UN chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday urged world leaders to declare a "state of climate emergency" and shape greener growth after the coronavirus pandemic, as he opened a summit marking five years since the landmark Paris Agreement.

The Climate Ambition Summit, being held online, comes as the United Nations warns current commitments to tackle rises in global temperatures are inadequate.

The commitments made in Paris in 2015 were "far from enough" to limit temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the UN secretary-general said in his opening address to the summit, which is co-hosted by Britain and France.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-ardern-declares-climate-emergency-346825">New Zealand PM Ardern declares 'climate emergency'</a>

"If we don't change course, we may be headed for a catastrophic temperature rise of more than 3.0 degrees this century," he said.

"That is why today, I call on all leaders worldwide to declare a State of Climate Emergency in their countries until carbon neutrality is reached," he added, arguing the recovery from COVID-19 presented a rare opportunity to recalibrate growth.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the climate summit that a traumatic year of pandemic was ending with the hope of vaccines coming on-stream.

"My message to you all is that together, we can use scientific advances to protect our planet, our biosphere against a challenge far worse, far more destructive, than even the coronavirus pandemic," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-sees-emergency-aid-needs-exploding-due-to-pandemic-346626">UN sees emergency aid needs exploding due to pandemic</a>

For its part, Britain was acting on climate not because it was a nation of "mung bean-eating eco freaks" but because scientific progress would allow the creation of "millions" of green jobs, Johnson added.

Speaking slots were handed to countries that submitted the most ambitious plans to accelerate their Paris promises.&nbsp;

These include Honduras and Guatemala, which were hit last month by a pair of monster hurricanes, as well as India, which is battling increasingly erratic weather patterns and air pollution.

Business figures set to speak include Tim Cook, the chief executive of Apple, which has committed to making its whole supply chain carbon neutral by 2030.

But major economies including Australia, Brazil and South Africa are absent.&nbsp;

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has dismissed the scale of destruction to the Amazon rainforest opened up by his climate-sceptic policies.

The United States, the world's second-largest polluter after China, left the Paris Agreement under President Donald Trump. President-elect Joe Biden plans immediately to re-enter the accord, and has set a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

"We haven't come close to the bold action that's needed, and today, we have no time to waste," Biden said in a statement Saturday, reiterating a pledge to convene leaders of major economies for his own climate summit within 100 days of taking office next month.

'Moment of accountability'

Speakers at Saturday's summit were delivering short video messages, with organisers saying they would announce "new and ambitious climate change commitments" and that there would be "no space for general statements".

Under the Paris climate accord, signatories committed to action to limit temperature rises to "well below" 2.0 Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to try to restrain them to 1.5C.

But the UN warned this week that temperatures remain on course to rise more than 3.0C this century, creating a crisis that will "dwarf the impacts of Covid-19".

The summit is a stocktaking exercise five years after the Paris accord was signed and a prelude to the UN's COP26 climate change conference in Scotland next November. That was meant to happen last month but was delayed by the pandemic.

Greenpeace called Saturday a "moment of accountability for leaders".

Under the Paris deal's "ratchet" mechanism, countries are required to submit renewed emissions cutting plans — termed Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs — every five years.

The deadline for this is December 31.&nbsp;

Countries are set to announce efforts to reduce national emissions, long-term strategies and financial commitments to support the most vulnerable.

More than 110 countries have committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. China, the world's biggest polluter, announced in September plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

The summit comes as EU leaders on Friday committed to the goal of reducing emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

Britain -- out of the EU since January -- this month announced it would seek to reduce emissions by 68 percent over the same period.&nbsp;

Johnson has presented plans for a "green industrial revolution" creating up to 250,000 jobs. Before the summit opened, he committed to ending all direct British government support for the fossil fuel sector overseas.

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday urged world leaders to declare a "state of climate emergency" and shape greener growth after the coronavirus pandemic, as he opened a summit marking five years since the landmark Paris Agreement.

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday urged world leaders to declare a "state of climate emergency" and shape greener growth after the coronavirus pandemic, as he opened a summit marking five years since the landmark Paris Agreement. The Climate Ambition Summit, being held online, comes as the United Nations warns current commitments to tackle rises in global temperatures are inadequate. The commitments made in Paris in 2015 were "far from enough" to limit temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the UN secretary-general said in his opening address to the summit, which is co-hosted by Britain and France. Also read| New Zealand PM Ardern declares 'climate emergency' "If we don't change course, we may be headed for a catastrophic temperature rise of more than 3.0 degrees this century," he said. "That is why today, I call on all leaders worldwide to declare a State of Climate Emergency in their countries until carbon neutrality is reached," he added, arguing the recovery from COVID-19 presented a rare opportunity to recalibrate growth. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the climate summit that a traumatic year of pandemic was ending with the hope of vaccines coming on-stream. "My message to you all is that together, we can use scientific advances to protect our planet, our biosphere against a challenge far worse, far more destructive, than even the coronavirus pandemic," he said. Also read| UN sees emergency aid needs exploding due to pandemic For its part, Britain was acting on climate not because it was a nation of "mung bean-eating eco freaks" but because scientific progress would allow the creation of "millions" of green jobs, Johnson added. Speaking slots were handed to countries that submitted the most ambitious plans to accelerate their Paris promises. These include Honduras and Guatemala, which were hit last month by a pair of monster hurricanes, as well as India, which is battling increasingly erratic weather patterns and air pollution. Business figures set to speak include Tim Cook, the chief executive of Apple, which has committed to making its whole supply chain carbon neutral by 2030. But major economies including Australia, Brazil and South Africa are absent. Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has dismissed the scale of destruction to the Amazon rainforest opened up by his climate-sceptic policies. The United States, the world's second-largest polluter after China, left the Paris Agreement under President Donald Trump. President-elect Joe Biden plans immediately to re-enter the accord, and has set a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. "We haven't come close to the bold action that's needed, and today, we have no time to waste," Biden said in a statement Saturday, reiterating a pledge to convene leaders of major economies for his own climate summit within 100 days of taking office next month. 'Moment of accountability' Speakers at Saturday's summit were delivering short video messages, with organisers saying they would announce "new and ambitious climate change commitments" and that there would be "no space for general statements". Under the Paris climate accord, signatories committed to action to limit temperature rises to "well below" 2.0 Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to try to restrain them to 1.5C. But the UN warned this week that temperatures remain on course to rise more than 3.0C this century, creating a crisis that will "dwarf the impacts of Covid-19". The summit is a stocktaking exercise five years after the Paris accord was signed and a prelude to the UN's COP26 climate change conference in Scotland next November. That was meant to happen last month but was delayed by the pandemic. Greenpeace called Saturday a "moment of accountability for leaders". Under the Paris deal's "ratchet" mechanism, countries are required to submit renewed emissions cutting plans — termed Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs — every five years. The deadline for this is December 31. Countries are set to announce efforts to reduce national emissions, long-term strategies and financial commitments to support the most vulnerable. More than 110 countries have committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. China, the world's biggest polluter, announced in September plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The summit comes as EU leaders on Friday committed to the goal of reducing emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Britain -- out of the EU since January -- this month announced it would seek to reduce emissions by 68 percent over the same period. Johnson has presented plans for a "green industrial revolution" creating up to 250,000 jobs. Before the summit opened, he committed to ending all direct British government support for the fossil fuel sector overseas.

UN chief urges global summit to declare 'climate emergency'

India has highlighted the violence committed by the Taliban and other terror groups in Afghanistan at the United Nations even has it has reiterated its call for a ceasefire. The comments come even as the past few weeks have witnessed a spate of attacks in the country including rocket attacks.

Speaking at United Nations General Assembly, India's Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador K. Nagaraj Naidu said, It is important to address the threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan caused by the violence committed by the Taliban and other terrorist groups. Peace process and violence cannot go hand in hand, and we call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. "

This year saw a number of developments in Afghanistan, including a pact between the Taliban and the US and the start of intra Afghan talks between the Taliban and the Afghan govt. The development comes even as the US is eager to remove its troops from the country, which is seen as an opportunity by Islamabad to increase its influence in Kabul.

In the speech, pointing at Pakistan, Nagaraj Naidu listed out the "artificial and political obstacles of non-permit of full transit rights to Afghanistan" hindering its trade with India.

He said," It is important for Afghanistan to have access to high seas for a prosperous future. The international community should work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan and ensure all transit rights guaranteed to Afghanistan under bilateral and multilateral transit agreements without any hindrance"

India in the aftermath of the fall of the Taliban in 2001 has committed over $ 3 billion towards development, reconstruction and capacity building of the country. Both countries recently concluded an agreement for building the Shatoot dam which will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents capital Kabul city. New Delhi will also launch Phase-IV of High Impact Community Development Projects in Afghanistan, which includes around 150 projects worth US$ 80 million.

India has highlighted the violence committed by the Taliban and other terror groups in Afghanistan at the United Nations even has it has reiterated its call for a ceasefire.

India has highlighted the violence committed by the Taliban and other terror groups in Afghanistan at the United Nations even has it has reiterated its call for a ceasefire. The comments come even as the past few weeks have witnessed a spate of attacks in the country including rocket attacks. Speaking at United Nations General Assembly, India's Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador K. Nagaraj Naidu said, It is important to address the threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan caused by the violence committed by the Taliban and other terrorist groups. Peace process and violence cannot go hand in hand, and we call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. " This year saw a number of developments in Afghanistan, including a pact between the Taliban and the US and the start of intra Afghan talks between the Taliban and the Afghan govt. The development comes even as the US is eager to remove its troops from the country, which is seen as an opportunity by Islamabad to increase its influence in Kabul. In the speech, pointing at Pakistan, Nagaraj Naidu listed out the "artificial and political obstacles of non-permit of full transit rights to Afghanistan" hindering its trade with India. He said," It is important for Afghanistan to have access to high seas for a prosperous future. The international community should work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan and ensure all transit rights guaranteed to Afghanistan under bilateral and multilateral transit agreements without any hindrance" India in the aftermath of the fall of the Taliban in 2001 has committed over $ 3 billion towards development, reconstruction and capacity building of the country. Both countries recently concluded an agreement for building the Shatoot dam which will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents capital Kabul city. New Delhi will also launch Phase-IV of High Impact Community Development Projects in Afghanistan, which includes around 150 projects worth US$ 80 million.

India highlights violence committed by Taliban in Afghanistan at UN; reiterates calls for a ceasefire

The report highlighted the need for urgent investments in climate action as part of COVID-19 recovery, to bring the world closer to the Paris Agreement

UN Environment Programme Report: Average temperature to rise by 3 degree celsius

Ethiopia's prime minister shifted focus away from war on Wednesday, opening a cross-border highway to Kenya at the opposite end of his country, while the United Nations voiced alarm at continuing fighting in the northern Tigray region.

Abiy Ahmed cut the ribbon on a mega-highway linking south Ethiopia with Kenya's Indian Ocean port of Mombasa, alongside Kenyan counterpart President Uhuru Kenyatta, reflecting Ethiopian aspirations to become a regional powerhouse.

"Just like the infrastructure, we should work on peace and security," he said at the border town of Moyale, refraining from mentioning Tigray. "Peace is a foundation for everything we are aspiring to transform (in) the life our people."

War since Nov. 4 between Ethiopia's federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) is thought to have killed thousands and displaced more than 950,000 people, according to U.N. estimates, some 50,000 of them into Sudan.

The United Nations agreed a deal with the government last week for safe access to Tigray, home to more than 5 million people, of whom 600,000 needed food aid even before the war.

But the shooting at, and then detention of, a U.N. security team on its way to a refugee camp by Ethiopian federal forces on Sunday highlighted difficulties implementing that deal. The government said the U.N. team had defied two checkpoints.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged the problems and said Ethiopia and the United Nations had now agreed on joint missions to assess humanitarian needs.

He said the aim was "to make sure that there is full access to the whole of the territory and full capacity to start a humanitarian operation based on real needs, and without any kind of discrimination."

The conflict may also hurt an economy that had been soaring, albeit from a low base, becoming the world's fastest growing in 2017, driven by agricultural exports and heavy infrastructure spending it hoped would drive a manufacturing boom.

Ethiopia was for years trying to position itself as an emerging industrial hub that would draw its 115 million population - the second largest in Africa - off subsistence farms and into factories.

For more than a decade, the government poured billions of dollars into hydro-electric dams, industrial parks, railways and highways. Then when Abiy took power in 2018, he began opening up sectors like telecoms to private investment.

Those aspirations are now at risk. Instability that began even before the Tigray conflict - due to ethnic clashes and other problems - may scare off investors already skittish about the impact of COVID-19 and rapidly-rising Ethiopian government debt. Foreign textiles firms worry about existing investments.

'WORRYING, VOLATILE'

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in Geneva that events in Tigray were still "worrying and volatile" and called for civilians to be protected.

"Fighting continues between federal forces and the TPLF, and affiliated militias on both sides," she told reporters, citing clashes near the towns of Mekelle, Sherero, Axum and Abiy Addi.

A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. TPLF leaders could not be reached.

Guterres said the United Nations had information about "sporadic fighting in different areas of the country," but also that in the past few days there had been "an increase of security and control." He said he could not "fully confirm" the information.

Abiy declared victory after capturing the regional capital Mekelle, but TPLF leaders say their combat continues from surrounding hills.

About 1,000 federal soldiers held by the TPLF, some of whom were abducted on Nov. 3, the day before the war erupted, were freed in an operation by the federal army and police, state-controlled media said late on Wednesday, without elaborating.

Both sides' claims are difficult to check, as most communications in Tigray are down and access is severely restricted. Journalists need a permit to travel outside the capital Addis Ababa.

The United States believes Eritrean soldiers have crossed into Ethiopia to help Abiy's government, despite denials from both nations, a U.S. government source and five regional diplomats told Reuters.

Abiy and Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki signed a peace pact ending two decades of hostilities in 2018 and now regard the TPLF as a mutual foe.

"We have no proof of the presence of Eritrean troops inside Ethiopia," said Guterres. "I confronted the prime minister with that question, and he guaranteed to me that they have not entered Tigrayan territory."

Ethiopia's prime minister shifted focus away from war on Wednesday, opening a cross-border highway to Kenya at the opposite end of his country, while the United Nations voiced alarm at continuing fighting in the northern Tigray region.

Ethiopia's prime minister shifted focus away from war on Wednesday, opening a cross-border highway to Kenya at the opposite end of his country, while the United Nations voiced alarm at continuing fighting in the northern Tigray region. Abiy Ahmed cut the ribbon on a mega-highway linking south Ethiopia with Kenya's Indian Ocean port of Mombasa, alongside Kenyan counterpart President Uhuru Kenyatta, reflecting Ethiopian aspirations to become a regional powerhouse. "Just like the infrastructure, we should work on peace and security," he said at the border town of Moyale, refraining from mentioning Tigray. "Peace is a foundation for everything we are aspiring to transform (in) the life our people." War since Nov. 4 between Ethiopia's federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) is thought to have killed thousands and displaced more than 950,000 people, according to U.N. estimates, some 50,000 of them into Sudan. The United Nations agreed a deal with the government last week for safe access to Tigray, home to more than 5 million people, of whom 600,000 needed food aid even before the war. But the shooting at, and then detention of, a U.N. security team on its way to a refugee camp by Ethiopian federal forces on Sunday highlighted difficulties implementing that deal. The government said the U.N. team had defied two checkpoints. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged the problems and said Ethiopia and the United Nations had now agreed on joint missions to assess humanitarian needs. He said the aim was "to make sure that there is full access to the whole of the territory and full capacity to start a humanitarian operation based on real needs, and without any kind of discrimination." The conflict may also hurt an economy that had been soaring, albeit from a low base, becoming the world's fastest growing in 2017, driven by agricultural exports and heavy infrastructure spending it hoped would drive a manufacturing boom. Ethiopia was for years trying to position itself as an emerging industrial hub that would draw its 115 million population - the second largest in Africa - off subsistence farms and into factories. For more than a decade, the government poured billions of dollars into hydro-electric dams, industrial parks, railways and highways. Then when Abiy took power in 2018, he began opening up sectors like telecoms to private investment. Those aspirations are now at risk. Instability that began even before the Tigray conflict - due to ethnic clashes and other problems - may scare off investors already skittish about the impact of COVID-19 and rapidly-rising Ethiopian government debt. Foreign textiles firms worry about existing investments. 'WORRYING, VOLATILE' U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in Geneva that events in Tigray were still "worrying and volatile" and called for civilians to be protected. "Fighting continues between federal forces and the TPLF, and affiliated militias on both sides," she told reporters, citing clashes near the towns of Mekelle, Sherero, Axum and Abiy Addi. A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. TPLF leaders could not be reached. Guterres said the United Nations had information about "sporadic fighting in different areas of the country," but also that in the past few days there had been "an increase of security and control." He said he could not "fully confirm" the information. Abiy declared victory after capturing the regional capital Mekelle, but TPLF leaders say their combat continues from surrounding hills. About 1,000 federal soldiers held by the TPLF, some of whom were abducted on Nov. 3, the day before the war erupted, were freed in an operation by the federal army and police, state-controlled media said late on Wednesday, without elaborating. Both sides' claims are difficult to check, as most communications in Tigray are down and access is severely restricted. Journalists need a permit to travel outside the capital Addis Ababa. The United States believes Eritrean soldiers have crossed into Ethiopia to help Abiy's government, despite denials from both nations, a U.S. government source and five regional diplomats told Reuters. Abiy and Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki signed a peace pact ending two decades of hostilities in 2018 and now regard the TPLF as a mutual foe. "We have no proof of the presence of Eritrean troops inside Ethiopia," said Guterres. "I confronted the prime minister with that question, and he guaranteed to me that they have not entered Tigrayan territory."

Ethiopia shifts focus from war to economy, UN worries about Tigray

The United Nations on Friday said that fighting continued in many parts of Ethiopia's Tigray is complicating the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid despite a deal granting the UN access to territory under federal control.

UN: Tigray fighting hampers aid delivery despite deal

The United Nations on Friday said that the fighting in the conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia still continues, hampering the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid.

Last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory a month after the fighting began, causing bombings, ground combat, among other things by both the sides.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-tigray-fighting-hampers-aid-delivery-despite-deal-347633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) vowed to continue fighting.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-united-nations-agree-on-humanitarian-access-to-war-hit-tigray-347175">Ethiopia, United Nations agree on humanitarian access to war-hit Tigray</a>

"We have reports of fighting still going on in many parts of Tigray. This is concerning and it's a complex situation for us," Saviano Abreu, spokesman for the UN's humanitarian coordination office told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The UN on Wednesday said it had reached a deal to carry out aid work in areas of Tigray that were run by the government.&nbsp;

However, three UN officials confirmed to AFP that security assessments are ongoing and aid was not expected to come before next week.&nbsp;

"Basically, at the moment there is no access," an official said. &nbsp;

The conflict in Tigray has caused a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people have already lost their lives and tens of thousands are seeking refuge in Sudan.&nbsp;

The UN has also been warning of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United Nations on Friday said that the fighting in the conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia still continues, hampering the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid.

The United Nations on Friday said that the fighting in the conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia still continues, hampering the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid. Last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory a month after the fighting began, causing bombings, ground combat, among other things by both the sides. Watch | However, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) vowed to continue fighting. Also read | Ethiopia, United Nations agree on humanitarian access to war-hit Tigray "We have reports of fighting still going on in many parts of Tigray. This is concerning and it's a complex situation for us," Saviano Abreu, spokesman for the UN's humanitarian coordination office told news agency AFP. The UN on Wednesday said it had reached a deal to carry out aid work in areas of Tigray that were run by the government. However, three UN officials confirmed to AFP that security assessments are ongoing and aid was not expected to come before next week. "Basically, at the moment there is no access," an official said. The conflict in Tigray has caused a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people have already lost their lives and tens of thousands are seeking refuge in Sudan. The UN has also been warning of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

Fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray continues; humanitarian aid stalled: UN

In a first, a Pakistan back UN resolution saw over half the members of the New York headquarter body not voting for. The resolution "Promotion of interreligious &amp; intercultural dialogue", saw 52 abstentions, and 51 countries not voting for. This makes 104 members of the UN, out of 193 strength not supporting the resolution.

Most of the countries, who did not vote were from Africa and small island countries, many of whom did not wish to be identified by going for abstentions. While the resolution co-sponsored by Pakistan-Philippines was adopted by 90 countries in favour, it divided the world body.

The abstentions were majorly from the European Union and the west over a straitjacketed view of ongoing freedom of expression versus religion debate. EU saw the resolution, while barely taking a stance on freedom of expression, focused on "religious symbols".

India had its own concerns, specifically on the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, with New Delhi highlighting how Islamabad has transferred the administration of the Gurudwara to a non-Sikh body. It said, "We have protested against this very strongly with the Pakistani side since this runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large."

India also raised concerns over Indic religions--Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism being discriminated when it comes to persecution against them vis a vis Abrahamic religion, and the stance was well received by many countries.

Pakistani mission to United Nation said the resolution is part of "diplomatic campaign to raise awareness about Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hatred &amp; defamation of religious personalities &amp; symbols", something that is seen as one-sided and coming from a country with a poor track record on safekeeping its own minorities.&nbsp;

In the last 15 years, the resolution on "culture of peace" has always been adopted without a vote and adopted with a consensus. Pakistan is now keen that United Nations declares an “International Day to Combat Islamophobia”, an action that focuses on one religion and expectedly in the future will be used to slam India.

With the resolution being taken, the UN's role has also come under scrutiny. The resolution said it, "welcomes efforts undertaken by the high representative for the United Nations Alliance of civilizations...and takes note of his recent "call for mutual respect". This irked the EU and was seen a something that went against France and the right to expression.&nbsp;

High representative for the United Nations Alliance of civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos in October issued a statement "call for mutual respect", saying, "Insulting religions and sacred religious symbols provokes hatred and violent extremism leading to polarization..." and "freedom of expression should be exercised in a way that fully respects the religious beliefs".&nbsp;

The statement was issued in the aftermath of terror attacks in form of knife attacks in France over the depiction of Prophet Mohammed, which is forbidden in Islam.

In fact, India in its statement at UN when the resolution was being taken up and pointed out, “The United Nations is not a body which should take sides when it comes to religion. If we are indeed selective, we will only end up proving Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilizations”. What we are trying to build here is an “alliance of civilizations” not set up a clash. I call on the UN Alliance of Civilization to act likewise and speak for all, not just a select few."

In a first, a Pakistan back UN resolution saw over half the members of the New York headquarter body not voting for. The resolution "Promotion of interreligious & intercultural dialogue", saw 52 abstentions, and 51 countries not voting for.

In a first, a Pakistan back UN resolution saw over half the members of the New York headquarter body not voting for. The resolution "Promotion of interreligious & intercultural dialogue", saw 52 abstentions, and 51 countries not voting for. This makes 104 members of the UN, out of 193 strength not supporting the resolution. Most of the countries, who did not vote were from Africa and small island countries, many of whom did not wish to be identified by going for abstentions. While the resolution co-sponsored by Pakistan-Philippines was adopted by 90 countries in favour, it divided the world body. The abstentions were majorly from the European Union and the west over a straitjacketed view of ongoing freedom of expression versus religion debate. EU saw the resolution, while barely taking a stance on freedom of expression, focused on "religious symbols". India had its own concerns, specifically on the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, with New Delhi highlighting how Islamabad has transferred the administration of the Gurudwara to a non-Sikh body. It said, "We have protested against this very strongly with the Pakistani side since this runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large." India also raised concerns over Indic religions--Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism being discriminated when it comes to persecution against them vis a vis Abrahamic religion, and the stance was well received by many countries. Pakistani mission to United Nation said the resolution is part of "diplomatic campaign to raise awareness about Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hatred & defamation of religious personalities & symbols", something that is seen as one-sided and coming from a country with a poor track record on safekeeping its own minorities. In the last 15 years, the resolution on "culture of peace" has always been adopted without a vote and adopted with a consensus. Pakistan is now keen that United Nations declares an “International Day to Combat Islamophobia”, an action that focuses on one religion and expectedly in the future will be used to slam India. With the resolution being taken, the UN's role has also come under scrutiny. The resolution said it, "welcomes efforts undertaken by the high representative for the United Nations Alliance of civilizations...and takes note of his recent "call for mutual respect". This irked the EU and was seen a something that went against France and the right to expression. High representative for the United Nations Alliance of civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos in October issued a statement "call for mutual respect", saying, "Insulting religions and sacred religious symbols provokes hatred and violent extremism leading to polarization..." and "freedom of expression should be exercised in a way that fully respects the religious beliefs". The statement was issued in the aftermath of terror attacks in form of knife attacks in France over the depiction of Prophet Mohammed, which is forbidden in Islam. In fact, India in its statement at UN when the resolution was being taken up and pointed out, “The United Nations is not a body which should take sides when it comes to religion. If we are indeed selective, we will only end up proving Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilizations”. What we are trying to build here is an “alliance of civilizations” not set up a clash. I call on the UN Alliance of Civilization to act likewise and speak for all, not just a select few."

Major embarrassment for Pakistan at UN: Over 100 countries decline to extend support to resolution backed by it

United Nations on Friday expressed its concern over Human Rights conditions in Belarus. The country has been roiled with protests in number of cities. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said that the human rights situation in Belarus has seen a "continued deterioration" in recent weeks.

"I regret to report that since the (UN human rights) council's urgent debate on Belarus in September, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the country. On the contrary, recent weeks have seen continued deterioration, particularly with respect to the right of peaceful assembly," she told the council.

Continuous protests have rocked Belarus ever since country's strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed to have won sixth presidential term in elections held in August. The opposition alleges that the elections were rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in the place of her jailed husband -- was the true winner of the polls. The country has seen widespread protests ever since.

In recent weeks, authorities imposed an intense crackdown in which hundreds were detained and protesters were prevented from gathering in central Minsk.

Bachelet pointed to reports that more than 27,000 people had been arrested since the August 9 vote, with around 1,000 reportedly arrested on November 8 and 700 on November 15.

Senior citizens were among some of the peaceful protesters taken into custody.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights decried "multiple and credible reports of people beaten by members of the security forces during and after their transport to police stations or detention centres," warning that such incidents could amount to torture.

She also voiced particular alarm over the "numerous allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in custody," pointing to the some 2,000 complaints reportedly lodged by the end of October.&nbsp;

Among those rounded up since August were 373 journalists, including six who remain in detention, Bachelet said, stressing that lawyers associated with the opposition were also under pressure, with some facing criminal charges and others disbarred.

Most of the diplomats who participated in the hybrid session echoed Bachelet's concerns, denouncing police violence and the crackdown on protesters.

Some, including Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela, came to Belarus's defence&nbsp;

Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov reminded the council of police violence in a range of other countries, including in France and the United States.

"The champions of human rights are very discreet about all of that," he said.

(With AFP inputs)

United Nations on Friday expressed its concern over Human Rights conditions in Belarus. The country has been roiled with protests in number of cities. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said that the human rights situation in Belarus has seen a "continued deterioration" in recent weeks.

United Nations on Friday expressed its concern over Human Rights conditions in Belarus. The country has been roiled with protests in number of cities. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said that the human rights situation in Belarus has seen a "continued deterioration" in recent weeks. "I regret to report that since the (UN human rights) council's urgent debate on Belarus in September, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the country. On the contrary, recent weeks have seen continued deterioration, particularly with respect to the right of peaceful assembly," she told the council. Continuous protests have rocked Belarus ever since country's strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed to have won sixth presidential term in elections held in August. The opposition alleges that the elections were rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in the place of her jailed husband -- was the true winner of the polls. The country has seen widespread protests ever since. In recent weeks, authorities imposed an intense crackdown in which hundreds were detained and protesters were prevented from gathering in central Minsk. Bachelet pointed to reports that more than 27,000 people had been arrested since the August 9 vote, with around 1,000 reportedly arrested on November 8 and 700 on November 15. Senior citizens were among some of the peaceful protesters taken into custody. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights decried "multiple and credible reports of people beaten by members of the security forces during and after their transport to police stations or detention centres," warning that such incidents could amount to torture. She also voiced particular alarm over the "numerous allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in custody," pointing to the some 2,000 complaints reportedly lodged by the end of October. Among those rounded up since August were 373 journalists, including six who remain in detention, Bachelet said, stressing that lawyers associated with the opposition were also under pressure, with some facing criminal charges and others disbarred. Most of the diplomats who participated in the hybrid session echoed Bachelet's concerns, denouncing police violence and the crackdown on protesters. Some, including Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela, came to Belarus's defence Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov reminded the council of police violence in a range of other countries, including in France and the United States. "The champions of human rights are very discreet about all of that," he said. (With AFP inputs)

Belarus: UN worried about 'continued deterioration' of human rights conditions

In a first, a Pakistan back UN resolution saw over half the members of the New York headquarter body not voting for. The resolution "Promotion of interreligious & intercultural dialogue", saw 52 abstentions, and 51 countries not voting for

Major embarrassment for Pak at U.N as 100 nations reject its resolution

This will allow the first food, medicines and other aid into the region of 6 million people that has seen rising hunger during the fighting between the federal and Tigray regional governments.

UN, Ethiopia sign deal for aid access to embattled Tigray

"2020 is very likely to be one of the three warmest years on record globally," the Geneva-based UN agency said in its State of the Global Climate in 2020 report.

2020 likely to be second warmest year on record globally

Addressing the UNGA session on ‘Culture of Peace’ on December 2, First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the U.N. Ashish Sharma said there were disconcerting trends in the world of today.

UN fails to acknowledge violence against Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism: India mission at UN

Post the World Health Organization's recommendation, a United Nations commission voted on Wednesday to remove cannabis for medicinal uses from the list of world's most dangerous drugs.&nbsp;

The Commission for Narcotic Drugs, that includes 53 member states, narrowly voted 27-25 in favour of removing cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-to-allow-medicinal-marijuana-to-be-grown-at-home-342930">Argentina to allow medicinal marijuana to be grown at home</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Earlier, cannabis was put listed alongside highly addictive opioids like heroin.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-euthanasia-gets-immense-support-suspense-on-marijuana-continues-339009">New Zealand: Euthanasia gets immense support, suspense on marijuana continues</a>

The decision was a "big step forward" for recognising the positive impact of cannabis on the health of people, said Dirk Heitepriem, a vice president at Canopy Growth, a Canadian cannabis organisation, as quoted by The New York Times.&nbsp;

"We hope this will empower more countries to create frameworks which allow patients in need to get access to treatment."

The vote comes after the WHO in 2019 recommended that "cannabis and cannabis resin should be scheduled at a level of control that will prevent harm caused by cannabis use and at the same time will not act as a barrier to access and to research and development of cannabis-related preparation for medical use."

The UN health agency has also found that marijuana doesn't pose any significant risk of death and has shown encouraging signs to alleviate pain and treat epilepsy.&nbsp;

Post the World Health Organization's recommendation, a United Nations commission voted on Wednesday to remove cannabis for medicinal uses from the list of world's most dangerous drugs.

Post the World Health Organization's recommendation, a United Nations commission voted on Wednesday to remove cannabis for medicinal uses from the list of world's most dangerous drugs. The Commission for Narcotic Drugs, that includes 53 member states, narrowly voted 27-25 in favour of removing cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Also read | Argentina to allow medicinal marijuana to be grown at home Earlier, cannabis was put listed alongside highly addictive opioids like heroin. Also read | New Zealand: Euthanasia gets immense support, suspense on marijuana continues The decision was a "big step forward" for recognising the positive impact of cannabis on the health of people, said Dirk Heitepriem, a vice president at Canopy Growth, a Canadian cannabis organisation, as quoted by The New York Times. "We hope this will empower more countries to create frameworks which allow patients in need to get access to treatment." The vote comes after the WHO in 2019 recommended that "cannabis and cannabis resin should be scheduled at a level of control that will prevent harm caused by cannabis use and at the same time will not act as a barrier to access and to research and development of cannabis-related preparation for medical use." The UN health agency has also found that marijuana doesn't pose any significant risk of death and has shown encouraging signs to alleviate pain and treat epilepsy.

UN removes cannabis from list of world's most dangerous drugs

Highlighting yet again the issue of terror at the United Nations, India has said terror has become a "means of waging war" and requires "global action".

India's first Secretary at United Nations in New York, Ashish Sharma said, and “Terrorism has emerged as one of the means of waging war in the contemporary world. It threatens to engulf the world in a carnage similar to what we witnessed during the two World Wars. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and can only be defeated by a global action."

India has been calling for the passing of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. CCIT calls for a common definition of terror and the criminalization of international terrorism.

Ashish Sharma, who was speaking at a UN event on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 highlighted the role Indian soldiers had played and how they had "participated in the war effort in the millions and suffered immense casualties".

He said, "Despite being under colonial occupation", India contributed 2.5 million soldiers who fought in "every theatre of World War II, from North Africa to Europe and as the Far East as Hong Kong"

During the war, the Indian army was the largest volunteer force ever raised in the history of which 87,000 died or went missing and over a hundred thousand suffered grave injuries.

The first secretary said, "we also cannot forget the sacrifices of our Asian, African and Arab brothers and sisters who fought and died for the freedom of the Allied powers, although they were under the yoke of colonial rule.'

Interestingly, New Delhi pointed out "Although the battlefronts of Europe were romanticized in novels, history books and films" much of the war was "fought in and over colonies controlled by the colonial powers, with front lines springing up from North Africa to East Asia."&nbsp;

The event was organized by Russia in commemoration of all victims of the Second World War. Earlier this year, Defence minister Rajnath Singh had represented India at the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow on the occasion of 75th Anniversary celebrations. A tri-services contingent of the Indian army took part in the Victory Day Parade.

Highlighting yet again the issue of terror at the United Nations, India has said terror has become a "means of waging war" and requires "global action". India's first Secretary at United Nations in New York, Ashish Sharma said, and “Terrorism has emerged as one of the means of waging war in the contemporary world.

Highlighting yet again the issue of terror at the United Nations, India has said terror has become a "means of waging war" and requires "global action". India's first Secretary at United Nations in New York, Ashish Sharma said, and “Terrorism has emerged as one of the means of waging war in the contemporary world. It threatens to engulf the world in a carnage similar to what we witnessed during the two World Wars. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and can only be defeated by a global action." India has been calling for the passing of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. CCIT calls for a common definition of terror and the criminalization of international terrorism. Ashish Sharma, who was speaking at a UN event on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 highlighted the role Indian soldiers had played and how they had "participated in the war effort in the millions and suffered immense casualties". He said, "Despite being under colonial occupation", India contributed 2.5 million soldiers who fought in "every theatre of World War II, from North Africa to Europe and as the Far East as Hong Kong" During the war, the Indian army was the largest volunteer force ever raised in the history of which 87,000 died or went missing and over a hundred thousand suffered grave injuries. The first secretary said, "we also cannot forget the sacrifices of our Asian, African and Arab brothers and sisters who fought and died for the freedom of the Allied powers, although they were under the yoke of colonial rule.' Interestingly, New Delhi pointed out "Although the battlefronts of Europe were romanticized in novels, history books and films" much of the war was "fought in and over colonies controlled by the colonial powers, with front lines springing up from North Africa to East Asia." The event was organized by Russia in commemoration of all victims of the Second World War. Earlier this year, Defence minister Rajnath Singh had represented India at the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow on the occasion of 75th Anniversary celebrations. A tri-services contingent of the Indian army took part in the Victory Day Parade.

Terror has emerged as a means of waging war, requires global action: India at UN

The UN said Tuesday that $35 billion would be needed for aid in 2021, as the pandemic leaves tens of millions more people in crisis, and with the risk of multiple famines looming.

The world body's annual Global Humanitarian Overview estimated that 235 million people worldwide will need some form of emergency assistance next year — a staggering 40-per cent increase in the past year.

"The increase arises almost entirely because of Covid-19," United Nations emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock told reporters.

Next year, one in 33 people worldwide will be in need of aid, the report found, stressing that if all of them lived in one country, it would be the world's fifth-largest nation.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-do-everything-to-discover-origin-of-covid-19-says-who-346541">'Will do everything' to discover origin of COVID-19, says WHO</a>

The annual appeal by UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations usually presents a depressing picture of soaring needs brought on by conflicts, displacement, natural disasters and climate change.

But now, it warned, the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 1.45 million people worldwide, has disproportionately hit those "already living on a knife's edge."&nbsp;

"The picture we are presenting is the bleakest and darkest perspective on humanitarian need in the period ahead that we have ever set out," Lowcock said.&nbsp;

The money requested in the appeal would be enough to help 160 million of the most vulnerable people across 56 countries, the UN said.

'Alarm bells are ringing'

For the first time since the 1990s, extreme poverty is set to rise, life expectancy will fall and the annual death toll from HIV, tuberculosis and malaria could potentially double.

"Possibly the most alarming thing... is the threat of the return of famines, potentially in multiple locations," Lowcock said.

With only one true famine so far in the 21st century —&nbsp;in Somalia nearly a decade ago — mass starvation had appeared to have been "assigned to the dustbin of history," he said.

But now, he warned, "the red lights are flashing and the alarm bells are ringing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-sudan-needs-150-million-to-cope-with-migration-crisis-346469">Also watch|</a>

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By the end of 2020, the number of acutely food-insecure people worldwide could swell to as much as 270 million -- an 82-per cent increase over the pre-Covid-19 number.&nbsp;

Conditions in Yemen, Burkina Faso, South Sudan and northeastern Nigeria indicated they are already on the brink of famine, while a range of other countries and regions, including Afghanistan and the Sahel, were also "potentially very vulnerable", he said.

"If we get through 2021 without major famines, that will be a significant achievement."

Tuesday's appeal shows that war-ravaged Syria and Yemen top the list of the countries most in need of humanitarian assistance.

The UN is seeking close to $6 billion to help millions of Syrians inside and outside the country wracked by a decade of conflict.

And it is asking for nearly $3.5 billion to help nearly 20 million Yemenis caught up in the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

'Darkest hour'

Other major crises requiring substantial funds include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Ethiopia.

Raising the full $35 billion needed at a time of global economic crisis could meanwhile be a daunting task -- the amount is more than double the $17 billion raised so far this year.

That amount is already a record but still falls far short of the nearly $29 billion asked for during last year's appeal, even before the pandemic reared its head.

"The crisis is far from over. Humanitarian aid budgets face dire shortfalls as the impact of the global pandemic continues to worsen," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

"Together we must mobilise resources and stand in solidarity with people in their darkest hour of need."

Lowcock meanwhile insisted that while the total dollar amount asked for seemed high, it was actually tiny compared to the amounts wealthy countries are pumping in to rescue their tanking economies.

"What is at stake is the lives of huge numbers of vulnerable people, and the cost of safeguarding their lives is actually very small in relation to all of the other challenges we face."

The UN said Tuesday that $35 billion would be needed for aid in 2021, as the pandemic leaves tens of millions more people in crisis, and with the risk of multiple famines looming.

The UN said Tuesday that $35 billion would be needed for aid in 2021, as the pandemic leaves tens of millions more people in crisis, and with the risk of multiple famines looming. The world body's annual Global Humanitarian Overview estimated that 235 million people worldwide will need some form of emergency assistance next year — a staggering 40-per cent increase in the past year. "The increase arises almost entirely because of Covid-19," United Nations emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock told reporters. Next year, one in 33 people worldwide will be in need of aid, the report found, stressing that if all of them lived in one country, it would be the world's fifth-largest nation. Also read| 'Will do everything' to discover origin of COVID-19, says WHO The annual appeal by UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations usually presents a depressing picture of soaring needs brought on by conflicts, displacement, natural disasters and climate change. But now, it warned, the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 1.45 million people worldwide, has disproportionately hit those "already living on a knife's edge." "The picture we are presenting is the bleakest and darkest perspective on humanitarian need in the period ahead that we have ever set out," Lowcock said. The money requested in the appeal would be enough to help 160 million of the most vulnerable people across 56 countries, the UN said. 'Alarm bells are ringing' For the first time since the 1990s, extreme poverty is set to rise, life expectancy will fall and the annual death toll from HIV, tuberculosis and malaria could potentially double. "Possibly the most alarming thing... is the threat of the return of famines, potentially in multiple locations," Lowcock said. With only one true famine so far in the 21st century — in Somalia nearly a decade ago — mass starvation had appeared to have been "assigned to the dustbin of history," he said. But now, he warned, "the red lights are flashing and the alarm bells are ringing." Also watch| × By the end of 2020, the number of acutely food-insecure people worldwide could swell to as much as 270 million -- an 82-per cent increase over the pre-Covid-19 number. Conditions in Yemen, Burkina Faso, South Sudan and northeastern Nigeria indicated they are already on the brink of famine, while a range of other countries and regions, including Afghanistan and the Sahel, were also "potentially very vulnerable", he said. "If we get through 2021 without major famines, that will be a significant achievement." Tuesday's appeal shows that war-ravaged Syria and Yemen top the list of the countries most in need of humanitarian assistance. The UN is seeking close to $6 billion to help millions of Syrians inside and outside the country wracked by a decade of conflict. And it is asking for nearly $3.5 billion to help nearly 20 million Yemenis caught up in the world's worst humanitarian crisis. 'Darkest hour' Other major crises requiring substantial funds include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Ethiopia. Raising the full $35 billion needed at a time of global economic crisis could meanwhile be a daunting task -- the amount is more than double the $17 billion raised so far this year. That amount is already a record but still falls far short of the nearly $29 billion asked for during last year's appeal, even before the pandemic reared its head. "The crisis is far from over. Humanitarian aid budgets face dire shortfalls as the impact of the global pandemic continues to worsen," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. "Together we must mobilise resources and stand in solidarity with people in their darkest hour of need." Lowcock meanwhile insisted that while the total dollar amount asked for seemed high, it was actually tiny compared to the amounts wealthy countries are pumping in to rescue their tanking economies. "What is at stake is the lives of huge numbers of vulnerable people, and the cost of safeguarding their lives is actually very small in relation to all of the other challenges we face."

UN sees emergency aid needs exploding due to pandemic

Days after a top Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed reactions from country continue to pour in. Most of the countries have called for calm after President Hassan Rouhani accused Israel of being the assassination. No one has claimed the responsibility in killing the nuclear scientist so far.

Iran Nuclear scientist's assassination: How the world responded

The United Nations on Monday said that Sudan needs $150 million to cope with the migration crisis.

UN: Sudan needs $150 million to cope with migration crisis

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans shrill campaign to internationalise Kashmir has bombed after the 57-member Islamic bloc brushed aside Islamabads frenzied attempt to haul up India for abrogating Article 370 more than a year ago. 
 
In the latest attempt to slam India for its decision to fully mainstream Kashmir with the rest of India, it was once again Pakistan`s light-headed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who had an egg on his face. Qureshi was left red-faced after the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), holding its 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Niger`s Niamey, snubbed Pakistan by making no mention of Kashmir in its agenda. 
 
Despite the embarrassment, Qureshi, took the `Islamophobia` route to mention Kashmir in his speech, another wasted exercise, as the participating ministers remained focused on session`s theme "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/never-pressured-by-military-leadership-on-any-matter-imran-khan-346205" hreflang="en">Never pressured by military leadership on any matter: Imran Khan</a> 
 
The OIC, through its Secretary General Yousef Al-Othaimeen, had made it aptly clear that the agenda of this year`s Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) session would include a list of topics and "issues of concern" to the Muslim world. 
 
"In addition to the Palestinian cause, the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism, Islamophobia and defamation of religious, the Council will discuss the situation of Muslim minorities and communities in non-member states, fundraising for the Rohingya case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and other emerging matters," the OIC, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents, said in a statement released prior to the meeting. 
 
The much-expected agenda though came as a huge shocker for Pakistan which had for long been demanding a special OIC meeting on Kashmir.

"The meeting has not been convened so far because the Saudis, who wield a virtual veto in the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, has not supported Islamabad`s move. The latest omission of Kashmir from the agenda of the regular foreign ministers` meeting comes at a time when ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia/UAE remain strained over what Pakistani diplomats say are `unfulfilled expectations`," Pakistan`s leading daily Dawn said in a report.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-bhutto-slams-imran-khans-heartless-government-for-sacking-over-4500-psm-employees-346106" hreflang="en">Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees</a> 
 
Qureshi was to face more embarrassment after landing in Niger along with Sardar Masood Khan, the former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, who is now president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 
 
The duo referred Niger as a "brotherly Islamic country" and urged the founding member of the OIC to raise the Kashmir issue at the forum of African Union (AU) and various other international platforms. 
 
But, as the two-day session kicked off on Friday, neither Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, nor any other participating country diverted from the pre-decided agenda. 
 
OIC Secretary General Al-Othaimeen said that the choice of the theme for the session, "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development", is a strong reminder that "terrorism is the single most serious threat to the region and the world, given its negative impact on growth rates and cooperation ties, in addition to worsening Human Development Indices (HDI) ranking". 
 
He also valued the role assigned to the OIC Sawt al-Hikma (Voice of Wisdom) Center, which acts in coordination with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to bring reason to bear and promote moderation and tolerance.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans shrill campaign to internationalise Kashmir has bombed after the 57-member Islamic bloc brushed aside Islamabads frenzied attempt to haul up India for abrogating Article 370 more than a year ago.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans shrill campaign to internationalise Kashmir has bombed after the 57-member Islamic bloc brushed aside Islamabads frenzied attempt to haul up India for abrogating Article 370 more than a year ago. In the latest attempt to slam India for its decision to fully mainstream Kashmir with the rest of India, it was once again Pakistan`s light-headed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who had an egg on his face. Qureshi was left red-faced after the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), holding its 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Niger`s Niamey, snubbed Pakistan by making no mention of Kashmir in its agenda. Despite the embarrassment, Qureshi, took the `Islamophobia` route to mention Kashmir in his speech, another wasted exercise, as the participating ministers remained focused on session`s theme "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development". Also read| Never pressured by military leadership on any matter: Imran Khan The OIC, through its Secretary General Yousef Al-Othaimeen, had made it aptly clear that the agenda of this year`s Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) session would include a list of topics and "issues of concern" to the Muslim world. "In addition to the Palestinian cause, the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism, Islamophobia and defamation of religious, the Council will discuss the situation of Muslim minorities and communities in non-member states, fundraising for the Rohingya case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and other emerging matters," the OIC, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents, said in a statement released prior to the meeting. The much-expected agenda though came as a huge shocker for Pakistan which had for long been demanding a special OIC meeting on Kashmir. "The meeting has not been convened so far because the Saudis, who wield a virtual veto in the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, has not supported Islamabad`s move. The latest omission of Kashmir from the agenda of the regular foreign ministers` meeting comes at a time when ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia/UAE remain strained over what Pakistani diplomats say are `unfulfilled expectations`," Pakistan`s leading daily Dawn said in a report. Also read| Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees Qureshi was to face more embarrassment after landing in Niger along with Sardar Masood Khan, the former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, who is now president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The duo referred Niger as a "brotherly Islamic country" and urged the founding member of the OIC to raise the Kashmir issue at the forum of African Union (AU) and various other international platforms. But, as the two-day session kicked off on Friday, neither Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, nor any other participating country diverted from the pre-decided agenda. OIC Secretary General Al-Othaimeen said that the choice of the theme for the session, "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development", is a strong reminder that "terrorism is the single most serious threat to the region and the world, given its negative impact on growth rates and cooperation ties, in addition to worsening Human Development Indices (HDI) ranking". He also valued the role assigned to the OIC Sawt al-Hikma (Voice of Wisdom) Center, which acts in coordination with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to bring reason to bear and promote moderation and tolerance.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's Kashmir campaign bombs at Islamic meet

The chief of United Nations High Commission&nbsp;for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi on Monday urged the international community to continue aiding Afghanistan or risk “disastrous consequences”.

Grandi was speaking at a donors conference in Geneva, where he made his appeal after visiting Afghanistan. Right now, the country is eclipsed by violence, the risk of which continues to linger with US troops pullout happening soon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/taliban-using-drones-to-target-government-forces-afghanistan-spy-chief-344908" hreflang="en">Taliban using drones to target government forces: Afghanistan spy chief</a>

Grandi added that the future of millions of Afghans is dependent on the peace talks that are taking place in Qatar. He also urged the international community to commit to developing the country.

"Failure on either account would see Afghanistan slide backwards with disastrous consequences, including further displacement possibly on a large scale," Grandi said in a statement.

Every four years, donors meet to pledge aid for Afghanistan, which is heavily dependent on foreign assistance.&nbsp; Grandi claimed that 300,000 Afghans who were displaced within Afghanistan required acute humanitarian support.

Over three million people were previously displaced in the country, where nine million people have also lost their livelihoods due to COVID-19. Grandi also pushed for the culmination of peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Also read: A<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-resolve-several-disputed-issues-officials-344739" hreflang="en">fghanistan, Taliban resolve several disputed issues: Officials</a>

The country’s president Ashraf Ghani had urged the world community to come up with a framework which could help Afghanistan achieve peace.

Help could "guarantee peace and political stability and contain and eliminate the interrelated threats of terrorist networks”, Ghani said in a video call.

The chief of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi on Monday urged the international community to continue aiding Afghanistan or risk “disastrous consequences”.

The chief of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi on Monday urged the international community to continue aiding Afghanistan or risk “disastrous consequences”. Grandi was speaking at a donors conference in Geneva, where he made his appeal after visiting Afghanistan. Right now, the country is eclipsed by violence, the risk of which continues to linger with US troops pullout happening soon. Also read: Taliban using drones to target government forces: Afghanistan spy chief Grandi added that the future of millions of Afghans is dependent on the peace talks that are taking place in Qatar. He also urged the international community to commit to developing the country. "Failure on either account would see Afghanistan slide backwards with disastrous consequences, including further displacement possibly on a large scale," Grandi said in a statement. Every four years, donors meet to pledge aid for Afghanistan, which is heavily dependent on foreign assistance. Grandi claimed that 300,000 Afghans who were displaced within Afghanistan required acute humanitarian support. Over three million people were previously displaced in the country, where nine million people have also lost their livelihoods due to COVID-19. Grandi also pushed for the culmination of peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Also read: Afghanistan, Taliban resolve several disputed issues: Officials The country’s president Ashraf Ghani had urged the world community to come up with a framework which could help Afghanistan achieve peace. Help could "guarantee peace and political stability and contain and eliminate the interrelated threats of terrorist networks”, Ghani said in a video call.

Global community must help Afghanistan to avoid 'disastrous consequences': UNHCR

United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades.&nbsp;

"In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-torn-yemen-on-brink-of-losing-an-entire-generation-of-children-to-hunger-un-338662">War-torn Yemen on brink of losing an entire generation of children to hunger: UN</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The war-torn nation has suffered a five-year war between Iranian-backed Huthi rebels and government-backed by Saudi Arabia, the United States and other Western nations.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-reveal-real-covid-19-death-toll-in-yemen-338476">Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen</a>

The UN chief's warning comes at a time when Trump administration is considering labelling the Huthis a terror group, a move that could further escalate the crisis.&nbsp;

Aid groups say that the US's action could affect aid deliveries also.&nbsp;

"I urge all those with influence to act urgently on these issues to stave off catastrophe, and I also request that everyone avoids taking any action that could make the already dire situation even worse," Guterres said.&nbsp;

The UN chief later told reporters that the US's move to label Huthis could further destabilize a "very fragile situation".&nbsp;

"We believe that any other unilateral initiative will probably not be positive. I don't think we should rock the boat at the present moment," he said. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades. "In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as quoted by news agency AFP.

United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades. "In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | War-torn Yemen on brink of losing an entire generation of children to hunger: UN The war-torn nation has suffered a five-year war between Iranian-backed Huthi rebels and government-backed by Saudi Arabia, the United States and other Western nations. Also read | Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen The UN chief's warning comes at a time when Trump administration is considering labelling the Huthis a terror group, a move that could further escalate the crisis. Aid groups say that the US's action could affect aid deliveries also. "I urge all those with influence to act urgently on these issues to stave off catastrophe, and I also request that everyone avoids taking any action that could make the already dire situation even worse," Guterres said. The UN chief later told reporters that the US's move to label Huthis could further destabilize a "very fragile situation". "We believe that any other unilateral initiative will probably not be positive. I don't think we should rock the boat at the present moment," he said.

Yemen in 'imminent danger' of world's worst famine in decades, warns UN

In a strongly-worded statement, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilizing Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand line should stop". Durand Line is the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti speaking at Arria Formula Meeting of United Nations Security Council said, "There needs to be zero tolerance of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations....It is important to ensure that no one provides sanctuary to terrorists who threaten Afghanistan or any other country in the region. Those who do so must be held accountable."

The number of terror attacks in Afghanistan has had links in Pakistan, and the long, porous border has helped the easy movement of terrorists. Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team under the Al-Qaeda/Da’esh Sanctions Committee of UN has pointed out the presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan, many of which include Pakistani nationals.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaeda-chief-ayman-al-zawahiri-may-have-died-in-afghanistan-report-344314">Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri may have died in Afghanistan: Report</a>

Tirumurti also pointed out, how Pakistan has not allowed "full transit rights to Afghanistan", hindering trade and connectivity between India and Afghanistan. He explained, how it is being used by "States to extract a political price from Afghanistan" and "the international community should discourage medieval mentalities and work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan."

To increase connectivity, India has started an air corridor with Afghanistan and also via Chabahar port in Iran. In fact, amidst the COVID pandemic, New Delhi sent 75000 MT of wheat to the country to deal with the crisis.&nbsp;

On the Afghan peace process, the envoy reiterated India's stance that the process must be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" and "solutions must come from the Afghans themselves, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the all sections of Afghan society."

He also said, "gains of the last two decades" especially rights of women and minorities should be "strongly protected" and "safeguarded."&nbsp;

This year saw the US-Taliban pact and the start of the intra-Afghan ties between the Afghan govt and Taliban, but the violence level remains high in the country. America plans to substantially reduce troops level in Afghanistan by January, even hostilities on the ground continue.&nbsp;

India has played an important role in the development of Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. It has helped build mega infrastructure projects like Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam in Herat, the Afghan National Parliament building in Kabul, and the electricity supply grid between Kabul and northern Afghanistan and capacity building.

As the envoy had put, "India and Afghanistan are contiguous neighbors. We are connected together by centuries of historical, people-to-people, and cultural relations. India has stood resolutely behind the Government and people of Afghanistan and has supported the development of Afghanistan."

New Delhi has also been involved in over 400 high impact community development projects spread across 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

In a strongly-worded statement, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilizing Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand line should stop".

In a strongly-worded statement, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilizing Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand line should stop". Durand Line is the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti speaking at Arria Formula Meeting of United Nations Security Council said, "There needs to be zero tolerance of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations....It is important to ensure that no one provides sanctuary to terrorists who threaten Afghanistan or any other country in the region. Those who do so must be held accountable." The number of terror attacks in Afghanistan has had links in Pakistan, and the long, porous border has helped the easy movement of terrorists. Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team under the Al-Qaeda/Da’esh Sanctions Committee of UN has pointed out the presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan, many of which include Pakistani nationals. Also Read | Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri may have died in Afghanistan: Report Tirumurti also pointed out, how Pakistan has not allowed "full transit rights to Afghanistan", hindering trade and connectivity between India and Afghanistan. He explained, how it is being used by "States to extract a political price from Afghanistan" and "the international community should discourage medieval mentalities and work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan." To increase connectivity, India has started an air corridor with Afghanistan and also via Chabahar port in Iran. In fact, amidst the COVID pandemic, New Delhi sent 75000 MT of wheat to the country to deal with the crisis. On the Afghan peace process, the envoy reiterated India's stance that the process must be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" and "solutions must come from the Afghans themselves, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the all sections of Afghan society." He also said, "gains of the last two decades" especially rights of women and minorities should be "strongly protected" and "safeguarded." This year saw the US-Taliban pact and the start of the intra-Afghan ties between the Afghan govt and Taliban, but the violence level remains high in the country. America plans to substantially reduce troops level in Afghanistan by January, even hostilities on the ground continue. India has played an important role in the development of Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. It has helped build mega infrastructure projects like Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam in Herat, the Afghan National Parliament building in Kabul, and the electricity supply grid between Kabul and northern Afghanistan and capacity building. As the envoy had put, "India and Afghanistan are contiguous neighbors. We are connected together by centuries of historical, people-to-people, and cultural relations. India has stood resolutely behind the Government and people of Afghanistan and has supported the development of Afghanistan." New Delhi has also been involved in over 400 high impact community development projects spread across 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

India slams Pakistan at UNSC for destabilising Afghanistan; says 'terror flow across Durand Line should stop'

The United Nations on Tuesday said that a humanitarian crisis is currently underway in northern parts of Ethiopia. Thousands of people are currently fleeing the conflict taking place in the Tigray region.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy&nbsp;Ahmed declared that operations to end the violence were now entering a “final” phase, following fresh air strikes near the Tigray capital of Mekele.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-carries-out-air-strikes-in-tigray-pm-says-surrender-ultimatum-over-343644" hreflang="en">Ethiopia carries out air strikes in Tigray, PM says surrender ultimatum over</a>

Abiy had received the Nobel Peace Prize last year. He claimed that his military campaign came in response to the attacks that were launched by the local ruling party - Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), who had earlier attacked federal military camps.

According to the UN refugee agency, 27,000 Ethiopians had fled the region into Sudan.&nbsp;

Currently, 4,000 people are fleeing the region everyday.

"A full-scale humanitarian crisis is unfolding," spokesman Babar Baloch said during a virtual press briefing in Geneva.

"Refugees fleeing the fighting continue to arrive exhausted from the long trek to safety, with few belongings”, Baloch added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-says-tigray-town-seized-war-embroils-eritrea-343515" hreflang="en">Ethiopia says Tigray town seized, war embroils Eritrea</a>

Those who escaped recounted the horrific scenes from the war-torn region. On Friday, Abiy had declared that the TPLF was “in the final throes of death”.

"The three-day deadline for the Tigray regional special forces and militia to hand themselves over to national defence forces instead of being a tool for the greedy junta has expired. Those Tigray special forces and militia who used the three-day deadline are appreciated," he said.&nbsp;

"Since the deadline has been completed, in the coming days the final law enforcement activities will be done”, he added.

The United Nations on Tuesday said that a humanitarian crisis is currently underway in northern parts of Ethiopia. Thousands of people are currently fleeing the conflict taking place in the Tigray region.

The United Nations on Tuesday said that a humanitarian crisis is currently underway in northern parts of Ethiopia. Thousands of people are currently fleeing the conflict taking place in the Tigray region. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that operations to end the violence were now entering a “final” phase, following fresh air strikes near the Tigray capital of Mekele. Also read: Ethiopia carries out air strikes in Tigray, PM says surrender ultimatum over Abiy had received the Nobel Peace Prize last year. He claimed that his military campaign came in response to the attacks that were launched by the local ruling party - Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), who had earlier attacked federal military camps. According to the UN refugee agency, 27,000 Ethiopians had fled the region into Sudan. Currently, 4,000 people are fleeing the region everyday. "A full-scale humanitarian crisis is unfolding," spokesman Babar Baloch said during a virtual press briefing in Geneva. "Refugees fleeing the fighting continue to arrive exhausted from the long trek to safety, with few belongings”, Baloch added. Also read: Ethiopia says Tigray town seized, war embroils Eritrea Those who escaped recounted the horrific scenes from the war-torn region. On Friday, Abiy had declared that the TPLF was “in the final throes of death”. "The three-day deadline for the Tigray regional special forces and militia to hand themselves over to national defence forces instead of being a tool for the greedy junta has expired. Those Tigray special forces and militia who used the three-day deadline are appreciated," he said. "Since the deadline has been completed, in the coming days the final law enforcement activities will be done”, he added.

Full-scale humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ethiopia: United Nations

The commanding officer of the next Indian contingent to UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan said that as peace ambassadors the contingent will keep Indian flag high. Speaking exclusively to WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Colonel D Jothish said, "We are the face of the nation and we understand that. We are under the UN flag but we never forget, we are peace ambassadors from our country.".&nbsp;

He highlighted the training that goes into serving under the UN mandate that focuses on the "humanitarian angle". He said that he had the task to ensure that UN ceasefire was in place. He also talked about how Covid-19 impacted the peacekeeping and about the new protocols in place.&nbsp;

WION: Why are Indian Army personnel most sought after for UN peacekeeping?

Col. D Jothish: When the Indian army gets deployed during a United Nations peacekeeping operation, we act as the face of the nation. That being said, the best of the battalions, for that matter nominated, for this mission, even for me, as commanding officer, I am proud that my battalion will be part of the contingent in UN mission in South Sudan. We start doing mission-specific, tactical training for them. We also make them understand, political, cultural, social issues of the nationals where they are going to be deployed. For this whole process commences with a core team of trainers getting trainers at a place called the center for UN peacekeeping. Once they get trained, they train the whole battalion. We carry personnel from all services, and they have integration training in Delhi. Keeping all these phases of training, the depth in which we go, the preparation which we do, for the UN Missions, keeping that in mind we have been doing a fabulous job. Our colleagues and friends have done extremely well in UN.

WION: What kind of training Indian army personnel go through before a UN peacekeeping mission?

Col. D Jothish: The humanitarian angle in it, and since its Indian Army, we always look at that angle wherever we are deployed. Indian army is always deployed in line of control, counter-terror grid, and places where national requirement is there. UN works under the UN Security Council mandate. So those mandates will have specific tasks. In the upcoming mandates, I have the task to ensure that UN ceasefire is in place. Once we go over there, we are neutral in nature, peace ambassadors. Unlike the operations that we do, which is defensive and offensive in nature in our own country, over there, we are peace ambassadors and peacekeeping. They are completely different, different tactics, and groundwork differs. We have concepts called the graduated ground matrix. The way we are going to respond to any situation varies as per the united nations. These things carry importance and that is why we carry on training.&nbsp;

WION: Indian army personnel representing India under UN flag. How does it feel?

Col. D Jothish: We are the face of the nation and we understand that. Our conduct dictates in any foreign country. We are under the UN flag but we never forget, we are peace ambassadors from our country. We always like to keep our Indian flag high. The dedication for our job, The way the Indian army is contributing to national buildup. Now we will get the opportunity to put the Indian flag high in an international environment. Moreover, the Indian army is the most professional army in the world. We would always like to conduct, and project in a foreign nation similarly. Wherever Indian army personnel has been deployed as on date, they all have been professionally very sound, and which has shown results, that people have known and people have accepted the fact that these guys mean business and they are very clear about whatever they going to do. Neutral way of approach of our troops, the main factor of achievement in the United Nations.&nbsp;

WION: How has COVID-19 has impacted UN Peacekeeping?

Col. D Jothish: Firstly when the COVID-19 lockdowns started internationally, there was a delay in the deployment of UN Peacekeepers. The world started learning, we also learned about various precautions to be taken as a COVID protocol. We started maintaining social distancing. However, the main effort goes into the fact that we don't want COVID to spread from our nation to any foreign nations. For that multiple COVID tests are carried out on our troops, and once they come negative, only then troops are sent to any foreign nation. In addition, we follow quarantine. All the troops, who are likely to get deployed under the UN, undergo very strict quarantine measures at a separate location, and they are deployed.&nbsp;

The commanding officer of the next Indian contingent to UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan said that as peace ambassadors the contingent will keep Indian flag high.

The commanding officer of the next Indian contingent to UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan said that as peace ambassadors the contingent will keep Indian flag high. Speaking exclusively to WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Colonel D Jothish said, "We are the face of the nation and we understand that. We are under the UN flag but we never forget, we are peace ambassadors from our country.". He highlighted the training that goes into serving under the UN mandate that focuses on the "humanitarian angle". He said that he had the task to ensure that UN ceasefire was in place. He also talked about how Covid-19 impacted the peacekeeping and about the new protocols in place. WION: Why are Indian Army personnel most sought after for UN peacekeeping? Col. D Jothish: When the Indian army gets deployed during a United Nations peacekeeping operation, we act as the face of the nation. That being said, the best of the battalions, for that matter nominated, for this mission, even for me, as commanding officer, I am proud that my battalion will be part of the contingent in UN mission in South Sudan. We start doing mission-specific, tactical training for them. We also make them understand, political, cultural, social issues of the nationals where they are going to be deployed. For this whole process commences with a core team of trainers getting trainers at a place called the center for UN peacekeeping. Once they get trained, they train the whole battalion. We carry personnel from all services, and they have integration training in Delhi. Keeping all these phases of training, the depth in which we go, the preparation which we do, for the UN Missions, keeping that in mind we have been doing a fabulous job. Our colleagues and friends have done extremely well in UN. WION: What kind of training Indian army personnel go through before a UN peacekeeping mission? Col. D Jothish: The humanitarian angle in it, and since its Indian Army, we always look at that angle wherever we are deployed. Indian army is always deployed in line of control, counter-terror grid, and places where national requirement is there. UN works under the UN Security Council mandate. So those mandates will have specific tasks. In the upcoming mandates, I have the task to ensure that UN ceasefire is in place. Once we go over there, we are neutral in nature, peace ambassadors. Unlike the operations that we do, which is defensive and offensive in nature in our own country, over there, we are peace ambassadors and peacekeeping. They are completely different, different tactics, and groundwork differs. We have concepts called the graduated ground matrix. The way we are going to respond to any situation varies as per the united nations. These things carry importance and that is why we carry on training. WION: Indian army personnel representing India under UN flag. How does it feel? Col. D Jothish: We are the face of the nation and we understand that. Our conduct dictates in any foreign country. We are under the UN flag but we never forget, we are peace ambassadors from our country. We always like to keep our Indian flag high. The dedication for our job, The way the Indian army is contributing to national buildup. Now we will get the opportunity to put the Indian flag high in an international environment. Moreover, the Indian army is the most professional army in the world. We would always like to conduct, and project in a foreign nation similarly. Wherever Indian army personnel has been deployed as on date, they all have been professionally very sound, and which has shown results, that people have known and people have accepted the fact that these guys mean business and they are very clear about whatever they going to do. Neutral way of approach of our troops, the main factor of achievement in the United Nations. WION: How has COVID-19 has impacted UN Peacekeeping? Col. D Jothish: Firstly when the COVID-19 lockdowns started internationally, there was a delay in the deployment of UN Peacekeepers. The world started learning, we also learned about various precautions to be taken as a COVID protocol. We started maintaining social distancing. However, the main effort goes into the fact that we don't want COVID to spread from our nation to any foreign nations. For that multiple COVID tests are carried out on our troops, and once they come negative, only then troops are sent to any foreign nation. In addition, we follow quarantine. All the troops, who are likely to get deployed under the UN, undergo very strict quarantine measures at a separate location, and they are deployed.

Will keep Indian flag high, says Commanding Officer of Indian contingent of UN peacekeepers

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided on Thursday to organise a special session on December 3 and 4 on ramping up international cooperation to deal with coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

"The special session of United Nations General Assembly on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is a historic moment, and a test, for multilateralism. It will be defined by our collective action on one of the most critical issues of our time," said Volkan Bozkir, president of the 75th session of the UNGA, in his remarks ahead of the adoption of the Modalities Resolution for the 31st Special Session of the General Assembly on the pandemic, Xinhua news agency reported.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-years-witnessed-rise-in-natural-disasters-especially-in-asia-united-nations-334738">20 years witnessed rise in natural disasters, especially in Asia: United Nations&nbsp; &nbsp; </a>

As many as 150 of the 193 UNGA member states adopted the resolution. No country voted against the resolution, however, the US, Israel and Armenia did not participate in the voting.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-nations-faces-crisis-of-confidence-pm-modi-in-unga-address-329308">United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address</a>

"It is vital that the special session provides an inclusive platform which has the capacity to hear from and address the concerns of member states and other stakeholders, including civil society, academia, and private sector experts pioneering the development of vaccines. To this end, the second day will feature interactive multistakeholder dialogue panels on different aspects of Covid-19," the UNGA president said.&nbsp;

The special session on Covid-19 will feature an opening statement, a general debate and a closing segment, reports news agency IANS.&nbsp;

On the first day, the general debate will be held along with statements by member and observer states and the European Union and, if time allows, a limited number of representatives from relevant organisations attending the event.&nbsp;

World leaders will be making their address in pre-recorded statements, which will be aired in General Assembly Hall. The speakers will be allotted seven minutes on behalf of a group of states.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided on Thursday to organise a special session on December 3 and 4 on ramping up international cooperation to deal with coronavirus pandemic.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided on Thursday to organise a special session on December 3 and 4 on ramping up international cooperation to deal with coronavirus pandemic. "The special session of United Nations General Assembly on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is a historic moment, and a test, for multilateralism. It will be defined by our collective action on one of the most critical issues of our time," said Volkan Bozkir, president of the 75th session of the UNGA, in his remarks ahead of the adoption of the Modalities Resolution for the 31st Special Session of the General Assembly on the pandemic, Xinhua news agency reported. Also read | 20 years witnessed rise in natural disasters, especially in Asia: United Nations As many as 150 of the 193 UNGA member states adopted the resolution. No country voted against the resolution, however, the US, Israel and Armenia did not participate in the voting. Also read | United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address "It is vital that the special session provides an inclusive platform which has the capacity to hear from and address the concerns of member states and other stakeholders, including civil society, academia, and private sector experts pioneering the development of vaccines. To this end, the second day will feature interactive multistakeholder dialogue panels on different aspects of Covid-19," the UNGA president said. The special session on Covid-19 will feature an opening statement, a general debate and a closing segment, reports news agency IANS. On the first day, the general debate will be held along with statements by member and observer states and the European Union and, if time allows, a limited number of representatives from relevant organisations attending the event. World leaders will be making their address in pre-recorded statements, which will be aired in General Assembly Hall. The speakers will be allotted seven minutes on behalf of a group of states.

UNGA to hold special session on coronavirus pandemic in December

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election.

Thomas Andrews, a former US congressman from Maine who is the UN special investigator on Myanmar, called for free and fair elections but expressed concerns about the denial of the vote to Rohingya Muslims and others based on race, ethnicity or religion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-casts-early-vote-in-poll-hit-by-covid-19-curbs-338842">Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs</a>

Andrews, who as an independent 'special rapporteur'&nbsp;does not speak for the UN, said the Myanmar army is using a penal code set up under colonialist Britain in 1861 to lock up journalists, students and others for exercising their basic right to free expression.&nbsp;He also lamented allegations of state censorship of some candidates.

Myanmar's electoral commission has canceled voting in several parts of the country facing bouts of unrest.

Michelle Bachelet, who heads the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Myanmar before the vote, including violations of the right to political participation, particularly for minority groups.

The last general election in 2015 brought to power Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy after more than five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and her government have faced international condemnation for allowing security forces to carry out widespread abuses of the Rohingya minority, driving more than 700,000 to seek safety in neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election.

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election. Thomas Andrews, a former US congressman from Maine who is the UN special investigator on Myanmar, called for free and fair elections but expressed concerns about the denial of the vote to Rohingya Muslims and others based on race, ethnicity or religion. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs Andrews, who as an independent 'special rapporteur' does not speak for the UN, said the Myanmar army is using a penal code set up under colonialist Britain in 1861 to lock up journalists, students and others for exercising their basic right to free expression. He also lamented allegations of state censorship of some candidates. Myanmar's electoral commission has canceled voting in several parts of the country facing bouts of unrest. Michelle Bachelet, who heads the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Myanmar before the vote, including violations of the right to political participation, particularly for minority groups. The last general election in 2015 brought to power Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy after more than five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and her government have faced international condemnation for allowing security forces to carry out widespread abuses of the Rohingya minority, driving more than 700,000 to seek safety in neighbouring Bangladesh.

UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote

The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament which aim to reduce risk of nuclear accidents and call for a prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The UNGA first committee deals with the issue of disarmament and works in close cooperation with the United Nations Disarmament Commission and the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament, the other two bodies to deal with the nuclear issue.

The two resolutions adopted are: ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons’ and ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger’ under the ‘Nuclear weapons’ cluster. The adoption of resolutions, sources say shows "India’s commitment towards the goal of nuclear disarmament."

The resolution on “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons” was backed by a majority of UN Members and was tabled by India since 1982. It calls for Conference on Disarmament to start negotiations on an international convention prohibiting the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances.&nbsp;

The aim is that a universal and legally binding agreement would generate the necessary global "political will" that can lead to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

One such treaty which has been proposed in the past is Nuclear Weapons Convention that outlaws nuclear weapons but negotiations on it are inactive at the Conference on Disarmament. Conference on Disarmament, while not a UN body, is linked with it in various ways and formed to negotiate arms control and disarmament agreements

The resolution on “Reducing Nuclear Danger” which was tabled since 1998 puts focus on "unintentional or accidental use" of nuclear weapons and underscore the need for a review of nuclear doctrines. The resolution asks for "concrete steps" to reduce such risks, including through "de-alerting and de-targeting of nuclear weapons."

The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament which aim to reduce risk of nuclear accidents and call for a prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons.

The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament which aim to reduce risk of nuclear accidents and call for a prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons. The UNGA first committee deals with the issue of disarmament and works in close cooperation with the United Nations Disarmament Commission and the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament, the other two bodies to deal with the nuclear issue. The two resolutions adopted are: ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons’ and ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger’ under the ‘Nuclear weapons’ cluster. The adoption of resolutions, sources say shows "India’s commitment towards the goal of nuclear disarmament." The resolution on “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons” was backed by a majority of UN Members and was tabled by India since 1982. It calls for Conference on Disarmament to start negotiations on an international convention prohibiting the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. The aim is that a universal and legally binding agreement would generate the necessary global "political will" that can lead to the total elimination of nuclear weapons. One such treaty which has been proposed in the past is Nuclear Weapons Convention that outlaws nuclear weapons but negotiations on it are inactive at the Conference on Disarmament. Conference on Disarmament, while not a UN body, is linked with it in various ways and formed to negotiate arms control and disarmament agreements The resolution on “Reducing Nuclear Danger” which was tabled since 1998 puts focus on "unintentional or accidental use" of nuclear weapons and underscore the need for a review of nuclear doctrines. The resolution asks for "concrete steps" to reduce such risks, including through "de-alerting and de-targeting of nuclear weapons."

UN adopts India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament

The health experts at the World Health Organization chaired a virtual meeting with their Chinese counterparts on Friday to investigate the origin of the novel coronavirus, which is reported to be lab-made in Wuhan, a Chinese city.

The&nbsp;WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu told a virtual press briefing that the United Nations will continue&nbsp;“to establish the origins of the virus to prevent future outbreaks" and continuing the same "a group of international experts had their first virtual meeting with their Chinese counterparts,"&nbsp;he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-registers-94000-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-tally-passes-9m-339148">Also read|&nbsp;US registers 94,000 coronavirus cases in 24 hours; tally passes 9M</a>

The meeting with the Chinese counterparts happened after the WHO had sent a team of investigators and health experts to Beijing in July to lay the groundwork for the investigation. However, a larger team has yet not been dispatched to the Asian country.&nbsp;

It was also made clear by the&nbsp;WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan that it was decided since the start that first meeting between the two sides will take place virtually, and then will proceed to face-to-face interaction.

He said the teams needed to first review all the studies already done “so that the trip, the mission ultimately will address the issues which are the gaps in knowledge.” He also stressed that such investigations have to be closely monitored and are very critical.&nbsp;“I cast my mind back to MERS and SARS and other diseases, which have taken months and sometimes years to establish animal origins, and sometimes years to get fully-fledged investigations carried out on the ground,” he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-records-highest-coronavirus-cases-amid-tough-covid-19-regulation-339122">Also read|&nbsp;Italy records highest coronavirus cases amid tough COVID-19 regulation</a>

Also talking about the mounting political pressure on the organisation — especially by the US President Donald trump — Ryan said the need of the moment is to find the right answers rather than surrendering to the pressure. He did acknowledge that the organisation was under immense political pressure.&nbsp;“That is what we need: ... the best answers. Not just any answer that satisfies political needs of speed,” he said. “We want the best possible scientific outcome, generating the best possible evidence for the origin of this disease because it is important.” He also added that the added political pressure creates a toxic work environment which negatively affects the workflow and quality.&nbsp;"We are trying our best to ensure the best science in the face of one of the most devastating epidemics we have had to face together as a planet," he concluded.

WHO may also issue an updated safety guideline with respect to international travel, observing the change in season and the advancement of the symptoms of the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;"It’s very important that WHO produce an updated guidance with regard to safe international air travel and clearly the use of the tests is certainly now supposed to have a much large place compare to quarantine," committee chair Didier Houssin said.

The meeting took place as the coronavirus cases totalled around 45.4 million with the death toll nearing&nbsp;to 1,187,020, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The health experts at the World Health Organization chaired a virtual meeting with their Chinese counterparts on Friday to investigate the origin of the novel coronavirus, which is reported to be lab-made in Wuhan, a Chinese city.

The health experts at the World Health Organization chaired a virtual meeting with their Chinese counterparts on Friday to investigate the origin of the novel coronavirus, which is reported to be lab-made in Wuhan, a Chinese city. The WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu told a virtual press briefing that the United Nations will continue “to establish the origins of the virus to prevent future outbreaks" and continuing the same "a group of international experts had their first virtual meeting with their Chinese counterparts," he said. Also read| US registers 94,000 coronavirus cases in 24 hours; tally passes 9M The meeting with the Chinese counterparts happened after the WHO had sent a team of investigators and health experts to Beijing in July to lay the groundwork for the investigation. However, a larger team has yet not been dispatched to the Asian country. It was also made clear by the WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan that it was decided since the start that first meeting between the two sides will take place virtually, and then will proceed to face-to-face interaction. He said the teams needed to first review all the studies already done “so that the trip, the mission ultimately will address the issues which are the gaps in knowledge.” He also stressed that such investigations have to be closely monitored and are very critical. “I cast my mind back to MERS and SARS and other diseases, which have taken months and sometimes years to establish animal origins, and sometimes years to get fully-fledged investigations carried out on the ground,” he said. Also read| Italy records highest coronavirus cases amid tough COVID-19 regulation Also talking about the mounting political pressure on the organisation — especially by the US President Donald trump — Ryan said the need of the moment is to find the right answers rather than surrendering to the pressure. He did acknowledge that the organisation was under immense political pressure. “That is what we need: ... the best answers. Not just any answer that satisfies political needs of speed,” he said. “We want the best possible scientific outcome, generating the best possible evidence for the origin of this disease because it is important.” He also added that the added political pressure creates a toxic work environment which negatively affects the workflow and quality. "We are trying our best to ensure the best science in the face of one of the most devastating epidemics we have had to face together as a planet," he concluded. WHO may also issue an updated safety guideline with respect to international travel, observing the change in season and the advancement of the symptoms of the novel coronavirus. "It’s very important that WHO produce an updated guidance with regard to safe international air travel and clearly the use of the tests is certainly now supposed to have a much large place compare to quarantine," committee chair Didier Houssin said. The meeting took place as the coronavirus cases totalled around 45.4 million with the death toll nearing to 1,187,020, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

WHO chairs meeting with Chinese counterparts to investigate COVID-19's origin

Global temperatures boosted by climate change will still be higher than usual despite the cooling effect of a "moderate to strong" La Nina weather phenomenon, the UN said Thursday.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said La Nina "has developed and is expected to last into next year, affecting temperatures, precipitation and storm patterns in many parts of the world."

It could also be contributing to an unusually active hurricane season, the agency said.

La Nina is considered the stormy sister of El Nino, which occurs every two to seven years when the prevailing trade winds that circulate surface water in the tropical Pacific start to weaken.

El Nino, which has a major influence on weather and climate patterns and associated hazards such as heavy rains, floods and drought, has a warming influence on global temperatures, whilst La Nina tends to have the opposite effect.

But global warming could worsen or distort the effects of such phenomena, WMO chief Petteri Taalas warned in a statement.

- Among the warmest years ever -

"All naturally occurring climate events now take place against a background of human-induced climate change which is exacerbating extreme weather and affecting the water cycle," he said.

"La Nina typically has a cooling effect on global temperatures, but this is more than offset by the heat trapped in our atmosphere by greenhouse gases," he pointed out.

"Therefore, 2020 remains on track to be one of the warmest years on record and 2016-2020 is expected to be the warmest five-year period on record," Taalas said.

"La Nina years now are warmer even than years with strong El Nino events of the past."

The last La Nina, which was brief and relatively weak, began developing in November 2017 and ended in April 2018, according to WMO.

This year's La Nina "is expected to be moderate to strong", WMO said, adding that the world had not seen a strong La Nina for a decade.

WMO stressed though that La Nina and El Nino were not the only factors driving global and regional climate patterns, and that "no two La Nina or El Nino events are the same".

"Their effects on regional climates can vary depending on the time of year and other factors," it said, urging decision-makers to closely monitor seasonal forecasts and the latest data.

The UN agency pointed to fresh data indicating that this year's La Nina would among other things lead to below normal rainfall in the Horn of Africa region and Central Asia, while Southeast Asia, some Pacific islands and the northern part of South America would see more rain than usual.

- Strong hurricane season -

Maxx Dilley, a WMO deputy director who head's the agency's climate programme, said La Nina could also be contributing to this year's unusually active Atlantic hurricane season.

"There is a connection between La Nina and El Nino and hurricane frequency. El Nino tends to suppress frequency and La Nina tends to encourage them, so if we do have a strong hurricane season, La Nina could be contributing to that," he told reporters in a virtual briefing.

His comment came after Hurricane Zeta barrelled through the southern United States -- the 27th storm of the season.

In September, meteorologists were forced to use the Greek alphabet to name Atlantic storms for only the second time ever, after the 2020 hurricane season blew through their usual list, ending on Tropical Storm Wilfred.

Dilley said Zeta was expected to be the last hurricane of the season, which typically runs from June through October, although the warming of the oceans, which provides more energy for hurricanes, has allowed storms to rage later into the year.

La Nina was instead expected to create drier than normal conditions in the southern United States and northern Mexico over the next three months, he said.

"So it may go from hurricanes and flooding to dry conditions fairly quickly."

Global temperatures boosted by climate change will still be higher than usual despite the cooling effect of a "moderate to strong" La Nina weather phenomenon, the UN said Thursday.

Global temperatures boosted by climate change will still be higher than usual despite the cooling effect of a "moderate to strong" La Nina weather phenomenon, the UN said Thursday. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said La Nina "has developed and is expected to last into next year, affecting temperatures, precipitation and storm patterns in many parts of the world." It could also be contributing to an unusually active hurricane season, the agency said. La Nina is considered the stormy sister of El Nino, which occurs every two to seven years when the prevailing trade winds that circulate surface water in the tropical Pacific start to weaken. El Nino, which has a major influence on weather and climate patterns and associated hazards such as heavy rains, floods and drought, has a warming influence on global temperatures, whilst La Nina tends to have the opposite effect. But global warming could worsen or distort the effects of such phenomena, WMO chief Petteri Taalas warned in a statement. - Among the warmest years ever - "All naturally occurring climate events now take place against a background of human-induced climate change which is exacerbating extreme weather and affecting the water cycle," he said. "La Nina typically has a cooling effect on global temperatures, but this is more than offset by the heat trapped in our atmosphere by greenhouse gases," he pointed out. "Therefore, 2020 remains on track to be one of the warmest years on record and 2016-2020 is expected to be the warmest five-year period on record," Taalas said. "La Nina years now are warmer even than years with strong El Nino events of the past." The last La Nina, which was brief and relatively weak, began developing in November 2017 and ended in April 2018, according to WMO. This year's La Nina "is expected to be moderate to strong", WMO said, adding that the world had not seen a strong La Nina for a decade. WMO stressed though that La Nina and El Nino were not the only factors driving global and regional climate patterns, and that "no two La Nina or El Nino events are the same". "Their effects on regional climates can vary depending on the time of year and other factors," it said, urging decision-makers to closely monitor seasonal forecasts and the latest data. The UN agency pointed to fresh data indicating that this year's La Nina would among other things lead to below normal rainfall in the Horn of Africa region and Central Asia, while Southeast Asia, some Pacific islands and the northern part of South America would see more rain than usual. - Strong hurricane season - Maxx Dilley, a WMO deputy director who head's the agency's climate programme, said La Nina could also be contributing to this year's unusually active Atlantic hurricane season. "There is a connection between La Nina and El Nino and hurricane frequency. El Nino tends to suppress frequency and La Nina tends to encourage them, so if we do have a strong hurricane season, La Nina could be contributing to that," he told reporters in a virtual briefing. His comment came after Hurricane Zeta barrelled through the southern United States -- the 27th storm of the season. In September, meteorologists were forced to use the Greek alphabet to name Atlantic storms for only the second time ever, after the 2020 hurricane season blew through their usual list, ending on Tropical Storm Wilfred. Dilley said Zeta was expected to be the last hurricane of the season, which typically runs from June through October, although the warming of the oceans, which provides more energy for hurricanes, has allowed storms to rage later into the year. La Nina was instead expected to create drier than normal conditions in the southern United States and northern Mexico over the next three months, he said. "So it may go from hurricanes and flooding to dry conditions fairly quickly."

2020 to rank among hottest years on record despite ‘La Nina’ cooling, UN says

United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban.&nbsp;

United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban. A) said in a report.

“The reality remains that Afghanistan continues to be one of the deadliest conflicts in the world for civilians,” it said in the mid-year report.

In spite of a drop of 13 per cent in casualties from the corresponding period of the last year, the UN said that Taliban continued to cause majority of civilian casualties. The Taliban were responsible for 43 per cent of civilian casualties and government forces caused 23 per cent.

In February, the United States and the Taliban signed an agreement in Doha, laying out plans for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees from the militants.

However, fighting has spiked in recent weeks, prompted by differences over an exchange of prisoners between the Taliban and Afghan government, as Kabul proved reluctant to free hundreds of jailed militants.

The Doha deal provided for the government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for hundreds of Afghan troops, the main plank in starting peace negotiations between the two sides in the effort to end the 18-year-old war.

While the Afghan government has released more than 4,000 Taliban prisoners, it has refused to release another 600, saying they were involved in murder, illicit drug trafficking and major attacks.

United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban.

United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban. United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban. A) said in a report. “The reality remains that Afghanistan continues to be one of the deadliest conflicts in the world for civilians,” it said in the mid-year report. In spite of a drop of 13 per cent in casualties from the corresponding period of the last year, the UN said that Taliban continued to cause majority of civilian casualties. The Taliban were responsible for 43 per cent of civilian casualties and government forces caused 23 per cent. In February, the United States and the Taliban signed an agreement in Doha, laying out plans for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees from the militants. However, fighting has spiked in recent weeks, prompted by differences over an exchange of prisoners between the Taliban and Afghan government, as Kabul proved reluctant to free hundreds of jailed militants. The Doha deal provided for the government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for hundreds of Afghan troops, the main plank in starting peace negotiations between the two sides in the effort to end the 18-year-old war. While the Afghan government has released more than 4,000 Taliban prisoners, it has refused to release another 600, saying they were involved in murder, illicit drug trafficking and major attacks.

Nearly 3500 Afghans killed or hurt in first half of 2020: UN

The United Nations said the two sides reached the “historic achievement” with an immediate permanent ceasefire deal across the oil-rich North African country.

UN says Libya sides reach permanent ceasefire deal

A major row over the gag order issued earlier this year can derail the celebration of the 75th-anniversary of the&nbsp;United Nations on&nbsp;October 24.

The&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict and to replace an ineffective League of&nbsp;Nations.

On June 26, 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;Conference on International Organization to draw up the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;Charter. Those delegates deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Kingdom, and the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States at Dumbarton Oaks,&nbsp;United&nbsp;States in August-October 1944. The Charter then came into force on October 24, 1945.

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The&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations' past has been as fraught as its present and future seems to be. It was hamstrung during the Cold War by superpower rivalry, leading it to near inertia as the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States, former the Soviet Union, and China either threatened to or did, veto resolution after resolution.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

In the 90s its reputation was badly damaged by its apparent helplessness to end to the conflict in former Yugoslavia -- let alone manage a successful peacekeeping and humanitarian operation.

In&nbsp;the summer of 2020, as anti-racism demonstrations spread around the globe in response to the murder of George Floyd, UN&nbsp;civil servants who wanted to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement were up in arms about instructions from the UN&nbsp;ethics office telling personnel to steer clear of public demonstrations, even in their free time.

The directive, which was initially endorsed by the UN chief&nbsp;Antonio Guterres&nbsp;expressly banned participation in the protests.

Guterres then reversed course, assuring UN&nbsp;employees at a hastily arranged town hall meeting in June that they could take part, as long as they didn’t wave the UN&nbsp;flag. In a letter to staff on June 9, Guterres insisted that “there is no ban on personal expressions of solidarity or acts of peaceful civic engagement, provided they are carried out in an entirely private capacity.”

But his statement didn’t put the matter to rest—or give an explicit green light to UN&nbsp;staffers to participate in political demonstrations, UN&nbsp;officials contend. Staffers at an organization founded to advance fundamental human rights and freedoms now wonder if they can even advocate for those rights, or if they’re going to be gagged to avoid courting public controversy.

On June 22, less than two weeks after Guterres sent the letter, the UN&nbsp;Development Program reissued its own gag order. “The international, impartial nature of your role limits your freedom to publicly express views on controversial matters,” the UNDP’s Code of Ethics document, which was revised this year, states. “For example, you cannot take part in political demonstrations, or wear politically-themed clothing or buttons. You may not publicly criticize governments, or run for or hold political office at any level while working for UNDP.”

The internal debate over the UN&nbsp;response to the Black Lives Matter movement raises difficult questions about the rights of international civil servants to express support for core UN&nbsp;values, including the promotion of equality and human rights, if they are viewed as controversial by member states. It also places the UN&nbsp;leadership in the awkward position of urging countries around the world to promote free expression and assembly, while restraining their own staff from exercising those same rights.

The UN&nbsp;development agency—which relies on the cooperation of foreign governments to carry out its work—has been among the UN’s most risk-averse entities, seeking to avoid offending member states at almost any cost. But the guidance did not sit well with some UNDP staffers, who argued that it didn’t comply with the policy laid out by Guterres.

Niall McCann, an Irish national who works in UNDP’s Brussels office, filed a complaint against UNDP’s administrator and ethics office with the development agency’s internal Office of Audit and Investigations, and he requested an investigation into the matter. The ban on participation in demonstrations, McCann wrote, constituted an “abuse of authority.”

“This assertion directly contradicts the UN&nbsp;Secretary-General, who specifically commented on this matter, in the context of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protest movement in the United States,” he wrote in the complaint, which was reviewed by&nbsp;Foreign Policy. McCann argued that there was no legal basis for the protest prohibition, insisting that it is not expressly banned by the key directives governing staff conduct: the UN&nbsp; Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service or the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations.

He also accused UNDP’s ethics chief, Peter Liria, of seeking to “muzzle UNDP staff standing up against racism.”

Several leaders have called for a reform of the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;and in particular the 15-member Security Council, arguing it was unfair that the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States, Russia, China, France and Britain were the only permanent veto-wielding powers.

With barely days left for the United Nations Day, the world body finds itself in an awkward spot.&nbsp;

The United Nations&nbsp;pushes member countries to promote free speech, expression, and the right of assembly. But as an organisation it is restricting its own staff from exercising the same fundamental rights.

A major row over the gag order issued earlier this year can derail the celebration of the 75th-anniversary of the United Nations on October 24. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict and to replace an ineffective League of Nations.

A major row over the gag order issued earlier this year can derail the celebration of the 75th-anniversary of the United Nations on October 24. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict and to replace an ineffective League of Nations. On June 26, 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter. Those delegates deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States at Dumbarton Oaks, United States in August-October 1944. The Charter then came into force on October 24, 1945. × The United Nations' past has been as fraught as its present and future seems to be. It was hamstrung during the Cold War by superpower rivalry, leading it to near inertia as the United States, former the Soviet Union, and China either threatened to or did, veto resolution after resolution. Also read| Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations In the 90s its reputation was badly damaged by its apparent helplessness to end to the conflict in former Yugoslavia -- let alone manage a successful peacekeeping and humanitarian operation. In the summer of 2020, as anti-racism demonstrations spread around the globe in response to the murder of George Floyd, UN civil servants who wanted to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement were up in arms about instructions from the UN ethics office telling personnel to steer clear of public demonstrations, even in their free time. The directive, which was initially endorsed by the UN chief Antonio Guterres expressly banned participation in the protests. Guterres then reversed course, assuring UN employees at a hastily arranged town hall meeting in June that they could take part, as long as they didn’t wave the UN flag. In a letter to staff on June 9, Guterres insisted that “there is no ban on personal expressions of solidarity or acts of peaceful civic engagement, provided they are carried out in an entirely private capacity.” But his statement didn’t put the matter to rest—or give an explicit green light to UN staffers to participate in political demonstrations, UN officials contend. Staffers at an organization founded to advance fundamental human rights and freedoms now wonder if they can even advocate for those rights, or if they’re going to be gagged to avoid courting public controversy. On June 22, less than two weeks after Guterres sent the letter, the UN Development Program reissued its own gag order. “The international, impartial nature of your role limits your freedom to publicly express views on controversial matters,” the UNDP’s Code of Ethics document, which was revised this year, states. “For example, you cannot take part in political demonstrations, or wear politically-themed clothing or buttons. You may not publicly criticize governments, or run for or hold political office at any level while working for UNDP.” The internal debate over the UN response to the Black Lives Matter movement raises difficult questions about the rights of international civil servants to express support for core UN values, including the promotion of equality and human rights, if they are viewed as controversial by member states. It also places the UN leadership in the awkward position of urging countries around the world to promote free expression and assembly, while restraining their own staff from exercising those same rights. The UN development agency—which relies on the cooperation of foreign governments to carry out its work—has been among the UN’s most risk-averse entities, seeking to avoid offending member states at almost any cost. But the guidance did not sit well with some UNDP staffers, who argued that it didn’t comply with the policy laid out by Guterres. Niall McCann, an Irish national who works in UNDP’s Brussels office, filed a complaint against UNDP’s administrator and ethics office with the development agency’s internal Office of Audit and Investigations, and he requested an investigation into the matter. The ban on participation in demonstrations, McCann wrote, constituted an “abuse of authority.” “This assertion directly contradicts the UN Secretary-General, who specifically commented on this matter, in the context of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protest movement in the United States,” he wrote in the complaint, which was reviewed by Foreign Policy. McCann argued that there was no legal basis for the protest prohibition, insisting that it is not expressly banned by the key directives governing staff conduct: the UN Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service or the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations. He also accused UNDP’s ethics chief, Peter Liria, of seeking to “muzzle UNDP staff standing up against racism.” Several leaders have called for a reform of the United Nations and in particular the 15-member Security Council, arguing it was unfair that the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain were the only permanent veto-wielding powers. With barely days left for the United Nations Day, the world body finds itself in an awkward spot. The United Nations pushes member countries to promote free speech, expression, and the right of assembly. But as an organisation it is restricting its own staff from exercising the same fundamental rights.

How row over gag order could derail the celebration of UN's 75 anniversary

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