money throughout the world for more than ten years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-nsa-meets-pm-narendra-modi-ahead-of-latters-visit-to-us-604058">US NSA Jake Sullivan meets PM Narendra Modi ahead of latter's visit to US</a>

<h2>Investors thinking about relocating families?</h2>

Dominic Volek, the company's group head for private clients, claimed that the recent and ongoing unrest has resulted in a change where more investors are thinking about relocating their families for a variety of reasons, including safety and security, education and healthcare, climate change resilience, and even crypto-friendliness.

“Nine of the top 10 countries for forecast net HNI inflows in 2023 host formal residence by investment programmes that encourage foreign direct investment in return for the right to reside, which can also lead to citizenship in some cases. Investors see the clear value of diversifying their domicile portfolios as the ultimate hedge against both regional and global volatility, now and in the future," Volek told Live mint.

Sunita Singh-Dalal, partner, private wealth and family offices at Hourani told Live Mint, “Prohibitive tax legislation coupled with convoluted, complex rules relating to outbound remittances that are open to misinterpretation and abuse, are but a few issues that have triggered the trend of investment migration from India. Dubai and Singapore remain preferred destinations for wealthy Indian families. The former, also known as the '5th City of India',&nbsp;is particularly attractive for its government-administered global investor 'Golden Visa'&nbsp;programme, favourable tax environment, robust business ecosystem and safe, peaceful environment."

Also watch |&nbsp;Cyclone Biparjoy likely to make landfall in Gujarat on June 15

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Additionally,&nbsp;Rohit Bhardwaj, director, of private clients at the company’s India office, told Live Mint,&nbsp;“With a current count of approximately 3.5 lakh high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) residing in the country, India showcases a robust wealth presence. Asia is home to various wealth hubs and just this year, the number of enquiries received from South Asia in the first four months of 2023 already accounted for 72.2 per cent&nbsp;of the total number of enquiries recorded the previous year which in itself was a record year. We project this upward trajectory to continue this year, with Indian investors voicing the demand for alternative residences and additional citizenships."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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A survey from the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2023, which monitors wealth and investment movement patterns globally, predicts that 6,500 high-net-worth people (HNIs) would likely leave India in 2023.

A survey from the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2023, which monitors wealth and investment movement patterns globally, predicts that 6,500 high-net-worth people (HNIs) would likely leave India in 2023. China is projected to lose 13,500 HNIs this year, and India will follow. According to the forecast, there will be fewer HNIs departing than the 7,500 millionaires who left the previous year, reported Live Mint. As per the report, the outflow is not especially alarming because India can produce new millionaires. The analysis projects that by 2031, there will be a spectacular 80 per cent rise in the population of high-net-worth individuals, making India one of the world's wealth markets with the quickest growth rates during this time. Financial services, healthcare, and other sectors will be particularly important drivers of this development. As the standard of living rises, it has also noticed a trend of wealthy people returning to India, and it expects a significant number of these people to return in increasing numbers. The UK will have 3,200 millionaires, while Russia will have 3,000 HNIs, according to a study citing New World Money, a company that has been monitoring patterns in the movement of money throughout the world for more than ten years. Also read | US NSA Jake Sullivan meets PM Narendra Modi ahead of latter's visit to US Investors thinking about relocating families? Dominic Volek, the company's group head for private clients, claimed that the recent and ongoing unrest has resulted in a change where more investors are thinking about relocating their families for a variety of reasons, including safety and security, education and healthcare, climate change resilience, and even crypto-friendliness. “Nine of the top 10 countries for forecast net HNI inflows in 2023 host formal residence by investment programmes that encourage foreign direct investment in return for the right to reside, which can also lead to citizenship in some cases. Investors see the clear value of diversifying their domicile portfolios as the ultimate hedge against both regional and global volatility, now and in the future," Volek told Live mint. Sunita Singh-Dalal, partner, private wealth and family offices at Hourani told Live Mint, “Prohibitive tax legislation coupled with convoluted, complex rules relating to outbound remittances that are open to misinterpretation and abuse, are but a few issues that have triggered the trend of investment migration from India. Dubai and Singapore remain preferred destinations for wealthy Indian families. The former, also known as the '5th City of India', is particularly attractive for its government-administered global investor 'Golden Visa' programme, favourable tax environment, robust business ecosystem and safe, peaceful environment." Also watch | Cyclone Biparjoy likely to make landfall in Gujarat on June 15 Additionally, Rohit Bhardwaj, director, of private clients at the company’s India office, told Live Mint, “With a current count of approximately 3.5 lakh high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) residing in the country, India showcases a robust wealth presence. Asia is home to various wealth hubs and just this year, the number of enquiries received from South Asia in the first four months of 2023 already accounted for 72.2 per cent of the total number of enquiries recorded the previous year which in itself was a record year. We project this upward trajectory to continue this year, with Indian investors voicing the demand for alternative residences and additional citizenships." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 6,500 high net worth individuals to leave India in 2023: Report

What do you do when a house you've built with utmost love and hard work lies in the middle of a government infrastructure project? Accept the order and the compensation and move away? For most, it might be the rational approach but for a farmer in the Indian state of Punjab, taking the compensation and allowing authorities to demolish his home was not the way out.

Reportedly, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi, a farmer, living in the Roshanwla village of Sangrur district in Punjab had built a&nbsp;$188,000 two-storey home on his field.

However, soon it was revealed that his house, which took two years in the making lay in the middle of the&nbsp;Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway construction. The state government informed&nbsp;Sukhwinder about the situation and offered him a compensation to move away and let authorities demolish the house.&nbsp;

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-message-to-china-at-unsc-indian-envoy-says-countries-should-respect-territorial-integrity-509248">&nbsp;In a message to China at UNSC, Indian envoy says countries should respect territorial integrity</a>

However,&nbsp;Sukhwinder refused to take the compensation, stating it would be too expensive to build another home. Thus, the farmer took matters in his own hands and employed a construction crew that has experience in moving homes.&nbsp;

Up until the reports came in last, Sukhwinder's house had been moved 250 feet already. The target spot is 500 feet away.&nbsp;

"I'm shifting the house as it was coming in the way of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. I was offered compensation but didn't want to build another house. I have spent around Rs 1.5 crore ($188,000) to build it. Right now it's been moved by 250 feet,"&nbsp;Sukhwinder&nbsp;was quoted as saying by ANI.&nbsp;

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It is pertinent to note that after the house is relocated, all Sukhwinder will need to do is relay the floor which has been removed to insert the hydraulic jacks and planks.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farooq-abdullah-says-we-will-fight-governments-decision-till-end-509127">Farooq Abdullah says we will fight governments decision till end</a>

Relocating buildings is not a new process. It has been around since the 1700s. Back then, horse-drawn carriages and wooden planks were used to move the houses. However, nowadays, sophisticated machinery is used to remove such structures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

What do you do when a house you've built with utmost love and hard work lies in the middle of a government infrastructure project? Accept the order and the compensation and move away?

What do you do when a house you've built with utmost love and hard work lies in the middle of a government infrastructure project? Accept the order and the compensation and move away? For most, it might be the rational approach but for a farmer in the Indian state of Punjab, taking the compensation and allowing authorities to demolish his home was not the way out. Reportedly, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi, a farmer, living in the Roshanwla village of Sangrur district in Punjab had built a $188,000 two-storey home on his field. However, soon it was revealed that his house, which took two years in the making lay in the middle of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway construction. The state government informed Sukhwinder about the situation and offered him a compensation to move away and let authorities demolish the house. Read more: In a message to China at UNSC, Indian envoy says countries should respect territorial integrity However, Sukhwinder refused to take the compensation, stating it would be too expensive to build another home. Thus, the farmer took matters in his own hands and employed a construction crew that has experience in moving homes. Up until the reports came in last, Sukhwinder's house had been moved 250 feet already. The target spot is 500 feet away. "I'm shifting the house as it was coming in the way of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. I was offered compensation but didn't want to build another house. I have spent around Rs 1.5 crore ($188,000) to build it. Right now it's been moved by 250 feet," Sukhwinder was quoted as saying by ANI. #WATCH | A farmer in Punjab's Sangrur is moving his 2-storey house 500 feet away from its existing place pic.twitter.com/nrQoQhM0vO — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2022 × It is pertinent to note that after the house is relocated, all Sukhwinder will need to do is relay the floor which has been removed to insert the hydraulic jacks and planks. Read more: Farooq Abdullah says we will fight governments decision till end Relocating buildings is not a new process. It has been around since the 1700s. Back then, horse-drawn carriages and wooden planks were used to move the houses. However, nowadays, sophisticated machinery is used to remove such structures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: A farmer in India moves his $188,000 house to make way for an expressway

In an unprecedented move, British government plans to resettle thousands of asylum seekers in Rwanda, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday. &nbsp;

On Thursday, Interior Minister Priti Patel signed a partnership agreement in Kigali and presented the policy at a news conference with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-to-receive-three-more-fines-for-lockdown-breaching-parties-report-471039" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson to receive 3 more fines for lockdown breaching parties: Report</a>

The government's move has not gone down well with several organisations and opposition parties of the country. Lawmaker Yvette Cooper said it was costly, "unworkable and unethical". &nbsp;

The government looks to keep a check on people-smuggling networks and the flow of migrants. &nbsp;

In a speech in Kent, the prime minister, said, "We must ensure that the only route to asylum in the UK is a safe and legal one. Those who try to jump the queue or abuse our systems will find no automatic path to set them up in our country, but rather be swiftly and humanely removed to a safe third country or their country of origin." &nbsp;

Watch | Partygate: Opposition calls for UK PM Boris Johnson's resignation

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Any person who has arrived in the UK illegally since January 1 may get relocated to Rwanda in East Africa, Johnson said. &nbsp;

"The deal we have done is uncapped and Rwanda will have the capacity to resettle tens of thousands of people in the years ahead," the PM added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an unprecedented move, British government plans to resettle thousands of asylum seekers in Rwanda, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday. On Thursday, Interior Minister Priti Patel signed a partnership agreement in Kigali and presented the policy at a news conference with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta.

In an unprecedented move, British government plans to resettle thousands of asylum seekers in Rwanda, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday. On Thursday, Interior Minister Priti Patel signed a partnership agreement in Kigali and presented the policy at a news conference with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta. Also Read | UK PM Johnson to receive 3 more fines for lockdown breaching parties: Report The government's move has not gone down well with several organisations and opposition parties of the country. Lawmaker Yvette Cooper said it was costly, "unworkable and unethical". The government looks to keep a check on people-smuggling networks and the flow of migrants. In a speech in Kent, the prime minister, said, "We must ensure that the only route to asylum in the UK is a safe and legal one. Those who try to jump the queue or abuse our systems will find no automatic path to set them up in our country, but rather be swiftly and humanely removed to a safe third country or their country of origin." Watch | Partygate: Opposition calls for UK PM Boris Johnson's resignation × Any person who has arrived in the UK illegally since January 1 may get relocated to Rwanda in East Africa, Johnson said. "The deal we have done is uncapped and Rwanda will have the capacity to resettle tens of thousands of people in the years ahead," the PM added. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Govt move to send asylum seekers to Rwanda leads to sharp criticism      

After 58 years apart, an English woman from Lincolnshire has been reunited with her father.

Julie Lund, 59, asked for aid in locating him on a local Facebook group and was "blown away" by the response.

She was reunited with her father, Brian Rothery, who had resided a little over an hour away in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, for the previous four days.

"It was like a miracle, and I'm not a believer in miracles," Brian added, to which Julie replied, "We got one."&nbsp;

Facebook is a worldwide community of millions of people, but it also brings together smaller, local groups that have a common interest in the locations they live and work.&nbsp;

These social media groups and organisations frequently assist people in locating long-lost friends and family members.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After 58 years apart, an English woman from Lincolnshire has been reunited with her father. Julie Lund, 59, asked for aid in locating him on a local Facebook group and was "blown away" by the response.

After 58 years apart, an English woman from Lincolnshire has been reunited with her father. Julie Lund, 59, asked for aid in locating him on a local Facebook group and was "blown away" by the response. She was reunited with her father, Brian Rothery, who had resided a little over an hour away in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, for the previous four days. "It was like a miracle, and I'm not a believer in miracles," Brian added, to which Julie replied, "We got one." Facebook is a worldwide community of millions of people, but it also brings together smaller, local groups that have a common interest in the locations they live and work. These social media groups and organisations frequently assist people in locating long-lost friends and family members. (With inputs from agencies)

Woman finds her dad on Facebook after 58 years

In an effort to compensate for the loss to the families of the victims&nbsp;killed in a botched drone attack in Afghanistan in August, the Pentagon has offered unspecified condolence payments and relocation to the United States. &nbsp;

In the attack on August 29, a US Hellfire missile struck a car driven by Zemerai Ahmadi, who had just pulled into the driveway of the Ahmadi family compound. Ahmadi was employed with Nutrition &amp; Education International. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;United States offers to compensate victims of US drone strike in Afghanistan

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In all, 10 members of the family, including seven children, were killed in the strike carried out during the final days before US troops withdrew from the war-torn country. &nbsp;

The US Defence Department said it is committed to offer condolence payments. In a statement on Friday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the Defence Department was also working with the State Department to help surviving family members relocate to the United States. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-slammed-for-likening-former-senator-dodd-with-one-who-would-not-disrespect-a-waitress-421154" hreflang="en">US President Joe Biden slammed for likening former Senator Dodd with one who would not 'disrespect a waitress'</a>

According to Kirby, the matter arose in a virtual meeting on Thursday between Dr Colin Kahl, under secretary of defence for policy, and Dr Steven Kwon, founder and president of the non-profit group Nutrition &amp; Education International. &nbsp;

"Dr Kahl reiterated Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin's commitment to the families, including offering ex-gratia condolence payments," Kirby said. The spokesman did not confirm how much money would be offered. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justice-dept-to-ask-supreme-court-to-block-texas-near-total-abortion-ban-421139" hreflang="en">Justice dept to ask Supreme Court to block Texas’ near-total abortion ban</a>

During the meeting on Thursday, Kwon told Kahl that Ahmadi had work with NEI for many years, ‘providing care and lifesaving assistance for people facing high mortality rates in Afghanistan,' Kirby added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an effort to compensate for the loss to the families of the victims killed in a botched drone attack in Afghanistan in August, the Pentagon has offered unspecified condolence payments and relocation to the United States.

In an effort to compensate for the loss to the families of the victims killed in a botched drone attack in Afghanistan in August, the Pentagon has offered unspecified condolence payments and relocation to the United States. In the attack on August 29, a US Hellfire missile struck a car driven by Zemerai Ahmadi, who had just pulled into the driveway of the Ahmadi family compound. Ahmadi was employed with Nutrition & Education International. Watch: United States offers to compensate victims of US drone strike in Afghanistan × In all, 10 members of the family, including seven children, were killed in the strike carried out during the final days before US troops withdrew from the war-torn country. The US Defence Department said it is committed to offer condolence payments. In a statement on Friday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the Defence Department was also working with the State Department to help surviving family members relocate to the United States. Also Read: US President Joe Biden slammed for likening former Senator Dodd with one who would not 'disrespect a waitress' According to Kirby, the matter arose in a virtual meeting on Thursday between Dr Colin Kahl, under secretary of defence for policy, and Dr Steven Kwon, founder and president of the non-profit group Nutrition & Education International. "Dr Kahl reiterated Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin's commitment to the families, including offering ex-gratia condolence payments," Kirby said. The spokesman did not confirm how much money would be offered. Also Read: Justice dept to ask Supreme Court to block Texas’ near-total abortion ban During the meeting on Thursday, Kwon told Kahl that Ahmadi had work with NEI for many years, ‘providing care and lifesaving assistance for people facing high mortality rates in Afghanistan,' Kirby added. (With inputs from agencies)

US offers condolence payments, relocation to kin of Afghans killed in botched drone attack

The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;translators&nbsp;and their&nbsp;families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the&nbsp;families&nbsp;of&nbsp;500&nbsp;staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some&nbsp;2,500&nbsp;individuals in total.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attacks-bear-the-hallmark-of-taliban-us-402696">Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US</a>

The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff.

"There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff," Wallace and Patel wrote.

"This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added.

In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan,&nbsp; the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;accelerated its relocation scheme for&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;local staff in May.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-afghan-defence-minister-in-kabul-claimed-by-taliban-402788">Attack on Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister in&nbsp;Kabul claimed by&nbsp;Taliban</a>&nbsp;

Since the expansion was announced, 1,400&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014.

Six former heads of the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns.

Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service.

The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence".&nbsp;

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Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals.

Regular reprisals against&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;and interpreters and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement.

As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the families of 500 staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some 2,500 individuals in total. Also read | Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff. "There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current Afghan staff," Wallace and Patel wrote. "This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added. In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the UK accelerated its relocation scheme for Afghan local staff in May. Also read | Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban Since the expansion was announced, 1,400 Afghan staff and their families had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014. Six former heads of the UK armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that Afghan staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns. Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service. The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of Afghan staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence". Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation. The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals. Regular reprisals against Afghan and interpreters and their families have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement. As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the UK also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former Afghan staff and their families to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

UK govt aims to relocate 2,500 Afghan translators and families

Finland recently announced '90 Day Finn' programme for selected US&nbsp;tech professionals and within a month of the announcement the country has already received&nbsp;more than 5,300 applications.

The programme, that started in the first week of November, provided US tech professionals to come and live in the country for a period of 90 days to see whether or not they want to permanently move to the country.

Finland is not a very popular country for immigration and relocation. However, to climb the list, a new and creative idea had to be birthed. "We’re not top of many relocation lists, but we know once people do come, they tend to stay," said&nbsp;Johanna Huurre, of Helsinki Business Hub which devised the campaign. "There’s huge competition globally for talent, so we had to think creatively."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-pm-sanna-marins-glamorous-photo-for-a-magazine-sparks-debate-335961">Finland PM Sanna Marin's glamorous photo for a magazine sparks debate</a>

Almost 30 per cent of the applications have come from the US and Canada where the 90-day trial period scheme has attracted a lot of eyes. The UK, too, has shown interest in the scheme with near applicants belonging from Britain.

With the pandemic year bringing change in everyone's professional life, majority applications were of families in which the adults wanted to work remotely&nbsp;for their current employers. Nearly 60 applications were also from investors who are looking to invest in the local resources and build on it.

One of the most popular reasons for shifting has been to launch startups. Entrepreneurs have shown a specific interest in this programme as it gives them a trial period of figuring out whether or not their business idea can bloom in the upcoming country. Finland has already successfully helped give a launchpad to bigger companies and services such as Nokia,&nbsp;SMS, 5G and Linux, with recent campus additions of&nbsp;Google, Bayer and GE Healthcare.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/finland-deploys-coronavirus-sniffing-dogs-at-airport-338940">WATCH|</a>

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The programme is now not accepting any more applications. The selected applicants will all the&nbsp;necessary official documentation and help with the permanent residency. The applicants will also be given suggestions and tips on suitable housing, school/ daycare, remote working facilities, introductions to tech hubs and networks in and around Helsinki.

Finland has climbed the ranks as it has been announced as the world's happiest country for the third time this year. The government has also been successful in tactfully handling the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to lush greenery, generous parental leaves, balanced work-personal lives and supportive healthcare facilities.

Finland recently announced '90 Day Finn' programme for selected US tech professionals and within a month of the announcement the country has already received more than 5,300 applications.

Finland recently announced '90 Day Finn' programme for selected US tech professionals and within a month of the announcement the country has already received more than 5,300 applications. The programme, that started in the first week of November, provided US tech professionals to come and live in the country for a period of 90 days to see whether or not they want to permanently move to the country. Finland is not a very popular country for immigration and relocation. However, to climb the list, a new and creative idea had to be birthed. "We’re not top of many relocation lists, but we know once people do come, they tend to stay," said Johanna Huurre, of Helsinki Business Hub which devised the campaign. "There’s huge competition globally for talent, so we had to think creatively." Also read| Finland PM Sanna Marin's glamorous photo for a magazine sparks debate Almost 30 per cent of the applications have come from the US and Canada where the 90-day trial period scheme has attracted a lot of eyes. The UK, too, has shown interest in the scheme with near applicants belonging from Britain. With the pandemic year bringing change in everyone's professional life, majority applications were of families in which the adults wanted to work remotely for their current employers. Nearly 60 applications were also from investors who are looking to invest in the local resources and build on it. One of the most popular reasons for shifting has been to launch startups. Entrepreneurs have shown a specific interest in this programme as it gives them a trial period of figuring out whether or not their business idea can bloom in the upcoming country. Finland has already successfully helped give a launchpad to bigger companies and services such as Nokia, SMS, 5G and Linux, with recent campus additions of Google, Bayer and GE Healthcare. WATCH| × The programme is now not accepting any more applications. The selected applicants will all the necessary official documentation and help with the permanent residency. The applicants will also be given suggestions and tips on suitable housing, school/ daycare, remote working facilities, introductions to tech hubs and networks in and around Helsinki. Finland has climbed the ranks as it has been announced as the world's happiest country for the third time this year. The government has also been successful in tactfully handling the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to lush greenery, generous parental leaves, balanced work-personal lives and supportive healthcare facilities.

Finland receives more than 5,000 applications for '90 day Finn' relocation programme

Tensions mounted on Sunday at refugee camps in Bangladesh holding hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims over an operation to send them back to Myanmar, from where they have fled following a military crackdown.

Dozens of refugees stood holding cloth banners opposing their transfer as United Nations Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee visited camps along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border over the weekend. Some refugee leaders said Bangladesh military officials had threatened to seize their food ration cards if they did not return.

Under an agreement signed last week, Myanmar is set to receive Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh at two reception centres and a temporary camp near their common border starting on Tuesday and continuing over the next two years.

The refugees refuse to go back unless their safety can be guaranteed and Myanmars grant their demands to be given citizenship and inclusion in a list of recognised ethnic minorities. They are also asking that their homes, mosques and schools that were burned down or damaged in the military operation be rebuilt.

Over 655,500 Muslim Rohingya fled to Bangladesh after the Myanmar military cracked down in the northern part of Rakhine state in response to militant attacks on security forces on August 25. The United Nations described the operation as ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya, which Myanmar denies.

Rohingya elders told Reuters that Bangladeshi army officials have called or met them over the last two days, asking them to prepare lists of families from their camps for repatriation. Four of them said they were among more than 70 camp leaders &ndash; representing thousands of refugees &ndash; who met army officers at the Gungdum camp on Saturday.

&ldquo;When we said we cannot provide the lists because people are not ready to return, they asked us to bring their WP cards,&rdquo; said Musa, a leader at the Gungdum camp, referring to relief cards provided by the UN&rsquo;s World Food Programme.

Rashedul Hasan, a spokesman for the Bangladesh army, said he was not aware of army men threatening to take away food cards.

Hundreds of refugees queue up at relief centres across the camps each morning to collect food using the cards. These centres are managed by the Bangladesh army.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has repeatedly said Rohingya returns need to be voluntary.

&ldquo;UNHCR has not been part of discussions (on repatriation) to date, but has offered support to engage in the process to ensure that the voices of refugees are heard,&rdquo; Caroline Gluck, a senior protection officer for the agency, said by email on Saturday.

&ldquo;The pace of returns should be determined by the refugees themselves.&rdquo;

The refugees refused to go back unless their safety can be guaranteed and Myanmar's grant their demands to be given citizenship and inclusion in a list of recognised ethnic minorities

Tensions mounted on Sunday at refugee camps in Bangladesh holding hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims over an operation to send them back to Myanmar, from where they have fled following a military crackdown. Dozens of refugees stood holding cloth banners opposing their transfer as United Nations Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee visited camps along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border over the weekend. Some refugee leaders said Bangladesh military officials had threatened to seize their food ration cards if they did not return. Under an agreement signed last week, Myanmar is set to receive Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh at two reception centres and a temporary camp near their common border starting on Tuesday and continuing over the next two years. The refugees refuse to go back unless their safety can be guaranteed and Myanmars grant their demands to be given citizenship and inclusion in a list of recognised ethnic minorities. They are also asking that their homes, mosques and schools that were burned down or damaged in the military operation be rebuilt. Over 655,500 Muslim Rohingya fled to Bangladesh after the Myanmar military cracked down in the northern part of Rakhine state in response to militant attacks on security forces on August 25. The United Nations described the operation as ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya, which Myanmar denies. Rohingya elders told Reuters that Bangladeshi army officials have called or met them over the last two days, asking them to prepare lists of families from their camps for repatriation. Four of them said they were among more than 70 camp leaders – representing thousands of refugees – who met army officers at the Gungdum camp on Saturday. “When we said we cannot provide the lists because people are not ready to return, they asked us to bring their WP cards,” said Musa, a leader at the Gungdum camp, referring to relief cards provided by the UN’s World Food Programme. Rashedul Hasan, a spokesman for the Bangladesh army, said he was not aware of army men threatening to take away food cards. Hundreds of refugees queue up at relief centres across the camps each morning to collect food using the cards. These centres are managed by the Bangladesh army. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has repeatedly said Rohingya returns need to be voluntary. “UNHCR has not been part of discussions (on repatriation) to date, but has offered support to engage in the process to ensure that the voices of refugees are heard,” Caroline Gluck, a senior protection officer for the agency, said by email on Saturday. “The pace of returns should be determined by the refugees themselves.”

Tensions mount in Rohingya camps ahead of planned relocation to Myanmar

Kenya aims to reduce by almost half the population of Dadaab refugee camp which is home to about 326,000 mostly Somali refugees by the end of the year, a committee that groups Kenya, Somalia and the UN refugee agency UNHCR said. 
 
Kenya has said it wants to close the camp, which was once home to more than half a million refugees, citing security threats. Nairobi says the Somali Islamist group al-Shabaab has used the camp as a recruiting ground to launch attacks on Kenya. 
 
But Kenya has been urged by United States, United Nations and others to ensure no one is forced to return to Somalia, which is still struggling to rebuild after decades of conflict and continues to face an Islamist insurgency. 
 
After a meeting on Saturday, the so-called Tripartite Commission said Dadaab had 326,000 refugees at the end of May, already 100,000 fewer than five years earlier, many of whom it said were believed to have returned to Somalia. 
 
&quot;The parties noted the prospect of the reduction of the population in the Dadaab camps by 150,000 individuals by the end of 2016,&quot; the joint communique said, referring to string of sites that make up the Dadaab camp complex. 
 
It said the number would be reduced due to &quot;voluntary returns to Somalia, relocation of non-Somali refugees, the de-registration of Kenyan citizens who registered as refugees, and a population verification exercise.&quot; 
 
The UN had said earlier this year that it planned to reduce the number of people in Dadaab by 50,000 by the end of 2016, but had said that it could be a challenge given continued security concerns in Somalia and lack of schools and other public services there. 
 
A UN official said on Sunday that the new target of reducing the Dadaab population by 150,000 was a prospective figure and it was not guaranteed to be achieved. 
 
The Tripartite Commission also said it had agreed to meet again in October 2016 to review progress made &quot;on the voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees from Kenya.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

The Somali Islamist group, al-Shabaab, has used Dadaab refugee camp as a recruiting ground to launch attacks on Kenya, says Nairobi

Kenya aims to reduce by almost half the population of Dadaab refugee camp which is home to about 326,000 mostly Somali refugees by the end of the year, a committee that groups Kenya, Somalia and the UN refugee agency UNHCR said. Kenya has said it wants to close the camp, which was once home to more than half a million refugees, citing security threats. Nairobi says the Somali Islamist group al-Shabaab has used the camp as a recruiting ground to launch attacks on Kenya. But Kenya has been urged by United States, United Nations and others to ensure no one is forced to return to Somalia, which is still struggling to rebuild after decades of conflict and continues to face an Islamist insurgency. After a meeting on Saturday, the so-called Tripartite Commission said Dadaab had 326,000 refugees at the end of May, already 100,000 fewer than five years earlier, many of whom it said were believed to have returned to Somalia. "The parties noted the prospect of the reduction of the population in the Dadaab camps by 150,000 individuals by the end of 2016," the joint communique said, referring to string of sites that make up the Dadaab camp complex. It said the number would be reduced due to "voluntary returns to Somalia, relocation of non-Somali refugees, the de-registration of Kenyan citizens who registered as refugees, and a population verification exercise." The UN had said earlier this year that it planned to reduce the number of people in Dadaab by 50,000 by the end of 2016, but had said that it could be a challenge given continued security concerns in Somalia and lack of schools and other public services there. A UN official said on Sunday that the new target of reducing the Dadaab population by 150,000 was a prospective figure and it was not guaranteed to be achieved. The Tripartite Commission also said it had agreed to meet again in October 2016 to review progress made "on the voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees from Kenya." (Reuters)

Kenya to halve size of Somali refugee camp by 2016 end

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