The UN civil aviation agency will hold an urgent meeting on Thursday to discuss Belarus after Western powers on the UN Security Council called for the body to investigate Minsk's diversion of a European flight and arrest of a dissident.

UN civil aviation agency ICAO to meet over Belarus plane diversion

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Gravitas: How China is expanding its influence in the United Nations

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar held a comprehensive personal meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday and discussed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and effective global vaccine solutions.

S. Jaishankar discusses 'effective global vaccine solutions' with UN Secretary-General

S. Jaishankar meets Antonio Guterres in New York, discusses global vaccine solutions

A defiant President Lukashenko will address Belarus' parliament on Wednesday as international pressure over the country's diversion of an airliner in order to arrest a dissident grows, with the UN Security Council set to meet behind closed doors later. &nbsp;

The speech to parliament will be the first time the Belarusian leader has spoken in public since Sunday's rerouting of a Ryanair flight to Minsk and the subsequent arrest of opposition journalist Roman Protasevich.&nbsp;

After weathering a wave of protests and Western sanctions last year, Lukashenko is facing renewed pressure over the incident, with Western leaders demanding Protasevich's release, and the European Union cutting air links with the increasingly isolated nation.&nbsp;

But a diplomat said it was unlikely the Security Council would agree on a collective statement at Wednesday's meeting, because Belarus' unwavering supporter Russia was expected to be in opposition.&nbsp;

Moscow has dismissed the outrage over the arrest, saying Belarus was acting reasonably and within the law when the plane was diverted.&nbsp;

The Belarusian transport ministry on Tuesday released a transcript of communications between Minsk air traffic control and the Ryanair flight, in which the crew was told 'you have a bomb on board' and urged it to land in Minsk. &nbsp;

The claim of a genuine bomb scare has been dismissed by Western leaders. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, Protasevich's mother said she had not slept since her son and his Russian girlfriend Sofia Sapega were arrested after the Athens-to-Vilnius flight landed in Minsk. &nbsp;

"I'm asking, I'm begging, I'm calling on the whole international community to save him," Natalia Protasevich said, weeping. "They're going to kill him in there!"&nbsp;

Protasevich, 26, was a co-founder of the Nexta Telegram channel, which helped organise the protests last year that were the biggest challenge to Lukashenko's long rule.&nbsp;

He had been living between Poland and Lithuania.&nbsp;

His parents said they think their son might now be in a detention centre run by the secret service, still known as the KGB.&nbsp;

"The lawyer tried to see him today but she was turned down, she could not see him. We still don’t know if he is in there, what his condition is, how he is feeling," said his father Dmitry.&nbsp;

A 30-second video of Protasevich was broadcast by state television late on Monday, in which he confirmed that he was in prison in Minsk and "confessed" to charges of organising mass unrest.&nbsp;

With dark markings visible on his forehead, he said he was being treated "according to the law".&nbsp;

But Dmitry said it appeared that his son had been harmed.&nbsp;

"He would never speak like that. Those were not his words... he was reading something out that he was told to read out," he said.&nbsp;

Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urged the international community to do more in a call with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.&nbsp;

"This is the time to act," she said. "Suspension of flights over Belarus doesn't solve the real problem. The problem is the terrorist regime that rigged elections last year."&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to meet with Putin in June, said Washington was looking at "appropriate options to hold accountable those responsible". &nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday the EU must "profoundly redefine" its relationship with Russia and Belarus because "we are at the limits of sanctions policy", whilst German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that Lukashenko would pay "a bitter price" for the "heinous" flight diversion.&nbsp;

The UN rights office and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined calls for Protasevich to be released, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would "strongly support action through all available international institutions", including NATO.&nbsp;

The European Union has agreed to ban Belarusian airlines from the bloc and called on EU-based carriers not to fly over its airspace.&nbsp;

Air France, Finnair and Singapore Airlines were the latest carriers to suspend flights over Belarus, following Scandinavian airline SAS, Germany's Lufthansa and Latvia-based regional airline airBaltic.&nbsp;

Lukashenko and his allies are already under a series of Western sanctions over the brutal crackdown on the protests that followed his disputed re-election to a sixth term last August.&nbsp;

EU leaders on Monday warned they would adopt further "targeted economic sanctions" against the Belarusian authorities to add to the 88 regime figures and seven companies on a blacklist.&nbsp;

The protests lasted for months with tens of thousands taking to the streets to denounce Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for over two decades.&nbsp;

The demonstrations were brutally quashed and thousands were detained -- many of whom reported torture and abuse in custody.&nbsp;

Many protest leaders, including Tikhanovskaya who claimed victory in the August vote, fled the country, and the demonstrations have dwindled.&nbsp;

In Minsk, many welcomed the European flight bans, saying Belarusians were largely unable to travel anyway and more pressure was needed for change.&nbsp;

"An ordinary Belarusian will not suffer from this. Ordinary Belarusians cannot afford flights," said Valentina, a retired teacher who like others was afraid to give her last name.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

A defiant President Lukashenko will address Belarus' parliament on Wednesday as international pressure over the country's diversion of an airliner in order to arrest a dissident grows, with the UN Security Council set to meet behind closed doors later.

A defiant President Lukashenko will address Belarus' parliament on Wednesday as international pressure over the country's diversion of an airliner in order to arrest a dissident grows, with the UN Security Council set to meet behind closed doors later. The speech to parliament will be the first time the Belarusian leader has spoken in public since Sunday's rerouting of a Ryanair flight to Minsk and the subsequent arrest of opposition journalist Roman Protasevich. After weathering a wave of protests and Western sanctions last year, Lukashenko is facing renewed pressure over the incident, with Western leaders demanding Protasevich's release, and the European Union cutting air links with the increasingly isolated nation. But a diplomat said it was unlikely the Security Council would agree on a collective statement at Wednesday's meeting, because Belarus' unwavering supporter Russia was expected to be in opposition. Moscow has dismissed the outrage over the arrest, saying Belarus was acting reasonably and within the law when the plane was diverted. The Belarusian transport ministry on Tuesday released a transcript of communications between Minsk air traffic control and the Ryanair flight, in which the crew was told 'you have a bomb on board' and urged it to land in Minsk. The claim of a genuine bomb scare has been dismissed by Western leaders. On Tuesday, Protasevich's mother said she had not slept since her son and his Russian girlfriend Sofia Sapega were arrested after the Athens-to-Vilnius flight landed in Minsk. "I'm asking, I'm begging, I'm calling on the whole international community to save him," Natalia Protasevich said, weeping. "They're going to kill him in there!" Protasevich, 26, was a co-founder of the Nexta Telegram channel, which helped organise the protests last year that were the biggest challenge to Lukashenko's long rule. He had been living between Poland and Lithuania. His parents said they think their son might now be in a detention centre run by the secret service, still known as the KGB. "The lawyer tried to see him today but she was turned down, she could not see him. We still don’t know if he is in there, what his condition is, how he is feeling," said his father Dmitry. A 30-second video of Protasevich was broadcast by state television late on Monday, in which he confirmed that he was in prison in Minsk and "confessed" to charges of organising mass unrest. With dark markings visible on his forehead, he said he was being treated "according to the law". But Dmitry said it appeared that his son had been harmed. "He would never speak like that. Those were not his words... he was reading something out that he was told to read out," he said. Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urged the international community to do more in a call with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. "This is the time to act," she said. "Suspension of flights over Belarus doesn't solve the real problem. The problem is the terrorist regime that rigged elections last year." US President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to meet with Putin in June, said Washington was looking at "appropriate options to hold accountable those responsible". French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday the EU must "profoundly redefine" its relationship with Russia and Belarus because "we are at the limits of sanctions policy", whilst German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that Lukashenko would pay "a bitter price" for the "heinous" flight diversion. The UN rights office and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined calls for Protasevich to be released, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would "strongly support action through all available international institutions", including NATO. The European Union has agreed to ban Belarusian airlines from the bloc and called on EU-based carriers not to fly over its airspace. Air France, Finnair and Singapore Airlines were the latest carriers to suspend flights over Belarus, following Scandinavian airline SAS, Germany's Lufthansa and Latvia-based regional airline airBaltic. Lukashenko and his allies are already under a series of Western sanctions over the brutal crackdown on the protests that followed his disputed re-election to a sixth term last August. EU leaders on Monday warned they would adopt further "targeted economic sanctions" against the Belarusian authorities to add to the 88 regime figures and seven companies on a blacklist. The protests lasted for months with tens of thousands taking to the streets to denounce Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for over two decades. The demonstrations were brutally quashed and thousands were detained -- many of whom reported torture and abuse in custody. Many protest leaders, including Tikhanovskaya who claimed victory in the August vote, fled the country, and the demonstrations have dwindled. In Minsk, many welcomed the European flight bans, saying Belarusians were largely unable to travel anyway and more pressure was needed for change. "An ordinary Belarusian will not suffer from this. Ordinary Belarusians cannot afford flights," said Valentina, a retired teacher who like others was afraid to give her last name. (With inputs from agencies)

Lukashenko defiant as UN Security Council to meet over Belarus 

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar his on a five day trip to the United States, where he will hold the key bilateral meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He is also scheduled to meet the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Indian EAM Jaishankar to pitch for vaccine equity in meeting with UN chief

At a debate on safety and security of UN peacekeepers at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, India said it is&nbsp;"proud" of its "contribution", highlighting the recent role played by Indian brigade in the aftermath of volcanic eruption in DR Congo.&nbsp;

Speaking at the debate,&nbsp;India's Deputy Permanent Representative Nagaraj Naidu said,"India is proud of its long and rich tradition of contribution to UN peacekeeping operations... Even as Ispeak today, an Indian peacekeepers brigade stationed in Goma (DRC) are saving lives of civilians stranded in the aftermath of the Mount Nayargongo eruption in DRC."

Indian forces part of the MONUSCO or United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo played a key role in safeguarding civilians and UN assets when the eruption took place.&nbsp;MONUSCO has 14,000 total military personnel including 2,200 Indians, making India the largest troop-contributing country.

India has contributed in many ways to strengthen UN peacekeeping. Earlier this year it&nbsp;delivered 200,000 doses of made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines, which has helped vaccinate&nbsp;140,000 field personnel. Nagraj Naidu said, "During the pandemic, India readily answered the Secretary General’s call by upgrading its hospitals in UNMISS or United Nations Mission in South Sudan and MONUSCO or&nbsp;United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo".

India is also working with UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations for development of a mobile tech platform – UNITE AWARE, which, India's deputy envoy said will help "increase situational awareness and provides terrain related information to peacekeepers." India has contributed $1.64 million towards it and will be launching it in August when it will be chair of the United Nations Security Council for that month.

India’s Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) which was set up in 2000 will be signing an MOU with C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations for new training modules for UN peacekeepers. It has also pledged a helicopter unit for MINUSMA or&nbsp;United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and upgraded its medical facilities at MONUSCO (Goma) and UNMISS (Juba).

At the debate, India gave few suggestions to strengthen peacekeeping which involved pointing out that "peacekeeping missions cannot be a long-term response to what are fundamentally political problems" and "it is for the council to address these issues rather than burden peacekeeping missions beyond their mandate."

The statement said, "The Security Council needs to authorize carefully thought-out mandates to peacekeepers in close consultation with troop contributing countries since protection of peacekeepers is as important as protection of civilians.".&nbsp;

India is one of the major troop contributing countries&nbsp;to the UN's peacekeeping forces. It&nbsp;has&nbsp;contributed more than 250,000 troops in 49 UN peacekeeping missions in which&nbsp;175 of its peacekeepers laid&nbsp;down their lives.&nbsp;

At a debate on safety and security of UN peacekeepers at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, India said it is "proud" of its "contribution", highlighting the recent role played by Indian brigade in the aftermath of volcanic eruption in DR Congo.

At a debate on safety and security of UN peacekeepers at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, India said it is "proud" of its "contribution", highlighting the recent role played by Indian brigade in the aftermath of volcanic eruption in DR Congo. Speaking at the debate, India's Deputy Permanent Representative Nagaraj Naidu said,"India is proud of its long and rich tradition of contribution to UN peacekeeping operations... Even as Ispeak today, an Indian peacekeepers brigade stationed in Goma (DRC) are saving lives of civilians stranded in the aftermath of the Mount Nayargongo eruption in DRC." Indian forces part of the MONUSCO or United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo played a key role in safeguarding civilians and UN assets when the eruption took place. MONUSCO has 14,000 total military personnel including 2,200 Indians, making India the largest troop-contributing country. India has contributed in many ways to strengthen UN peacekeeping. Earlier this year it delivered 200,000 doses of made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines, which has helped vaccinate 140,000 field personnel. Nagraj Naidu said, "During the pandemic, India readily answered the Secretary General’s call by upgrading its hospitals in UNMISS or United Nations Mission in South Sudan and MONUSCO or United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo". India is also working with UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations for development of a mobile tech platform – UNITE AWARE, which, India's deputy envoy said will help "increase situational awareness and provides terrain related information to peacekeepers." India has contributed $1.64 million towards it and will be launching it in August when it will be chair of the United Nations Security Council for that month. India’s Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) which was set up in 2000 will be signing an MOU with C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations for new training modules for UN peacekeepers. It has also pledged a helicopter unit for MINUSMA or United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and upgraded its medical facilities at MONUSCO (Goma) and UNMISS (Juba). At the debate, India gave few suggestions to strengthen peacekeeping which involved pointing out that "peacekeeping missions cannot be a long-term response to what are fundamentally political problems" and "it is for the council to address these issues rather than burden peacekeeping missions beyond their mandate." The statement said, "The Security Council needs to authorize carefully thought-out mandates to peacekeepers in close consultation with troop contributing countries since protection of peacekeepers is as important as protection of civilians.". India is one of the major troop contributing countries to the UN's peacekeeping forces. It has contributed more than 250,000 troops in 49 UN peacekeeping missions in which 175 of its peacekeepers laid down their lives.

Proud of contribution to UN peacekeeping operations: India at UNSC while highlighting country's role in Congo after volcanic eruption

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has started his week long trip to the United States, where he has been scheduled to meet the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and also hold a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Indian EAM Jaishankar to meet Blinken, UN Chief Guterres during US visit

A few days after Israel and Gaza agreed to a ceasefire, a UN official has called for a 'genuine political process' to make sure such a violent conflict does not take place again.

The UN official stressed the importance of re-building a peaceful environment and has urged the authorities to provide proper developmental progress to the children of the region.

"We need to have a genuine, genuine focus on human development, on proper access to education, on proper access to jobs, on proper access to livelihoods," Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA told news agency AFP. "But this needs to be accompanied by a genuine political process."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-militants-march-through-gaza-city-to-celebrate-ceasefire-386912">Watch |</a>

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His statement has come as the two countries agreed to a ceasefire deal, brokered by Egypt, with assistance from the US and UN.

He has also urged the authorities to work on the root cause of the problem to make sure the future generations of Israel and Gaza do not face humanitarian crisis any further. “The layers of hardship in Gaza keep getting thicker,” Lazzarini said.

His statement has come a few days after US President Joe Biden stressed the importance of rebuilding Gaza and said, "we still need a two-state solution".

A few days after Israel and Gaza agreed to a ceasefire, a UN official has called for a 'genuine political process' to make sure such a violent conflict does not take place again.

A few days after Israel and Gaza agreed to a ceasefire, a UN official has called for a 'genuine political process' to make sure such a violent conflict does not take place again. The UN official stressed the importance of re-building a peaceful environment and has urged the authorities to provide proper developmental progress to the children of the region. "We need to have a genuine, genuine focus on human development, on proper access to education, on proper access to jobs, on proper access to livelihoods," Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA told news agency AFP. "But this needs to be accompanied by a genuine political process." Watch | His statement has come as the two countries agreed to a ceasefire deal, brokered by Egypt, with assistance from the US and UN. He has also urged the authorities to work on the root cause of the problem to make sure the future generations of Israel and Gaza do not face humanitarian crisis any further. “The layers of hardship in Gaza keep getting thicker,” Lazzarini said. His statement has come a few days after US President Joe Biden stressed the importance of rebuilding Gaza and said, "we still need a two-state solution".

UN official demands access to education, jobs for Gaza children

Top United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings observed situation in airstrike-hit Gaza and appealed both sides to observe ceasefire. Aid teams are currently assessing damage in rubble-strewn Gaza that has taken a lot of beating in the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire between both sides began early on Friday (May 21).

"Last night was calm, and we hope obviously that it is going to hold and everybody just needs to stand down and not to engage in any provocative moves," Lynn Hastings, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories, said in Gaza City.

Hastings stopped to talk to survivors on heavily damaged Wehda Street (Unity Street), where Palestinian health officials said 42 people had been killed, including 22 members of one family, during the Israeli air strikes.

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"All my ideas and dreams have ended. I have no more hopes in life," Riyad Eshkuntana, who lost his wife and four of his five children, told Hastings. "Under the rubble, my children were screaming, and I heard them. Their voices stopped one after another."

Israel has maintained that its airstrike was targetting the Hamas underground tunnel network and civilians were not the target.

Standing by the rubble of residential buildings, Hastings said she had seen more than just damaged infrastructure.

"I have been speaking to the families here and what they all said is that they have no hope, they feel that they have no control of their lives and their situation is, one woman said, helpless," she told Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ceasefire-between-israel-and-gaza-holds-as-egyptian-mediators-eye-long-term-peace-386713">Ceasefire between Israel and Gaza holds as Egyptian mediators eye long-term peace</a>

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden has said Washington will work with U.N. agencies on expediting humanitarian aid for Gaza "in a manner that does not permit Hamas to simply restock its military arsenal".

Hastings said suitable mechanisms were already in place and had been active since a war in 2014.

She cited the "Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism" agreed among Israel, the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas, a Hamas rival who governs the occupied West Bank but has negligible influence within Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

Top United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings observed situation in airstrike-hit Gaza and appealed both sides to observe ceasefire.

Top United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings observed situation in airstrike-hit Gaza and appealed both sides to observe ceasefire. Aid teams are currently assessing damage in rubble-strewn Gaza that has taken a lot of beating in the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire between both sides began early on Friday (May 21). "Last night was calm, and we hope obviously that it is going to hold and everybody just needs to stand down and not to engage in any provocative moves," Lynn Hastings, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories, said in Gaza City. Hastings stopped to talk to survivors on heavily damaged Wehda Street (Unity Street), where Palestinian health officials said 42 people had been killed, including 22 members of one family, during the Israeli air strikes. × "All my ideas and dreams have ended. I have no more hopes in life," Riyad Eshkuntana, who lost his wife and four of his five children, told Hastings. "Under the rubble, my children were screaming, and I heard them. Their voices stopped one after another." Israel has maintained that its airstrike was targetting the Hamas underground tunnel network and civilians were not the target. Standing by the rubble of residential buildings, Hastings said she had seen more than just damaged infrastructure. "I have been speaking to the families here and what they all said is that they have no hope, they feel that they have no control of their lives and their situation is, one woman said, helpless," she told Reuters. Also Read | Ceasefire between Israel and Gaza holds as Egyptian mediators eye long-term peace US President Joe Biden has said Washington will work with U.N. agencies on expediting humanitarian aid for Gaza "in a manner that does not permit Hamas to simply restock its military arsenal". Hastings said suitable mechanisms were already in place and had been active since a war in 2014. She cited the "Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism" agreed among Israel, the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas, a Hamas rival who governs the occupied West Bank but has negligible influence within Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

UN humanitarian aid chief tours Gaza to assess damage, presses both sides

United Nations envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis on Friday told Security Council that progress on issues such as the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries and reopening the road connecting the country's east with its west had "stalled". Kubis was speaking to the Council via video. He warned that the delays could undermine a ceasefire agreement between the country's warring sides.&nbsp;

"Progress on key issues such as the reopening of the coastal road between Sirte and Misrata and the start of the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries, fighters and foreign forces has stalled," he said.

"Further delays in reopening the road work against efforts to build trust between the two sides and could undermine efforts to advance the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, to advance the political transition," he said.

US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield also criticized the lack of political progress.&nbsp;

"It's time for the Libyan leadership to clarify the constitutional basis for the election (planned for December 24), pass the required legislation and ensure elections are not delayed," she said, calling for progress before July 1.

Kubis also said the continued presence of foreign fighters and armed groups "is a significant threat not just to Libya security, but to the region as a whole."

He said it was "critical" to ensure "an orderly departure" and disarm them.&nbsp;

Thomas-Greenfield agreed, saying that "external actors involved in the conflict must cease their military interference and begin to withdraw from Libya immediately."

"There is no room for interpretation here. All means all," she continued.&nbsp;

According to the UN, more than 20,000 foreign mercenaries and military personnel are still in Libya. They include Turkish, Russian, Sudanese and Chadian mercenaries.

Unlike the Russian mercenaries who supported the authorities in the east of the country, Turkey says its troops sent to Tripoli were sent under a bilateral agreement with the government, implying that they are not affected by a request for foreign troops to leave.&nbsp;

The fear that armed groups will leave Libya to deploy in the region was again raised by several Security Council members, who recalled the recent destabilization in Chad that led to the death of its president Idriss Deby.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

United Nations envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis on Friday told Security Council that progress on issues such as the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries and reopening the road connecting the country's east with its west had "stalled".

United Nations envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis on Friday told Security Council that progress on issues such as the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries and reopening the road connecting the country's east with its west had "stalled". Kubis was speaking to the Council via video. He warned that the delays could undermine a ceasefire agreement between the country's warring sides. "Progress on key issues such as the reopening of the coastal road between Sirte and Misrata and the start of the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries, fighters and foreign forces has stalled," he said. "Further delays in reopening the road work against efforts to build trust between the two sides and could undermine efforts to advance the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, to advance the political transition," he said. US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield also criticized the lack of political progress. "It's time for the Libyan leadership to clarify the constitutional basis for the election (planned for December 24), pass the required legislation and ensure elections are not delayed," she said, calling for progress before July 1. Kubis also said the continued presence of foreign fighters and armed groups "is a significant threat not just to Libya security, but to the region as a whole." He said it was "critical" to ensure "an orderly departure" and disarm them. Thomas-Greenfield agreed, saying that "external actors involved in the conflict must cease their military interference and begin to withdraw from Libya immediately." "There is no room for interpretation here. All means all," she continued. According to the UN, more than 20,000 foreign mercenaries and military personnel are still in Libya. They include Turkish, Russian, Sudanese and Chadian mercenaries. Unlike the Russian mercenaries who supported the authorities in the east of the country, Turkey says its troops sent to Tripoli were sent under a bilateral agreement with the government, implying that they are not affected by a request for foreign troops to leave. The fear that armed groups will leave Libya to deploy in the region was again raised by several Security Council members, who recalled the recent destabilization in Chad that led to the death of its president Idriss Deby. (With inputs from agencies)

Progress in Libya 'stalled', says UN

A 193-member UN General Assembly vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling 'for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions' to Myanmar has been postponed, diplomats said. &nbsp;

A spokesman for the UN General Assembly president said earlier on Monday that the body was due to vote on Tuesday. It was not immediately known when a vote would be rescheduled. Some diplomats said it had been delayed in a bid to win more support. &nbsp;

The draft resolution calls on the Myanmar military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, to end a state of emergency, stop all violence against peaceful protesters and respect the will of the people as expressed in the results of a November election. &nbsp;

General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has a veto power in the General Assembly. &nbsp;

Myanmar has been in crisis since the army ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and detained her and officials of her National League for Democracy party. The UN draft text calls for their release.&nbsp;

The military, which has set up a ruling junta of generals, complained of fraud in the November election that returned Suu Kyi to power. The election commission said the vote was fair.&nbsp;

The draft General Assembly resolution "calls upon the Myanmar armed forces to immediately stop all violence against peaceful demonstrators, members of civil society, women, youth, as well as children and others."&nbsp;

At least 788 people have been killed by the junta's security forces in crackdowns on protests against its rule, according to an advocacy group.&nbsp;

The military, which disputes that number, imposes tight restrictions on media, information and the internet. The reporter cannot independently verify arrests and casualty numbers.&nbsp;

The UN text also urges the army to stop 'attacks on, harassment of and restrictions on medical personnel, human rights defenders, labor union members, journalists and media workers ... and restrictions on the internet and social media'.&nbsp;

If adopted, the draft resolution would urge the military to allow a visit by the UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, and implement a plan by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to end the crisis.&nbsp;

The United States, Britain and Canada on Monday imposed new sanctions targeting Myanmar's junta.&nbsp;

Only the UN Security Council can impose legally binding sanctions or an arms embargo, but diplomats say Russia and China could likely use their veto to prevent such action on Myanmar. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

A 193-member UN General Assembly vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling 'for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions' to Myanmar has been postponed, diplomats said.

A 193-member UN General Assembly vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling 'for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions' to Myanmar has been postponed, diplomats said. A spokesman for the UN General Assembly president said earlier on Monday that the body was due to vote on Tuesday. It was not immediately known when a vote would be rescheduled. Some diplomats said it had been delayed in a bid to win more support. The draft resolution calls on the Myanmar military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, to end a state of emergency, stop all violence against peaceful protesters and respect the will of the people as expressed in the results of a November election. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has a veto power in the General Assembly. Myanmar has been in crisis since the army ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and detained her and officials of her National League for Democracy party. The UN draft text calls for their release. The military, which has set up a ruling junta of generals, complained of fraud in the November election that returned Suu Kyi to power. The election commission said the vote was fair. The draft General Assembly resolution "calls upon the Myanmar armed forces to immediately stop all violence against peaceful demonstrators, members of civil society, women, youth, as well as children and others." At least 788 people have been killed by the junta's security forces in crackdowns on protests against its rule, according to an advocacy group. The military, which disputes that number, imposes tight restrictions on media, information and the internet. The reporter cannot independently verify arrests and casualty numbers. The UN text also urges the army to stop 'attacks on, harassment of and restrictions on medical personnel, human rights defenders, labor union members, journalists and media workers ... and restrictions on the internet and social media'. If adopted, the draft resolution would urge the military to allow a visit by the UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, and implement a plan by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to end the crisis. The United States, Britain and Canada on Monday imposed new sanctions targeting Myanmar's junta. Only the UN Security Council can impose legally binding sanctions or an arms embargo, but diplomats say Russia and China could likely use their veto to prevent such action on Myanmar. (With inputs from agencies)

UN vote on call to stop arms supply to Myanmar postponed 

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday is set to consider a draft non-binding resolution calling for 'an immediate suspension' of the transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar, a UN official said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are non-binding but carry strong political significance.&nbsp;

If an approval by consensus cannot be reached then the full General Assembly, 193 member states, will vote on the measure.&nbsp;

Introduced by Liechtenstein, with support from the European Union, Britain, and the United States, the measure will be considered at the plenary meeting set for Tuesday at 1900 GMT. &nbsp;

The draft resolution calls for "an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale, or transfer of all weapons, munitions, and other military-related equipment to Myanmar."&nbsp;

"The meeting will be in person," a UN spokesman said.&nbsp;

The draft, which has been under negotiation for weeks, is co-sponsored by 48 countries, with South Korea the sole Asian country.&nbsp;

It also calls on military to 'end the state of emergency' and immediately stop 'all violence against peaceful demonstrators’, as well as 'immediately and unconditionally release President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi' and everyone who has been 'arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested' since the February 1 coup.&nbsp;

The draft adds a call to 'swiftly implement' a five-point consensus reached with leaders from the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 24, to 'facilitate the visit' of the special UN envoy to Myanmar, and to provide 'safe and unimpeded humanitarian access’.&nbsp;

Several NGOs have long been calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar.&nbsp;

Since February 1, the Security Council has unanimously adopted four statements on Myanmar, but each time, they have been watered down in negotiations, notably by Beijing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday is set to consider a draft non-binding resolution calling for 'an immediate suspension' of the transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar, a UN official said on Sunday.

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday is set to consider a draft non-binding resolution calling for 'an immediate suspension' of the transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar, a UN official said on Sunday. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are non-binding but carry strong political significance. If an approval by consensus cannot be reached then the full General Assembly, 193 member states, will vote on the measure. Introduced by Liechtenstein, with support from the European Union, Britain, and the United States, the measure will be considered at the plenary meeting set for Tuesday at 1900 GMT. The draft resolution calls for "an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale, or transfer of all weapons, munitions, and other military-related equipment to Myanmar." "The meeting will be in person," a UN spokesman said. The draft, which has been under negotiation for weeks, is co-sponsored by 48 countries, with South Korea the sole Asian country. It also calls on military to 'end the state of emergency' and immediately stop 'all violence against peaceful demonstrators’, as well as 'immediately and unconditionally release President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi' and everyone who has been 'arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested' since the February 1 coup. The draft adds a call to 'swiftly implement' a five-point consensus reached with leaders from the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 24, to 'facilitate the visit' of the special UN envoy to Myanmar, and to provide 'safe and unimpeded humanitarian access’. Several NGOs have long been calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. Since February 1, the Security Council has unanimously adopted four statements on Myanmar, but each time, they have been watered down in negotiations, notably by Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

UN General Assembly to consider call for Myanmar arms embargo 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the UN Security Council to seek an early de-escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers. He also blamed the US for the council's lack of action so far.&nbsp;

"Regrettably, the council has so far failed to reach an agreement, with the United States standing on the opposite side of international justice," the state-run Xinhua News Agency quoted Wang as saying in a phone conversation on Saturday with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.&nbsp;

He expressed support for a two-state solution, and said China, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, expects all parties to speak with a unified voice when the council discusses the conflict later on Sunday.&nbsp;

Wang said the Security Council should reconfirm a two-state solution and urge Palestinians and Israelis to resume talks on that basis as soon as possible. &nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday.

The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday.

The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations.

The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world.&nbsp;The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem.

The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples.

Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the UN Security Council to seek an early de-escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers. He also blamed the US for the council's lack of action so far.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the UN Security Council to seek an early de-escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers. He also blamed the US for the council's lack of action so far. "Regrettably, the council has so far failed to reach an agreement, with the United States standing on the opposite side of international justice," the state-run Xinhua News Agency quoted Wang as saying in a phone conversation on Saturday with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. He expressed support for a two-state solution, and said China, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, expects all parties to speak with a unified voice when the council discusses the conflict later on Sunday. Wang said the Security Council should reconfirm a two-state solution and urge Palestinians and Israelis to resume talks on that basis as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday. The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday. The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations. The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world. The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem. The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples. Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished. (With inputs from agencies)

China calls for UN council action, slams US over fighting between Israel, Gaza

China has finally been cornered on Xinjiang. U.K, U.S. and Germany clashed with China at the United Nations and demanded access to Xinjiang. What did China do? Got Muslim clerics to parrot 'Xinjiang is beautiful'. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: China cornered on Xinjiang

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for the need to double the capacity of COVID-19 vaccine production and for fairer redistribution of the shots in the developing world, which faces new waves of the coronavirus.

UN Chief calls for doubling COVID-19 vaccine production

China on Thursday expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israel and Palestinians and urged the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution.

The most intense hostilities in seven years have killed at least 83 people in Gaza and seven in Israel since Monday.

On Friday the Security Council is to hold another emergency meeting after Tunisia, Norway and China urged the body to reconvene despite resistance from the United States, which acts as a diplomatic shield for ally Israel.

An earlier emergency meeting held Wednesday ended without agreement on a joint statement due to opposition from the United States, diplomats said.

"China expresses a high degree of concern regarding the current situation between Palestine and Israel," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, adding that China was ready to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of the body.

"However, due to the obstruction of individual countries, no agreement has been reached so far," added Hua.&nbsp;

"The Security Council should take action, reiterate its commitment to and firm support for the two-state solution."

One of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China holds the rotating presidency this month.

Beijing is often criticised by the United States for vetoing Security Council statements including when it blocked an attempt to condemn the military coup in Myanmar.

Friday's expected meeting will be public and include participation by Israel and the Palestinians, diplomats told AFP Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a US envoy would travel to the Middle East in an effort to calm tensions.

China on Thursday expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israel and Palestinians and urged the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution.

China on Thursday expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israel and Palestinians and urged the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution. The most intense hostilities in seven years have killed at least 83 people in Gaza and seven in Israel since Monday. On Friday the Security Council is to hold another emergency meeting after Tunisia, Norway and China urged the body to reconvene despite resistance from the United States, which acts as a diplomatic shield for ally Israel. An earlier emergency meeting held Wednesday ended without agreement on a joint statement due to opposition from the United States, diplomats said. "China expresses a high degree of concern regarding the current situation between Palestine and Israel," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, adding that China was ready to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of the body. "However, due to the obstruction of individual countries, no agreement has been reached so far," added Hua. "The Security Council should take action, reiterate its commitment to and firm support for the two-state solution." One of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China holds the rotating presidency this month. Beijing is often criticised by the United States for vetoing Security Council statements including when it blocked an attempt to condemn the military coup in Myanmar. Friday's expected meeting will be public and include participation by Israel and the Palestinians, diplomats told AFP Wednesday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a US envoy would travel to the Middle East in an effort to calm tensions.

China urges UN to act on Israel-Palestinian conflict

China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that the use of the United Nations as a platform for a virtual event on the repression of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in Xinjiang was an insult to the institution.

China's foreign ministry says UN event on Xinjiang an insult

A UN&nbsp;team investigating Islamic State crimes in Iraq has found "clear and convincing evidence that the crimes against the Yazidi people clearly constituted genocide," the head of the inquiry said on Monday. 
 
Karim Khan told the UN&nbsp;Security Council that the team, which started work in 2018, had also identified perpetrators "that clearly have responsibility for the crime of genocide against the Yazidi community." 
 
The Yazidis are a religious sect whose beliefs combine elements of several ancient Middle Eastern religions. Islamic State militants consider the Yazidis to be devil-worshippers. 
 
Khan, a British lawyer who will next month become the International Criminal Court prosecutor, said the intent of Islamic State "to destroy the Yazidi, physically and biologically, was manifest in the ultimatum that was repeated in so many different villages in Iraq - to convert or die." 
 
Islamic State overran the Yazidi heartland in northern Iraq in 2014, forcing young women into servitude as "wives" for fighters, massacring thousands of people and displacing most of the 550,000-strong community. In 2016 an independent UN&nbsp;commission of inquiry described it as genocide. 
 
Nadia Murad, an Iraqi Yazidi woman who was enslaved and raped by Islamic State, and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney lobbied the Security Council, which then created the UN&nbsp;investigative team in 2017. 
 
They also pushed for the council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court or create a special court. 
 
"Evidence has been found, but we are still searching for the political will to prosecute," Murad, who won the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, told the Security Council on Monday. 
 
The UN&nbsp;team has so far identified 1,444 possible perpetrators of attacks against the Yazidis. 
 
Khan also said that from the team`s investigation into the mass killing of unarmed cadets and military personnel at Tikrit Air Academy in June 2014 "it is clear that the crime of direct and public incitement to commit genocide occurred." 
 
The team has identified 20 people of interest and 875 victims remains from 11 mass graves from the Tikrit attack by the Sunni extremists against Shia Muslims.

A UN team investigating Islamic State crimes in Iraq has found "clear and convincing evidence that the crimes against the Yazidi people clearly constituted genocide," the head of the inquiry said on Monday.

A UN team investigating Islamic State crimes in Iraq has found "clear and convincing evidence that the crimes against the Yazidi people clearly constituted genocide," the head of the inquiry said on Monday. Karim Khan told the UN Security Council that the team, which started work in 2018, had also identified perpetrators "that clearly have responsibility for the crime of genocide against the Yazidi community." The Yazidis are a religious sect whose beliefs combine elements of several ancient Middle Eastern religions. Islamic State militants consider the Yazidis to be devil-worshippers. Khan, a British lawyer who will next month become the International Criminal Court prosecutor, said the intent of Islamic State "to destroy the Yazidi, physically and biologically, was manifest in the ultimatum that was repeated in so many different villages in Iraq - to convert or die." Islamic State overran the Yazidi heartland in northern Iraq in 2014, forcing young women into servitude as "wives" for fighters, massacring thousands of people and displacing most of the 550,000-strong community. In 2016 an independent UN commission of inquiry described it as genocide. Nadia Murad, an Iraqi Yazidi woman who was enslaved and raped by Islamic State, and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney lobbied the Security Council, which then created the UN investigative team in 2017. They also pushed for the council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court or create a special court. "Evidence has been found, but we are still searching for the political will to prosecute," Murad, who won the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, told the Security Council on Monday. The UN team has so far identified 1,444 possible perpetrators of attacks against the Yazidis. Khan also said that from the team`s investigation into the mass killing of unarmed cadets and military personnel at Tikrit Air Academy in June 2014 "it is clear that the crime of direct and public incitement to commit genocide occurred." The team has identified 20 people of interest and 875 victims remains from 11 mass graves from the Tikrit attack by the Sunni extremists against Shia Muslims.

UN investigator says he has evidence of genocide against Iraq's Yazidis

The United Nations said on Sunday that around 120 peacekeepers from Ethiopia were seeking asylum in Sudan. Several regions in Ethiopia including Tigray are hit by inter-ethnic conflict.

The personnel were due to be repatriated on the back of the phased withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission, UNAMID, from western Sudan's Darfur region after its mandate ended on December 31.&nbsp;

"As of now, 120 former UNAMID peacekeepers who were due to be repatriated have sought international protection," a UN peacekeeping spokesperson told AFP via email.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, also confirmed the former peacekeepers have applied for asylum in Sudan.

They "will be taken to a location where they can be safely undertaken for their refugee status to be determined," it said without elaborating, due to "protection purposes".

It wasn't immediately clear whether all former peacekeepers who sought asylum were from Tigray region.

Conflict in Tigray broke out last November between federal forces of Ethiopia and leaders of the region's ruling party. The conflict has left thousands dead.

The fighting sent some 60,000 refugees fleeing into neighbouring Sudan, a nation struggling with economic woes and a rocky transition since the April 2019 ouster of strongman Omar al-Bashir.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, is also grappling with ethnic violence in other regions including Amhara, Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations said on Sunday that around 120 peacekeepers from Ethiopia were seeking asylum in Sudan. Several regions in Ethiopia including Tigray are hit by inter-ethnic conflict.

The United Nations said on Sunday that around 120 peacekeepers from Ethiopia were seeking asylum in Sudan. Several regions in Ethiopia including Tigray are hit by inter-ethnic conflict. The personnel were due to be repatriated on the back of the phased withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission, UNAMID, from western Sudan's Darfur region after its mandate ended on December 31. "As of now, 120 former UNAMID peacekeepers who were due to be repatriated have sought international protection," a UN peacekeeping spokesperson told AFP via email. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, also confirmed the former peacekeepers have applied for asylum in Sudan. They "will be taken to a location where they can be safely undertaken for their refugee status to be determined," it said without elaborating, due to "protection purposes". It wasn't immediately clear whether all former peacekeepers who sought asylum were from Tigray region. Conflict in Tigray broke out last November between federal forces of Ethiopia and leaders of the region's ruling party. The conflict has left thousands dead. The fighting sent some 60,000 refugees fleeing into neighbouring Sudan, a nation struggling with economic woes and a rocky transition since the April 2019 ouster of strongman Omar al-Bashir. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, is also grappling with ethnic violence in other regions including Amhara, Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz. (With inputs from agencies)

More than hundred Ethiopia ex-peacekeepers seek asylum in Sudan, says UN

China has urged United Nations member states not to attend an event planned next week by Germany, the United States and Britain on the repression of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in Xinjiang, according to a note seen by Reuters on Friday. &nbsp;

"It is a politically-motivated event," China's UN mission wrote in the note, dated Thursday. "We request your mission NOT to participate in this anti-China event."&nbsp;

China charged that the organisers of the event, which also include several other European states along with Australia and Canada, use "human rights issues as a political tool to interfere in China's internal affairs like Xinjiang, to create division and turbulence and disrupt China's development."&nbsp;

"They are obsessed with provoking confrontation with China," the note said, adding that "the provocative event can only lead to more confrontation." &nbsp;

The Chinese mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

The ambassadors of the United States, Germany and Britain are due to address the virtual UN event on Wednesday, along with Human Rights Watch Executive Director Ken Roth and Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard.&nbsp;

The aim of the event is to "discuss how the UN system, member states and civil society can support and advocate for the human rights of members of ethnic Turkic communities in Xinjiang," according to an invitation.&nbsp;

Western states and rights groups have accused authorities in Xinjiang of detaining and torturing Uyghurs in camps, which the United States has described as genocide. In January, Washington banned the import of cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang over allegations of forced labour.&nbsp;

Beijing denies the accusations and describes the camps as vocational training centers to combat religious extremism.&nbsp;

"Beijing has been trying for years to bully governments into silence but that strategy has failed miserably, as more and states step forward to voice horror and revulsion at China's crimes against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims," Human Rights Watch UN director Louis Charbonneau said on Friday.&nbsp;

China has urged United Nations member states not to attend an event planned next week by Germany, the United States and Britain on the repression of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in Xinjiang, according to a note seen by Reuters on Friday.

China has urged United Nations member states not to attend an event planned next week by Germany, the United States and Britain on the repression of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in Xinjiang, according to a note seen by Reuters on Friday. "It is a politically-motivated event," China's UN mission wrote in the note, dated Thursday. "We request your mission NOT to participate in this anti-China event." China charged that the organisers of the event, which also include several other European states along with Australia and Canada, use "human rights issues as a political tool to interfere in China's internal affairs like Xinjiang, to create division and turbulence and disrupt China's development." "They are obsessed with provoking confrontation with China," the note said, adding that "the provocative event can only lead to more confrontation." The Chinese mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The ambassadors of the United States, Germany and Britain are due to address the virtual UN event on Wednesday, along with Human Rights Watch Executive Director Ken Roth and Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard. The aim of the event is to "discuss how the UN system, member states and civil society can support and advocate for the human rights of members of ethnic Turkic communities in Xinjiang," according to an invitation. Western states and rights groups have accused authorities in Xinjiang of detaining and torturing Uyghurs in camps, which the United States has described as genocide. In January, Washington banned the import of cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang over allegations of forced labour. Beijing denies the accusations and describes the camps as vocational training centers to combat religious extremism. "Beijing has been trying for years to bully governments into silence but that strategy has failed miserably, as more and states step forward to voice horror and revulsion at China's crimes against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims," Human Rights Watch UN director Louis Charbonneau said on Friday.

China urges UN states not to attend Xinjiang event next week 

The global community has decried the use of violence by security officers after several days of deadly protests. Close to 20 people have lost their lives and 846 wounded in the violence anti- government demonstrations.

EU, UN condemns Colombia crackdown, calls for calm in protests

A Guantanamo Bay inmate alleges he was tortured by his American captors after the September 11 attacks and will file a complaint with the UN Friday over his unending 19-year detention, his lawyer said.

Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah's lawyer Helen Duffy said the complaint will be filed with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention against the United States and six other countries, asking for intervention in his case.

The 50-year-old Saudi-born Palestinian, whose real name is Zayn&nbsp;al-Abidin Muhammad Husayn, was detained in Pakistan in March 2002 on suspicions he was a senior member of Al-Qaeda who helped plan the 9/11 attacks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10-years-after-death-al-qaeda-chief-osama-bin-laden-still-mobilises-jihadists-380730">10 years after death, al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden still mobilises jihadists</a>

According to his lawyer, he was handed over to the CIA, which moved him through a series of secret&nbsp;units in several countries where he was brutally interrogated.

He was the first of a series of detainees to go through waterboarding and other now-banned techniques as US intelligence sought to force information from him about others in the jihadist group.

In 2003 he was transferred to Guantanamo, where he has stayed ever since. US officials have since admitted he was never a member of Al-Qaeda or an important figure among Islamic extremists.

Moreover, one of his interrogators, an FBI agent, has said that he cooperated easily before he was tortured so that he had nothing to add once he was subjected to the CIA's extreme interrogation methods, which included 83 instances of waterboarding.

Like most others among the last 40 detainees in Guantanamo,&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah&nbsp;has never been charged and faces indefinite imprisonment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shuts-secret-guantanamo-prison-unit-moves-prisoners-to-another-nearby-camp-375521">US shuts secret Guantanamo prison unit, moves prisoners to another nearby camp</a>

"His detention has no lawful basis in international law (and) offends all principles of due process," Duffy said in a statement.

The petition will ask the UN agency to find that the United States is obliged to release him.&nbsp;

It also demands that six other countries involved in his disappearance and rendition;&nbsp;Britain, Thailand, Afghanistan, Lithuania, Poland and Morocco, use their powers to secure his release and relocation.&nbsp;

"After 19 years of arbitrary detention, the only appropriate legal remedy for&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah&nbsp;is release and rehabilitation," Duffy said.

She added that how the administration of US President Joe Biden responds to the complaint "will be a test of its newly stated commitment to international rule of law&nbsp;and human rights."

In a separate legal case, the US Supreme Court on Monday said it would review&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah's petition to subpoena two CIA consultants who oversaw post-9/11 torture operations.

That petition is related to an investigation in Poland into torture conducted by the CIA at a black site in that country, including on&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah.

A Guantanamo Bay inmate alleges he was tortured by his American captors after the September 11 attacks and will file a complaint with the UN Friday over his unending 19-year detention, his lawyer said.

A Guantanamo Bay inmate alleges he was tortured by his American captors after the September 11 attacks and will file a complaint with the UN Friday over his unending 19-year detention, his lawyer said. Abu Zubaydah's lawyer Helen Duffy said the complaint will be filed with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention against the United States and six other countries, asking for intervention in his case. The 50-year-old Saudi-born Palestinian, whose real name is Zayn al-Abidin Muhammad Husayn, was detained in Pakistan in March 2002 on suspicions he was a senior member of Al-Qaeda who helped plan the 9/11 attacks. Also read | 10 years after death, al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden still mobilises jihadists According to his lawyer, he was handed over to the CIA, which moved him through a series of secret units in several countries where he was brutally interrogated. He was the first of a series of detainees to go through waterboarding and other now-banned techniques as US intelligence sought to force information from him about others in the jihadist group. In 2003 he was transferred to Guantanamo, where he has stayed ever since. US officials have since admitted he was never a member of Al-Qaeda or an important figure among Islamic extremists. Moreover, one of his interrogators, an FBI agent, has said that he cooperated easily before he was tortured so that he had nothing to add once he was subjected to the CIA's extreme interrogation methods, which included 83 instances of waterboarding. Like most others among the last 40 detainees in Guantanamo, Abu Zubaydah has never been charged and faces indefinite imprisonment. Also read | US shuts secret Guantanamo prison unit, moves prisoners to another nearby camp "His detention has no lawful basis in international law (and) offends all principles of due process," Duffy said in a statement. The petition will ask the UN agency to find that the United States is obliged to release him. It also demands that six other countries involved in his disappearance and rendition; Britain, Thailand, Afghanistan, Lithuania, Poland and Morocco, use their powers to secure his release and relocation. "After 19 years of arbitrary detention, the only appropriate legal remedy for Abu Zubaydah is release and rehabilitation," Duffy said. She added that how the administration of US President Joe Biden responds to the complaint "will be a test of its newly stated commitment to international rule of law and human rights." In a separate legal case, the US Supreme Court on Monday said it would review Abu Zubaydah's petition to subpoena two CIA consultants who oversaw post-9/11 torture operations. That petition is related to an investigation in Poland into torture conducted by the CIA at a black site in that country, including on Abu Zubaydah.

Guantanamo detainee Abu Zubaydah to file complaint with UN agency

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;called Friday for an immediate end to violence in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;as stated in an&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;plan, giving unanimous approval to a statement watered down to satisfy China and Russia.

The&nbsp;plan, which also&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for the naming of an envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to address the crisis triggered by the February 1 military coup, should be applied "without delay," the&nbsp;council&nbsp;statement says.

It was approved after a closed-door meeting of the&nbsp;council&nbsp;and forced Western countries to make concessions to China,&nbsp;Myanmar's main backer,&nbsp;and Russia to win passage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-protesters-march-three-months-after-coup-un-warns-of-standstill-381881">Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill'</a>

At their request, the&nbsp;council&nbsp;eliminated clauses that said it "once again strongly condemned violence against peaceful protestors" and "reiterated their call on the military to exercise utmost restraint."

A diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity explained the changes saying "what we must avoid is losing&nbsp;council&nbsp;unity to the point of making it irrelevant."

Since the coup in&nbsp;Myanmar, the&nbsp;council&nbsp;has approved four statements on the crisis including this latest one of Friday. All of them were toned down under pressure from China.

Friday's session was convened by Vietnam to present the conclusions of a recent&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;summit in Indonesia.&nbsp;

The statement that was ultimately passed&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Special Envoy to&nbsp;Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, who is currently touring the region, to be able to visit&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;"as soon as possible."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/half-of-myanmars-population-could-face-poverty-due-to-pandemic-coup-un-381661">Half of Myanmar's population could face poverty due to pandemic, coup: UN</a>

Schraner Burgener gave a report on her long meeting with&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, held on the sidelines of the&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;meeting last weekend.

Diplomats said the envoy, who is currently based in Bangkok, once again had her request for a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;denied. &nbsp;

During the meeting, Brunei, which currently holds the presidency of&nbsp;ASEAN, floated the idea of a joint visit to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;by the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;envoy and her future&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;counterpart.

"We estimate around 20,000 internal displacements and almost 10,000 fleeing to neighboring countries since February. The regional implications require urgent action," Schraner Burgener told the&nbsp;council, according to the text of her speech, which was seen by AFP.

"The common aspiration for democracy has united the people of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;across religious, ethnic and communal divides like never before. Such strong unity has created unexpected difficulties for the military in consolidating power and stabilizing the coup," she added.&nbsp;

Nearly 760 civilians have been killed by police and soldiers in the past three months, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).&nbsp;

The junta puts the death toll at 258 dead by April 15, calling the demonstrators "rioters" who engaged in "acts of terrorism".

The UN Security Council called Friday for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar as stated in an ASEAN plan, giving unanimous approval to a statement watered down to satisfy China and Russia.

The UN Security Council called Friday for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar as stated in an ASEAN plan, giving unanimous approval to a statement watered down to satisfy China and Russia. The plan, which also calls for the naming of an envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to address the crisis triggered by the February 1 military coup, should be applied "without delay," the council statement says. It was approved after a closed-door meeting of the council and forced Western countries to make concessions to China, Myanmar's main backer, and Russia to win passage. Also read | Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill' At their request, the council eliminated clauses that said it "once again strongly condemned violence against peaceful protestors" and "reiterated their call on the military to exercise utmost restraint." A diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity explained the changes saying "what we must avoid is losing council unity to the point of making it irrelevant." Since the coup in Myanmar, the council has approved four statements on the crisis including this latest one of Friday. All of them were toned down under pressure from China. Friday's session was convened by Vietnam to present the conclusions of a recent ASEAN summit in Indonesia. The statement that was ultimately passed calls for the UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, who is currently touring the region, to be able to visit Myanmar "as soon as possible." Also read | Half of Myanmar's population could face poverty due to pandemic, coup: UN Schraner Burgener gave a report on her long meeting with Myanmar junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting last weekend. Diplomats said the envoy, who is currently based in Bangkok, once again had her request for a visit to Myanmar denied. During the meeting, Brunei, which currently holds the presidency of ASEAN, floated the idea of a joint visit to Myanmar by the UN envoy and her future ASEAN counterpart. "We estimate around 20,000 internal displacements and almost 10,000 fleeing to neighboring countries since February. The regional implications require urgent action," Schraner Burgener told the council, according to the text of her speech, which was seen by AFP. "The common aspiration for democracy has united the people of Myanmar across religious, ethnic and communal divides like never before. Such strong unity has created unexpected difficulties for the military in consolidating power and stabilizing the coup," she added. Nearly 760 civilians have been killed by police and soldiers in the past three months, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). The junta puts the death toll at 258 dead by April 15, calling the demonstrators "rioters" who engaged in "acts of terrorism".

UN Security Council calls for ASEAN Myanmar plan to be enacted

Protesters against military rule marched in Myanmar on Saturday three months after a coup ended a democratic transition, with several small blasts compounding a sense of crisis that a UN&nbsp;envoy warned could bring state administration to a halt.

The military has tried to end dissent and impose its authority on a people largely opposed to the return of rule by the generals after 10 years of democratic reforms that included a government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi.

Despite a relentless crackdown in which at least 759 protesters have been killed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy group, crowds come out day after day to reject the junta. 
"Our cause, democracy, our cause, a federal union. Free arrested leaders," protesters chanted at one of two rallies in the main city of Yangon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person">Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person</a>

Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup the along with many other members of her party. The AAPP says more than 3,400 people have been detained for opposing the military.

People also rallied in the second city of Mandalay and the southern town of Dawei, media reported. 
There were no immediate reports of violence.

Media reported several small blasts in different places including Yangon late on Friday and on Saturday. There were no immediate reports of casualties and no claims of responsibility.

A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. The military has accused pro-democracy activists of planting bombs.

The UN&nbsp;special envoy on Myanmar told the Security Council on Friday that in the absence of a collective international response to the coup, violence was worsening and the running of the state risked coming to a standstill, according to diplomats who attended the private meeting.

Christine Schraner Burgener briefed the 15-member council from Thailand, where she has been meeting regional leaders. She hopes to travel to Myanmar but the military has yet to approve a visit.

"The general administration of the state could risk coming to a standstill as the pro-democracy movement continues in spite of the ongoing use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests and torture as part of the military`s repression," Schraner Burgener said, according to diplomats.

She told diplomats that reports of a continuing crackdown risked undermining momentum toward ending the crisis following a meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 25 with the junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Schraner Burgener, expressing concern about rising violence, cited reports of bomb attacks and of civilians, mostly students from the urban areas, getting weapons training from ethnic minority insurgents.

UN&nbsp;special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said Min Aung Hlaing had used the summit as a 'propaganda ploy'.

"Indeed, he tried to appear to be what he is not - a legitimate leader," Andrews said in a post on Twitter.

"The good news: Those who ARE legitimate are ready to engage: the National Unity Government."

Ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, politicians representing ethnic minorities and democracy activists set up the unity government but it has yet to win the international recognition it says it is due.

The UN&nbsp;Security Council reiterated its 'deep concern' at the situation and its support for Myanmar's democratic transition.

The council has issued several statements since the coup but diplomats say Russia and China are likely to prevent any stronger council action against Myanmar.

Protesters against military rule marched in Myanmar on Saturday three months after a coup ended a democratic transition, with several small blasts compounding a sense of crisis that a UN envoy warned could bring state administration to a halt.

Protesters against military rule marched in Myanmar on Saturday three months after a coup ended a democratic transition, with several small blasts compounding a sense of crisis that a UN envoy warned could bring state administration to a halt. The military has tried to end dissent and impose its authority on a people largely opposed to the return of rule by the generals after 10 years of democratic reforms that included a government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi. Despite a relentless crackdown in which at least 759 protesters have been killed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy group, crowds come out day after day to reject the junta. "Our cause, democracy, our cause, a federal union. Free arrested leaders," protesters chanted at one of two rallies in the main city of Yangon. Also read: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup the along with many other members of her party. The AAPP says more than 3,400 people have been detained for opposing the military. People also rallied in the second city of Mandalay and the southern town of Dawei, media reported. There were no immediate reports of violence. Media reported several small blasts in different places including Yangon late on Friday and on Saturday. There were no immediate reports of casualties and no claims of responsibility. A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. The military has accused pro-democracy activists of planting bombs. The UN special envoy on Myanmar told the Security Council on Friday that in the absence of a collective international response to the coup, violence was worsening and the running of the state risked coming to a standstill, according to diplomats who attended the private meeting. Christine Schraner Burgener briefed the 15-member council from Thailand, where she has been meeting regional leaders. She hopes to travel to Myanmar but the military has yet to approve a visit. "The general administration of the state could risk coming to a standstill as the pro-democracy movement continues in spite of the ongoing use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests and torture as part of the military`s repression," Schraner Burgener said, according to diplomats. She told diplomats that reports of a continuing crackdown risked undermining momentum toward ending the crisis following a meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 25 with the junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Schraner Burgener, expressing concern about rising violence, cited reports of bomb attacks and of civilians, mostly students from the urban areas, getting weapons training from ethnic minority insurgents. UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said Min Aung Hlaing had used the summit as a 'propaganda ploy'. "Indeed, he tried to appear to be what he is not - a legitimate leader," Andrews said in a post on Twitter. "The good news: Those who ARE legitimate are ready to engage: the National Unity Government." Ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, politicians representing ethnic minorities and democracy activists set up the unity government but it has yet to win the international recognition it says it is due. The UN Security Council reiterated its 'deep concern' at the situation and its support for Myanmar's democratic transition. The council has issued several statements since the coup but diplomats say Russia and China are likely to prevent any stronger council action against Myanmar.

Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill'

The United Nations launched an appeal on Tuesday for $29.2 million to help some 15,000 people displaced when the La Soufriere volcano on the eastern Caribbean island of St Vincent erupted earlier this month.&nbsp;

"We are in a dire situation frankly ... We're not out of the woods," St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves told reporters, adding that scientists had warned eruptions could last another six months. &nbsp;

The volcano erupted on April 9 after decades of inactivity, spewing dark clouds of ash some 10 km (6 miles) into the air and prompting the evacuation of thousands of people. The volcano has continued to rumble and vent ash.&nbsp;

Didier Trebucq, the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, visited the affected areas two days ago with Gonsalves and described the scene as "apocalyptic." He said the UN appeal was to scale up assistance for six months.&nbsp;

St Vincent and the Grenadines, which has a population of just over 100,000, has not experienced volcanic activity since 1979, when an eruption resulted in about $100 million in damages. An eruption by La Soufriere in 1902 killed more than 1,000 people. The name means 'sulfur outlet' in French.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United Nations launched an appeal on Tuesday for $29.2 million to help some 15,000 people displaced when the La Soufriere volcano on the eastern Caribbean island of St Vincent erupted earlier this month.

The United Nations launched an appeal on Tuesday for $29.2 million to help some 15,000 people displaced when the La Soufriere volcano on the eastern Caribbean island of St Vincent erupted earlier this month. "We are in a dire situation frankly ... We're not out of the woods," St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves told reporters, adding that scientists had warned eruptions could last another six months. The volcano erupted on April 9 after decades of inactivity, spewing dark clouds of ash some 10 km (6 miles) into the air and prompting the evacuation of thousands of people. The volcano has continued to rumble and vent ash. Didier Trebucq, the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, visited the affected areas two days ago with Gonsalves and described the scene as "apocalyptic." He said the UN appeal was to scale up assistance for six months. St Vincent and the Grenadines, which has a population of just over 100,000, has not experienced volcanic activity since 1979, when an eruption resulted in about $100 million in damages. An eruption by La Soufriere in 1902 killed more than 1,000 people. The name means 'sulfur outlet' in French. (With inputs from agencies)

UN asks for $29.2 million to help after Caribbean volcano eruption 

A group of rights experts from the United Nations sounded the alarm over Navalny’s condition on Wednesday, while asking for his evacuation from Russia on medical grounds. "We believe Mr Navalny's life is in serious danger," AFP cited the four independent experts as saying.

They urged Russian authorities to allow Navalny’s evacuation “for urgent medical treatment abroad”. In addition, the experts highlighted the burden of accountability which lies on Russia. “The Russian government is accountable for Mr Navalny's life and health while he is in detention”, they said.

Navalny is currently on a hunger strike in a penal colony. He has reportedly been jailed under harsh conditions and has been denied adequate medical care. Russian authorities have also barred him from seeing a doctor of this choice.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russian-police-detain-eight-at-navalny-protests-in-far-east-379005" hreflang="en">Russian police detain eight at Navalny protests in far east</a>

"We are deeply troubled that Mr Navalny is being kept in conditions that could amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," the experts added.

The experts were appointed by the United Nations but do not speak on behalf of the organisation. Protesters recently gathered across Russia in support of Navalny. The police made multiple arrests during the protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/navalny-supporters-seek-to-drown-out-putin-speech-with-mass-protests-378954" hreflang="en">Navalny supporters seek to drown out Putin speech with mass protests</a>

Since January, Navalny has remained detained in Russia. He was earlier in Germany recovering from a poisoning which he blames on Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of rights experts from the United Nations sounded the alarm over Navalny’s condition on Wednesday, while asking for his evacuation from Russia on medical grounds.

A group of rights experts from the United Nations sounded the alarm over Navalny’s condition on Wednesday, while asking for his evacuation from Russia on medical grounds. "We believe Mr Navalny's life is in serious danger," AFP cited the four independent experts as saying. They urged Russian authorities to allow Navalny’s evacuation “for urgent medical treatment abroad”. In addition, the experts highlighted the burden of accountability which lies on Russia. “The Russian government is accountable for Mr Navalny's life and health while he is in detention”, they said. Navalny is currently on a hunger strike in a penal colony. He has reportedly been jailed under harsh conditions and has been denied adequate medical care. Russian authorities have also barred him from seeing a doctor of this choice. Also read: Russian police detain eight at Navalny protests in far east "We are deeply troubled that Mr Navalny is being kept in conditions that could amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," the experts added. The experts were appointed by the United Nations but do not speak on behalf of the organisation. Protesters recently gathered across Russia in support of Navalny. The police made multiple arrests during the protests. Also read: Navalny supporters seek to drown out Putin speech with mass protests Since January, Navalny has remained detained in Russia. He was earlier in Germany recovering from a poisoning which he blames on Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny in 'serious danger', requires immediate medical help: UN experts

India has been elected to&nbsp;three&nbsp;key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal&nbsp;Justice&nbsp;(CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food&nbsp;Programme.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CCPCJ, based in Vienna, acts as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. The CCPCJ has 40 member states that are elected by ECOSOC and is chaired by a Bureau, including one member per Regional Group.&nbsp;

The Executive Board is World Food Program or WFP's supreme governing body. Comprising 36 states members of the United Nations or Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the board provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the activities of WFP.&nbsp;

UN Women is about gender issues. Executive Board of UN Women consists of 41 members, 10 from the African states, 10 from the Asian states, 4 from the Eastern European states, 6 from Latin American and the Caribbean states, 5 from Western Europe and the other states, and 6 from top contributing countries.

Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri has been in the past Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.&nbsp;

India has been elected to three key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food Programme.

India has been elected to three key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food Programme. CCPCJ, based in Vienna, acts as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. The CCPCJ has 40 member states that are elected by ECOSOC and is chaired by a Bureau, including one member per Regional Group. The Executive Board is World Food Program or WFP's supreme governing body. Comprising 36 states members of the United Nations or Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the board provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the activities of WFP. UN Women is about gender issues. Executive Board of UN Women consists of 41 members, 10 from the African states, 10 from the Asian states, 4 from the Eastern European states, 6 from Latin American and the Caribbean states, 5 from Western Europe and the other states, and 6 from top contributing countries. Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri has been in the past Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.

India elected to 3 key bodies of UN's economic, social council 

International monitors will watch over a nearly six-month-old ceasefire agreement in Libya, the UN Security Council decided in a vote announced on Friday, as the country heads towards December elections after a decade of fighting and upheaval.&nbsp;

The council agreed unanimously to follow through on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' recent proposal for up to 60 monitors to join an existing political mission in Libya.&nbsp;

The monitors would arrive in an ‘incremental deployment ... Once conditions allow’, according to the council's British-drafted resolution. The measure also urges all foreign forces and mercenaries to get out of the country, as was supposed to happen months ago.&nbsp;

"We now expect all UN Members to act on that, helping Libya to regain its sovereignty and work towards lasting peace and stability," Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly, said in a statement from London.&nbsp;

He heralded the resolution as sending 'a clear signal of support' for Libya's transitional government, which took power last month and is expected to lead the country to the elections, planned for December 24.&nbsp;

Libya's UN Mission didn't immediately comment on the resolution. The country didn't get to vote on them, as it isn't a member of the 15-nation council. Voting was conducted by email, due to the coronavirus pandemic; the results were announced at a brief virtual meeting.&nbsp;

Libya has been wracked by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 and split the oil-rich North African country between a UN-supported government in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities based in the country's east.&nbsp;

Each side was backed by armed groups and foreign governments. The UN Estimated in December there were at least 20,000 foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya, including Syrians, Russians, Sudanese and Chadians.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

International monitors will watch over a nearly six-month-old ceasefire agreement in Libya, the UN Security Council decided in a vote announced on Friday, as the country heads towards December elections after a decade of fighting and upheaval.

International monitors will watch over a nearly six-month-old ceasefire agreement in Libya, the UN Security Council decided in a vote announced on Friday, as the country heads towards December elections after a decade of fighting and upheaval. The council agreed unanimously to follow through on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' recent proposal for up to 60 monitors to join an existing political mission in Libya. The monitors would arrive in an ‘incremental deployment ... Once conditions allow’, according to the council's British-drafted resolution. The measure also urges all foreign forces and mercenaries to get out of the country, as was supposed to happen months ago. "We now expect all UN Members to act on that, helping Libya to regain its sovereignty and work towards lasting peace and stability," Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly, said in a statement from London. He heralded the resolution as sending 'a clear signal of support' for Libya's transitional government, which took power last month and is expected to lead the country to the elections, planned for December 24. Libya's UN Mission didn't immediately comment on the resolution. The country didn't get to vote on them, as it isn't a member of the 15-nation council. Voting was conducted by email, due to the coronavirus pandemic; the results were announced at a brief virtual meeting. Libya has been wracked by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 and split the oil-rich North African country between a UN-supported government in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities based in the country's east. Each side was backed by armed groups and foreign governments. The UN Estimated in December there were at least 20,000 foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya, including Syrians, Russians, Sudanese and Chadians. (With inputs from agencies)

UN agrees to deploy ceasefire monitors as Libya heads towards December polls 

The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday it fears that the military clampdown on protests in Myanmar since the February 1 coup risks escalating into a civil conflict like that seen in Syria and appealed for a halt to the 'slaughter'.&nbsp;

UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said in a statement 3,080 had been detained and there are reports that 23 people have been sentenced to death following secret trials.&nbsp;

"I fear the situation in Myanmar is heading towards a full-blown conflict. States must not allow the deadly mistakes of the past in Syria and elsewhere to be repeated," Bachelet said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, opponents of military rule in Myanmar cancelled traditional new year festivities on Tuesday and instead showed their anger with the generals who seized power through low-key displays of defiance and small protests across the country.&nbsp;

A Myanmar activist group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, says the security forces have killed 710 protesters since the ouster of an elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

Protesters were out again on the first day of the five-day New Year holiday, known as Thingyan, which is usually celebrated with prayers, ritual cleaning of Buddha images in temples and high-spirited water-dousing on the streets.&nbsp;

"We do not celebrate Myanmar Thingyan this year since over 700 of our innocent brave souls have been killed," said one Twitter user named Shwe Ei.&nbsp;

Women wearing fine clothes for the most important holiday of the year protested in several towns holding traditional pots containing seven flowers and sprigs that are displayed at this time, media pictures showed.&nbsp;

Many people painted the protesters' three-finger salute on their Thingyan pots.&nbsp;

"People's power, our power," women marching on a street in the main city of Yangon chanted as passersby clapped, video posted by the Myanmar Now media group showed.&nbsp;

In some places, people set out dozens of Thingyan pots daubed with messages such as 'Save Myanmar' in silent shows of opposition to the military.&nbsp;

There were no immediate reports of violence at any of the protests but information has become scarce because of the junta's curbs on broadband internet and mobile data services.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday it fears that the military clampdown on protests in Myanmar since the February 1 coup risks escalating into a civil conflict like that seen in Syria and appealed for a halt to the 'slaughter'.

The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday it fears that the military clampdown on protests in Myanmar since the February 1 coup risks escalating into a civil conflict like that seen in Syria and appealed for a halt to the 'slaughter'. UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said in a statement 3,080 had been detained and there are reports that 23 people have been sentenced to death following secret trials. "I fear the situation in Myanmar is heading towards a full-blown conflict. States must not allow the deadly mistakes of the past in Syria and elsewhere to be repeated," Bachelet said. Meanwhile, opponents of military rule in Myanmar cancelled traditional new year festivities on Tuesday and instead showed their anger with the generals who seized power through low-key displays of defiance and small protests across the country. A Myanmar activist group, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, says the security forces have killed 710 protesters since the ouster of an elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Protesters were out again on the first day of the five-day New Year holiday, known as Thingyan, which is usually celebrated with prayers, ritual cleaning of Buddha images in temples and high-spirited water-dousing on the streets. "We do not celebrate Myanmar Thingyan this year since over 700 of our innocent brave souls have been killed," said one Twitter user named Shwe Ei. Women wearing fine clothes for the most important holiday of the year protested in several towns holding traditional pots containing seven flowers and sprigs that are displayed at this time, media pictures showed. Many people painted the protesters' three-finger salute on their Thingyan pots. "People's power, our power," women marching on a street in the main city of Yangon chanted as passersby clapped, video posted by the Myanmar Now media group showed. In some places, people set out dozens of Thingyan pots daubed with messages such as 'Save Myanmar' in silent shows of opposition to the military. There were no immediate reports of violence at any of the protests but information has become scarce because of the junta's curbs on broadband internet and mobile data services. (With inputs from agencies)

UN rights chief sees Syria repeating in Myanmar, calls for halt to 'slaughter' 

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges. &nbsp;

Gen Naravane, who is here on a five-day official tour, delivered a keynote address on ‘Changing Nature of Global Conflicts: Role of UN Peacekeepers' during the "Army Chiefs Conclave" hosted by his Bangladeshi counterpart General Aziz Ahmed, the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) tweeted.&nbsp;

Gen Naravane laid emphasis on enhanced budget for UN peacekeeping activities, Bangladesh defence ministry's Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) directorate quoted him as saying at the conclave. &nbsp;

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was the chief guest at the event.&nbsp;

The Indian Army chief also called for providing appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the UN blue helmet missions, pointing out their emerging challenges. He said the UN peacekeeping missions should run on a participatory basis.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh Army hosted the conclave coinciding with the celebrations of the birth centenary of the country's ‘Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of its 1971 independence.&nbsp;

Force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in Mali Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllensporree, force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in the Central African region Lieutenant General Sidki Daniel Traore and Bhutan army's deputy chief of operation Brigadier General Darji Rinchen, among others attended the conclave.&nbsp;

Senior diplomats, security strategists and police officers also attended the seminar.&nbsp;

During the event, the Indian Army chief interacted with the senior officers of the participating nations and military observers from the other nations.&nbsp;

Momen told the conclave that the nature of peacekeeping operations in recent periods transformed both in terms of scale and scope for what "peacekeeping missions today are more than truce supervising operation".&nbsp;

The changing situation further expanded the missions' responsibility taking into account "other dimensions of peace, such as establishing rule of law, protection of human rights, protection of women and children, support to political process, managing elections, reintegration and socio-economic development," he said.&nbsp;

The conclave was held as part of a multilateral UN-mandated counter-terrorism exercise, Shantir Ogroshena (Frontrunners of Peace) that commenced on April 4. An Indian Army contingent of 30 personnel are participating along with the Royal Bhutan Army, Sri Lankan Army and Bangladesh Army in the exercise that will conclude on Monday.&nbsp;

Military observers from the US, UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Singapore are also attending the exercise. The aim of the exercise is to strengthen the procedures and enhance interoperability amongst neighbourhood countries to ensure robust peacekeeping operations in the region. The armies of all the participating nations shared their valuable experiences and refined their drills and procedures in peacekeeping operations.&nbsp;

The visit of Gen Naravane, who is here at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Gen Aziz Ahmed, comes less than two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the neighbouring country and met the top leadership here to strengthen the strategic ties.&nbsp;

The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan and the birth centenary of 'Bangabandhu' Mujibur Rahman. &nbsp;

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges.

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges. Gen Naravane, who is here on a five-day official tour, delivered a keynote address on ‘Changing Nature of Global Conflicts: Role of UN Peacekeepers' during the "Army Chiefs Conclave" hosted by his Bangladeshi counterpart General Aziz Ahmed, the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) tweeted. Gen Naravane laid emphasis on enhanced budget for UN peacekeeping activities, Bangladesh defence ministry's Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) directorate quoted him as saying at the conclave. Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was the chief guest at the event. The Indian Army chief also called for providing appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the UN blue helmet missions, pointing out their emerging challenges. He said the UN peacekeeping missions should run on a participatory basis. The Bangladesh Army hosted the conclave coinciding with the celebrations of the birth centenary of the country's ‘Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of its 1971 independence. Force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in Mali Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllensporree, force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in the Central African region Lieutenant General Sidki Daniel Traore and Bhutan army's deputy chief of operation Brigadier General Darji Rinchen, among others attended the conclave. Senior diplomats, security strategists and police officers also attended the seminar. During the event, the Indian Army chief interacted with the senior officers of the participating nations and military observers from the other nations. Momen told the conclave that the nature of peacekeeping operations in recent periods transformed both in terms of scale and scope for what "peacekeeping missions today are more than truce supervising operation". The changing situation further expanded the missions' responsibility taking into account "other dimensions of peace, such as establishing rule of law, protection of human rights, protection of women and children, support to political process, managing elections, reintegration and socio-economic development," he said. The conclave was held as part of a multilateral UN-mandated counter-terrorism exercise, Shantir Ogroshena (Frontrunners of Peace) that commenced on April 4. An Indian Army contingent of 30 personnel are participating along with the Royal Bhutan Army, Sri Lankan Army and Bangladesh Army in the exercise that will conclude on Monday. Military observers from the US, UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Singapore are also attending the exercise. The aim of the exercise is to strengthen the procedures and enhance interoperability amongst neighbourhood countries to ensure robust peacekeeping operations in the region. The armies of all the participating nations shared their valuable experiences and refined their drills and procedures in peacekeeping operations. The visit of Gen Naravane, who is here at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Gen Aziz Ahmed, comes less than two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the neighbouring country and met the top leadership here to strengthen the strategic ties. The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan and the birth centenary of 'Bangabandhu' Mujibur Rahman.

Indian Army chief Gen Naravane calls for enhancing budget for UN peacekeepers 

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