General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military leader of Sudan, reportedly requested in a letter that his envoy to Sudan be withdrawn, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was "shocked," according to his spokesperson. According to a written statement released by the UN on Friday, Stephane Dujarric, "The Secretary-General is proud of the work done by (UN special representative to Sudan) Volker Perthes and reaffirms his full confidence in his Special Representative."

UN shocked by letter from Sudan’s military ruler asking to replace UN’s special envoy in Sudan

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was "shocked" by a letter he received on Friday from Sudan's military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan demanding the removal of his ambassador to Sudan, according to his spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General is proud of the work done by (UN Special Representative to Sudan) Volker Perthes and reaffirms his full confidence in his Special Representative," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a written statement on Friday.

Burhan had written to Guterres, requesting that Perthes be removed from his position, according to Reuters, citing officials in Sudan's presidency.

Weeks of intense combat in Sudan between Burhan's Sudanese Armed Forces and the country's Rapid Support Forces commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have shattered expectations for a peaceful transition to civilian government, reported CNN.

Perthes, who was nominated to his position in 2021, has expressed deep worry about the dispute. He criticised both leaders of Sudan's warring groups in a presentation to the UN Security Council earlier this week, warning of "a growing ethnicisation of the conflict."

Despite a seven-day truce that is set to expire this weekend, combat between both sides has persisted. According to the US embassy in Khartoum, media have lately witnessed the use of artillery and military aircraft and drones, airstrikes, prolonged combat in the heart of the Khartoum Industrial Area, and battles in Zalingei, Darfur.

Perthes told the Security Council that blame for the violence "rests with those who are waging it daily: the leadership of the two sides who share accountability for choosing to settle their unresolved conflict on the battlefield rather than at the table."

According to UNICEF, the Sudanese violence has taken a devastating toll on civilians, with over 700 people killed, including 190 children, and 6,000 others&nbsp;injured.

Over a million people have been displaced, seeking refuge in rural regions, neighbouring Sudanese states, or crossing Sudanese borders.

<h2>Over one million displaced</h2>

According to the United Nations refugee agency, five weeks of violence in Sudan has&nbsp;displaced more than one million people, including a quarter-million refugees.

Sudan has been at war since April 15, when differences between army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, erupted into an armed confrontation. Hundreds of people have been slain in the conflict&nbsp;that has&nbsp;transformed Khartoum's streets and other parts of the country into battlegrounds.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Friday, Matthew Saltmarsh, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said 843,000 people have been internally displaced as a result of the violence, reported Al Jazeera.

Around 250,000 people have left Sudan's borders, largely into Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, according to Saltmarsh, who said that Egypt has accepted the greatest number of Sudanese refugees so far, at around 110,000. 
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UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was "shocked" by a letter he received on Friday from Sudan's military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan demanding the removal of his ambassador to Sudan, according to his spokesperson.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was "shocked" by a letter he received on Friday from Sudan's military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan demanding the removal of his ambassador to Sudan, according to his spokesperson. "The Secretary-General is proud of the work done by (UN Special Representative to Sudan) Volker Perthes and reaffirms his full confidence in his Special Representative," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a written statement on Friday. Burhan had written to Guterres, requesting that Perthes be removed from his position, according to Reuters, citing officials in Sudan's presidency. Weeks of intense combat in Sudan between Burhan's Sudanese Armed Forces and the country's Rapid Support Forces commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have shattered expectations for a peaceful transition to civilian government, reported CNN. Perthes, who was nominated to his position in 2021, has expressed deep worry about the dispute. He criticised both leaders of Sudan's warring groups in a presentation to the UN Security Council earlier this week, warning of "a growing ethnicisation of the conflict." Despite a seven-day truce that is set to expire this weekend, combat between both sides has persisted. According to the US embassy in Khartoum, media have lately witnessed the use of artillery and military aircraft and drones, airstrikes, prolonged combat in the heart of the Khartoum Industrial Area, and battles in Zalingei, Darfur. Perthes told the Security Council that blame for the violence "rests with those who are waging it daily: the leadership of the two sides who share accountability for choosing to settle their unresolved conflict on the battlefield rather than at the table." According to UNICEF, the Sudanese violence has taken a devastating toll on civilians, with over 700 people killed, including 190 children, and 6,000 others injured. Over a million people have been displaced, seeking refuge in rural regions, neighbouring Sudanese states, or crossing Sudanese borders. Over one million displaced According to the United Nations refugee agency, five weeks of violence in Sudan has displaced more than one million people, including a quarter-million refugees. Sudan has been at war since April 15, when differences between army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, erupted into an armed confrontation. Hundreds of people have been slain in the conflict that has transformed Khartoum's streets and other parts of the country into battlegrounds. Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Friday, Matthew Saltmarsh, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said 843,000 people have been internally displaced as a result of the violence, reported Al Jazeera. Around 250,000 people have left Sudan's borders, largely into Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, according to Saltmarsh, who said that Egypt has accepted the greatest number of Sudanese refugees so far, at around 110,000. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UN chief ‘shocked’ by letter from Sudan’s military ruler urging removal of special envoy

A team from Myanmar's government was in a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh's border town of Teknaf on Thursday morning. The visit was part of a repatriation scheme where Bangladesh and Myanmar are looking to return around 1100 Rohingyas to Myanmar in the coming weeks. Bangladesh is home to about a million Rohingyas most of whom fled a 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar.

UN: Conditions are not right for Rohingyas return from Bangladesh to Myanmar

A delegation from the Myanmar government on Thursday landed in Bangladesh, embarking on a promising pilot scheme aimed at repatriating approximately 1,200 Rohingya refugees out of the estimated one million currently seeking shelter. Watch to know more in this guest interview with Thai journalist, Annie Zaman.

Bangladesh's Frustration: Plans to Repatriate 1,100 Rohingyas to Myanmar

The rival factions in Sudan continue to clash despite the ceasefire in the capital city of Khartoum, on Wednesday (May 24), reported Reuters citing residents. This comes amid fears that the fighting could break the fragile United States-Saudi Arabia brokered weeklong ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IMO) said that more than a million people have been displaced within the country since the fighting began over a month ago.&nbsp;

<h2>US and Saudi Arabia&nbsp; monitoring ceasefire</h2>

The weeklong ceasefire which is being monitored by the US and Saudi Arabia was off to a shaky start after witnesses since late Monday&nbsp;in the capital, Khartoum, have been reporting&nbsp;fighter jets over the city and continued fighting in some areas. Meanwhile, the observers from the two countries noted that the “fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense”.&nbsp;

The agreement came after the warring Sudanese army and paramilitary faction Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had previously violated multiple ceasefire agreements. Washington and Riyadh addressing the reports said there is some indication that “both sides violated the agreement” but stressed that the efforts to deliver “lifesaving assistance” to the people of Sudan are underway.&nbsp;

<h2>'Heartbreaking': UN Human Rights chief about&nbsp;Sudan</h2>

According to recent data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 1,800 people have lost their lives since the fighting began on April 15. The conflict has also worsened the country’s humanitarian crisis as over a million people have been forced to flee their homes.&nbsp;

The IMO, on Wednesday, said 319,000 people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries out of which, over 132,000 refugees arrived in Egypt; 80,000 in Chad; and 69,000 in South Sudan. “In spite of successive ceasefires, civilians continue to be exposed to serious risk of death and injury,” said UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk.&nbsp;

He also called the situation in Sudan “heartbreaking,” at a press briefing in Geneva and went on to address the two warring generals directly and said, “General (Abdel Fattah) al-Burhan, General (Mohamed Hamdan) Dagalo, you must issue clear instructions, in no uncertain terms to all those under your command, that there is zero tolerance for sexual violence...civilians must be spared and you must stop this senseless violence now.”&nbsp;

Turk also said that his office has found at least 25 cases of sexual violence so far but believes that the real number is much higher.&nbsp;

<h2>Fighting continues with some respite</h2>

Columns of black smoke could be seen rising into the air in areas west of central Khartoum, while witnesses told Reuters, on Wednesday that there was shelling near an army camp in the southern part of the capital city.&nbsp;

In Omdurman, witnesses said that an army fighter plane had been shot down, the footage of which appeared on social media but could not independently be verified. Additionally, gunfire was heard in the Jabra neighbourhood of southern Khartoum.&nbsp;

Ali Mohammed, a resident of the Sudanese capital city, as per AFP&nbsp;said that the water supply had not been restored as of Wednesday “but at least I was able to go out and buy water for my family”.&nbsp;

Another resident, 55-year-old, Mohammed Taher, said he was finally able to go to the city’s central market “five kilometres away to buy food and return without incident”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The rival factions in Sudan continue to clash despite the ceasefire in the capital city of Khartoum, on Wednesday (May 24), reported Reuters citing residents. This comes amid fears that the fighting could break the fragile United States-Saudi Arabia brokered weeklong ceasefire deal.

The rival factions in Sudan continue to clash despite the ceasefire in the capital city of Khartoum, on Wednesday (May 24), reported Reuters citing residents. This comes amid fears that the fighting could break the fragile United States-Saudi Arabia brokered weeklong ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IMO) said that more than a million people have been displaced within the country since the fighting began over a month ago. US and Saudi Arabia monitoring ceasefire The weeklong ceasefire which is being monitored by the US and Saudi Arabia was off to a shaky start after witnesses since late Monday in the capital, Khartoum, have been reporting fighter jets over the city and continued fighting in some areas. Meanwhile, the observers from the two countries noted that the “fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense”. The agreement came after the warring Sudanese army and paramilitary faction Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had previously violated multiple ceasefire agreements. Washington and Riyadh addressing the reports said there is some indication that “both sides violated the agreement” but stressed that the efforts to deliver “lifesaving assistance” to the people of Sudan are underway. 'Heartbreaking': UN Human Rights chief about Sudan According to recent data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 1,800 people have lost their lives since the fighting began on April 15. The conflict has also worsened the country’s humanitarian crisis as over a million people have been forced to flee their homes. The IMO, on Wednesday, said 319,000 people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries out of which, over 132,000 refugees arrived in Egypt; 80,000 in Chad; and 69,000 in South Sudan. “In spite of successive ceasefires, civilians continue to be exposed to serious risk of death and injury,” said UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk. He also called the situation in Sudan “heartbreaking,” at a press briefing in Geneva and went on to address the two warring generals directly and said, “General (Abdel Fattah) al-Burhan, General (Mohamed Hamdan) Dagalo, you must issue clear instructions, in no uncertain terms to all those under your command, that there is zero tolerance for sexual violence...civilians must be spared and you must stop this senseless violence now.” Turk also said that his office has found at least 25 cases of sexual violence so far but believes that the real number is much higher. Fighting continues with some respite Columns of black smoke could be seen rising into the air in areas west of central Khartoum, while witnesses told Reuters, on Wednesday that there was shelling near an army camp in the southern part of the capital city. In Omdurman, witnesses said that an army fighter plane had been shot down, the footage of which appeared on social media but could not independently be verified. Additionally, gunfire was heard in the Jabra neighbourhood of southern Khartoum. Ali Mohammed, a resident of the Sudanese capital city, as per AFP said that the water supply had not been restored as of Wednesday “but at least I was able to go out and buy water for my family”. Another resident, 55-year-old, Mohammed Taher, said he was finally able to go to the city’s central market “five kilometres away to buy food and return without incident”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan witnesses clashes amid ceasefire; more than a million people displaced due to fighting

United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk has condemned Pakistan’s plans to prosecute civilians involved in May 9 protests under the Army Act. The UN high commissioner for human rights said in a statement, “Pakistan's plans to revive the use of military courts to try civilians is disturbing.”

May 9 saw massive protests erupt across Pakistan after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)’s chairman and former PM Imran Khan was manhandled and later arrested by paramilitary rangers from the premises of the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case.

<h2>What happened on May 9?</h2>

The coalition government of Pakistan, led by PM Shehbaz Sharif, accused Imran Khan’s supporters of vandalising private and public properties, along with several military installations. They also attacked the Jinnah House (Lahore Corps Commander House), Mianwali airbase, the ISI building in Faisalabad and the Army Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Ex-PM Imran Khan reminds nation of erstwhile east Pakistan

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Police claim 10 people lost their lives in the violent clashes, while PTI claims at least 40 of its workers died in the firing by security personnel.

<h2>Pakistani PM vows to not spare violent protesters</h2>

Meanwhile, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the violent protesters involved in May 9 protests would not be spared. He said, “It has been decided that everyone involved in the May 9 events … the planners, abusers or anyone … will be punished as per the law and the Constitution.”

Pakistan’s powerful army later described the day as a “black day” in the country’s history.

<h2>Pakistan&nbsp;plans to prosecute civilians in army courts</h2>

Pakistan’s National Assembly on May 22 passed a resolution condemning the May 9 protesters and expressing solidarity with the armed forces. The resolution tabled by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also paved the way for protesters to be prosecuted under the country’s stringent ‘Pakistan Army Act’.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-receives-another-shock-after-close-aide-shireen-mazari-quits-party-595857">Also Read |&nbsp;Pakistan: Imran Khan receives another shock after close aide Shireen Mazari quits party</a>

The resolution also called on the assembly to enforce restrictive social media laws in the country to stop “propaganda” being peddled against the country’s institutions by forces both “inside and outside of the country.”

<h2>Imran Khan’s party moves Supreme Court</h2>

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party has moved the country’s apex court in a bid to stymie the government’s plans to try protesters in military courts. The party claimed that the decision by the Pakistani government was in clear violation" of the constitutional guarantees of due process and fair trial.”

The petition also asks the court to examine if the requisition of the armed forces is "malafide and in excess of jurisdiction"

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United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk has condemned Pakistan’s plans to prosecute civilians involved in May 9 protests under the Army Act. The UN high commissioner for human rights said in a statement, “Pakistan's plans to revive the use of military courts to try civilians is disturbing.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk has condemned Pakistan’s plans to prosecute civilians involved in May 9 protests under the Army Act. The UN high commissioner for human rights said in a statement, “Pakistan's plans to revive the use of military courts to try civilians is disturbing.” May 9 saw massive protests erupt across Pakistan after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)’s chairman and former PM Imran Khan was manhandled and later arrested by paramilitary rangers from the premises of the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case. What happened on May 9? The coalition government of Pakistan, led by PM Shehbaz Sharif, accused Imran Khan’s supporters of vandalising private and public properties, along with several military installations. They also attacked the Jinnah House (Lahore Corps Commander House), Mianwali airbase, the ISI building in Faisalabad and the Army Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. Watch: Ex-PM Imran Khan reminds nation of erstwhile east Pakistan × Police claim 10 people lost their lives in the violent clashes, while PTI claims at least 40 of its workers died in the firing by security personnel. Pakistani PM vows to not spare violent protesters Meanwhile, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the violent protesters involved in May 9 protests would not be spared. He said, “It has been decided that everyone involved in the May 9 events … the planners, abusers or anyone … will be punished as per the law and the Constitution.” Pakistan’s powerful army later described the day as a “black day” in the country’s history. Pakistan plans to prosecute civilians in army courts Pakistan’s National Assembly on May 22 passed a resolution condemning the May 9 protesters and expressing solidarity with the armed forces. The resolution tabled by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also paved the way for protesters to be prosecuted under the country’s stringent ‘Pakistan Army Act’. Also Read | Pakistan: Imran Khan receives another shock after close aide Shireen Mazari quits party The resolution also called on the assembly to enforce restrictive social media laws in the country to stop “propaganda” being peddled against the country’s institutions by forces both “inside and outside of the country.” Imran Khan’s party moves Supreme Court Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party has moved the country’s apex court in a bid to stymie the government’s plans to try protesters in military courts. The party claimed that the decision by the Pakistani government was in clear violation" of the constitutional guarantees of due process and fair trial.” The petition also asks the court to examine if the requisition of the armed forces is "malafide and in excess of jurisdiction" WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN human rights chief condemns Pakistan for trying Imran Khan’s supporters in military courts

The United Nations agency published new figures on Monday (May 22) which indicated that extreme weather events caused nearly 600 disasters in India which claimed 138,377 lives&nbsp;in the past five decades. The World Meteorological Department (WMO) report also noted that such events have caused the death of two million people and $4.3 trillion in economic damage in the same time period.&nbsp;

<h2>UN report about Asia</h2>

According to the report by the UN agency, more than 90 per cent of&nbsp;reported deaths across the world occurred in developing countries. The WMO said that between 1970 and 2021, Asia accounted for nearly 50 per cent of all reported deaths worldwide.&nbsp;

India witnessed &nbsp;573 disasters in the span of five decades which claimed the lives of 138,377 people between 1970 and 2021. According to the WMO, tropical cyclones are the leading cause of reported deaths in the continent. It said that&nbsp;tropical cyclone Nargis, which occurred in 2008, led to 138,366 deaths.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Bangladesh reported the highest number of casualties in Asia across 281 disasters. “The most vulnerable communities, unfortunately, bear the brunt of weather, climate and water-related hazards,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.

Taalas cited&nbsp;the most recent example of the extremely severe cyclonic storm Mocha which wreaked havoc in Myanmar and Bangladesh last week, which exemplified this reality. He added the severe storm has “caused widespread devastation…impacting the poorest of the poor”.&nbsp;

<h2>Indian researchers echo warnings&nbsp;</h2>

Last year, a report released by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, said that the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods and heatwaves is projected to significantly rise in the country due to climate change.

Meteorologists had&nbsp;previously warned about climate change increasing the instability in the atmosphere due to a rise in convective activity like thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain events, as per the news agency PTI. Additionally, global warming has also led to cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea to be longer and more intense than before.&nbsp;

<h2>Early warning systems for all</h2>

The findings in question were released at the quadrennial World Meteorological Congress in Geneva, Switzerland during high-level talks for ramping up action to ensure that early warning services reach everyone on earth.&nbsp;

The ‘United Nations Early Warnings for All initiative’ aims to make early warning services available for everyone by the end of 2027. WMO said Monday that 22,608 disaster deaths were recorded globally in 2020 and 2021 combined.&nbsp;

“Thanks to early warnings and disaster management these catastrophic mortality rates are now thankfully history,” the report noted, adding that “early warnings save lives”.&nbsp; 
 
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The United Nations agency published new figures on Monday (May 22) which indicated that extreme weather events caused nearly 600 disasters in India which claimed 138,377 lives in the past five decades.

The United Nations agency published new figures on Monday (May 22) which indicated that extreme weather events caused nearly 600 disasters in India which claimed 138,377 lives in the past five decades. The World Meteorological Department (WMO) report also noted that such events have caused the death of two million people and $4.3 trillion in economic damage in the same time period. UN report about Asia According to the report by the UN agency, more than 90 per cent of reported deaths across the world occurred in developing countries. The WMO said that between 1970 and 2021, Asia accounted for nearly 50 per cent of all reported deaths worldwide. India witnessed 573 disasters in the span of five decades which claimed the lives of 138,377 people between 1970 and 2021. According to the WMO, tropical cyclones are the leading cause of reported deaths in the continent. It said that tropical cyclone Nargis, which occurred in 2008, led to 138,366 deaths. Furthermore, Bangladesh reported the highest number of casualties in Asia across 281 disasters. “The most vulnerable communities, unfortunately, bear the brunt of weather, climate and water-related hazards,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. Taalas cited the most recent example of the extremely severe cyclonic storm Mocha which wreaked havoc in Myanmar and Bangladesh last week, which exemplified this reality. He added the severe storm has “caused widespread devastation…impacting the poorest of the poor”. Indian researchers echo warnings Last year, a report released by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, said that the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods and heatwaves is projected to significantly rise in the country due to climate change. Meteorologists had previously warned about climate change increasing the instability in the atmosphere due to a rise in convective activity like thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain events, as per the news agency PTI. Additionally, global warming has also led to cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea to be longer and more intense than before. Early warning systems for all The findings in question were released at the quadrennial World Meteorological Congress in Geneva, Switzerland during high-level talks for ramping up action to ensure that early warning services reach everyone on earth. The ‘United Nations Early Warnings for All initiative’ aims to make early warning services available for everyone by the end of 2027. WMO said Monday that 22,608 disaster deaths were recorded globally in 2020 and 2021 combined. “Thanks to early warnings and disaster management these catastrophic mortality rates are now thankfully history,” the report noted, adding that “early warnings save lives”. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Climate change, extreme weather have led to hundreds of thousands of deaths in India: UN

The United Nations warned on Monday that the Sudan conflict can turn into an ethnically driven conflict if warring parties didn't respect and extend the ceasefire beginning Monday (May 22).

"The growing ethnicization of the conflict risks to expand and prolong it with implications for the region," UN special envoy to Sudan Volker Perthes told the UN Security Council.

Perthes was speaking just hours before a one-week ceasefire was to begin between the two factions. He said that there were already signs that the fighting was threatening to split Sudan along ethnic and communal lines.

Those have only grown recently, he said.&nbsp;

"In parts of the country, fighting between the two armies or the two armed formations has sharpened into communal tensions, or triggered conflict between communities," he said. &nbsp;

"Warning signs of tribal mobilisation are also reported in other parts of the country, particularly in South Kordofan," he said.

He said that after establishing a ceasefire that holds, the UN's number two priority is "preventing the escalation or ethnicisation of the conflict."

Perthes called the ceasefire, agreed on Saturday and set to begin at 9:45 pm (1945 GMT) on Monday, a "welcome development," even though fighting continued through the day on Monday.

"I continue to urge the parties to honour this agreement which they signed two days ago. They must stop the fighting. They must allow access for humanitarian relief, protect humanitarian workers and assets," he said.

The United States and Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced that the ceasefire agreed between the rival camps would take effect at 9:45 pm (1945 GMT) Monday to enable humanitarian assistance to civilians.

Unlike truces previously announced, the US and Saudi said this one is different because it was "signed by the parties" and will be supported by a "ceasefire monitoring mechanism".

Desperate residents voiced hope that the new agreement would stem the brutal warfare that has shaken the capital Khartoum and other parts of the impoverished country, particularly the western Darfur region.

Fighting erupted on April 15 between the army, led by Sudan's de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by Burhan's former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations warned on Monday that the Sudan conflict can turn into an ethnically driven conflict if warring parties didn't respect and extend the ceasefire beginning Monday (May 22).

The United Nations warned on Monday that the Sudan conflict can turn into an ethnically driven conflict if warring parties didn't respect and extend the ceasefire beginning Monday (May 22). "The growing ethnicization of the conflict risks to expand and prolong it with implications for the region," UN special envoy to Sudan Volker Perthes told the UN Security Council. Perthes was speaking just hours before a one-week ceasefire was to begin between the two factions. He said that there were already signs that the fighting was threatening to split Sudan along ethnic and communal lines. Those have only grown recently, he said. "In parts of the country, fighting between the two armies or the two armed formations has sharpened into communal tensions, or triggered conflict between communities," he said. "Warning signs of tribal mobilisation are also reported in other parts of the country, particularly in South Kordofan," he said. He said that after establishing a ceasefire that holds, the UN's number two priority is "preventing the escalation or ethnicisation of the conflict." Perthes called the ceasefire, agreed on Saturday and set to begin at 9:45 pm (1945 GMT) on Monday, a "welcome development," even though fighting continued through the day on Monday. "I continue to urge the parties to honour this agreement which they signed two days ago. They must stop the fighting. They must allow access for humanitarian relief, protect humanitarian workers and assets," he said. The United States and Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced that the ceasefire agreed between the rival camps would take effect at 9:45 pm (1945 GMT) Monday to enable humanitarian assistance to civilians. Unlike truces previously announced, the US and Saudi said this one is different because it was "signed by the parties" and will be supported by a "ceasefire monitoring mechanism". Desperate residents voiced hope that the new agreement would stem the brutal warfare that has shaken the capital Khartoum and other parts of the impoverished country, particularly the western Darfur region. Fighting erupted on April 15 between the army, led by Sudan's de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by Burhan's former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Sudan conflict can turn ethnic, warns UN

The United Nations (UN) said on Monday (May 22) that even though weather-related disasters have surged over the past 50 years, early warning systems have dramatically lessened the number of deaths. New figures from the UN's World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) have shown that extreme weather, climate and water-related events caused 11,778 reported disasters between 1970 and 2021.

UN said that these disasters have killed over two million people and cost an estimated USD 4.3 trillion in economic losses.

"The most vulnerable communities, unfortunately, bear the brunt of weather, climate and water-related hazards," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement.

Over 90 per cent of reported deaths across the world over the 51-year period have occurred in developing countries.

But the agency also said improved early warning systems and coordinated disaster management had significantly reduced the human casualty toll.

WMO pointed out in a report issued two years ago covering disaster-linked deaths and losses between 1970 and 2019, that at the beginning of the period the world was seeing more than 50,000 such deaths each year.

The report says that by the 2010s, the death toll due to such disasters dropped to below 20,000 annually.

In its update of that report, WMO said Monday that 22,608 disaster deaths were recorded globally in 2020 and 2021 combined.

<h2>Cyclone Mocha&nbsp;</h2>

Taalas said that Cyclone Mocha exemplified this. Cyclone Mocha wreaked havoc in Myanmar and Bangladesh last week. It "caused widespread devastation... impacting the poorest of the poor," he said.

Myanmar's military junta put the death toll from the cyclone at 145. But Taalas said that during similar disasters in past, "both Myanmar and Bangladesh suffered death tolls of tens and even hundreds of thousands of people".

"Thanks to early warnings and disaster management these catastrophic mortality rates are now thankfully history. Early warnings save lives."

<h2>The UN plan</h2>

The United Nations has launched a plan to ensure that all nations have disaster early warning systems by the end of 2027.

Endorsing that plan figures among the top strategic priorities during a meeting of WMO's decision-making body, the World Meteorological Congress, which opens Monday.

To date, only half of countries have such systems in place.

<h2>Economic losses</h2>

WMO, meanwhile, warned that while deaths have plunged, the economic losses incurred when weather, climate and water extremes hit have soared.

The agency previously recorded economic losses increased sevenfold between 1970 and 2019, rising from $49 million per day during the first decade to $383 million per day in the final one.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United Nations (UN) said on Monday (May 22) that even though weather-related disasters have surged over the past 50 years, early warning systems have dramatically lessened the number of deaths.

The United Nations (UN) said on Monday (May 22) that even though weather-related disasters have surged over the past 50 years, early warning systems have dramatically lessened the number of deaths. New figures from the UN's World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) have shown that extreme weather, climate and water-related events caused 11,778 reported disasters between 1970 and 2021. UN said that these disasters have killed over two million people and cost an estimated USD 4.3 trillion in economic losses. "The most vulnerable communities, unfortunately, bear the brunt of weather, climate and water-related hazards," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement. Over 90 per cent of reported deaths across the world over the 51-year period have occurred in developing countries. But the agency also said improved early warning systems and coordinated disaster management had significantly reduced the human casualty toll. WMO pointed out in a report issued two years ago covering disaster-linked deaths and losses between 1970 and 2019, that at the beginning of the period the world was seeing more than 50,000 such deaths each year. The report says that by the 2010s, the death toll due to such disasters dropped to below 20,000 annually. In its update of that report, WMO said Monday that 22,608 disaster deaths were recorded globally in 2020 and 2021 combined. Cyclone Mocha Taalas said that Cyclone Mocha exemplified this. Cyclone Mocha wreaked havoc in Myanmar and Bangladesh last week. It "caused widespread devastation... impacting the poorest of the poor," he said. Myanmar's military junta put the death toll from the cyclone at 145. But Taalas said that during similar disasters in past, "both Myanmar and Bangladesh suffered death tolls of tens and even hundreds of thousands of people". "Thanks to early warnings and disaster management these catastrophic mortality rates are now thankfully history. Early warnings save lives." The UN plan The United Nations has launched a plan to ensure that all nations have disaster early warning systems by the end of 2027. Endorsing that plan figures among the top strategic priorities during a meeting of WMO's decision-making body, the World Meteorological Congress, which opens Monday. To date, only half of countries have such systems in place. Economic losses WMO, meanwhile, warned that while deaths have plunged, the economic losses incurred when weather, climate and water extremes hit have soared. The agency previously recorded economic losses increased sevenfold between 1970 and 2019, rising from $49 million per day during the first decade to $383 million per day in the final one. (With inputs from agencies)

Early warning systems are saving thousands of lives: UN

Kat Wankins, a development officer at the UN Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities at Disability Wales, suffered from severe back pain because of not being able to sleep in the bed she had booked at a Travelodge hotel in Hounslow, UK. Watkins suffers from brittle bone disease and sleep apnoea.&nbsp;

<h2>“Out of Order”</h2>

Watkins planned her trip in advance from South Wales to London to attend the performance of singer-songwriter and guitarist James Bay at the Royal Albert Hall on April 26. She travelled to the hotel in her convertible van where she had booked a twin room for herself and her personal assistant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-british-gurkha-hopes-everest-climb-will-change-disability-perceptions-594777">Ex-British Gurkha hopes Everest climb will change disability perceptions</a>

Watkins, who had been there before and had a good experience, was upon arrival informed that the accessible rooms were ‘out of order’ and the room she had advance-booked was no longer available. When questioned about the reason behind the rooms being unavailable, a staff member told her that the rooms had not been cleaned.&nbsp;

<h2>Another mix-up?</h2>

Watkins was then offered two alternatives: a family room where her wheelchair would not fit in the bathroom, or an alternative Travelodge hotel at Twickenham with an accessible room. Watkins reluctantly opted for the first and went ahead with her plan to attend the concert.

WATCH |&nbsp;Disability: Special people, special stories | WION Wideangle

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After returning to the hotel at 12:30 am with her personal assistant, she was informed that the family room was no longer available and that the receptionist would book a taxi for Watkins and her personal assistant to travel to Twickenham Travelodge.

After repeated unsuccessful attempts by the receptionist to find a taxi, Watkins and her personal assistant were left with no choice but to sleep on two uncomfortable sofas in the Hounslow Travelodge dining room. &nbsp;As a result, Watkins suffered from severe back pain the following day.&nbsp;

 
In an interview with The Guardian, Watkins said she was “struggling to breathe. I use a ventilator at night and my breathing was becoming more and more shallow.”&nbsp;

 
“The concert I attended was good but I can’t look back on it with fond memories because the experience I had was so traumatic. I’ve been in agony with my back since that night. I’ve told Travelodge I won’t be using their hotels again.”

<h2>Not the first time&nbsp;</h2>

Alex Osborne, a disability equality officer at Disability Wales, said that “Kat’s experience was particularly bad; however, we have many examples from our members, and my colleagues, of very poor service in hotels”. He further added that they hear frequently of disabled people encountering problems with rooms, even though accessible rooms have been pre-booked.

<h2>Travelodge apologises</h2>

 
A Travelodge spokesperson commented on the matter and said: “We would like to sincerely apologise to Ms Kat Watkins and her PA for their recent experience with us.

"On this rare occasion, we failed to meet our normal high standard of service. We hope that we can welcome back Ms Watkins and reinstate her faith in our brand.”

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Kat Wankins, a development officer at the UN Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities at Disability Wales, suffered from severe back pain because of not being able to sleep in the bed she had booked at a Travelodge hotel in Hounslow, UK.

Kat Wankins, a development officer at the UN Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities at Disability Wales, suffered from severe back pain because of not being able to sleep in the bed she had booked at a Travelodge hotel in Hounslow, UK. Watkins suffers from brittle bone disease and sleep apnoea. “Out of Order” Watkins planned her trip in advance from South Wales to London to attend the performance of singer-songwriter and guitarist James Bay at the Royal Albert Hall on April 26. She travelled to the hotel in her convertible van where she had booked a twin room for herself and her personal assistant. ALSO READ | Ex-British Gurkha hopes Everest climb will change disability perceptions Watkins, who had been there before and had a good experience, was upon arrival informed that the accessible rooms were ‘out of order’ and the room she had advance-booked was no longer available. When questioned about the reason behind the rooms being unavailable, a staff member told her that the rooms had not been cleaned. Another mix-up? Watkins was then offered two alternatives: a family room where her wheelchair would not fit in the bathroom, or an alternative Travelodge hotel at Twickenham with an accessible room. Watkins reluctantly opted for the first and went ahead with her plan to attend the concert. WATCH | Disability: Special people, special stories | WION Wideangle × After returning to the hotel at 12:30 am with her personal assistant, she was informed that the family room was no longer available and that the receptionist would book a taxi for Watkins and her personal assistant to travel to Twickenham Travelodge. After repeated unsuccessful attempts by the receptionist to find a taxi, Watkins and her personal assistant were left with no choice but to sleep on two uncomfortable sofas in the Hounslow Travelodge dining room. As a result, Watkins suffered from severe back pain the following day. In an interview with The Guardian, Watkins said she was “struggling to breathe. I use a ventilator at night and my breathing was becoming more and more shallow.” “The concert I attended was good but I can’t look back on it with fond memories because the experience I had was so traumatic. I’ve been in agony with my back since that night. I’ve told Travelodge I won’t be using their hotels again.” Not the first time Alex Osborne, a disability equality officer at Disability Wales, said that “Kat’s experience was particularly bad; however, we have many examples from our members, and my colleagues, of very poor service in hotels”. He further added that they hear frequently of disabled people encountering problems with rooms, even though accessible rooms have been pre-booked. Travelodge apologises A Travelodge spokesperson commented on the matter and said: “We would like to sincerely apologise to Ms Kat Watkins and her PA for their recent experience with us. "On this rare occasion, we failed to meet our normal high standard of service. We hope that we can welcome back Ms Watkins and reinstate her faith in our brand.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Wheelchair-bound disability activist told to sleep in hotel dining area. Here's what happened

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21) amid the ongoing Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan’s Hiroshima called for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the realities of the present world.&nbsp;

<h2>UN chief urges reform of Security Council, Bretton Woods</h2>

Addressing a press conference in Japan, Guterres said that it was time to reform both the Security Council and Bretton Woods to align with the “realities of today's world,” adding that both institutions reflected the power relations of 1945 and are in need of an update. He also noted how the global financial architecture had become “outdated, dysfunctional and unfair,” as per Reuters.

This was said in the context of the economic shocks that the world witnessed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine while the system&nbsp;put in place has failed to “fulfil its core function as a global safety net,” said the UN chief.&nbsp;

He also went on to note how he felt a growing consciousness among developing countries at the G7 summit that not enough steps are being taken to reform these decades-old institutions or “remove the frustrations” of the Global South, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>G7 and the Global South</h2>

In its World Economic Outlook published earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund said that India and China will account for nearly 50 per cent of the world’s growth in 2023. On the other hand, it is also worth noting that the G7 group of wealthy countries’ economic clout has also shrunk in the past three decades or so.&nbsp;

According to the IMF, the seven major economies account for nearly 30 per cent of the global GDP in 2023, as opposed to 50.7 per cent in 1980, reported Reuters. “The G7 members were able to discuss with some of the most important emerging economies in the world,” said Guterres.&nbsp;

As the G7 presidency holder, Japan also invited leaders from the so-called Global South to Hiroshima for talks including Indian PM Narendra Modi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.&nbsp;

<h2>UN, Security Council will remain just ‘talk shop’ without reform: PM Modi</h2>

During his address at a G7 session in Hiroshima, the Indian PM said that the UN and the Security Council will remain just a “talk shop” if they do not reflect the realities of the present world and called for reform of the global body, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

“It is a matter of analysis, why do we have to talk about peace and stability in different forums? Why is the UN, which was started with the idea of establishing peace, not successful in preventing conflicts today?” the Indian PM questioned.&nbsp;

He also went on to ask why even the definition of terrorism has not been accepted in the UN, adding that “If one introspects, one thing is clear - The institutions created in the last century are not in line with the system of the twenty-first century,” as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;

“They do not reflect the realities of the present. That is why it is necessary that reforms should be implemented in big institutions like the UN,” said the Indian PM, adding that these institutions also need to become the voice of the Global South. “Otherwise, we will only keep talking about ending the conflicts. The UN and the Security Council will remain just a talk shop,” said PM Modi, at a G7 session.&nbsp;

New Delhi&nbsp;is eyeing a permanent seat on the UNSC, which is currently held by five countries – Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France and the United States, who wield the power to veto any substantive resolution.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21) amid the ongoing Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan’s Hiroshima called for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the realities of the present world.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21) amid the ongoing Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan’s Hiroshima called for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the realities of the present world. UN chief urges reform of Security Council, Bretton Woods Addressing a press conference in Japan, Guterres said that it was time to reform both the Security Council and Bretton Woods to align with the “realities of today's world,” adding that both institutions reflected the power relations of 1945 and are in need of an update. He also noted how the global financial architecture had become “outdated, dysfunctional and unfair,” as per Reuters. This was said in the context of the economic shocks that the world witnessed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine while the system put in place has failed to “fulfil its core function as a global safety net,” said the UN chief. He also went on to note how he felt a growing consciousness among developing countries at the G7 summit that not enough steps are being taken to reform these decades-old institutions or “remove the frustrations” of the Global South, reported Reuters. G7 and the Global South In its World Economic Outlook published earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund said that India and China will account for nearly 50 per cent of the world’s growth in 2023. On the other hand, it is also worth noting that the G7 group of wealthy countries’ economic clout has also shrunk in the past three decades or so. According to the IMF, the seven major economies account for nearly 30 per cent of the global GDP in 2023, as opposed to 50.7 per cent in 1980, reported Reuters. “The G7 members were able to discuss with some of the most important emerging economies in the world,” said Guterres. As the G7 presidency holder, Japan also invited leaders from the so-called Global South to Hiroshima for talks including Indian PM Narendra Modi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. UN, Security Council will remain just ‘talk shop’ without reform: PM Modi During his address at a G7 session in Hiroshima, the Indian PM said that the UN and the Security Council will remain just a “talk shop” if they do not reflect the realities of the present world and called for reform of the global body, reported news agency PTI. “It is a matter of analysis, why do we have to talk about peace and stability in different forums? Why is the UN, which was started with the idea of establishing peace, not successful in preventing conflicts today?” the Indian PM questioned. He also went on to ask why even the definition of terrorism has not been accepted in the UN, adding that “If one introspects, one thing is clear - The institutions created in the last century are not in line with the system of the twenty-first century,” as quoted by PTI. “They do not reflect the realities of the present. That is why it is necessary that reforms should be implemented in big institutions like the UN,” said the Indian PM, adding that these institutions also need to become the voice of the Global South. “Otherwise, we will only keep talking about ending the conflicts. The UN and the Security Council will remain just a talk shop,” said PM Modi, at a G7 session. New Delhi is eyeing a permanent seat on the UNSC, which is currently held by five countries – Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France and the United States, who wield the power to veto any substantive resolution. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN chief, Indian PM Modi call for reform of Security Council to reflect ‘realities’ of today

United Nations hails India as a bright spot for the global economy. It has predicted that the country will grow at 6.7 % in 2024 as the fastest-growing major global economy. A 3.4 trillion-dollar economy – suggests 200 billion dollars' worth of economic activity. But at the same time, India needs to guard itself against some clear red flags. Watch this report

UN projects 6.7% growth for India in 2024

Temperatures are likely to rise by more than 1.5°c above pre-industrial levels - within the next five years: WMO. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

Hottest five years, 1.5c breach likely: UN

A senior United Nations (UN) official said on Wednesday (May 17) that the agency's humanitarian response plan is seeking USD 2.56 billion to help people affected by the crisis in Sudan. The UN refugee agency is also seeking more funding to assist those who were forced to run away from their homes.

"The funding requirements of nearly $2.6 billion is also the highest for any humanitarian appeal for Sudan," said Ramesh Rajasingham, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva and director of the Coordination Division.

"Today, 25 million people, more than half the population of Sudan, need humanitarian aid and protection. This is the highest number we have ever seen in the country," he added.

Watch | Sudan Conflict: Army carries out fresh strikes in Khartoum

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The plan is a revised version of the annual humanitarian plan for 2023. It designed to target 18 million people in need.&nbsp;

Sudan is currently experiencing a military and humanitarian crisis that is threatening to destabilise the region. The crisis has been caused by fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has displaced more than 700,000 people inside Sudan and has forced about 200,000 to flee into neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), making a joint appeal with the aid agency on Wednesday, said it was seeking $472 million to assist more than 1 million people over the next six months.

"Sadly, we need once again to call on countries and individuals with the means to step up for innocent people who have lost everything through no fault of their own," said Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR.

Sudanese capital Khartoum and its sister cities of Bahri and Omdurman are experiencing intense battles despite Saudi and US-brokered talks between the two sides.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwaiti-jordanian-embassies-attacked-in-sudan-saudi-arabia-condemns-the-act-593122">Kuwaiti, Jordanian embassies attacked in Sudan; Saudi Arabia condemns the act</a>

The fighting has spread to the western region of Darfur, but has been concentrated in the capital, where RSF fighters have taken up positions across neighborhoods and the army has used air strikes and heavy artillery fire to target them.

The unrest has killed at least 676 people and injured 5,576, according to official figures, though with many reports of people missing and bodies left unburied, the real toll is expected to be much higher.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A senior United Nations (UN) official said on Wednesday (May 17) that the agency's humanitarian response plan is seeking USD 2.56 billion to help people affected by the crisis in Sudan.

A senior United Nations (UN) official said on Wednesday (May 17) that the agency's humanitarian response plan is seeking USD 2.56 billion to help people affected by the crisis in Sudan. The UN refugee agency is also seeking more funding to assist those who were forced to run away from their homes. "The funding requirements of nearly $2.6 billion is also the highest for any humanitarian appeal for Sudan," said Ramesh Rajasingham, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva and director of the Coordination Division. "Today, 25 million people, more than half the population of Sudan, need humanitarian aid and protection. This is the highest number we have ever seen in the country," he added. Watch | Sudan Conflict: Army carries out fresh strikes in Khartoum × The plan is a revised version of the annual humanitarian plan for 2023. It designed to target 18 million people in need. Sudan is currently experiencing a military and humanitarian crisis that is threatening to destabilise the region. The crisis has been caused by fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has displaced more than 700,000 people inside Sudan and has forced about 200,000 to flee into neighbouring countries. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), making a joint appeal with the aid agency on Wednesday, said it was seeking $472 million to assist more than 1 million people over the next six months. "Sadly, we need once again to call on countries and individuals with the means to step up for innocent people who have lost everything through no fault of their own," said Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR. Sudanese capital Khartoum and its sister cities of Bahri and Omdurman are experiencing intense battles despite Saudi and US-brokered talks between the two sides. Also Read | Kuwaiti, Jordanian embassies attacked in Sudan; Saudi Arabia condemns the act The fighting has spread to the western region of Darfur, but has been concentrated in the capital, where RSF fighters have taken up positions across neighborhoods and the army has used air strikes and heavy artillery fire to target them. The unrest has killed at least 676 people and injured 5,576, according to official figures, though with many reports of people missing and bodies left unburied, the real toll is expected to be much higher. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

About $2.6 billion required in Sudan for humanitarian needs: UN

Global temperatures will rise to record levels in the next five years and at least one of those years will be the warmest on record, said a report by the United Nation’s weather agency, on Wednesday (May 17).

It also noted that there is a 66 per cent chance that the annual average near-surface global temperature between the years 2023 and 2027, will be more than 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels for at least one year, crossing the key threshold.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the UN agency say?</h2>

The report has attributed this record rise in temperatures to a combination of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and naturally occurring El Niño weather pattern.&nbsp;

According to Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the weather pattern is expected to develop in the coming months and will combine with human-induced climate change effectively pushing global temperatures into an “uncharted territory”.&nbsp;

He added, “This will have far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management and the environment. We need to be prepared.” The report also noted that there is a 98 per cent chance that at least one in the next five years will beat the temperature record set in 2016. The rise in temperature noted seven years ago was also due to an exceptionally strong El Niño.

<h2>The 1.5 degree Celsius limit</h2>

The update issued by the WMO also said that there is a 66 per cent likelihood that the annual average near-surface global temperature between this year and 2027 will cross the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, warmer than the mid-19th century.

However, the temperature might not stay over the key threshold which remains critical because of the 2015 Paris climate agreement which set the number to guide all nations to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions while countries pledging to try to prevent that in the long run.&nbsp;

The lead author of the report, a climate scientist at the United Kingdom’s Met Office,&nbsp;Leon Hermanson, said, “It won’t be this year probably. Maybe it’ll be next year or the year after,” referring to the 1.5 degree Celsius average. Hermanson also said that “a single year doesn’t really mean anything.” Scientists usually use 30-year averages.

However, he warned that “Nobody is going to be untouched by these changes and it’s already leading to floods across the world, droughts and big movements of people.” Meanwhile, Taalas said that this report does not indicate that the temperature will “permanently exceed” the 1.5-degree Celsius level. 
 
He added, “However, WMO is sounding the alarm that we will breach the 1.5 C level on a temporary basis with increasing frequency.” In a press conference, on Wednesday, the WMO chief also said, “We haven’t been able to limit the warming so far and we are still moving in the wrong, wrong direction.”&nbsp;

<h2>El Niño&nbsp;</h2>

According to the UN, the weather pattern, El Niño, typically increases global temperatures in the year after it develops. In this case, that means 2024, when we could witness large-scale warming of surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. As of now, the world was coming off a record-tying triple dip La Nina for three years straight which is the opposite of the El Niño weather pattern.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Global temperatures will rise to record levels in the next five years and at least one of those years will be the warmest on record, said a report by the United Nation’s weather agency, on Wednesday (May 17).

Global temperatures will rise to record levels in the next five years and at least one of those years will be the warmest on record, said a report by the United Nation’s weather agency, on Wednesday (May 17). It also noted that there is a 66 per cent chance that the annual average near-surface global temperature between the years 2023 and 2027, will be more than 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels for at least one year, crossing the key threshold. What did the UN agency say? The report has attributed this record rise in temperatures to a combination of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and naturally occurring El Niño weather pattern. According to Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the weather pattern is expected to develop in the coming months and will combine with human-induced climate change effectively pushing global temperatures into an “uncharted territory”. He added, “This will have far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management and the environment. We need to be prepared.” The report also noted that there is a 98 per cent chance that at least one in the next five years will beat the temperature record set in 2016. The rise in temperature noted seven years ago was also due to an exceptionally strong El Niño. The 1.5 degree Celsius limit The update issued by the WMO also said that there is a 66 per cent likelihood that the annual average near-surface global temperature between this year and 2027 will cross the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, warmer than the mid-19th century. However, the temperature might not stay over the key threshold which remains critical because of the 2015 Paris climate agreement which set the number to guide all nations to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions while countries pledging to try to prevent that in the long run. The lead author of the report, a climate scientist at the United Kingdom’s Met Office, Leon Hermanson, said, “It won’t be this year probably. Maybe it’ll be next year or the year after,” referring to the 1.5 degree Celsius average. Hermanson also said that “a single year doesn’t really mean anything.” Scientists usually use 30-year averages. However, he warned that “Nobody is going to be untouched by these changes and it’s already leading to floods across the world, droughts and big movements of people.” Meanwhile, Taalas said that this report does not indicate that the temperature will “permanently exceed” the 1.5-degree Celsius level. He added, “However, WMO is sounding the alarm that we will breach the 1.5 C level on a temporary basis with increasing frequency.” In a press conference, on Wednesday, the WMO chief also said, “We haven’t been able to limit the warming so far and we are still moving in the wrong, wrong direction.” El Niño According to the UN, the weather pattern, El Niño, typically increases global temperatures in the year after it develops. In this case, that means 2024, when we could witness large-scale warming of surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. As of now, the world was coming off a record-tying triple dip La Nina for three years straight which is the opposite of the El Niño weather pattern. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Global temperatures set to break records in next five years, might hit key warming threshold: UN

According to a recent UN estimate, the Indian economy is predicted to grow by 6.7% in 2024, emerging as one of the few bright spots while most nations across the world have entered a slow recession. Watch to know more in this exclusive interview with Ambreesh Baliga.

Indian economy expected to grow 6.7 per cent in 2024, says UN report

While most countries across the globe have entered a slow recession, the Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in the calendar year 2024, emerging as one of the few bright spots, a new UN report has revealed. The World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2023 report released on Tuesday said India's economy is expected to expand by 5.8 per cent in 2023 and 6.7 per cent in 2024.

India a bright spot in world economy, India to grow 6.7% in 2024 says UN

While most countries across the globe have entered a slow recession, the Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in the calendar year 2024, emerging as one of the few bright spots, a new UN report has revealed.&nbsp;

The World Economic Situation and Prospects&nbsp;as of mid-2023&nbsp;report released on Tuesday said India's economy is expected to expand by 5.8 per cent in 2023 and 6.7 per cent in 2024.&nbsp;

It, however, added that&nbsp;higher interest rates and weaker external demand will continue to weigh on investment and exports in 2023.&nbsp;

The report noted that while most central banks in the region hiked interest rates in early 2023 to tackle inflation and stabilise exchange rates, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) applied the brakes after six consecutive hikes, accounting for a cumulative&nbsp;increase of 250 basis points since May last year.&nbsp;

"We have kept the policy rate unchanged, this decision was taken based on our assessment of the macroeconomic and financial conditions with reference to information available," said RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das at the time.&nbsp;

The growth projection for India is in line with the estimate made in&nbsp;World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023 report launched earlier this year.&nbsp;The January report said&nbsp;India's GDP is projected to grow to 5.8 per cent in 2023.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-applies-brakes-on-repo-rate-hike-keeps-it-unchanged-at-65-579686">ALSO READ |&nbsp;RBI applies brakes on repo rate hike, keeps it unchanged at 6.5%</a>

<h2>India is the bright spot</h2>

Hamid Rashid, chief of the&nbsp;Global Economic Monitoring Branch, Economic Analysis and Policy Division, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, commenting on the findings of the report said India remained a 'bright' spot on the horizon.&nbsp;

“India remains a bright spot. Our projection for India hasn't changed since January and we see many positives, including the inflation has come down significantly. We are pretty confident with our forecast right now for the year,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/from-cars-to-homes-spending-in-india-booms-as-countries-battle-rising-inflation-526322">WATCH |&nbsp;From cars to homes, spending in India booms as other countries battle rising inflation</a>

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<h2>Inflation rate based on WPI</h2>

Rashid may have been referring to the release of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) which fell to a new&nbsp;three-year low of&nbsp;(-) 0.92 per cent in April. According to data released by the&nbsp;Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday, this is the first instance after July 2020 that the inflation rate based on WPI has slipped into negative territory.&nbsp;

"Decline in the rate of inflation in April 2023 is primarily contributed by fall in prices of basic metals, food products, mineral oils, textiles, non-food articles, chemical &amp; chemical products, rubber &amp; plastic products and paper &amp; paper products," the government noted.&nbsp;

According to the UN report, inflation in India is expected to decelerate to 5.5 per cent in 2023 as global commodity prices moderate.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-wpi-falls-into-negative-for-first-time-since-july-2020-govt-cites-high-base-effect-as-the-reason-592827">ALSO READ |&nbsp;India: WPI falls into negative for first time since July 2020, govt cites high base effect as the reason</a>

While India grows rapidly,&nbsp;the world economy is expected to lag, despite a slight uptick from previous gloomy predictions.&nbsp;

"The world economy is now projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2023 (+0.4 percentage points from the January forecast) and 2.5 per cent in 2024 (-0.2 percentage points), a slight uptick in the global growth forecast for 2023," read the report.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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While most countries across the globe have entered a slow recession, the Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in the calendar year 2024, emerging as one of the few bright spots, a new UN report has revealed.

While most countries across the globe have entered a slow recession, the Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in the calendar year 2024, emerging as one of the few bright spots, a new UN report has revealed. The World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2023 report released on Tuesday said India's economy is expected to expand by 5.8 per cent in 2023 and 6.7 per cent in 2024. It, however, added that higher interest rates and weaker external demand will continue to weigh on investment and exports in 2023. The report noted that while most central banks in the region hiked interest rates in early 2023 to tackle inflation and stabilise exchange rates, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) applied the brakes after six consecutive hikes, accounting for a cumulative increase of 250 basis points since May last year. "We have kept the policy rate unchanged, this decision was taken based on our assessment of the macroeconomic and financial conditions with reference to information available," said RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das at the time. The growth projection for India is in line with the estimate made in World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023 report launched earlier this year. The January report said India's GDP is projected to grow to 5.8 per cent in 2023. ALSO READ | RBI applies brakes on repo rate hike, keeps it unchanged at 6.5% India is the bright spot Hamid Rashid, chief of the Global Economic Monitoring Branch, Economic Analysis and Policy Division, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, commenting on the findings of the report said India remained a 'bright' spot on the horizon. “India remains a bright spot. Our projection for India hasn't changed since January and we see many positives, including the inflation has come down significantly. We are pretty confident with our forecast right now for the year,” he was quoted as saying by PTI. WATCH | From cars to homes, spending in India booms as other countries battle rising inflation × Inflation rate based on WPI Rashid may have been referring to the release of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) which fell to a new three-year low of (-) 0.92 per cent in April. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday, this is the first instance after July 2020 that the inflation rate based on WPI has slipped into negative territory. "Decline in the rate of inflation in April 2023 is primarily contributed by fall in prices of basic metals, food products, mineral oils, textiles, non-food articles, chemical & chemical products, rubber & plastic products and paper & paper products," the government noted. According to the UN report, inflation in India is expected to decelerate to 5.5 per cent in 2023 as global commodity prices moderate. ALSO READ | India: WPI falls into negative for first time since July 2020, govt cites high base effect as the reason While India grows rapidly, the world economy is expected to lag, despite a slight uptick from previous gloomy predictions. "The world economy is now projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2023 (+0.4 percentage points from the January forecast) and 2.5 per cent in 2024 (-0.2 percentage points), a slight uptick in the global growth forecast for 2023," read the report. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India to grow 6.7% in 2024, remain one of the few 'bright spots': UN report

Former White House advisor Amy Pope is set to become the first woman to head the United Nations’ migration agency after she won the vote on Monday (May 15) in Geneva against the Portuguese incumbent Antonio Vitorino. She will become the organisation’s first woman chief on October 1.&nbsp;

In a statement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that her five-year term will begin in a couple of months. Following the win, Pope took to Twitter and wrote, “Humbled and honoured to be chosen as the next Director General of (IOM). I am ready to work with ALL our member states and global partners to unleash the opportunities provided by effective, orderly and humane migration.”&nbsp;

She had previously served as Deputy Director General for Management and Reform at IOM under the leadership of Antonio Vitorino who took office in 2018.

Pope was chosen by a secret ballot where IOM’s 175 member states voted her as the new director general. She was competing against Portugal’s former deputy prime minister Vitorino.&nbsp;

Pope also managed to secure the lead after a first round of voting, missing just 12 votes to reach the two-thirds majority needed to declare victory, but before the vote to go to a second round, Vitorino bowed out of the race.

According to reports, over 100 million people are forcibly displaced around the world and the more than 70-year-old agency seeks to ensure humane and orderly migration and intervenes where needed.

In a statement, following Pope’s win, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “As IOM’s largest bilateral donor, the United States strongly supports Ms. Pope's vision and looks forward to working with her to implement the critical reforms necessary to create a more effective, inclusive IOM.”&nbsp;

Notably, UN agency chiefs who apply for a second term are typically shooed in without challenge and when Pope announced her candidacy in October, “it was a bit of a shock…It was not seen as a friendly move,” a European diplomat in Geneva acknowledged to AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The 66-year-old incumbent Vitorino had previously called the vote unprecedented and said, “We have never happened to have an incumbent director general that faces a competition with one of his deputy generals. Let's call it an innovation,” as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Former White House advisor Amy Pope is set to become the first woman to head the United Nations’ migration agency after she won the vote on Monday (May 15) in Geneva against the Portuguese incumbent Antonio Vitorino.

Former White House advisor Amy Pope is set to become the first woman to head the United Nations’ migration agency after she won the vote on Monday (May 15) in Geneva against the Portuguese incumbent Antonio Vitorino. She will become the organisation’s first woman chief on October 1. In a statement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that her five-year term will begin in a couple of months. Following the win, Pope took to Twitter and wrote, “Humbled and honoured to be chosen as the next Director General of (IOM). I am ready to work with ALL our member states and global partners to unleash the opportunities provided by effective, orderly and humane migration.” She had previously served as Deputy Director General for Management and Reform at IOM under the leadership of Antonio Vitorino who took office in 2018. Pope was chosen by a secret ballot where IOM’s 175 member states voted her as the new director general. She was competing against Portugal’s former deputy prime minister Vitorino. Pope also managed to secure the lead after a first round of voting, missing just 12 votes to reach the two-thirds majority needed to declare victory, but before the vote to go to a second round, Vitorino bowed out of the race. According to reports, over 100 million people are forcibly displaced around the world and the more than 70-year-old agency seeks to ensure humane and orderly migration and intervenes where needed. In a statement, following Pope’s win, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “As IOM’s largest bilateral donor, the United States strongly supports Ms. Pope's vision and looks forward to working with her to implement the critical reforms necessary to create a more effective, inclusive IOM.” Notably, UN agency chiefs who apply for a second term are typically shooed in without challenge and when Pope announced her candidacy in October, “it was a bit of a shock…It was not seen as a friendly move,” a European diplomat in Geneva acknowledged to AFP on condition of anonymity. The 66-year-old incumbent Vitorino had previously called the vote unprecedented and said, “We have never happened to have an incumbent director general that faces a competition with one of his deputy generals. Let's call it an innovation,” as quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

White House veteran Amy Pope becomes first woman to head UN's International Organization for Migration

Cyclone Mocha intensified into a category five hurricane on Sunday, hours ahead of its predicted landfall in Myanmar and Bangladesh, where hundreds of thousands of people evacuated from the coasts were taking shelter. People have evacuated from low-lying coastal areas in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Cyclone Mocha intensifies, US typhoon war room predicts 250 km/hour winds

China has rejected the listing of Pakistan-based Jaish commander Abdul Rauf Azhar as a terrorist at United Nations Security Council (UNSC), effectively putting the issue out of the ambit of the council. Only a fresh proposal can put the listing of Rauf Azhar back on the agenda of the Security Council.

A proposal was moved by India, co-sponsored by the US, to list Abdul Rauf Azhar in the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee last year. China had, however, placed a technical hold on the proposal.

Azhar, the deputy chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed and younger brother of its founder Masood Azhar, is known for his involvement in several terrorist attacks, including the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft in 1999, the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, and the attack on an Indian Air Force base in 2016. He is one of the most wanted people in India.

This is not the first time that China, Pakistan's all-weather friend, obstructed or blocked the listing of terrorists in the 1267 Sanctions Committee. These actions by Beijing have been seen as politicisation of the sanction regime.

Last year, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar criticised China for obstructing the United Nations Security Council's listing of a Pakistan-based terrorist group.

Dr Jaishankar emphasised the need for the Security Council to convey a clear and forceful message and emphasised that political considerations should not be used to evade responsibility or enable impunity. Without mentioning China directly, he highlighted that the Security Council has failed to sanction some of the most notorious terrorists in the world due to such political considerations.

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China has rejected the listing of Pakistan-based Jaish commander Abdul Rauf Azhar as a terrorist at United Nations Security Council (UNSC), effectively putting the issue out of the ambit of the council.

China has rejected the listing of Pakistan-based Jaish commander Abdul Rauf Azhar as a terrorist at United Nations Security Council (UNSC), effectively putting the issue out of the ambit of the council. Only a fresh proposal can put the listing of Rauf Azhar back on the agenda of the Security Council. A proposal was moved by India, co-sponsored by the US, to list Abdul Rauf Azhar in the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee last year. China had, however, placed a technical hold on the proposal. Azhar, the deputy chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed and younger brother of its founder Masood Azhar, is known for his involvement in several terrorist attacks, including the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft in 1999, the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, and the attack on an Indian Air Force base in 2016. He is one of the most wanted people in India. This is not the first time that China, Pakistan's all-weather friend, obstructed or blocked the listing of terrorists in the 1267 Sanctions Committee. These actions by Beijing have been seen as politicisation of the sanction regime. Last year, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar criticised China for obstructing the United Nations Security Council's listing of a Pakistan-based terrorist group. Dr Jaishankar emphasised the need for the Security Council to convey a clear and forceful message and emphasised that political considerations should not be used to evade responsibility or enable impunity. Without mentioning China directly, he highlighted that the Security Council has failed to sanction some of the most notorious terrorists in the world due to such political considerations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China blocks listing of Pak-based Abdul Rauf Azhar as terrorist at United Nations Security Council

While the war in Sudan continues to alternate between bloodshed and ceasefires, the misery of the Sudanese people remains constant. The United Nations has warned that the Sudanese humanitarian crisis could be a factor to destabilise entire region.

UN warns Sudanese humanitarian crisis could destabilise entire region

Three Iranian female journalists who are currently detained received the UN's top award for press freedom on Tuesday evening "for their commitment to truth and accountability."

The winners are Elaheh Mohammadi, who wrote about Mahsa Amini's funeral, and Niloufar Hamedi, who broke the news that the 22-year-old died in morality police custody last September while wearing her headscarf too loosely, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

In dozens of Iranian cities, Amini's passing sparked months-long protests. One of the most significant threats to the Islamic Republic since the 2009 Green Movement rallies that drew millions of people to the streets was presented by the demonstrations.

The third winner is Narges Mohammadi, who has worked as a journalist for several years and is known for her activities as an activist.&nbsp;

The UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Press Freedom Prize is coined for Guillermo Cano, a Colombian journalist&nbsp;who was assassinated in front of the offices of his newspaper El Espectador in Bogota on Dec. 17, 1986. Since 1997, the prize has been presented on May 3 to coincide with the World Press Freedom Day.

UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay announced the winners at a ceremony in New York, saying: “Now more than ever, it is important to pay tribute to all women journalists who are prevented from doing their jobs and who face threats and attacks on their personal safety.”

Zainab Salbi, chair of the international jury of media professionals that finalised the winners, said the brave work of the three winners “led to a historical women-led revolution.”

“They paid a hefty price for their commitment to report on and convey the truth,” Salbi said. “And for that, we are committed to honouring them and ensuring their voices will continue to echo worldwide until they are safe and free,” she added.&nbsp;

Iran's judiciary revealed in late April that Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, two reporters who broke the news of Amini's death, had been charged with working with the US, violating national security, and spreading "propaganda" against the system.&nbsp;

Although nearly 100 journalists have been detained amid the protests, Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi's reporting was essential in the days following the death of Amini to spread awareness of the outrage that followed. Mohammadi and Hamedi both work for the reformist journal Ham-Mihan, whereas Hamedi works for the reformist newspaper Shargh.

Human rights activists in Iran estimate that at least 529 people have died during protests since they started.&nbsp;

Narges Mohammadi has been arrested and imprisoned by the government numerous times, and according to UNESCO, she is now in Evin Prison serving a 16-year term. She has received recognition&nbsp;from other countries for her efforts, particularly her opposition to the death sentence in Iran, which is still the world's leading executioner.&nbsp;

She is the deputy director of the Defenders of Human Rights Centre, a civil society group based in Tehran, according to UNESCO. She also continues to publish articles from prison and has spoken with other women prisoners for her book, "White Torture," according to the UN&nbsp;office.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Three Iranian female journalists who are currently detained received the UN's top award for press freedom on Tuesday evening "for their commitment to truth and accountability.

Three Iranian female journalists who are currently detained received the UN's top award for press freedom on Tuesday evening "for their commitment to truth and accountability." The winners are Elaheh Mohammadi, who wrote about Mahsa Amini's funeral, and Niloufar Hamedi, who broke the news that the 22-year-old died in morality police custody last September while wearing her headscarf too loosely, reported the Associated Press. In dozens of Iranian cities, Amini's passing sparked months-long protests. One of the most significant threats to the Islamic Republic since the 2009 Green Movement rallies that drew millions of people to the streets was presented by the demonstrations. The third winner is Narges Mohammadi, who has worked as a journalist for several years and is known for her activities as an activist. The UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Press Freedom Prize is coined for Guillermo Cano, a Colombian journalist who was assassinated in front of the offices of his newspaper El Espectador in Bogota on Dec. 17, 1986. Since 1997, the prize has been presented on May 3 to coincide with the World Press Freedom Day. UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay announced the winners at a ceremony in New York, saying: “Now more than ever, it is important to pay tribute to all women journalists who are prevented from doing their jobs and who face threats and attacks on their personal safety.” Zainab Salbi, chair of the international jury of media professionals that finalised the winners, said the brave work of the three winners “led to a historical women-led revolution.” “They paid a hefty price for their commitment to report on and convey the truth,” Salbi said. “And for that, we are committed to honouring them and ensuring their voices will continue to echo worldwide until they are safe and free,” she added. Iran's judiciary revealed in late April that Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, two reporters who broke the news of Amini's death, had been charged with working with the US, violating national security, and spreading "propaganda" against the system. Although nearly 100 journalists have been detained amid the protests, Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi's reporting was essential in the days following the death of Amini to spread awareness of the outrage that followed. Mohammadi and Hamedi both work for the reformist journal Ham-Mihan, whereas Hamedi works for the reformist newspaper Shargh. Human rights activists in Iran estimate that at least 529 people have died during protests since they started. Narges Mohammadi has been arrested and imprisoned by the government numerous times, and according to UNESCO, she is now in Evin Prison serving a 16-year term. She has received recognition from other countries for her efforts, particularly her opposition to the death sentence in Iran, which is still the world's leading executioner. She is the deputy director of the Defenders of Human Rights Centre, a civil society group based in Tehran, according to UNESCO. She also continues to publish articles from prison and has spoken with other women prisoners for her book, "White Torture," according to the UN office. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran: Three women journalists jailed after Mahsa Amini’s death win UN’s top press freedom award

In order to discuss Afghanistan's issues, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez is getting ready to call a private conference in Doha. A number of foreign ambassadors are anticipated to participate.

Taliban's crackdown on women's rights underlines UN meeting agenda

Sudan is almost on the brink of humanitarian crisis, the United Nations Refugees Agency has said that more than 800,000 people may flee. Sudan as a result of the ongoing conflict and the number includes Sudanese nationals and thousands of existing refugees living temporary in the country.

Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis: UN warns of further displacement of people

The Taliban will not be part of the UN-led international talks on situation in Afghanistan. The regime has not been invited for the talks that are expected to focus on women's rights in the crisis-stricken country. Representatives from the US, China, Russia, Pakistan and more will be present for the discussions in Qatar to open on Monday (May 1).

The talks, called by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will go on for two days.

The Taliban government's deputy spokesman, Bilal Karimi, said Monday it "wants positive engagement with the world". 
But "internal issues" -- such as curbs on women's rights -- should not factor into decisions about diplomatic engagement and formal recognition, he told AFP in Kabul.

"These should not be used as political tools," he said. "Countries should have the moral courage to independently come forward for positive engagement."

A small group of Afghan women staged a weekend protest in Kabul to oppose global recognition to Taliban regime in the country.

In an open letter to the Doha meeting released Sunday, a coalition of Afghan women's groups said they were "outraged" that any country would consider formal ties with the government that the UN calls the "de facto authorities".

The UN and the US have said that recognition to the Taliban regime is not on the agenda.

Rights groups' fears have been fuelled by remarks made last month by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who said the Doha meeting could find "baby steps" that lead to a "principled recognition" of the Taliban government.

The UN said the comments were misinterpreted.

UN membership can only be decided by the UN General Assembly. No country has established formal ties with the Taliban regime.

Ahead of his arrival in Doha, Guterres' office said the meeting "is intended to achieve a common understanding within the international community on how to engage with the Taliban" on women's and girls' rights, inclusive governance, countering terrorism and drug trafficking.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

The Taliban will not be part of the UN-led international talks on situation in Afghanistan. The regime has not been invited for the talks that are expected to focus on women's rights in the crisis-stricken country.

The Taliban will not be part of the UN-led international talks on situation in Afghanistan. The regime has not been invited for the talks that are expected to focus on women's rights in the crisis-stricken country. Representatives from the US, China, Russia, Pakistan and more will be present for the discussions in Qatar to open on Monday (May 1). The talks, called by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will go on for two days. The Taliban government's deputy spokesman, Bilal Karimi, said Monday it "wants positive engagement with the world". But "internal issues" -- such as curbs on women's rights -- should not factor into decisions about diplomatic engagement and formal recognition, he told AFP in Kabul. "These should not be used as political tools," he said. "Countries should have the moral courage to independently come forward for positive engagement." A small group of Afghan women staged a weekend protest in Kabul to oppose global recognition to Taliban regime in the country. In an open letter to the Doha meeting released Sunday, a coalition of Afghan women's groups said they were "outraged" that any country would consider formal ties with the government that the UN calls the "de facto authorities". The UN and the US have said that recognition to the Taliban regime is not on the agenda. Rights groups' fears have been fuelled by remarks made last month by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who said the Doha meeting could find "baby steps" that lead to a "principled recognition" of the Taliban government. The UN said the comments were misinterpreted. UN membership can only be decided by the UN General Assembly. No country has established formal ties with the Taliban regime. Ahead of his arrival in Doha, Guterres' office said the meeting "is intended to achieve a common understanding within the international community on how to engage with the Taliban" on women's and girls' rights, inclusive governance, countering terrorism and drug trafficking. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Taliban not invited for UN-talks over the crisis-stricken country

The 100th episode of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme, "Mann Ki Baat," will be broadcast live at the United Nations on April 30. The&nbsp;radio address will air at 11 am IST, which will be 1:30 am Sunday in New York. It will be aired in the UN's Trusteeship Council Chamber, as per PTI reports.

<h2>Historic moment for India</h2>

“Get ready for a historic moment as the 100th episode of PM Modi’s "Mann Ki Baat" is set to go live on April 30th in Trusteeship Council Chamber at @UN HQ!” the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a tweet.

“#MannKiBaat has become a monthly national tradition, inspiring millions to participate in India’s developmental journey,” the Permanent Mission said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Get ready for a historic moment 🎉 as the 100th episode of PM Modi's "Mann Ki Baat"🎙️ is set to go live on April 30th in Trusteeship Council Chamber at <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> HQ! 
 
📻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> has become a monthly national tradition, inspiring millions to participate in 🇮🇳’s developmental journey <a href="https://t.co/6ji4t1flmu">pic.twitter.com/6ji4t1flmu</a>
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNNewYork/status/1652037211536105477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The 100th episode of "Mann Ki Baat" will be broadcast for the Indian-American and diaspora community at 1:30 am on Sunday as part of a special celebration hosted by the Indian Consulate General in New York and community organisations.

“Don't miss #MannKiBaatAt100 at 0130 hrs EST on April 30th, 2023! Let us celebrate the landmark 100th episode of #MannKiBaat as Hon’ble @PMOIndia connects with Indians, Indian diaspora and listeners across the world,” the Consulate said in a tweet.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-to-visit-maldives-to-bolster-defence-ties-587408">Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Maldives to bolster defence ties</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Don't miss <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaatAt100?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaatAt100</a> at 0130 hrs EST on April 30th, 2023! 
 
Let us celebrate the landmark 100th episode of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> as Hon'ble <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> connects with Indians, Indian diaspora and listeners across the world.<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbassyUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbassyUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://t.co/OkHYjy637N">https://t.co/OkHYjy637N</a>
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainNewYork/status/1652083766850994183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Additionally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise a nationwide conclave called "Mann Ki Baat @100" to mark the milestone episode Sunday,&nbsp;as reported by Outlook India.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Renowned people from various sectors that PM Modi has mentioned in earlier episodes would attend the event. &nbsp;Attendees to the event will share their views and opinions on a variety of issues pertaining to India's progress. 
&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The event will also witness the release of two books by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. First a coffee table book on 'Mann Ki Baat@100' and second 'Collective Spirit, Concrete Action' by S.S. Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;J&amp;K's Srinagar hosts model G20 summit: Meeting of young minds across region</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-jks-srinagar-hosts-model-g20-summit-meeting-of-young-minds-across-region-wion-587392/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>What is 'Mann Ki Baat' all about?</h2>

Prime Minister Modi addresses the nation's citizens on a variety of topics on his radio programme, "Mann Ki Baat." It debuted on October 3, 2014, and it currently airs on the All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) network at 11 a.m. on the last Sunday of every month.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The 100th episode of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme, "Mann Ki Baat," will be broadcast live at the United Nations on April 30. The radio address will air at 11 am IST, which will be 1:30 am Sunday in New York.

The 100th episode of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme, "Mann Ki Baat," will be broadcast live at the United Nations on April 30. The radio address will air at 11 am IST, which will be 1:30 am Sunday in New York. It will be aired in the UN's Trusteeship Council Chamber, as per PTI reports. Historic moment for India “Get ready for a historic moment as the 100th episode of PM Modi’s "Mann Ki Baat" is set to go live on April 30th in Trusteeship Council Chamber at @UN HQ!” the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a tweet. “#MannKiBaat has become a monthly national tradition, inspiring millions to participate in India’s developmental journey,” the Permanent Mission said. Get ready for a historic moment 🎉 as the 100th episode of PM Modi's "Mann Ki Baat"🎙️ is set to go live on April 30th in Trusteeship Council Chamber at @UN HQ! 📻 #MannKiBaat has become a monthly national tradition, inspiring millions to participate in 🇮🇳’s developmental journey pic.twitter.com/6ji4t1flmu — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) April 28, 2023 × The 100th episode of "Mann Ki Baat" will be broadcast for the Indian-American and diaspora community at 1:30 am on Sunday as part of a special celebration hosted by the Indian Consulate General in New York and community organisations. “Don't miss #MannKiBaatAt100 at 0130 hrs EST on April 30th, 2023! Let us celebrate the landmark 100th episode of #MannKiBaat as Hon’ble @PMOIndia connects with Indians, Indian diaspora and listeners across the world,” the Consulate said in a tweet. ALSO READ | Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Maldives to bolster defence ties Don't miss #MannKiBaatAt100 at 0130 hrs EST on April 30th, 2023! Let us celebrate the landmark 100th episode of #MannKiBaat as Hon'ble @PMOIndia connects with Indians, Indian diaspora and listeners across the world.@MEAIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @PIB_India https://t.co/OkHYjy637N — India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 28, 2023 × Additionally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise a nationwide conclave called "Mann Ki Baat @100" to mark the milestone episode Sunday, as reported by Outlook India. Renowned people from various sectors that PM Modi has mentioned in earlier episodes would attend the event. Attendees to the event will share their views and opinions on a variety of issues pertaining to India's progress. The event will also witness the release of two books by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. First a coffee table book on 'Mann Ki Baat@100' and second 'Collective Spirit, Concrete Action' by S.S. Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati. ALSO WATCH | J&K's Srinagar hosts model G20 summit: Meeting of young minds across region What is 'Mann Ki Baat' all about? Prime Minister Modi addresses the nation's citizens on a variety of topics on his radio programme, "Mann Ki Baat." It debuted on October 3, 2014, and it currently airs on the All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) network at 11 a.m. on the last Sunday of every month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Mann Ki Baat' goes global! Indian PM Modi's radio show to be aired in UN

US envoy to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield has made a direct plea to the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to release the detained US journalist. Watch the video to know more.

US' UN envoy calls for detained journalist in Russia, says 'people used as political pawns' | WION

Moscow is currently holding the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council despite Ukraine urging members to block the move Russia has now taken the position despite its ongoing war in Ukraine.

World at dangerous threshold :  Russian FM Sergei Lavrov at UMSC meet

At the United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday (April 24), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the 15-member body about the world reaching a threshold “possibly even more dangerous” than during the Cold War. At the same forum, Western diplomats accused Moscow, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the UNSC, of hypocrisy while some also condemned its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Lavrov’s remarks at the UNSC

Russia’s top diplomat was leading the session titled “maintenance of international peace and security,” which was focused on the maintenance of the UN charter, international rules, and multilateralism. “As during the Cold War, we have reached the dangerous, possibly even more dangerous threshold,” said Lavrov, while addressing the council.&nbsp;

He added, “the situation is worsened with the loss of trust in multilateralism.” The Russian foreign minister also went on to talk about how “nobody allowed the Western minority to speak for all of humankind. They need to be polite and respect all members of the international community.”&nbsp;

Lavrov also accused the “United States and its allies” of “abandoning diplomacy and demanding clarification of relations on the battlefield.”

Notably, the last time Russia presided over the council was February 2022 which is the same month it launched what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Lavrov, during his address, mentioned acts of aggression by the West including the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the invasion of Iraq, and so on.&nbsp;

The West slams Russia

During the session, several diplomats including the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Our hypocritical convener today, Russia, invaded its neighbour, Ukraine, and struck at the heart of the UN Charter,” said the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.&nbsp;

She added, “This illegal, unprovoked and unnecessary war runs directly counter to our most shared principles – that a war of aggression and territorial conquest is never, ever acceptable.” Furthermore, the US representative also spoke about how as they sit there as “aggression continues…Russian forces continue to kill and injure civilians.”&nbsp;

The US representative also called for the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The meeting was also attended by Elizabeth Whelan, an American whose brother, Paul Whelan, is imprisoned in Russia.&nbsp;

Ahead of the UNSC session, the European Union countries, along similar lines, issued a statement which condemned Moscow. “Russia is trying to portray itself as a defender of the UN charter and multilateralism. Nothing can be further from the truth. It’s cynical,” said Olaf Skoog, the EU representative to the UN.&nbsp;

UN chief criticises Russia over its invasion of Ukraine

In his opening remarks to the session, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who was sitting next to Lavrov also condemned the Russian invasion and said that it was in “violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, is causing massive suffering and devastation to the country and its people, and adding to the global economic dislocation triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic”.&nbsp;

He added, “Tensions between major powers are at an historic high. So are the risks of conflict, through misadventure or miscalculation.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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At the United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday (April 24), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the 15-member body about the world reaching a threshold “possibly even more dangerous” than during the Cold War.

At the United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday (April 24), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the 15-member body about the world reaching a threshold “possibly even more dangerous” than during the Cold War. At the same forum, Western diplomats accused Moscow, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the UNSC, of hypocrisy while some also condemned its invasion of Ukraine. Lavrov’s remarks at the UNSC Russia’s top diplomat was leading the session titled “maintenance of international peace and security,” which was focused on the maintenance of the UN charter, international rules, and multilateralism. “As during the Cold War, we have reached the dangerous, possibly even more dangerous threshold,” said Lavrov, while addressing the council. He added, “the situation is worsened with the loss of trust in multilateralism.” The Russian foreign minister also went on to talk about how “nobody allowed the Western minority to speak for all of humankind. They need to be polite and respect all members of the international community.” Lavrov also accused the “United States and its allies” of “abandoning diplomacy and demanding clarification of relations on the battlefield.” Notably, the last time Russia presided over the council was February 2022 which is the same month it launched what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Lavrov, during his address, mentioned acts of aggression by the West including the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the invasion of Iraq, and so on. The West slams Russia During the session, several diplomats including the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Our hypocritical convener today, Russia, invaded its neighbour, Ukraine, and struck at the heart of the UN Charter,” said the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. She added, “This illegal, unprovoked and unnecessary war runs directly counter to our most shared principles – that a war of aggression and territorial conquest is never, ever acceptable.” Furthermore, the US representative also spoke about how as they sit there as “aggression continues…Russian forces continue to kill and injure civilians.” The US representative also called for the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The meeting was also attended by Elizabeth Whelan, an American whose brother, Paul Whelan, is imprisoned in Russia. Ahead of the UNSC session, the European Union countries, along similar lines, issued a statement which condemned Moscow. “Russia is trying to portray itself as a defender of the UN charter and multilateralism. Nothing can be further from the truth. It’s cynical,” said Olaf Skoog, the EU representative to the UN. UN chief criticises Russia over its invasion of Ukraine In his opening remarks to the session, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who was sitting next to Lavrov also condemned the Russian invasion and said that it was in “violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, is causing massive suffering and devastation to the country and its people, and adding to the global economic dislocation triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic”. He added, “Tensions between major powers are at an historic high. So are the risks of conflict, through misadventure or miscalculation.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia’s Lavrov warns about world being on ‘dangerous threshold’, slammed by West at UNSC

As the conflict continues to rage in Khartoum between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), countries across the world are scrambling to evacuate their citizens from the African nation.&nbsp;

The fighting, which suddenly began on April 15 and is now entering its eighth day, has since left thousands of foreign nations including aid workers and diplomats stranded in the conflict-hit country.&nbsp;

So far, over 420 people have been killed and thousands wounded as per the United Nations’ estimates, amid fears of wider turmoil and a humanitarian disaster.&nbsp;

Where are the evacuations taking place?

The warring sides, after several calls from other countries, have agreed to help foreign nationals leave Sudan by road, air and sea. While several efforts are being made by air, others appeared to be via Port Sudan on the Red Sea which is an 850-kilometre drive from Khartoum.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-violence-us-suspends-operations-at-embassy-in-khartoum-585254">Sudan violence: US suspends operations at Embassy in Khartoum</a>

Here’s what we know about some of the evacuations:&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia was the first country to successfully evacuate over 150 people, on Saturday, announcing their arrival in Jeddah. A statement from the foreign ministry said that the evacuation was carried out by the kingdom’s naval forces with assistance from other army units.&nbsp;

Among the over 150 people were 91 Saudi citizens and around 66 nationals from 12 other countries – Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Canada and Burkina Faso.&nbsp; 
 
Kuwait has reported that all citizens who wished to return home had arrived in Jeddah.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomats-families-evacuated-from-sudan-rsf-585218">Sudan: France begins evacuation of embassy staff, citizens of 'European and allied partner' nations</a>

Qatar also thanked Saudi Arabia for helping evacuate Qatari citizens from Sudan.&nbsp;

United States&nbsp;

The US military sent three Chinook helicopters&nbsp;which flew from a base in Djibouti with over 100 troops to evacuate&nbsp;the country’s embassy staff&nbsp;and their families from Khartoum.&nbsp;

The US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said they are suspending&nbsp;embassy operations in Sudan and will continue to assist Americans stuck as local staff remain to support it. Around thousands of Americans and dual nationals are thought to have remained in the country.&nbsp;

United Kingdom

In a statement on Sunday, UK PM Rishi Sunak said that the country’s armed forces have completed a “complex and rapid evacuation” of British diplomats and their families from Sudan “amid a significant escalation in violence and threats to embassy staff.”

Turkey&nbsp;

Turkey began its evacuation efforts at dawn on Sunday, taking at least some of its 600 nationals by road from two Khartoum districts. However, their plans from one site in the Sudanese capital were postponed after “explosions” near a mosque which was designated as an assembly point, said the embassy.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-stuck-in-sudan-arrive-in-jeddah-after-safe-evacuation-585185">Indians stuck in Sudan arrive in Jeddah after safe evacuation</a>

India&nbsp;

The Indian government is keeping a close eye on the current situation in Sudan. Two Indian Air Force C-130J transport planes are currently on standby in Jeddah while the navy’s INS Sumedha vessel has reached Port Sudan in case a civilian rescue operation is ordered, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an update late Sunday.&nbsp;

It added, “Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are also in regular touch with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US among others.”&nbsp;

On Monday,&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said&nbsp;India has started 'Operation Kaveri' to bring back stranded citizens from Sudan.&nbsp;The government had said on Friday that it was focusing on the safety of over 3,000 Indian citizens presently located throughout Sudan.

China&nbsp; 
 
On Monday,&nbsp;Beijing's foreign ministry&nbsp;said&nbsp;China has "safely&nbsp;evacuated" the first group of its citizens from Sudan&nbsp;without giving a specific number. A day prior,&nbsp;senior foreign ministry official Wu Xi told state media, that Beijing will "try every means to protect the lives, properties and safety of 1,500 plus Chinese compatriots in Sudan." 
 
EU and member nations&nbsp;

European Union&nbsp;

The European Union has evacuated over 1,000&nbsp;citizens, said its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on Monday (April 24). He also thanked&nbsp;France, "especially for taking our people out". According to Borrell,&nbsp;21 diplomats from the EU's mission in Khartoum were taken out while&nbsp;the EU ambassador had moved outside the capital to elsewhere in Sudan.&nbsp;Notably, seven nations among the 27 member countries of the bloc have missions in Sudan.&nbsp;

France

France evacuated some 100 people after a “complicated” rescue operation, said French officials. The first plane with people of multiple nationalities left Khartoum on Sunday for Djibouti. Among those evacuated were also citizens of “European and allied partner” nations, said the French foreign ministry.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-saudi-arabia-announces-safe-evacuation-of-indians-amid-violence-585312">Sudan: Saudi Arabia announces safe evacuation of Indians amid violence</a>

A second plane with a similar number is expected to leave on Sunday evening, reported news agencies citing anonymous official sources.&nbsp;

Germany

Germany started evacuating citizens&nbsp;from Sudan on Sunday "in coordination with our partners”, tweeted the defence and foreign ministries. They also aimed to fly as many German, EU and other nationals with them. 
 
So far, Germany&nbsp;managed to evacuate over 300&nbsp;people&nbsp;from Sudan, out of which the first batch of&nbsp;101&nbsp;landed in Berlin on&nbsp;Monday (April 24). Meanwhile, others were flown out of Khartoum in an air force plane, said the German military.&nbsp; 
 
Italy

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome was planning to evacuate&nbsp;some 140 Italians and&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;from the EU, Switzerland, and personnel from the Vatican's embassy.&nbsp;Two Italian C-130s transport aircraft,&nbsp;as per plan,&nbsp;landed at Khartoum airport on Sunday, with personnel from the&nbsp;army and&nbsp;Carabinieri paramilitary special forces who will fly the evacuees from Sudan to the Italian military base in Djibouti.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fighting-resumes-minutes-after-sudan-cease-fire-585310">Fighting resumes minutes after Sudan cease-fire</a> 
 
Ireland

The Irish foreign ministry said that it is deploying 12 defence personnel to Djibouti to help evacuate 150 citizens in Sudan.&nbsp; 
 
Spain&nbsp;

On Sunday, the Spanish government said they have flown out 100 people (30 Spanish citizens and 70 others from Europe and Latin America)&nbsp;out of Sudan.&nbsp;Among the other nationalities evacuated were,&nbsp;Argentina, Colombia, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Mexico, and Venezuela, said a&nbsp;foreign ministry statement.&nbsp; 
 
Netherlands 
 
The&nbsp;Dutch defence ministry evacuated over 30 people from Sudan on Monday. Among 32&nbsp;evacuees on board were&nbsp;15 Dutch people while approximately&nbsp;60 Dutch people were flown out&nbsp;through a French evacuation operation. 
 
Sweden

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced&nbsp;that 25 Swedish embassy staff and their relatives have been evacuated from Sudan during the French-coordinated&nbsp;operation.&nbsp;

Other countries

Russia

The Russian ambassador to Sudan told Moscow’s state media that 140 out of roughly 300 citizens said they wanted to leave the conflict-torn country, reported Reuters, on Sunday.&nbsp;

Around 15 people, including a woman and child, are stuck in a Russian Orthodox church close to Khartoum, said the Russian ambassador, adding that while the evacuation plans were made, the implementation remains impossible as it involves crossing the frontlines.&nbsp;

Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan

The Iraqi embassy staff had been evacuated out of Khartoum, on Saturday and were followed by 14 citizens who arrived safely at a “secure site” at Port Sudan the next day.&nbsp;

Lebanon is planning to evacuate some 60 citizens by the sea who had left Khartoum by road and were “safe,” reported AFP.&nbsp;

While some Tunisian nationals were evacuated on Saudi ships, the embassy has said that the rest of the citizens will be extracted, on Monday.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-us-military-evacuates-diplomats-from-khartoum-585273">Sudan: US military evacuates diplomats from Khartoum</a>

On Friday, the Libyan embassy in Khartoum said it evacuated some 83 Libyans from the capital who will leave the country from Port Sudan.&nbsp;

Jordanian foreign ministry spokesman Sinan Majali said that the country has begun operations to evacuate some 300 of its citizens and is in “continuous cooperation with the UAE and Saudi Arabia for this purpose”.&nbsp;

Egypt&nbsp;

Egypt started evacuating citizens from Port Sudan and the city of Wadi Halfa in the northern part of the country and had earlier said there needed to be a “meticulous, safe and organised” evacuation process for some 10,000 of its citizens from its neighbouring Sudan. 
 
South Africa 
 
South Africa said Monday it had begun evacuating around 40 of its citizens in Sudan. "I can confirm that the operation to evacuate South Africans in Sudan and the staff at the South African embassy there is currently underway. They are being taken to a neighbouring country for safety," foreign affairs spokesman Clayson Monyela told AFP.&nbsp;

South Korea, Japan, Indonesia

South Korea and Japan have deployed forces to nearby countries for possible evacuations. 
 
While Indonesia has said 43 citizens were sheltering inside the embassy compound in Khartoum.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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As the conflict continues to rage in Khartoum between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), countries across the world are scrambling to evacuate their citizens from the African nation.

As the conflict continues to rage in Khartoum between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), countries across the world are scrambling to evacuate their citizens from the African nation. The fighting, which suddenly began on April 15 and is now entering its eighth day, has since left thousands of foreign nations including aid workers and diplomats stranded in the conflict-hit country. So far, over 420 people have been killed and thousands wounded as per the United Nations’ estimates, amid fears of wider turmoil and a humanitarian disaster. Where are the evacuations taking place? The warring sides, after several calls from other countries, have agreed to help foreign nationals leave Sudan by road, air and sea. While several efforts are being made by air, others appeared to be via Port Sudan on the Red Sea which is an 850-kilometre drive from Khartoum. ALSO READ | Sudan violence: US suspends operations at Embassy in Khartoum Here’s what we know about some of the evacuations: Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia was the first country to successfully evacuate over 150 people, on Saturday, announcing their arrival in Jeddah. A statement from the foreign ministry said that the evacuation was carried out by the kingdom’s naval forces with assistance from other army units. Among the over 150 people were 91 Saudi citizens and around 66 nationals from 12 other countries – Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Canada and Burkina Faso. Kuwait has reported that all citizens who wished to return home had arrived in Jeddah. ALSO READ | Sudan: France begins evacuation of embassy staff, citizens of 'European and allied partner' nations Qatar also thanked Saudi Arabia for helping evacuate Qatari citizens from Sudan. United States The US military sent three Chinook helicopters which flew from a base in Djibouti with over 100 troops to evacuate the country’s embassy staff and their families from Khartoum. The US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said they are suspending embassy operations in Sudan and will continue to assist Americans stuck as local staff remain to support it. Around thousands of Americans and dual nationals are thought to have remained in the country. United Kingdom In a statement on Sunday, UK PM Rishi Sunak said that the country’s armed forces have completed a “complex and rapid evacuation” of British diplomats and their families from Sudan “amid a significant escalation in violence and threats to embassy staff.” Turkey Turkey began its evacuation efforts at dawn on Sunday, taking at least some of its 600 nationals by road from two Khartoum districts. However, their plans from one site in the Sudanese capital were postponed after “explosions” near a mosque which was designated as an assembly point, said the embassy. ALSO READ | Indians stuck in Sudan arrive in Jeddah after safe evacuation India The Indian government is keeping a close eye on the current situation in Sudan. Two Indian Air Force C-130J transport planes are currently on standby in Jeddah while the navy’s INS Sumedha vessel has reached Port Sudan in case a civilian rescue operation is ordered, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an update late Sunday. It added, “Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are also in regular touch with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US among others.” On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India has started 'Operation Kaveri' to bring back stranded citizens from Sudan. The government had said on Friday that it was focusing on the safety of over 3,000 Indian citizens presently located throughout Sudan. China On Monday, Beijing's foreign ministry said China has "safely evacuated" the first group of its citizens from Sudan without giving a specific number. A day prior, senior foreign ministry official Wu Xi told state media, that Beijing will "try every means to protect the lives, properties and safety of 1,500 plus Chinese compatriots in Sudan." EU and member nations European Union The European Union has evacuated over 1,000 citizens, said its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on Monday (April 24). He also thanked France, "especially for taking our people out". According to Borrell, 21 diplomats from the EU's mission in Khartoum were taken out while the EU ambassador had moved outside the capital to elsewhere in Sudan. Notably, seven nations among the 27 member countries of the bloc have missions in Sudan. France France evacuated some 100 people after a “complicated” rescue operation, said French officials. The first plane with people of multiple nationalities left Khartoum on Sunday for Djibouti. Among those evacuated were also citizens of “European and allied partner” nations, said the French foreign ministry. ALSO WATCH | Sudan: Saudi Arabia announces safe evacuation of Indians amid violence A second plane with a similar number is expected to leave on Sunday evening, reported news agencies citing anonymous official sources. Germany Germany started evacuating citizens from Sudan on Sunday "in coordination with our partners”, tweeted the defence and foreign ministries. They also aimed to fly as many German, EU and other nationals with them. So far, Germany managed to evacuate over 300 people from Sudan, out of which the first batch of 101 landed in Berlin on Monday (April 24). Meanwhile, others were flown out of Khartoum in an air force plane, said the German military. Italy Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome was planning to evacuate some 140 Italians and nationals from the EU, Switzerland, and personnel from the Vatican's embassy. Two Italian C-130s transport aircraft, as per plan, landed at Khartoum airport on Sunday, with personnel from the army and Carabinieri paramilitary special forces who will fly the evacuees from Sudan to the Italian military base in Djibouti. ALSO WATCH | Fighting resumes minutes after Sudan cease-fire Ireland The Irish foreign ministry said that it is deploying 12 defence personnel to Djibouti to help evacuate 150 citizens in Sudan. Spain On Sunday, the Spanish government said they have flown out 100 people (30 Spanish citizens and 70 others from Europe and Latin America) out of Sudan. Among the other nationalities evacuated were, Argentina, Colombia, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Mexico, and Venezuela, said a foreign ministry statement. Netherlands The Dutch defence ministry evacuated over 30 people from Sudan on Monday. Among 32 evacuees on board were 15 Dutch people while approximately 60 Dutch people were flown out through a French evacuation operation. Sweden Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that 25 Swedish embassy staff and their relatives have been evacuated from Sudan during the French-coordinated operation. Other countries Russia The Russian ambassador to Sudan told Moscow’s state media that 140 out of roughly 300 citizens said they wanted to leave the conflict-torn country, reported Reuters, on Sunday. Around 15 people, including a woman and child, are stuck in a Russian Orthodox church close to Khartoum, said the Russian ambassador, adding that while the evacuation plans were made, the implementation remains impossible as it involves crossing the frontlines. Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan The Iraqi embassy staff had been evacuated out of Khartoum, on Saturday and were followed by 14 citizens who arrived safely at a “secure site” at Port Sudan the next day. Lebanon is planning to evacuate some 60 citizens by the sea who had left Khartoum by road and were “safe,” reported AFP. While some Tunisian nationals were evacuated on Saudi ships, the embassy has said that the rest of the citizens will be extracted, on Monday. ALSO WATCH | Sudan: US military evacuates diplomats from Khartoum On Friday, the Libyan embassy in Khartoum said it evacuated some 83 Libyans from the capital who will leave the country from Port Sudan. Jordanian foreign ministry spokesman Sinan Majali said that the country has begun operations to evacuate some 300 of its citizens and is in “continuous cooperation with the UAE and Saudi Arabia for this purpose”. Egypt Egypt started evacuating citizens from Port Sudan and the city of Wadi Halfa in the northern part of the country and had earlier said there needed to be a “meticulous, safe and organised” evacuation process for some 10,000 of its citizens from its neighbouring Sudan. South Africa South Africa said Monday it had begun evacuating around 40 of its citizens in Sudan. "I can confirm that the operation to evacuate South Africans in Sudan and the staff at the South African embassy there is currently underway. They are being taken to a neighbouring country for safety," foreign affairs spokesman Clayson Monyela told AFP. South Korea, Japan, Indonesia South Korea and Japan have deployed forces to nearby countries for possible evacuations. While Indonesia has said 43 citizens were sheltering inside the embassy compound in Khartoum. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. 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Explained: How foreign countries are evacuating their citizens from conflict-hit Sudan

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