A raging&nbsp;measles&nbsp;outbreak in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;infected tens of thousands and killed more than 150 people last month alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday, warning of more&nbsp;deaths.

The UN health agency said the outbreak was particularly concerning since&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is facing massive food insecurity and malnutrition, leaving children far more vulnerable to the highly contagious disease.

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>

"Measles&nbsp;cases&nbsp;have been increasing in all provinces since the end of July 2021,"&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva.

He said&nbsp;cases&nbsp;had surged recently, ballooning by 18 per cent in the week of January 24 and by 40 per cent in the last week of the month.

In all, 35,319 suspected&nbsp;measles&nbsp;cases&nbsp;were reported in January, including 3,000 that were laboratory confirmed, and 156&nbsp;deaths.&nbsp;Ninety-one per cent of the&nbsp;cases&nbsp;and 97 per cent of the&nbsp;deaths&nbsp;were children under the age of five.

Lindmeier stressed that the&nbsp;measles-related&nbsp;deaths&nbsp;were likely underreported and the numbers were expected to swell.

"The rapid rise in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;in January suggests that the number of&nbsp;deaths&nbsp;due to&nbsp;measles&nbsp;is likely to increase sharply in the coming weeks," Lindmeier said.

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Measles&nbsp;is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks mainly children. The most serious complications include blindness, brain swelling, diarrhoea, and severe respiratory infections.

The latest surge in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;comes as&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is in the grip of a humanitarian disaster, worsened by the Taliban takeover in August -- when Western countries froze international aid and access to assets held abroad.

The United Nations has warned that half the country is threatened with food shortages.

"Malnutrition weakens immunity, making people more vulnerable to illness and&nbsp;deaths&nbsp;diseases like&nbsp;measles, especially children," Lindmeier said.

The best protection against&nbsp;measles&nbsp;is broad vaccination, with the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;recommending that countries ensure at least 95-per cent vaccination coverage -- a difficult goal in the Afghan context.

Watch |&nbsp;Women's activism grows in Afghanistan with Taliban in power

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/womens-activism-grows-in-afghanistan-with-taliban-in-power-451919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Lindmeier said the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;and its partners had been working to scale up their&nbsp;measles&nbsp;surveillance capacities and provide support for things like lab testing and immunisation campaigns.

Last December, a vaccination campaign in the hardest-hit areas reached 1.5 million children, he said.

They have also been providing Vitamin A supplements, which are important to help reduce sickness and death from&nbsp;measles, reaching 8.5 million children in a nationwide campaign last November.

The&nbsp;WHO, Lindmeier said, was now working towards a larger&nbsp;measles&nbsp;vaccination drive starting in May, aimed at reaching more than three million children.

A raging measles outbreak in Afghanistan infected tens of thousands and killed more than 150 people last month alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday, warning of more deaths.

A raging measles outbreak in Afghanistan infected tens of thousands and killed more than 150 people last month alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday, warning of more deaths. The UN health agency said the outbreak was particularly concerning since Afghanistan is facing massive food insecurity and malnutrition, leaving children far more vulnerable to the highly contagious disease. Also read | Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern "Measles cases have been increasing in all provinces since the end of July 2021," WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva. He said cases had surged recently, ballooning by 18 per cent in the week of January 24 and by 40 per cent in the last week of the month. In all, 35,319 suspected measles cases were reported in January, including 3,000 that were laboratory confirmed, and 156 deaths. Ninety-one per cent of the cases and 97 per cent of the deaths were children under the age of five. Lindmeier stressed that the measles-related deaths were likely underreported and the numbers were expected to swell. "The rapid rise in cases in January suggests that the number of deaths due to measles is likely to increase sharply in the coming weeks," Lindmeier said. Also read | Prolonged humanitarian crisis forces starving Afghans to sell kidneys, says report Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks mainly children. The most serious complications include blindness, brain swelling, diarrhoea, and severe respiratory infections. The latest surge in cases comes as Afghanistan is in the grip of a humanitarian disaster, worsened by the Taliban takeover in August -- when Western countries froze international aid and access to assets held abroad. The United Nations has warned that half the country is threatened with food shortages. "Malnutrition weakens immunity, making people more vulnerable to illness and deaths diseases like measles, especially children," Lindmeier said. The best protection against measles is broad vaccination, with the WHO recommending that countries ensure at least 95-per cent vaccination coverage -- a difficult goal in the Afghan context. Watch | Women's activism grows in Afghanistan with Taliban in power Lindmeier said the WHO and its partners had been working to scale up their measles surveillance capacities and provide support for things like lab testing and immunisation campaigns. Last December, a vaccination campaign in the hardest-hit areas reached 1.5 million children, he said. They have also been providing Vitamin A supplements, which are important to help reduce sickness and death from measles, reaching 8.5 million children in a nationwide campaign last November. The WHO, Lindmeier said, was now working towards a larger measles vaccination drive starting in May, aimed at reaching more than three million children.

Measles cases, deaths surging in Afghanistan, tens of thousands infected: WHO

The United Nations human rights office has expressed its concern over the disappearance of six people who were abducted in the Afghan capital Kabul. They were all a part of the recent women’s rights protests.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the High Commissioner for human rights, while speaking at a press briefing said, "We are gravely concerned for their well-being and safety."

"There is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," she further added.

This started in January when Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul. Later, Tamana Paryani and her three sisters were taken from a house in the city. &nbsp;

They were abducted after they had taken part in a peaceful demonstration demanding that the rights of women should be respected by the Taliban.&nbsp;

Ms. Shamdasani, while elaborating on the situation said, "The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals, perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty."

Meanwhile, the Taliban released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure.&nbsp;

Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul.&nbsp;

This comes in as concerns grow over the disappearance of two women activists in Afghanistan. This is the second such instance.&nbsp;

A statement issued by OPA to local media read, "14 women prisoners were released on Thursday, February 3 as a result of an assessment conducted by a five-member delegation."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations human rights office has expressed its concern over the disappearance of six people who were abducted in the Afghan capital Kabul. They were all a part of the recent women’s rights protests.

The United Nations human rights office has expressed its concern over the disappearance of six people who were abducted in the Afghan capital Kabul. They were all a part of the recent women’s rights protests. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the High Commissioner for human rights, while speaking at a press briefing said, "We are gravely concerned for their well-being and safety." "There is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," she further added. This started in January when Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul. Later, Tamana Paryani and her three sisters were taken from a house in the city. They were abducted after they had taken part in a peaceful demonstration demanding that the rights of women should be respected by the Taliban. Ms. Shamdasani, while elaborating on the situation said, "The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals, perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty." Meanwhile, the Taliban released 14 women prisoners in Kabul in a bid to tackle global pressure. Office of Prisons Administration (OPA) of the Taliban announced that they have freed 14 women from the female prison in Kabul. This comes in as concerns grow over the disappearance of two women activists in Afghanistan. This is the second such instance. A statement issued by OPA to local media read, "14 women prisoners were released on Thursday, February 3 as a result of an assessment conducted by a five-member delegation." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. During the meeting, he expressed his expectation that the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will be allowed to make a “credible” visit to China. The visit will also include a stop in the Xinjiang region.

As per the readout of their talks, the UN chief “expressed his expectation that the contacts between the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Chinese authorities will allow for a credible visit of the High Commissioner to China, including Xinjiang.”&nbsp;

So far, China has denied Bachelet an independent visit to Xinjiang.

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China has been called out for violating human rights in its Xinjiang region. The country has been accused of unlawfully imprisoning up to 1.8 million Uyghurs, and several other Muslim minorities in mass detention camps in Xinjiang.&nbsp; 
China, however, has denied all of these accusations.

As per campaigners, at least one million, mostly Muslim minorities, have been imprisoned in re-education camps in Xinjiang.

A statement by the UN says that during the meeting with Xi, Guterres “expressed the wish for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and the People’s Republic of China in all the pillars of the Organisation’s work – peace and security, sustainable development, including climate change and biodiversity, and human rights.”

(With inputs from agencies)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. During the meeting, he expressed his expectation that the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will be allowed to make a “credible” visit to China.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. During the meeting, he expressed his expectation that the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will be allowed to make a “credible” visit to China. The visit will also include a stop in the Xinjiang region. As per the readout of their talks, the UN chief “expressed his expectation that the contacts between the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Chinese authorities will allow for a credible visit of the High Commissioner to China, including Xinjiang.” So far, China has denied Bachelet an independent visit to Xinjiang. Also read | Host nation China wins its first gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 China has been called out for violating human rights in its Xinjiang region. The country has been accused of unlawfully imprisoning up to 1.8 million Uyghurs, and several other Muslim minorities in mass detention camps in Xinjiang. China, however, has denied all of these accusations. As per campaigners, at least one million, mostly Muslim minorities, have been imprisoned in re-education camps in Xinjiang. A statement by the UN says that during the meeting with Xi, Guterres “expressed the wish for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and the People’s Republic of China in all the pillars of the Organisation’s work – peace and security, sustainable development, including climate change and biodiversity, and human rights.” (With inputs from agencies)

UN chief Guterres meets Xi, says he expects China to allow 'credible' visit to Xinjiang

If you are wondering how North Korea is able to fund its nuclear and missile programmes at a time when it is facing several issues due to sanctions, the answer seems to be significant profits from cyberattacks, UN experts said in a new report.&nbsp;

The country was able to continue to advance its nuclear and missile programmes last year in violation of UN Security Council resolutions with the help of this money, the panel of experts said. &nbsp;

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"According to a member state, DPRK cyberactors stole more than $50 million between 2020 and mid-2021 from at least three cryptocurrency exchanges in North America, Europe and Asia," a report by Yonhap News Agency quoted the confidential report by the UN experts, who are monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Pyongyang. &nbsp;

DPRK is the acronym for the official name of North Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea. &nbsp;

At least seven attacks were carried out on cryptocurrency platforms by North Korea. It helped it extract nearly $400 million worth of digital assets in 2021, it added. &nbsp;

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The North also kept developing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, the annual report of the UN said. &nbsp;

"Although no nuclear tests or launches of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) were reported, DPRK continued to develop its capability for production of nuclear fissile materials," the report, which has been submitted to the UN Security Council North Korea sanctions committee, stated. &nbsp;

North Korea also demonstrated "increased capabilities for rapid deployment, wide mobility (including at sea), and improved resilience of its missile forces,” it said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If you are wondering how North Korea is able to fund its nuclear and missile programmes at a time when it is facing several issues due to sanctions, the answer seems to be significant profits from cyberattacks, UN experts said in a new report.

If you are wondering how North Korea is able to fund its nuclear and missile programmes at a time when it is facing several issues due to sanctions, the answer seems to be significant profits from cyberattacks, UN experts said in a new report. The country was able to continue to advance its nuclear and missile programmes last year in violation of UN Security Council resolutions with the help of this money, the panel of experts said. Also Read: Russia recognises Taiwan as part of China, opposes island's independence "According to a member state, DPRK cyberactors stole more than $50 million between 2020 and mid-2021 from at least three cryptocurrency exchanges in North America, Europe and Asia," a report by Yonhap News Agency quoted the confidential report by the UN experts, who are monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Pyongyang. DPRK is the acronym for the official name of North Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea. At least seven attacks were carried out on cryptocurrency platforms by North Korea. It helped it extract nearly $400 million worth of digital assets in 2021, it added. Also Read | Beijing is hosting 2022 Winter Olympics with 100% artificial snow: Report The North also kept developing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, the annual report of the UN said. "Although no nuclear tests or launches of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) were reported, DPRK continued to develop its capability for production of nuclear fissile materials," the report, which has been submitted to the UN Security Council North Korea sanctions committee, stated. North Korea also demonstrated "increased capabilities for rapid deployment, wide mobility (including at sea), and improved resilience of its missile forces,” it said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea funding nuke, missile programmes through cyberattacks’ proceeds, say UN experts

After a year-long absence, the iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ has again assumed its place of honour at the United Nations on Saturday. &nbsp;

It is considered the most powerful anti-war painting in history by numerous art critics. Its removal had angered several diplomats and staff at the UN. &nbsp;

On Saturday, the tapestry of the painting, which has been woven by Atelier J De la Baume-Durrbach, was re-hung outside the security council. &nbsp;

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The yellow wall, where it used to be hung, had been empty since February 2021. &nbsp;

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This morning, Picasso’s iconic Guernica tapestry was reinstalled outside the United Nations Security Council Chamber. 
👇<a href="https://t.co/70wNND2vXs">https://t.co/70wNND2vXs</a> 
 
Watch the installation here:<a href="https://t.co/58Z6hnE0NI">https://t.co/58Z6hnE0NI</a>
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_Spokesperson/status/1489990172909441031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In 1955, the tapestry was commissioned by former US Vice president Nelson Rockefeller and offered to the UN on loan in 1984. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-icebreaker-begins-expedition-to-search-ernest-shackletons-wrecked-ship-endurance-off-antarctica-450827" hreflang="en">South African icebreaker begins expedition to search wrecked ship Endurance</a>

In a statement on Saturday, Nelson A Rockefeller, Jr, the son of the late vice president who owns the tapestry, said that it was being returned on loan to the UN and he intends to donate the work to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the future. &nbsp;

"I am grateful that the tapestry will be able to continue to reach a broader segment of the world's population and magnify its ability to touch lives and educate," Rockefeller said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After a year-long absence, the iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ has again assumed its place of honour at the United Nations on Saturday. It is considered the most powerful anti-war painting in history by numerous art critics.

After a year-long absence, the iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ has again assumed its place of honour at the United Nations on Saturday. It is considered the most powerful anti-war painting in history by numerous art critics. Its removal had angered several diplomats and staff at the UN. On Saturday, the tapestry of the painting, which has been woven by Atelier J De la Baume-Durrbach, was re-hung outside the security council. Also Read: After winter storm, over 150,000 US homes witness chilly conditions sans power The yellow wall, where it used to be hung, had been empty since February 2021. This morning, Picasso’s iconic Guernica tapestry was reinstalled outside the United Nations Security Council Chamber. 👇https://t.co/70wNND2vXs Watch the installation here:https://t.co/58Z6hnE0NI — UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) February 5, 2022 × In 1955, the tapestry was commissioned by former US Vice president Nelson Rockefeller and offered to the UN on loan in 1984. Also Read: South African icebreaker begins expedition to search wrecked ship Endurance In a statement on Saturday, Nelson A Rockefeller, Jr, the son of the late vice president who owns the tapestry, said that it was being returned on loan to the UN and he intends to donate the work to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the future. "I am grateful that the tapestry will be able to continue to reach a broader segment of the world's population and magnify its ability to touch lives and educate," Rockefeller said. (With inputs from agencies)

After year-long absence, iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ returns to UN   

Amid Human Rights violation allegations on China in Xinjiang region, United Nations Chief calls for a visit by UN Human Rights Chief.

UN Chief: Let UN Human Rights Chief visit Xinjiang in China

A United Nations report suggests that Al Qaeda and ISIS operatives work freely under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

Revival of terrorism in Afghanistan: Al Qaeda & ISIS operative work freely under Taliban

Ever since congratulating the Taliban on its “victory” in Afghanistan on August 31 last year, al-Qaeda has been maintaining a “strategic silence” to not to “compromise” its efforts to gain international recognition, a new UN report has claimed.

The latest report of the UN Security Council on activities of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda and their affiliates, made public this week, said that Osama bin Laden’s son, Abdallah, visited Afghanistan in October “for meetings with the Taliban”.

al-Qaeda continues to recover from a series of leadership losses and lacks the capability to carry out “high-profile” attacks overseas, which remains its long-term goal, the report noted.

The UN’s sanctions monitoring team prepares such reports twice a year as part of efforts to implement sanctions imposed on the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

It said that al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS), which is led by Osama Mehmood and his deputy Atif Yahya Ghouri, “retains a presence in Afghanistan, in the provinces of Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Nimruz, Paktika and Zabul, where the group fought alongside the Taliban” against the ousted government of Ashraf Ghani.

AQIS is estimated to have between 200 and 400 fighters, mainly from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan, the report said.

The report also stated that the Taliban have not done anything to limit the activities of foreign terrorists.

“The security landscape in Afghanistan changed dramatically on 15 August, when the Taliban took control of the country. There are no recent signs that the Taliban has taken steps to limit the activities of foreign terrorist fighters in the country,” the report said.

“On the contrary, terrorist groups enjoy greater freedom there than at any time in recent history,” it said, adding that UN member states have not reported “significant new movements of foreign terrorist fighters to Afghanistan”.

However, the report concluded that the Taliban have acted to rein in the anti-China terror group Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), also known as Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

“Some Member States reported that, following the Taliban’s return to power, ETIM/TIP fighters were relocated from their traditional stronghold in Badakhshan province, on the border with China, to Baghlan, Takhar and other provinces, as part of the Taliban’s efforts to both protect and restrain the group,” the report said.

Ever since congratulating the Taliban on its “victory” in Afghanistan on August 31 last year, al-Qaeda has been maintaining a “strategic silence” to not to “compromise” its efforts to gain international recognition, a new UN report has claimed.

Ever since congratulating the Taliban on its “victory” in Afghanistan on August 31 last year, al-Qaeda has been maintaining a “strategic silence” to not to “compromise” its efforts to gain international recognition, a new UN report has claimed. The latest report of the UN Security Council on activities of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda and their affiliates, made public this week, said that Osama bin Laden’s son, Abdallah, visited Afghanistan in October “for meetings with the Taliban”. al-Qaeda continues to recover from a series of leadership losses and lacks the capability to carry out “high-profile” attacks overseas, which remains its long-term goal, the report noted. The UN’s sanctions monitoring team prepares such reports twice a year as part of efforts to implement sanctions imposed on the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. It said that al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS), which is led by Osama Mehmood and his deputy Atif Yahya Ghouri, “retains a presence in Afghanistan, in the provinces of Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Nimruz, Paktika and Zabul, where the group fought alongside the Taliban” against the ousted government of Ashraf Ghani. AQIS is estimated to have between 200 and 400 fighters, mainly from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan, the report said. The report also stated that the Taliban have not done anything to limit the activities of foreign terrorists. “The security landscape in Afghanistan changed dramatically on 15 August, when the Taliban took control of the country. There are no recent signs that the Taliban has taken steps to limit the activities of foreign terrorist fighters in the country,” the report said. “On the contrary, terrorist groups enjoy greater freedom there than at any time in recent history,” it said, adding that UN member states have not reported “significant new movements of foreign terrorist fighters to Afghanistan”. However, the report concluded that the Taliban have acted to rein in the anti-China terror group Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), also known as Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). “Some Member States reported that, following the Taliban’s return to power, ETIM/TIP fighters were relocated from their traditional stronghold in Badakhshan province, on the border with China, to Baghlan, Takhar and other provinces, as part of the Taliban’s efforts to both protect and restrain the group,” the report said.

Osama bin Laden’s son held meetings with Taliban in Afghanistan last year: UN report

Nearly two years ago, a lightning bolt crossed the sky in the United States for nearly 770 km, a world record, according to the United Nations.

The new record for the longest detected megaflash, measured in the southern US on April 29, 2020, stretched a full 768 kilometres, or 477.2 miles, across Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says that this is roughly equivalent to the distance between New York City and Columbus, Ohio, or London and Hamburg.

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The bolt zigzagged 60 kilometres further than the previous record set on October 31, 2018, in southern Brazil. &nbsp;

The committee of experts for weather and climate extremes of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also reported a new world record for the lightning flash duration.

It was set by a single flash that developed continuously through a thunderstorm on June 18, 2020 in northern Argentina and Uruguay. It lasted 17.1 seconds, which was 0.37 seconds longer than the previous record on March 4, 2019.

"These are extraordinary records from single lightning flash events," Randall Cerveny, the WMO rapporteur of weather and climate extremes, said in the statement.

"Environmental extremes are living measurements of the power of nature, as well as scientific progress in being able to make such assessments," he said.

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Lightning flashes can now be detected for greater lengths and durations thanks to technology that has improved dramatically in recent years.

In 2018, and in 2019, new satellite lightning imaging technology verified the previous "megaflash" records. These records are more than double the previous records based on ground-based technology.

"It is likely that even greater extremes still exist, and that we will be able to observe them as lightning detection technology improves," Cerveny said.

The WMO noted that the new record strikes occurred in the Great Plains in North America and the La Plata basin in South America, which are known hotspots for Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS), which enable megaflashes.

These flashes were not isolated events, but occurred during active and large-scale thunderstorms, making them all the more hazardous.

"Lightning is a major hazard that claims many lives every year," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in the statement.

"The findings highlight important public lightning safety concerns for electrified clouds where flashes can travel extremely large distances."

The WMO Archive of Weather and Climate Extremes preserves all such weather-related records.

Currently, the archive contains two other lightning-related extremes.&nbsp;

There is one record for the most deaths caused by a single direct lightning strike, with 21 people dying in Zimbabwe in 1975 while huddling in the hut hit by lightning.

A second instance involved an indirect lightning strike at Dronka, Egypt, in 1994, which caused a flood of burning oil and the deaths of 469 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly two years ago, a lightning bolt crossed the sky in the United States for nearly 770 km, a world record, according to the United Nations. The new record for the longest detected megaflash, measured in the southern US on April 29, 2020, stretched a full 768 kilometres, or 477.

Nearly two years ago, a lightning bolt crossed the sky in the United States for nearly 770 km, a world record, according to the United Nations. The new record for the longest detected megaflash, measured in the southern US on April 29, 2020, stretched a full 768 kilometres, or 477.2 miles, across Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says that this is roughly equivalent to the distance between New York City and Columbus, Ohio, or London and Hamburg. Also read | Florida: It's 'raining' iguanas, and they are not dead The bolt zigzagged 60 kilometres further than the previous record set on October 31, 2018, in southern Brazil. The committee of experts for weather and climate extremes of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also reported a new world record for the lightning flash duration. It was set by a single flash that developed continuously through a thunderstorm on June 18, 2020 in northern Argentina and Uruguay. It lasted 17.1 seconds, which was 0.37 seconds longer than the previous record on March 4, 2019. "These are extraordinary records from single lightning flash events," Randall Cerveny, the WMO rapporteur of weather and climate extremes, said in the statement. "Environmental extremes are living measurements of the power of nature, as well as scientific progress in being able to make such assessments," he said. Also read | After 'bombogenesis' snowstorm, US east coast begins clean up Lightning flashes can now be detected for greater lengths and durations thanks to technology that has improved dramatically in recent years. In 2018, and in 2019, new satellite lightning imaging technology verified the previous "megaflash" records. These records are more than double the previous records based on ground-based technology. "It is likely that even greater extremes still exist, and that we will be able to observe them as lightning detection technology improves," Cerveny said. The WMO noted that the new record strikes occurred in the Great Plains in North America and the La Plata basin in South America, which are known hotspots for Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS), which enable megaflashes. These flashes were not isolated events, but occurred during active and large-scale thunderstorms, making them all the more hazardous. "Lightning is a major hazard that claims many lives every year," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in the statement. "The findings highlight important public lightning safety concerns for electrified clouds where flashes can travel extremely large distances." The WMO Archive of Weather and Climate Extremes preserves all such weather-related records. Currently, the archive contains two other lightning-related extremes. There is one record for the most deaths caused by a single direct lightning strike, with 21 people dying in Zimbabwe in 1975 while huddling in the hut hit by lightning. A second instance involved an indirect lightning strike at Dronka, Egypt, in 1994, which caused a flood of burning oil and the deaths of 469 people. (With inputs from agencies)

A 768 kilometres long lightning flash!? UN reports a new record

A UN report seen by Reuters says the Taliban and its allies are believed to have killed scores of former Afghan officials, security force members and people who worked with the international military contingent since the US-led pullout.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ report to the UN&nbsp;Security Council paints a picture of worsening living conditions for Afghanistan’s 39 million people despite an end of combat with the Taliban's takeover in August.

"An entire complex social and economic system is shutting down," Guterres said.

The report sounds the latest in a series of warnings the UN&nbsp;chief has issued in recent months about the humanitarian and economic crises that accelerated after the Taliban seized Kabul as the last US-led foreign troops left and international donors cut critical financial aid.

Guterres recommended the council approve a restructuring of the UN&nbsp;mission to deal with the situation, including the creation of a new human rights monitoring unit.

The UN mission "continues to receive credible allegations of killings, enforced disappearances and other violations" against former officials, security force members and people who worked for the US-led international military contingent despite a general amnesty announced by the Taliban, the report said.

The mission has determined as credible reports that more than 100 of those individuals have been killed – more than two-thirds of them allegedly by the Taliban or their affiliates – since August&nbsp;15, it said.

There also are credible allegations of the extra-judicial killings of at least 50 people suspected of belonging to the local branch of the Islamic State militant group, according to the report.

"Human rights defenders and media workers continue to come under attack, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and killings," it said.

A UN report seen by Reuters says the Taliban and its allies are believed to have killed scores of former Afghan officials, security force members and people who worked with the international military contingent since the US-led pullout.

A UN report seen by Reuters says the Taliban and its allies are believed to have killed scores of former Afghan officials, security force members and people who worked with the international military contingent since the US-led pullout. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ report to the UN Security Council paints a picture of worsening living conditions for Afghanistan’s 39 million people despite an end of combat with the Taliban's takeover in August. "An entire complex social and economic system is shutting down," Guterres said. The report sounds the latest in a series of warnings the UN chief has issued in recent months about the humanitarian and economic crises that accelerated after the Taliban seized Kabul as the last US-led foreign troops left and international donors cut critical financial aid. Guterres recommended the council approve a restructuring of the UN mission to deal with the situation, including the creation of a new human rights monitoring unit. The UN mission "continues to receive credible allegations of killings, enforced disappearances and other violations" against former officials, security force members and people who worked for the US-led international military contingent despite a general amnesty announced by the Taliban, the report said. The mission has determined as credible reports that more than 100 of those individuals have been killed – more than two-thirds of them allegedly by the Taliban or their affiliates – since August 15, it said. There also are credible allegations of the extra-judicial killings of at least 50 people suspected of belonging to the local branch of the Islamic State militant group, according to the report. "Human rights defenders and media workers continue to come under attack, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and killings," it said.

UN report says Taliban have killed scores of former Afghan officials, others

A group of experts from the United Nations (UN) has arrived in Peru to help address and mitigate the damage caused by the oil spill.

UN delegation arrives in Peru to assess damage caused by oil spill

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday told the security council on Wednesday that Afghanistan is "hanging by a thread'. He urged countries to authorise all transactions needed to carry out humanitarian activities.

He also made a case for suspension of any rules or conditions that constricted "lifesaving" aid operations. He said millions in Afghanistan were suffering extreme hunger and education and social services were on the brink of collapse. Lack of liquidity limited capacity of the UN and aid groups to reach people in need, he said.

"We need to give financial institutions and commercial partners legal assurance that they can work with humanitarian operators without fear of breaching sanctions," said Guterres, noting that the 15-member council last month adopted a humanitarian exemption to U.N. sanctions tied to Afghanistan.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-destroying-lives-of-lgbtq-people-in-afghanistan-report-447765">Taliban 'destroying lives' of LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan: Report</a>

About $ 9.5 billion of Afghan central bank funds remain frozen abroad. International development support has dried up since Taliban seized power in the country last August.

"There is compelling evidence of an emerging environment of intimidation and a deterioration in respect for human rights. This suggests that the consolidation of government authority may be leading toward control of the population by fear," the U.N. special envoy on Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, told the council.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-warn-against-womens-rights-activism-after-two-activists-were-seized-from-their-homes-446896">Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes</a>

In December, donors to a frozen World Bank-administered Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund agreed to transfer $280 million to the World Food Program and UN children's agency UNICEF to support nutrition and health in Afghanistan. Guterres said the remaining $1.2 billion in the fund needed "to be freed up urgently to help Afghanistan's people survive the winter."

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council that Washington had moved to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not impede humanitarian activity and it is examining various options to ease the liquidity crunch."

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday told the security council on Wednesday that Afghanistan is "hanging by a thread'. He urged countries to authorise all transactions needed to carry out humanitarian activities.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday told the security council on Wednesday that Afghanistan is "hanging by a thread'. He urged countries to authorise all transactions needed to carry out humanitarian activities. He also made a case for suspension of any rules or conditions that constricted "lifesaving" aid operations. He said millions in Afghanistan were suffering extreme hunger and education and social services were on the brink of collapse. Lack of liquidity limited capacity of the UN and aid groups to reach people in need, he said. "We need to give financial institutions and commercial partners legal assurance that they can work with humanitarian operators without fear of breaching sanctions," said Guterres, noting that the 15-member council last month adopted a humanitarian exemption to U.N. sanctions tied to Afghanistan. Also Read | Taliban 'destroying lives' of LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan: Report About $ 9.5 billion of Afghan central bank funds remain frozen abroad. International development support has dried up since Taliban seized power in the country last August. "There is compelling evidence of an emerging environment of intimidation and a deterioration in respect for human rights. This suggests that the consolidation of government authority may be leading toward control of the population by fear," the U.N. special envoy on Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, told the council. Also Read | Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes In December, donors to a frozen World Bank-administered Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund agreed to transfer $280 million to the World Food Program and UN children's agency UNICEF to support nutrition and health in Afghanistan. Guterres said the remaining $1.2 billion in the fund needed "to be freed up urgently to help Afghanistan's people survive the winter." The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council that Washington had moved to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not impede humanitarian activity and it is examining various options to ease the liquidity crunch." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan 'hanging by a thread', UN chief Antonio Guterres tells Security Council

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made the case for pulling Afghanistan back from the brink. Speaking at the UN Security Council, Guterres warned that Afghanistan is hanging by a thread.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to UNSC: Afghanistan is hanging by a thread

Reports suggest that Turkey is going to register its new name Türkiye at the United Nations in the coming weeks. The foreign ministry and other state agencies have already made the change, though not everyone is happy with it. Ghadi Francis tells you more in this report in The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: Turkey announces a name change

The United Nations has condemned the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed hundreds of people, including children.

Airstrike on a prison in Yemen: More than 100 people killed or wounded, including women & children

The United Nations has condemned the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed dozens of people, including children.

UN condemns the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed dozens of people including children

UN condemns the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed dozens of people, including children

The United Nations has condemned the deadly airstrikes on a prison in Yemen which has killed hundreds of people, including women & children.

Saudi coalition denies responsibility for the deadly airstrikes on a prison in Yemen

After months of massive surge in COVID infection rates, mainly driven by the fast spreading Omicron variant, cases are now plummeting in Africa. According to UN, COVID cases have dropped in Africa and Coronavirus related deaths have also declined since the fourth wave of the virus reached its peak.

COVID cases plummet in Africa after fourth Coronavirus wave

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, T.S. Tirumurti has asked the United Nations to recognise 'Hinduphobia' & violence against Sikhs, Buddhists just like they do with Abrahamic religions.

India calls for the UN to recognise 'Hinduphobia' & violence against Sikhs, Buddhists

The past seven years have been the hottest on record, the United Nations confirmed Wednesday, adding that 2021 temperatures remained high despite the cooling effect of the La Nina weather phenomenon.

"The warmest seven years have all been since 2015," the UN's World Meteorological Organization said in a statement.

And despite the fact that two consecutive La Nina events captured global attention for large portions of the year, 2021 still ranked among the seven warmest years on record, the WMO said.

"Back-to-back La Nina events mean that 2021 warming was relatively less pronounced compared to recent years. Even so, 2021 was still warmer than previous years influenced by La Nina," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in the statement.

This, he said, shows that "the overall long-term warming as a result of greenhouse gas increases is now far larger than the year-to-year variability in global average temperatures caused by naturally occurring climate drivers."

La Nina refers to the large-scale cooling of surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, with widespread impacts on weather around the world.

The phenomenon, which typically has the opposite impacts as the warming El Nino phenomenon, usually occurs every two to seven years, but has now hit twice since 2020.

WMO reached its conclusions by consolidating six leading international datasets, including the European Union's Copernicus climate monitor (C3S) and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which announced similar findings last week.

The datasets showed that the average global temperature in 2021 was around 1.11 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels measured between 1850 and 1900.

'Record-shattering temperature'

Last year also marked the seventh consecutive year that global temperatures were more than 1C above pre-industrial levels, the datasets showed.

"The global average temperature in 2021 is already approaching the lower limit of temperature increase the Paris Agreement seeks to avert," the WMO warned.

The 2015 Paris Agreement saw countries agree to cap global warming at "well below" 2C above pre-industrial levels, and 1.5C if possible.

The WMO stressed that the unbroken warm streak over the past seven years was part of a longer-term trend towards higher global temperatures.

"Since the 1980s, each decade has been warmer than the previous one," it said.&nbsp;

"This is expected to continue."

The datasets varied slightly in their assessment of where 2021 ranked among the seven warmest years, with C3S ranking it fifth, NOAA ranking it sixth, and others saying it was seventh.

"The small differences among these datasets indicates the margin of error for calculating the average global temperature," the WMO said.

But while 2021 was among the coolest of the top-seven hottest years, it was still marked by a range of record temperatures and extreme weather events linked to global warming.

Taalas pointed to the "record-shattering temperature of nearly 50C in Canada, comparable to the values reported in the hot Saharan Desert of Algeria, exceptional rainfall, and deadly flooding in Asia and Europe as well as drought in parts of Africa and South America."

"Climate change impacts and weather-related hazards had life-changing and devastating impacts on communities on every single continent."

The past seven years have been the hottest on record, the United Nations confirmed Wednesday, adding that 2021 temperatures remained high despite the cooling effect of the La Nina weather phenomenon.

The past seven years have been the hottest on record, the United Nations confirmed Wednesday, adding that 2021 temperatures remained high despite the cooling effect of the La Nina weather phenomenon. "The warmest seven years have all been since 2015," the UN's World Meteorological Organization said in a statement. And despite the fact that two consecutive La Nina events captured global attention for large portions of the year, 2021 still ranked among the seven warmest years on record, the WMO said. "Back-to-back La Nina events mean that 2021 warming was relatively less pronounced compared to recent years. Even so, 2021 was still warmer than previous years influenced by La Nina," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in the statement. This, he said, shows that "the overall long-term warming as a result of greenhouse gas increases is now far larger than the year-to-year variability in global average temperatures caused by naturally occurring climate drivers." La Nina refers to the large-scale cooling of surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, with widespread impacts on weather around the world. The phenomenon, which typically has the opposite impacts as the warming El Nino phenomenon, usually occurs every two to seven years, but has now hit twice since 2020. WMO reached its conclusions by consolidating six leading international datasets, including the European Union's Copernicus climate monitor (C3S) and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which announced similar findings last week. The datasets showed that the average global temperature in 2021 was around 1.11 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels measured between 1850 and 1900. 'Record-shattering temperature' Last year also marked the seventh consecutive year that global temperatures were more than 1C above pre-industrial levels, the datasets showed. "The global average temperature in 2021 is already approaching the lower limit of temperature increase the Paris Agreement seeks to avert," the WMO warned. The 2015 Paris Agreement saw countries agree to cap global warming at "well below" 2C above pre-industrial levels, and 1.5C if possible. The WMO stressed that the unbroken warm streak over the past seven years was part of a longer-term trend towards higher global temperatures. "Since the 1980s, each decade has been warmer than the previous one," it said. "This is expected to continue." The datasets varied slightly in their assessment of where 2021 ranked among the seven warmest years, with C3S ranking it fifth, NOAA ranking it sixth, and others saying it was seventh. "The small differences among these datasets indicates the margin of error for calculating the average global temperature," the WMO said. But while 2021 was among the coolest of the top-seven hottest years, it was still marked by a range of record temperatures and extreme weather events linked to global warming. Taalas pointed to the "record-shattering temperature of nearly 50C in Canada, comparable to the values reported in the hot Saharan Desert of Algeria, exceptional rainfall, and deadly flooding in Asia and Europe as well as drought in parts of Africa and South America." "Climate change impacts and weather-related hazards had life-changing and devastating impacts on communities on every single continent."

UN confirms 2021 among seven hottest years on record

At least 108 civilians have been killed this month in a series of airstrikes in the war-torn northern&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;region of Ethiopia, the United Nations said Friday.

The UN also warned of a looming humanitarian disaster in the region, with its food distribution operations on the verge of grinding to a halt.

The UN human rights office urged the Ethiopian authorities to ensure the protection of civilians, saying disproportionate attacks hitting non-military targets could amount to war crimes.

Northern Ethiopia has been beset by conflict since November 2020 when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;after accusing the region's ruling party, the&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;People's Liberation Front (TPLF), of attacks on federal army camps.&nbsp;

"We are alarmed by the multiple, deeply disturbing reports we continue to receive of civilian casualties and destruction of civilian objects resulting from airstrikes in Ethiopia's&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;region," rights office spokeswoman Liz Throssell told reporters in Geneva.

"At least 108 civilians have reportedly been killed and 75 others injured since the year began, as a result of air strikes allegedly carried out by the Ethiopian air force."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-raps-who-chief-for-supporting-rebellion-tigray-forces-444866">Also read |&nbsp;Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces</a>

She detailed a series of airstrikes, including the January 7 attack on the Dedebit camp for internally displaced persons, which left at least 56 dead and 30 others wounded, of which three later died in hospital.

On Monday, 17 civilians were reportedly killed and 21 injured after an airstrike hit a flour mill, and on Tuesday, the state-owned Technical Vocational Education and Training institute was hit, reportedly killing three men, said Throssell.

Numerous other airstrikes were reported last week, she added.

"We call on the Ethiopian authorities and their allies to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian objects, in line with their obligations under international law," said Throssell.

"Failure to respect the principles of distinction and proportionality could amount to war crimes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-temporarily-suspends-trends-feature-in-ethiopia-over-fear-of-violence-427199">Also read |&nbsp;Twitter temporarily suspends Trends feature in Ethiopia over fear of violence</a>

Meanwhile the UN's World Food Programme said its distributions were at an all-time low, with the escalation of the conflict meaning that no WFP convoy has reached the Tigrayan capital Mekele since mid-December.

"Life-saving food assistance operations in northern Ethiopia are about to grind to a halt because intense fighting in the neighbourhood that has blocked the passage of fuel and food," WFP spokesman Tomson Phiri told reporters.

"After 14 months of conflict in northern Ethiopia, more people than ever need urgent food assistance.

"With no food, no fuel, no access, we are on the edge of a major humanitarian disaster."

At least 108 civilians have been killed this month in a series of airstrikes in the war-torn northern Tigray region of Ethiopia, the United Nations said Friday. The UN also warned of a looming humanitarian disaster in the region, with its food distribution operations on the verge of grinding to a halt.

At least 108 civilians have been killed this month in a series of airstrikes in the war-torn northern Tigray region of Ethiopia, the United Nations said Friday. The UN also warned of a looming humanitarian disaster in the region, with its food distribution operations on the verge of grinding to a halt. The UN human rights office urged the Ethiopian authorities to ensure the protection of civilians, saying disproportionate attacks hitting non-military targets could amount to war crimes. Northern Ethiopia has been beset by conflict since November 2020 when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray after accusing the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), of attacks on federal army camps. "We are alarmed by the multiple, deeply disturbing reports we continue to receive of civilian casualties and destruction of civilian objects resulting from airstrikes in Ethiopia's Tigray region," rights office spokeswoman Liz Throssell told reporters in Geneva. "At least 108 civilians have reportedly been killed and 75 others injured since the year began, as a result of air strikes allegedly carried out by the Ethiopian air force." Also read | Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces She detailed a series of airstrikes, including the January 7 attack on the Dedebit camp for internally displaced persons, which left at least 56 dead and 30 others wounded, of which three later died in hospital. On Monday, 17 civilians were reportedly killed and 21 injured after an airstrike hit a flour mill, and on Tuesday, the state-owned Technical Vocational Education and Training institute was hit, reportedly killing three men, said Throssell. Numerous other airstrikes were reported last week, she added. "We call on the Ethiopian authorities and their allies to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian objects, in line with their obligations under international law," said Throssell. "Failure to respect the principles of distinction and proportionality could amount to war crimes." Also read | Twitter temporarily suspends Trends feature in Ethiopia over fear of violence Meanwhile the UN's World Food Programme said its distributions were at an all-time low, with the escalation of the conflict meaning that no WFP convoy has reached the Tigrayan capital Mekele since mid-December. "Life-saving food assistance operations in northern Ethiopia are about to grind to a halt because intense fighting in the neighbourhood that has blocked the passage of fuel and food," WFP spokesman Tomson Phiri told reporters. "After 14 months of conflict in northern Ethiopia, more people than ever need urgent food assistance. "With no food, no fuel, no access, we are on the edge of a major humanitarian disaster."

At least 108 civilians killed this year in Tigray airstrikes, says UN

A top humanitarian official of the United Nations said on Wednesday that the UN would need around USD 3.9 billion this year to help millions of people in war-hit Yemen.

Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ramesh Rajasingham told the UN Security Council that "the biggest constraint right now is funding" to help some 16 million people in Yemen, where a civil war has raged for over seven years.

"I call on all donors to sustain –- and if possible, to increase –- their support this year," Rajasingham said.&nbsp;

Rajasingham added that funding had been decreasing in recent years. He said that last year's response plan was pnly funded at 58 per cent as UN World Food Program in December announced cuts in its assistance budget for eight million people.

"Other vital programs, including water, protection and reproductive health services, have also been forced to scale back or close in recent weeks for lack of funds," Rajasingham said.

Aside from funding, humanitarian access and security also remain major impediments to aid.

Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when Iranian-backed Huthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year.

The UN has estimated the war killed 377,000 people by the end of 2021, both directly and indirectly through hunger and disease.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A top humanitarian official of the United Nations said on Wednesday that the UN would need around USD 3.9 billion this year to help millions of people in war-hit Yemen.

A top humanitarian official of the United Nations said on Wednesday that the UN would need around USD 3.9 billion this year to help millions of people in war-hit Yemen. Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ramesh Rajasingham told the UN Security Council that "the biggest constraint right now is funding" to help some 16 million people in Yemen, where a civil war has raged for over seven years. "I call on all donors to sustain –- and if possible, to increase –- their support this year," Rajasingham said. Rajasingham added that funding had been decreasing in recent years. He said that last year's response plan was pnly funded at 58 per cent as UN World Food Program in December announced cuts in its assistance budget for eight million people. "Other vital programs, including water, protection and reproductive health services, have also been forced to scale back or close in recent weeks for lack of funds," Rajasingham said. Aside from funding, humanitarian access and security also remain major impediments to aid. Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when Iranian-backed Huthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year. The UN has estimated the war killed 377,000 people by the end of 2021, both directly and indirectly through hunger and disease. (With inputs from agencies)

USD 3.9 billion needed for war-torn Yemen, says UN

United Nation on Thursday urged everyone in Kazakhstan to refrain from violence. The central Asian nation declared nationwide emergency after protests against fuel hike went out of control and subsequent violence even saw people storming government buildings.

UN urged that peaceful solutions must be found.

Alarmed by reports of deadly violence and gun battles in the largest city Almaty, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said lethal force, notably live ammunition, should only be used as a last resort.

She also called for the release of people held solely for exercising their right to peaceful protest.

"People have the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression," Bachelet said in a statement.

"At the same time, protesters, no matter how angry or aggrieved they may be, should not resort to violence against others."&nbsp;

The UN high commissioner for human rights said that that force could only be used by Kazakh authorities if necessary and proportionate.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin

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Live bullets should only be used as a last resort against specific individuals to address an imminent threat of death or serious injury, she said.

Moscow-led troops have arrived to help quell the unrest that has so far left dozens dead and hundreds detained.

Bachelet said the use of force -- including by foreign troops -- to maintain public order should be guided by the standards of international law.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nation on Thursday urged everyone in Kazakhstan to refrain from violence. The central Asian nation declared nationwide emergency after protests against fuel hike went out of control and subsequent violence even saw people storming government buildings.

United Nation on Thursday urged everyone in Kazakhstan to refrain from violence. The central Asian nation declared nationwide emergency after protests against fuel hike went out of control and subsequent violence even saw people storming government buildings. UN urged that peaceful solutions must be found. Alarmed by reports of deadly violence and gun battles in the largest city Almaty, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said lethal force, notably live ammunition, should only be used as a last resort. She also called for the release of people held solely for exercising their right to peaceful protest. "People have the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression," Bachelet said in a statement. "At the same time, protesters, no matter how angry or aggrieved they may be, should not resort to violence against others." The UN high commissioner for human rights said that that force could only be used by Kazakh authorities if necessary and proportionate. Watch | Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin Live bullets should only be used as a last resort against specific individuals to address an imminent threat of death or serious injury, she said. Moscow-led troops have arrived to help quell the unrest that has so far left dozens dead and hundreds detained. Bachelet said the use of force -- including by foreign troops -- to maintain public order should be guided by the standards of international law. (With inputs from agencies)

Kazakhstan: UN urges all sides to refrain from violence

The Food and Agricultural Organization said Thursday that food prices reached a 10-year high in 2021, rising by an average of 28 per cent compared to the previous year.

FAO's Food Price Index, which measures monthly changes in the international prices of commonly traded food commodities, was slightly lower last month (December).

While it fell short of the February 2011 record of 137.6 points in February, at 133.7, it was still close to the previous record. The index stood at 125.7 points for the year as a whole, also the highest in a decade.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-concerns-of-food-security-grain-prices-rise-in-china-432316">Amid concerns of food security, grain prices rise in China</a>

Despite a decline of 0.9 per cent from November, this was still a 23.1 per cent increase over the same month the previous year.

"While normally high prices are expected to give way to increased production, the high cost of inputs, ongoing global pandemic and ever more uncertain climatic conditions leave little room for optimism about a return to more stable market conditions even in 2022," FAO Senior Economist Abdolreza Abbassian said in a statement.

Strong demand led to price increases in all food categories last year, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-food-prices-record-10-year-high-as-wheat-prices-soar-by-40-426984">Global food prices record 10-year high as wheat prices soar by 40%</a>

For the year as a whole, the Oil Index reached a record high, rising 65.8 per cent over 2020.&nbsp;

The price of another staple, sugar, fell by 3.1 per cent last month from November, reaching a five-month low. Overall, the Sugar Price Index rose 29.8 per cent, reaching its highest level since 2016.&nbsp;

In December, the Meat Price Index was "broadly stable," but it increased 12.7 per cent throughout the year. The Dairy Price Index increased 16.9 per cent compared with 2020.

Watch |&nbsp;Report: 2021 ranks as fifth hottest year

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-2021-ranks-as-fifth-hottest-year-442723/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Additionally, the Cereal Price Index decreased 0.6 per cent; however, it rose 27.2 per cent for the full year, marking its highest level since 2012. Among the biggest gainers were maize, up 44.1 per cent, and wheat, gaining 31.3 per cent.&nbsp;

Rice, another key staple food, decreased by 4 per cent.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Food and Agricultural Organization said Thursday that food prices reached a 10-year high in 2021, rising by an average of 28 per cent compared to the previous year.

The Food and Agricultural Organization said Thursday that food prices reached a 10-year high in 2021, rising by an average of 28 per cent compared to the previous year. FAO's Food Price Index, which measures monthly changes in the international prices of commonly traded food commodities, was slightly lower last month (December). While it fell short of the February 2011 record of 137.6 points in February, at 133.7, it was still close to the previous record. The index stood at 125.7 points for the year as a whole, also the highest in a decade. Also read | Amid concerns of food security, grain prices rise in China Despite a decline of 0.9 per cent from November, this was still a 23.1 per cent increase over the same month the previous year. "While normally high prices are expected to give way to increased production, the high cost of inputs, ongoing global pandemic and ever more uncertain climatic conditions leave little room for optimism about a return to more stable market conditions even in 2022," FAO Senior Economist Abdolreza Abbassian said in a statement. Strong demand led to price increases in all food categories last year, he said. Also read | Global food prices record 10-year high as wheat prices soar by 40% For the year as a whole, the Oil Index reached a record high, rising 65.8 per cent over 2020. The price of another staple, sugar, fell by 3.1 per cent last month from November, reaching a five-month low. Overall, the Sugar Price Index rose 29.8 per cent, reaching its highest level since 2016. In December, the Meat Price Index was "broadly stable," but it increased 12.7 per cent throughout the year. The Dairy Price Index increased 16.9 per cent compared with 2020. Watch | Report: 2021 ranks as fifth hottest year Additionally, the Cereal Price Index decreased 0.6 per cent; however, it rose 27.2 per cent for the full year, marking its highest level since 2012. Among the biggest gainers were maize, up 44.1 per cent, and wheat, gaining 31.3 per cent. Rice, another key staple food, decreased by 4 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Global food prices rose ‘sharply’ during 2021, hitting a 10-year high: UN

Kazakhstan declared a nationwide state of emergency on Wednesday. The step was taken after protests over fuel price hike erupted into clashes and even involved protesters storming government buildings. State of emergency had been declared on Wednesday morning in some cities hit by violence. The emergency was extended across the country late in the evening.

US and the United Nations have urged Kazakh authorities to show 'restraint' while dealing with civil unrest.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the United States supports "calls for calm" and said protesters should be able to "express themselves peacefully," urging the authorities "to exercise restraint."

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The United Nations also called for all parties to "exercise restraint, refrain from violence and promote dialogue."

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the international body was following events in the Central Asian country "with concern."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-over-fuel-price-hike-kazakhstan-declares-state-of-emergency-in-cities-hit-by-unrest-442311">Amid protests over fuel price hike, Kazakhstan declares state of emergency in cities hit by unrest</a>

Psaki said "crazy Russian claims" about a US hand behind the mass demonstrations are "absolutely false and clearly a part of the standard Russian disinformation playbook."

The country has been roiled by protests since the start of the year which escalated Wednesday into clashes with police.

Authorities cut internet and mobile phone access nationwide and earlier declared states of emergency in the epicentres of the rallies -- financial capital Almaty and the Mangystau province -- as well as in the capital Nur-Sultan, where no demonstrations have so far been reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kazakhstan declared a nationwide state of emergency on Wednesday. The step was taken after protests over fuel price hike erupted into clashes and even involved protesters storming government buildings.

Kazakhstan declared a nationwide state of emergency on Wednesday. The step was taken after protests over fuel price hike erupted into clashes and even involved protesters storming government buildings. State of emergency had been declared on Wednesday morning in some cities hit by violence. The emergency was extended across the country late in the evening. US and the United Nations have urged Kazakh authorities to show 'restraint' while dealing with civil unrest. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the United States supports "calls for calm" and said protesters should be able to "express themselves peacefully," urging the authorities "to exercise restraint." × The United Nations also called for all parties to "exercise restraint, refrain from violence and promote dialogue." UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the international body was following events in the Central Asian country "with concern." Also Read | Amid protests over fuel price hike, Kazakhstan declares state of emergency in cities hit by unrest Psaki said "crazy Russian claims" about a US hand behind the mass demonstrations are "absolutely false and clearly a part of the standard Russian disinformation playbook." The country has been roiled by protests since the start of the year which escalated Wednesday into clashes with police. Authorities cut internet and mobile phone access nationwide and earlier declared states of emergency in the epicentres of the rallies -- financial capital Almaty and the Mangystau province -- as well as in the capital Nur-Sultan, where no demonstrations have so far been reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Nationwide emergency declared in Kazakhstan, US and UN urge restraint

The United Nations is in talks with Somalia's Prime Minister and President. The international community is urging them to reduce tensions.

United Nations is in talks with Somalia's Prime Minister & President amid tensions

The United nations is in talks with Somalia's PM and president, the international community is urging them to lo reduce tensions in their political feud that has fed fears of a military clash.

UN urge feuding Somalian leaders to reduce tensions

A high-ranking United Nation’s official says he is “horrified” by reports that at least 35 civilians have been killed and their bodies burned in eastern Myanmar, demanding the government to launch a probe.

UN horrified by massacre of 35 civilians in Myanmar

To raise aid for victims of Typhoon Rai, which ravaged the Philippines, the United Nations has started a campaign. As per the organisation, the money will be given to the 530,000 people in the worst-affected areas, who are in desperate need of day to day facilities.

To raise aid for victims of Typhoon Rai, which ravaged the Philippines, the United Nations has started a campaign. As per the organisation, the money will be given to the 530,000 people in the worst-affected areas, who are in desperate need of day to day facilities. UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez, while speaking at a virtual press conference said, "There is momentum for full support. Now the challenge is that all of this announcement and solidarity is rapidly translated into concrete actions." The campaign aims to raise $107.2 million. A "complete carnage" situation was reported by the Red Cross society as hospitals and schools were "ripped to shreds." Also read | Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines The Philippines' 15th typhoon of the year, made landfall on Siargao Island, which happens to be a famous tourist and surfing destination on the country's central east coast. It had gusts of up to 260 kilometres per hour (160 miles per hour) at first, making it a Category 5 storm. Scientists for a long time have warned that typhoons are becoming more powerful as a consequence of climate change. The Philippines is ranked among the most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change. It is hit by an average of 20 storms every year. Speaking about the Typhoon, Gonzalez earlier said, "Rai intensified from a tropical storm to a super typhoon within hours and I think that this is a lesson learned in terms of the impact of climate change." (With inputs from agencies)

UN starts a campaign to raise aid for the victims of Philippines' typhoon Rai

The UN wants to pay nearly 6 million dollars to Taliban govt. According to reports, this money will then go to the Taliban interior ministry and it is meant for the protection of UN facilities and personnel.

UN decides to pay 6 million dollars to Taliban

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