The United Nations peacekeeping force in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;has&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;two units to the African country's tri-border area with Burkina Faso and Niger to respond to a&nbsp;spate&nbsp;of civilian&nbsp;killings, it said on Thursday.

A surge in attacks since early March by an Islamic State affiliate has left hundreds of civilians dead, according to official and military sources. The region has long been a hotspot of jihadist and militia violence in West Africa.

"The security situation in the Tri-border area... particularly in the localities of Tessit, Talataye, Ansongo and the Menaka region, has deteriorated considerably in recent weeks," said the&nbsp;U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-27-killed-33-wounded-in-militant-attack-in-central-mali-459152">At least 27 killed, 33 wounded in militant attack in central Mali</a>

MINUSMA&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;one unit to the area over a week ago and was in the process of deploying another on Thursday, it said, adding that the attacks have resulted in "dozens of deaths".

Civilians have been targeted during a cycle of reprisal attacks between ethnic Tuareg militia groups, including the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), according to MSA and local sources.

At least 500 civilians have been killed in the last three weeks in the regions of Gao and Menaka, said a military source, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak.

A government official in Gao region said about 200 civilians were killed in the commune of Talataye between March 21 and 25, and thousands more displaced.

"We are expecting to be assassinated at any moment," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

Mali's army conducted airstrikes in the Menaka region on March 13, which it said helped break the momentum of "terrorist groups". It has not given a death toll from the fighting.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-army-says-8-soldiers-killed-nearly-60-terrorists-neutralised-454750">&nbsp;Mali army says 8 soldiers killed, nearly 60 'terrorists neutralised'</a>

Mali&nbsp;has faced instability since 2012, when Islamists hijacked an ethnic Tuareg rebellion in the north. French troops intervened to push them out of the cities they occupied, but they have since regrouped and spread across the Sahel region.

Mali's army has also been accused of killing civilians. A coalition of Tuareg groups on Wednesday issued a list of 17 people it said were arrested and executed by soldiers last weekend in the town of Ansongo.

A spokesman for the army did not respond to calls from Reuters. The army said in a statement on March 29 that it was investigating allegations of human rights abuses in the area and reinforcing protection of civilians in Menaka and Gao.

The army has faced similar accusations by the United Nations and human rights groups, and has in some cases acknowledged that its forces were implicated in executions.

Watch |&nbsp;Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mali-asks-france-to-expedite-pulling-out-of-troops-from-country-454523/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Mali has deployed two units to the African country's tri-border area with Burkina Faso and Niger to respond to a spate of civilian killings, it said on Thursday.

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Mali has deployed two units to the African country's tri-border area with Burkina Faso and Niger to respond to a spate of civilian killings, it said on Thursday. A surge in attacks since early March by an Islamic State affiliate has left hundreds of civilians dead, according to official and military sources. The region has long been a hotspot of jihadist and militia violence in West Africa. "The security situation in the Tri-border area... particularly in the localities of Tessit, Talataye, Ansongo and the Menaka region, has deteriorated considerably in recent weeks," said the U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA. Also read | At least 27 killed, 33 wounded in militant attack in central Mali MINUSMA deployed one unit to the area over a week ago and was in the process of deploying another on Thursday, it said, adding that the attacks have resulted in "dozens of deaths". Civilians have been targeted during a cycle of reprisal attacks between ethnic Tuareg militia groups, including the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), according to MSA and local sources. At least 500 civilians have been killed in the last three weeks in the regions of Gao and Menaka, said a military source, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak. A government official in Gao region said about 200 civilians were killed in the commune of Talataye between March 21 and 25, and thousands more displaced. "We are expecting to be assassinated at any moment," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons. Mali's army conducted airstrikes in the Menaka region on March 13, which it said helped break the momentum of "terrorist groups". It has not given a death toll from the fighting. Also read | Mali army says 8 soldiers killed, nearly 60 'terrorists neutralised' Mali has faced instability since 2012, when Islamists hijacked an ethnic Tuareg rebellion in the north. French troops intervened to push them out of the cities they occupied, but they have since regrouped and spread across the Sahel region. Mali's army has also been accused of killing civilians. A coalition of Tuareg groups on Wednesday issued a list of 17 people it said were arrested and executed by soldiers last weekend in the town of Ansongo. A spokesman for the army did not respond to calls from Reuters. The army said in a statement on March 29 that it was investigating allegations of human rights abuses in the area and reinforcing protection of civilians in Menaka and Gao. The army has faced similar accusations by the United Nations and human rights groups, and has in some cases acknowledged that its forces were implicated in executions. Watch | Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

UN peacekeepers deployed to northeastern Mali amid spate of killings

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has shaken up the global food supply. North Africa, the Middle East lose access to basic supplies.

U.N. food chief warns of 'catastrophe' as war shakes up the global food supply

United Nations on Wednesday named three human rights experts who will probe possible war crimes in Ukraine. Russia faces accusations of indiscriminate bombardment of civillians in Ukraine.

The independent panel will be led by Erik Mose of Norway and it will investigate alleged human rights abuses and also violations of international humanitarian law "in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation," a statement said.

Ukraine and the West have been alleging that Russian armed forces killed civillians by shelling and besieging cities, most notably Mariupol, the southern port. These allegations have been denied by Russia.

On the other side, video has been circulating on social media purporting to show Ukrainian forces mistreating captured Russian soldiers. Kyiv has said the images look fake but that it will punish perpetrators if found to be true.

The UN Human Rights Council has created the commission of inquiry for one year at the request of Ukraine and allies including the European Union, Britain and the United States.

Russia, which continues to call the invasion a 'special operation' to 'denazify' Ukraine, has opposed the probe

The United Nations also has fact-finding inquiries for war crimes in Syria, Myanmar and other conflicts. Their reports have been used to build cases for potential prosecutions.

Under the resolution on Ukraine adopted by the 47-member Geneva forum, the panel will interview witnesses and collect forensic material for any future legal proceedings.

It is to report initial findings in September.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

United Nations on Wednesday named three human rights experts who will probe possible war crimes in Ukraine. Russia faces accusations of indiscriminate bombardment of civillians in Ukraine.

United Nations on Wednesday named three human rights experts who will probe possible war crimes in Ukraine. Russia faces accusations of indiscriminate bombardment of civillians in Ukraine. The independent panel will be led by Erik Mose of Norway and it will investigate alleged human rights abuses and also violations of international humanitarian law "in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation," a statement said. Ukraine and the West have been alleging that Russian armed forces killed civillians by shelling and besieging cities, most notably Mariupol, the southern port. These allegations have been denied by Russia. On the other side, video has been circulating on social media purporting to show Ukrainian forces mistreating captured Russian soldiers. Kyiv has said the images look fake but that it will punish perpetrators if found to be true. The UN Human Rights Council has created the commission of inquiry for one year at the request of Ukraine and allies including the European Union, Britain and the United States. Russia, which continues to call the invasion a 'special operation' to 'denazify' Ukraine, has opposed the probe The United Nations also has fact-finding inquiries for war crimes in Syria, Myanmar and other conflicts. Their reports have been used to build cases for potential prosecutions. Under the resolution on Ukraine adopted by the 47-member Geneva forum, the panel will interview witnesses and collect forensic material for any future legal proceedings. It is to report initial findings in September. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: UN appoints human rights experts to investigate alleged war crimes

The United Nations reproductive health agency said on Wednesday that nearly half of all pregnancies in the world were unintended.

The agency said that out of 121 million unintended pregnancies every year, more than 60 per cent end in abortion, said United Nations Population Fund in new report.

The UNFPA said the report was not about "unwanted babies or happy accidents", but how a combination of gender inequality, poverty, sexual violence, and lack of access to contraception and abortion robbed women of "the most life-altering reproductive choice -- whether or not to become pregnant".

The war in Ukraine and other conflicts are expected to drive the "staggering" number of unintended pregnancies even higher as sexual violence increases and contraception access is disrupted, the report said.

"We have heard stories from pregnant women who knew that nutritionally they weren't going to be able to support their pregnancy" in Ukraine, UNFPA executive director Natalia Kanem said.

"There are also predators and traffickers and examples of people who are seeing the tragedy of war as an opportunity to target women and girls," she told AFP.

She said studies estimated that more than 20 percent of displaced women worldwide experience sexual violence -- "and I would bet that is under-reported because there is so much stigma around the issue."

While figures are still sparse a month into the Ukraine war, she said that the conflict in Afghanistan was expected to lead to 4.8 million unintended pregnancies by 2025.

And the Covid-19 crisis has also hugely disrupted healthcare and contraceptive supplies, leading to up to 1.4 million unintended pregnancies in the first year of the pandemic alone, the UNFPA said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United Nations reproductive health agency said on Wednesday that nearly half of all pregnancies in the world were unintended. The agency said that out of 121 million unintended pregnancies every year, more than 60 per cent end in abortion, said United Nations Population Fund in new report.

The United Nations reproductive health agency said on Wednesday that nearly half of all pregnancies in the world were unintended. The agency said that out of 121 million unintended pregnancies every year, more than 60 per cent end in abortion, said United Nations Population Fund in new report. The UNFPA said the report was not about "unwanted babies or happy accidents", but how a combination of gender inequality, poverty, sexual violence, and lack of access to contraception and abortion robbed women of "the most life-altering reproductive choice -- whether or not to become pregnant". The war in Ukraine and other conflicts are expected to drive the "staggering" number of unintended pregnancies even higher as sexual violence increases and contraception access is disrupted, the report said. "We have heard stories from pregnant women who knew that nutritionally they weren't going to be able to support their pregnancy" in Ukraine, UNFPA executive director Natalia Kanem said. "There are also predators and traffickers and examples of people who are seeing the tragedy of war as an opportunity to target women and girls," she told AFP. She said studies estimated that more than 20 percent of displaced women worldwide experience sexual violence -- "and I would bet that is under-reported because there is so much stigma around the issue." While figures are still sparse a month into the Ukraine war, she said that the conflict in Afghanistan was expected to lead to 4.8 million unintended pregnancies by 2025. And the Covid-19 crisis has also hugely disrupted healthcare and contraceptive supplies, leading to up to 1.4 million unintended pregnancies in the first year of the pandemic alone, the UNFPA said. (With inputs from agencies)

Nearly half of pregnancies in world unintended, access to contraceptives must improve: UN report

The Saudi-led coalition on Tuesday announced that it would halt military operations in Yemen after United Nations' call for peace talks ahead of the month of Ramzan. However, Houthis have rejected the proposal and called it meaningless.

Saudi-led coalition announces ceasefire in Yemen as UN urges talks

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire. UNGA adopted a resolution of Ukraine.

UN calls for an immediate ceasefire amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

The United Nations said on Thursday that more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion of the country.

"One month of war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of 4.3 million children -- more than half of the country's estimated 7.5 million child population," the UN children's agency Unicef said.

The number of displaced children makes up nearly half of over 10 million people forced to flee their homes since the invasion.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-provide-6000-missiles-to-ukraine-germany-says-further-strela-missiles-on-way-to-kyiv-465032">UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv</a> 
 
More than 1.8 million children have fled Ukraine as refugees, while another 2.5 million are now displaced inside their war-ravaged country, the UN said.

"The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II," Unicef chief Catherine Russell said.

"This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come," she warned.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oksana-baulina-russian-journalist-killed-during-bombardment-in-kyiv-465090">Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv</a>

"Children's safety, wellbeing and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop horrific violence." &nbsp;

Her comments came a month after Russian tanks rolled over the border, bringing a conflict that has already killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians.

See Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149#wave-of-sanctions-by-west-465132">One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a>

The UN human rights office has confirmed that 81 children have been killed in the conflict and 108 injured but acknowledges that the true toll is likely far higher.

The UN has also decried that the conflict is taking a devastating toll on civilian infrastructure and access to basic services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations said on Thursday that more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion of the country.

The United Nations said on Thursday that more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion of the country. "One month of war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of 4.3 million children -- more than half of the country's estimated 7.5 million child population," the UN children's agency Unicef said. The number of displaced children makes up nearly half of over 10 million people forced to flee their homes since the invasion. Also Read | UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv More than 1.8 million children have fled Ukraine as refugees, while another 2.5 million are now displaced inside their war-ravaged country, the UN said. "The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II," Unicef chief Catherine Russell said. "This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come," she warned. Also Read | Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv "Children's safety, wellbeing and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop horrific violence." Her comments came a month after Russian tanks rolled over the border, bringing a conflict that has already killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians. See Pics | One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? The UN human rights office has confirmed that 81 children have been killed in the conflict and 108 injured but acknowledges that the true toll is likely far higher. The UN has also decried that the conflict is taking a devastating toll on civilian infrastructure and access to basic services. (With inputs from agencies)

More than half of Ukrainian children displaced by war, says UN

The world needs to launch a "transformation" to curb global warming, a top researcher behind an upcoming UN report on&nbsp;climate&nbsp;solutions said, adding that it is&nbsp;never&nbsp;to&nbsp;late&nbsp;to act.

In a United Nations assessment in February dubbed an "atlas of human suffering", experts laid out in devastating detail the past, present and future impacts of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change on people and the planet they depend on.&nbsp;

Science now considers it unequivocal that humans are responsible for this accelerating climatic upheaval, and the next report by the Intergovernmental Panel on&nbsp;Climate&nbsp;Change (IPCC), expected in early April, focuses on how we might get ourselves out of the mess we created.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-climate-summit-denmarks-ambassador-to-india-emphasised-the-need-of-individual-responsibility-462688">WION Climate Summit | Denmark's Ambassador to India stresses the need for individual responsibility</a>

To do that the world must find a way to drastically cut the amount of planet-warming gases pumped into the atmosphere.&nbsp;

"We are talking about the large-scale transformation of all the major systems: energy, transport, infrastructure, buildings, agriculture and food,"&nbsp;climate&nbsp;economist Celine Guivarch told AFP.&nbsp;

The war in Ukraine not only shows the world’s "great dependence on fossil fuels", particularly responsible for&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, but it also could be an opportunity to make the right choices, she said.

"We are at a crossroads and depending on the decisions taken, we can contribute to making the problem of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change worse or to find answers", said Guivarch.&nbsp;

But to reach carbon neutrality by mid-century, major changes must be started now, said the researcher at the International Centre for Research on the Environment and Development.&nbsp;

That is in part because of the inertia in human systems -- like the time it takes to build new infrastructure -- and natural ones, because CO2 remains in the atmosphere for several centuries.

Never&nbsp;too&nbsp;late

According to the UN, emissions must be slashed almost in half by 2030 to have a hope of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial era, the most ambitious Paris Agreement goal.&nbsp;

But emissions are still on the rise.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-protest-in-france-to-call-for-more-attention-towards-climate-461810">Thousands protest in France to call for more attention towards climate</a>

Despite the urgency, some still want to do nothing.&nbsp;

"We hardly hear&nbsp;climate-sceptic commentary anymore, but there is this new 'delay discourse'," said Guivarch.&nbsp;

"They recognise that there is&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change and that it is of human origin, but they seek to justify minimal&nbsp;action&nbsp;or no&nbsp;action."

Some suggest waiting for future technological solutions to be deployed in 10, 20 or 30 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And people, companies and even nations may argue that since their emissions are dwarfed by bigger polluters, it is useless to take&nbsp;action.&nbsp;

Others shrug at the signs that&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change is ramping up extreme events and say it is&nbsp;too&nbsp;late&nbsp;to do anything about it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"This is wrong," said Guivarch, adding that every fraction of a degree increases the impacts and multiplies the risks.&nbsp;

So, "it is&nbsp;never&nbsp;too&nbsp;late&nbsp;to act, because all greenhouse gas emissions avoided, stave off impacts and risks".&nbsp;

But she does not minimise the challenges ahead.&nbsp;

To trigger a real economic transformation will require bringing on board "the whole of society, businesses, citizens", while focusing investments on solutions and away from fossil fuels.&nbsp;

While awareness has grown since the Paris deal was signed in 2015 and decision-makers are increasingly embracing the subject, she said there is still a lack of understanding of the "orders of magnitude, the speed and the extent of the transformation that we are talking about". &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Collectively on a global scale, the actions are not up to the challenge," said Guivarch.

Watch |&nbsp;Wion Climate Summit: Where do we find the money to fund climate change?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-summit-where-do-we-find-the-money-to-fund-climate-change-462644/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The world needs to launch a "transformation" to curb global warming, a top researcher behind an upcoming UN report on climate solutions said, adding that it is never to late to act.

The world needs to launch a "transformation" to curb global warming, a top researcher behind an upcoming UN report on climate solutions said, adding that it is never to late to act. In a United Nations assessment in February dubbed an "atlas of human suffering", experts laid out in devastating detail the past, present and future impacts of climate change on people and the planet they depend on. Science now considers it unequivocal that humans are responsible for this accelerating climatic upheaval, and the next report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), expected in early April, focuses on how we might get ourselves out of the mess we created. Also read | WION Climate Summit | Denmark's Ambassador to India stresses the need for individual responsibility To do that the world must find a way to drastically cut the amount of planet-warming gases pumped into the atmosphere. "We are talking about the large-scale transformation of all the major systems: energy, transport, infrastructure, buildings, agriculture and food," climate economist Celine Guivarch told AFP. The war in Ukraine not only shows the world’s "great dependence on fossil fuels", particularly responsible for climate change, but it also could be an opportunity to make the right choices, she said. "We are at a crossroads and depending on the decisions taken, we can contribute to making the problem of climate change worse or to find answers", said Guivarch. But to reach carbon neutrality by mid-century, major changes must be started now, said the researcher at the International Centre for Research on the Environment and Development. That is in part because of the inertia in human systems -- like the time it takes to build new infrastructure -- and natural ones, because CO2 remains in the atmosphere for several centuries. Never too late According to the UN, emissions must be slashed almost in half by 2030 to have a hope of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial era, the most ambitious Paris Agreement goal. But emissions are still on the rise. Also read | Thousands protest in France to call for more attention towards climate Despite the urgency, some still want to do nothing. "We hardly hear climate-sceptic commentary anymore, but there is this new 'delay discourse'," said Guivarch. "They recognise that there is climate change and that it is of human origin, but they seek to justify minimal action or no action." Some suggest waiting for future technological solutions to be deployed in 10, 20 or 30 years. And people, companies and even nations may argue that since their emissions are dwarfed by bigger polluters, it is useless to take action. Others shrug at the signs that climate change is ramping up extreme events and say it is too late to do anything about it. "This is wrong," said Guivarch, adding that every fraction of a degree increases the impacts and multiplies the risks. So, "it is never too late to act, because all greenhouse gas emissions avoided, stave off impacts and risks". But she does not minimise the challenges ahead. To trigger a real economic transformation will require bringing on board "the whole of society, businesses, citizens", while focusing investments on solutions and away from fossil fuels. While awareness has grown since the Paris deal was signed in 2015 and decision-makers are increasingly embracing the subject, she said there is still a lack of understanding of the "orders of magnitude, the speed and the extent of the transformation that we are talking about". "Collectively on a global scale, the actions are not up to the challenge," said Guivarch. Watch | Wion Climate Summit: Where do we find the money to fund climate change?

Never too late for 'transformational' climate action: UN report

The United Nations (UN) said on Wednesday that $4.3bn is the amount that the organisation will need to address Yemen’s food shortages this year. The UN believes that around 161,000 people are likely to experience famine in 2022 and they called it “the world's worst humanitarian crisis”.

Ahead of a high-level pledging conference which will be co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland, the UN said that three out of four Yemenis will depend on food assistance in 2022 and it hopes that the participating nations will be able to pledge the necessary amount for the aid of the war-torn nation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-joe-biden-to-announce-800-million-in-new-security-aid-to-ukraine-462729">Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine</a>

“As of now, funding is drying up and agencies are stopping their work in Yemen,” UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths told Al-Jazeera. “We need to replenish the food pipeline, provide shelter and send a message to Yemenis that we do not forget them.”

According to an Associated Press report, at the beginning of the year, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) was forced to reduce food rations for eight million people due to a funding shortage, with households receiving barely half of the WFP standard daily minimum food basket.

The report also stated that last year's conference raised only $1.7bn for Yemen after&nbsp;the UN asked for $3.85bn.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/refugee-exodus-in-20-days-28-million-people-have-fled-ukraine-462361">&nbsp;In 20 days, 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine</a>

The war in Yemen started back in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels captured a major part of the country’s northern region&nbsp;including capital Sanaa. Months later, an US-backed coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened in order to defeat the rebels and restore the recognised government.

The situation in Yemen has been&nbsp;grim for quite some time and it seems that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis may end up making things worse. Ukraine supplies around 40 per cent of Yemen’s grains and with the country under attack, the supplies may stop for the time being.

(With agency inputs)

The United Nations (UN) said on Wednesday that $4.3bn is the amount that the organisation will need to address Yemen’s food shortages this year. The UN believes that around 161,000 people are likely to experience famine in 2022 and they called it “the world's worst humanitarian crisis”.

The United Nations (UN) said on Wednesday that $4.3bn is the amount that the organisation will need to address Yemen’s food shortages this year. The UN believes that around 161,000 people are likely to experience famine in 2022 and they called it “the world's worst humanitarian crisis”. Ahead of a high-level pledging conference which will be co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland, the UN said that three out of four Yemenis will depend on food assistance in 2022 and it hopes that the participating nations will be able to pledge the necessary amount for the aid of the war-torn nation. Also read | Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine “As of now, funding is drying up and agencies are stopping their work in Yemen,” UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths told Al-Jazeera. “We need to replenish the food pipeline, provide shelter and send a message to Yemenis that we do not forget them.” According to an Associated Press report, at the beginning of the year, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) was forced to reduce food rations for eight million people due to a funding shortage, with households receiving barely half of the WFP standard daily minimum food basket. The report also stated that last year's conference raised only $1.7bn for Yemen after the UN asked for $3.85bn. Also read | In 20 days, 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine The war in Yemen started back in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels captured a major part of the country’s northern region including capital Sanaa. Months later, an US-backed coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened in order to defeat the rebels and restore the recognised government. The situation in Yemen has been grim for quite some time and it seems that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis may end up making things worse. Ukraine supplies around 40 per cent of Yemen’s grains and with the country under attack, the supplies may stop for the time being. (With agency inputs)

$4.3bn needed to prevent Yemen hunger crisis, says UN

Thousands of refugees are fleeing Ukraine amid the Russian invasion braving the harsh weather conditions. UN said that, "more than 2.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine".

Ukraine Under Attack: UN says number of refugees fleeing Ukraine cross 2.5 million mark

The UN rights chief said Tuesday she would make a long-delayed visit to China in May, including to Xinjiang, where Western lawmakers have accused Beijing of genocide.

"I am pleased to announce that we have recently reached an agreement with the government of China for a visit,"&nbsp;Michelle&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;told the UN Human Rights Council.

She said that the UN rights agency, OHCHR, and Beijing had "initiated concrete preparations for a visit that is foreseen to take place in May."

There have long been calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Xinjiang.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-says-hong-kong-must-stick-to-dynamic-zero-covid-strategy-460251">COVID-19: China says Hong Kong must stick to 'dynamic zero' COVID strategy</a>

Rights groups say that at least one million mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in "re-education camps" in Xinjiang, a far-western region where China is accused of widespread human rights abuses including forced sterilisations of women and forced labour.

The US government and lawmakers in five other Western countries have declared China's treatment of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang a "genocide" -- a charge denied by Beijing.

China says it is running vocational training centres in the region designed to counter extremism.

Unfettered access

The Chinese government has for years said that&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;was welcome to visit Xinjiang, but an agreement on her demand for "meaningful and unfettered access" has until now appeared elusive.

On the sidelines of the Winter Olympics, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told leaders in Beijing last month that he expected them to allow&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;to make a "credible" visit to China, including to Xinjiang.

And on Tuesday, the UN rights chief said an agreement had been reached.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-should-help-each-other-not-drain-each-others-energies-chinese-foreign-minister-wang-yi-459949">&nbsp;India, China should help each other, not drain each other's energies: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi</a>

"Preparations will have to take into account Covid-19 regulations," she told the rights council.

"The government has also accepted the visit of an advanced OHCHR team to prepare my stay in China, including on-site visits to Xinjiang and other places," she said.

"This team will depart to China next month."&nbsp;&nbsp;

While&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;did not clearly specify that she herself would travel to Xinjiang, her spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell told reporters she would visit the region.

"I can confirm that both the advanced team and the High Commissioner will go or are due to go to Xinjiang, and obviously visit Beijing and other locations," she said.

"This was the product of negotiations."

Throssell said "an agreement on the parameters that respect our methodology," had been reached, including "unfettered access to a broad range of actors, including civil society."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-400-civilians-killed-in-afghanistan-since-taliban-takeover-un-460263">Nearly 400 civilians killed in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover: UN</a>

Neither she nor&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;provided an update on when a long-awaited report drafted by the UN rights office on the rights situation in Xinjiang would emerge.

Observers in Geneva suggest the report has been ready since last August, but that its publication has been put off as the rights office double checks data obtained remotely, without access to the ground.

An OHCHR spokesman had suggested in December that the report would be published within a few weeks, but it still remains unclear when it will be made public.

Throssell said Tuesday that she "did not have specific information" on when the report might be published.

The UN rights chief said Tuesday she would make a long-delayed visit to China in May, including to Xinjiang, where Western lawmakers have accused Beijing of genocide.

The UN rights chief said Tuesday she would make a long-delayed visit to China in May, including to Xinjiang, where Western lawmakers have accused Beijing of genocide. "I am pleased to announce that we have recently reached an agreement with the government of China for a visit," Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council. She said that the UN rights agency, OHCHR, and Beijing had "initiated concrete preparations for a visit that is foreseen to take place in May." There have long been calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Xinjiang. Also read | COVID-19: China says Hong Kong must stick to 'dynamic zero' COVID strategy Rights groups say that at least one million mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in "re-education camps" in Xinjiang, a far-western region where China is accused of widespread human rights abuses including forced sterilisations of women and forced labour. The US government and lawmakers in five other Western countries have declared China's treatment of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang a "genocide" -- a charge denied by Beijing. China says it is running vocational training centres in the region designed to counter extremism. Unfettered access The Chinese government has for years said that Bachelet was welcome to visit Xinjiang, but an agreement on her demand for "meaningful and unfettered access" has until now appeared elusive. On the sidelines of the Winter Olympics, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told leaders in Beijing last month that he expected them to allow Bachelet to make a "credible" visit to China, including to Xinjiang. And on Tuesday, the UN rights chief said an agreement had been reached. Also read | India, China should help each other, not drain each other's energies: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi "Preparations will have to take into account Covid-19 regulations," she told the rights council. "The government has also accepted the visit of an advanced OHCHR team to prepare my stay in China, including on-site visits to Xinjiang and other places," she said. "This team will depart to China next month." While Bachelet did not clearly specify that she herself would travel to Xinjiang, her spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell told reporters she would visit the region. "I can confirm that both the advanced team and the High Commissioner will go or are due to go to Xinjiang, and obviously visit Beijing and other locations," she said. "This was the product of negotiations." Throssell said "an agreement on the parameters that respect our methodology," had been reached, including "unfettered access to a broad range of actors, including civil society." Also read | Nearly 400 civilians killed in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover: UN Neither she nor Bachelet provided an update on when a long-awaited report drafted by the UN rights office on the rights situation in Xinjiang would emerge. Observers in Geneva suggest the report has been ready since last August, but that its publication has been put off as the rights office double checks data obtained remotely, without access to the ground. An OHCHR spokesman had suggested in December that the report would be published within a few weeks, but it still remains unclear when it will be made public. Throssell said Tuesday that she "did not have specific information" on when the report might be published.

UN rights chief to visit China's Xinjiang in May

Nearly&nbsp;400&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;have been&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in attacks in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;since&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;takeover, more than 80% of them by a group affiliated to the Islamic State, a UN&nbsp;report shows,&nbsp;underscoring the scale of the insurgency faced by the new rulers.

It is the first major human rights report&nbsp;since&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;seized power from the former US-backed government in August, triggering concerns in the West about a broader rollback of rights for women, journalists, and others.

It covers the period from August 2021 to the end of February and said that 397&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;mostly in a series of attacks by the Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-announces-placement-of-new-military-satellite-in-orbit-460255">Iran announces placement of new military satellite in orbit</a>

More than 50 people with suspected ties to the extreme militant group had been&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in the same period, it said, with some tortured and beheaded and cast by the roadside.

"The human rights situation for many Afghans is of profound concern," said Michelle Bachelet, High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a speech introducing the report to the top rights body in Geneva.

ISIS-K, which first appeared in eastern&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in late 2014, is thought to have spread in the wake of the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;takeover&nbsp;and is blamed for several suicide attacks in recent months, including one at Kabul airport last August.

In the same speech, Bachelet said that&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;rulers had curtailed women's rights and freedoms. She called for women to be allowed to "fully participate" in public life.

Bachelet also referred to "a number of disturbing cases of enforced disappearances" of activists and protesters and expressed concern about restrictions on freedom of expression.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-afghanistan-islamic-state-khorasan-set-foot-in-pakistan-459852">After Afghanistan, Islamic State-Khorasan set foot in Pakistan</a>

"I remain concerned by the progressive erosion of civic space," she said.

Under their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the hardline Islamist&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;barred women and girls from education. They say they have&nbsp;since&nbsp;changed.

The Geneva-based Rights Council is set to appoint a special rapporteur on&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;to probe alleged violations by&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and others at the end of its current month-long session.

US&nbsp;human rights ambassador Michele Taylor told the Council on Monday that this would be an "important mechanism for documenting abuses" and urged the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;to cooperate with its team.

Nearly 400 civilians have been killed in attacks in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover, more than 80% of them by a group affiliated to the Islamic State, a UN report shows, underscoring the scale of the insurgency faced by the new rulers.

Nearly 400 civilians have been killed in attacks in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover, more than 80% of them by a group affiliated to the Islamic State, a UN report shows, underscoring the scale of the insurgency faced by the new rulers. It is the first major human rights report since the Taliban seized power from the former US-backed government in August, triggering concerns in the West about a broader rollback of rights for women, journalists, and others. It covers the period from August 2021 to the end of February and said that 397 civilians were killed mostly in a series of attacks by the Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) group. Also read | Iran announces placement of new military satellite in orbit More than 50 people with suspected ties to the extreme militant group had been killed in the same period, it said, with some tortured and beheaded and cast by the roadside. "The human rights situation for many Afghans is of profound concern," said Michelle Bachelet, High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a speech introducing the report to the top rights body in Geneva. ISIS-K, which first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014, is thought to have spread in the wake of the Taliban takeover and is blamed for several suicide attacks in recent months, including one at Kabul airport last August. In the same speech, Bachelet said that Taliban rulers had curtailed women's rights and freedoms. She called for women to be allowed to "fully participate" in public life. Bachelet also referred to "a number of disturbing cases of enforced disappearances" of activists and protesters and expressed concern about restrictions on freedom of expression. Also read | After Afghanistan, Islamic State-Khorasan set foot in Pakistan "I remain concerned by the progressive erosion of civic space," she said. Under their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the hardline Islamist Taliban barred women and girls from education. They say they have since changed. The Geneva-based Rights Council is set to appoint a special rapporteur on Afghanistan to probe alleged violations by Taliban and others at the end of its current month-long session. US human rights ambassador Michele Taylor told the Council on Monday that this would be an "important mechanism for documenting abuses" and urged the Taliban to cooperate with its team.

Nearly 400 civilians killed in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover: UN

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;watchdog's chief will hold talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday in the hopes of salvaging a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers.

The visit by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi is seen as critical to clinching a return to the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;agreement, and comes parallel to negotiations in the Austrian capital.

"This is a critical time but a positive outcome for everyone is possible," Grossi tweeted Friday before leaving for Iran, where he is slated to meet with the head of the country's Atomic Energy Organisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-koreas-polls-kim-jong-led-north-holds-2022s-ninth-missile-test-459144">Ahead of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test</a>

The 2015 deal was aimed at guaranteeing that Tehran could not develop a&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do.

The next few days are widely seen as a crunch point for negotiations.

"We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," head of the British delegation Stephanie Al-Qaq said Friday, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany.

She added that they were "ready to return soon".

The three European countries, along with counterparts from China, Iran and Russia, have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November, with the United States participating indirectly.

Grossi had vowed earlier this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get Iran to clarify the past presence of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;material at several undeclared sites.

Iran has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal.

Grossi is expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-iran-nuclear-deal-close-european-diplomats-to-consult-with-ministers-459036">UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers</a>

Ready to go to Vienna

The so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in 2015, secured sanctions relief for Iran in return for strict curbs on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;program.

It began unravelling when then US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting Iran to start disregarding the limits on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activity.

The coming days are seen as so pivotal by the West because of the rate Iran is making&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;advances.

Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the&nbsp;UN's IAEA&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;watchdog said earlier this week.

Several observers believe that the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached by this weekend.

The EU has been chairing&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement".&nbsp;

He stressed that there was "still work ongoing".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-clears-law-against-fake-news-on-army-bbc-cnn-others-suspend-operations-459126">Putin clears law against ‘fake news’ on army; BBC, CNN, others suspend operations</a>

Earlier Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal is reached.

"I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell.

While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines", Iran has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement.

Watch |&nbsp;The nuclear threat in Ukraine: UN atomic watchdog condemns Russia after fire incident

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-nuclear-threat-in-ukraine-un-atomic-watchdog-condemns-russia-after-fire-incident-458818/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult issues" remained unresolved.

However, "if Iran shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

The UN nuclear watchdog's chief will hold talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday in the hopes of salvaging a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers.

The UN nuclear watchdog's chief will hold talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday in the hopes of salvaging a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers. The visit by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi is seen as critical to clinching a return to the nuclear agreement, and comes parallel to negotiations in the Austrian capital. "This is a critical time but a positive outcome for everyone is possible," Grossi tweeted Friday before leaving for Iran, where he is slated to meet with the head of the country's Atomic Energy Organisation. Also read | Ahead of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test The 2015 deal was aimed at guaranteeing that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do. The next few days are widely seen as a crunch point for negotiations. "We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," head of the British delegation Stephanie Al-Qaq said Friday, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany. She added that they were "ready to return soon". The three European countries, along with counterparts from China, Iran and Russia, have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November, with the United States participating indirectly. Grossi had vowed earlier this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get Iran to clarify the past presence of nuclear material at several undeclared sites. Iran has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal. Grossi is expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna. Also read | UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers Ready to go to Vienna The so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in 2015, secured sanctions relief for Iran in return for strict curbs on its nuclear program. It began unravelling when then US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting Iran to start disregarding the limits on its nuclear activity. The coming days are seen as so pivotal by the West because of the rate Iran is making nuclear advances. Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the UN's IAEA nuclear watchdog said earlier this week. Several observers believe that the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached by this weekend. The EU has been chairing nuclear deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement". He stressed that there was "still work ongoing". Also read | Putin clears law against ‘fake news’ on army; BBC, CNN, others suspend operations Earlier Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal is reached. "I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell. While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines", Iran has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement. Watch | The nuclear threat in Ukraine: UN atomic watchdog condemns Russia after fire incident On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult issues" remained unresolved. However, "if Iran shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

UN nuclear watchdog chief in Tehran for talks as UK says deal 'close'

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency said Saturday after talks in Tehran that they agreed on an approach to resolve issues crucial in efforts to revive the country's 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal.

The announcement came shortly before Russia said it would seek guarantees from the United States before it backs the deal, potentially scuppering hopes the agreement could be wrapped up soon.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;agency and&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;"did have a number of important matters that we needed... to&nbsp;resolve", but that they had now "decided to try a practical, pragmatic&nbsp;approach" to overcome them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-chief-in-tehran-for-talks-as-uk-says-deal-close-459147">UN nuclear watchdog chief in Tehran for talks as UK says deal 'close'</a>

Atomic Energy Organization of&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;president Mohammed Eslami said the two sides had come to the "conclusion that some documents which need to be exchanged between the IAEA and the Iranian organisation should be exchanged" by May 22.

Grossi's visit to Tehran comes after Britain, one of the parties to parallel talks on the deal in Vienna, indicated an agreement was close.

The 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal has been hanging by a thread since the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018 under then president Donald Trump.

The landmark accord was aimed at guaranteeing Tehran could not develop a&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do.

Oil-rich&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;said this week that it was ready to raise its crude exports "to the pre-November 2018 level" -- before punishing sanctions imposed by the Trump administration started to take effect.

The next few days are widely seen as a decisive point for negotiations on reviving the accord formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

"We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play" and were "ready to return soon", said British delegation head Stephanie Al-Qaq, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/prisoners-who-could-be-freed-alongside-iran-nuclear-deal-458114">Prisoners who could be freed alongside Iran nuclear deal</a>

Russia seeks US guarantees&nbsp;

But Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Moscow, itself slapped with sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, would seek guarantees from Washington before backing the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal.

Lavrov said Russia had requested that the US give it written guarantees that its sanctions "will not in any way harm our rights to free, fully-fledged trade and economic and investment cooperation, military-technical cooperation with&nbsp;Iran".

Russia is party to the ongoing talks in the Austrian capital to restore the agreement along with Britain, China, France and Germany. The United States involved indirectly.

Grossi vowed this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to clarify the presence in the past of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;material at several undeclared sites.

Iran&nbsp;has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, deputy head of the Iranian atomic agency, told television he was hopeful&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;would reach an agreement with the IAEA during Grossi's visit.

Grossi is expected to hold a news conference on his return to Vienna.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-iran-nuclear-deal-close-european-diplomats-to-consult-with-ministers-459036">UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers</a>

Work ongoing

The coming days are seen as pivotal by the West because of the rate&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is making&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;advances.

Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the IAEA said this week.

Several observers believe the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached this weekend.

The EU has been chairing&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement".

He stressed there was "still work ongoing".

Iran's top diplomat, Amir-Abdollahian, said earlier he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal was reached.

"I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell.

While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines",&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Risk of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-risk-of-a-nuclear-disaster-in-ukraine-458711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult&nbsp;issues" remained unresolved.

However, "if&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency said Saturday after talks in Tehran that they agreed on an approach to resolve issues crucial in efforts to revive the country's 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency said Saturday after talks in Tehran that they agreed on an approach to resolve issues crucial in efforts to revive the country's 2015 nuclear deal. The announcement came shortly before Russia said it would seek guarantees from the United States before it backs the deal, potentially scuppering hopes the agreement could be wrapped up soon. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the UN agency and Iran "did have a number of important matters that we needed... to resolve", but that they had now "decided to try a practical, pragmatic approach" to overcome them. Also read | UN nuclear watchdog chief in Tehran for talks as UK says deal 'close' Atomic Energy Organization of Iran president Mohammed Eslami said the two sides had come to the "conclusion that some documents which need to be exchanged between the IAEA and the Iranian organisation should be exchanged" by May 22. Grossi's visit to Tehran comes after Britain, one of the parties to parallel talks on the deal in Vienna, indicated an agreement was close. The 2015 nuclear deal has been hanging by a thread since the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018 under then president Donald Trump. The landmark accord was aimed at guaranteeing Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do. Oil-rich Iran said this week that it was ready to raise its crude exports "to the pre-November 2018 level" -- before punishing sanctions imposed by the Trump administration started to take effect. The next few days are widely seen as a decisive point for negotiations on reviving the accord formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. "We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play" and were "ready to return soon", said British delegation head Stephanie Al-Qaq, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany. Also read | Prisoners who could be freed alongside Iran nuclear deal Russia seeks US guarantees But Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Moscow, itself slapped with sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, would seek guarantees from Washington before backing the nuclear deal. Lavrov said Russia had requested that the US give it written guarantees that its sanctions "will not in any way harm our rights to free, fully-fledged trade and economic and investment cooperation, military-technical cooperation with Iran". Russia is party to the ongoing talks in the Austrian capital to restore the agreement along with Britain, China, France and Germany. The United States involved indirectly. Grossi vowed this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get Iran to clarify the presence in the past of nuclear material at several undeclared sites. Iran has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal. Behrouz Kamalvandi, deputy head of the Iranian atomic agency, told television he was hopeful Iran would reach an agreement with the IAEA during Grossi's visit. Grossi is expected to hold a news conference on his return to Vienna. Also read | UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers Work ongoing The coming days are seen as pivotal by the West because of the rate Iran is making nuclear advances. Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the IAEA said this week. Several observers believe the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached this weekend. The EU has been chairing nuclear deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement". He stressed there was "still work ongoing". Iran's top diplomat, Amir-Abdollahian, said earlier he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal was reached. "I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell. While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines", Iran has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement. Watch | Gravitas: Risk of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult issues" remained unresolved. However, "if Iran shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

Iran, UN watchdog agree approach to resolve nuclear issues

One million people have fled Ukraine in less than a week since Russia's invasion, the UN refugee agency said on Thursday. &nbsp;

It is one of the biggest refugee crises in 100 years, said UN.

The UN High Commissioner’s tally for refugees is more than 2% of Ukraine's population, which was 44 million at the end of 2020 as per World Bank. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an email, UNHCR spokeswoman Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams wrote, "Our data indicates we passed the 1M mark" as of midnight in central Europe. It is based on counts collected by the national authorities. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-unravel-truth-iccs-prosecutor-starts-investigation-into-possible-war-crimes-in-ukraine-458350" hreflang="en">ICC's prosecutor starts investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine</a>

On Twitter, UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi wrote, "In just seven days, we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries." &nbsp;

Grandi also appealed for the "guns to fall silent" in Ukraine so humanitarian aid could reach millions of people still inside Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The UN officials and others have also praised the response of Ukraine's neighbours, who have opened gymnasiums, homes and other facilities to take in the refugees. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-billionaires-600-million-luxury-yacht-seized-by-german-authorities-says-report-458362" hreflang="en">Russian billionaire’s $600 million luxury yacht seized by German authorities, says report</a>

UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said on Wednesday that "at this rate, the outflows from Ukraine could make it the source of the biggest refugee crisis in this century." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Over 505,000 refugees from Ukraine have gone to Poland and more than 116,000 travelled to Hungary. Moldova has taken in over 79,000 and 71,200 had entered Slovakia, as per the latest figures on UNHCR's online data portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

One million people have fled Ukraine in less than a week since Russia's invasion, the UN refugee agency said on Thursday. It is one of the biggest refugee crises in 100 years, said UN.

One million people have fled Ukraine in less than a week since Russia's invasion, the UN refugee agency said on Thursday. It is one of the biggest refugee crises in 100 years, said UN. The UN High Commissioner’s tally for refugees is more than 2% of Ukraine's population, which was 44 million at the end of 2020 as per World Bank. In an email, UNHCR spokeswoman Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams wrote, "Our data indicates we passed the 1M mark" as of midnight in central Europe. It is based on counts collected by the national authorities. Also Read: ICC's prosecutor starts investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine On Twitter, UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi wrote, "In just seven days, we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries." Grandi also appealed for the "guns to fall silent" in Ukraine so humanitarian aid could reach millions of people still inside Ukraine. The UN officials and others have also praised the response of Ukraine's neighbours, who have opened gymnasiums, homes and other facilities to take in the refugees. Also Read: Russian billionaire’s $600 million luxury yacht seized by German authorities, says report UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said on Wednesday that "at this rate, the outflows from Ukraine could make it the source of the biggest refugee crisis in this century." Over 505,000 refugees from Ukraine have gone to Poland and more than 116,000 travelled to Hungary. Moldova has taken in over 79,000 and 71,200 had entered Slovakia, as per the latest figures on UNHCR's online data portal. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: In a week, one million flee fighting in biggest refugee crisis in 100 years, says UN

The United Nations General Assembly on Monday convened the 11th emergency special session on the ongoing Ukraine crisis against Russia.

'Civilian deaths totally unacceptable,' says UN chief Antonio Guterres on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

At&nbsp;least&nbsp;136&nbsp;civilians have been killed, including 13 children, and 400 have been injured since Russia invaded&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;last week, a United Nations agency said on Tuesday.

"The real toll is likely to be much higher," Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the&nbsp;U.N. human rights office (OHCHR), told a briefing, adding that 253 of the&nbsp;casualties&nbsp;were in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine.

The&nbsp;U.N. World Food Programme is scaling up activities in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;so that it can support up to 3.1 million people, WFP spokesperson Tomson Phiri said, adding: "Food supplies are running low."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shelling-in-ukraine-kills-indian-student-who-was-out-to-buy-grocery-457786">Shelling in Ukraine kills Indian student who was out to buy grocery</a>

WATCH |&nbsp;UK: Those helping Russia will be judged by International law

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&nbsp;

At least 136 civilians have been killed, including 13 children, and 400 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine last week, a United Nations agency said on Tuesday.

At least 136 civilians have been killed, including 13 children, and 400 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine last week, a United Nations agency said on Tuesday. "The real toll is likely to be much higher," Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office (OHCHR), told a briefing, adding that 253 of the casualties were in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in eastern Ukraine. The U.N. World Food Programme is scaling up activities in Ukraine so that it can support up to 3.1 million people, WFP spokesperson Tomson Phiri said, adding: "Food supplies are running low." Also read | Shelling in Ukraine kills Indian student who was out to buy grocery WATCH | UK: Those helping Russia will be judged by International law ×

Ukraine-Russia crisis: UN reports at least 536 civilian casualties in Ukraine

World poverty to rise as climate change hits food supplies

United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that humanity is not doing enough to limit the effects of climate change. IPCC noted that nearly half of the world population was already vulnerable to increasingly dangerous climate impacts.

Through its report, the IPCC has called for drastic action on huge scale. A third to a half of the planet needs to be conserved to ensure future food and freshwater supplies. Coastal cities need plans to keep people safe from storms and rising seas. And more.

"Adaptation saves lives," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said with the report's release. "As climate impacts worsen – and they will – scaling up investments will be essential for survival... Delay means death."

The 3,675-page report, the latest in a series by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), details the global consensus on climate science. This report, however, focuses on how nature and societies are being affected and what they can do to adapt.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine overshadowed the release of the report and drove the sole Ukrainian author to leave the proceedings to take shelter, although a government representative did attend its final approval by nearly 200 nations.

British, Spanish and Egyptian officials said the report was a call to action. U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry lamented that too little has been done to adapt to climate change and said the report offered a "blueprint for action".

"Denial and delay are not strategies, they are a recipe for disaster," Kerry said in a statement.

TOUGH CHOICES

On nearly all counts, the report makes clear that climate change is impacting the world far faster than scientists had anticipated. Meanwhile, countries have failed to rein in planet-warming carbon emissions, which continue to rise.

"Unchecked carbon pollution is forcing the world's most vulnerable on a frogmarch to destruction," Guterres said in a video address Monday. "The facts are undeniable. This abdication of leadership is criminal."

While governments need to drastically curb their emissions to prevent runaway global warming, they can also work to limit suffering by adapting to the conditions of a warmer world, the report says.

That will take a lot of money - to finance new technologies and institutional support. Cities can invest in cooling areas to help people through heatwaves. Coastal communities may need new infrastructure or to relocate altogether.

"The scale of transformation that we need is unprecedented in human history," said Zinta Zommers, a report review editor with the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that humanity is not doing enough to limit the effects of climate change. IPCC noted that nearly half of the world population was already vulnerable to increasingly dangerous climate impacts.

United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that humanity is not doing enough to limit the effects of climate change. IPCC noted that nearly half of the world population was already vulnerable to increasingly dangerous climate impacts. Through its report, the IPCC has called for drastic action on huge scale. A third to a half of the planet needs to be conserved to ensure future food and freshwater supplies. Coastal cities need plans to keep people safe from storms and rising seas. And more. "Adaptation saves lives," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said with the report's release. "As climate impacts worsen – and they will – scaling up investments will be essential for survival... Delay means death." The 3,675-page report, the latest in a series by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), details the global consensus on climate science. This report, however, focuses on how nature and societies are being affected and what they can do to adapt. Russia's invasion of Ukraine overshadowed the release of the report and drove the sole Ukrainian author to leave the proceedings to take shelter, although a government representative did attend its final approval by nearly 200 nations. British, Spanish and Egyptian officials said the report was a call to action. U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry lamented that too little has been done to adapt to climate change and said the report offered a "blueprint for action". "Denial and delay are not strategies, they are a recipe for disaster," Kerry said in a statement. TOUGH CHOICES On nearly all counts, the report makes clear that climate change is impacting the world far faster than scientists had anticipated. Meanwhile, countries have failed to rein in planet-warming carbon emissions, which continue to rise. "Unchecked carbon pollution is forcing the world's most vulnerable on a frogmarch to destruction," Guterres said in a video address Monday. "The facts are undeniable. This abdication of leadership is criminal." While governments need to drastically curb their emissions to prevent runaway global warming, they can also work to limit suffering by adapting to the conditions of a warmer world, the report says. That will take a lot of money - to finance new technologies and institutional support. Cities can invest in cooling areas to help people through heatwaves. Coastal communities may need new infrastructure or to relocate altogether. "The scale of transformation that we need is unprecedented in human history," said Zinta Zommers, a report review editor with the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

UN climate report calls for immediate, drastic action

A case has been registered against Russia by Ukraine at the United Nations' highest court. Kyiv has accused Moscow of planning genocide and asked the court to intervene to halt the attack and order Russia to pay reparations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the case, Ukraine on Sunday, also asked the International Court of Justice, which is based in The Hague, to indicate "provisional measures" and order Moscow to "immediately suspend the military operations" launched on February 24. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-352-ukrainian-civilians-killed-1684-injured-457271">Russia-Ukraine conflict: 352 Ukrainian civilians killed, 1,684 injured</a>

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on the basis of its false claims of acts of genocide in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions and now is planning genocidal acts in the country, the case said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, the court said, Ukraine "emphatically denies that genocide happened in the eastern regions" and says it filed the case "to establish that Russia has no lawful basis to take action in and against Ukraine for the purpose of preventing and punishing any purported genocide." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211" hreflang="en">Live: Satellite images show large convoy of Russian forces moving toward Kyiv</a>

To hear the provisional measures request, the court will soon schedule a hearing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The court hears disputes between nations over matters of law, while the International Criminal Court holds individuals criminally responsible for offences, which include war crimes and crimes against humanity. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A case has been registered against Russia by Ukraine at the United Nations' highest court. Kyiv has accused Moscow of planning genocide and asked the court to intervene to halt the attack and order Russia to pay reparations.

A case has been registered against Russia by Ukraine at the United Nations' highest court. Kyiv has accused Moscow of planning genocide and asked the court to intervene to halt the attack and order Russia to pay reparations. In the case, Ukraine on Sunday, also asked the International Court of Justice, which is based in The Hague, to indicate "provisional measures" and order Moscow to "immediately suspend the military operations" launched on February 24. Also Read: Russia-Ukraine conflict: 352 Ukrainian civilians killed, 1,684 injured Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on the basis of its false claims of acts of genocide in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions and now is planning genocidal acts in the country, the case said. In a statement, the court said, Ukraine "emphatically denies that genocide happened in the eastern regions" and says it filed the case "to establish that Russia has no lawful basis to take action in and against Ukraine for the purpose of preventing and punishing any purported genocide." Also Read | Live: Satellite images show large convoy of Russian forces moving toward Kyiv To hear the provisional measures request, the court will soon schedule a hearing. The court hears disputes between nations over matters of law, while the International Criminal Court holds individuals criminally responsible for offences, which include war crimes and crimes against humanity. (With inputs from agencies)

At United Nations' top court, Ukraine registers genocide case against Russia

&nbsp;An United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) Director in the operations and advocacy division, Reena Ghelani, said the organisation has established a new system to monitor the humanitarian aid process in order to prevent corruption. 
 
Ghelani, who is leading a nine-member delegation of the UN, which has arrived in Kabul to monitor the distribution of humanitarian aid, made the remarks in a special interview with TOLOnews.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protesters-demand-release-of-afghanistans-frozen-assets-455272">Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets</a> 
 
She said they are working with 180 Afghan and international organisations to conduct a transparent aid process, TOLOnews reported. 
 
She urged the international community to support the people of Afghanistan. 
 
"Absolutely, the UN and its -- NGO partners -- we have asked for $4.4 billion, which we do not have yet, we need to raise this money because we need to urgently get assistance to people. We saw horrible nutrition?. We saw children begging to go to school, both boys and girls," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-womens-rights-activists-still-missing-un-human-rights-office-expresses-concern-451313">Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern</a> 
 
A member of the delegation said there is a need to work with the local communities and organisations to provide aid for the people. 
 
"We urge the Joe Biden administration to work in close collaboration with (the) Afghans, especially women and local organisations..." she said. 
 
This comes as many Afghans have voiced concerns over what they called the unfair distribution of aid. 
 
"What are the necessary steps to be taken for countering corruption in the distribution of aid?" 
 
"If the aid was provided in cash, it would help the value of the Afghan currency and would solve the cash problems in the markets," said Abdul Naseer Rishtia, a university professor.

Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eight-polio-vaccinators-killed-in-series-of-afghan-attacks-un-456107">Eight polio vaccinators killed in series of Afghan attacks: UN</a>

"The government should assess the aid provided by the UN. The contracts of the UN organisations should be shared (with the government) and the government must investigate it to see if the aid is provided to the people who deserve it," said Muzamil Shinwari, an economist. 
 
Afghanistan has recently seen a dire humanitarian crisis with millions of people struggling with starvation.

An United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) Director in the operations and advocacy division, Reena Ghelani, said the organisation has established a new system to monitor the humanitarian aid process in order to prevent corruption.

An United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) Director in the operations and advocacy division, Reena Ghelani, said the organisation has established a new system to monitor the humanitarian aid process in order to prevent corruption. Ghelani, who is leading a nine-member delegation of the UN, which has arrived in Kabul to monitor the distribution of humanitarian aid, made the remarks in a special interview with TOLOnews. Also read | Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets She said they are working with 180 Afghan and international organisations to conduct a transparent aid process, TOLOnews reported. She urged the international community to support the people of Afghanistan. "Absolutely, the UN and its -- NGO partners -- we have asked for $4.4 billion, which we do not have yet, we need to raise this money because we need to urgently get assistance to people. We saw horrible nutrition?. We saw children begging to go to school, both boys and girls," she added. Also read | Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern A member of the delegation said there is a need to work with the local communities and organisations to provide aid for the people. "We urge the Joe Biden administration to work in close collaboration with (the) Afghans, especially women and local organisations..." she said. This comes as many Afghans have voiced concerns over what they called the unfair distribution of aid. "What are the necessary steps to be taken for countering corruption in the distribution of aid?" "If the aid was provided in cash, it would help the value of the Afghan currency and would solve the cash problems in the markets," said Abdul Naseer Rishtia, a university professor. Read | Eight polio vaccinators killed in series of Afghan attacks: UN "The government should assess the aid provided by the UN. The contracts of the UN organisations should be shared (with the government) and the government must investigate it to see if the aid is provided to the people who deserve it," said Muzamil Shinwari, an economist. Afghanistan has recently seen a dire humanitarian crisis with millions of people struggling with starvation.

UN team in Kabul to ensure transparency with aid

As the United Nations warned of an escalating refugee crisis, it claimed that over 50,000 Ukrainian refugees left Ukraine in the first 48 hours of the Russian invasion. UN chief Antonio Guterres took to his official Twitter handle as he wrote, "Humanitarian needs in Ukraine are multiplying by the hour. Civilians are dying. At least 100,000 Ukrainians have already reportedly fled their homes (sic)."&nbsp;

As per UN officials, most of these refugees have moved to Poland and Moldova. Polish Deputy Interior Minister Pawel Szefernaker on Saturday said 100,000 people have crossed the border into Poland from Ukraine since Russia's invasion this week.

"From the onset of warfare in Ukraine through today, along the entire border with Ukraine, 100,000 people have crossed the border from Ukraine into Poland," Szefernaker told reporters in the border village of Medyka, southeastern Poland.&nbsp;

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Humanitarian needs in Ukraine are multiplying by the hour. 
 
Civilians are dying. At least 100,000 Ukrainians have already reportedly fled their homes.<a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> staff are scaling up the delivery of life-saving support. Their safety and freedom of movement must be guaranteed.
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Cars were backed up for several kilometres (miles) at some border crossings as authorities in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova mobilised to receive them, providing shelter, food and legal help. These countries also eased their usual border procedures, among them Covid testing requirements.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in the killing of dozens of people.

Amid the heavy fighting, Russian forces claimed they had annexed the Ukrainian city of Melitopol as its forces unleashed cruise missile and artillery strikes on several cities including the capital Kyiv.

Explosions were also heard in Kyiv's northern district Obolonsky as Ukrainian forces clashed with Russian troops on the streets.

Ukrainian defence ministry claimed 2,800 Russian soldiers have been killed, although Russia is yet to release its casualty figures.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the United Nations warned of an escalating refugee crisis, it claimed that over 50,000 Ukrainian refugees left Ukraine in the first 48 hours of the Russian invasion.

As the United Nations warned of an escalating refugee crisis, it claimed that over 50,000 Ukrainian refugees left Ukraine in the first 48 hours of the Russian invasion. UN chief Antonio Guterres took to his official Twitter handle as he wrote, "Humanitarian needs in Ukraine are multiplying by the hour. Civilians are dying. At least 100,000 Ukrainians have already reportedly fled their homes (sic)." As per UN officials, most of these refugees have moved to Poland and Moldova. Polish Deputy Interior Minister Pawel Szefernaker on Saturday said 100,000 people have crossed the border into Poland from Ukraine since Russia's invasion this week. "From the onset of warfare in Ukraine through today, along the entire border with Ukraine, 100,000 people have crossed the border from Ukraine into Poland," Szefernaker told reporters in the border village of Medyka, southeastern Poland. Humanitarian needs in Ukraine are multiplying by the hour. Civilians are dying. At least 100,000 Ukrainians have already reportedly fled their homes.@UN staff are scaling up the delivery of life-saving support. Their safety and freedom of movement must be guaranteed. — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 26, 2022 × Cars were backed up for several kilometres (miles) at some border crossings as authorities in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova mobilised to receive them, providing shelter, food and legal help. These countries also eased their usual border procedures, among them Covid testing requirements. Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in the killing of dozens of people. Amid the heavy fighting, Russian forces claimed they had annexed the Ukrainian city of Melitopol as its forces unleashed cruise missile and artillery strikes on several cities including the capital Kyiv. Explosions were also heard in Kyiv's northern district Obolonsky as Ukrainian forces clashed with Russian troops on the streets. Ukrainian defence ministry claimed 2,800 Russian soldiers have been killed, although Russia is yet to release its casualty figures. (With inputs from agencies)

'Multiplying by the hour..': UN warns of escalating refugee crisis amid Ukraine invasion

During a United Nations meeting on Ukraine&nbsp;speakers warned on Wednesday that a Russian invasion of the country would likely create a new "refugee crisis" around the world.

As many as five million people could be displaced by war, the US warned, while Ukraine's foreign minister said such a conflict would mark "the end of the world order as we know it."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-wake-of-putins-military-operation-threat-oil-prices-soar-past-100-for-the-first-time-since-2014-455849" hreflang="en">In the wake of Putin's 'military operation' threat, oil prices soar past $100 for the first time since 2014</a>

The dire warnings were made during a UN General Assembly session on "temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories," which is held at UN headquarters in New York each year since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

In his remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "our world is facing a moment of peril" over the crisis.

"If the conflict in Ukraine expands, the world could see a scale and severity of need unseen for many years," he said.

"It is time for restraint, reason and de-escalation," Guterres added, stressing there was no room for actions or statements that would "take this dangerous situation over the abyss."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-tensions-over-ukraine-rise-us-russian-space-cooperation-continues-455825">Even as tensions over Ukraine rise, US-Russian space cooperation continues</a>

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the UN, said an invasion could result in the displacement of another five million people, in addition to the three million already displaced by Russian military action in eastern Ukraine.

"If Russia continues down this path, it could -- according to our estimates -- create a new refugee crisis, one of the largest facing the world today," she said.

Considering that Ukraine is one of the largest providers of wheat to developing nations, Thomas-Greenfield said Russian military operations "could cause a spike in food prices and lead to even more desperate hunger in places like Libya, Yemen, and Lebanon."

"The tidal waves of suffering this war will cause are unthinkable," she said.

Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, pleaded with the United Nations to hold Moscow accountable for attacking "the core principles of international law."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-announces-military-operations-in-ukraine-as-tensions-mount-to-their-climax-455839/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If Russia does not get a severe, swift and decisive response now, this will mean a total bankruptcy of the international security system and international institutions, which are tasked with maintaining the global security order.

"This is a grim scenario, which will throw us back to the darkest times of the 20th century," he said.

The minister called Russian claims that it is acting to prevent Kyiv from launching military operations in the Donbas area "absurd" and urged Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

During a United Nations meeting on Ukraine speakers warned on Wednesday that a Russian invasion of the country would likely create a new "refugee crisis" around the world.

During a United Nations meeting on Ukraine speakers warned on Wednesday that a Russian invasion of the country would likely create a new "refugee crisis" around the world. As many as five million people could be displaced by war, the US warned, while Ukraine's foreign minister said such a conflict would mark "the end of the world order as we know it." Also read | In the wake of Putin's 'military operation' threat, oil prices soar past $100 for the first time since 2014 The dire warnings were made during a UN General Assembly session on "temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories," which is held at UN headquarters in New York each year since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. In his remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "our world is facing a moment of peril" over the crisis. "If the conflict in Ukraine expands, the world could see a scale and severity of need unseen for many years," he said. "It is time for restraint, reason and de-escalation," Guterres added, stressing there was no room for actions or statements that would "take this dangerous situation over the abyss." Also read | Even as tensions over Ukraine rise, US-Russian space cooperation continues Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the UN, said an invasion could result in the displacement of another five million people, in addition to the three million already displaced by Russian military action in eastern Ukraine. "If Russia continues down this path, it could -- according to our estimates -- create a new refugee crisis, one of the largest facing the world today," she said. Considering that Ukraine is one of the largest providers of wheat to developing nations, Thomas-Greenfield said Russian military operations "could cause a spike in food prices and lead to even more desperate hunger in places like Libya, Yemen, and Lebanon." "The tidal waves of suffering this war will cause are unthinkable," she said. Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, pleaded with the United Nations to hold Moscow accountable for attacking "the core principles of international law." Watch | Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax "If Russia does not get a severe, swift and decisive response now, this will mean a total bankruptcy of the international security system and international institutions, which are tasked with maintaining the global security order. "This is a grim scenario, which will throw us back to the darkest times of the 20th century," he said. The minister called Russian claims that it is acting to prevent Kyiv from launching military operations in the Donbas area "absurd" and urged Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

'Tidal waves of suffering': At least 5 million would be displaced by a Russian invasion of Ukraine, warns US

Eight&nbsp;members of&nbsp;polio&nbsp;vaccination teams working to eradicate the crippling virus in Afghanistan were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;on Thursday in four separate&nbsp;attacks, the United Nations said.

Polio&nbsp;teams were frequently targeted by insurgent groups in Afghanistan until the Taliban's takeover of the country last year, when the hardline Islamist group said it wanted to work with the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;to stamp out the disease.

In the past&nbsp;polio&nbsp;campaigns in Afghanistan -- and neighbouring Pakistan -- were accused of being fronts for spying, while some clerics said the vaccine was a conspiracy to sterilise Muslims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protesters-demand-release-of-afghanistans-frozen-assets-455272">Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets</a>

"We are appalled&nbsp;by the brutality of these&nbsp;killings, across four separate locations," the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;said in a statement.

"This senseless violence must stop immediately, and those responsible must be investigated and brought to justice. These&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;are a violation of international humanitarian law."

The Taliban said they had "received the news" of the incidents and were trying to get more information.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/41-truck-afghan-convoy-reaches-wagah-border-to-collect-indian-wheats-first-consignment-455254">&nbsp;41-truck Afghan convoy reaches Wagah border to collect Indian wheat’s first consignment</a>

"Our policy is clear, we want to vaccinate and protect all the children in Afghanistan under the age of five," Javid Hajir, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health, told AFP.

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;said one person was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in Takhar province in the far north, and seven in neighbouring Kunduz province -- including four in the provincial capital Kunduz city.

They were engaged in house-to-house visits or on their way to begin campaigns, the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-workers-must-cover-up-even-with-a-blanket-say-afghan-taliban-455394">Women workers must cover up 'even with a blanket', say Afghan Taliban</a>

Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries in the world where&nbsp;polio&nbsp;has not been eradicated, although Pakistan last month reported a year without a case for the first time in history.

Eight members of polio vaccination teams working to eradicate the crippling virus in Afghanistan were killed on Thursday in four separate attacks, the United Nations said.

Eight members of polio vaccination teams working to eradicate the crippling virus in Afghanistan were killed on Thursday in four separate attacks, the United Nations said. Polio teams were frequently targeted by insurgent groups in Afghanistan until the Taliban's takeover of the country last year, when the hardline Islamist group said it wanted to work with the UN to stamp out the disease. In the past polio campaigns in Afghanistan -- and neighbouring Pakistan -- were accused of being fronts for spying, while some clerics said the vaccine was a conspiracy to sterilise Muslims. Also read | Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets "We are appalled by the brutality of these killings, across four separate locations," the UN said in a statement. "This senseless violence must stop immediately, and those responsible must be investigated and brought to justice. These attacks are a violation of international humanitarian law." The Taliban said they had "received the news" of the incidents and were trying to get more information. Also read | 41-truck Afghan convoy reaches Wagah border to collect Indian wheat’s first consignment "Our policy is clear, we want to vaccinate and protect all the children in Afghanistan under the age of five," Javid Hajir, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health, told AFP. The UN said one person was killed in Takhar province in the far north, and seven in neighbouring Kunduz province -- including four in the provincial capital Kunduz city. They were engaged in house-to-house visits or on their way to begin campaigns, the UN said. Also read | Women workers must cover up 'even with a blanket', say Afghan Taliban Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries in the world where polio has not been eradicated, although Pakistan last month reported a year without a case for the first time in history.

Eight polio vaccinators killed in series of Afghan attacks: UN

The United Nations on Wednesday lashed out at makers of commercial baby formula for 'unethical' marketing strategies. The UN accused the companies of putting shareholder interests before children's health and aggressively targetting expecting parents and health workers.

It is widely recognised that breastfeeding carries huge health benefits.

But countries' failure to crack down on the marketing of breast milk substitutes means far too many children are still being reared on formula, the World Health Organization and the UN children's agency Unicef warned, in a new report.

It found that the $55-billion formula milk industry systematically deploys aggressive marketing strategies, spending up to $5 billion a year to sway parents' decisions on how to feed their infants.

"This report shows very clearly that formula milk marketing remains unacceptably pervasive, misleading and aggressive," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

Unicef chief Catherine Russell called for "robust policies, legislation and investments in breastfeeding to ensure that women are protected from unethical marketing practices".

Experts have long extolled the health benefits of breastfeeding, saying that breast-fed children are healthier, perform better on intelligence tests and are less likely to be overweight or suffer from diabetes later in life.

Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, research shows.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations on Wednesday lashed out at makers of commercial baby formula for 'unethical' marketing strategies. The UN accused the companies of putting shareholder interests before children's health and aggressively targetting expecting parents and health workers.

The United Nations on Wednesday lashed out at makers of commercial baby formula for 'unethical' marketing strategies. The UN accused the companies of putting shareholder interests before children's health and aggressively targetting expecting parents and health workers. It is widely recognised that breastfeeding carries huge health benefits. But countries' failure to crack down on the marketing of breast milk substitutes means far too many children are still being reared on formula, the World Health Organization and the UN children's agency Unicef warned, in a new report. It found that the $55-billion formula milk industry systematically deploys aggressive marketing strategies, spending up to $5 billion a year to sway parents' decisions on how to feed their infants. "This report shows very clearly that formula milk marketing remains unacceptably pervasive, misleading and aggressive," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. Unicef chief Catherine Russell called for "robust policies, legislation and investments in breastfeeding to ensure that women are protected from unethical marketing practices". Experts have long extolled the health benefits of breastfeeding, saying that breast-fed children are healthier, perform better on intelligence tests and are less likely to be overweight or suffer from diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, research shows. (With inputs from agencies)

Formula milk companies get rap from the UN 

Voicing concern over Russia's move, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said the decision is a 'violation' of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. &nbsp;

It is also inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, said Guterres. &nbsp;

This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees to recognise the 'Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics' as 'independent’. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-addresses-nation-rejects-making-any-territorial-concessions-455197">Zelenskiy addresses nation, rejects making any territorial concessions</a>

"He calls for the peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in accordance with the Minsk agreements, as endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2202 (2015)," a statement issued by the spokesperson of the UN chief said. &nbsp;

Guterres "considers the decision of the Russian Federation to be a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations," the statement said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-two-russian-backed-areas-in-eastern-ukraine-455190" hreflang="en">US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine</a>

Guterres urged all relevant actors to focus efforts on ensuring an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, preventing any actions and statements that may further "escalate the dangerous situation in and around Ukraine and prioritising diplomacy to address all issues peacefully," it added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The UN Security Council, which is under Russia's Presidency for the month, has decided to hold an emergency open briefing on Ukraine crisis on Monday night. The meeting is being held at the request of Ukraine, the United States and six other nations. It is scheduled for 9 pm New York time. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Voicing concern over Russia's move, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said the decision is a 'violation' of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Voicing concern over Russia's move, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said the decision is a 'violation' of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. It is also inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, said Guterres. This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees to recognise the 'Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics' as 'independent’. Also Read: Zelenskiy addresses nation, rejects making any territorial concessions "He calls for the peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in accordance with the Minsk agreements, as endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2202 (2015)," a statement issued by the spokesperson of the UN chief said. Guterres "considers the decision of the Russian Federation to be a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations," the statement said. Also Read: US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine Guterres urged all relevant actors to focus efforts on ensuring an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, preventing any actions and statements that may further "escalate the dangerous situation in and around Ukraine and prioritising diplomacy to address all issues peacefully," it added. The UN Security Council, which is under Russia's Presidency for the month, has decided to hold an emergency open briefing on Ukraine crisis on Monday night. The meeting is being held at the request of Ukraine, the United States and six other nations. It is scheduled for 9 pm New York time. (With inputs from agencies)

UN chief Antonio Guterres voices concern, calls Russian move a 'violation' of Ukraine’s sovereignty

UN&nbsp;Security Council members&nbsp;China&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia, as well as Serbia have continued supplying Myanmar's junta with weapons used to attack civilians since last year's coup, a&nbsp;UN&nbsp;rights&nbsp;expert&nbsp;said Tuesday.

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the&nbsp;rights&nbsp;situation in&nbsp;Myanmar, Tom Andrews, urged the Security Council to convene an emergency session "to debate and vote on a resolution to, at a minimum, ban those arms transfers that the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military are known to use to attack and kill&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;civilians."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-defector-recounts-heavy-losses-inflicted-by-chin-rebels-452562">Myanmar army defector recounts heavy losses inflicted by Chin rebels</a>

He released a long-awaited report Tuesday detailing where the&nbsp;junta&nbsp;is getting its weapons from, highlighting that two permanent members of the Security Council itself, who hold veto power over its decisions, remain among the main suppliers.

"Despite the evidence of the military&nbsp;junta's atrocity crimes being committed with impunity since launching a coup last year,&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Security Council members&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;China&nbsp;continue to provide the Myanmar military junta with numerous fighter jets, armoured vehicles, and in the case of&nbsp;Russia, the promise of further arms," Andrews said in a statement.

"During this same period, Serbia has authorised rockets and artillery for export to the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military," said Andrews, who is an independent&nbsp;expert&nbsp;appointed by the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Human Rights&nbsp;Council, but who does not speak on behalf of the world body.

'Crimes against humanity'

In his report, he maintained that the arms transfers by the three countries had "occurred with the full knowledge that they would be used to attack civilians, in probable violation of international law."

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in chaos, its economy paralysed, and more than 1,500 civilians have been killed in a military crackdown since the putsch in February 2021, according to the&nbsp;UN.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-asean-myanmar-envoy-says-wants-to-meet-junta-opponents-454056">&nbsp;New ASEAN Myanmar envoy says wants to meet junta opponents</a>

Since the February 1, 2021 coup, at least 12,000 people have been detained, including the de facto head of the civilian government, Aung San Suu Kyi, while more than 440,000 people have been forcibly displaced.

Andrews reiterated in his report that "there is strong evidence the&nbsp;junta&nbsp;has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity," including murder, sexual violence and torture.&nbsp;

"The situation of&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;is dire and deteriorating," it said.&nbsp;

The report provides an overview of countries that have authorised the transfer of weapons to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;since 2018, when the military's attacks on the Rohingya ethnic minority were widely documented and after a&nbsp;UN&nbsp;fact-finding mission had urged an arms embargo.

Israel, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Belarus and Ukraine also figure on that list, although only&nbsp;China,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and Serbia have continued their transfers since the coup.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-accused-of-burning-hundreds-of-homes-451051">Myanmar junta accused of burning hundreds of homes</a>

'Imperative'

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;General Assembly adopted a resolution last June calling for countries to prevent the flow of arms to&nbsp;Myanmar, but Andrews said that it had failed to have "any discernible impact on the crisis and the capacity of the&nbsp;junta&nbsp;to launch attacks on civilians."

He pointed out that while none of the Security Council members had voted against that resolution, the council had also not even considered voting to make the text binding for member states.

"It is imperative that member states and the Security Council act urgently to stop weapons sales to the military&nbsp;junta. Human lives, and Security Council credibility, are on the line," he said.

The report acknowledges that&nbsp;China&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;might very well use their veto power to block any such text, but stressed that this "should not deter other members from placing a resolution before the Council for consideration, debate and a vote."&nbsp;

"The people of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;deserve to have a strong resolution."

"The Security Council should consider, at the very least, a resolution to ban weapons that are being used by the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military to kill innocent people," Andrews said.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar junta driving drug trade | Narcotics

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-junta-driving-drug-trade-narcotics-441027/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

UN Security Council members China and Russia, as well as Serbia have continued supplying Myanmar's junta with weapons used to attack civilians since last year's coup, a UN rights expert said Tuesday.

UN Security Council members China and Russia, as well as Serbia have continued supplying Myanmar's junta with weapons used to attack civilians since last year's coup, a UN rights expert said Tuesday. United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights situation in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, urged the Security Council to convene an emergency session "to debate and vote on a resolution to, at a minimum, ban those arms transfers that the Myanmar military are known to use to attack and kill Myanmar civilians." Also read | Myanmar army defector recounts heavy losses inflicted by Chin rebels He released a long-awaited report Tuesday detailing where the junta is getting its weapons from, highlighting that two permanent members of the Security Council itself, who hold veto power over its decisions, remain among the main suppliers. "Despite the evidence of the military junta's atrocity crimes being committed with impunity since launching a coup last year, UN Security Council members Russia and China continue to provide the Myanmar military junta with numerous fighter jets, armoured vehicles, and in the case of Russia, the promise of further arms," Andrews said in a statement. "During this same period, Serbia has authorised rockets and artillery for export to the Myanmar military," said Andrews, who is an independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, but who does not speak on behalf of the world body. 'Crimes against humanity' In his report, he maintained that the arms transfers by the three countries had "occurred with the full knowledge that they would be used to attack civilians, in probable violation of international law." Myanmar has been in chaos, its economy paralysed, and more than 1,500 civilians have been killed in a military crackdown since the putsch in February 2021, according to the UN. Also read | New ASEAN Myanmar envoy says wants to meet junta opponents Since the February 1, 2021 coup, at least 12,000 people have been detained, including the de facto head of the civilian government, Aung San Suu Kyi, while more than 440,000 people have been forcibly displaced. Andrews reiterated in his report that "there is strong evidence the junta has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity," including murder, sexual violence and torture. "The situation of human rights in Myanmar is dire and deteriorating," it said. The report provides an overview of countries that have authorised the transfer of weapons to Myanmar since 2018, when the military's attacks on the Rohingya ethnic minority were widely documented and after a UN fact-finding mission had urged an arms embargo. Israel, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Belarus and Ukraine also figure on that list, although only China, Russia and Serbia have continued their transfers since the coup. Also read | Myanmar junta accused of burning hundreds of homes 'Imperative' The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution last June calling for countries to prevent the flow of arms to Myanmar, but Andrews said that it had failed to have "any discernible impact on the crisis and the capacity of the junta to launch attacks on civilians." He pointed out that while none of the Security Council members had voted against that resolution, the council had also not even considered voting to make the text binding for member states. "It is imperative that member states and the Security Council act urgently to stop weapons sales to the military junta. Human lives, and Security Council credibility, are on the line," he said. The report acknowledges that China and Russia might very well use their veto power to block any such text, but stressed that this "should not deter other members from placing a resolution before the Council for consideration, debate and a vote." "The people of Myanmar deserve to have a strong resolution." "The Security Council should consider, at the very least, a resolution to ban weapons that are being used by the Myanmar military to kill innocent people," Andrews said. Watch | Myanmar junta driving drug trade | Narcotics

UN rights expert says China and Russia arming Myanmar junta

A&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;man&nbsp;was shot dead Sunday as security forces cracked down&nbsp;on&nbsp;rallies against last year's military coup, medics said, as a&nbsp;UN&nbsp;rights&nbsp;expert&nbsp;arrived in the country.

Regular&nbsp;protests&nbsp;have rocked the northeast African country since army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan led a military takeover in October, sparking international condemnation.

United Nations human rights&nbsp;expert&nbsp;Adama Dieng is visiting Sudan until Thursday,&nbsp;on&nbsp;a trip initially planned for last month but postponed at the request of&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;authorities.

A 51-year-old&nbsp;man&nbsp;was hit Sunday with "a live bullet to the chest", the&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;Doctors' Committee said, bringing the death toll in a&nbsp;crackdown&nbsp;on&nbsp;anti-coup&nbsp;protests&nbsp;to 82.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-human-rights-chief-can-visit-xinjiang-but-beijing-doesnt-welcome-any-probe-says-chinas-foreign-minister-454717">UN human rights chief can visit Xinjiang but Beijing doesn't welcome any probe, says China's foreign minister</a>

"The martyr was a patient at a hospital in Khartoum North... and went out to get some air after struggling with shortness of breath due to the heavy firing of tear gas which filled the hospital ward," the committee said, adding that he was then shot dead.&nbsp;

Thousands had rallied in the capital Khartoum&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday, carrying&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;flags and posters of others&nbsp;killed&nbsp;during demonstrations in recent months, an AFP correspondent said.&nbsp;

Security forces fired tear gas and wounded several protesters who were heading toward the presidential palace, the correspondent said, while tear gas was also used in nearby Omdurman and North Khartoum.&nbsp;

"We are ready to protest all year," one demonstrator, 24-year-old Thoyaba Ahmed, told AFP, while another, Wadah Khaled, said: "We want to rectify our country's situation to have a good future."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We need to make sacrifices to resolve the country's issues," said 25-year-old Arij Salah, another demonstrator.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-license-of-al-jazeera-live-tv-unit-revoked-445226">Sudan: License of Al Jazeera live TV unit revoked</a>

The October takeover derailed a transition painstakingly negotiated between military and civilian leaders following the 2019 ouster of President Omar al-Bashir.

While Sudan has repeatedly denied opening fire&nbsp;on&nbsp;protesters, Human Rights Watch has quoted witnesses detailing how the security forces have used both "live ammunition" and fired tear gas canisters "directly" at crowds, a tactic that can be deadly at close quarters.

UN&nbsp;special representative Volker Perthes said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Twitter Sunday that he met with rights expert Dieng on "his first official visit" to Sudan.&nbsp;

"Dieng will meet with senior&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;government officials, representatives of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, heads of&nbsp;UN&nbsp;entities, and diplomats," the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement this week.&nbsp;

Separately, dozens rallied outside a court complex in Khartoum to protest against the trial of several Bashir-era figures, an AFP correspondent said.&nbsp;

Among those&nbsp;on&nbsp;trial is former foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour, who faces charges over plotting a coup in 2020.&nbsp;

Ghandour's family said last month that he had begun a hunger strike in prison, along with several ex-regime officials.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Sudan rocked by regular protests, thousands rally in capital Khartoum

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-rocked-by-regular-protests-thousands-rally-in-capital-khartoum-454932/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

A Sudanese man was shot dead Sunday as security forces cracked down on rallies against last year's military coup, medics said, as a UN rights expert arrived in the country.

A Sudanese man was shot dead Sunday as security forces cracked down on rallies against last year's military coup, medics said, as a UN rights expert arrived in the country. Regular protests have rocked the northeast African country since army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan led a military takeover in October, sparking international condemnation. United Nations human rights expert Adama Dieng is visiting Sudan until Thursday, on a trip initially planned for last month but postponed at the request of Sudanese authorities. A 51-year-old man was hit Sunday with "a live bullet to the chest", the Sudanese Doctors' Committee said, bringing the death toll in a crackdown on anti-coup protests to 82. Also read | UN human rights chief can visit Xinjiang but Beijing doesn't welcome any probe, says China's foreign minister "The martyr was a patient at a hospital in Khartoum North... and went out to get some air after struggling with shortness of breath due to the heavy firing of tear gas which filled the hospital ward," the committee said, adding that he was then shot dead. Thousands had rallied in the capital Khartoum on Sunday, carrying Sudanese flags and posters of others killed during demonstrations in recent months, an AFP correspondent said. Security forces fired tear gas and wounded several protesters who were heading toward the presidential palace, the correspondent said, while tear gas was also used in nearby Omdurman and North Khartoum. "We are ready to protest all year," one demonstrator, 24-year-old Thoyaba Ahmed, told AFP, while another, Wadah Khaled, said: "We want to rectify our country's situation to have a good future." "We need to make sacrifices to resolve the country's issues," said 25-year-old Arij Salah, another demonstrator. Also read | Sudan: License of Al Jazeera live TV unit revoked The October takeover derailed a transition painstakingly negotiated between military and civilian leaders following the 2019 ouster of President Omar al-Bashir. While Sudan has repeatedly denied opening fire on protesters, Human Rights Watch has quoted witnesses detailing how the security forces have used both "live ammunition" and fired tear gas canisters "directly" at crowds, a tactic that can be deadly at close quarters. UN special representative Volker Perthes said on Twitter Sunday that he met with rights expert Dieng on "his first official visit" to Sudan. "Dieng will meet with senior Sudanese government officials, representatives of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, heads of UN entities, and diplomats," the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement this week. Separately, dozens rallied outside a court complex in Khartoum to protest against the trial of several Bashir-era figures, an AFP correspondent said. Among those on trial is former foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour, who faces charges over plotting a coup in 2020. Ghandour's family said last month that he had begun a hunger strike in prison, along with several ex-regime officials. Watch | Sudan rocked by regular protests, thousands rally in capital Khartoum

Sudanese man killed in crackdown on anti-coup protests as UN expert arrives

Russia welcomed India’s “balanced, principled and independent approach” at the United Nations Security Council meeting even as Moscow and Washington squared off while discussing the Ukraine issue.

The reaction came a day after India at the USNC said that "quiet and constructive diplomacy" is the need of the hour and that any step that could escalate the tension should be avoided.

The issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue, India said at the UN on Thursday.

“We welcome #India's balanced, principled and independent approach,” the Russian embassy tweeted while sharing a video clip from the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York.

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We welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>’s balanced, principled and independent approach 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/nnlSLQaVlN">https://t.co/nnlSLQaVlN</a>
— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1494525904667566082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador T S Tirumurti backed the implementation of the Minsk Agreements and talks under the Normandy Format, which involves Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France.

“We believe that the Minsk Agreements provide a basis for a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine. All parties should continue to engage through all possible diplomatic channels and keep working towards the full implementation of the agreements,” he said.

The agreements provide a basis for a “negotiated and peaceful settlement” of the situation in Eastern Ukraine, he said.

He also noted that there were more than 20,000 Indians living and studying in various parts of Ukraine, adding that the India government places the “wellbeing” of its citizens at the highest priority.

The UNSC meeting was convened in the backdrop of high tensions between Russia and the West over border conflict with Ukraine.

&nbsp;In the meeting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Russia is planning to manufacture “a pretext” to attack Ukraine.

“This could be a violent event that Russia will blame on Ukraine, or an outrageous accusation that Russia will level against the Ukrainian Government,” he said.

Moscow, however, dismissed the accusation made by the West.

Russia welcomed India’s “balanced, principled and independent approach” at the United Nations Security Council meeting even as Moscow and Washington squared off while discussing the Ukraine issue.

Russia welcomed India’s “balanced, principled and independent approach” at the United Nations Security Council meeting even as Moscow and Washington squared off while discussing the Ukraine issue. The reaction came a day after India at the USNC said that "quiet and constructive diplomacy" is the need of the hour and that any step that could escalate the tension should be avoided. The issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue, India said at the UN on Thursday. “We welcome #India's balanced, principled and independent approach,” the Russian embassy tweeted while sharing a video clip from the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York. We welcome #India’s balanced, principled and independent approach 🙏 https://t.co/nnlSLQaVlN — Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) February 18, 2022 × India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador T S Tirumurti backed the implementation of the Minsk Agreements and talks under the Normandy Format, which involves Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France. “We believe that the Minsk Agreements provide a basis for a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine. All parties should continue to engage through all possible diplomatic channels and keep working towards the full implementation of the agreements,” he said. The agreements provide a basis for a “negotiated and peaceful settlement” of the situation in Eastern Ukraine, he said. He also noted that there were more than 20,000 Indians living and studying in various parts of Ukraine, adding that the India government places the “wellbeing” of its citizens at the highest priority. The UNSC meeting was convened in the backdrop of high tensions between Russia and the West over border conflict with Ukraine. In the meeting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Russia is planning to manufacture “a pretext” to attack Ukraine. “This could be a violent event that Russia will blame on Ukraine, or an outrageous accusation that Russia will level against the Ukrainian Government,” he said. Moscow, however, dismissed the accusation made by the West.

Ukraine crisis: Russia ‘welcomes’ India’s ‘principled and independent’ approach at UN

Five&nbsp;United Nations&nbsp;staff&nbsp;have been&nbsp;abducted&nbsp;in southern Yemen while returning to Aden after a field mission, the&nbsp;United Nations said on Saturday.

The&nbsp;staff&nbsp;were&nbsp;abducted&nbsp;on Friday in Abyan governorate, said Russell Geekie, a spokesman for the top U.N. official in Yemen.

"The&nbsp;United Nations is in close contact with the&nbsp;authorities&nbsp;to secure their release," Geekie said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-journalists-working-for-the-un-have-been-freed-by-taliban-452644">Two journalists working for the UN have been freed by Taliban</a>

Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is based in south Yemen, was working to safely free the U.N.&nbsp;staff&nbsp;abducted&nbsp;by&nbsp;unknown gunmen, the official news agency on Saturday cited a cabinet statement as saying.

An official at the U.N. office in Aden told Reuters that four of those seized were Yemeni nationals.

Yemen has been mired in violence since the Iran-aligned Houthi movement ousted the government from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, prompting a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia to intervene months later.

Among Yemen's many destabilising forces are Islamist militant groups Al Qaeda and Islamic State that have in the past carried out attacks including in the south, which last year saw protests over deteriorating economic conditions.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The Yemen Conflict is intensifying

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The war has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a dire humanitarian crisis with 80% of Yemen's population reliant on aid.

Five United Nations staff have been abducted in southern Yemen while returning to Aden after a field mission, the United Nations said on Saturday. The staff were abducted on Friday in Abyan governorate, said Russell Geekie, a spokesman for the top U.

Five United Nations staff have been abducted in southern Yemen while returning to Aden after a field mission, the United Nations said on Saturday. The staff were abducted on Friday in Abyan governorate, said Russell Geekie, a spokesman for the top U.N. official in Yemen. "The United Nations is in close contact with the authorities to secure their release," Geekie said. Also read | Two journalists working for the UN have been freed by Taliban Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is based in south Yemen, was working to safely free the U.N. staff abducted by unknown gunmen, the official news agency on Saturday cited a cabinet statement as saying. An official at the U.N. office in Aden told Reuters that four of those seized were Yemeni nationals. Yemen has been mired in violence since the Iran-aligned Houthi movement ousted the government from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, prompting a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia to intervene months later. Among Yemen's many destabilising forces are Islamist militant groups Al Qaeda and Islamic State that have in the past carried out attacks including in the south, which last year saw protests over deteriorating economic conditions. Watch | Gravitas: The Yemen Conflict is intensifying The war has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a dire humanitarian crisis with 80% of Yemen's population reliant on aid.

Five UN staff abducted in southern Yemen

The UN refugee agency has claimed that two detained journalists in Afghanistan who had been working with the UN have been released.&nbsp;

"We are relieved to confirm the release in Kabul of the two journalists on assignment with UNHCR, and the Afghan nationals working with them," the agency said in a statement.&nbsp;

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We remain committed to the people of Afghanistan.
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It further added, "We are grateful to all who expressed concern and offered help. We remain committed to the people of Afghanistan."

Several UN agencies employ journalists to report on their work all around the globe.&nbsp;

The Committee to protect journalists had earlier identified one of the missing journalists&nbsp;as former BBC journalist Andrew North.&nbsp;

Steve Butler, the Committee to protect journalists Asia program coordinator, in a statement said, "The Taliban’s detention of two journalists on assignment with the UN refugee agency is a sad reflection of the overall decline of press freedom and increasing attacks on journalists under Taliban rule."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wanted-to-bring-revolutionary-changes-pak-pm-admits-govts-failure-452436">Also read |&nbsp;‘Wanted to bring revolutionary changes’: Pak PM admits govt’s failure</a>

Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the situation of journalist have not been so good. There have been protests in the Afghan country and many journalists have also been detained.&nbsp;

In December, a survey revealed a drastic change in the Afghan media landscape. Carried out by non-profit organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA), the survey highlighted that 231 media outlets have been shut and over 6,400 journalists have lost their jobs since the Taliban takeover.

Four out of five women journalists are no longer working.

The head of the International Federation of Journalists earlier said that journalism in Afghanistan is in danger of disappearing. He further said that reporters trying to continue working under the Taliban have been subjected to beatings and imprisonment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The UN refugee agency has claimed that two detained journalists in Afghanistan who had been working with the UN have been released. "We are relieved to confirm the release in Kabul of the two journalists on assignment with UNHCR, and the Afghan nationals working with them," the agency said in a statement.

The UN refugee agency has claimed that two detained journalists in Afghanistan who had been working with the UN have been released. "We are relieved to confirm the release in Kabul of the two journalists on assignment with UNHCR, and the Afghan nationals working with them," the agency said in a statement. We are relieved to confirm the release in Kabul of the two journalists on assignment with UNHCR, and the Afghan nationals working with them. We are grateful to all who expressed concern and offered help. We remain committed to the people of Afghanistan. — UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) February 11, 2022 × It further added, "We are grateful to all who expressed concern and offered help. We remain committed to the people of Afghanistan." Several UN agencies employ journalists to report on their work all around the globe. The Committee to protect journalists had earlier identified one of the missing journalists as former BBC journalist Andrew North. Steve Butler, the Committee to protect journalists Asia program coordinator, in a statement said, "The Taliban’s detention of two journalists on assignment with the UN refugee agency is a sad reflection of the overall decline of press freedom and increasing attacks on journalists under Taliban rule." Also read | ‘Wanted to bring revolutionary changes’: Pak PM admits govt’s failure Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the situation of journalist have not been so good. There have been protests in the Afghan country and many journalists have also been detained. In December, a survey revealed a drastic change in the Afghan media landscape. Carried out by non-profit organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA), the survey highlighted that 231 media outlets have been shut and over 6,400 journalists have lost their jobs since the Taliban takeover. Four out of five women journalists are no longer working. The head of the International Federation of Journalists earlier said that journalism in Afghanistan is in danger of disappearing. He further said that reporters trying to continue working under the Taliban have been subjected to beatings and imprisonment. (With inputs from agencies)

Two journalists working for the UN have been freed by Taliban

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