A day after soldiers opened fire on protesters in the city of Lagos, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed for understanding & calm.

Nigeria: President Buhari appeals for calm; UN condemns police brutality

Extreme weather changes triggered by climate change continue to get intenser over time. According to the United Nations, this acceleration has&nbsp;fastened in the last 20 years.&nbsp;

Owing to such drastic changes in weather patterns, countries around the globe are paying a heavy human and economic toll. This pattern is expected to intensify over the coming years, according to the UN. Asia remains the hardest-hit by extreme weather changes, the agency added.

China had the highest instances of natural disasters at 577. The United States followed suit with 467 disaster events. India stood at number 3 with 321 disaster events, followed by Philippines (304) and Indonesia at 278. The numbers take into account the time period between 2000 and 2019.

Out of the top 10 countries on the list, eight are from Asia. Over the course of 20 years, 7,348 disaster events shook the globe, killing over 1.23 million people, and affecting 4.2 billion people. This also caused economic losses amounting upto $2.97 trillion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/double-crisis-natural-disasters-dont-stop-for-coronavirus-308890" hreflang="en">Double crisis: Natural disasters don't stop for coronavirus</a>

In the last 20 years, the number of major floods also doubled to 3,254. Additionally, wildfires, droughts, and extreme temperatures plagued the globe.&nbsp;

"More people are being affected by the expanding climate emergency," Mami Mizutori, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, said during a briefing.&nbsp;

Additionally, Mizutori urged governments to invest in detection systems that spot disasters early, and to also work on risk reduction strategies for disasters.

The statistics for the report were provided by Debarati Guha-Sapir from the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, the University of Louvain, Belgium.

Guha-Sapir told Reuters, "If this level of growth in extreme weather events continues over the next twenty years, the future of mankind looks very bleak indeed”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/un-unveils-concept-of-new-floating-cities-that-can-withstand-natural-disasters-house-10000-residents-207952" hreflang="en">UN unveils concept of floating cities that can withstand natural disasters, house 10,000 residents</a>

"Heatwaves are going to be our biggest challenge in the next 10 years, especially in the poor countries," Guha-Sapir added.

Events such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanoes have killed more people than any other natural disasters that were taken into account for the report.

According to the report, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which killed more than a quarter of a million people, remains the deadliest on record.

Extreme weather changes triggered by climate change continue to get intenser over time. According to the United Nations, this acceleration has fastened in the last 20 years.

Extreme weather changes triggered by climate change continue to get intenser over time. According to the United Nations, this acceleration has fastened in the last 20 years. Owing to such drastic changes in weather patterns, countries around the globe are paying a heavy human and economic toll. This pattern is expected to intensify over the coming years, according to the UN. Asia remains the hardest-hit by extreme weather changes, the agency added. China had the highest instances of natural disasters at 577. The United States followed suit with 467 disaster events. India stood at number 3 with 321 disaster events, followed by Philippines (304) and Indonesia at 278. The numbers take into account the time period between 2000 and 2019. Out of the top 10 countries on the list, eight are from Asia. Over the course of 20 years, 7,348 disaster events shook the globe, killing over 1.23 million people, and affecting 4.2 billion people. This also caused economic losses amounting upto $2.97 trillion. Also read: Double crisis: Natural disasters don't stop for coronavirus In the last 20 years, the number of major floods also doubled to 3,254. Additionally, wildfires, droughts, and extreme temperatures plagued the globe. "More people are being affected by the expanding climate emergency," Mami Mizutori, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, said during a briefing. Additionally, Mizutori urged governments to invest in detection systems that spot disasters early, and to also work on risk reduction strategies for disasters. The statistics for the report were provided by Debarati Guha-Sapir from the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, the University of Louvain, Belgium. Guha-Sapir told Reuters, "If this level of growth in extreme weather events continues over the next twenty years, the future of mankind looks very bleak indeed”. Also read: UN unveils concept of floating cities that can withstand natural disasters, house 10,000 residents "Heatwaves are going to be our biggest challenge in the next 10 years, especially in the poor countries," Guha-Sapir added. Events such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanoes have killed more people than any other natural disasters that were taken into account for the report. According to the report, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which killed more than a quarter of a million people, remains the deadliest on record.

20 years witnessed rise in natural disasters, especially in Asia: United Nations

As per a report by the United Nations, called "Stacked odds", close to 29 million women and young girls are victims of 'modern slavery' — including practises such as debt-bondage and domestic servitude.

This report has come as an eye-opener for the world where women and young girls are ill-treated on a daily basis in various countries.

According to this report,&nbsp;one in every 130 women and girls are subjected to forced labor, forced marriage, debt-bondage and domestic servitude on a daily basis.

This number is&nbsp;more than the population of Australia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-stillbirth-every-16-seconds-and-this-could-get-worse-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-333385">Also read|&nbsp;One stillbirth every 16 seconds and this could get worse due to COVID-19 pandemic</a>

"The reality is that there are more people living in slavery today than any other time in human history,”&nbsp;Grace Forrest, the co-founder of the Walk Free anti-slavery organization said in a UN press conference.

Modern slavery is defined&nbsp;as "the systematic removal of a person’s freedom, where one person is exploited by another for personal or financial gain,” Forrest explained.

This report has been combined with observations, data and studies conducted by&nbsp;Walk Free, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-ngos-shaken-by-dr-congo-sex-abuse-claims-332143">Also read|&nbsp;UN, NGOs shaken by DR Congo sex abuse claims</a>

As per the report, 99 per cent of the victims of forced sexual exploitation are women. Additionally, 84 per cent&nbsp;of all victims of forced marriage and 58 per cent of all victims of forced labor are also women.

What is more saddening is that the researchers found out that this exploitation is slowly becoming a normalised concept and the pandemic is only making things worse for these victims.&nbsp;

"We’re seeing normalized exploitation in our economy in transnational supply chains and also in migration pathways,” Forrest said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blast-has-caused-trauma-to-600000-children-says-unicef-325388">Also read|&nbsp;Beirut blast has caused trauma to 600,000 children, says Unicef</a>

However, she explained that the report does not have the values of the year of pandemic, but the exploitation of women and young girls in the onademic has increased.&nbsp;"The world’s most vulnerable people have been pushed even further into this practice of modern slavery because of COVID-19.”

In order to help the ailing women and bring global attention towards this issue,&nbsp;Walk Free and the U.N.’s Every Woman Every Child program are launching a global campaign.

One of the main motives of this campaign will be to urge governments around the world to criminalise child and forced marriage — practises that are yet popular and decrimnalised in nearly 136 countries.

Forrest also aims to completely eliminate the practice of&nbsp;kefala — a bondage programme that legally binds a migrant worker to an employer or sponsor&nbsp;for the period of their contract.

She has also urged people to turn towards the exploitation-free products, rather than buying the products which are made by forced labour.&nbsp;"We know that women and girls are experiencing unprecedented levels of exploitation and forced labor in supply chains of the goods we buy and use every day – clothing, coffee, technology," Forest said.

As per a report by the United Nations, called "Stacked odds", close to 29 million women and young girls are victims of 'modern slavery' — including practises such as debt-bondage and domestic servitude.

As per a report by the United Nations, called "Stacked odds", close to 29 million women and young girls are victims of 'modern slavery' — including practises such as debt-bondage and domestic servitude. This report has come as an eye-opener for the world where women and young girls are ill-treated on a daily basis in various countries. According to this report, one in every 130 women and girls are subjected to forced labor, forced marriage, debt-bondage and domestic servitude on a daily basis. This number is more than the population of Australia. Also read| One stillbirth every 16 seconds and this could get worse due to COVID-19 pandemic "The reality is that there are more people living in slavery today than any other time in human history,” Grace Forrest, the co-founder of the Walk Free anti-slavery organization said in a UN press conference. Modern slavery is defined as "the systematic removal of a person’s freedom, where one person is exploited by another for personal or financial gain,” Forrest explained. This report has been combined with observations, data and studies conducted by Walk Free, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Also read| UN, NGOs shaken by DR Congo sex abuse claims As per the report, 99 per cent of the victims of forced sexual exploitation are women. Additionally, 84 per cent of all victims of forced marriage and 58 per cent of all victims of forced labor are also women. What is more saddening is that the researchers found out that this exploitation is slowly becoming a normalised concept and the pandemic is only making things worse for these victims. "We’re seeing normalized exploitation in our economy in transnational supply chains and also in migration pathways,” Forrest said. Also read| Beirut blast has caused trauma to 600,000 children, says Unicef However, she explained that the report does not have the values of the year of pandemic, but the exploitation of women and young girls in the onademic has increased. "The world’s most vulnerable people have been pushed even further into this practice of modern slavery because of COVID-19.” In order to help the ailing women and bring global attention towards this issue, Walk Free and the U.N.’s Every Woman Every Child program are launching a global campaign. One of the main motives of this campaign will be to urge governments around the world to criminalise child and forced marriage — practises that are yet popular and decrimnalised in nearly 136 countries. Forrest also aims to completely eliminate the practice of kefala — a bondage programme that legally binds a migrant worker to an employer or sponsor for the period of their contract. She has also urged people to turn towards the exploitation-free products, rather than buying the products which are made by forced labour. "We know that women and girls are experiencing unprecedented levels of exploitation and forced labor in supply chains of the goods we buy and use every day – clothing, coffee, technology," Forest said.

Around 29 million women and girls victims of modern slavery: UN report

Taking a strong punch at Pakistan at the United Nation, India has called for strong action against stated who support terrorism and how the international community has to speak in one voice on the scourge.

India's first secretary at United Nations in New York, Yedla Umasankar said," We believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists and disrupt terror organizations/networks but should also identify/hold accountable and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups."

He was speaking on "measures to eliminate international terrorism” at United Nations. India pointed out that "international community cannot and should not be selective in dealing with the terrorist groups or in dismantling terror infrastructure."

New Delhi also "strongly condemned direct or indirect financial assistance provided" by some States, which obviously means Pakistan.

The statement by India comes just days before the crucial FATF meeting that could decide the further listing of Pakistan on the blacklist. The country is currently on greylist since 2018, which deter investors to come to Pakistan as the money might be used in the funding of terrorism.&nbsp;

At various global platforms, India has raised the issue of cross border terrorism, and this is something that other countries in the region like Afghanistan has also done.

The statement said, "India has been and continues to be a victim of terrorism sponsored across our borders" and "no cause whatsoever or grievance can justify terrorism, including State-sponsored cross-border terrorism."

From Pulwama terror attack to Pathankot to 26/11 attack of 2008, Islamabad has been slow on acting on perpetrators responsible for the attacks, based on its territory.

India at the UN highlighted that it is committed to counter-terrorism by "exchanging information, capacity building for effective border controls, preventing misuse of modern technologies, monitoring and curbing illicit financial flows....".

Taking a strong punch at Pakistan at the United Nation, India has called for strong action against stated who support terrorism and how the international community has to speak in one voice on the scourge.

Taking a strong punch at Pakistan at the United Nation, India has called for strong action against stated who support terrorism and how the international community has to speak in one voice on the scourge. India's first secretary at United Nations in New York, Yedla Umasankar said," We believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists and disrupt terror organizations/networks but should also identify/hold accountable and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups." He was speaking on "measures to eliminate international terrorism” at United Nations. India pointed out that "international community cannot and should not be selective in dealing with the terrorist groups or in dismantling terror infrastructure." New Delhi also "strongly condemned direct or indirect financial assistance provided" by some States, which obviously means Pakistan. The statement by India comes just days before the crucial FATF meeting that could decide the further listing of Pakistan on the blacklist. The country is currently on greylist since 2018, which deter investors to come to Pakistan as the money might be used in the funding of terrorism. At various global platforms, India has raised the issue of cross border terrorism, and this is something that other countries in the region like Afghanistan has also done. The statement said, "India has been and continues to be a victim of terrorism sponsored across our borders" and "no cause whatsoever or grievance can justify terrorism, including State-sponsored cross-border terrorism." From Pulwama terror attack to Pathankot to 26/11 attack of 2008, Islamabad has been slow on acting on perpetrators responsible for the attacks, based on its territory. India at the UN highlighted that it is committed to counter-terrorism by "exchanging information, capacity building for effective border controls, preventing misuse of modern technologies, monitoring and curbing illicit financial flows....".

At UN, India takes a strong punch at Pakistan, calls for strong action against those supporting terrorism

A new report of United Nations claims Latin America's economy to contract by 9%. The pandemic exposes the Latin America's Economic fragility.

UN report claims Latin America's economy to contract by 9%

The United Nations on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the worsening situation of right activists, lawyers and people from the political sphere who have been detained in Iran and asked the country to release them in view of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The office of UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said Iran has released some 120,000 people from February, but prisoners sentenced for more than five years for "national security" offences were kept out of the provision.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terrorist-cell-trained-by-irans-revolutionary-guards-busted-by-saudi-arabia-331051">Terrorist cell trained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards busted by Saudi Arabia</a>

It added that such sentences were given to individuals who are &nbsp;"arbitrarily detained, including human rights defenders, lawyers, dual and foreign nationals, conservationists, and others deprived of their liberty for expressing their views or exercising other rights," as quoted by news agency AFP. &nbsp;

Bachelet in a statement lashed out at these detentions saying the prisoners face more risk of contracting coronavirus in Iran, the country worst affected by the virus in the region.&nbsp;

"People detained solely for their political views or other forms of activism in support of human rights should not be imprisoned at all, and such prisoners, should certainly not be treated more harshly or placed at greater risk," Bachelet said.

Meanwhile, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a human rights lawyer's condition worsened by the hunger strike she launched over the poor condition of prisons in Iran.&nbsp;

Nasrin is under a sentence of more than 30 years on charges linked to her human rights work.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United Nations on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the worsening situation of right activists, lawyers and people from the political sphere who have been detained in Iran and asked the country to release them in view of the pandemic.

The United Nations on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the worsening situation of right activists, lawyers and people from the political sphere who have been detained in Iran and asked the country to release them in view of the pandemic. The office of UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said Iran has released some 120,000 people from February, but prisoners sentenced for more than five years for "national security" offences were kept out of the provision. Also read | Terrorist cell trained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards busted by Saudi Arabia It added that such sentences were given to individuals who are "arbitrarily detained, including human rights defenders, lawyers, dual and foreign nationals, conservationists, and others deprived of their liberty for expressing their views or exercising other rights," as quoted by news agency AFP. Bachelet in a statement lashed out at these detentions saying the prisoners face more risk of contracting coronavirus in Iran, the country worst affected by the virus in the region. "People detained solely for their political views or other forms of activism in support of human rights should not be imprisoned at all, and such prisoners, should certainly not be treated more harshly or placed at greater risk," Bachelet said. Meanwhile, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a human rights lawyer's condition worsened by the hunger strike she launched over the poor condition of prisons in Iran. Nasrin is under a sentence of more than 30 years on charges linked to her human rights work.

UN asks Iran to release political prisoners, human rights activists

Beijing has confirmed to United Nations a death of an Uyghur Muslim. The man's family has been long alleging that he was held in Xinjiang internment camp, as per the Guardian. The disappearnce of the man belonging to Uyghur Muslim community was registered was registered with the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) since April 2019. For all these day China had not responde to any of formal enquiries until now.

As per The Guardian, China admitted to the man's death in a document submitted to the UN WEID. It said that the man had died two years ago, on November 3, 2018 of 'severe pneumonia and tuberculosis'.

The daughter of Abdulghafur Hapiz, the departed man, refused to believe in the reason of death cited by China.

"I don`t believe it," his daughter, Fatimah Abdulghafur, told The Guardian. "If he died of anything it would have been diabetes."

"I know my father`s health and I`ve been talking about his health issues. He had a (tuberculosis) shot," she added.

She says she believed that her father was sent to Xinjiang camp in March 2017.

Abdulghafur, a poet and activist residing in Australia, was further quoted as saying that her father had left her a voice message on WeChat: "`I have something urgent to tell you please call me`.""However, when I called him back he wasn`t there..."I was frantically looking for my father, when he was already gone. It`s also really sad because I couldn`t speak to him before his death," she said while adding that the authorities gave her no information about her father`s burial or even the location of his body.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-7th-india-china-corps-commanders-meet-on-october-12-332388">The 7th India-China corps commanders meet on October 12</a>

With China finally officially confirming the death of her father, Abdulghafur told The Guardian that this will bring hope and potentially legal recourse.

"This is an official letter from the government given to the UN, so I can take this letter to maybe an international court to say this is my evidence, and let the Chinese government show their evidence."

"To me it`s a major personal success. I`m not sure who can help me but I`m searching."Meanwhile, upon the WGEID enquiring about Abdulghafur`s mother and two younger siblings, who are also missing, Abdulghafur said authorities reported back that her 63-year-old mother was "leading a social, normal life"."I haven`t been able to speak to her at all. That`s another lie," she said.&nbsp;

"She is at home, I`m sure of it. But she`s not living a normal life. I think she is under house arrest."

AbdulGhafir's daughter had anonymously written to the WGEID to probe into her family`s mysterious disappearance. She further highlighted that when her sister living in Turkey had called up the Chinese Embassy in Istanbul, she was harassed and intimidated and made to give her personal details.

China put a million or more Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities into detention camps and prisons in Xinjiang over the last three years, according to reports in US media.

However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training.Uyghur activists and human rights groups have countered that many of those held are people with advanced degrees and business owners who are influential in their communities and have no need for any special education.People in the internment camps said they are subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language.Now, as Beijing denies these accounts, it also refuses to allow independent inspections into the regions, at the same time, which further fuels reports related to China`s atrocities on the minority Muslims.&nbsp;

"As long as he stays in power it will continue, and the world will watch all the Uighur people disappear one by one," said Abdulghafur."They are fully armed to either completely get rid of us or completely make us one of them, like complete assimilation. There is no in-between pathway," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Beijing has confirmed to United Nations a death of an Uyghur Muslim. The man's family has been long alleging that he was held in Xinjiang internment camp, as per the Guardian.

Beijing has confirmed to United Nations a death of an Uyghur Muslim. The man's family has been long alleging that he was held in Xinjiang internment camp, as per the Guardian. The disappearnce of the man belonging to Uyghur Muslim community was registered was registered with the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) since April 2019. For all these day China had not responde to any of formal enquiries until now. As per The Guardian, China admitted to the man's death in a document submitted to the UN WEID. It said that the man had died two years ago, on November 3, 2018 of 'severe pneumonia and tuberculosis'. The daughter of Abdulghafur Hapiz, the departed man, refused to believe in the reason of death cited by China. "I don`t believe it," his daughter, Fatimah Abdulghafur, told The Guardian. "If he died of anything it would have been diabetes." "I know my father`s health and I`ve been talking about his health issues. He had a (tuberculosis) shot," she added. She says she believed that her father was sent to Xinjiang camp in March 2017. Abdulghafur, a poet and activist residing in Australia, was further quoted as saying that her father had left her a voice message on WeChat: "`I have something urgent to tell you please call me`.""However, when I called him back he wasn`t there..."I was frantically looking for my father, when he was already gone. It`s also really sad because I couldn`t speak to him before his death," she said while adding that the authorities gave her no information about her father`s burial or even the location of his body. Also Read: The 7th India-China corps commanders meet on October 12 With China finally officially confirming the death of her father, Abdulghafur told The Guardian that this will bring hope and potentially legal recourse. "This is an official letter from the government given to the UN, so I can take this letter to maybe an international court to say this is my evidence, and let the Chinese government show their evidence." "To me it`s a major personal success. I`m not sure who can help me but I`m searching."Meanwhile, upon the WGEID enquiring about Abdulghafur`s mother and two younger siblings, who are also missing, Abdulghafur said authorities reported back that her 63-year-old mother was "leading a social, normal life"."I haven`t been able to speak to her at all. That`s another lie," she said. "She is at home, I`m sure of it. But she`s not living a normal life. I think she is under house arrest." AbdulGhafir's daughter had anonymously written to the WGEID to probe into her family`s mysterious disappearance. She further highlighted that when her sister living in Turkey had called up the Chinese Embassy in Istanbul, she was harassed and intimidated and made to give her personal details. China put a million or more Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities into detention camps and prisons in Xinjiang over the last three years, according to reports in US media. However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training.Uyghur activists and human rights groups have countered that many of those held are people with advanced degrees and business owners who are influential in their communities and have no need for any special education.People in the internment camps said they are subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language.Now, as Beijing denies these accounts, it also refuses to allow independent inspections into the regions, at the same time, which further fuels reports related to China`s atrocities on the minority Muslims. "As long as he stays in power it will continue, and the world will watch all the Uighur people disappear one by one," said Abdulghafur."They are fully armed to either completely get rid of us or completely make us one of them, like complete assimilation. There is no in-between pathway," she added. (With inputs from Reuters)

China formally admits death of Uyghur man held in Xinjiang camp

More than 170 countries promised during a virtual UN summit Thursday to step up their efforts to advance women's rights, while the US took aim at China's claims of leadership on the issue.

The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, marked the 25th anniversary of the seminal 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing.&nbsp;

"In the coming five years, China will donate another $10 million to UN Women," President Xi Jinping said in a pre-recorded video, proposing another world meeting on gender equality for 2025.

In her own pre-recorded address, US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos condemned the treatment of women in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran, but saved her harshest criticism for Beijing.&nbsp;

"The worst violator of all in both scope and scale is the host of the conference we commemorate today," she said.&nbsp;

"Since 1995, the Chinese Communist Party has been responsible for the murder of millions of baby girls through brutal population controls on industrial scale, unfortunately with the support (of) UN agencies."

She specifically took aim at Beijing's operations in the Xinjiang region, which some rights groups and lawmakers in Washington have said could amount to genocide.

DeVos called out practices of sterilization, abortion and birth control she said have been forced on Uighur Muslim women.&nbsp;

'Question of power'

Meanwhile, France and Mexico committed to hosting an international forum on women's rights in Paris next June -- a meeting which was scheduled for July of this year but was canceled due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron lamented the slow progress of the last 25 years.

"Everywhere, women's rights are under attack, as are human rights, from which they are inseparable," he said.&nbsp;

"Progress achieved by great efforts is being undermined even in our democracies, starting with the freedom for women to control their own bodies, and in particular the right to abortion," he said, also pointing out inequalities in schooling, pay, domestic work and political representation.

Even at the UN General Assembly, there were only a handful of women speakers among the representatives for 170 countries.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said gender equality was "fundamentally a question of power, so it starts with the equal representation of women in leadership positions."

He bemoaned the circumstances that lead to one in three women experiencing violence and 12 million girls marrying under the age of 18 every year.&nbsp;

He also pointed to 137 women being killed by a family member every day in 2017.

More than 170 countries promised during a virtual UN summit Thursday to step up their efforts to advance women's rights, while the US took aim at China's claims of leadership on the issue.

More than 170 countries promised during a virtual UN summit Thursday to step up their efforts to advance women's rights, while the US took aim at China's claims of leadership on the issue. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, marked the 25th anniversary of the seminal 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing. "In the coming five years, China will donate another $10 million to UN Women," President Xi Jinping said in a pre-recorded video, proposing another world meeting on gender equality for 2025. In her own pre-recorded address, US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos condemned the treatment of women in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran, but saved her harshest criticism for Beijing. "The worst violator of all in both scope and scale is the host of the conference we commemorate today," she said. "Since 1995, the Chinese Communist Party has been responsible for the murder of millions of baby girls through brutal population controls on industrial scale, unfortunately with the support (of) UN agencies." She specifically took aim at Beijing's operations in the Xinjiang region, which some rights groups and lawmakers in Washington have said could amount to genocide. DeVos called out practices of sterilization, abortion and birth control she said have been forced on Uighur Muslim women. 'Question of power' Meanwhile, France and Mexico committed to hosting an international forum on women's rights in Paris next June -- a meeting which was scheduled for July of this year but was canceled due to the pandemic. French President Emmanuel Macron lamented the slow progress of the last 25 years. "Everywhere, women's rights are under attack, as are human rights, from which they are inseparable," he said. "Progress achieved by great efforts is being undermined even in our democracies, starting with the freedom for women to control their own bodies, and in particular the right to abortion," he said, also pointing out inequalities in schooling, pay, domestic work and political representation. Even at the UN General Assembly, there were only a handful of women speakers among the representatives for 170 countries. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said gender equality was "fundamentally a question of power, so it starts with the equal representation of women in leadership positions." He bemoaned the circumstances that lead to one in three women experiencing violence and 12 million girls marrying under the age of 18 every year. He also pointed to 137 women being killed by a family member every day in 2017.

Slow progress on women's rights decried at UN summit

A political activist from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has rebuked Pakistan & China at the 45th Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. In his address the activist, Nasir Aziz Khan sharply criticised both countries for constructing mega dams in the occupied territories.

Political activist rebukes Pak & China at UN over illegal construction of dams in PoK

Five investors have been removed from the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

The PRI said on Monday four asset managers and one asset owner would be delisted. This is the first such move by the group for those failing to meet its minimum requirements.

The PRI has amassed more than 3,000 signatories managing in excess of $100 trillion in assets since it was launched in 2006 and membership is increasingly seen as crucial for asset managers pitching for mandates from pension schemes.

Members of the PRI were told in 2018 they had two years to reach a new set of minimum requirements.

BPE, the private banking arm of France’s La Banque Postale, is the largest, with assets the PRI put at around $5 billion.

Stichting Gemeenschappelijk Beleggingsfonds FNV (GFB) which is part of the biggest Dutch labour union, Indonesia’s Corfina Capital, U.S.-based Primary Wave IP Investment Management and French-based Delta Alternative Management, which reported assets of between $40 million to $310 million, were also removed, the PRI said.

The delistings follow criticism in recent years that the PRI was not doing enough to ensure members lived up to the principles, including to embed environmental, social and governance-related issues in their investment decision-making.

This first round of exclusions may not satisfy all its critics given it affects mainly small firms, while some much larger signatories are being challenged for perceived inaction when engaging with companies on climate change.

The new standards require members to have a responsible investment policy covering at least half of all managed assets, staff responsible for implementing it and senior-level oversight.

The PRI did not say which standard the delisted firms failed.

The PRI said it now plans to toughen membership requirements further and will launch a consultation at a meeting on October 21.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Five investors have been removed from the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The PRI said on Monday four asset managers and one asset owner would be delisted.

Five investors have been removed from the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The PRI said on Monday four asset managers and one asset owner would be delisted. This is the first such move by the group for those failing to meet its minimum requirements. The PRI has amassed more than 3,000 signatories managing in excess of $100 trillion in assets since it was launched in 2006 and membership is increasingly seen as crucial for asset managers pitching for mandates from pension schemes. Members of the PRI were told in 2018 they had two years to reach a new set of minimum requirements. BPE, the private banking arm of France’s La Banque Postale, is the largest, with assets the PRI put at around $5 billion. Stichting Gemeenschappelijk Beleggingsfonds FNV (GFB) which is part of the biggest Dutch labour union, Indonesia’s Corfina Capital, U.S.-based Primary Wave IP Investment Management and French-based Delta Alternative Management, which reported assets of between $40 million to $310 million, were also removed, the PRI said. The delistings follow criticism in recent years that the PRI was not doing enough to ensure members lived up to the principles, including to embed environmental, social and governance-related issues in their investment decision-making. This first round of exclusions may not satisfy all its critics given it affects mainly small firms, while some much larger signatories are being challenged for perceived inaction when engaging with companies on climate change. The new standards require members to have a responsible investment policy covering at least half of all managed assets, staff responsible for implementing it and senior-level oversight. The PRI did not say which standard the delisted firms failed. The PRI said it now plans to toughen membership requirements further and will launch a consultation at a meeting on October 21. (with inputs from Reuters)

Five groups ousted from UN-backed responsible investment list

The United Nations has been held hostage by 5 countries since 1945. Can they still be allowed to dictate terms to rest of the world? On GravitasPlus WION's Palki tells you why it's time to decolonise the global body.

Gravitas Plus: United Nations: A redundant body?

Drawing the international community`s attention towards the plight of 40 million Afghan-Pashtuns living in Pakistan, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader said that the recent brutal attack on Zeba Safi (also known as Malala) in Momand district of Pakhtunkhwa by unknown militants was likely by the military secret service.

"Thousands of displaced persons in the last 18 years are still forced by Pakistan to live in miserable conditions in most tribal areas," the PTM leader said at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-targets-india-at-unga-terms-it-state-sponsor-of-islamophobia-330309">Also read:&nbsp;Pak PM targets India at UNGA, terms it 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia</a>

Highlighting the recent attack on Zeba Safi, he said, "She was attacked by unknown persons who were likely military secret service."

He targeted Pakistan over its "continuous support to sponsor terrorist organisations on both sides of the Durand Line".

"Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorist organisations on both sides of the Durand Line. They are responsible for the miseries and genocide of Afghan-Pashtuns. Pashtuns are living in Pakistan as slaves."

The Aghan-Pashtuns demand the right to self-determination guaranteed under the UN Charter, he added.

Drawing the international community`s attention towards the plight of 40 million Afghan-Pashtuns living in Pakistan, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader said that the recent brutal attack on Zeba Safi (also known as Malala) in Momand district of Pakhtunkhwa by unknown militants was likely by the military secret service.

Drawing the international community`s attention towards the plight of 40 million Afghan-Pashtuns living in Pakistan, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader said that the recent brutal attack on Zeba Safi (also known as Malala) in Momand district of Pakhtunkhwa by unknown militants was likely by the military secret service. "Thousands of displaced persons in the last 18 years are still forced by Pakistan to live in miserable conditions in most tribal areas," the PTM leader said at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. Also read: Pak PM targets India at UNGA, terms it 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia Highlighting the recent attack on Zeba Safi, he said, "She was attacked by unknown persons who were likely military secret service." He targeted Pakistan over its "continuous support to sponsor terrorist organisations on both sides of the Durand Line". "Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorist organisations on both sides of the Durand Line. They are responsible for the miseries and genocide of Afghan-Pashtuns. Pashtuns are living in Pakistan as slaves." The Aghan-Pashtuns demand the right to self-determination guaranteed under the UN Charter, he added.

Pak responsible for miseries, genocide of Afghan-Pashtuns: PTM leader at UNHRC

The 75th United Nations general assembly is breaking new ground by going virtual this year due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Watch the report

UNGA goes virtual due to the pandemic, leaving UN open to threats

India on Tuesday rejected Pakistan’s contention that the Kashmir issue is one of the most long-standing disputes at the United Nations

India slams Pakistan for raising J&k issue at UN

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that the global body would not give in to US demands to reimpose sanctions on Iran until he gets such nod from its security council.&nbsp;

Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a 30-day process that will reimpose sanctions on Iran, a move rejected by 13 of the UNSC members saying that the mechanism is void as Washington left the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-slap-sanctions-on-over-two-dozen-targets-tied-to-iran-arms-328984">US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms</a>

The secretary-general in a letter addressed to the council president said the "Security Council has taken no action subsequent to the receipt of the letter of the US Secretary of state, neither have any of its members or its president".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-us-faces-maximum-isolation-as-world-powers-dismiss-sanctions-328980">Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions</a>

He added the UNSC presidents for August and Septembers have indicated that they couldn't take any action in this matter.

Therefore, "it is not for the secretary-general to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he added.&nbsp;

Pompeo on Saturday warned of "consequences" to countries that "fail to fulfil their obligations to implement" the sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Major US allies the UK, France and Germany on Friday told the council that UN sanctions relief on Iran would continue and any move to reimpose these measures would be incapable of legal effect."

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that the global body would not give in to US demands to reimpose sanctions on Iran until he gets such nod from its security council.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that the global body would not give in to US demands to reimpose sanctions on Iran until he gets such nod from its security council. Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a 30-day process that will reimpose sanctions on Iran, a move rejected by 13 of the UNSC members saying that the mechanism is void as Washington left the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018. Also read | US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms The secretary-general in a letter addressed to the council president said the "Security Council has taken no action subsequent to the receipt of the letter of the US Secretary of state, neither have any of its members or its president". Also read | Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions He added the UNSC presidents for August and Septembers have indicated that they couldn't take any action in this matter. Therefore, "it is not for the secretary-general to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he added. Pompeo on Saturday warned of "consequences" to countries that "fail to fulfil their obligations to implement" the sanctions on Iran. Major US allies the UK, France and Germany on Friday told the council that UN sanctions relief on Iran would continue and any move to reimpose these measures would be incapable of legal effect."

UN to not reimpose sanctions on Iran until nod given by Security Council: Guterres

United Nations General Assembly's 75th session begins today. This session will be completely virtual. Session to begin with remarks from UN office bearers.

United Nations General Assembly's 75th session begins today

The United Nations will mark its 75th anniversary Monday, celebrating the mantra that "multilateralism is not an option but a necessity," even as the coronavirus underscores the fragility of international cooperation.

The anniversary will kick off the global body's annual General Assembly, when normally the leaders and representatives of nearly 200 countries gather en masse to sound off about the world's problems and offer myriad solutions.

But this year, a part of Manhattan will not be sealed off for the "UNGA"; there will be no endless limousine convoys, and no busy beehive of diplomats, journalists and translators in the halls of the UN.

Instead, with COVID-19 still limiting global movement, just one representative from each of the 193 UN members will be allowed, and only someone already in the United States.

Everyone else will have to appear by videoconference, including some 160-170 heads of state and government planning addresses.

Appearing by video on Tuesday will be Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, who in the past have let their top diplomats speak for them; and US leader Donald Trump.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro, who much of the world sees as illegitimate, will address the assembly by video. Missing as speakers are the leaders of Syria and North Korea.&nbsp;

"Diplomacy, to be effective, requires personal contacts, and I am very sorry that we are not going to have the opportunity to bring together leaders of countries," said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Even so, he said, there would be "many virtual meetings" on the sidelines of the assembly, convening by teleconference on subjects such as climate change, biodiversity and the conflicts in Libya and Lebanon.

Missed opportunity

The event kicks off with a joint declaration full of good intentions and a call to combat unilateralism.

But that belies the reality of what has happened since Covid-19 erupted early this year, with borders closed, cooperation limited and countries forced to go it alone.

Bertrand Badie, professor at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, said the great powers missed a chance with the coronavirus to strengthen global cooperation.

Instead, cooperation broke apart amid allegations that China and the World Health Organization moved slowly on the initial outbreak, and the US declared it would act alone and pulled out of the WHO.

The superpowers' behavior has "caused the failure, even the collapse, of the UN Security Council," which was set up to lead on such world-shaking challenges as a pandemic, Badie said.

The powers have clung to a "very conservative vision of security, that humanity is only threatened by rivalries between countries," Badie told AFP, calling it "a very bad sign for the future."

'Moments of disappointment'

The declaration admits that, over seven and a half decades, the UN "has had its moments of disappointment."

"Our world is not yet the world our founders envisaged 75 years ago," it says, citing growing inequality and the persistence of poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism and climate change.&nbsp;

However, the declaration also notes the United Nations has helped bring about decolonization, promote freedom, set standards for development and eradicate disease.

"The United Nations has helped mitigate dozens of conflicts, saved hundreds of thousands of lives through humanitarian action and provided millions of children with the education that every child deserves," the declaration says.

In the wake of coronavirus, it says, "we have a historic opportunity to build back better and greener."

Paralysis

Yet the coronavirus has placed a spotlight on the paralyzing rivalry of the superpowers, especially between the United States and China, rapidly eroding Washington's global leadership.

"Everyone has been too focused on the domestic impact of the pandemic to really look at the global picture," said Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group.

"I am frankly deeply pessimistic about the chances for real UN reform or innovations in global governance. I cannot see China and the US agreeing on big reforms now," Gowan said.

Badie said the organization was immobilized by a power rivalry that dates back to the UN's creation.

To embark on reforms, he said, it is necessary for the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- the United States, Britain, Russia, France and China -- to change their Cold War mentality.

The five, though, "will always refuse, because that would lead to an overhaul of the 'international community' and the loss of the privileges of the nuclear oligarchy," Badie said.

The United Nations will mark its 75th anniversary Monday, celebrating the mantra that "multilateralism is not an option but a necessity," even as the coronavirus underscores the fragility of international cooperation.

The United Nations will mark its 75th anniversary Monday, celebrating the mantra that "multilateralism is not an option but a necessity," even as the coronavirus underscores the fragility of international cooperation. The anniversary will kick off the global body's annual General Assembly, when normally the leaders and representatives of nearly 200 countries gather en masse to sound off about the world's problems and offer myriad solutions. But this year, a part of Manhattan will not be sealed off for the "UNGA"; there will be no endless limousine convoys, and no busy beehive of diplomats, journalists and translators in the halls of the UN. Instead, with COVID-19 still limiting global movement, just one representative from each of the 193 UN members will be allowed, and only someone already in the United States. Everyone else will have to appear by videoconference, including some 160-170 heads of state and government planning addresses. Appearing by video on Tuesday will be Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, who in the past have let their top diplomats speak for them; and US leader Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro, who much of the world sees as illegitimate, will address the assembly by video. Missing as speakers are the leaders of Syria and North Korea. "Diplomacy, to be effective, requires personal contacts, and I am very sorry that we are not going to have the opportunity to bring together leaders of countries," said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Even so, he said, there would be "many virtual meetings" on the sidelines of the assembly, convening by teleconference on subjects such as climate change, biodiversity and the conflicts in Libya and Lebanon. Missed opportunity The event kicks off with a joint declaration full of good intentions and a call to combat unilateralism. But that belies the reality of what has happened since Covid-19 erupted early this year, with borders closed, cooperation limited and countries forced to go it alone. Bertrand Badie, professor at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, said the great powers missed a chance with the coronavirus to strengthen global cooperation. Instead, cooperation broke apart amid allegations that China and the World Health Organization moved slowly on the initial outbreak, and the US declared it would act alone and pulled out of the WHO. The superpowers' behavior has "caused the failure, even the collapse, of the UN Security Council," which was set up to lead on such world-shaking challenges as a pandemic, Badie said. The powers have clung to a "very conservative vision of security, that humanity is only threatened by rivalries between countries," Badie told AFP, calling it "a very bad sign for the future." 'Moments of disappointment' The declaration admits that, over seven and a half decades, the UN "has had its moments of disappointment." "Our world is not yet the world our founders envisaged 75 years ago," it says, citing growing inequality and the persistence of poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism and climate change. However, the declaration also notes the United Nations has helped bring about decolonization, promote freedom, set standards for development and eradicate disease. "The United Nations has helped mitigate dozens of conflicts, saved hundreds of thousands of lives through humanitarian action and provided millions of children with the education that every child deserves," the declaration says. In the wake of coronavirus, it says, "we have a historic opportunity to build back better and greener." Paralysis Yet the coronavirus has placed a spotlight on the paralyzing rivalry of the superpowers, especially between the United States and China, rapidly eroding Washington's global leadership. "Everyone has been too focused on the domestic impact of the pandemic to really look at the global picture," said Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group. "I am frankly deeply pessimistic about the chances for real UN reform or innovations in global governance. I cannot see China and the US agreeing on big reforms now," Gowan said. Badie said the organization was immobilized by a power rivalry that dates back to the UN's creation. To embark on reforms, he said, it is necessary for the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- the United States, Britain, Russia, France and China -- to change their Cold War mentality. The five, though, "will always refuse, because that would lead to an overhaul of the 'international community' and the loss of the privileges of the nuclear oligarchy," Badie said.

The UN marks 75th anniversary facing world split by COVID-19

The US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;will not be attending the UN General Assembly in person, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has announced.

The announcement has come after Trump has repeatedly claimed that he will be attending the assembly in person in New York, whether or not other leaders choose to.

Majority of the world leaders had decided to attend the UN General Assembly through videoconferencing as the coronavirus took over the world and sent countries into lockdown.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-sex-assault-allegation-made-against-trump-328256">Also read|&nbsp;New sex assault allegation made against Trump</a>

The debate around whether or not Trump should and would attend the assembly in person had been going on for a couple of months now. However, Meadows confirmed the news aboard Air Force One while the delegation was flying to Wisconsin, along with Trump, for his&nbsp;campaign rally for the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>.

The reason behind this change of heart has not been clearly stated. While some reports state it is to avoid the dangers posed by the novel coronavirus, other believe that Trump wants to focus on campaigning for the upcoming elections, in which he is competing against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, who is leading in the initial polls.

The main portion of the UN General Assmbly will start on September 21 and end on September 29, where various world leaders will deliver speeches with a focus response to the pandemic and&nbsp;"peace and security, disarmament, human rights, gender equality and sustainable development."

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his opening remarks on Tuesday.

The US President Donald Trump will not be attending the UN General Assembly in person, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has announced. The announcement has come after Trump has repeatedly claimed that he will be attending the assembly in person in New York, whether or not other leaders choose to.

The US President Donald Trump will not be attending the UN General Assembly in person, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has announced. The announcement has come after Trump has repeatedly claimed that he will be attending the assembly in person in New York, whether or not other leaders choose to. Majority of the world leaders had decided to attend the UN General Assembly through videoconferencing as the coronavirus took over the world and sent countries into lockdown. Also read| New sex assault allegation made against Trump The debate around whether or not Trump should and would attend the assembly in person had been going on for a couple of months now. However, Meadows confirmed the news aboard Air Force One while the delegation was flying to Wisconsin, along with Trump, for his campaign rally for the upcoming US elections. The reason behind this change of heart has not been clearly stated. While some reports state it is to avoid the dangers posed by the novel coronavirus, other believe that Trump wants to focus on campaigning for the upcoming elections, in which he is competing against Joe Biden, who is leading in the initial polls. The main portion of the UN General Assmbly will start on September 21 and end on September 29, where various world leaders will deliver speeches with a focus response to the pandemic and "peace and security, disarmament, human rights, gender equality and sustainable development." Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his opening remarks on Tuesday.

Trump backtracks on attending UN General Assembly in person

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is due to speak via video message Friday to a UN Human Rights Council debate on allegations of torture and other serious violations in her country.

Tikhanovskaya figures alongside UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet and other speakers lined up for a rare urgent debate before the council, set to focus on violations in Belarus and in particular the crackdown on protests over the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Unprecedented demonstrations broke out in Belarus after Lukashenko claimed to have defeated Tikhanovskaya with 80 percent of the vote on August 9.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-dont-recognise-lukashenko-as-legitimate-president-european-union-328038">Also read|&nbsp;We don't recognise Lukashenko as legitimate president: European Union</a>

Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years, has refused to step down and has turned to neighbouring Russia for support to remain in power.

His security forces have detained thousands of protesters, many of whom have accused police of beatings and torture. Several people have died in the crackdown.

'Independent investigation'

The European Union, which had requested the urgent debate, has tabled a draft resolution expressing serious concern over "credible allegations of human rights violations that have taken place in Belarus in the run up to the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath."

It points in particular to numerous allegations of "torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by law enforcement and prison officers, including in prisons and detention centres, which urgently require an independent investigation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-women-march-was-not-funded-from-abroad-says-opposition-327212">Also read|&nbsp;Belarus women march was not funded from abroad, says Opposition</a>

It also expresses concern over widespread attacks, harassment and intimidation targeting the political opposition, rights defenders and journalists, and attacks on the media through the revocation of foreign media accreditations and with internet shutdowns.

The draft text calls on Belarusian authorities to "enable independent, transparent and impartial investigations into all allegations of human rights violations in the context of the election," and "to guarantee access to justice and redress for victims as well as full accountability of the perpetrators."

And it calls on the office of UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet to closely monitor the situation in the country and to present her conclusions in a report during the next council session in March 2021.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thousands-of-women-protest-in-belarus-demanding-lukashenkos-resignation-327120">Also read|&nbsp;Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation</a>

Bachelet has condemned the alleged torture or ill-treatment, including of children, by the authorities in their response to the demonstrations in Belarus.

The decision to hold the debate was reached with the backing of 25 of the council's 47 members and with only two countries, Venezuela and the Philippines, flat-out opposing.

But despite the strong support, the discussion will likely be lengthy after Russia -- Lukashenko's main ally -- proposed over 20 amendments to the EU draft resolution.&nbsp;

Discussions on Friday will mark only the sixth time in the council's 14-year history that it has agreed to hold an "urgent debate", which is a special debate agreed upon within a regular session of the council.

During its last session in June, the council held an urgent debate over racism and police brutality following unrest in the United States and beyond over George Floyd's death.

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is due to speak via video message Friday to a UN Human Rights Council debate on allegations of torture and other serious violations in her country.

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is due to speak via video message Friday to a UN Human Rights Council debate on allegations of torture and other serious violations in her country. Tikhanovskaya figures alongside UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet and other speakers lined up for a rare urgent debate before the council, set to focus on violations in Belarus and in particular the crackdown on protests over the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko. Unprecedented demonstrations broke out in Belarus after Lukashenko claimed to have defeated Tikhanovskaya with 80 percent of the vote on August 9. Also read| We don't recognise Lukashenko as legitimate president: European Union Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years, has refused to step down and has turned to neighbouring Russia for support to remain in power. His security forces have detained thousands of protesters, many of whom have accused police of beatings and torture. Several people have died in the crackdown. 'Independent investigation' The European Union, which had requested the urgent debate, has tabled a draft resolution expressing serious concern over "credible allegations of human rights violations that have taken place in Belarus in the run up to the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath." It points in particular to numerous allegations of "torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by law enforcement and prison officers, including in prisons and detention centres, which urgently require an independent investigation." Also read| Belarus women march was not funded from abroad, says Opposition It also expresses concern over widespread attacks, harassment and intimidation targeting the political opposition, rights defenders and journalists, and attacks on the media through the revocation of foreign media accreditations and with internet shutdowns. The draft text calls on Belarusian authorities to "enable independent, transparent and impartial investigations into all allegations of human rights violations in the context of the election," and "to guarantee access to justice and redress for victims as well as full accountability of the perpetrators." And it calls on the office of UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet to closely monitor the situation in the country and to present her conclusions in a report during the next council session in March 2021. Also read| Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation Bachelet has condemned the alleged torture or ill-treatment, including of children, by the authorities in their response to the demonstrations in Belarus. The decision to hold the debate was reached with the backing of 25 of the council's 47 members and with only two countries, Venezuela and the Philippines, flat-out opposing. But despite the strong support, the discussion will likely be lengthy after Russia -- Lukashenko's main ally -- proposed over 20 amendments to the EU draft resolution. Discussions on Friday will mark only the sixth time in the council's 14-year history that it has agreed to hold an "urgent debate", which is a special debate agreed upon within a regular session of the council. During its last session in June, the council held an urgent debate over racism and police brutality following unrest in the United States and beyond over George Floyd's death.

Belarus opposition leader to address UN on abuse allegations

India has told the United Nations as a "leading contributor to climate action", it has reduced 38 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.&nbsp;

In a written statement at UN Security Council, India highlighted that in the last decade "around 3 million hectares of forest and tree cover has been added" which has "enhanced the combined forest and tree cover to24.56% of the total geographical area of the country."

It listed out that India aims to "restore 26 million hectares of degraded and deforested land and achieve land-degradation neutrality by 2030" and have set "additional targets of eliminating single-use plastic by 2022 and installing 450GW of renewable energy by 2030."

India's statement was at the Open Debate on "Humanitarian Effects of Environmental Degradation and Peace security".

India also pointed out principles such as “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities” are sacrosanct when it comes to environmental protection and "steering away from these principles....attempting to discuss such issues by obfuscating those responsible for addressing them will only do a disservice to the real issue rather than make it more meaningful to address them."

India has told the United Nations as a "leading contributor to climate action", it has reduced 38 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. In a written statement at UN Security Council, India highlighted that in the last decade "around 3 million hectares of forest and tree cover has been added" which has "enhanced the combined forest and tree cover to24.

India has told the United Nations as a "leading contributor to climate action", it has reduced 38 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. In a written statement at UN Security Council, India highlighted that in the last decade "around 3 million hectares of forest and tree cover has been added" which has "enhanced the combined forest and tree cover to24.56% of the total geographical area of the country." It listed out that India aims to "restore 26 million hectares of degraded and deforested land and achieve land-degradation neutrality by 2030" and have set "additional targets of eliminating single-use plastic by 2022 and installing 450GW of renewable energy by 2030." India's statement was at the Open Debate on "Humanitarian Effects of Environmental Degradation and Peace security". India also pointed out principles such as “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities” are sacrosanct when it comes to environmental protection and "steering away from these principles....attempting to discuss such issues by obfuscating those responsible for addressing them will only do a disservice to the real issue rather than make it more meaningful to address them."

Reduced 38 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, India tells UN

"We need a vaccine for everybody, everywhere - in affordable conditions - because we will only be safe if everybody is safe.", Tweets United Nations.

'COVID-19 vaccine must be affordable and available to all', highlights UN

Hundreds of women gathered in the centre of Minsk to march in the latest demonstration since a disputed presidential election in August.

Human Rights group calls for UN monitoring of Belarus rights abuses

A new report of the UN on the state of nature talks about how the international community collectively missed a critical deadline to safeguard biodiversity.

UN report: World missed a critical deadline to safeguard biodiversity

The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday.

The proportion of forest to total land area fell from 31.9 per cent in 2000 to 31.2 percent in 2020, now some 4.1 billion hectares, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation. &nbsp;

It marks "a net loss of almost 100 million hectares of the world’s forests," the FAO said.

Deforestation has hit particularly hard sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia, where it has accelerated in the last decade, but also Latin and Central America, where it has nonetheless slowed down.

Forests are being cut down mainly to make way for crops or farm animals, especially in less developed countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pushes-37-million-people-into-extreme-poverty-gates-foundation-327805">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus pushes 37 million people into extreme poverty: Gates Foundation</a>

In southeast Asia, forest now covers 47.8 per cent of the land compared to 49 per cent in 2015. In sub-Saharan Africa, it covers 27.8 per cent compared to 28.7 per cent five years ago.

In Indonesia, it is 50.9 per cent, down from 52.5 per cent. In Malaysia, it is 58.2 per cent, down from 59.2 per cent five years ago.

A country strongly focused on agriculture like the Ivory Coast has seen forests reduced to 8.9 percent of the total land area from 10.7 percent in &nbsp;2015. Kenya, Mali and Rwanda have largely held firm against forest loss.

In Latin and Central America, forest covers only 46.7 percent of the total land, compared to 47.4 per cent five years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-where-do-trump-and-biden-stand-on-climate-change-327786">Also read|&nbsp;US Election 2020: Where do Trump and Biden stand on climate change?</a>

In Brazil, forests declined to 59.4 per cent of the country's territory in 2020 from 60.3 per cent in 2015. In Haiti, deforestation has continued apace — falling to 12.6 percent of the total land area from 13.2 per cent in 2015.

In contrast, in many parts of Asia, Europe and North America forest area has increased or stayed the same in the last five years with policies to restore woodland and allow forests to expand naturally.

In China, forests make up 23.3 per cent, up from 22.3 per cent in 2015. In Japan, they account for 68.4 per cent, the same as it was five years ago.

In France, forests cover 31.5 per cent of the land in 2020, up from 30.7 per cent in 2015. In Italy, they make up 32.5 per cent of the national territory, up from 31.6 five years ago.

In Britain, they make up 13.2 per cent, up from 13 percent five years ago.&nbsp;

In Canada, it is unchanged at 38.2 per cent, and in the United States, unchanged at 33.9 percent.

In Australia the figure rose from 17.3 to 17.4 per cent and in New Zealand from 37.4 per cent to 37.6 per cent over the five years.

The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday.

The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday. The proportion of forest to total land area fell from 31.9 per cent in 2000 to 31.2 percent in 2020, now some 4.1 billion hectares, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation. It marks "a net loss of almost 100 million hectares of the world’s forests," the FAO said. Deforestation has hit particularly hard sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia, where it has accelerated in the last decade, but also Latin and Central America, where it has nonetheless slowed down. Forests are being cut down mainly to make way for crops or farm animals, especially in less developed countries. Also read| Coronavirus pushes 37 million people into extreme poverty: Gates Foundation In southeast Asia, forest now covers 47.8 per cent of the land compared to 49 per cent in 2015. In sub-Saharan Africa, it covers 27.8 per cent compared to 28.7 per cent five years ago. In Indonesia, it is 50.9 per cent, down from 52.5 per cent. In Malaysia, it is 58.2 per cent, down from 59.2 per cent five years ago. A country strongly focused on agriculture like the Ivory Coast has seen forests reduced to 8.9 percent of the total land area from 10.7 percent in 2015. Kenya, Mali and Rwanda have largely held firm against forest loss. In Latin and Central America, forest covers only 46.7 percent of the total land, compared to 47.4 per cent five years ago. Also read| US Election 2020: Where do Trump and Biden stand on climate change? In Brazil, forests declined to 59.4 per cent of the country's territory in 2020 from 60.3 per cent in 2015. In Haiti, deforestation has continued apace — falling to 12.6 percent of the total land area from 13.2 per cent in 2015. In contrast, in many parts of Asia, Europe and North America forest area has increased or stayed the same in the last five years with policies to restore woodland and allow forests to expand naturally. In China, forests make up 23.3 per cent, up from 22.3 per cent in 2015. In Japan, they account for 68.4 per cent, the same as it was five years ago. In France, forests cover 31.5 per cent of the land in 2020, up from 30.7 per cent in 2015. In Italy, they make up 32.5 per cent of the national territory, up from 31.6 five years ago. In Britain, they make up 13.2 per cent, up from 13 percent five years ago. In Canada, it is unchanged at 38.2 per cent, and in the United States, unchanged at 33.9 percent. In Australia the figure rose from 17.3 to 17.4 per cent and in New Zealand from 37.4 per cent to 37.6 per cent over the five years.

World lost 100 million hectares of forest in two decades: UN

United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday said that they are concerned about the religious repression of Uighurs in China.

UN concerned about religious repression of Uighurs in China

A new United Nations report claims that governments across the world have failed to conform to their pledges made a decade a go to protect wildlife.

The report, which was published on Tuesday also claimed that the destruction of nature may be slowed, and even reversed through conservation efforts.

Besides bringing to the light the inaction of world governments, the report also suggested changes to at least delay, if not stop climate change.&nbsp;

The changes were suggested in sectors like farming and urban planning, which could help save a million species.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/climate-change-massive-chunk-of-ice-twice-the-size-of-manhattan-breaks-off-greenland-327338" hreflang="en">Climate change: Massive chunk of ice twice the size of Manhattan breaks off Greenland</a>

Later this month, countries are going to meet for a UN summit on biodiversity, and may build upon this report to trigger future action.

The report added that making commitments are not enough, and that action on those commitments is pertinent to saving wildlife across the globe.

Before countries meet next year in China for a new wildlife pact, the UN has asked governments to set aside 30 per cent of the planet’s land and sea areas for conservation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/climate-change-contributes-to-spread-of-diseases-through-mosquitoes-says-study-322683" hreflang="en">Climate change contributes to spread of diseases through mosquitoes, says study</a>

As of now, only 17 per cent of the world’s land receive protection. To survive, the world needs to protect 30 per cent resources.

The report also pointed to improvements in conservation. For instance, the Japanese crested ibis, which had almost vanished, recently started to produce chicks in the wild. Conservationists had released captive-bred birds, which may have facilitated this resurgence.

If it weren’t for conservation efforts, the number of bird and mammal extinctions would have been twice as high during the last decade.

The report also taken into account the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of industrial society on the natural world.

The virus emanated from an animal, and could open up risks of more such pandemics jumping from animals.

A new United Nations report claims that governments across the world have failed to conform to their pledges made a decade a go to protect wildlife. The report, which was published on Tuesday also claimed that the destruction of nature may be slowed, and even reversed through conservation efforts.

A new United Nations report claims that governments across the world have failed to conform to their pledges made a decade a go to protect wildlife. The report, which was published on Tuesday also claimed that the destruction of nature may be slowed, and even reversed through conservation efforts. Besides bringing to the light the inaction of world governments, the report also suggested changes to at least delay, if not stop climate change. The changes were suggested in sectors like farming and urban planning, which could help save a million species. Also read: Climate change: Massive chunk of ice twice the size of Manhattan breaks off Greenland Later this month, countries are going to meet for a UN summit on biodiversity, and may build upon this report to trigger future action. The report added that making commitments are not enough, and that action on those commitments is pertinent to saving wildlife across the globe. Before countries meet next year in China for a new wildlife pact, the UN has asked governments to set aside 30 per cent of the planet’s land and sea areas for conservation. Also read: Climate change contributes to spread of diseases through mosquitoes, says study As of now, only 17 per cent of the world’s land receive protection. To survive, the world needs to protect 30 per cent resources. The report also pointed to improvements in conservation. For instance, the Japanese crested ibis, which had almost vanished, recently started to produce chicks in the wild. Conservationists had released captive-bred birds, which may have facilitated this resurgence. If it weren’t for conservation efforts, the number of bird and mammal extinctions would have been twice as high during the last decade. The report also taken into account the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of industrial society on the natural world. The virus emanated from an animal, and could open up risks of more such pandemics jumping from animals.

World may need to conserve 30% resources to survive, if not thrive: UN report

United Nations human rights chief on Monday said that “no concrete measures” have been taken three years after the Rohingya exodus to provide relief to the people. Additionally, Michelle Bachelet said that many civilian casualties may represent war crimes.

"In some cases, they appear to have been targeted or attacked indiscriminately, which may constitute further war crimes or even crimes against humanity," Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. She was speaking about casualties in Rakhine and Chin States.

Citing satellite images and eyewitness accounts, she noted how areas of northern Rakhine had been burnt in the recent months, calling this “troubling”, while calling for an independent investigation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/three-years-after-exodus-myanmar-erases-names-of-rohingya-villages-un-map-makers-follow-suit-326892" hreflang="en">Three years after exodus, Myanmar erases names of Rohingya villages. UN map makers follow suit</a>

Myanmar is in election mode and&nbsp;campaigning has begun. Political rallies are being held and with the election season underway there is also a&nbsp;controversy involving the Myanmar army. The army holds considerable power over the political establishment in the country and&nbsp;has often been accused of human rights violations.

A new report shows how the&nbsp;army is running a global business empire to finance its atrocities. The report is part of an investigation by Amnesty International. It is based on leaked government documents which apparently expose how international companies have been indirectly financing the Myanmar army.

Many of the military units that have been&nbsp;receiving funds are involved in human rights violations.&nbsp;The report claims that military generals have been receiving huge revenues from shares in Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/how-myanmar-army-runs-a-global-business-empire-to-finance-atrocities-326706" hreflang="en">How Myanmar army runs a global business empire to finance atrocities</a>

It is a secret conglomerate run by the military&nbsp;with several local and foreign businesses as partners.&nbsp;The board of this conglomerate is composed of high-level military figures.&nbsp;It is headed by the military chief Min Aan Laing himself.

According to the report, MEHL establishes joint ventures with business partners across Myanmar. This includes business activities like mining, manufacturing and trade.

United Nations human rights chief on Monday said that “no concrete measures” have been taken three years after the Rohingya exodus to provide relief to the people.

United Nations human rights chief on Monday said that “no concrete measures” have been taken three years after the Rohingya exodus to provide relief to the people. Additionally, Michelle Bachelet said that many civilian casualties may represent war crimes. "In some cases, they appear to have been targeted or attacked indiscriminately, which may constitute further war crimes or even crimes against humanity," Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. She was speaking about casualties in Rakhine and Chin States. Citing satellite images and eyewitness accounts, she noted how areas of northern Rakhine had been burnt in the recent months, calling this “troubling”, while calling for an independent investigation. Also read: Three years after exodus, Myanmar erases names of Rohingya villages. UN map makers follow suit Myanmar is in election mode and campaigning has begun. Political rallies are being held and with the election season underway there is also a controversy involving the Myanmar army. The army holds considerable power over the political establishment in the country and has often been accused of human rights violations. A new report shows how the army is running a global business empire to finance its atrocities. The report is part of an investigation by Amnesty International. It is based on leaked government documents which apparently expose how international companies have been indirectly financing the Myanmar army. Many of the military units that have been receiving funds are involved in human rights violations. The report claims that military generals have been receiving huge revenues from shares in Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL). Also read: How Myanmar army runs a global business empire to finance atrocities It is a secret conglomerate run by the military with several local and foreign businesses as partners. The board of this conglomerate is composed of high-level military figures. It is headed by the military chief Min Aan Laing himself. According to the report, MEHL establishes joint ventures with business partners across Myanmar. This includes business activities like mining, manufacturing and trade.

Casualties in Myanmar may represent war crimes: UN human rights chief

The UN on Thursday called for an immediate "quantum leap" in funding to fight the new coronavirus as the death toll crossed 900,000 six months after the pandemic broke out.

Alarming figures cropped up, with France registering a record of almost 10,000 new COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours ahead of a key meeting to decide a toughening of coronavirus measures.&nbsp;

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged countries to find $15 billion over the next three months to fund the ACT-Accelerator programme, a global collaboration to hunt for a vaccine and treatments led by the UN's World Health Organization (WHO).

"Either we stand together or we will be doomed," Guterres said, calling the virus the "number one global security threat".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-700-million-raised-so-far-for-covid-19-vaccines-initiative-for-poor-326651">Also read|&nbsp;WHO says $700 million raised so far for COVID-19 vaccines initiative for poor</a>

"We need a quantum leap in funding to increase the chances of a global solution to get the world moving, working and prospering again," he said.

He said the near $3 billion contributed so far had been critical but $35 billion more was needed to shift from start-up to scale-up — beginning with $15 billion in the next three months.

Tightened restrictions

He said typical aid budgets would not cover the costs, urging donors to "go deep" into money set aside for combating coronavirus.

As the infections burgeoned, countries began to scale up restrictions.

Portugal tightened curbs ahead of the start of the school year, limiting gatherings to 10 people rather than 20 previously -- a cap already in force in the capital Lisbon since late June.&nbsp;

Sales of alcohol will be barred from 8 pm as will drinking in public spaces.

Britain said it was reinstating mainland Portugal and adding Hungary to its coronavirus quarantine list, while Spain's Balearic Islands region said it will impose restrictions on over 20,000 people in tourism hotspot Palma de Mallorca due to a surge in infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-child-mortality-rate-declined-between-1990-and-2019-united-nations-326259">Also read|&nbsp;India's child mortality rate declined between 1990 and 2019: United Nations</a>

People living in four working class neighbourhoods of Palma will not be allowed out from 10 pm Friday except to go to work or school or seek medical care.

Gyms and parks in the areas must close, while the capacity at bars, cafes and restaurants will be capped at 50 percent. Gatherings will be limited to a maximum of five people.

A new study by US health authorities meanwhile provided more data showing that Covid-19 spread far more easily at bars and restaurants than going shopping, working from an office or using public transport.

The new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed the participants who tested positive and those who tested negative reported similar mask-wearing behaviour and similar levels of exposure in all the settings, except bars and restaurants.

'Start saving lives'

The virus has killed more than 904,500 people and infected at least 27.9 million since the outbreak emerged in China last December.

According to the WHO's latest overview, 35 candidate vaccines for the virus are being tested on humans, of which nine have reached Phase III trials where they are tested on tens of thousands of people.

A further 145 candidate vaccines are in earlier testing phases. Typically only about 10 percent of candidate vaccines succeed.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the speed at which vaccines, diagnostics and treatments were being developed but said much more needed to be done.

"We need to rapidly scale up our clinical trials, manufacturing, licensing and regulation capacity so that these products can get to people and start saving lives," he said.

"Fully financing the ACT-Accelerator would shorten the pandemic and pay back this investment rapidly as the global economy recovers."

The pandemic has continued to wreak economic mayhem.

Europe's top economy Germany said it would see a massive drop in tax revenue this year and next due to the impact of the coronavirus and won't return to pre-pandemic federal intake until 2023.

It will take in 275 billion euros ($327 billion) in federal tax revenues in 2020, down from 329 billion euros last year, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said.&nbsp;

Airline giant IAG, the owner of British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia, said it was cutting more flights because of coronavirus restrictions and quarantine rules.

IAG expects to operate 60 percent less capacity in the three months to the end of December from a year earlier.

Singapore Airlines, the city-state's official carrier, said it was cutting about 4,300 jobs -- around 20 percent of its workforce.

The UN on Thursday called for an immediate "quantum leap" in funding to fight the new coronavirus as the death toll crossed 900,000 six months after the pandemic broke out.

The UN on Thursday called for an immediate "quantum leap" in funding to fight the new coronavirus as the death toll crossed 900,000 six months after the pandemic broke out. Alarming figures cropped up, with France registering a record of almost 10,000 new COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours ahead of a key meeting to decide a toughening of coronavirus measures. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged countries to find $15 billion over the next three months to fund the ACT-Accelerator programme, a global collaboration to hunt for a vaccine and treatments led by the UN's World Health Organization (WHO). "Either we stand together or we will be doomed," Guterres said, calling the virus the "number one global security threat". Also read| WHO says $700 million raised so far for COVID-19 vaccines initiative for poor "We need a quantum leap in funding to increase the chances of a global solution to get the world moving, working and prospering again," he said. He said the near $3 billion contributed so far had been critical but $35 billion more was needed to shift from start-up to scale-up — beginning with $15 billion in the next three months. Tightened restrictions He said typical aid budgets would not cover the costs, urging donors to "go deep" into money set aside for combating coronavirus. As the infections burgeoned, countries began to scale up restrictions. Portugal tightened curbs ahead of the start of the school year, limiting gatherings to 10 people rather than 20 previously -- a cap already in force in the capital Lisbon since late June. Sales of alcohol will be barred from 8 pm as will drinking in public spaces. Britain said it was reinstating mainland Portugal and adding Hungary to its coronavirus quarantine list, while Spain's Balearic Islands region said it will impose restrictions on over 20,000 people in tourism hotspot Palma de Mallorca due to a surge in infections. Also read| India's child mortality rate declined between 1990 and 2019: United Nations People living in four working class neighbourhoods of Palma will not be allowed out from 10 pm Friday except to go to work or school or seek medical care. Gyms and parks in the areas must close, while the capacity at bars, cafes and restaurants will be capped at 50 percent. Gatherings will be limited to a maximum of five people. A new study by US health authorities meanwhile provided more data showing that Covid-19 spread far more easily at bars and restaurants than going shopping, working from an office or using public transport. The new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed the participants who tested positive and those who tested negative reported similar mask-wearing behaviour and similar levels of exposure in all the settings, except bars and restaurants. 'Start saving lives' The virus has killed more than 904,500 people and infected at least 27.9 million since the outbreak emerged in China last December. According to the WHO's latest overview, 35 candidate vaccines for the virus are being tested on humans, of which nine have reached Phase III trials where they are tested on tens of thousands of people. A further 145 candidate vaccines are in earlier testing phases. Typically only about 10 percent of candidate vaccines succeed. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the speed at which vaccines, diagnostics and treatments were being developed but said much more needed to be done. "We need to rapidly scale up our clinical trials, manufacturing, licensing and regulation capacity so that these products can get to people and start saving lives," he said. "Fully financing the ACT-Accelerator would shorten the pandemic and pay back this investment rapidly as the global economy recovers." The pandemic has continued to wreak economic mayhem. Europe's top economy Germany said it would see a massive drop in tax revenue this year and next due to the impact of the coronavirus and won't return to pre-pandemic federal intake until 2023. It will take in 275 billion euros ($327 billion) in federal tax revenues in 2020, down from 329 billion euros last year, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said. Airline giant IAG, the owner of British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia, said it was cutting more flights because of coronavirus restrictions and quarantine rules. IAG expects to operate 60 percent less capacity in the three months to the end of December from a year earlier. Singapore Airlines, the city-state's official carrier, said it was cutting about 4,300 jobs -- around 20 percent of its workforce.

UN seeks 'quantum leap' in funding for virus fight

In a report for the period ending in June, 2020, the panel included Canada on a list of countries selling arms to those waging the conflict in Yemen

West, Iran is fueling war in Yemen with arms sales, says UN report

Concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere hit a record high this year, a United Nations report showed on Wednesday.

Greenhouse gases hit new record despite lockdowns

The United Nation voiced alarm Tuesday at growing attacks on journalists and activists in Pakistan, often amid cries of blasphemy, urging Islamabad to protect those facing threats and probe any violence.

UN decries attacks on journalists & activists in Pakistan, urges to ensure protection

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