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Despite leadership losses and diminished cash reserves, the extremist group ISIL, or Da'esh, continues to pose a threat to international peace and security, the UN counter-terrorism chief warned in New York.

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Thousands of people have been killed since a series of earthquakes with the epicentre in neighbouring Turkey hit Syria’s border region a week ago, on February 6. While the international community rushed to send aid to the two affected countries it has been slow to reach the most affected areas of the war-torn nation. This comes as relief efforts have been hindered due to the ongoing civil war in the country which has left many Syrians angry and helpless.&nbsp;

According to a tally by Reuters citing United Nations figures and Syrian media reports, more than 5,814 have died in the country out of which at least 4,400 are from the northwestern region.&nbsp;So far, the total death toll due to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has surpassed 40,000, as per recent reports.

The UN in a statement said that nearly nine million Syrians have been affected by last week’s earthquake. Meanwhile, in a major reversal by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, the use of two border crossings was approved to supply aid to the rebel-held region, late Monday.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-syria-earthquake-syrian-president-agrees-to-open-two-more-gates-along-turkey-561841">Syrian President agrees to open two more gates along Turkey</a>

Here’s why war-torn Syria has struggled to procure aid a week after devastating earthquakes:

How the civil war has fractured Syria into parts

After over a decade of conflict, Syria has been divided into parts which have proved to be a major hurdle for aid workers to overcome as they attempt to reach the rebel-held northwestern part of the country, also the hardest hit by the recent earthquakes, for help those affected by the disaster. The region is said to be controlled by Turkish-backed fighters and opposition groups including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group with ties to Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-syria-earthquake-toll-crosses-28000-as-un-relief-chief-predicts-deaths-to-top-50000-561042">Turkey earthquake: 130 contractors detained over collapsed buildings; UN says toll may reach 50,000</a>

According to the United Nations, even before the earthquake at least four million people in the rebel-held region were in need of humanitarian aid. In contrast, the countries which back the Syrian president’s government including Russia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates have been sending aid to their region for the past week. Meanwhile, northeastern Syria which is mostly held by United States-backed Kurdish-led groups has reportedly been less affected by the earthquake.&nbsp;

What are the existing routes to supply aid to Syria?

Following the earthquake, the Syrian government which still controls a majority of the country has said that foreign countries should respect their sovereignty and aid for any part of Syria should enter via their territory. However, the opposition-held northwest had reportedly received no assistance from the United Nations via Turkey until Thursday, the route for which the UNSC requires approval every six months.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-syria-earthquake-syria-vows-to-send-aid-in-rebel-held-areas-561764">Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Syria vows to send aid in rebel-held areas</a>

The route in question is the Bab al-Hawa crossing which is the only route into Syria as Russia, the permanent member of the UN Security Council and also backs Assad’s government has in the past vetoed the use of the multiple other crossings via Ankara. Therefore, for years now foreign aid has been entering the northwestern Idlib province from Turkey.&nbsp;

What has been happening since the earthquake struck?

Moscow also recently only approved the opening of a single crossing from Turkey and argued that UN aid should instead be sent through Damascus. While the UN has blamed the damage to the roads leading up to the only approved route they can take. Meanwhile, the US and countries in Europe, some of whom have sanctioned Assad and his government remain reluctant to take the route via Damascus and an earthquake would not change that as the officials from the countries have made clear, as per reports.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-syria-earthquake-exacerbates-humanitarian-crisis-in-syria-wions-exclusive-ground-report-561590">Turkey-Syria earthquake exacerbates humanitarian crisis in Syria | WION's exclusive ground report</a>

“The world left us to our own destiny facing the criminal Bashar al-Assad. But this is a natural disaster,” said Ibahim Bakkour, a local council member to NPR. “There's no political argument here; it's a humanitarian situation and we need help.” The report also said how residents of the northwestern town of Jinderis in Syria “heard the screams of those trapped under the rubble but, without the right machinery and equipment, were powerless to save them.”

“We don't understand. Why are we alone?”, said the town’s mayor, Mahmoud Hafar to NPR. As of Friday, some 850 bodies had reportedly been pulled from the rubble while the Syrian civil defence workers were working to look for the hundreds of others who were missing. On Sunday, earthquake aid by the UN from the government-controlled region to the opposition-controlled territory was held due to “approval issues”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-profiteers-scammers-turn-turkey-syria-earthquake-to-a-money-swindling-opportunity-561702">Crisis profiteers, scammers turn Turkey-Syria earthquake into a money-swindling opportunity</a>

Additionally, on Thursday, last week a convoy from the Kurdish-led northeast to the rebel-held northwest was stopped by the Turkey-backed faction, while both sides have since blamed each other for politicising the humanitarian aid. Therefore, sending aid from the front lines has also proven to be difficult.&nbsp;

Furthermore, a source from the HTS group told Reuters that the group will not allow shipments from the government-held parts of Syria and that aid would come from Turkey. “We won't allow (Assad’s) regime to take advantage of the situation to show they are helping,” said the anonymous source to the news agency.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-send-second-plane-of-assistance-to-quake-hit-syria-560965">India to send more relief material in second plane to quake-hit Syria, envoy thanks</a>

As of Monday, some 58 trucks carrying aid have reached the opposition-held territory which comprised food, tents and medicines but not equipment and machinery requested by White Helmets known formally as Syria Civil Defence whose group’s first responders are leading the rescue efforts in the northwest.&nbsp;

Syrian President allows the use of two border crossings

The first UN convoy carrying aid to Syria’s northwest region was allowed from Turkey via the newly-opened Bab al-Salam crossing, on Tuesday, reported Reuters citing two UN spokespeople. This comes after the UN had previously announced using Bab Al-Salam and al-Raee border crossings, the approval of which was received from Assad’s government for an initial three months time.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-syria-earthquake-resilient-syrians-vow-to-help-assist-victims-ground-report-from-wion-561026">Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Resilient Syrians vow to help, assist victims; ground report from WION</a>

This also comes after UN aid chief Martin Griffiths, who was visiting Syria, had been lobbying at the United Nations to open additional crossings from Turkey to deliver aid. Notably, the aid chief on Sunday had taken to Twitter and wrote, “We have so far failed the people in north-west Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn’t arrived.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T%C3%BCrkiye?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Türkiye</a>-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syria</a> border today. 
We have so far failed the people in north-west Syria. 
They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn’t arrived. 
My duty and our obligation is to correct this failure as fast as we can. 
That’s my focus now.
— Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNReliefChief/status/1624701773557469184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The announcement of the approval was made, late Monday, and welcomed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who officially confirmed it after a closed virtual meeting of the security council, where, as per diplomats, Griffiths said that the Assad government has approved the use of two new crossings.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a> welcomed the decision by the President of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syria</a> to open the two crossing points of Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra’ee from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T%C3%BCrkiye?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Türkiye</a> to north-west Syria to allow for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid. Full Statement: <a href="https://t.co/HKc9MajYyn">https://t.co/HKc9MajYyn</a>
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_Spokesperson/status/1625239865439711237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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However, the White Helmets rescue group criticised the UN for waiting for the Syrian president’s permission. “This is shocking and we are at loss at how the UN is behaving”, said Raed al-Saleh, the head of the rescue group to Reuters, on February 14.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-turkey-syria-quake-situation-catastrophic-resources-stretch-thin-say-white-helmets-559562">EXCLUSIVE | Turkey-Syria quake situation catastrophic, resources stretched thin: White Helmets</a>

In an opinion piece written for CNN by al-Saleh, on Tuesday, criticising Assad, wrote that his “intervention is a cynical move that has come far too late”. He added, “The UN’s insistence on waiting for the Syrian regime’s permission - the very regime that has bombed, gassed, starved, forcibly displaced and imprisoned millions of Syrians - is unforgivable.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Thousands of people have been killed since a series of earthquakes with the epicentre in neighbouring Turkey hit Syria’s border region a week ago, on February 6.

Thousands of people have been killed since a series of earthquakes with the epicentre in neighbouring Turkey hit Syria’s border region a week ago, on February 6. While the international community rushed to send aid to the two affected countries it has been slow to reach the most affected areas of the war-torn nation. This comes as relief efforts have been hindered due to the ongoing civil war in the country which has left many Syrians angry and helpless. According to a tally by Reuters citing United Nations figures and Syrian media reports, more than 5,814 have died in the country out of which at least 4,400 are from the northwestern region. So far, the total death toll due to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has surpassed 40,000, as per recent reports. The UN in a statement said that nearly nine million Syrians have been affected by last week’s earthquake. Meanwhile, in a major reversal by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, the use of two border crossings was approved to supply aid to the rebel-held region, late Monday. ALSO WATCH | Syrian President agrees to open two more gates along Turkey Here’s why war-torn Syria has struggled to procure aid a week after devastating earthquakes: How the civil war has fractured Syria into parts After over a decade of conflict, Syria has been divided into parts which have proved to be a major hurdle for aid workers to overcome as they attempt to reach the rebel-held northwestern part of the country, also the hardest hit by the recent earthquakes, for help those affected by the disaster. The region is said to be controlled by Turkish-backed fighters and opposition groups including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group with ties to Al-Qaeda. ALSO READ | Turkey earthquake: 130 contractors detained over collapsed buildings; UN says toll may reach 50,000 According to the United Nations, even before the earthquake at least four million people in the rebel-held region were in need of humanitarian aid. In contrast, the countries which back the Syrian president’s government including Russia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates have been sending aid to their region for the past week. Meanwhile, northeastern Syria which is mostly held by United States-backed Kurdish-led groups has reportedly been less affected by the earthquake. What are the existing routes to supply aid to Syria? Following the earthquake, the Syrian government which still controls a majority of the country has said that foreign countries should respect their sovereignty and aid for any part of Syria should enter via their territory. However, the opposition-held northwest had reportedly received no assistance from the United Nations via Turkey until Thursday, the route for which the UNSC requires approval every six months. ALSO WATCH | Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Syria vows to send aid in rebel-held areas The route in question is the Bab al-Hawa crossing which is the only route into Syria as Russia, the permanent member of the UN Security Council and also backs Assad’s government has in the past vetoed the use of the multiple other crossings via Ankara. Therefore, for years now foreign aid has been entering the northwestern Idlib province from Turkey. What has been happening since the earthquake struck? Moscow also recently only approved the opening of a single crossing from Turkey and argued that UN aid should instead be sent through Damascus. While the UN has blamed the damage to the roads leading up to the only approved route they can take. Meanwhile, the US and countries in Europe, some of whom have sanctioned Assad and his government remain reluctant to take the route via Damascus and an earthquake would not change that as the officials from the countries have made clear, as per reports. ALSO WATCH | Turkey-Syria earthquake exacerbates humanitarian crisis in Syria | WION's exclusive ground report “The world left us to our own destiny facing the criminal Bashar al-Assad. But this is a natural disaster,” said Ibahim Bakkour, a local council member to NPR. “There's no political argument here; it's a humanitarian situation and we need help.” The report also said how residents of the northwestern town of Jinderis in Syria “heard the screams of those trapped under the rubble but, without the right machinery and equipment, were powerless to save them.” “We don't understand. Why are we alone?”, said the town’s mayor, Mahmoud Hafar to NPR. As of Friday, some 850 bodies had reportedly been pulled from the rubble while the Syrian civil defence workers were working to look for the hundreds of others who were missing. On Sunday, earthquake aid by the UN from the government-controlled region to the opposition-controlled territory was held due to “approval issues”. ALSO READ | Crisis profiteers, scammers turn Turkey-Syria earthquake into a money-swindling opportunity Additionally, on Thursday, last week a convoy from the Kurdish-led northeast to the rebel-held northwest was stopped by the Turkey-backed faction, while both sides have since blamed each other for politicising the humanitarian aid. Therefore, sending aid from the front lines has also proven to be difficult. Furthermore, a source from the HTS group told Reuters that the group will not allow shipments from the government-held parts of Syria and that aid would come from Turkey. “We won't allow (Assad’s) regime to take advantage of the situation to show they are helping,” said the anonymous source to the news agency. ALSO READ | India to send more relief material in second plane to quake-hit Syria, envoy thanks As of Monday, some 58 trucks carrying aid have reached the opposition-held territory which comprised food, tents and medicines but not equipment and machinery requested by White Helmets known formally as Syria Civil Defence whose group’s first responders are leading the rescue efforts in the northwest. Syrian President allows the use of two border crossings The first UN convoy carrying aid to Syria’s northwest region was allowed from Turkey via the newly-opened Bab al-Salam crossing, on Tuesday, reported Reuters citing two UN spokespeople. This comes after the UN had previously announced using Bab Al-Salam and al-Raee border crossings, the approval of which was received from Assad’s government for an initial three months time. ALSO WATCH | Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Resilient Syrians vow to help, assist victims; ground report from WION This also comes after UN aid chief Martin Griffiths, who was visiting Syria, had been lobbying at the United Nations to open additional crossings from Turkey to deliver aid. Notably, the aid chief on Sunday had taken to Twitter and wrote, “We have so far failed the people in north-west Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn’t arrived.” At the #Türkiye-#Syria border today. We have so far failed the people in north-west Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn’t arrived. My duty and our obligation is to correct this failure as fast as we can. That’s my focus now. — Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) February 12, 2023 × The announcement of the approval was made, late Monday, and welcomed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who officially confirmed it after a closed virtual meeting of the security council, where, as per diplomats, Griffiths said that the Assad government has approved the use of two new crossings. .@antonioguterres welcomed the decision by the President of #Syria to open the two crossing points of Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra’ee from #Türkiye to north-west Syria to allow for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid. Full Statement: https://t.co/HKc9MajYyn — UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) February 13, 2023 × However, the White Helmets rescue group criticised the UN for waiting for the Syrian president’s permission. “This is shocking and we are at loss at how the UN is behaving”, said Raed al-Saleh, the head of the rescue group to Reuters, on February 14. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Turkey-Syria quake situation catastrophic, resources stretched thin: White Helmets In an opinion piece written for CNN by al-Saleh, on Tuesday, criticising Assad, wrote that his “intervention is a cynical move that has come far too late”. He added, “The UN’s insistence on waiting for the Syrian regime’s permission - the very regime that has bombed, gassed, starved, forcibly displaced and imprisoned millions of Syrians - is unforgivable.” (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: UN aid trucks enter northwest Syria from newly approved border crossings by Assad govt

Convoy of United Nations truck carrying aid was allowed to pass through the newly reopened Bab al-Hawa border, crossing into rebel-held North Syria where help has been slow to arrive since last week's earthquake.

New aid-route into rebel-held Syria opens, convoy of 11 UN aid trucks enter country | WION

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded another ominous warning and said that a mass exodus "on a biblical scale" was possible around the world due to rising sea levels and climate change. He said that as low-lying areas get submerged, people will have to migrate to save their lives. Guterres called for legal frameworks to be implemented in preparation for a refugee crisis.&nbsp;"The danger is especially acute for nearly 900 million people who live in coastal zones at low elevations — that's one out of ten people on Earth," Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council.

"Low-lying communities and entire countries could disappear forever... We would witness a mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale," he said.&nbsp;It is not only the small island states that are at risk as sea levels rise, he added.

Guterres said that countries such as Bangladesh, China, India and the Netherlands will face the danger along with others across the world. He added that "mega-cities on every continent will face serious impacts".

The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says sea levels rose by 15-25 centimetres (6-10 inches) between 1900 and 2018.

If the world warms by just two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to the pre-industrial era, then those levels will rise again by 43 centimetres by the year 2100. But, if it warms by three or four degrees Celsius, sea levels could rise by as much as 84 centimetres, the IPCC says.

Guterres said that the problem must be addressed "across legal and human rights frameworks"

Rising sea levels mean&nbsp;shrinking land mass, he said, which could drive possible disputes over land and maritime space.&nbsp;

"The current legal regime must look to the future and address any gaps in existing frameworks," including in international refugee law, he said.&nbsp;

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded another ominous warning and said that a mass exodus "on a biblical scale" was possible around the world due to rising sea levels and climate change.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded another ominous warning and said that a mass exodus "on a biblical scale" was possible around the world due to rising sea levels and climate change. He said that as low-lying areas get submerged, people will have to migrate to save their lives. Guterres called for legal frameworks to be implemented in preparation for a refugee crisis. "The danger is especially acute for nearly 900 million people who live in coastal zones at low elevations — that's one out of ten people on Earth," Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council. "Low-lying communities and entire countries could disappear forever... We would witness a mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale," he said. It is not only the small island states that are at risk as sea levels rise, he added. Guterres said that countries such as Bangladesh, China, India and the Netherlands will face the danger along with others across the world. He added that "mega-cities on every continent will face serious impacts". The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says sea levels rose by 15-25 centimetres (6-10 inches) between 1900 and 2018. If the world warms by just two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to the pre-industrial era, then those levels will rise again by 43 centimetres by the year 2100. But, if it warms by three or four degrees Celsius, sea levels could rise by as much as 84 centimetres, the IPCC says. Guterres said that the problem must be addressed "across legal and human rights frameworks" Rising sea levels mean shrinking land mass, he said, which could drive possible disputes over land and maritime space. "The current legal regime must look to the future and address any gaps in existing frameworks," including in international refugee law, he said. (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 ×

UN chief warns of exodus on ‘biblical’ scale around the world due to rising sea levels

After an assistance request from the Syrian government, a 40-member contingent of Indian army personnel, deployed as UN peacekeepers, has been sent to Aleppo to provide relief in the aftermath of the earthquake. The Indian team will be undertaking multiple trips to transport relief material consisting of rations, medical supplies, clothing, and other aid sent by the Government of India and the international community.

The Indian army personnel&nbsp;are&nbsp;deployed as UN peacekeepers at the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission, and are stationed along the Area of Separation (AOS) between the boundaries of the occupied Golan Heights (by Israel) and Syria. The Indian Army has deployed 180 personnel to provide logistics support to the mission.

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The Indian government approved the proposal for Indian Army personnel stationed in UNDOF to provide direct assistance in earthquake relief work. On February 15, the first convoy transported relief material consisting of rations and medicines, pooled from the Indian government and the international community to Aleppo in Syria. The relief material has been handed over to representatives of the local administration at Aleppo.

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An advance party reached Aleppo on February 12&nbsp;and liaised with Dr Maher, the Governorate Council of Aleppo, and the Governor of Aleppo. The Governor thanked the Indian team for their kind gesture and mentioned that relief material was the most required at this time.

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India has also launched Operation Dost to provide support to both Turkey and Syria. Indian military teams and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are already in Turkey for relief measures.

The death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday last week has risen to 41,000. Even though it has been over a week, still, the stories of brave survivors continue to emerge from the piles of rubble.&nbsp;

Weather too is not a friend in these tough times as freezing temperatures are hampering the rescue operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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After an assistance request from the Syrian government, a 40-member contingent of Indian army personnel, deployed as UN peacekeepers, has been sent to Aleppo to provide relief in the aftermath of the earthquake.

After an assistance request from the Syrian government, a 40-member contingent of Indian army personnel, deployed as UN peacekeepers, has been sent to Aleppo to provide relief in the aftermath of the earthquake. The Indian team will be undertaking multiple trips to transport relief material consisting of rations, medical supplies, clothing, and other aid sent by the Government of India and the international community. The Indian army personnel are deployed as UN peacekeepers at the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission, and are stationed along the Area of Separation (AOS) between the boundaries of the occupied Golan Heights (by Israel) and Syria. The Indian Army has deployed 180 personnel to provide logistics support to the mission. Also Read | FDA approves a 'first-of-its-kind' vibrating pill to relieve chronic constipation The Indian government approved the proposal for Indian Army personnel stationed in UNDOF to provide direct assistance in earthquake relief work. On February 15, the first convoy transported relief material consisting of rations and medicines, pooled from the Indian government and the international community to Aleppo in Syria. The relief material has been handed over to representatives of the local administration at Aleppo. Also Read | Hundreds, including same-sex couples, wed in mass ceremony on Valentine's Day in Mexico An advance party reached Aleppo on February 12 and liaised with Dr Maher, the Governorate Council of Aleppo, and the Governor of Aleppo. The Governor thanked the Indian team for their kind gesture and mentioned that relief material was the most required at this time. Watch | 'Designer' babies: How far is too far? India has also launched Operation Dost to provide support to both Turkey and Syria. Indian military teams and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are already in Turkey for relief measures. The death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday last week has risen to 41,000. Even though it has been over a week, still, the stories of brave survivors continue to emerge from the piles of rubble. Weather too is not a friend in these tough times as freezing temperatures are hampering the rescue operations. 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.

Indian UN peacekeepers deployed in Syria for earthquake relief work in Aleppo

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has decided to open the two crossing points of Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra’ee from Turkey to north-west Syria for an initial period of three months, to allow for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid, the UN chief said while welcoming the decision. "Opening these crossing points -- along with facilitating humanitarian access, accelerating visa approvals and easing travel between hubs -- will allow more aid to go in, faster," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.&nbsp;

This comes after UN aid chief Martin Griffiths met with the Syrian president in Damascus on Monday. Syria's permanent representative to the United Nations Bassam Sabbagh also spoke to media personnel following a closed-door meeting of the Security Council.

"Syria supports the entry of humanitarian aid into the region through all possible crosspoints for three months," he reportedly said and added that he believes a UN resolution on the matter is not necessary.

The distribution of food, health, nutrition, safety, housing, winter supplies, and other life-saving items to all the millions of individuals affected by the earthquake on February 6, is of the highest necessity.

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A devastating earthquake struck Turkey and Syria a week ago, killing more than 37,000 people. Millions of people in need in the northwest of war-torn Syria have been receiving help since 2014 through Turkey, thanks to a Security Council mandate that was accepted after the Syrian government objected to the proposal. The UN, however, is only permitted to use one border crossing.

The assistance transfers across the Syrian border were resisted by the administration there, which viewed them as an infringement on its sovereignty.&nbsp;UN relief chief Martin Griffiths said that the death toll of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria may increase to 50,000.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-no-alien-activity-in-unidentified-downed-objects-over-us-561665">White House says no 'alien' activity in unidentified downed objects over US</a>

On Saturday, Griffiths visited the southern city of Kahramanmaras in Turkey, which was the epicentre of the first earthquake of 7.8-magnitude that upturned the lives of millions in Monday's pre-dawn hours. Speaking to Sky News, Griffiths said, “I think it is difficult to estimate precisely as we need to get under the rubble but I'm sure it will double or more. We haven't really begun to count the number of dead.”

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Meanwhile, an elderly woman and a two-month-old baby were rescued from the rubble on Saturday. Thousands of rescue workers are still searching for survivors in the flattened neighbourhood, even as the misery of the survivors escalates amid freezing weather. However, amid despair, loss and destruction, stories of miraculous survival continue to emerge.

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has decided to open the two crossing points of Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra’ee from Turkey to north-west Syria for an initial period of three months, to allow for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid, the UN chief said while welcoming the decision.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has decided to open the two crossing points of Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra’ee from Turkey to north-west Syria for an initial period of three months, to allow for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid, the UN chief said while welcoming the decision. "Opening these crossing points -- along with facilitating humanitarian access, accelerating visa approvals and easing travel between hubs -- will allow more aid to go in, faster," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. This comes after UN aid chief Martin Griffiths met with the Syrian president in Damascus on Monday. Syria's permanent representative to the United Nations Bassam Sabbagh also spoke to media personnel following a closed-door meeting of the Security Council. "Syria supports the entry of humanitarian aid into the region through all possible crosspoints for three months," he reportedly said and added that he believes a UN resolution on the matter is not necessary. The distribution of food, health, nutrition, safety, housing, winter supplies, and other life-saving items to all the millions of individuals affected by the earthquake on February 6, is of the highest necessity. Also Read | Blinken, Wang Yi to meet face-to-face in Germany this week? The first after Chinese 'spy' balloon row A devastating earthquake struck Turkey and Syria a week ago, killing more than 37,000 people. Millions of people in need in the northwest of war-torn Syria have been receiving help since 2014 through Turkey, thanks to a Security Council mandate that was accepted after the Syrian government objected to the proposal. The UN, however, is only permitted to use one border crossing. The assistance transfers across the Syrian border were resisted by the administration there, which viewed them as an infringement on its sovereignty. UN relief chief Martin Griffiths said that the death toll of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria may increase to 50,000. Also Read | White House says no 'alien' activity in unidentified downed objects over US On Saturday, Griffiths visited the southern city of Kahramanmaras in Turkey, which was the epicentre of the first earthquake of 7.8-magnitude that upturned the lives of millions in Monday's pre-dawn hours. Speaking to Sky News, Griffiths said, “I think it is difficult to estimate precisely as we need to get under the rubble but I'm sure it will double or more. We haven't really begun to count the number of dead.” Watch | This heart-shaped island is up for sale ahead of Valentine's Day Meanwhile, an elderly woman and a two-month-old baby were rescued from the rubble on Saturday. Thousands of rescue workers are still searching for survivors in the flattened neighbourhood, even as the misery of the survivors escalates amid freezing weather. However, amid despair, loss and destruction, stories of miraculous survival continue to emerge. 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.

Syria agrees to open two border crossings for quake aid: UN chief

The United Nations condemned the failure to deliver urgently needed aid to war-torn regions of Syria, while indicating that&nbsp;the death toll of more than 33,000 from the earthquake that also hit Turkey is set to rise far higher.

UN relief head Martin Griffiths said that much more was required for the millions of people whose houses had been devastated despite the fact that a convoy of supplies for northwest Syria had arrived via Turkey.

"We have so far failed the people in northwest Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn't arrived," Griffiths said on Twitter.

When assessing the devastation in southern Turkey on Saturday (February 11), when the death toll was at 28,000, Griffiths had told Sky News that he predicted the death toll to "double or more" as the chances of locating survivors dwindled with every passing day.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION in ground zero Syria: Miraculous tales of survival continue

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Supplies have taken a long time to reach Syria, where the country's healthcare system has been devastated by years of war and where rebels fighting President Bashar al-government, Assad's which is subject to Western sanctions, still hold sway in certain regions.

An AFP journalist said that a 10-truck UN convoy entered northwest Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with shelter kits that included plastic sheeting, ropes, screws, and nails in addition to blankets, beds, and carpets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkiye-syria-earthquake-death-toll-crosses-33000-mark-561253">Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll crosses 33,000 mark</a>

After nearly 12 years of civil conflict, only Bab al-Hawa stays available for humanitarian aid to reach residents in rebel-held regions of Syria after other crossings were shut down as a result of pressure from China and Russia.

When Assad and the head of the World Health Organization met on Sunday in Damascus, Assad expressed his willingness for more border crossings to assist get aid into the rebel-held northwest.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations condemned the failure to deliver urgently needed aid to war-torn regions of Syria, while indicating that the death toll of more than 33,000 from the earthquake that also hit Turkey is set to rise far higher.

The United Nations condemned the failure to deliver urgently needed aid to war-torn regions of Syria, while indicating that the death toll of more than 33,000 from the earthquake that also hit Turkey is set to rise far higher. UN relief head Martin Griffiths said that much more was required for the millions of people whose houses had been devastated despite the fact that a convoy of supplies for northwest Syria had arrived via Turkey. "We have so far failed the people in northwest Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn't arrived," Griffiths said on Twitter. When assessing the devastation in southern Turkey on Saturday (February 11), when the death toll was at 28,000, Griffiths had told Sky News that he predicted the death toll to "double or more" as the chances of locating survivors dwindled with every passing day. Also watch | WION in ground zero Syria: Miraculous tales of survival continue Supplies have taken a long time to reach Syria, where the country's healthcare system has been devastated by years of war and where rebels fighting President Bashar al-government, Assad's which is subject to Western sanctions, still hold sway in certain regions. An AFP journalist said that a 10-truck UN convoy entered northwest Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with shelter kits that included plastic sheeting, ropes, screws, and nails in addition to blankets, beds, and carpets. Also read | Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll crosses 33,000 mark After nearly 12 years of civil conflict, only Bab al-Hawa stays available for humanitarian aid to reach residents in rebel-held regions of Syria after other crossings were shut down as a result of pressure from China and Russia. When Assad and the head of the World Health Organization met on Sunday in Damascus, Assad expressed his willingness for more border crossings to assist get aid into the rebel-held northwest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UN acknowledges relief failure in Syria as earthquake toll reaches 33,000

Global warming is impacting a world heritage-listed site -- the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is a valuable ecosystem which has been exposed to climate change. A UN panel has now said that this world heritage-listed site is "in danger". Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

UN lists great barrier reef 'in danger'| WION Climate Tracker

After targeting Uighurs in Xinjiang, China is now going after Tibetan children. A UN report says 1 million Tibetan children have been separated from their families. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: 1 Million Tibetan children separated from their families

At least one United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed, while another was injured after their helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked, on Sunday (February 5), said the agency spokesperson in the region. On the same day, Mali’s ruling junta announced that it was expelling the head of the human rights division of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

A UN peacekeeper was killed in DRC after their helicopter was attacked

At least one UN peacekeeper was killed and another injured after their aircraft came under fire at around 3:00 pm (local time) during a flight to Goma, said Amadou Ba, a spokesman for the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to AFP. He added, the source of fire that struck the helicopter was not known and neither its precise location could be determined.&nbsp;

Subsequently, in a statement, the South African military also confirmed the incident which involved an Oryx helicopter. “A crew member was fatally shot, another suffered injuries but managed to continue flying the chopper and landed safely at Goma Airport,” said the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). Meanwhile, neither South Africa nor the UN mission has indicated who might be responsible for the attack, they also did not reveal which weapon was used to fire at the helicopter.&nbsp;

In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, asked the Congolese authorities to launch an investigation into the “heinous attack” and bring those responsible to justice. Similarly, MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita strongly condemned the incident and described it as a “cowardly attack” on an aircraft with the UN emblem and said that “attacks against peacekeepers can constitute a war crime”.

Mali’s junta expels UN mission’s human rights chief

In a statement, the Malian interim government, on Sunday (February 5), declared the head of the UN peacekeeping mission’s human rights division, Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali, as persona non grata and said he has 48 hours to leave the country. This comes after he was allegedly connected to the biased choice of civil society witnesses for UN Security Council briefings on Mali. The most recent briefing was held on January 27.&nbsp;

Notably, the officials in Mali have repeatedly come under fire for their alleged human rights violations perpetrated by Malian armed forces reportedly in partnership with the Russian private military contractor Wagner Group. This also comes days after the UN experts called for an investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by these forces in Mali in January. 
 
Notably, the current Malian government took power two years following a military coup and has since pushed back against some of the allegations by the UN, asserting their authorities are committed to respecting human rights in accordance with international and national law.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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At least one United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed, while another was injured after their helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked, on Sunday (February 5), said the agency spokesperson in the region.

At least one United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed, while another was injured after their helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked, on Sunday (February 5), said the agency spokesperson in the region. On the same day, Mali’s ruling junta announced that it was expelling the head of the human rights division of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). A UN peacekeeper was killed in DRC after their helicopter was attacked At least one UN peacekeeper was killed and another injured after their aircraft came under fire at around 3:00 pm (local time) during a flight to Goma, said Amadou Ba, a spokesman for the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to AFP. He added, the source of fire that struck the helicopter was not known and neither its precise location could be determined. Subsequently, in a statement, the South African military also confirmed the incident which involved an Oryx helicopter. “A crew member was fatally shot, another suffered injuries but managed to continue flying the chopper and landed safely at Goma Airport,” said the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). Meanwhile, neither South Africa nor the UN mission has indicated who might be responsible for the attack, they also did not reveal which weapon was used to fire at the helicopter. In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, asked the Congolese authorities to launch an investigation into the “heinous attack” and bring those responsible to justice. Similarly, MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita strongly condemned the incident and described it as a “cowardly attack” on an aircraft with the UN emblem and said that “attacks against peacekeepers can constitute a war crime”. Mali’s junta expels UN mission’s human rights chief In a statement, the Malian interim government, on Sunday (February 5), declared the head of the UN peacekeeping mission’s human rights division, Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali, as persona non grata and said he has 48 hours to leave the country. This comes after he was allegedly connected to the biased choice of civil society witnesses for UN Security Council briefings on Mali. The most recent briefing was held on January 27. Notably, the officials in Mali have repeatedly come under fire for their alleged human rights violations perpetrated by Malian armed forces reportedly in partnership with the Russian private military contractor Wagner Group. This also comes days after the UN experts called for an investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by these forces in Mali in January. Notably, the current Malian government took power two years following a military coup and has since pushed back against some of the allegations by the UN, asserting their authorities are committed to respecting human rights in accordance with international and national law. (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 peacekeeper killed after attack on helicopter in DRC; Mali expels UN mission's human rights chief

The un food agency says malnutrition rates in Afghanistan are at record highs. scores of families can't afford to feed their children. millions have been pushed into extreme poverty and hunger since the Taliban takeover in 2021. why are western powers that left the afghan people at the mercy of the Taliban, now acting as mute spectators?

Inside South Asia | Poverty, hunger, malnutrition: The story of Afghanistan

As African leaders gathered at the Dakar Summit to discuss food security, Senegalese farmers are asking for health and support as Africa faces its worst food crisis ever. The Russia Ukraine war has added to it.

UN: Africa faces its worst hunger crisis; leaders discuss food security

As the status of women in Afghanistan continues to become worse in the absence of basic rights, the highest-ranking woman at the United Nations urged the Muslim countries on Wednesday (January 26) to help the Taliban to move from the 13th century to the 21st.&nbsp;Amina Mohammed, the deputy secretary-general said at a news conference that she used everything in her "toolbox" during meetings with Taliban ministers to try to reverse their crackdown on Afghan women and girls.&nbsp;

Amina, who is a former Nigerian Cabinet minister, also said that the foreign minister and a deputy prime minister were among four Taliban ministers, who spoke "off one script" during meetings with her delegation last week.&nbsp;

As reported by the news agency The Associated Press, she said that the officials tried to underline what they claim they have done. They call it their effort to create a safe environment for women. She said, "Their definition of protection would be, I would say, ours of oppression."

Ahead of her visit, Amina raised concerns to Taliban officials in Kabul and the southern city of Kandahar over the administration's orders restricting women from work and education.&nbsp;

During the press conference, Mohammed said her delegation, including the head of UN Women, pushed back against the Taliban.&nbsp;

She said, "We reminded them that in humanitarian principles, non-discrimination was a key part … and that they were wiping out women from the workplace."&nbsp;

Mohammed weighed in on a range of issues such as lawlessness, Taliban's attempt to get global recognition, etc. She said it is important for the UN and its partners to work more in some 20 Afghan provinces that are more forward-leaning.&nbsp;

"A lot of what we have to deal with is how we travel the Taliban from the 13th century to the 21st. That's a journey. So it’s not just overnight," she said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the status of women in Afghanistan continues to become worse in the absence of basic rights, the highest-ranking woman at the United Nations urged the Muslim countries on Wednesday (January 26) to help the Taliban to move from the 13th century to the 21st.

As the status of women in Afghanistan continues to become worse in the absence of basic rights, the highest-ranking woman at the United Nations urged the Muslim countries on Wednesday (January 26) to help the Taliban to move from the 13th century to the 21st. Amina Mohammed, the deputy secretary-general said at a news conference that she used everything in her "toolbox" during meetings with Taliban ministers to try to reverse their crackdown on Afghan women and girls. Amina, who is a former Nigerian Cabinet minister, also said that the foreign minister and a deputy prime minister were among four Taliban ministers, who spoke "off one script" during meetings with her delegation last week. As reported by the news agency The Associated Press, she said that the officials tried to underline what they claim they have done. They call it their effort to create a safe environment for women. She said, "Their definition of protection would be, I would say, ours of oppression." Ahead of her visit, Amina raised concerns to Taliban officials in Kabul and the southern city of Kandahar over the administration's orders restricting women from work and education. During the press conference, Mohammed said her delegation, including the head of UN Women, pushed back against the Taliban. She said, "We reminded them that in humanitarian principles, non-discrimination was a key part … and that they were wiping out women from the workplace." Mohammed weighed in on a range of issues such as lawlessness, Taliban's attempt to get global recognition, etc. She said it is important for the UN and its partners to work more in some 20 Afghan provinces that are more forward-leaning. "A lot of what we have to deal with is how we travel the Taliban from the 13th century to the 21st. That's a journey. So it’s not just overnight," she said. (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.

Highest-ranking woman at UN urges Muslims to help Taliban move from ‘13th century to 21st’

Reversing a steady decline that was seen in the Opium cultivation between 2014 and 2020, the illicit crop growing has surged in Myanmar since the military seized the power in 2021 and this is according to the United Nations in its annual Opium survey for 2022.

Myanmar: Opium cultivation surges, UN report says surge under military rule

The International backlash for its crackdown on women's rights, the Taliban reportedly is planning to giving some concessions. The reports have emerged that the Taliban ministers have told the senior United Nations officials that they plan to draw up new guidelines to allow Afghan women to work in some humanitarian operations.

Taliban may allow women to work in NGOs, says report

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the Ocean Race Summit Mindelo, saying that "ending the ocean emergency is a race we must win." Watch this report to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: UN Secretary-General Guterres addresses Ocean Race Summit on ocean health

The UN said on Tuesday that there is mounting evidence that gang-based crime is taking advantage of an increasing number of displaced people as a result of climate-related disasters.&nbsp;According to a&nbsp;report published&nbsp;by the&nbsp;United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime&nbsp;(UNODC), the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is another risk factor for a rise in human trafficking.

"Climate change is increasing vulnerability to trafficking," the UNODC report said.

"While a systematic global analysis of the impact of climate change in trafficking in persons is missing, community level studies in different parts of the world point at climate-induced disasters as root causes for trafficking in persons," it said.

The analysis of 800 court cases and information gathered from 141 nations between 2017 and 2020 form the basis of the report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-national-grid-offers-to-pay-customers-if-they-use-less-power-to-prevent-blackouts-amid-cold-snap-555157">UK: National Grid offers to pay customers if they use less power to prevent blackouts amid cold snap</a>

Based on the research, impoverished farming, fishing, and other groups that primarily depend on the extraction of natural resources for their livelihoods were "disproportionately" impacted by climate change.

People were turning into easy targets for traffickers after they were "deprived of their means of subsistence&nbsp;and forced to flee their community," the report's primary author Fabrizio Sarrica said at a press conference.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How effective is intermittent fasting?

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More than 23.7 million people were internally displaced by climate-related catastrophes in 2021 alone, and many more abandoned their nations entirely.

The Philippines and Bangladesh have seen a rise in cases of human trafficking, according to the UN drug agency, after severe storms and typhoons forced millions of people from their homes.

Many people were being forced to relocate due to droughts and floods in Ghana as well as the Caribbean area, which is vulnerable to storms and sea level rise.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The UN said on Tuesday that there is mounting evidence that gang-based crime is taking advantage of an increasing number of displaced people as a result of climate-related disasters.

The UN said on Tuesday that there is mounting evidence that gang-based crime is taking advantage of an increasing number of displaced people as a result of climate-related disasters. According to a report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is another risk factor for a rise in human trafficking. "Climate change is increasing vulnerability to trafficking," the UNODC report said. "While a systematic global analysis of the impact of climate change in trafficking in persons is missing, community level studies in different parts of the world point at climate-induced disasters as root causes for trafficking in persons," it said. The analysis of 800 court cases and information gathered from 141 nations between 2017 and 2020 form the basis of the report. Also read | UK: National Grid offers to pay customers if they use less power to prevent blackouts amid cold snap Based on the research, impoverished farming, fishing, and other groups that primarily depend on the extraction of natural resources for their livelihoods were "disproportionately" impacted by climate change. People were turning into easy targets for traffickers after they were "deprived of their means of subsistence and forced to flee their community," the report's primary author Fabrizio Sarrica said at a press conference. Also watch | Gravitas: How effective is intermittent fasting? More than 23.7 million people were internally displaced by climate-related catastrophes in 2021 alone, and many more abandoned their nations entirely. The Philippines and Bangladesh have seen a rise in cases of human trafficking, according to the UN drug agency, after severe storms and typhoons forced millions of people from their homes. Many people were being forced to relocate due to droughts and floods in Ghana as well as the Caribbean area, which is vulnerable to storms and sea level rise. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Climate-related disasters become a cause of human trafficking: UN report

The Cranfield University in the United Kingdom said on Monday that their researchers are helping the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) powered programme that would monitor the crops used for illicit opium production in Afghanistan. According to the university, the&nbsp;AI programme would interpret data from satellites to track where the poppy cultivation, used for drug production, takes place.&nbsp;

The university shared the news months after the UN agency conducted a survey which showed that opium cultivation in Afghanistan was up by 32 per cent, it was also the first report since the Taliban had banned the cultivation of opium poppy and all narcotics in April 2022, after they took over the year before. At least 80 per cent of all illicit opium is produced in Kabul, the UNODC said and this increase in cultivation made&nbsp;last year's&nbsp;crop the third largest area under cultivation since monitoring began.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-running-campaign-to-eradicate-poppy-cultivation-in-afghanistan-484674">Taliban running campaign to eradicate poppy cultivation in Afghanistan</a>

“This is a hugely significant project to be involved with. In terms of Afghanistan, we’re talking about opium production on a grand scale – something like the combined size of 500,000 rugby pitches – so a huge amount of cultivation,” said Dr Daniel Simms, a professor in Remote Sensing at Cranfield University. He also noted how automating the monitoring process would save many hours. The partnership between the UN and the university will last until July 2023.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-chops-off-the-hands-of-four-men-flogs-couple-for-pre-marital-sex-553618">Gravitas: Taliban chops off the hands of four men, flogs couple for pre-marital sex</a>

According to the UNODC findings, since the Taliban imposed the ban, opium prices have soared while the income of farmers from opium sales grew three-fold from 2021 to 2022. 
 
“The international community must work to address the acute needs of the Afghan people, and to step up responses to stop the criminal groups trafficking heroin and harming people in countries around the world,” the UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly had said when the findings were published, in November.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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The Cranfield University in the United Kingdom said on Monday that their researchers are helping the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) powered programme that would monitor the crops used for illicit opium production in Afghanistan.

The Cranfield University in the United Kingdom said on Monday that their researchers are helping the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) powered programme that would monitor the crops used for illicit opium production in Afghanistan. According to the university, the AI programme would interpret data from satellites to track where the poppy cultivation, used for drug production, takes place. The university shared the news months after the UN agency conducted a survey which showed that opium cultivation in Afghanistan was up by 32 per cent, it was also the first report since the Taliban had banned the cultivation of opium poppy and all narcotics in April 2022, after they took over the year before. At least 80 per cent of all illicit opium is produced in Kabul, the UNODC said and this increase in cultivation made last year's crop the third largest area under cultivation since monitoring began. ALSO READ | Taliban running campaign to eradicate poppy cultivation in Afghanistan “This is a hugely significant project to be involved with. In terms of Afghanistan, we’re talking about opium production on a grand scale – something like the combined size of 500,000 rugby pitches – so a huge amount of cultivation,” said Dr Daniel Simms, a professor in Remote Sensing at Cranfield University. He also noted how automating the monitoring process would save many hours. The partnership between the UN and the university will last until July 2023. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Taliban chops off the hands of four men, flogs couple for pre-marital sex According to the UNODC findings, since the Taliban imposed the ban, opium prices have soared while the income of farmers from opium sales grew three-fold from 2021 to 2022. “The international community must work to address the acute needs of the Afghan people, and to step up responses to stop the criminal groups trafficking heroin and harming people in countries around the world,” the UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly had said when the findings were published, in November. 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.

UK university helps UN develop AI programme to monitor Afghanistan’s opium cultivation

International passenger arrivals more than doubled in 2022 over the previous year and should resemble pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to the UN's tourism organisation, as a result of the relaxation of travel restrictions, particularly in China.&nbsp;The World Tourism Organization, based in Madrid, said that there were 917 million international tourist arrivals last year, up from 455 million in 2021, calling it "stronger than expected results."

The UN organisation projects that by 2023, the number of international arrivals could increase by between 80 and 95 percent, even if it was still only 63 per cent of the level seen in 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

"Looking ahead, international tourism is set to consolidate its recovery in 2023, backed by pent-up demand, particularly from Asia and the Pacific as destinations and markets open up," the report said.

Also watch |&nbsp;UN designates Pakistan's Abdul Rehman Makki as a global terrorist

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The number of visitors to Europe, the most popular travel destination in the world, reached 585 million last year, or over 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

However, due to tighter pandemic-related restrictions, the Pacific area only achieved 23 per cent of pre-pandemic tourist visitation levels while Africa and the Americas only reached roughly 65 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

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International passenger arrivals more than doubled in 2022 over the previous year and should resemble pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to the UN's tourism organisation, as a result of the relaxation of travel restrictions, particularly in China.

International passenger arrivals more than doubled in 2022 over the previous year and should resemble pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to the UN's tourism organisation, as a result of the relaxation of travel restrictions, particularly in China. The World Tourism Organization, based in Madrid, said that there were 917 million international tourist arrivals last year, up from 455 million in 2021, calling it "stronger than expected results." The UN organisation projects that by 2023, the number of international arrivals could increase by between 80 and 95 percent, even if it was still only 63 per cent of the level seen in 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. "Looking ahead, international tourism is set to consolidate its recovery in 2023, backed by pent-up demand, particularly from Asia and the Pacific as destinations and markets open up," the report said. Also watch | UN designates Pakistan's Abdul Rehman Makki as a global terrorist The number of visitors to Europe, the most popular travel destination in the world, reached 585 million last year, or over 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. However, due to tighter pandemic-related restrictions, the Pacific area only achieved 23 per cent of pre-pandemic tourist visitation levels while Africa and the Americas only reached roughly 65 per cent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

International tourist arrivals doubled in 2022 after easing of Covid curbs, says UN

The United Nations has said that nearly 50 bodies were found in mass graves in the eastern region of Democratic Republic of Congo. The discovery was made by peacekeepers while patrolling the troubled Ituri province.

UN: Nearly 50 bodies found in Congo mass grave linked to suspected attacks by Codeco militants

The UN's top female official, Amina Mohammad, was sent by United Nations Secretary-General with a team that included Sima Bahous, the director of UN Women, in response to the ban on female aid workers in Afghanistan. Amina Mohammad is the UN secretary general's deputy and therefore is deemed to be a very high-profile visit.&nbsp;The delegation arrived in Kabul on Monday. Amina Mohammed on Tuesday met Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister. “FM Muttaqi expressed hope that the delegation would portray Afghanistan’s true picture to the international community,” ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a tweet.“FM Muttaqi added that women are engaged in educational &amp; health sectors in significant numbers whereas those who used to work in government offices are paid salaries at home,” he continued.

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Deputy UNSG Amina Mohammed heading a delegation called on IEA Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. 
 
Welcoming the UN delegation, FM Muttaqi expressed hope that the delegation would portray Afghanistan’s true picture to the international community. <a href="https://t.co/94zVZmWtWK">pic.twitter.com/94zVZmWtWK</a>
— Abdul Qahar Balkhi (@QaharBalkhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/QaharBalkhi/status/1615704278433435648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Over the&nbsp;issue of barring NGO women workers, Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN's humanitarian co-ordinator in Afghanistan in a statement said, "People are freezing and time is running out." "We need to build shelters now but, in this conservative society, if we don't have female aid workers to speak to women in the families, we can't do this work," she added.

Taliban issued a decree on 24 December 2022, prohibiting women from working for domestic and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This gave the rights of Afghan women a fatal blow. Not just this, it also poses a risk of further escalating a public health emergency in a nation already struggling with famine and natural calamities. &nbsp;

Earlier visits have been condemned widely as many of such delegations were men-only. The delegation is visiting Afghanistan to hold talks with Taliban in efforts to reconcile the Taliban government's demands with international norms on human rights. With women's rights being breached time and again, it is only necessary to have women on board during such visits.&nbsp;

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The UN's top female official, Amina Mohammad, was sent by United Nations Secretary-General with a team that included Sima Bahous, the director of UN Women, in response to the ban on female aid workers in Afghanistan.

The UN's top female official, Amina Mohammad, was sent by United Nations Secretary-General with a team that included Sima Bahous, the director of UN Women, in response to the ban on female aid workers in Afghanistan. Amina Mohammad is the UN secretary general's deputy and therefore is deemed to be a very high-profile visit. The delegation arrived in Kabul on Monday. Amina Mohammed on Tuesday met Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister. “FM Muttaqi expressed hope that the delegation would portray Afghanistan’s true picture to the international community,” ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a tweet.“FM Muttaqi added that women are engaged in educational & health sectors in significant numbers whereas those who used to work in government offices are paid salaries at home,” he continued. Deputy UNSG Amina Mohammed heading a delegation called on IEA Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. Welcoming the UN delegation, FM Muttaqi expressed hope that the delegation would portray Afghanistan’s true picture to the international community. pic.twitter.com/94zVZmWtWK — Abdul Qahar Balkhi (@QaharBalkhi) January 18, 2023 × Over the issue of barring NGO women workers, Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN's humanitarian co-ordinator in Afghanistan in a statement said, "People are freezing and time is running out." "We need to build shelters now but, in this conservative society, if we don't have female aid workers to speak to women in the families, we can't do this work," she added. Taliban issued a decree on 24 December 2022, prohibiting women from working for domestic and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This gave the rights of Afghan women a fatal blow. Not just this, it also poses a risk of further escalating a public health emergency in a nation already struggling with famine and natural calamities. Earlier visits have been condemned widely as many of such delegations were men-only. The delegation is visiting Afghanistan to hold talks with Taliban in efforts to reconcile the Taliban government's demands with international norms on human rights. With women's rights being breached time and again, it is only necessary to have women on board during such visits. 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's top women officials meet Taliban over ban on female aid workers

The world is in a "sorry state" because of myriad interlinked challenges including climate change and Russia's war in Ukraine, the UN chief said at his World Economic Forum address in Davos.

WION Dispatch: UN chief warns the 'world is in a sorry state' at Davos 2023

Addressing a session amid the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, 2023 in Davos, Switzerland on ‘Ending Tuberculosis’, the Indian Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, said that New Delhi extends its full support for a global plan for approving a new TB vaccine by 2025. Similarly, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also announced plans to speed up the licensing and use of novel vaccines against tuberculosis (TB) and the creation of the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council, on Tuesday (January 17).&nbsp;

“Just as vaccines were a game-changer in the battle against COVID, Global Plan calls for approving a new TB vaccine by 2025 and making it available to adults and adolescents in TB-affected nations,” said Mandaviya, as per PTI. He added, “India is fully prepared and in an advanced stage for taking this forward.” The Indian Health minister also noted how more than 1.6 million across the world lost their lives because of TB in 2021 and it was the leading cause of death from infectious diseases before the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Initiatives taken by the Indian government&nbsp;to fight TB

The health minister also spoke about how under the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country has been at the forefront of the global fight against TB including the recently launched ‘Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’. The campaign of community engagement aims to provide nutritional diagnostic and vocational support to TB patients delivered through the community, said Mandaviya.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-asia-diary-after-covid-19-india-turns-to-tuberculosis-468381">South Asia Diary | After Covid-19, India turns to Tuberculosis</a>

The initiative has also already seen over 50,000 Ni-kshay Mitras adopting over 1.3 million TB patients, said the health minister. He added, “We have taken several initiatives to intensify case finding, ensure medicine supply including tele consultation services to every TB patient.” In 2021, the Modi government said they aim to eliminate TB from India by 2025.&nbsp;

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Just as vaccines were a game-changer 
in battle against COVID, Global Plan calls for approving a new TB vaccine by 2025 &amp; making it available to adults &amp; adolescents in TB-affected nations. 
 
🇮🇳 is fully prepared &amp; in an advanced stage for taking this forward: Dr <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MansukhMandviya</a>
— Office of Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@OfficeOf_MM) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOf_MM/status/1615370942947151872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Indian health minister who is also the Chair of the ‘Stop TB Partnership Board’ said he has an additional responsibility towards TB management efforts globally. “Full implementation of the global plan developed by Stop TB Partnership requires US$250 billion over next 8 years, the equivalent of just US$4 per person, per year worldwide,” said Mandaviya.&nbsp;

This would deliver an economic return of US$40 for every dollar invested, the Indian health minister added. He also reiterated the importance of ensuring sufficient funds for the initiative as we would end up paying a much higher price later.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-delhi-end-tb-summit-today-35575">PM Modi to inaugurate Delhi End TB Summit today</a>

WHO launches ‘TB Vaccine Accelerator Council’&nbsp;

Director-General of the WHO, Tedros also addressed the ongoing WEF in Davos and said, “The challenges presented by TB and COVID-19 are different, but the ingredients that accelerate science, research and innovation are the same: urgent, up-front public investment; support from philanthropy; and engagement of the private sector and communities.”&nbsp;

He also noted how one of the most important lessons from the COVID-19 response is that innovative health interventions can be delivered fast if they are prioritized politically and financed sufficiently. Therefore, in order to speed up the licensing and use of vaccines against TB Tedros announced the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council. The council will include funders, global agencies, governments and those with TB, in identifying and overcoming barriers to vaccine development, said the UN.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-tuberculosis-making-a-deadly-comeback-529263">Gravitas: Is Tuberculosis making a deadly comeback?&nbsp;</a>

As of today, there is only one licensed vaccine for TB which is the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, developed in 1921. Notably, no new TB vaccines have been licensed in a century despite how adversely the disease has impacted human health. According to the UN agency, TB remains the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 and the 13th leading cause of death worldwide.&nbsp;

It is also both curable and preventable but even with global commitments to end the disease by 2030, the epidemic has shown no signs of slowing down, said WHO. In 2021, over 10 million people were infected with the disease. Additionally, the global health agency also noted, drug resistance continues to be a major problem with at least half a million people developing drug-resistant TB every year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Addressing a session amid the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, 2023 in Davos, Switzerland on ‘Ending Tuberculosis’, the Indian Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, said that New Delhi extends its full support for a global plan for approving a new TB vaccine by 2025.

Addressing a session amid the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, 2023 in Davos, Switzerland on ‘Ending Tuberculosis’, the Indian Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, said that New Delhi extends its full support for a global plan for approving a new TB vaccine by 2025. Similarly, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also announced plans to speed up the licensing and use of novel vaccines against tuberculosis (TB) and the creation of the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council, on Tuesday (January 17). “Just as vaccines were a game-changer in the battle against COVID, Global Plan calls for approving a new TB vaccine by 2025 and making it available to adults and adolescents in TB-affected nations,” said Mandaviya, as per PTI. He added, “India is fully prepared and in an advanced stage for taking this forward.” The Indian Health minister also noted how more than 1.6 million across the world lost their lives because of TB in 2021 and it was the leading cause of death from infectious diseases before the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives taken by the Indian government to fight TB The health minister also spoke about how under the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country has been at the forefront of the global fight against TB including the recently launched ‘Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’. The campaign of community engagement aims to provide nutritional diagnostic and vocational support to TB patients delivered through the community, said Mandaviya. ALSO WATCH | South Asia Diary | After Covid-19, India turns to Tuberculosis The initiative has also already seen over 50,000 Ni-kshay Mitras adopting over 1.3 million TB patients, said the health minister. He added, “We have taken several initiatives to intensify case finding, ensure medicine supply including tele consultation services to every TB patient.” In 2021, the Modi government said they aim to eliminate TB from India by 2025. Just as vaccines were a game-changer in battle against COVID, Global Plan calls for approving a new TB vaccine by 2025 & making it available to adults & adolescents in TB-affected nations. 🇮🇳 is fully prepared & in an advanced stage for taking this forward: Dr @MansukhMandviya — Office of Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@OfficeOf_MM) January 17, 2023 × The Indian health minister who is also the Chair of the ‘Stop TB Partnership Board’ said he has an additional responsibility towards TB management efforts globally. “Full implementation of the global plan developed by Stop TB Partnership requires US$250 billion over next 8 years, the equivalent of just US$4 per person, per year worldwide,” said Mandaviya. This would deliver an economic return of US$40 for every dollar invested, the Indian health minister added. He also reiterated the importance of ensuring sufficient funds for the initiative as we would end up paying a much higher price later. ALSO READ | PM Modi to inaugurate Delhi End TB Summit today WHO launches ‘TB Vaccine Accelerator Council’ Director-General of the WHO, Tedros also addressed the ongoing WEF in Davos and said, “The challenges presented by TB and COVID-19 are different, but the ingredients that accelerate science, research and innovation are the same: urgent, up-front public investment; support from philanthropy; and engagement of the private sector and communities.” He also noted how one of the most important lessons from the COVID-19 response is that innovative health interventions can be delivered fast if they are prioritized politically and financed sufficiently. Therefore, in order to speed up the licensing and use of vaccines against TB Tedros announced the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council. The council will include funders, global agencies, governments and those with TB, in identifying and overcoming barriers to vaccine development, said the UN. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Is Tuberculosis making a deadly comeback? As of today, there is only one licensed vaccine for TB which is the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, developed in 1921. Notably, no new TB vaccines have been licensed in a century despite how adversely the disease has impacted human health. According to the UN agency, TB remains the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 and the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. It is also both curable and preventable but even with global commitments to end the disease by 2030, the epidemic has shown no signs of slowing down, said WHO. In 2021, over 10 million people were infected with the disease. Additionally, the global health agency also noted, drug resistance continues to be a major problem with at least half a million people developing drug-resistant TB every year. (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.

India to deliver global plan for TB vaccines by 2025, says health minister

In reaction to the Palestinian Authority's attempts to have the UN's top court issue an advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation, some 40 nations on Monday urged Israel to restore the sanctions it had placed on the Palestinian Authority earlier in the month.

The International Court of Justice was engaged on the subject of Israel's occupation of Palestinian areas in a resolution that the UN General Assembly adopted on December 30.

On January 6, Israel retaliated by announcing a number of measures, including financial sanctions, against the Palestinian Authority in order to make it "pay the price" for pushing the resolution.

In a statement to journalists on Monday, about 40 members of the UN expressed "deep concern" over the Israeli government's decision to impose punitive measures on the Palestinian people, leadership, and civil society in response to the General Assembly's request to the court. They reaffirmed their "unwavering support" for the ICJ and international law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-palestinians-killed-in-israeli-army-raid-in-west-bank-claims-health-ministry-552642">Two Palestinians killed in West Bank raid by Israeli army, Islamic Jihad group condemns action</a>

"Regardless of each country's position on the resolution, we reject punitive measures in response to a request for an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, and more broadly in response to a General Assembly resolution, and call for their immediate reversal," the members said.

The statement is supported by nations that voted in favour of the resolution, including Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Ireland, Pakistan, and South Africa, as well as nations that abstained from voting, including Japan, France, and South Korea, and nations that voted against it, including Germany and Estonia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In reaction to the Palestinian Authority's attempts to have the UN's top court issue an advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation, some 40 nations on Monday urged Israel to restore the sanctions it had placed on the Palestinian Authority earlier in the month.

In reaction to the Palestinian Authority's attempts to have the UN's top court issue an advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation, some 40 nations on Monday urged Israel to restore the sanctions it had placed on the Palestinian Authority earlier in the month. The International Court of Justice was engaged on the subject of Israel's occupation of Palestinian areas in a resolution that the UN General Assembly adopted on December 30. On January 6, Israel retaliated by announcing a number of measures, including financial sanctions, against the Palestinian Authority in order to make it "pay the price" for pushing the resolution. In a statement to journalists on Monday, about 40 members of the UN expressed "deep concern" over the Israeli government's decision to impose punitive measures on the Palestinian people, leadership, and civil society in response to the General Assembly's request to the court. They reaffirmed their "unwavering support" for the ICJ and international law. Also read | Two Palestinians killed in West Bank raid by Israeli army, Islamic Jihad group condemns action "Regardless of each country's position on the resolution, we reject punitive measures in response to a request for an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, and more broadly in response to a General Assembly resolution, and call for their immediate reversal," the members said. The statement is supported by nations that voted in favour of the resolution, including Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Ireland, Pakistan, and South Africa, as well as nations that abstained from voting, including Japan, France, and South Korea, and nations that voted against it, including Germany and Estonia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel urged by around 40 nations to lift 'punitive' sanctions against Palestinians

United Nations Security Council has listed Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki as a global terrorist. The listing comes after China last year put down India's bid to name the Laskar-e-Taiba leader a global terrorist.

UN designates Pakistan's Abdul Rehman Makki as a global terrorist

The large dams across the world reportedly are losing their water storage capacity. According to the United Nations, the dams which are about 15 meters or higher could lose almost about a quarter of their capacity by 2050.

WION Climate Tracker | UN: Nearly 50,000 dams in 150 nations losing storage space

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