The United Nations has issued a statement on the situation unfolding in the war-ravaged country, Afghanistan. The UN chief Antonio Guterres has urged the Taliban to follow utmost restraint in order to protect rights and ensure humanitarian needs can be addressed. Antonio Guterres is particularly concerned about the future of women and girls in the country.

Antonio Guterres urges restraint as Taliban reach Kabul

For years during the freedom struggle, India fought valiantly against the British to gain the right to self-government. At the time, several other oppressed people around the world also made numerous sacrifices to see the end of the colonialism. The United Nations (UN) also played a big role in it. But the million-dollar question is that has it ended? Well, the answer is no. &nbsp;

As per a UN data, there around 17 non-self-governing territories around the world, where less than two million people still live under colonial rule. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the chapter XI of UN charter, the non-self-governing territories are whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government. &nbsp;

The UN has also prepared a list of these territories. The list, which was last updated on September 22, 2020, includes Montserrat, Saint Helena, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, United States Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Turks and Caicos Islands, French Polynesia, American Samoa, Guam, Pitcairn, New Caledonia, Tokelau, etc. &nbsp;

The list says New Zealand, United Kingdom, France and United States are some of the countries, which hold these territories. &nbsp;

During the inception of UN, around some 750 million people, which was nearly a third of the world's population, used to live in territories dependent on colonial powers. &nbsp;

Born with the UN, the wave of decolonisation changed the face of the planet. It is also one of the world body’s biggest successes. &nbsp;

Due to the decolonisation, around 80 former colonies have gained independence. It also includes all 11 Trust Territories, which achieved self-determination through independence or free association with an independent state. &nbsp;

As of now, the special committee formed by the world body continues to monitor the situation in the remaining 17 territories. It is working to facilitate their advance towards complete self-determination.&nbsp;

For years during the freedom struggle, India fought valiantly against the British to gain the right to self-government. At the time, several other oppressed people around the world also made numerous sacrifices to see the end of the colonialism.

For years during the freedom struggle, India fought valiantly against the British to gain the right to self-government. At the time, several other oppressed people around the world also made numerous sacrifices to see the end of the colonialism. The United Nations (UN) also played a big role in it. But the million-dollar question is that has it ended? Well, the answer is no. As per a UN data, there around 17 non-self-governing territories around the world, where less than two million people still live under colonial rule. According to the chapter XI of UN charter, the non-self-governing territories are whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government. The UN has also prepared a list of these territories. The list, which was last updated on September 22, 2020, includes Montserrat, Saint Helena, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, United States Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Turks and Caicos Islands, French Polynesia, American Samoa, Guam, Pitcairn, New Caledonia, Tokelau, etc. The list says New Zealand, United Kingdom, France and United States are some of the countries, which hold these territories. During the inception of UN, around some 750 million people, which was nearly a third of the world's population, used to live in territories dependent on colonial powers. Born with the UN, the wave of decolonisation changed the face of the planet. It is also one of the world body’s biggest successes. Due to the decolonisation, around 80 former colonies have gained independence. It also includes all 11 Trust Territories, which achieved self-determination through independence or free association with an independent state. As of now, the special committee formed by the world body continues to monitor the situation in the remaining 17 territories. It is working to facilitate their advance towards complete self-determination.

These 17 territories around the world are still under colonial rule 

The United Nations raised the alarm on Friday over widespread, systematic sexual violence in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying women were reporting armed groups carrying out&nbsp;mass&nbsp;rape.

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said its staff were hearing horrific testimonies from forcibly displaced persons in the DR Congo's Tanganyika Province.

The agency is "gravely concerned about incidents of widespread and systematic sexual violence against Congolese women and girls", spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva.

"In just the past two weeks, humanitarian partners in the Kongolo and Mbulula health zones, have recorded 243 incidents of&nbsp;rape, 48 of which involved minors, in 12 different villages."

The actual figures are thought to be even higher as reporting of gender-based violence remains a taboo in most communities.

"The attacks are reportedly being carried out by rival armed groups competing to maintain control over mining areas -- especially gold mines -- and as retaliation against government-led military operations," said Mantoo.

"Civilians find themselves trapped in the middle of intense confrontations between different groups.

"Our staff have heard horrific testimonies of extreme violence. Forcibly displaced persons have accused armed groups of carrying out&nbsp;mass&nbsp;rape&nbsp;as women attempt to flee their homes."

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She said some women and girls had been abducted and used as sex slaves, while ransoms have been &nbsp;demanded from families in exchange for their freedom.

According to UN estimates, nearly 310,000 people have been uprooted by insecurity and violence and are currently displaced in Tanganyika Province.

Mantoo said more than 23,000 people had been displaced since May in the province's northern Kongolo Territory alone, according to local authorities, with most having fled insecurity multiple times.

The UNHCR called on the authorities to scale up security in the so-called "triangle of death" in the wider region to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access, and launch investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The agency said it had received 36 percent of the $205 million needed for its operations in the DR Congo.

The United Nations raised the alarm on Friday over widespread, systematic sexual violence in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying women were reporting armed groups carrying out mass rape.

The United Nations raised the alarm on Friday over widespread, systematic sexual violence in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying women were reporting armed groups carrying out mass rape. UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said its staff were hearing horrific testimonies from forcibly displaced persons in the DR Congo's Tanganyika Province. The agency is "gravely concerned about incidents of widespread and systematic sexual violence against Congolese women and girls", spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva. "In just the past two weeks, humanitarian partners in the Kongolo and Mbulula health zones, have recorded 243 incidents of rape, 48 of which involved minors, in 12 different villages." The actual figures are thought to be even higher as reporting of gender-based violence remains a taboo in most communities. "The attacks are reportedly being carried out by rival armed groups competing to maintain control over mining areas -- especially gold mines -- and as retaliation against government-led military operations," said Mantoo. "Civilians find themselves trapped in the middle of intense confrontations between different groups. "Our staff have heard horrific testimonies of extreme violence. Forcibly displaced persons have accused armed groups of carrying out mass rape as women attempt to flee their homes." Also read | US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary She said some women and girls had been abducted and used as sex slaves, while ransoms have been demanded from families in exchange for their freedom. According to UN estimates, nearly 310,000 people have been uprooted by insecurity and violence and are currently displaced in Tanganyika Province. Mantoo said more than 23,000 people had been displaced since May in the province's northern Kongolo Territory alone, according to local authorities, with most having fled insecurity multiple times. The UNHCR called on the authorities to scale up security in the so-called "triangle of death" in the wider region to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access, and launch investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice. The agency said it had received 36 percent of the $205 million needed for its operations in the DR Congo.

UN raises alarm on 'mass rape' in southeast DR Congo

As per a leaked draft of report from the world’s leading authority on climate science, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak in the next four years.&nbsp;

Also, the coal and gas-fired power plants must close in the next decade and lifestyle and behavioural changes will be needed to avoid climate breakdown.

The leak comes from the forthcoming third part of the landmark report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the first part of which was published on Monday.&nbsp;

The document, called the sixth assessment report, is divided into three parts: the physical science of climate change; the impacts, and ways of reducing human influence on the climate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-is-sending-3000-troops-to-kabul-as-2500-leave-journalist-confronts-pentagon-about-the-irony-405094">Also read |&nbsp;US is sending 3,000 troops to Kabul as 2,500 leave, journalist confronts Pentagon about the irony</a>

Part three was not supposed to release till next March, however, &nbsp;a small group of scientists decided to leak the draft via the Spanish branch of Scientist Rebellion.&nbsp;

The report reveals that the top 10 per cent of emitters globally, who are the wealthiest, contribute between 36 and 45 per cent of emissions, which is 10 times as much as the poorest 10 per cent, who are responsible for only about three to 5 per cent.&nbsp;

“The consumption patterns of higher income consumers are associated with large carbon footprints. Top emitters dominate emissions in key sectors, for example the top 1% account for 50% of emissions from aviation,” the summary says.

The report also highlights various lifestyle changes that will be necessary, particularly in rich countries and among the wealthy globally.&nbsp;

As per a leaked draft of report from the world’s leading authority on climate science, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak in the next four years. Also, the coal and gas-fired power plants must close in the next decade and lifestyle and behavioural changes will be needed to avoid climate breakdown.

As per a leaked draft of report from the world’s leading authority on climate science, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak in the next four years. Also, the coal and gas-fired power plants must close in the next decade and lifestyle and behavioural changes will be needed to avoid climate breakdown. The leak comes from the forthcoming third part of the landmark report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the first part of which was published on Monday. The document, called the sixth assessment report, is divided into three parts: the physical science of climate change; the impacts, and ways of reducing human influence on the climate. Also read | US is sending 3,000 troops to Kabul as 2,500 leave, journalist confronts Pentagon about the irony Part three was not supposed to release till next March, however, a small group of scientists decided to leak the draft via the Spanish branch of Scientist Rebellion. The report reveals that the top 10 per cent of emitters globally, who are the wealthiest, contribute between 36 and 45 per cent of emissions, which is 10 times as much as the poorest 10 per cent, who are responsible for only about three to 5 per cent. “The consumption patterns of higher income consumers are associated with large carbon footprints. Top emitters dominate emissions in key sectors, for example the top 1% account for 50% of emissions from aviation,” the summary says. The report also highlights various lifestyle changes that will be necessary, particularly in rich countries and among the wealthy globally.

Greenhouse gas emissions must peak within 4 years, says leaked UN report

Climate change was the day's top headline, but for years it was buried in page 10. So what changed today? The IPCC published what's being called a 'red code for humanity'. Palki Sharma tells you all about it.

Gravitas: IPCC sounds alarm on climate change

A bombshell climate science report "must sound a death knell" for coal, oil and gas, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday, warning that fossil fuels were destroying the planet.

The Intergovernmental Panel on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">Climate Change</a> concluded that the 1.5C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement would likely be breached around 2030 -- a decade earlier than it itself projected just three years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/upcoming-un-climate-report-presents-starkest-warning-yet-403984" hreflang="en">Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet'</a>

Guterres called the IPCC's assessment -- the most detailed review of climate science ever conducted -- "code red for humanity".

"This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels, before they destroy our planet," he said in a statement.

"Countries should also end all new fossil fuel exploration and production, and shift fossil fuel subsidies into renewable energy."

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In its first major scientific assessment since 2014, the IPCC said that Earth's average surface temperature is projected to hit 1.5 or 1.6 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels at around 2030, no matter what trajectory greenhouse gas emissions take in the meantime.

By mid-century, the 1.5C threshold will have been breached across the board, by a tenth of a degree along the most ambitious pathway, and by nearly a full degree at the opposite extreme.

'The alarm bells are deafening'&nbsp;

In his most frontal assault yet on the fossil fuel industry that powers the global economy, Guterres said: "immediate action" was needed to decarbonise the energy sector.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-set-target-of-half-of-us-car-sales-to-be-zero-emission-by-2030-white-house-403259" hreflang="en">Biden to set target of half of US car sales to be zero-emission by 2030: White House</a>

"The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk," said Guterres.

The Portuguese diplomat said keeping the 1.5C temperature goal in play meant that no new coal plants could be built and that all energy derived from burning coal must come from renewable sources by 2040.

Atmospheric levels of planet-warming CO2 are currently at their highest in at least the last two million years, with methane and nitrous oxide levels at their highest since 800,000 years ago.

Despite a record drop in carbon pollution last year driven by pandemic restrictions, the IPCC found "no detectable decrease" in the rate of greenhouse gas accumulation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-carbon-calculation-how-many-deaths-do-emissions-cause-401587" hreflang="en">A carbon calculation: How many deaths do emissions cause?</a>

Guterres called on world leaders to ensure the COP26 climate summit in November leads to ramped up emissions cuts and finance to countries already dealing with the fallout from global heating.&nbsp;

"If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe," he said.&nbsp;

"But, as today's report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses."

A bombshell climate science report "must sound a death knell" for coal, oil and gas, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday, warning that fossil fuels were destroying the planet.

A bombshell climate science report "must sound a death knell" for coal, oil and gas, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday, warning that fossil fuels were destroying the planet. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that the 1.5C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement would likely be breached around 2030 -- a decade earlier than it itself projected just three years ago. Also read | Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet' Guterres called the IPCC's assessment -- the most detailed review of climate science ever conducted -- "code red for humanity". "This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels, before they destroy our planet," he said in a statement. "Countries should also end all new fossil fuel exploration and production, and shift fossil fuel subsidies into renewable energy." Also read | EU's Copernicus Sentinel-3 releases satellite images of 'mega-drought' from climate change In its first major scientific assessment since 2014, the IPCC said that Earth's average surface temperature is projected to hit 1.5 or 1.6 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels at around 2030, no matter what trajectory greenhouse gas emissions take in the meantime. By mid-century, the 1.5C threshold will have been breached across the board, by a tenth of a degree along the most ambitious pathway, and by nearly a full degree at the opposite extreme. 'The alarm bells are deafening' In his most frontal assault yet on the fossil fuel industry that powers the global economy, Guterres said: "immediate action" was needed to decarbonise the energy sector. Also read | Biden to set target of half of US car sales to be zero-emission by 2030: White House "The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk," said Guterres. The Portuguese diplomat said keeping the 1.5C temperature goal in play meant that no new coal plants could be built and that all energy derived from burning coal must come from renewable sources by 2040. Atmospheric levels of planet-warming CO2 are currently at their highest in at least the last two million years, with methane and nitrous oxide levels at their highest since 800,000 years ago. Despite a record drop in carbon pollution last year driven by pandemic restrictions, the IPCC found "no detectable decrease" in the rate of greenhouse gas accumulation. Also read | A carbon calculation: How many deaths do emissions cause? Guterres called on world leaders to ensure the COP26 climate summit in November leads to ramped up emissions cuts and finance to countries already dealing with the fallout from global heating. "If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe," he said. "But, as today's report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses."

Climate report must be 'death knell' for fossil fuels: UN chief

The United Nations' intergovernmental panel on climate change panel has projected the global temperatures to shoot up over the next 20 years. The report has delivered the starkest warning yet about the deepening climate emergency.

UN's landmark climate report delivers starkest warning on climate change

A UN’s climate panel delivered their starkest warning yet about the deepening climate emergency, with some of the changes already set in motion thought to be “irreversible” for centuries to come.

UN unveils landmark report on climate change

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;continued&nbsp;developing&nbsp;its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and ballistic&nbsp;missile&nbsp;programs&nbsp;during the first half of&nbsp;2021&nbsp;in violation of international sanctions and despite the country's worsening economic situation, according to an excerpt of a confidential United Nations&nbsp;report&nbsp;seen by Reuters on Friday.

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;by a panel of independent sanctions monitors to the&nbsp;UN Security Council&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;sanctions committee said Pyongyang "continued to seek material and technology for these programmes overseas."

"Despite the country's focus on its worsening economic travails, the Democratic People's Republic of&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;continued to maintain and develop its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and ballistic&nbsp;missile&nbsp;programmes," the sanctions monitors concluded.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;(DPRK).&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the&nbsp;UN report.

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The isolated Asian nation imposed a strict lockdown last year amid the coronavirus pandemic that has slashed its trade and aid access, hurting an economy already burdened by international sanctions.

In June, leader Kim Jong Un said the country faced a "tense" food situation and much would depend on this year's harvests.

"Statements made by DPRK suggested a deepening humanitarian crisis in the country, although the COVID-19 blockade means that the relative impact of sanctions on the humanitarian situation has probably decreased," the&nbsp;UN monitors wrote.

"With trade all but stopped by the blockade, and last year's harvest badly affected by floods, the current prospects of the wider DPRK population are poor," they said.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has been subjected to&nbsp;UN sanctions since 2006 over its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and ballistic&nbsp;missile&nbsp;programs. The Security Council has steadily strengthened sanctions in a bid to cut off funding for the&nbsp;programs.

Among the sanctions imposed are a ban on the export of coal and other commodities and the import of oil.

"Maritime exports from DPRK of coal and other sanctioned commodities continued, but at a much reduced level. The import of oil products&nbsp;reported to the panel fell substantially in the first half of the year," according to the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;report.

Pyongyang also continued to access international financial institutions and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean workers continued to earn money overseas for use in state programmes, said the&nbsp;UN sanctions monitors, adding: "Officials overseas continued to feel pressure to develop revenue streams."

The monitors said they were continuing to investigate&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's involvement in global cyber activity and collaboration by&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean academics and universities with scientific institutes abroad, "focusing on studies with potential applications in WMD (weapons of mass destruction) programmes."

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;sanctions monitors have previously&nbsp;reported that&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has stolen hundreds of millions of dollars using cyberattacks.

North Korea continued developing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs during the first half of 2021 in violation of international sanctions and despite the country's worsening economic situation, according to an excerpt of a confidential United Nations report seen by Reuters on Friday.

North Korea continued developing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs during the first half of 2021 in violation of international sanctions and despite the country's worsening economic situation, according to an excerpt of a confidential United Nations report seen by Reuters on Friday. The report by a panel of independent sanctions monitors to the UN Security Council North Korea sanctions committee said Pyongyang "continued to seek material and technology for these programmes overseas." "Despite the country's focus on its worsening economic travails, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continued to maintain and develop its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes," the sanctions monitors concluded. North Korea is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). North Korea's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the UN report. Also read | US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list The isolated Asian nation imposed a strict lockdown last year amid the coronavirus pandemic that has slashed its trade and aid access, hurting an economy already burdened by international sanctions. In June, leader Kim Jong Un said the country faced a "tense" food situation and much would depend on this year's harvests. "Statements made by DPRK suggested a deepening humanitarian crisis in the country, although the COVID-19 blockade means that the relative impact of sanctions on the humanitarian situation has probably decreased," the UN monitors wrote. "With trade all but stopped by the blockade, and last year's harvest badly affected by floods, the current prospects of the wider DPRK population are poor," they said. North Korea has been subjected to UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The Security Council has steadily strengthened sanctions in a bid to cut off funding for the programs. Among the sanctions imposed are a ban on the export of coal and other commodities and the import of oil. "Maritime exports from DPRK of coal and other sanctioned commodities continued, but at a much reduced level. The import of oil products reported to the panel fell substantially in the first half of the year," according to the UN report. Pyongyang also continued to access international financial institutions and North Korean workers continued to earn money overseas for use in state programmes, said the UN sanctions monitors, adding: "Officials overseas continued to feel pressure to develop revenue streams." The monitors said they were continuing to investigate North Korea's involvement in global cyber activity and collaboration by North Korean academics and universities with scientific institutes abroad, "focusing on studies with potential applications in WMD (weapons of mass destruction) programmes." The UN sanctions monitors have previously reported that North Korea has stolen hundreds of millions of dollars using cyberattacks.

North Korea developing nuclear, missile programs in 2021- UN Report

The United Nations said Friday it urgently needed funds to feed people in Myanmar amid fears that up to 6.2 million could be plunged into hunger by October.

The UN's World Food Programme said it was 70 per cent short of the $86 million needed over the next six months, as the country goes through multiple crises.

A major wave of Covid-19 infections is surging through Myanmar, compounding hunger, rising food and fuel prices, political unrest, violence and displacement, the WFP said.

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"We have seen hunger spreading further and deeper in Myanmar," said the WFP's Myanmar country director Stephen Anderson.

"Nearly 90 percent of households living in slum-like settlements around Yangon say they have to borrow money to buy food; incomes have been badly affected for many."

Myanmar has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the military seized power from civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1.

The country has experienced mass protests and a brutal military response since the coup.

The WFP launched an urban food response in May, targeting two million people in Yangon and Mandalay, Myanmar's two biggest cities.

So far this year, 1.25 million people in Myanmar have received WFP food, cash and nutrition assistance.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva via video-link from the capital Naypyidaw, Anderson said the third wave of Covid-19 hitting the country was "practically like a tsunami", creating "major havoc" and having a severe impact on people's lives.

"The people of Myanmar are facing their most difficult moment in living memory. It is critically important for us to be able to access to all those in need and receive the funding to provide them with humanitarian assistance," he said.

The United Nations said Friday it urgently needed funds to feed people in Myanmar amid fears that up to 6.2 million could be plunged into hunger by October. The UN's World Food Programme said it was 70 per cent short of the $86 million needed over the next six months, as the country goes through multiple crises.

The United Nations said Friday it urgently needed funds to feed people in Myanmar amid fears that up to 6.2 million could be plunged into hunger by October. The UN's World Food Programme said it was 70 per cent short of the $86 million needed over the next six months, as the country goes through multiple crises. A major wave of Covid-19 infections is surging through Myanmar, compounding hunger, rising food and fuel prices, political unrest, violence and displacement, the WFP said. Also read | Myanmar envoy alerts UN to alleged 'massacre' "We have seen hunger spreading further and deeper in Myanmar," said the WFP's Myanmar country director Stephen Anderson. "Nearly 90 percent of households living in slum-like settlements around Yangon say they have to borrow money to buy food; incomes have been badly affected for many." Myanmar has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the military seized power from civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The country has experienced mass protests and a brutal military response since the coup. The WFP launched an urban food response in May, targeting two million people in Yangon and Mandalay, Myanmar's two biggest cities. So far this year, 1.25 million people in Myanmar have received WFP food, cash and nutrition assistance. Speaking to reporters in Geneva via video-link from the capital Naypyidaw, Anderson said the third wave of Covid-19 hitting the country was "practically like a tsunami", creating "major havoc" and having a severe impact on people's lives. "The people of Myanmar are facing their most difficult moment in living memory. It is critically important for us to be able to access to all those in need and receive the funding to provide them with humanitarian assistance," he said.

UN warns of growing hunger in Myanmar

The United Nations on Thursday called for a ceasefire in the flashpoint Syrian province of Daraa where it said recent fighting forced 18,000 to flee.

Fighting between government forces and armed opposition groups in the southern province last month killed at least 28 people.

The clashes have died down over the past week but were the most intense since the government seized back control of the region from rebels in 2018.

"The escalation in hostilities has forced at least 18,000 civilians to flee Daraa al-Balad since 28 July," the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said.

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The government attacks focused on Daraa al-Balad, a southern district of Daraa's provincial capital and a former opposition hub that continues to house ex-rebel fighters.

"There needs to be an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Daraa," Bachelet said in a statement.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Russian-mediated ceasefire talks are underway between government forces and representatives of opposition fighters.

Russian-backed Syrian troops and allied forces recaptured Daraa province from rebels in 2018, in a symbolic blow to the anti-government uprising born in its provincial capital in 2011.&nbsp;

Thousands of fighters evacuated under a Moscow-brokered deal, but many former rebels also stayed on in the province, some joining the regime forces.

State institutions have returned to the province but the army has still not deployed in some areas including Daraa al-Balad.

Last month's clashes came after government forces tightened control around Daraa al-Balad in a bid to pressure opposition fighters there to withdraw to rebel-held territory in Syria's north.

"In recent days, they have only been allowing pedestrians out of Daraa al-Balad along the al-Saraya road, subjecting people to strict security checks," the UN said.

Bachelet said civilians in Daraa al-Balad were effectively "under siege".&nbsp;

"They are facing checkpoints, restrictions on their movements, tanks on the streets and their property is being seized and stolen," she said.

The United Nations on Thursday called for a ceasefire in the flashpoint Syrian province of Daraa where it said recent fighting forced 18,000 to flee. Fighting between government forces and armed opposition groups in the southern province last month killed at least 28 people.

The United Nations on Thursday called for a ceasefire in the flashpoint Syrian province of Daraa where it said recent fighting forced 18,000 to flee. Fighting between government forces and armed opposition groups in the southern province last month killed at least 28 people. The clashes have died down over the past week but were the most intense since the government seized back control of the region from rebels in 2018. "The escalation in hostilities has forced at least 18,000 civilians to flee Daraa al-Balad since 28 July," the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said. Also read | Tigray rebels take control of UNESCO site Lalibela: Residents The government attacks focused on Daraa al-Balad, a southern district of Daraa's provincial capital and a former opposition hub that continues to house ex-rebel fighters. "There needs to be an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Daraa," Bachelet said in a statement. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Russian-mediated ceasefire talks are underway between government forces and representatives of opposition fighters. Russian-backed Syrian troops and allied forces recaptured Daraa province from rebels in 2018, in a symbolic blow to the anti-government uprising born in its provincial capital in 2011. Thousands of fighters evacuated under a Moscow-brokered deal, but many former rebels also stayed on in the province, some joining the regime forces. State institutions have returned to the province but the army has still not deployed in some areas including Daraa al-Balad. Last month's clashes came after government forces tightened control around Daraa al-Balad in a bid to pressure opposition fighters there to withdraw to rebel-held territory in Syria's north. "In recent days, they have only been allowing pedestrians out of Daraa al-Balad along the al-Saraya road, subjecting people to strict security checks," the UN said. Bachelet said civilians in Daraa al-Balad were effectively "under siege". "They are facing checkpoints, restrictions on their movements, tanks on the streets and their property is being seized and stolen," she said.

UN says thousands fled fighting in Syria's Daraa

India's envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti called on Pakistan to vacate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and reminded Islamabad the onus is on them to create an atmosphere free from terror for talks. At a presser on the August agenda of the United Nations Security Council, Tirumurti said, "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. If there needs to be a change in status, it is the vacation of Pakistan occupied Kashmir".&nbsp;

He was responding to a Pakistani journalist, who persistently raised Kashmir and India's abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state. As a custom, every UNSC president holds a presser on the first working day of the presidency. India, which is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for two years, holds the presidency this month.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy reminded the Pakistani journalist, "These are constitutional changes and these changes are within our constitution and these changes are entirely the prerogative of the Parliament of India. I don't think that at this point of time, we are discussing anything else. It is absolutely legitimate on our parliament to pass, rules and regulations relating to Jammu and Kashmir."&nbsp;

India as the president of the council will hold three signature events, one on August 9 on Maritime Security, which will see an address by PM Modi and two others on Peacekeeping (August 18) and Counter-terror (August 19) to be chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. &nbsp;

When asked about India and Pakistan ties, the envoy said, "India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan" and "if there are issues between India and Pakistan it should be resolved bilaterally and peacefully" reminding of the Shimla agreement, which "provides for a bilateral discussion and resolution of issues".&nbsp;

He highlighted that these issues should be resolved in an atmosphere "free from terror and hostility and violence" and "the onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere including by taking credible and verifiable action not to allow any territory under its control to be used for cross border terrorism against India".&nbsp;

India will be president of the UNSC next in December 2022. India has been president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. The president decides the agenda for the month, coordinates important meetings and other related issues, and is an influential position.&nbsp;

India's envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti called on Pakistan to vacate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and reminded Islamabad the onus is on them to create an atmosphere free from terror for talks.

India's envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti called on Pakistan to vacate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and reminded Islamabad the onus is on them to create an atmosphere free from terror for talks. At a presser on the August agenda of the United Nations Security Council, Tirumurti said, "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. If there needs to be a change in status, it is the vacation of Pakistan occupied Kashmir". He was responding to a Pakistani journalist, who persistently raised Kashmir and India's abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state. As a custom, every UNSC president holds a presser on the first working day of the presidency. India, which is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for two years, holds the presidency this month. The Indian envoy reminded the Pakistani journalist, "These are constitutional changes and these changes are within our constitution and these changes are entirely the prerogative of the Parliament of India. I don't think that at this point of time, we are discussing anything else. It is absolutely legitimate on our parliament to pass, rules and regulations relating to Jammu and Kashmir." India as the president of the council will hold three signature events, one on August 9 on Maritime Security, which will see an address by PM Modi and two others on Peacekeeping (August 18) and Counter-terror (August 19) to be chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. When asked about India and Pakistan ties, the envoy said, "India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan" and "if there are issues between India and Pakistan it should be resolved bilaterally and peacefully" reminding of the Shimla agreement, which "provides for a bilateral discussion and resolution of issues". He highlighted that these issues should be resolved in an atmosphere "free from terror and hostility and violence" and "the onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere including by taking credible and verifiable action not to allow any territory under its control to be used for cross border terrorism against India". India will be president of the UNSC next in December 2022. India has been president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. The president decides the agenda for the month, coordinates important meetings and other related issues, and is an influential position.

'Pakistan needs to vacate PoK', says Indian Envoy to UN Tirumurti 

Afghan&nbsp;forces battled the Taliban for control of a key provincial capital Tuesday, as the United Nations warned "indiscriminate" gunfire and air strikes were&nbsp;hurting&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;the&nbsp;most.

Officials said insurgents had seized more than a dozen local radio and TV stations in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province and the scene of days of fierce&nbsp;fighting, leaving only one pro-Taliban channel broadcasting Islamic programming.

In Herat, another city under siege, hundreds of residents chanted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) from their rooftops after government forces repulsed the latest Taliban assault.

The hardline Islamist group has seized control of much of rural Afghanistan since foreign forces began the last stage of their withdrawal in early May, but are meeting resistance as they try to take provincial capitals.

That urban&nbsp;fighting, however, is taking its toll on&nbsp;civilians.

"Taliban ground offensive &amp; ANA air strikes causing&nbsp;most&nbsp;harm," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted Tuesday, referring to the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;national army.

"Deep concerns about&nbsp;indiscriminate&nbsp;shooting &amp; damage to/occupation of health facilities &amp; civilian homes."

UNAMA said at least 10&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;were killed and 85 wounded in Lashkar Gah in the past three days.

"Fighting&nbsp;was intense this morning," said Sefatullah, director of Sukon radio in the city.

"The US B52 and&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;air force both pounded the Taliban positions," he said, adding that&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;was ongoing near the city's prison and a building housing the headquarters of police and intelligence agencies.

On Monday, the Ministry of Defence said that US air force had carried out air strikes in Lashkar Gah.

In recent days the US military has intensified air strikes across the country in a bid to stem Taliban advances.

Sefatullah said his radio station had "stopped broadcasting two days ago because the Taliban captured the building of our station."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-assassinations-of-afghan-pilots-worrisome-us-government-watchdog-says-401616">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots 'worrisome,' US government watchdog says</a>

Afghan&nbsp;officials said that 10 other radio and four television stations in Helmand had been seized by the Taliban,&nbsp;most&nbsp;in the provincial capital.

"Terrorists do not want the media to publish the facts and expose their injustices," the Ministry of Information and Culture said.

The loss of Lashkar Gah would be a massive strategic and psychological blow for the government, which has pledged to defend cities at all costs after losing much of the rural countryside to the Taliban over the summer.

In Herat,&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;officials said government forces had managed to push back the insurgents from several areas of the city -- including near the airport, which is vital for resupplies.

"Afghan&nbsp;security forces plus resistance forces launched a big operation in west of the city," Jailani Farhad, spokesman for Herat's governor, told AFP.

Another official said the US had carried out air strikes in Herat last night.

'War crimes'

Washington and London lashed out at the Taliban, accusing them of committing atrocities that may amount to "war crimes" in the town of Spin Boldak, which the insurgents captured last month along the border with Pakistan.

Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission earlier said the insurgents had indulged in revenge killings there, leaving at least 40 people dead.

"The Taliban chased and identified past and present government officials and killed these people who had no combat role in the conflict," the group said.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken also slammed the militant leaders.

An Afghanistan without a democratic, inclusive government would be a "pariah state," he said, adding that the international recognition the group wants will not be possible if "seeks to take the country by force and commits the kind of atrocities that have been reported."

Fighting&nbsp;across the country, meanwhile, has displaced around 80,000 children from the start of June, humanitarian organisation Save the Children said Tuesday, adding that many schools and health facilities had also been damaged.

Afghan forces battled the Taliban for control of a key provincial capital Tuesday, as the United Nations warned "indiscriminate" gunfire and air strikes were hurting civilians the most.

Afghan forces battled the Taliban for control of a key provincial capital Tuesday, as the United Nations warned "indiscriminate" gunfire and air strikes were hurting civilians the most. Officials said insurgents had seized more than a dozen local radio and TV stations in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province and the scene of days of fierce fighting, leaving only one pro-Taliban channel broadcasting Islamic programming. In Herat, another city under siege, hundreds of residents chanted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) from their rooftops after government forces repulsed the latest Taliban assault. The hardline Islamist group has seized control of much of rural Afghanistan since foreign forces began the last stage of their withdrawal in early May, but are meeting resistance as they try to take provincial capitals. That urban fighting, however, is taking its toll on civilians. "Taliban ground offensive & ANA air strikes causing most harm," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted Tuesday, referring to the Afghan national army. "Deep concerns about indiscriminate shooting & damage to/occupation of health facilities & civilian homes." UNAMA said at least 10 civilians were killed and 85 wounded in Lashkar Gah in the past three days. "Fighting was intense this morning," said Sefatullah, director of Sukon radio in the city. "The US B52 and Afghan air force both pounded the Taliban positions," he said, adding that fighting was ongoing near the city's prison and a building housing the headquarters of police and intelligence agencies. On Monday, the Ministry of Defence said that US air force had carried out air strikes in Lashkar Gah. In recent days the US military has intensified air strikes across the country in a bid to stem Taliban advances. Sefatullah said his radio station had "stopped broadcasting two days ago because the Taliban captured the building of our station." Also read | Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots 'worrisome,' US government watchdog says Afghan officials said that 10 other radio and four television stations in Helmand had been seized by the Taliban, most in the provincial capital. "Terrorists do not want the media to publish the facts and expose their injustices," the Ministry of Information and Culture said. The loss of Lashkar Gah would be a massive strategic and psychological blow for the government, which has pledged to defend cities at all costs after losing much of the rural countryside to the Taliban over the summer. In Herat, Afghan officials said government forces had managed to push back the insurgents from several areas of the city -- including near the airport, which is vital for resupplies. "Afghan security forces plus resistance forces launched a big operation in west of the city," Jailani Farhad, spokesman for Herat's governor, told AFP. Another official said the US had carried out air strikes in Herat last night. 'War crimes' Washington and London lashed out at the Taliban, accusing them of committing atrocities that may amount to "war crimes" in the town of Spin Boldak, which the insurgents captured last month along the border with Pakistan. Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission earlier said the insurgents had indulged in revenge killings there, leaving at least 40 people dead. "The Taliban chased and identified past and present government officials and killed these people who had no combat role in the conflict," the group said. Top US diplomat Antony Blinken also slammed the militant leaders. An Afghanistan without a democratic, inclusive government would be a "pariah state," he said, adding that the international recognition the group wants will not be possible if "seeks to take the country by force and commits the kind of atrocities that have been reported." Fighting across the country, meanwhile, has displaced around 80,000 children from the start of June, humanitarian organisation Save the Children said Tuesday, adding that many schools and health facilities had also been damaged.

'Indiscriminate' Afghan fighting hurting civilians the most, says UN

India's Permanent Representative to the UN and President of Security Council for the month of August TS Tirumurti said that the situation in Afghanistan is of deep concern to all members of the UN Security Council and underlined that "we cannot have terrorist camps" once again going back into the war-torn country and this will have a "direct impact" on India. Mr Tirumurti cited a UN report that said the number of casualties in Afghanistan during May-June exceeds the number between January and April.

India's Rep. to UN TS Tirumurti says situation in Afghanistan is of deep concern to members of UNSC

A&nbsp;year&nbsp;after&nbsp;a monster explosion at Beirut's port, one in three families in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;have&nbsp;children&nbsp;still&nbsp;showing signs of trauma, the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;said Tuesday.

"One in three families&nbsp;has&nbsp;children&nbsp;still&nbsp;showing signs of psychological&nbsp;distress," said the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;agency for&nbsp;children, UNICEF, citing a July survey of 1,200 families.

"In the case of adults, the figure reaches almost one in two (45.6 percent)," it added in a report published on the eve of the&nbsp;blast's first anniversary.

The August 4, 2020 explosion killed more than 200 people, wounded at least 6,500 others and damaged swathes of the capital.

In the&nbsp;year&nbsp;since,&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;has also had to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and a spiralling economic crisis branded by the World Bank as one of the planet's worst since the mid-19th century.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-few-days-away-from-social-explosion-pm-diab-396317">Also read |&nbsp;Lebanon few days away from social explosion: PM Diab</a>

"One&nbsp;year&nbsp;after&nbsp;the tragic events,&nbsp;children's lives remain deeply affected," said Yukie Mokuo,&nbsp;UNICEF's representative in&nbsp;Lebanon.

"Those families have been struggling to recover from the aftermath of the explosions at the worst possible time – in the middle of a devastating economic crisis and a major pandemic."&nbsp;

A&nbsp;UNICEF&nbsp;survey in July found that almost all families that requested assistance in the wake of the Beirut port&nbsp;blast&nbsp;still&nbsp;need help, especially cash and food assistance, the agency said.

Many who lost employment because of the&nbsp;blast&nbsp;have yet to find work,&nbsp;UNICEF&nbsp;added, as&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;grapples with soaring poverty, rampant inflation and shortages of basic items from medicine to fuel.&nbsp;

"Children's lives are at risk as the escalating crisis is leaving most families unable to afford their basic needs," Mokuo said.&nbsp;

A year after a monster explosion at Beirut's port, one in three families in Lebanon have children still showing signs of trauma, the UN said Tuesday. "One in three families has children still showing signs of psychological distress," said the UN agency for children, UNICEF, citing a July survey of 1,200 families.

A year after a monster explosion at Beirut's port, one in three families in Lebanon have children still showing signs of trauma, the UN said Tuesday. "One in three families has children still showing signs of psychological distress," said the UN agency for children, UNICEF, citing a July survey of 1,200 families. "In the case of adults, the figure reaches almost one in two (45.6 percent)," it added in a report published on the eve of the blast's first anniversary. The August 4, 2020 explosion killed more than 200 people, wounded at least 6,500 others and damaged swathes of the capital. In the year since, Lebanon has also had to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and a spiralling economic crisis branded by the World Bank as one of the planet's worst since the mid-19th century. Also read | Lebanon few days away from social explosion: PM Diab "One year after the tragic events, children's lives remain deeply affected," said Yukie Mokuo, UNICEF's representative in Lebanon. "Those families have been struggling to recover from the aftermath of the explosions at the worst possible time – in the middle of a devastating economic crisis and a major pandemic." A UNICEF survey in July found that almost all families that requested assistance in the wake of the Beirut port blast still need help, especially cash and food assistance, the agency said. Many who lost employment because of the blast have yet to find work, UNICEF added, as Lebanon grapples with soaring poverty, rampant inflation and shortages of basic items from medicine to fuel. "Children's lives are at risk as the escalating crisis is leaving most families unable to afford their basic needs," Mokuo said.

Year after Lebanon blast, children still in distress: UN

India has taken over the UN Security Council presidency for the month of August, during which the global body is set to host signature events in three major areas of peacekeeping, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti, is representing the country for the influential position at the council.

Indian presidency’s first working day will be on August 2 when Tirumurti is likely to hold a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on the body's programme of&nbsp;work for the month.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainUNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainUNSC</a> 
 
Thank you Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/NDeRiviere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDeRiviere</a>, PR of France for steering the UN <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SecurityCouncil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SecurityCouncil</a> for the month of July. 👏 
 
India takes over the Presidency for August ⬇️ <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaembFrance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaembFrance</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/franceonu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@franceonu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranceinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/afpfr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@afpfr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Yoshita_Singh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yoshita_Singh</a> <a href="https://t.co/fCAdYj244g">pic.twitter.com/fCAdYj244g</a>
— PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti/status/1421660603513454592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet, Tirumurti announced, “India takes over the Presidency for August”. He also thanked Permanent Representative of France to the UN Nicolas de Rivière for steering the UN Security Council for the month of July.

French and Russian ambassadors &nbsp;congratulated India on the occasion. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, said on Twitter, “Delighted that India is today taking over UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crisis.”

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Delighted that India is today taking over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping &amp; counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crises. <a href="https://t.co/f91aWoBjUQ">pic.twitter.com/f91aWoBjUQ</a>
— Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia/status/1421668132167426060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nikolay Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, tweeted:&nbsp;“Congratulations on India's taking over the UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism. Expecting fruitful and effective work. Wishing many happy returns and all the success!”&nbsp;

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Congratulations on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>'s taking over the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping &amp; counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful &amp; effective work. Wishing many happy returns &amp; all the success! <a href="https://t.co/1f8tDfbxel">pic.twitter.com/1f8tDfbxel</a>
— Nikolay Kudashev 🇷🇺 (@NKudashev) <a href="https://twitter.com/NKudashev/status/1421672163149422593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As the president of the top UN body for August, India has the power to decide the agenda for the month, coordinate important meetings and other related issues. &nbsp;India began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, for a two-year period starting January 1, 2021. &nbsp;

In a video message on the eve of India assuming the rotating presidency, Tirumurti had said, "It is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day."

India has been president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. &nbsp;

India has taken over the UN Security Council presidency for the month of August, during which the global body is set to host signature events in three major areas of peacekeeping, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

India has taken over the UN Security Council presidency for the month of August, during which the global body is set to host signature events in three major areas of peacekeeping, maritime security and counter-terrorism. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti, is representing the country for the influential position at the council. Indian presidency’s first working day will be on August 2 when Tirumurti is likely to hold a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on the body's programme of work for the month. #IndiainUNSC Thank you Ambassador @NDeRiviere, PR of France for steering the UN #SecurityCouncil for the month of July. 👏 India takes over the Presidency for August ⬇️ @MEAIndia @IndiaembFrance @franceonu @FranceinIndia @afpfr @Yoshita_Singh pic.twitter.com/fCAdYj244g — PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) August 1, 2021 × In a tweet, Tirumurti announced, “India takes over the Presidency for August”. He also thanked Permanent Representative of France to the UN Nicolas de Rivière for steering the UN Security Council for the month of July. French and Russian ambassadors congratulated India on the occasion. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, said on Twitter, “Delighted that India is today taking over UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crisis.” Delighted that India is today taking over #UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crises. pic.twitter.com/f91aWoBjUQ — Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) August 1, 2021 × Nikolay Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, tweeted: “Congratulations on India's taking over the UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism. Expecting fruitful and effective work. Wishing many happy returns and all the success!” Congratulations on #India's taking over the #UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful & effective work. Wishing many happy returns & all the success! pic.twitter.com/1f8tDfbxel — Nikolay Kudashev 🇷🇺 (@NKudashev) August 1, 2021 × As the president of the top UN body for August, India has the power to decide the agenda for the month, coordinate important meetings and other related issues. India began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, for a two-year period starting January 1, 2021. In a video message on the eve of India assuming the rotating presidency, Tirumurti had said, "It is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day." India has been president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012.

India takes over UN Security Council presidency for August  

Rebels&nbsp;killed&nbsp;six&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;and wounded several others Saturday in an&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;village&nbsp;in the northeast of the volatile Central African Republic, the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;peacekeeping mission said.

"This morning at dawn elements from the 3R (Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation) launched a large-scale&nbsp;attack&nbsp;against C. African army positions in the&nbsp;village&nbsp;of Mann," the spokesman for the&nbsp;UN's 12,000-strong MINUSCA mission said.

"Six&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;and several wounded," he added.

The&nbsp;village&nbsp;is about 550 kilometres (340 miles) from the capital Bangui, Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulaziz Fall told AFP.

"The situation is under control and patrols are under way," he said.

The 3R, a&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;group composed of members from the Funali ethnic group, is one of several such outfits flourishing in the violence-wracked country. &nbsp;

CAR is the second least-developed country in the world according to the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;and is still suffering from the aftermath of a brutal civil conflict that erupted in 2013.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-to-return-bronzes-looted-by-britain-from-nigeria-381713">Also read |&nbsp;Germany to return bronzes looted by Britain from Nigeria</a>

It has been wracked by coups and decades of misrule by dictators since its 1960 independence from France.

President Faustin Archange Touadera was re-elected in December&nbsp;on&nbsp;a turnout of fewer than one in three voters.

The ballot was hampered by armed groups -- including the 3R -- that at the time controlled around two-thirds of the country, and rebels mounted an offensive in the runup to polling day.

Since then, the army, backed by&nbsp;UN&nbsp;peacekeepers, Rwandan special forces and Russian paramilitaries, has wrested much of the territory from&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;control.

On&nbsp;Thursday, the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Security Council extended an arms embargo&nbsp;on&nbsp;the country for 12 months as members voiced alarm at the "deteriorating" situation.

The extension -- which aims to prevent armed groups from acquiring weaponry -- is virtually the same as the last embargo but includes an exemption&nbsp;on&nbsp;mortars.

Russian "instructors" have been aiding CAR's poorly-equipped national army since 2018, when Moscow first acknowledged sending personnel to help train its beleaguered forces.

The Russian paramilitaries supplied small arms, gaining exemption from the weapons embargo and are credited with helping strengthening CAR's army.

Last month,&nbsp;UN&nbsp;experts accused the Russian instructors of having carried out "indiscriminate killings" and lootings.

Moscow insists the personnel are unarmed and not involved in fighting.

Russia has acknowledged the deployment of around 500 instructors but&nbsp;UN&nbsp;experts estimate there could be up to 2,000.

Rebels killed six civilians and wounded several others Saturday in an attack on a village in the northeast of the volatile Central African Republic, the UN peacekeeping mission said.

Rebels killed six civilians and wounded several others Saturday in an attack on a village in the northeast of the volatile Central African Republic, the UN peacekeeping mission said. "This morning at dawn elements from the 3R (Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation) launched a large-scale attack against C. African army positions in the village of Mann," the spokesman for the UN's 12,000-strong MINUSCA mission said. "Six civilians were killed and several wounded," he added. The village is about 550 kilometres (340 miles) from the capital Bangui, Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulaziz Fall told AFP. "The situation is under control and patrols are under way," he said. The 3R, a rebel group composed of members from the Funali ethnic group, is one of several such outfits flourishing in the violence-wracked country. CAR is the second least-developed country in the world according to the UN and is still suffering from the aftermath of a brutal civil conflict that erupted in 2013. Also read | Germany to return bronzes looted by Britain from Nigeria It has been wracked by coups and decades of misrule by dictators since its 1960 independence from France. President Faustin Archange Touadera was re-elected in December on a turnout of fewer than one in three voters. The ballot was hampered by armed groups -- including the 3R -- that at the time controlled around two-thirds of the country, and rebels mounted an offensive in the runup to polling day. Since then, the army, backed by UN peacekeepers, Rwandan special forces and Russian paramilitaries, has wrested much of the territory from rebel control. On Thursday, the UN Security Council extended an arms embargo on the country for 12 months as members voiced alarm at the "deteriorating" situation. The extension -- which aims to prevent armed groups from acquiring weaponry -- is virtually the same as the last embargo but includes an exemption on mortars. Russian "instructors" have been aiding CAR's poorly-equipped national army since 2018, when Moscow first acknowledged sending personnel to help train its beleaguered forces. The Russian paramilitaries supplied small arms, gaining exemption from the weapons embargo and are credited with helping strengthening CAR's army. Last month, UN experts accused the Russian instructors of having carried out "indiscriminate killings" and lootings. Moscow insists the personnel are unarmed and not involved in fighting. Russia has acknowledged the deployment of around 500 instructors but UN experts estimate there could be up to 2,000.

Six civilians killed in rebel attack on Central Africa village: UN

'Anti-government elements' in Afghanistan attacked the main UN&nbsp;compound in the capital of the western province of Herat on Friday and at least one security guard was killed, the UN&nbsp;Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said. 
 
The attack, involving rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire, happened hours after Taliban fighters penetrated deep into Herat city, and there were heavy clashes with Afghan security forces near the UNAMA provincial headquarters, officials said. 
 
It also came as US-led foreign forces near a complete withdrawal of troops and Afghan security forces struggle to hold back Taliban fighters in three major provincial capitals. 
 
In a statement following the attack, the United Nations said it was urgently seeking to establish a full picture of the assault and was in contact with the relevant parties. 
 
It was not immediately clear, who attacked the compound, but a Western security official told Reuters all diplomatic compounds in the city were put on high alert. 
 
"The United States strongly condemns the attack on the United Nations compound in Herat," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement, reiterating a US&nbsp;call for reduction in violence in Afghanistan. 
 
UNAMA said the attack was against the entrances of the compound that were clearly marked as a UN&nbsp;facility. 
 
“This attack against the United Nations is deplorable and we condemn it in the strongest terms,” said Deborah Lyons, the UN&nbsp;Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. 
 
UNAMA said no UN&nbsp;personnel were hurt. 
 
The Taliban put the incident down to possible crossfire. 
 
"It is possible that guards could have sustained harm in crossfire due to close proximity of the office to the fighting," the insurgents' spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Twitter. 
 
He added that Taliban fighters had 'arrived at the scene' and that the compound was 'not under any threat'. 
 
The Taliban have already captured swaths of the province of Herat, which borders Iran, before entering the capital.

'Anti-government elements' in Afghanistan attacked the main UN compound in the capital of the western province of Herat on Friday and at least one security guard was killed, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said.

'Anti-government elements' in Afghanistan attacked the main UN compound in the capital of the western province of Herat on Friday and at least one security guard was killed, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said. The attack, involving rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire, happened hours after Taliban fighters penetrated deep into Herat city, and there were heavy clashes with Afghan security forces near the UNAMA provincial headquarters, officials said. It also came as US-led foreign forces near a complete withdrawal of troops and Afghan security forces struggle to hold back Taliban fighters in three major provincial capitals. In a statement following the attack, the United Nations said it was urgently seeking to establish a full picture of the assault and was in contact with the relevant parties. It was not immediately clear, who attacked the compound, but a Western security official told Reuters all diplomatic compounds in the city were put on high alert. "The United States strongly condemns the attack on the United Nations compound in Herat," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement, reiterating a US call for reduction in violence in Afghanistan. UNAMA said the attack was against the entrances of the compound that were clearly marked as a UN facility. “This attack against the United Nations is deplorable and we condemn it in the strongest terms,” said Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. UNAMA said no UN personnel were hurt. The Taliban put the incident down to possible crossfire. "It is possible that guards could have sustained harm in crossfire due to close proximity of the office to the fighting," the insurgents' spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Twitter. He added that Taliban fighters had 'arrived at the scene' and that the compound was 'not under any threat'. The Taliban have already captured swaths of the province of Herat, which borders Iran, before entering the capital.

UN compound attacked in western Afghanistan, at least one guard killed

UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons, while addressing the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) meeting at the Presidential Palace, said on Wednesday, if there is no progress in the peace talks the world will not work with the Taliban. &nbsp;

Lyons said, "If there is no movement at the negotiating table, and instead human rights abuses and worse, still atrocities occur in districts they control, the Taliban will not be seen as a viable partner for the international community."&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the occupation of the territory, the Taliban have also inherited its responsibilities. Lyons added, "The world is watching closely how they are acting, especially towards civilian populations, women and minorities.” &nbsp;

The meeting was taking place in extraordinary circumstances in order to preserve the gains, never more urgent or challenging. “The Taliban have gained a certain legitimacy in recent years through their negotiations in Doha, but this legitimacy is promised on their commitment to a political negotiation with the government of Afghanistan, a commitment which their battle-focused strategy casts into doubt," the representative added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons, while addressing the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) meeting at the Presidential Palace, said on Wednesday, if there is no progress in the peace talks the world will not work with the Taliban.

UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons, while addressing the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) meeting at the Presidential Palace, said on Wednesday, if there is no progress in the peace talks the world will not work with the Taliban. Lyons said, "If there is no movement at the negotiating table, and instead human rights abuses and worse, still atrocities occur in districts they control, the Taliban will not be seen as a viable partner for the international community." With the occupation of the territory, the Taliban have also inherited its responsibilities. Lyons added, "The world is watching closely how they are acting, especially towards civilian populations, women and minorities.” The meeting was taking place in extraordinary circumstances in order to preserve the gains, never more urgent or challenging. “The Taliban have gained a certain legitimacy in recent years through their negotiations in Doha, but this legitimacy is promised on their commitment to a political negotiation with the government of Afghanistan, a commitment which their battle-focused strategy casts into doubt," the representative added. (With inputs from agencies)

World will not work with Taliban if no progress in talks, says UN representative to Afghanistan  

As coronavirus pandemic surges on with new variants, the United Nations has urged countries to reopen all schools that had been closed due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid pandemic</a>.

"This cannot go on," said James Elder, spokesman for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), adding that closing of schools in pandemic has led to putting the education of more than 600 million children at stake.

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Talking about how some countries have reopened bars and restaurants, Elder said it is a "terrible mistake" that the countries have still not opened schools.

"Reopening schools cannot wait for all teachers and students to be vaccinated,"&nbsp;he said, adding that the government should be working on saving their education budgets even when the economy is suffering hardship due to the pandemic.

Even though he acknowledged that governments all over the world have had to make tough choices in the pandemic, he said schools should be the last institute to be closed and first to be reopened.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-more-than-18000-children-pushed-into-poverty-due-to-covid-report-claims-400956" hreflang="en">New Zealand: More than 18,000 children pushed into poverty due to Covid, report claims</a>

As per official data, nearly 40 per cent of children in eastern and southern Africa are out of school currently. More than 32 million children have been estimated to be out of school due to Covid related issues in the whole region and many have even failed to return to classrooms even when schools reopened. This is in addition to the 37 million children who were already struggling to report to school even before the coronavirus pandemic.

Elder also added that sadly "education, safety, friends and food have been replaced by anxiety, violence, and teenage pregnancy" all over the world

As coronavirus pandemic surges on with new variants, the United Nations has urged countries to reopen all schools that had been closed due to the Covid pandemic.

As coronavirus pandemic surges on with new variants, the United Nations has urged countries to reopen all schools that had been closed due to the Covid pandemic. "This cannot go on," said James Elder, spokesman for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), adding that closing of schools in pandemic has led to putting the education of more than 600 million children at stake. Also read | WHO experts should go to Fort Detrick lab: China links US to coronavirus origin Talking about how some countries have reopened bars and restaurants, Elder said it is a "terrible mistake" that the countries have still not opened schools. "Reopening schools cannot wait for all teachers and students to be vaccinated," he said, adding that the government should be working on saving their education budgets even when the economy is suffering hardship due to the pandemic. Even though he acknowledged that governments all over the world have had to make tough choices in the pandemic, he said schools should be the last institute to be closed and first to be reopened. Also read | New Zealand: More than 18,000 children pushed into poverty due to Covid, report claims As per official data, nearly 40 per cent of children in eastern and southern Africa are out of school currently. More than 32 million children have been estimated to be out of school due to Covid related issues in the whole region and many have even failed to return to classrooms even when schools reopened. This is in addition to the 37 million children who were already struggling to report to school even before the coronavirus pandemic. Elder also added that sadly "education, safety, friends and food have been replaced by anxiety, violence, and teenage pregnancy" all over the world

'This cannot go on': UN urges schools to reopen despite Covid

Thirteen civilians were killed in clashes north of Bangui, the capital of the perennially restive Central African Republic, the UN mission in the country said Thursday.

Peacekeepers found "13 dead bodies in Bongboto", about 300 kilometres (190 miles) north of Bangui, on Wednesday, MINUSCA spokesman lieutenant-colonel Abdoulaziz Fall told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-south-africa-riots-rises-to-337-399786">Also read |&nbsp;Death toll in South Africa riots rises to 337</a>

CAR is the second least-developed country in the world according to the UN and suffers from the aftermath of a brutal civil conflict that erupted in 2013.

MINUSCA said it would do everything "to shed light on this sad incident" and bring the attackers to justice.

The government has blamed the Coalition of Patriots for Change, created in December 2020 to try and topple President Faustin Archange Touadera, of being behind the attack.

Thirteen civilians were killed in clashes north of Bangui, the capital of the perennially restive Central African Republic, the UN mission in the country said Thursday.

Thirteen civilians were killed in clashes north of Bangui, the capital of the perennially restive Central African Republic, the UN mission in the country said Thursday. Peacekeepers found "13 dead bodies in Bongboto", about 300 kilometres (190 miles) north of Bangui, on Wednesday, MINUSCA spokesman lieutenant-colonel Abdoulaziz Fall told AFP. Also read | Death toll in South Africa riots rises to 337 CAR is the second least-developed country in the world according to the UN and suffers from the aftermath of a brutal civil conflict that erupted in 2013. MINUSCA said it would do everything "to shed light on this sad incident" and bring the attackers to justice. The government has blamed the Coalition of Patriots for Change, created in December 2020 to try and topple President Faustin Archange Touadera, of being behind the attack.

13 civilians killed north of Central Africa capital Bangui: UN

Former United Nations rights chief Navi Pillay will lead the UN’s open-ended inquiry into 'systematic' abuses in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Pillay will be leading a three-person investigation intended to examine abuses and their root causes in the decades-long Middle East conflict.

Former UN rights chief to lead open-ended inquiry into Israel-Gaza conflict

The UN General Assembly is expected to approve a resolution calling on Myanmar's junta to restore the country's democratic transition and for all countries&nbsp;"to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar,"&nbsp;diplomats said.

The draft resolution also condemns deadly violence by security forces and calls on the junta to unconditionally release the ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint "and all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-calls-on-southeast-asian-nations-to-take-action-on-myanmar-397969">Blinken calls on Southeast Asian nations to take action on Myanmar</a>

The 193-member assembly is scheduled to consider the resolution, which has more than 50 co-sponsors, on Friday afternoon and its sponsors are hoping it will be approved by consensus to send a strong message to the military of global opposition to its Feb 1 takeover and support for a return to Myanmar's democratic transition, though any nation can call for a vote.

The draft resulted from negotiations by a so-called Core Group including the European Union, many Western nations and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations known as ASEAN, which includes Myanmar. A UN diplomat said there is an agreement with ASEAN to seek consensus, but what will happen with ASEAN members if there is a vote remains unclear.

The resolution's approval would mark one of the few times that the UN's most representative body expressed itself against a military coup and called for an arms embargo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-rebel-group-suspends-key-leader-in-massacre-investigation-397219">Myanmar rebel group suspends key leader in massacre investigation</a>

Canada's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Bob Rae, a member of the Core Group, said Thursday that everyone has been working hard "to reach a broad consensus" on the text, and discussions were still underway on whether it would be approved by consensus or be put to a vote.

Myanmar for five decades had languished under strict military rule that led to international isolation and sanctions.

As the generals loosened their grip, culminating in Suu Kyi's rise to leadership in the 2015 elections, the international community responded by lifting most sanctions and pouring investment into the country. Her party was reelected by a landslide in November elections, but the military contends the vote was fraudulent and took over before the new Parliament was seated.

Widespread opposition to the junta's rule began with massive nonviolent protests. After soldiers and police used deadly force to crush the peaceful demonstrations, a low-level armed insurrection has emerged in both the cities and countryside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tank-ing-democracy-myanmar-army-bans-internet-to-curb-protests-against-military-coup-363746">Tank-ing democracy: Myanmar army bans internet to curb protests against military coup</a>

Last week, the UN&nbsp;Human rights office cited credible reports that at least 860 people have been killed by security forces since Feb. 1, mostly during protests, and that more than 4,800 people - including activists, journalists and opponents of the junta - are in arbitrary detention.

Speaking of the draft resolution, Canada's Rae said: "I think it's a strong statement by the General Assembly about our strong opposition to what's been happening in Myanmar, and our strong desire for a shift back to a process of attaining democracy in the country, civil and economic rights for everybody including the Rohingya."

The draft calls on the Myanmar armed forces to respect the will of the people as freely expressed by the results of the general election of Nov 8, 2020. It also said the Parliament should be allowed to convene and the armed forces and other national bodies should be brought into an "inclusive civilian government that is representative of the will of the people."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-response-runs-underground-in-junta-ruled-myanmar-398915">COVID-19 response runs underground in junta-ruled Myanmar</a>

Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they do reflect global opinion and supporters of the draft believe it will have an impact.

Rae, a former Canadian special envoy to Myanmar, doesn't believe the nation can return to its past isolation since people in Myanmar "have developed a taste for openness, for democracy, for participation, and for social and political rights,"&nbsp;he said. "And I don't think the people are going to lose that taste. And I think that the answer is to do everything we can to sustain democracy."

The UN General Assembly is expected to approve a resolution calling on Myanmar's junta to restore the country's democratic transition and for all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar," diplomats said.

The UN General Assembly is expected to approve a resolution calling on Myanmar's junta to restore the country's democratic transition and for all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar," diplomats said. The draft resolution also condemns deadly violence by security forces and calls on the junta to unconditionally release the ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint "and all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested." Also read | Blinken calls on Southeast Asian nations to take action on Myanmar The 193-member assembly is scheduled to consider the resolution, which has more than 50 co-sponsors, on Friday afternoon and its sponsors are hoping it will be approved by consensus to send a strong message to the military of global opposition to its Feb 1 takeover and support for a return to Myanmar's democratic transition, though any nation can call for a vote. The draft resulted from negotiations by a so-called Core Group including the European Union, many Western nations and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations known as ASEAN, which includes Myanmar. A UN diplomat said there is an agreement with ASEAN to seek consensus, but what will happen with ASEAN members if there is a vote remains unclear. The resolution's approval would mark one of the few times that the UN's most representative body expressed itself against a military coup and called for an arms embargo. Also read | Myanmar rebel group suspends key leader in massacre investigation Canada's UN Ambassador Bob Rae, a member of the Core Group, said Thursday that everyone has been working hard "to reach a broad consensus" on the text, and discussions were still underway on whether it would be approved by consensus or be put to a vote. Myanmar for five decades had languished under strict military rule that led to international isolation and sanctions. As the generals loosened their grip, culminating in Suu Kyi's rise to leadership in the 2015 elections, the international community responded by lifting most sanctions and pouring investment into the country. Her party was reelected by a landslide in November elections, but the military contends the vote was fraudulent and took over before the new Parliament was seated. Widespread opposition to the junta's rule began with massive nonviolent protests. After soldiers and police used deadly force to crush the peaceful demonstrations, a low-level armed insurrection has emerged in both the cities and countryside. Also read | Tank-ing democracy: Myanmar army bans internet to curb protests against military coup Last week, the UN Human rights office cited credible reports that at least 860 people have been killed by security forces since Feb. 1, mostly during protests, and that more than 4,800 people - including activists, journalists and opponents of the junta - are in arbitrary detention. Speaking of the draft resolution, Canada's Rae said: "I think it's a strong statement by the General Assembly about our strong opposition to what's been happening in Myanmar, and our strong desire for a shift back to a process of attaining democracy in the country, civil and economic rights for everybody including the Rohingya." The draft calls on the Myanmar armed forces to respect the will of the people as freely expressed by the results of the general election of Nov 8, 2020. It also said the Parliament should be allowed to convene and the armed forces and other national bodies should be brought into an "inclusive civilian government that is representative of the will of the people." Also read | COVID-19 response runs underground in junta-ruled Myanmar Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they do reflect global opinion and supporters of the draft believe it will have an impact. Rae, a former Canadian special envoy to Myanmar, doesn't believe the nation can return to its past isolation since people in Myanmar "have developed a taste for openness, for democracy, for participation, and for social and political rights," he said. "And I don't think the people are going to lose that taste. And I think that the answer is to do everything we can to sustain democracy."

UN proposal seeks arms embargo and democracy in Myanmar

Dozens of children have been killed and hundreds arbitrarily detained in Myanmar since a coup more than five months ago, UN rights experts warned Friday.

The UN Child Rights Committee said in a statement that it had received "credible information" indicating that since the February 1 coup, "75 children have been killed, about 1,000 arbitrarily detained and countless more deprived of essential medical care and education".&nbsp;

Dozens of children have been killed and hundreds arbitrarily detained in Myanmar since a coup more than five months ago, UN rights experts warned Friday. The UN Child Rights Committee said in a statement that it had received "credible information" indicating that since the February 1 coup, "75 children have been killed, about 1,000 arbitrarily detained and countless more deprived of essential medical care and education".

75 children killed, around 1,000 detained since Myanmar coup: UN experts

Kurdish authorities in Syria on Saturday slammed the UN Security Council for failing to reopen an aid crossing to the northeast despite approving deliveries through the frontier with Turkey.&nbsp;

"We are not opposed to aid deliveries to the Syrian people... but we are opposed to double standards," the Kurdish administration said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-restarts-cross-border-aid-to-syria-but-shuts-access-point-312631">UN restarts cross-border aid to Syria but shuts access point</a>

"This decision deepens our humanitarian tragedy by continuing the seige imposed on us from all sides," it added in a statement.

The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously approved an extension of humanitarian aid to a rebel-held part of Syria through the Bab al-Hawa crossing from Turkey in the country's northeast.

But a request to reopen for one year a second crossing point at Al-Yarubiyah, which allows supplies to reach northeastern Syria from Iraq, was dropped.

Al-Yarubiyah was closed last year after Russia and China vetoed UN Security Council resolutions authorising it to remain open.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kurdish-forces-arrest-dozens-in-security-sweep-against-is-families-373954">Kurdish forces arrest dozens in security sweep against IS families</a>

Kurdish authorities and international aid groups had lobbied for it to be reopened but their appeal failed, sparking a backlash.&nbsp;

"The Council has... once again failed to address the significant and life-threatening challenges populations in northeast Syria are facing in accessing humanitarian assistance," David Miliband of the International Rescue Committee said in a statement on Friday.

"Needs have increased by nearly 40 per cent, while the IRC and other NGOs have experienced chronic shortages of essential supplies."

Amnesty International also slammed the UNSC vote as a "compromise" that overlooked the humanitarian tragedy in northeast Syria which is home to sprawling displacement camps housing relatives of the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-of-humanitarian-disaster-in-syria-if-cross-border-aid-not-renewed-393880">WHO warns of 'humanitarian disaster' in Syria if cross-border aid not renewed</a>

"This compromise resolution is once again an example of Russia ignoring the humanitarian needs of Syrians," Amnesty's Sherine Tadros said in a statement.&nbsp;

For its part, the Syrian government welcomed the UNSC vote that authorised aid deliveries for only six months, down from 12.

On Saturday, Syrian state television quoted Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as saying that the vote affirmed the unity of Syrian territory.

"External crossings are no longer the main tool for delivering aid," Mekdad said. "Deliveries from within Syria are now the main" channel, he added.

Kurdish authorities in Syria on Saturday slammed the UN Security Council for failing to reopen an aid crossing to the northeast despite approving deliveries through the frontier with Turkey.

Kurdish authorities in Syria on Saturday slammed the UN Security Council for failing to reopen an aid crossing to the northeast despite approving deliveries through the frontier with Turkey. "We are not opposed to aid deliveries to the Syrian people... but we are opposed to double standards," the Kurdish administration said in a statement. Also read | UN restarts cross-border aid to Syria but shuts access point "This decision deepens our humanitarian tragedy by continuing the seige imposed on us from all sides," it added in a statement. The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously approved an extension of humanitarian aid to a rebel-held part of Syria through the Bab al-Hawa crossing from Turkey in the country's northeast. But a request to reopen for one year a second crossing point at Al-Yarubiyah, which allows supplies to reach northeastern Syria from Iraq, was dropped. Al-Yarubiyah was closed last year after Russia and China vetoed UN Security Council resolutions authorising it to remain open. Also read | Kurdish forces arrest dozens in security sweep against IS families Kurdish authorities and international aid groups had lobbied for it to be reopened but their appeal failed, sparking a backlash. "The Council has... once again failed to address the significant and life-threatening challenges populations in northeast Syria are facing in accessing humanitarian assistance," David Miliband of the International Rescue Committee said in a statement on Friday. "Needs have increased by nearly 40 per cent, while the IRC and other NGOs have experienced chronic shortages of essential supplies." Amnesty International also slammed the UNSC vote as a "compromise" that overlooked the humanitarian tragedy in northeast Syria which is home to sprawling displacement camps housing relatives of the Islamic State group. Also read | WHO warns of 'humanitarian disaster' in Syria if cross-border aid not renewed "This compromise resolution is once again an example of Russia ignoring the humanitarian needs of Syrians," Amnesty's Sherine Tadros said in a statement. For its part, the Syrian government welcomed the UNSC vote that authorised aid deliveries for only six months, down from 12. On Saturday, Syrian state television quoted Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as saying that the vote affirmed the unity of Syrian territory. "External crossings are no longer the main tool for delivering aid," Mekdad said. "Deliveries from within Syria are now the main" channel, he added.

Syria Kurds slam UN aid crossing vote as unfair

Acute food insecurity has soared 40% this year as recent food price hikes have exacerbated existing pressures from conflict, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said.

Defined as any lack of food that threatens lives, livelihoods or both, acute food insecurity is impacting, or is at high risk of impacting, a record 270 million people this year, the UN agency said.

"High food prices are hunger's new best friend," said WFP Chief Economist Arif Husain.

"We already have conflict, climate and COVID-19 working together. Now food prices have joined the deadly trio," he added.

The WFP said average wheat flour prices in Lebanon have risen 219% year-on-year amid accelerating economic turmoil, while cooking oil prices have soared 440% versus a year ago in war-devastated Syria.

On internationally traded markets, world food prices were up 33.9% year-on-year in June, according to the U.N food agency`s price index, which measures a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar.

However, they did fall in June versus May, the first such decrease in 12 months.

After declining for several decades, world hunger has been on the rise since 2016.

The WFP, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, says around 690 million people or 9 percent of the world`s population go to bed hungry each night.

It is targeting 139 million people for assistance this year, the biggest operation in its history.

Acute food insecurity has soared 40% this year as recent food price hikes have exacerbated existing pressures from conflict, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said.

Acute food insecurity has soared 40% this year as recent food price hikes have exacerbated existing pressures from conflict, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said. Defined as any lack of food that threatens lives, livelihoods or both, acute food insecurity is impacting, or is at high risk of impacting, a record 270 million people this year, the UN agency said. "High food prices are hunger's new best friend," said WFP Chief Economist Arif Husain. "We already have conflict, climate and COVID-19 working together. Now food prices have joined the deadly trio," he added. The WFP said average wheat flour prices in Lebanon have risen 219% year-on-year amid accelerating economic turmoil, while cooking oil prices have soared 440% versus a year ago in war-devastated Syria. On internationally traded markets, world food prices were up 33.9% year-on-year in June, according to the U.N food agency`s price index, which measures a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar. However, they did fall in June versus May, the first such decrease in 12 months. After declining for several decades, world hunger has been on the rise since 2016. The WFP, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, says around 690 million people or 9 percent of the world`s population go to bed hungry each night. It is targeting 139 million people for assistance this year, the biggest operation in its history.

Surging food prices fuel 40 per cent jump in global hunger: UN

The United Nations body on human rights has expressed anguish over the death of Jesuit priest Stan Swamy. The death of 84-year old tribal rights activist as a pre-trial prisoner in the Bhima Koregaon case has led to widespread expressions.

UN Human Rights body expresses anguish over death of Father Stan Swamy

Restrictions on civic space in Venezuela remain a cause for concern, UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Monday. 
 
Bachelet's office said it documented 97 incidents of "stigmatisation, criminalisation and threats against dissenting voices, particularly towards civil society, media and members of the opposition" from June 2020 to May 2021. 
 
The vast majority of those incidents involved individuals criminally charged for "legitimate forms of civic engagement," Bachelet said. 
 
The arrest of three members of NGO FundaRedes was a 'worrying example'&nbsp;of this kind of criminalisation, she said. 
 
Javier Tarazona, the director of NGO FundaRedes, which has been the most active entity denouncing abuses and illicit activities by irregular Colombian armed groups in Venezuela, and two others were charged with instigation of hatred, treason and terrorism on Saturday. 
 
The report also raised concerns about conditions in detention centers, due process, and access to basic services, and called for vaccines to be available to all. 
 
"I call for all detained persons to be guaranteed access to adequate food, water, sanitation and sanitary care," said Bachelet. 
 
In response, Venezuela's foreign ministry released a statement on Twitter, saying "from a handful of alleged complaints of human rights violations, they made unverified accusations." 
 
It said the report is part of a "lie constructed to artificially feed a case before the International Criminal Court, with the political objective of destabilising the country's democratic institutions." 
 
The high commissioner did welcome some actions she saw as progress, including police and justice reforms, a downward trend in alleged deaths in protests and security operations, and some improvement in impunity, noting the conviction of a police officer who killed a protestor in 2017. 
 
She noted that Venezuela's top prosecutor had agreed to give her office access to case files of human rights violations. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Restrictions on civic space in Venezuela remain a cause for concern, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Monday. Bachelet's office said it documented 97 incidents of "stigmatisation, criminalisation and threats against dissenting voices, particularly towards civil society, media and members of the opposition" from June 2020 to May 2021.

Restrictions on civic space in Venezuela remain a cause for concern, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Monday. Bachelet's office said it documented 97 incidents of "stigmatisation, criminalisation and threats against dissenting voices, particularly towards civil society, media and members of the opposition" from June 2020 to May 2021. The vast majority of those incidents involved individuals criminally charged for "legitimate forms of civic engagement," Bachelet said. The arrest of three members of NGO FundaRedes was a 'worrying example' of this kind of criminalisation, she said. Javier Tarazona, the director of NGO FundaRedes, which has been the most active entity denouncing abuses and illicit activities by irregular Colombian armed groups in Venezuela, and two others were charged with instigation of hatred, treason and terrorism on Saturday. The report also raised concerns about conditions in detention centers, due process, and access to basic services, and called for vaccines to be available to all. "I call for all detained persons to be guaranteed access to adequate food, water, sanitation and sanitary care," said Bachelet. In response, Venezuela's foreign ministry released a statement on Twitter, saying "from a handful of alleged complaints of human rights violations, they made unverified accusations." It said the report is part of a "lie constructed to artificially feed a case before the International Criminal Court, with the political objective of destabilising the country's democratic institutions." The high commissioner did welcome some actions she saw as progress, including police and justice reforms, a downward trend in alleged deaths in protests and security operations, and some improvement in impunity, noting the conviction of a police officer who killed a protestor in 2017. She noted that Venezuela's top prosecutor had agreed to give her office access to case files of human rights violations. (With inputs from agencies)

Restriction of civic space in Venezuela is worrying, says UN human rights chief

Over 400,000 people have "crossed the threshold into famine" in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, a senior UN official said Friday, appealing for urgent humanitarian action to help the millions affected by the brutal eight-month long conflict.

Fighting between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) was reignited last month when the rebels launched a major counter-offensive that saw them retake their regional capital of Mekele.

This week Ethiopian forces destroyed two key bridges allowing desperately-needed aid into the region, prompting charges Addis Ababa was seeking to choke off humanitarian assistance.

Friday saw the UN Security Council hold its first public meeting on a conflict that has left thousands of dead and plunged hundreds of thousands into hunger.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drops-sanctions-on-three-iranians-says-move-unrelated-to-nuclear-talks-395452">Also Read |&nbsp;US drops sanctions on three Iranians, says move unrelated to nuclear talks</a>

Ramesh Rajasingham, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told that meeting that the situation had "worsened dramatically" as the conflict had reignited in recent weeks.

"More than 400,000 people are estimated to have crossed the threshold into famine and another 1.8 million people are on the brink of famine," he said. "Some are suggesting that the numbers are even higher. 33,000 children are severely malnourished."

"The lives of many of these people (in Tigray) depend on our ability to reach them with food, medicine, nutrition supplies and other humanitarian assistance," he added. "We need to reach them now. Not next week. Now."

Ethiopia has rejected charges that it planned to choke off aid to the region.

"The insinuation that we are planning to suffocate the Tigrayan people by denying humanitarian access and using hunger as a weapon of war is beyond the pale," Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen told diplomats gathered at a hotel in the capital Addis Ababa.

Officials are "using every ounce of our strength to extricate" Tigrayan civilians "from the dire situation they find themselves in", he added.&nbsp;

Ceasefire 'a joke'&nbsp;

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops into Tigray last November to detain and disarm leaders of the regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).&nbsp;

He said the move was in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps and declared victory within weeks after federal forces took the regional capital Mekele.&nbsp;

But after the rebels -- having rebranded themselves the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) -- retook Mekele and asserted control over most of the region, the government announced a unilateral ceasefire that the TDF has dismissed as "a joke."

Senior UN official Rosemary DiCarlo urged the group Friday to "immediately and completely" endorse the ceasefire.

"A ceasefire observed by all parties would not only facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid but would also be a starting point for the necessary political efforts to chart a way out of the crisis," DiCarlo said.

'Lives will be lost'

The war has already exerted a staggering humanitarian toll, with the United States estimating 900,000 civilians are "likely already experiencing famine conditions".&nbsp;

The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) says 5.2 million people, or 91 per cent of Tigray's population, need emergency food assistance.&nbsp;

On Friday, the WFP said it had resumed aid operations after a two-day pause but added that lives were still in the balance after the two major bridges leading into Tigray were destroyed.

"Lives will be lost if supply routes into Tigray do not fully open and parties to the conflict continue to disrupt or endanger free movement of cargo for WFP and other emergency responders."

The UN has said one of the bridges was "reportedly" blown up by security forces from the Amhara region, south of Tigray, but the government on Friday blamed Tigrayan forces.&nbsp;

In his comments to diplomats Friday, Demeke reiterated the government's position that the ceasefire was motivated by humanitarian concerns and to facilitate farming.&nbsp;

But with electricity and telecommunications cut off, flights suspended and most roads into the region now impassable, UN officials and diplomats fear the situation could deteriorate further.

"A credible ceasefire means doing everything possible so that aid reaches the millions of children, women and men who urgently need it," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Twitter.

Path to dialogue?&nbsp;

Demeke also said that, following national elections last month that is expected to give Abiy a new term, the government was preparing for an "inclusive dialogue" to resolve the crisis. The polls were postponed in Tigray.&nbsp;

Such a dialogue has long been sought by diplomats lobbying for a political resolution of the war.&nbsp;

But in a closed question-and-answer session with diplomats, officials indicated that dialogue with the TPLF leadership remained off the table.

In May lawmakers designated the TPLF a terrorist organisation.

When pressed by diplomats on how that might affect whatever dialogue takes place, Demeke said some TPLF members were "innocent" and could be included, according to three attendees.

But both Demeke and Redwan Hussein, spokesman for a government task force on the Tigray conflict, told diplomats that Addis Ababa was committed to "accountability" for TPLF leaders, the diplomats said.

Over 400,000 people have "crossed the threshold into famine" in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, a senior UN official said Friday, appealing for urgent humanitarian action to help the millions affected by the brutal eight-month long conflict.

Over 400,000 people have "crossed the threshold into famine" in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, a senior UN official said Friday, appealing for urgent humanitarian action to help the millions affected by the brutal eight-month long conflict. Fighting between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) was reignited last month when the rebels launched a major counter-offensive that saw them retake their regional capital of Mekele. This week Ethiopian forces destroyed two key bridges allowing desperately-needed aid into the region, prompting charges Addis Ababa was seeking to choke off humanitarian assistance. Friday saw the UN Security Council hold its first public meeting on a conflict that has left thousands of dead and plunged hundreds of thousands into hunger. Also Read | US drops sanctions on three Iranians, says move unrelated to nuclear talks Ramesh Rajasingham, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told that meeting that the situation had "worsened dramatically" as the conflict had reignited in recent weeks. "More than 400,000 people are estimated to have crossed the threshold into famine and another 1.8 million people are on the brink of famine," he said. "Some are suggesting that the numbers are even higher. 33,000 children are severely malnourished." "The lives of many of these people (in Tigray) depend on our ability to reach them with food, medicine, nutrition supplies and other humanitarian assistance," he added. "We need to reach them now. Not next week. Now." Ethiopia has rejected charges that it planned to choke off aid to the region. "The insinuation that we are planning to suffocate the Tigrayan people by denying humanitarian access and using hunger as a weapon of war is beyond the pale," Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen told diplomats gathered at a hotel in the capital Addis Ababa. Officials are "using every ounce of our strength to extricate" Tigrayan civilians "from the dire situation they find themselves in", he added. Ceasefire 'a joke' Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops into Tigray last November to detain and disarm leaders of the regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). He said the move was in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps and declared victory within weeks after federal forces took the regional capital Mekele. But after the rebels -- having rebranded themselves the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) -- retook Mekele and asserted control over most of the region, the government announced a unilateral ceasefire that the TDF has dismissed as "a joke." Senior UN official Rosemary DiCarlo urged the group Friday to "immediately and completely" endorse the ceasefire. "A ceasefire observed by all parties would not only facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid but would also be a starting point for the necessary political efforts to chart a way out of the crisis," DiCarlo said. 'Lives will be lost' The war has already exerted a staggering humanitarian toll, with the United States estimating 900,000 civilians are "likely already experiencing famine conditions". The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) says 5.2 million people, or 91 per cent of Tigray's population, need emergency food assistance. On Friday, the WFP said it had resumed aid operations after a two-day pause but added that lives were still in the balance after the two major bridges leading into Tigray were destroyed. "Lives will be lost if supply routes into Tigray do not fully open and parties to the conflict continue to disrupt or endanger free movement of cargo for WFP and other emergency responders." The UN has said one of the bridges was "reportedly" blown up by security forces from the Amhara region, south of Tigray, but the government on Friday blamed Tigrayan forces. In his comments to diplomats Friday, Demeke reiterated the government's position that the ceasefire was motivated by humanitarian concerns and to facilitate farming. But with electricity and telecommunications cut off, flights suspended and most roads into the region now impassable, UN officials and diplomats fear the situation could deteriorate further. "A credible ceasefire means doing everything possible so that aid reaches the millions of children, women and men who urgently need it," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Twitter. Path to dialogue? Demeke also said that, following national elections last month that is expected to give Abiy a new term, the government was preparing for an "inclusive dialogue" to resolve the crisis. The polls were postponed in Tigray. Such a dialogue has long been sought by diplomats lobbying for a political resolution of the war. But in a closed question-and-answer session with diplomats, officials indicated that dialogue with the TPLF leadership remained off the table. In May lawmakers designated the TPLF a terrorist organisation. When pressed by diplomats on how that might affect whatever dialogue takes place, Demeke said some TPLF members were "innocent" and could be included, according to three attendees. But both Demeke and Redwan Hussein, spokesman for a government task force on the Tigray conflict, told diplomats that Addis Ababa was committed to "accountability" for TPLF leaders, the diplomats said.

400,000 people facing famine in war-torn Tigray, says UN

United Nations member states agreed on Tuesday to a budget of some $6 billion for the world body's 12 peacekeeping missions for the next year, diplomats said, narrowly averting a possible shutdown of the operations.

The 193-member UN&nbsp;General Assembly budget committee agreed to the peacekeeping budget for the year through June 30, 2022. It will be formally adopted by the General Assembly on Wednesday.

Top UN&nbsp;officials said on Monday that UN&nbsp;peacekeeping missions, most of which are in Africa and the Middle East, had been advised to start putting contingency plans in place in case a new budget was not adopted by June 30.

Some diplomats said changes to negotiating procedures, issues with logistics and tough talk pitting China against Western countries had threatened to delay an agreement.

"Our chronic inability to respect deadlines puts the entire peacekeeping architecture in unprecedented jeopardy," European Union diplomat Thibault Camelli told the budget committee on Tuesday. "Going forward, and for the future negotiations, we owe it ... to the women and men in the field who carry out the peacekeeping mandates to finish our work in a timely fashion."

Catherine Pollard, the UN&nbsp;head of management strategy, policy and compliance, told reporters on Monday that if the June 30 deadline was missed then Secretary-General Antonio Guterres could only spend money to safeguard UN&nbsp;assets and ensure the protection of the staff and the peacekeepers.

The United States is largest assessed contributor to the peacekeeping budget, responsible for about 28%, followed by China with 15.2% and Japan with 8.5%.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations member states agreed on Tuesday to a budget of some $6 billion for the world body's 12 peacekeeping missions for the next year, diplomats said, narrowly averting a possible shutdown of the operations.

United Nations member states agreed on Tuesday to a budget of some $6 billion for the world body's 12 peacekeeping missions for the next year, diplomats said, narrowly averting a possible shutdown of the operations. The 193-member UN General Assembly budget committee agreed to the peacekeeping budget for the year through June 30, 2022. It will be formally adopted by the General Assembly on Wednesday. Top UN officials said on Monday that UN peacekeeping missions, most of which are in Africa and the Middle East, had been advised to start putting contingency plans in place in case a new budget was not adopted by June 30. Some diplomats said changes to negotiating procedures, issues with logistics and tough talk pitting China against Western countries had threatened to delay an agreement. "Our chronic inability to respect deadlines puts the entire peacekeeping architecture in unprecedented jeopardy," European Union diplomat Thibault Camelli told the budget committee on Tuesday. "Going forward, and for the future negotiations, we owe it ... to the women and men in the field who carry out the peacekeeping mandates to finish our work in a timely fashion." Catherine Pollard, the UN head of management strategy, policy and compliance, told reporters on Monday that if the June 30 deadline was missed then Secretary-General Antonio Guterres could only spend money to safeguard UN assets and ensure the protection of the staff and the peacekeepers. The United States is largest assessed contributor to the peacekeeping budget, responsible for about 28%, followed by China with 15.2% and Japan with 8.5%. (With inputs from agencies)

UN member states agree to $6 billion peacekeeping budget, averting shutdown

The United States told the UN&nbsp;Security Council on Tuesday that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US&nbsp;personnel or facilities. 
 
Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the 15-member Security Council must immediately be informed of any action that states take in self-defence against armed attack. 
 
US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the airstrikes hit facilities used by militia blamed for an escalating series of drone and rocket attacks against US&nbsp;personnel and facilities in Iraq.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-retaliates-after-iran-backed-militias-target-american-base-in-eastern-syria-394583">US army retaliates after Iran-backed militias target American base in eastern Syria</a> 
 
"This military response was taken after non-military options proved inadequate to address the threat, with the aim of deescalating the situation and preventing further attacks," she wrote in a letter. 
 
President Joe Biden wrote a similar letter to Congress on Tuesday. "The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks," he said. 
 
US&nbsp;troops came under rocket fire in Syria on Monday in apparent retaliation for weekend US&nbsp;air strikes. About 34 rockets were fired in the attack, but there were no injuries, a US&nbsp;military official said on Tuesday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-tells-us-it-has-serious-reservations-about-iran-nuclear-deal-394383">Israel tells US it has serious reservations about Iran nuclear deal</a>

While the Iraqi and US&nbsp;militaries coordinate closely in a separate battle in Iraq against remnants of the Sunni extremist group Islamic State, Iraq's government and military condemned the US&nbsp;airstrikes against the Iran-back militia. 
 
The United States began airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria in 2014, telling the United Nations it acted because Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government had failed to wipe out safe havens used by the militants to launch attacks on Iraq. 
 
Iraq told the UN&nbsp;Security Council at the time that it requested US&nbsp;help because a safe haven for the militants in Syria had made its border 'impossible to defend'. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities.

The United States told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities. Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the 15-member Security Council must immediately be informed of any action that states take in self-defence against armed attack. US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the airstrikes hit facilities used by militia blamed for an escalating series of drone and rocket attacks against US personnel and facilities in Iraq. Also Read: US army retaliates after Iran-backed militias target American base in eastern Syria "This military response was taken after non-military options proved inadequate to address the threat, with the aim of deescalating the situation and preventing further attacks," she wrote in a letter. President Joe Biden wrote a similar letter to Congress on Tuesday. "The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks," he said. US troops came under rocket fire in Syria on Monday in apparent retaliation for weekend US air strikes. About 34 rockets were fired in the attack, but there were no injuries, a US military official said on Tuesday. Also Read: Israel tells US it has serious reservations about Iran nuclear deal While the Iraqi and US militaries coordinate closely in a separate battle in Iraq against remnants of the Sunni extremist group Islamic State, Iraq's government and military condemned the US airstrikes against the Iran-back militia. The United States began airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria in 2014, telling the United Nations it acted because Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government had failed to wipe out safe havens used by the militants to launch attacks on Iraq. Iraq told the UN Security Council at the time that it requested US help because a safe haven for the militants in Syria had made its border 'impossible to defend'. (With inputs from agencies)

US tells UN weekend airstrikes were aimed at deterring Iran

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