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China and the United States are deadlocked over a UN resolution to extend a mission in Afghanistan, with Beijing signalling it will cast a veto because there is no reference to its Belt and Road project, diplomats said on Monday.

A planned vote on Monday by the 15-member Security Council to renew the UN mission, known as UNAMA, was delayed to Tuesday to allow for more negotiations.

The mission's mandate expires on Tuesday.

To pass, a resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, China, France, Russia and Britain.

Ahead of the postponement, diplomats said China was expected to veto a resolution drafted by Germany and Indonesia that did not include a reference to its global Belt and Road infrastructure project.

China's UN&nbsp;mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China was then planning to propose a vote on a short draft resolution, known as a technical rollover, to allow the mission to keep operating, diplomats said.

But they added it could fail to get the nine votes needed to pass because several council members were considering abstaining.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she "did not know where this news had come from".

The situation in Afghanistan was at a crucial stage and China supported UNAMA - the UN&nbsp;Assistance Mission in Afghanistan&nbsp;to support reconstruction there, she said.

China hoped Security Council members would "jointly safeguard the important consensus reached in the past, respect each other's concerns, continue to carry out constructive cooperation on the Afghan issue and safeguard the unity of the Security Council".

The UN&nbsp;mission, which was established in 2002, is helping Afghanistan prepare for a September&nbsp;28 presidential election and is pushing for peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Talks between the United States and Taliban militants on a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal fell apart this month.

There are about 14,000 US&nbsp;troops and thousands of other NATO troops in the country, 18 years after a US-led coalition ousted the Taliban following September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States.

The UNAMA mandate is renewed annually by the Security Council.

The resolutions in 2016, 2017 and 2018 all included a reference welcoming and urging efforts, like China's Belt and Road initiative, to facilitate trade and transit.

But when it came time to extend the mandate again in March, the United States and other Western council members wanted the language removed, sparking a standoff with China.

The council ended up adopting a six-month technical rollover to allow the mission to keep operating.

At the time, acting US ambassador Jonathan Cohen denounced China for holding "the resolution hostage" by insisting "on making it about Chinese national political priorities rather than the people of Afghanistan".

He criticized Beijing's Belt and Road initiative&nbsp;which aims to link China by sea and land through an infrastructure network with southeast and central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa&nbsp;for "known problems with corruption, debt distress, environmental damage, and lack of transparency".

At a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan last week, Cohen referred to the impasse with China.

"We strongly believe this mandate is too important at this moment to have one Security Council member deny consensus for reasons having nothing to do with UNAMA," Cohen said.

Chinese UN&nbsp;Ambassador Zhang Jun did not specifically mention the negotiations on the UNAMA resolution, but said China was working with Afghanistan to advance "the Belt and Road construction to actively support the Afghan rebuilding and its reintegration into the regional economic development".

China and the United States are deadlocked over a UN resolution to extend a mission in Afghanistan, with Beijing signalling it will cast a veto because there is no reference to its Belt and Road project, diplomats said on Monday.

China and the United States are deadlocked over a UN resolution to extend a mission in Afghanistan, with Beijing signalling it will cast a veto because there is no reference to its Belt and Road project, diplomats said on Monday. A planned vote on Monday by the 15-member Security Council to renew the UN mission, known as UNAMA, was delayed to Tuesday to allow for more negotiations. The mission's mandate expires on Tuesday. To pass, a resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, China, France, Russia and Britain. Ahead of the postponement, diplomats said China was expected to veto a resolution drafted by Germany and Indonesia that did not include a reference to its global Belt and Road infrastructure project. China's UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China was then planning to propose a vote on a short draft resolution, known as a technical rollover, to allow the mission to keep operating, diplomats said. But they added it could fail to get the nine votes needed to pass because several council members were considering abstaining. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she "did not know where this news had come from". The situation in Afghanistan was at a crucial stage and China supported UNAMA - the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to support reconstruction there, she said. China hoped Security Council members would "jointly safeguard the important consensus reached in the past, respect each other's concerns, continue to carry out constructive cooperation on the Afghan issue and safeguard the unity of the Security Council". The UN mission, which was established in 2002, is helping Afghanistan prepare for a September 28 presidential election and is pushing for peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Talks between the United States and Taliban militants on a US troop withdrawal fell apart this month. There are about 14,000 US troops and thousands of other NATO troops in the country, 18 years after a US-led coalition ousted the Taliban following September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States. The UNAMA mandate is renewed annually by the Security Council. The resolutions in 2016, 2017 and 2018 all included a reference welcoming and urging efforts, like China's Belt and Road initiative, to facilitate trade and transit. But when it came time to extend the mandate again in March, the United States and other Western council members wanted the language removed, sparking a standoff with China. The council ended up adopting a six-month technical rollover to allow the mission to keep operating. At the time, acting US ambassador Jonathan Cohen denounced China for holding "the resolution hostage" by insisting "on making it about Chinese national political priorities rather than the people of Afghanistan". He criticized Beijing's Belt and Road initiative which aims to link China by sea and land through an infrastructure network with southeast and central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa for "known problems with corruption, debt distress, environmental damage, and lack of transparency". At a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan last week, Cohen referred to the impasse with China. "We strongly believe this mandate is too important at this moment to have one Security Council member deny consensus for reasons having nothing to do with UNAMA," Cohen said. Chinese UN Ambassador Zhang Jun did not specifically mention the negotiations on the UNAMA resolution, but said China was working with Afghanistan to advance "the Belt and Road construction to actively support the Afghan rebuilding and its reintegration into the regional economic development".

Belt and Road row: China, US in standoff over UN mission in Afghanistan

A pro-democracy Hong Kong legislator called on the top U.N. human rights body on Monday to investigate what she said were “brutal crackdowns” and “police brutality” against demonstrators in the former British colony.

Hong Kong Lawmaker Appeal To The UN

A tropical cyclone carrying heavy rain and strong winds neared the already devastated Bahamas on Friday ( September 13), threatening to complicate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-skirts-us-carolinas-coast-with-high-winds-and-rain-248039">Hurricane Dorian</a> recovery efforts as the UN&nbsp;secretary-general arrived in the islands in a show of support.

The new weather system, known as Tropical Cyclone Nine, could strengthen into a tropical storm later on Friday, dropping up to 6 inches of rain through the weekend in areas of the islands inundated by Dorian, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-hurricane-dorian-approaches-quick-look-at-floridas-deadliest-and-destructive-hurricanes-246886#hurricane-dorian-246870">Hurricane Dorian</a> slammed into the Bahamas on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slow-moving-hurricane-dorian-pounds-bahamas-menaces-us-coast-247204">September 1</a> as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit land, packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 km per hour).

"The financial cost of the damage caused by Dorian is not clear, but it will be in the billions of dollars. The Bahamas cannot be expected to foot this bill alone," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1300-still-missing-in-hurricane-hit-bahamas-officials-249303">UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres</a> said on his arrival in Nassau.

Guterres was expected to visit over the weekend with people affected by the hurricane and the humanitarian teams assisting them. He plans to continue talks with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis in Nassau.

Minnis said earlier this week that the official death toll stood at 50 but was expected to rise.

Tropical Cyclone Nine was not expected to bring anywhere near the devastation of Dorian, even if it strengthens into a depression or storm.

But the potentially heavy rain and winds, which could reach 30 mph (48 km), could hamper relief efforts in the northern Bahamas, where the powerful and slow-moving Dorian flattened thousands of structures and left 70,000 people needing shelter, food and water and medical assistance.

The storm could delay the movement of food and water already on the ground, said Carl Smith, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency during a news conference.

By late afternoon on Friday, the tropical disturbance was 240 miles (385 km) east-southeast of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, travelling northwest at 8 miles per hour, the NHC said.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for most of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Great Abaco Island and Grand Bahama Island, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Those islands were ravaged when Dorian ripped through the archipelago as a Category 5 storm.

A tropical cyclone carrying heavy rain and strong winds neared the already devastated Bahamas on Friday ( September 13), threatening to complicate Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts as the UN secretary-general arrived in the islands in a show of support.

A tropical cyclone carrying heavy rain and strong winds neared the already devastated Bahamas on Friday ( September 13), threatening to complicate Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts as the UN secretary-general arrived in the islands in a show of support. The new weather system, known as Tropical Cyclone Nine, could strengthen into a tropical storm later on Friday, dropping up to 6 inches of rain through the weekend in areas of the islands inundated by Dorian, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas on September 1 as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit land, packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 km per hour). "The financial cost of the damage caused by Dorian is not clear, but it will be in the billions of dollars. The Bahamas cannot be expected to foot this bill alone," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on his arrival in Nassau. Guterres was expected to visit over the weekend with people affected by the hurricane and the humanitarian teams assisting them. He plans to continue talks with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis in Nassau. Minnis said earlier this week that the official death toll stood at 50 but was expected to rise. Tropical Cyclone Nine was not expected to bring anywhere near the devastation of Dorian, even if it strengthens into a depression or storm. But the potentially heavy rain and winds, which could reach 30 mph (48 km), could hamper relief efforts in the northern Bahamas, where the powerful and slow-moving Dorian flattened thousands of structures and left 70,000 people needing shelter, food and water and medical assistance. The storm could delay the movement of food and water already on the ground, said Carl Smith, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency during a news conference. By late afternoon on Friday, the tropical disturbance was 240 miles (385 km) east-southeast of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, travelling northwest at 8 miles per hour, the NHC said. A tropical storm warning was in effect for most of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Great Abaco Island and Grand Bahama Island, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Those islands were ravaged when Dorian ripped through the archipelago as a Category 5 storm.

Tropical cyclone bears down on Bahamas, UN pledges aid

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-says-us-north-korea-will-restart-dialogue-soon-244718">South Korean</a> President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-ready-for-dialogue-or-confrontation-with-us-244911">North Korea</a>'s nuclear weapons programme.

Seoul and Washington are working to fix a date for the meeting during Moon's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly from September 22-26, Moon's spokeswoman Ko Min-jung told a briefing.

The announcement came days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-could-warm-up-to-talks-after-removal-of-war-maniac-bolton-248959">North Korea</a> said it was willing to reopen denuclearisation talks with the United States within the month.

The negotiations stalled after a failed summit in February between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the two agreed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-be-glad-to-see-north-korea-us-resuming-talks-on-schedule-china-249155">revive talks </a>when they met in June at the inter-Korean border.

Watch: US-North Korea relations back on track ?

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Trump said on Thursday he would be willing to have another meeting with Kim at some point later this year which would be their fourth since an unprecedented summit in June 2018.

Trump's removal of John Bolton, his hard-line national security adviser, earlier this week could facilitate the revival of the talks though it will hardly make the US goal of persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons any easier, analysts say.

Pyongyang has also repeatedly called for US concessions on sanctions, warning that dealings between both sides could end unless Washington takes a fresh approach.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme. Seoul and Washington are working to fix a date for the meeting during Moon's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly from September 22-26, Moon's spokeswoman Ko Min-jung told a briefing. The announcement came days after North Korea said it was willing to reopen denuclearisation talks with the United States within the month. The negotiations stalled after a failed summit in February between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the two agreed to revive talks when they met in June at the inter-Korean border. Watch: US-North Korea relations back on track ? × Trump said on Thursday he would be willing to have another meeting with Kim at some point later this year which would be their fourth since an unprecedented summit in June 2018. Trump's removal of John Bolton, his hard-line national security adviser, earlier this week could facilitate the revival of the talks though it will hardly make the US goal of persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons any easier, analysts say. Pyongyang has also repeatedly called for US concessions on sanctions, warning that dealings between both sides could end unless Washington takes a fresh approach.

Trump, South Korea's Moon, expected to meet at UN amid hopes for new North Korea talks

Pakistan on Wednesday conveyed to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) its decision to subscribe to the guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources.

Although it is non-legally binding in nature, the Guidance supplements the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources is an important component of the global nuclear safety and security regime.

"The Code of Conduct, along with its supplementary guidance documents, seeks to help countries ensure that radioactive sources are used in a manner consistent with the highest standards of safety and security throughout their life cycle," said Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement.

This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Indian government's decisions to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.

Various Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Imran Khan have threatened about a possible military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan on Wednesday conveyed to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) its decision to subscribe to the guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources.

Pakistan on Wednesday conveyed to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) its decision to subscribe to the guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources. Although it is non-legally binding in nature, the Guidance supplements the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources is an important component of the global nuclear safety and security regime. "The Code of Conduct, along with its supplementary guidance documents, seeks to help countries ensure that radioactive sources are used in a manner consistent with the highest standards of safety and security throughout their life cycle," said Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement. This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Indian government's decisions to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories. Various Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Imran Khan have threatened about a possible military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan subscribes to IAEA's guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources

In a number of billboards posted across the Swiss city of Geneva, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">Pashtun</a> people are urging the United Nations to take action against Pakistan to stop the extermination of their people.

The Pashtuns, mostly residing in the Sindh and Punjab<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pakistan-rakes-up-kashmir-issue-at-unhrc-india-hits-back-248819"> provinces </a>of Pakistan, continue to face a cultural annihilation along with systematic violence, mistreatment, and intimidation at the hands of the Pakistani military establishment.

The billboards highlight an upcoming exposition on the genocide of the Pashtuns in Pakistan. The exposition, which will be held on September 17 and September 27 at the Hall Bungener in Geneva, is part of a movement to elevate the voices of the Pashtuns.

The Pakistani military establishment through various operations in the region has continued to wreak havoc and injustices on the entire community of the Pashtuns. 
&nbsp;Hundreds of civilians have been killed or forcibly disappeared.&nbsp;

The minority group has been forced either to relegate themselves to such atrocious conditions or abandon their homes.

Flocking to neighbouring cities in mass numbers, the displaced Pashtuns are stereotyped as terrorists when they attempt to settle elsewhere. At present, extrajudicial executions of the Pashtuns are on the rise.&nbsp;

The number of deaths and missing persons has skyrocketed. Neither the state nor external authorities and organisations have made a point to protest against these blatant human rights abuses on the global platform.

Until and unless the UN takes clear and definitive action against the<a href="close NEWS WRAP Get Handpicked Stories from our editors directly to your mailbox Your email WORLD ORDERSOUTH ASIAWORLDBUSINESSSPORTSVIDEOSENTERTAINMENTPHOTOSGLOBAL SUMMITLIVE TV Geneva: Pakistan Foreign Minister mentions Jammu and Kashmir as 'Indian state' File photo: Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi (C) addresses the United Nations Human Rights Council on September 10, 2019 in Geneva. Photograph:( AFP ) FOLLOW US ANI New Delhi Sep 10, 2019, 05.47 PM (IST) Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an &quot;Indian state&quot; following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here. Speaking to reporters, Shah said, &quot;India is trying to give an impression to the world that life has returned to normalcy. If the life has returned to normalcy, then I say, why don't they allow you, the international media, why don't they allow the international organisations, the NGOs, civil society organisations to go into the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and see for themselves what the reality is.&quot; Till date, Pakistan, in all its official communication, has been referring to Jammu and Kashmir as &quot;Indian Administered Kashmir&quot; Qureshi's remarks came after his address at the UNHRC session, where he presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. Time and again Islamabad has been left red-faced after all its desperate attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue fell flat with countries like Russia, UAE and US siding with India. While Pakistan has been running from pillar to post, New Delhi has maintained that Kashmir is a strictly internal matter. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation "> Pakistani government</a>, the Pashtun people will continue to suffer under Islamabad`s brutal discriminatory agenda. The UN and the rest of the international community must utilize its diplomatic resources to finally end the genocide of the Pashtun people once and for all.

The development has come at the same time when Pakistan has been continuing to cry foul over Kashmir during the ongoing 42nd UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

In a number of billboards posted across the Swiss city of Geneva, the Pashtun people are urging the United Nations to take action against Pakistan to stop the extermination of their people.

In a number of billboards posted across the Swiss city of Geneva, the Pashtun people are urging the United Nations to take action against Pakistan to stop the extermination of their people. The Pashtuns, mostly residing in the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan, continue to face a cultural annihilation along with systematic violence, mistreatment, and intimidation at the hands of the Pakistani military establishment. The billboards highlight an upcoming exposition on the genocide of the Pashtuns in Pakistan. The exposition, which will be held on September 17 and September 27 at the Hall Bungener in Geneva, is part of a movement to elevate the voices of the Pashtuns. The Pakistani military establishment through various operations in the region has continued to wreak havoc and injustices on the entire community of the Pashtuns. Hundreds of civilians have been killed or forcibly disappeared. The minority group has been forced either to relegate themselves to such atrocious conditions or abandon their homes. Flocking to neighbouring cities in mass numbers, the displaced Pashtuns are stereotyped as terrorists when they attempt to settle elsewhere. At present, extrajudicial executions of the Pashtuns are on the rise. The number of deaths and missing persons has skyrocketed. Neither the state nor external authorities and organisations have made a point to protest against these blatant human rights abuses on the global platform. Until and unless the UN takes clear and definitive action against the Pakistani government, the Pashtun people will continue to suffer under Islamabad`s brutal discriminatory agenda. The UN and the rest of the international community must utilize its diplomatic resources to finally end the genocide of the Pashtun people once and for all. The development has come at the same time when Pakistan has been continuing to cry foul over Kashmir during the ongoing 42nd UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

Billboards across Geneva calls for attention to Pakistan's cultural genocide of Pashtuns

India gifts solar panels worth $1 million to the UN which will help in conserve and generate electricity. Watch this video to know more.

India gifts solar panels worth $1 million to UN, to help in conserve and generate electricity

Pope&nbsp;Francis, on a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to Madagascar, on Sunday condemned what he said was its&nbsp;clan&nbsp;culture&nbsp;of&nbsp;privilege&nbsp;and corruption that allows a very few to live in wealth while the vast majority languish in grinding poverty.

He spoke in a homily of a Mass on a sprawling field on the outskirts of the capital Antananarivo for hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom had spent the night outdoors in unseasonably cool weather. The Vatican said local organisers had estimated the crowd at about a million people.

As he has since the start of his three-country swing through sub-Saharan Africa, Francis spoke out about the gap between the haves and have-nots on the continent. He has already&nbsp;visited Mozambique and will move on to Mauritius on Monday.

Francis decried a&nbsp;clan&nbsp;culture&nbsp;that provided a boost only to those connected to it while leaving many others permanently excluded, or at best marginalised without opportunities to improve their lives.

"When 'family' becomes the decisive criterion for what we consider right and good, we end up justifying and even

'consecrating' practices that lead to the&nbsp;culture&nbsp;of&nbsp;privilege&nbsp;and exclusion: favouritism, patronage and - as a consequence - corruption," the pontiff said in his homily.

Madagascar&nbsp;is the world's fourth-largest island and one of its poorest countries.

The UN&nbsp;World Food Programme estimates that more than 90 per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Madagascar's 26 million population live on less than $2 a day, with chronic child malnutrition widespread.

Corruption is rampant among the country's political and business class, according to organisations such as Transparency International, which ranks&nbsp;Madagascar&nbsp;in the lowest quarter of its global Corruption Perceptions Index.

"As we look around us, how many men and women, young people and children are suffering and in utter need!" the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-stuck-in-elevator-for-25-minutes-freed-by-fire-brigade-246992">pope</a>&nbsp;said.

While in Antananarivo, Francis's motorcade passed by people plying trades like metalworking and carpentry on the sides of dusty roads, followed minutes later by walled-off, European-style villas with gardens and pools.

Francis has often called for greater income equality and a fairer distribution of wealth between prosperous and developing countries, and he has defended the right of countries to control their mineral resources.

After the Mass, Francis was due to&nbsp;visit&nbsp;Akamasoa, a district of the capital known as "The City of Friendship."

It was founded by Father Pedro Opeka, a 71-year-old missionary who studied theology under the future&nbsp;pope&nbsp;in their native Argentina before dedicating his life to building communities for the families of&nbsp;Madagascar.

Over the last 50 years, an organization founded by Opeka has built homes for 25,000 people, 100 schools, six clinics, and&nbsp;two football stadiums. Next year they plan to build a college for paramedics.

Pope Francis, on a visit to Madagascar, on Sunday condemned what he said was its clan culture of privilege and corruption that allows a very few to live in wealth while the vast majority languish in grinding poverty.

Pope Francis, on a visit to Madagascar, on Sunday condemned what he said was its clan culture of privilege and corruption that allows a very few to live in wealth while the vast majority languish in grinding poverty. He spoke in a homily of a Mass on a sprawling field on the outskirts of the capital Antananarivo for hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom had spent the night outdoors in unseasonably cool weather. The Vatican said local organisers had estimated the crowd at about a million people. As he has since the start of his three-country swing through sub-Saharan Africa, Francis spoke out about the gap between the haves and have-nots on the continent. He has already visited Mozambique and will move on to Mauritius on Monday. Francis decried a clan culture that provided a boost only to those connected to it while leaving many others permanently excluded, or at best marginalised without opportunities to improve their lives. "When 'family' becomes the decisive criterion for what we consider right and good, we end up justifying and even 'consecrating' practices that lead to the culture of privilege and exclusion: favouritism, patronage and - as a consequence - corruption," the pontiff said in his homily. Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island and one of its poorest countries. The UN World Food Programme estimates that more than 90 per cent of Madagascar's 26 million population live on less than $2 a day, with chronic child malnutrition widespread. Corruption is rampant among the country's political and business class, according to organisations such as Transparency International, which ranks Madagascar in the lowest quarter of its global Corruption Perceptions Index. "As we look around us, how many men and women, young people and children are suffering and in utter need!" the pope said. While in Antananarivo, Francis's motorcade passed by people plying trades like metalworking and carpentry on the sides of dusty roads, followed minutes later by walled-off, European-style villas with gardens and pools. Francis has often called for greater income equality and a fairer distribution of wealth between prosperous and developing countries, and he has defended the right of countries to control their mineral resources. After the Mass, Francis was due to visit Akamasoa, a district of the capital known as "The City of Friendship." It was founded by Father Pedro Opeka, a 71-year-old missionary who studied theology under the future pope in their native Argentina before dedicating his life to building communities for the families of Madagascar. Over the last 50 years, an organization founded by Opeka has built homes for 25,000 people, 100 schools, six clinics, and two football stadiums. Next year they plan to build a college for paramedics.

Pope Francis, on Madagascar visit, condemns clan culture of privilege, graft

India gifts solar panels worth $1 million to UN

Indian Solar Panels at UN Headquarters

The acting head of the UN's nuclear watchdog will meet officials in Iran this weekend, the organisation said Friday, as Tehran prepares to detail its latest scale-back to commitments under a 2015 deal to curb its nuclear programme.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement that it is Acting Director-General Cornel Feruta "will travel to Tehran on Saturday for meetings with high-level Iranian officials on Sunday, 8 September".

"The visit is part of ongoing interactions between the IAEA and Iran," the statement said.

These also included "the IAEA's verification and monitoring in Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," the name for the 2015 deal with world powers over Iran's nuclear activities.

On Saturday, Iranian officials are expected to announce details of the third round of cuts in nuclear commitments under the JCPOA, which Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said will affect "the field of research and development".

Tehran has already twice breached limits laid down in the deal in response to the US withdrawal from the accord in May 2018.

On July 1, Iran said it had increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to beyond the limit set by the agreement.

A week later, it announced it had exceeded the deal's uranium enrichment limit of 3.67 per cent.

Earlier on Friday, the European Commission in Brussels emphasised its reliance on the UN's nuclear watchdog is able to monitor Iran's activities as it voiced "great concern" at Tehran's shrinking back from the nuclear accord.

The IAEA had a "key role in monitoring and verifying the implementation by Iran of the nuclear commitments", Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told a media briefing.

"Our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran," she said, adding that the EU based its assessment of that "on the reports done by the International Atomic Energy Agency".

European Union members France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have been scrambling to find ways to save the deal in recent months by offsetting the effects of US sanctions, but so far without success.

The acting head of the UN's nuclear watchdog will meet officials in Iran this weekend, the organisation said Friday, as Tehran prepares to detail its latest scale-back to commitments under a 2015 deal to curb its nuclear programme.

The acting head of the UN's nuclear watchdog will meet officials in Iran this weekend, the organisation said Friday, as Tehran prepares to detail its latest scale-back to commitments under a 2015 deal to curb its nuclear programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement that it is Acting Director-General Cornel Feruta "will travel to Tehran on Saturday for meetings with high-level Iranian officials on Sunday, 8 September". "The visit is part of ongoing interactions between the IAEA and Iran," the statement said. These also included "the IAEA's verification and monitoring in Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," the name for the 2015 deal with world powers over Iran's nuclear activities. On Saturday, Iranian officials are expected to announce details of the third round of cuts in nuclear commitments under the JCPOA, which Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said will affect "the field of research and development". Tehran has already twice breached limits laid down in the deal in response to the US withdrawal from the accord in May 2018. On July 1, Iran said it had increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to beyond the limit set by the agreement. A week later, it announced it had exceeded the deal's uranium enrichment limit of 3.67 per cent. Earlier on Friday, the European Commission in Brussels emphasised its reliance on the UN's nuclear watchdog is able to monitor Iran's activities as it voiced "great concern" at Tehran's shrinking back from the nuclear accord. The IAEA had a "key role in monitoring and verifying the implementation by Iran of the nuclear commitments", Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told a media briefing. "Our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran," she said, adding that the EU based its assessment of that "on the reports done by the International Atomic Energy Agency". European Union members France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have been scrambling to find ways to save the deal in recent months by offsetting the effects of US sanctions, but so far without success.

Acting United Nations nuclear watchdog head to meet Iranian officials

Leaving the European Union without a trade deal would cost Britain at least $16 billion in lost EU sales, and probably far more after accounting for indirect effects and other markets, a report by the U.N. trade agency UNCTAD said on Tuesday (September 3).

"No deal" Brexit would cost at least $16 billion in UK sales to the EU – U.N.

UN rights experts voiced alarm Tuesday at the Myanmar military's incommunicado detention of Rakhine men and boys, as well as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/two-years-on-rohingyas-still-without-rights-status-or-justice-244567">allegations of torture and deaths</a> in custody.

They voiced grave concern at reports that numerous ethnic Rakhine men and boys had recently been taken into custody and held incommunicado for weeks at a time over terrorism allegations, with many reporting they were tortured while detained.

"The practice of incommunicado detention must be immediately brought to an end," the three experts, who are independent and do not speak for the world body, said in a statement.&nbsp;

"There must be a credible independent investigation into the allegations of torture and inhuman treatment, deaths in custody, and reliance on forced confessions in cases involving Arakan army-related allegations," they said.

"All perpetrators of such violations must be held accountable."

The conflict-scarred Rakhine state, the site of a deadly crackdown that in 2017 drove some 740,000 minority Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh, has in recent months seen fierce battles between the military and the Arakan Army, a rebel group claiming to fight for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.&nbsp;

The UN experts pointed to the case of Naing Aung Htun, who was rounded up with others in Kyaukyan village in Buthidaung on August 8, and who was held incommunicado until August 21.

He was allegedly given electric shocks by soldiers until he confessed to having ties to the Arakan army.

His father, who was finally permitted to visit him on August 22, reported he had sustained injuries to his face and complained of pain in his back, chest and head.

"We are distressed by the use of incommunicado detention where individuals are suspected of being associates of the Arakan army," said the experts including Yanghee Lee, a specialist on human rights in Myanmar.

"It is essential for detained people to be able to communicate with the outside world, especially with family members and their lawyer," they said, stressing that the practice "may facilitate torture".

They said they were particularly concerned about cases of incommunicado detention in light of reports "regarding at least 15 deaths in custody of men alleged to be associates of the Arakan army."

The signatories also included Agnes Callamard, an expert on extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions, and Nils Melzer, experts on torture and other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

They called on the military to make the results of its ongoing investigation into those deaths public and to hold the perpetrators accountable.&nbsp;

They also urged a probe into an allegation that Naing Aung Htun was tortured, and said he should receive a fair trial, stressing that any confession made as a result of torture should be excluded from evidence against him.

 
&nbsp;

UN rights experts voiced alarm Tuesday at the Myanmar military's incommunicado detention of Rakhine men and boys, as well as allegations of torture and deaths in custody.

UN rights experts voiced alarm Tuesday at the Myanmar military's incommunicado detention of Rakhine men and boys, as well as allegations of torture and deaths in custody. They voiced grave concern at reports that numerous ethnic Rakhine men and boys had recently been taken into custody and held incommunicado for weeks at a time over terrorism allegations, with many reporting they were tortured while detained. "The practice of incommunicado detention must be immediately brought to an end," the three experts, who are independent and do not speak for the world body, said in a statement. "There must be a credible independent investigation into the allegations of torture and inhuman treatment, deaths in custody, and reliance on forced confessions in cases involving Arakan army-related allegations," they said. "All perpetrators of such violations must be held accountable." The conflict-scarred Rakhine state, the site of a deadly crackdown that in 2017 drove some 740,000 minority Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh, has in recent months seen fierce battles between the military and the Arakan Army, a rebel group claiming to fight for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. The UN experts pointed to the case of Naing Aung Htun, who was rounded up with others in Kyaukyan village in Buthidaung on August 8, and who was held incommunicado until August 21. He was allegedly given electric shocks by soldiers until he confessed to having ties to the Arakan army. His father, who was finally permitted to visit him on August 22, reported he had sustained injuries to his face and complained of pain in his back, chest and head. "We are distressed by the use of incommunicado detention where individuals are suspected of being associates of the Arakan army," said the experts including Yanghee Lee, a specialist on human rights in Myanmar. "It is essential for detained people to be able to communicate with the outside world, especially with family members and their lawyer," they said, stressing that the practice "may facilitate torture". They said they were particularly concerned about cases of incommunicado detention in light of reports "regarding at least 15 deaths in custody of men alleged to be associates of the Arakan army." The signatories also included Agnes Callamard, an expert on extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions, and Nils Melzer, experts on torture and other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. They called on the military to make the results of its ongoing investigation into those deaths public and to hold the perpetrators accountable. They also urged a probe into an allegation that Naing Aung Htun was tortured, and said he should receive a fair trial, stressing that any confession made as a result of torture should be excluded from evidence against him.

UN experts decry incommunicado detentions, alleged torture in Myanmar

UN chief Antonio Guterres started a three-day tour of the Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday, expressing "solidarity" with a region ravaged by violence and an Ebola epidemic.

The UN secretary-general first visited Goma, the capital of North Kivu province which is trying to roll back an epidemic of Ebola that has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebola-death-toll-in-east-congo-outbreak-climbs-above-2000-246590">claimed more than 2,000 lives</a> in a year. &nbsp;

Guterres was received by Leila Zerrougui, his special representative in DR Congo.&nbsp;

The two did not shake hands, in line with health protocols aimed at curbing the spread of the highly infectious and very often fatal disease.

Guterres said he had come to express his support "with the armed forces of DRC in the fight against terrorism" which represents "a threat not only for the Congo but the whole of Africa."

The UN peacekeeping mission in the country known by its French acronym MONUSCO comprises some 16,000 troops and has an annual budget of over $1 billion.

A total of 130 militias and armed groups roam the North and South Kivu provinces of DR Congo, a vast country the size of western continental Europe.

At a centre for demobilised former militia fighters in Goma, Guterres appealed to the militias to choose peace.

"It's always possible to choose peace," he said, urging all combatants to come "to a centre like this (for) a new life in peace in their home community."

He added he had heard moving testimony from people living in the bush under the illusion that by being in an armed group they could have a better life. The reality, he insisted, was that meant "a tragic life, a life without a future."

According to the Group of Experts on Congo from New York University and Human Rights Watch, armed groups killed 1,900 civilians and kidnapped more than 3,300 people in the region between June 2017 and June 2019.

Watch: Ebola death toll tops 2,000 in eastern Congo outbreak

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- Ebola toll rising -

The demobilisation of militias is a priority for MONUSCO, which has been present in the DR Congo since 1999.

On Sunday, Guterres will visit Beni, one of the epicentres of the Ebola epidemic, about 350 kilometres (220 miles) north of Goma. &nbsp;

DR Congo health officials said late Thursday that there have been "2,006 deaths (1,901 confirmed and 105 probable)" since August 2018.

It is the second-worst Ebola outbreak in history after more than 11,000 people were killed in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia between 2014 and 2016.

Containment efforts have been hindered by the conflict in the country's east, as well as attacks on health workers tackling Ebola.

Guterres will visit the remote area of Mangina in the bush outside Beni, where the epidemic first broke out at the end of July 2018, visiting a treatment centre and meeting survivors and health workers.

As the battle against Ebola continues, former health minister Oly Ilunga, who stepped down after criticising plans by the UN's World Health Organization to introduce a second, unlicensed vaccine to the country, has been banned from leaving the country pending a probe into improper use of public funds, according to migration service documents seen by AFP on Saturday.

Ilunga has been questioned as part of an inquiry into the misuse of Ebola funds. Shortly before he stepped down, the minister was replaced by President Felix Tshisekedi as the head of the country's Ebola response team.

- Militia attacks -

Apart from Ebola, Beni has been reeling under militia attacks since October 2014 with civilians and farmers bearing the brunt of the violence.

Most of the killings have been attributed to the Islamist-rooted Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) &nbsp;group that arose in western Uganda in 1995 and has been accused of butchering hundreds of civilians.

"We are entirely by the side of the Congolese authorities in the fight against ADF," Guterres said in Goma.

The country's armed forces Saturday put at 1,662 the number of soldiers killed since 2014 fighting the ADF in and around Beni.

ADF fighters have also targeted UN troops, killing 15 people in an attack in December.

Under the terms of its latest mandate spanning April to December this year, the UN has closed bases in the DR Congo, reviewed its intervention strategy and cut civilian staff by 764 since the beginning of July.

But in Beni, prominent locals called for the UN to beef up the capacity of its rapid intervention force.

"We want more military means to be put at their disposal to finish the ADF in Beni," mayor Bwanakawa Masumbuko said.

Guterres will end his tour in the capital Kinshasa, where he will meet Tshisekedi, who recently unveiled a new coalition government after a delay of nearly eight months.

UN chief Antonio Guterres started a three-day tour of the Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday, expressing "solidarity" with a region ravaged by violence and an Ebola epidemic.

UN chief Antonio Guterres started a three-day tour of the Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday, expressing "solidarity" with a region ravaged by violence and an Ebola epidemic. The UN secretary-general first visited Goma, the capital of North Kivu province which is trying to roll back an epidemic of Ebola that has claimed more than 2,000 lives in a year. Guterres was received by Leila Zerrougui, his special representative in DR Congo. The two did not shake hands, in line with health protocols aimed at curbing the spread of the highly infectious and very often fatal disease. Guterres said he had come to express his support "with the armed forces of DRC in the fight against terrorism" which represents "a threat not only for the Congo but the whole of Africa." The UN peacekeeping mission in the country known by its French acronym MONUSCO comprises some 16,000 troops and has an annual budget of over $1 billion. A total of 130 militias and armed groups roam the North and South Kivu provinces of DR Congo, a vast country the size of western continental Europe. At a centre for demobilised former militia fighters in Goma, Guterres appealed to the militias to choose peace. "It's always possible to choose peace," he said, urging all combatants to come "to a centre like this (for) a new life in peace in their home community." He added he had heard moving testimony from people living in the bush under the illusion that by being in an armed group they could have a better life. The reality, he insisted, was that meant "a tragic life, a life without a future." According to the Group of Experts on Congo from New York University and Human Rights Watch, armed groups killed 1,900 civilians and kidnapped more than 3,300 people in the region between June 2017 and June 2019. Watch: Ebola death toll tops 2,000 in eastern Congo outbreak × - Ebola toll rising - The demobilisation of militias is a priority for MONUSCO, which has been present in the DR Congo since 1999. On Sunday, Guterres will visit Beni, one of the epicentres of the Ebola epidemic, about 350 kilometres (220 miles) north of Goma. DR Congo health officials said late Thursday that there have been "2,006 deaths (1,901 confirmed and 105 probable)" since August 2018. It is the second-worst Ebola outbreak in history after more than 11,000 people were killed in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia between 2014 and 2016. Containment efforts have been hindered by the conflict in the country's east, as well as attacks on health workers tackling Ebola. Guterres will visit the remote area of Mangina in the bush outside Beni, where the epidemic first broke out at the end of July 2018, visiting a treatment centre and meeting survivors and health workers. As the battle against Ebola continues, former health minister Oly Ilunga, who stepped down after criticising plans by the UN's World Health Organization to introduce a second, unlicensed vaccine to the country, has been banned from leaving the country pending a probe into improper use of public funds, according to migration service documents seen by AFP on Saturday. Ilunga has been questioned as part of an inquiry into the misuse of Ebola funds. Shortly before he stepped down, the minister was replaced by President Felix Tshisekedi as the head of the country's Ebola response team. - Militia attacks - Apart from Ebola, Beni has been reeling under militia attacks since October 2014 with civilians and farmers bearing the brunt of the violence. Most of the killings have been attributed to the Islamist-rooted Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) group that arose in western Uganda in 1995 and has been accused of butchering hundreds of civilians. "We are entirely by the side of the Congolese authorities in the fight against ADF," Guterres said in Goma. The country's armed forces Saturday put at 1,662 the number of soldiers killed since 2014 fighting the ADF in and around Beni. ADF fighters have also targeted UN troops, killing 15 people in an attack in December. Under the terms of its latest mandate spanning April to December this year, the UN has closed bases in the DR Congo, reviewed its intervention strategy and cut civilian staff by 764 since the beginning of July. But in Beni, prominent locals called for the UN to beef up the capacity of its rapid intervention force. "We want more military means to be put at their disposal to finish the ADF in Beni," mayor Bwanakawa Masumbuko said. Guterres will end his tour in the capital Kinshasa, where he will meet Tshisekedi, who recently unveiled a new coalition government after a delay of nearly eight months.

UN chief expresses solidarity with Ebola-hit DR Congo

A UN committee has ordered Nepal to compensate a man blocked from seeking justice after suffering years of forced labour, as well as alleged torture in custody as a child.

In a decision published Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Committee also called on Nepal to remove all existing obstacles hindering victims of forced labour and torture from filing complaints.

The ruling came in response to an individual case brought by a Nepali man, using the pseudonym Bholi Pharaka, who from the age of nine had worked as a domestic worker in Kathmandu to help provide for his impoverished, indigenous family.

When he was around 12, he moved to a new family, headed by an officer in the Nepali army, where he says he was forced to work from 4:00 am until 10:00 pm each day.

He maintains he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse and never received compensation for his labour.

After two years, he escaped back to his home village in 2012, but was soon arrested, after his employer filed a police complaint accusing him of theft.&nbsp;

While in custody, Pharaka, who was 14 at the time, says he suffered beatings and other torture to force him to confess.

With his family unable to pay bail or legal fees, he was held in a severely overcrowded adult jail for months, where he says the torture continued, before being transferred to a juvenile facility.

The UN committee faulted Nepal's judiciary for failing to investigate the boy's claims in court that he had been tortured, and for failing to protect him as a minor and a member of a recognised vulnerable minority.

It also decried that authorities had ignored multiple complaints filed by the boy's family regarding his treatment in custody and the forced labour he was subjected to.

The committee called on Nepal to provide Pharaka with an "effective remedy", including "adequate compensation, proportional to the violations suffered."

It also urged the country to remove "legal, practical and administrative obstacles" blocking victims of torture and child and forced labour from accessing justice.

"It is our hope that Nepal will take all necessary measures to protect and help victims of such acts regain their lives," committee member Helene Trigroudja said in a statement.&nbsp;

The committee has given Nepal six months to report back on measures it is taking to rectify the situation.

The team of 18 independent experts monitors whether countries adhere to their human rights commitments, but does not have enforcement powers.

A UN committee has ordered Nepal to compensate a man blocked from seeking justice after suffering years of forced labour, as well as alleged torture in custody as a child.

A UN committee has ordered Nepal to compensate a man blocked from seeking justice after suffering years of forced labour, as well as alleged torture in custody as a child. In a decision published Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Committee also called on Nepal to remove all existing obstacles hindering victims of forced labour and torture from filing complaints. The ruling came in response to an individual case brought by a Nepali man, using the pseudonym Bholi Pharaka, who from the age of nine had worked as a domestic worker in Kathmandu to help provide for his impoverished, indigenous family. When he was around 12, he moved to a new family, headed by an officer in the Nepali army, where he says he was forced to work from 4:00 am until 10:00 pm each day. He maintains he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse and never received compensation for his labour. After two years, he escaped back to his home village in 2012, but was soon arrested, after his employer filed a police complaint accusing him of theft. While in custody, Pharaka, who was 14 at the time, says he suffered beatings and other torture to force him to confess. With his family unable to pay bail or legal fees, he was held in a severely overcrowded adult jail for months, where he says the torture continued, before being transferred to a juvenile facility. The UN committee faulted Nepal's judiciary for failing to investigate the boy's claims in court that he had been tortured, and for failing to protect him as a minor and a member of a recognised vulnerable minority. It also decried that authorities had ignored multiple complaints filed by the boy's family regarding his treatment in custody and the forced labour he was subjected to. The committee called on Nepal to provide Pharaka with an "effective remedy", including "adequate compensation, proportional to the violations suffered." It also urged the country to remove "legal, practical and administrative obstacles" blocking victims of torture and child and forced labour from accessing justice. "It is our hope that Nepal will take all necessary measures to protect and help victims of such acts regain their lives," committee member Helene Trigroudja said in a statement. The committee has given Nepal six months to report back on measures it is taking to rectify the situation. The team of 18 independent experts monitors whether countries adhere to their human rights commitments, but does not have enforcement powers.

UN committee faults Nepal in child labour, abuse case

Pakistan Quotes Rahul Gandhi's Comments On Kashmir In A Letter To United Nations. Rahul Gandhi Gives A Rebuttal

Gravitas: Pakistan quote Rahul Gandhi in letter to UN

Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg finally sets sights on the lights of New York City as her zero-carbon transatlantic journey nears its end. Photographs show Thunberg on her boat, a mere 119 miles away from the shores of New York. Another image captured at night shows New York's lights in the distance. The 16-year-old is headed towards New York and will take part in a UN environmental summit. In posts on social media, Thunberg says she expects to arrive on Wednesday

Highlights from Greta Thunberg’s trans-Atlantic journey as it nears its end

Afghanistan writes to UN on Pak violations. They said that Pakistan army has violated their airspace

Sidhant Sibal on violation of Afghanistan's airspace by Pakistan

Breaking News: Afghanistan writes to UN on Pak violations

The Rohingya refugee crisis in key dates

A UN&nbsp;human rights expert on Friday disputed Malaysia's assertion that it has nearly eliminated poverty, saying that official figures were vastly inaccurate and do not reflect realities on the ground.

Malaysia's official poverty rate dropped from 49% in 1970 to just 0.4% in 2016.

But Philip Alston, UN&nbsp;special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said the official numbers relied on outdated measures, with the poverty line remaining at the same level for decades despite increasingly high costs of living.

Analyses done by independent groups suggest that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-set-to-begin-biggest-1mdb-trial-involving-ex-pm-najib-razak-243353">Malaysia</a> has "significant poverty" and that its true poverty rate was about 15%, Alston said.

"The government's official figures would make it the world champion in eliminating poverty ... but I think it's pretty obvious that that's not the case," Alston told a news conference at the end of an 11-day visit to Malaysia.

The prime minister's office and finance ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Alston's assertion.

Alston said the national poverty line of 980 ringgit ($234.00) per household per month was "ridiculous", as it would mean an urban family of four would have to survive on 8 ringgit, or less than $2, per person per day.

"It can't be done except under really dire circumstances," he said.

Undercounting the poverty rate has led to a lack of effective government policies targeting the problem, with too many underfunded and ineffective programmes in place, Alston said.

He urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversial-preacher-zakir-naik-banned-from-giving-speeches-in-malaysia-source-244281">Malaysia </a>to reassess its methods for measuring poverty and take into account vulnerable groups excluded from the data such as stateless families, migrant workers, and refugees.

"Only then can Malaysia begin devising policies that can systematically address their needs," he said.

A UN human rights expert on Friday disputed Malaysia's assertion that it has nearly eliminated poverty, saying that official figures were vastly inaccurate and do not reflect realities on the ground.

A UN human rights expert on Friday disputed Malaysia's assertion that it has nearly eliminated poverty, saying that official figures were vastly inaccurate and do not reflect realities on the ground. Malaysia's official poverty rate dropped from 49% in 1970 to just 0.4% in 2016. But Philip Alston, UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said the official numbers relied on outdated measures, with the poverty line remaining at the same level for decades despite increasingly high costs of living. Analyses done by independent groups suggest that Malaysia has "significant poverty" and that its true poverty rate was about 15%, Alston said. "The government's official figures would make it the world champion in eliminating poverty ... but I think it's pretty obvious that that's not the case," Alston told a news conference at the end of an 11-day visit to Malaysia. The prime minister's office and finance ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Alston's assertion. Alston said the national poverty line of 980 ringgit ($234.00) per household per month was "ridiculous", as it would mean an urban family of four would have to survive on 8 ringgit, or less than $2, per person per day. "It can't be done except under really dire circumstances," he said. Undercounting the poverty rate has led to a lack of effective government policies targeting the problem, with too many underfunded and ineffective programmes in place, Alston said. He urged Malaysia to reassess its methods for measuring poverty and take into account vulnerable groups excluded from the data such as stateless families, migrant workers, and refugees. "Only then can Malaysia begin devising policies that can systematically address their needs," he said.

Malaysia's poverty levels far higher than reported: UN expert

Big embarrassment for Pakistan at United Nations. Watch video to know more.

Big embarrassment for Pakistan at United Nations

UN rejects Pak's demand to oust Priyanka Chopra. Watch this video to know more.

WION Fineprint: UN rejects Pak's demand to oust Priyanka Chopra

Microplastics contained in drinking water pose a "low" risk to human health at current levels, but more research is needed to reassure consumers, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. Studies over the past year on plastic particles detected in tap and bottled water have sparked public concerns but the limited data appear reassuring, the UN agency said its first report on potential health risks associated with ingestion.

Plastic particles in drinking water present 'low' risk - WHO

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/easter-bombing-caused-a-huge-loss-to-the-tourism-industry-sri-lankan-minister-243132">Sri Lanka</a>'s President on Monday named war veteran Shavendra Silva as its army chief, drawing sharp criticism from the United States and the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-appeals-for-more-help-to-alleviate-venezuela-refugee-crisis-243966"> United Nations</a> over the appointment of an officer who has been accused of serious human rights violations.

Silva, 55, is credited with successfully leading an army division against dissident Tamil Tigers in the final phases of the island nation's 26-year-long brutal civil wa

His victory, however, was highly controversial.

Thousands of civilians were killed in the last phases of the armed conflict, including in areas declared by the government to be a 'no-fire zone' which came under sustained army shelling, including hospitals.

A United Nations panel has accused Silva's division of suspected extrajudicial executions of unarmed rebels in the final week of the war which ended in 2009 and systematic torture of people in custody.

Silva, who joined the army in 1984 and was its chief of staff since January, has denied the accusations.

"I am deeply troubled by the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, despite the serious allegations of gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against him and his troops during the war,” UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement on Monday.

His promotion "severely compromises Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting justice and accountability", she said, adding that it also set back security sector reform.

Washington expressed its disapproval of Silva's appointment in a strongly-worded statement.

"The allegations of gross human rights violations against him, documented by the United Nations and other organizations, are serious and credible," the US Embassy in Colombo said in a statement.&nbsp;

"This appointment undermines Sri Lanka's international reputation and its commitments to promote justice and accountability, especially at a time when the need for reconciliation and social unity is paramount."

Silva was named head of the army after the previous chief Mahesh Senanayake's term ended on Sunday.

His appointment demonstrates a disregard for human rights, said civil society groups including the Centre for Policy Alternatives.

The Sri Lankan President's office and the military media unit did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the criticism.

Sri Lanka's President on Monday named war veteran Shavendra Silva as its army chief, drawing sharp criticism from the United States and the United Nations over the appointment of an officer who has been accused of serious human rights violations.

Sri Lanka's President on Monday named war veteran Shavendra Silva as its army chief, drawing sharp criticism from the United States and the United Nations over the appointment of an officer who has been accused of serious human rights violations. Silva, 55, is credited with successfully leading an army division against dissident Tamil Tigers in the final phases of the island nation's 26-year-long brutal civil wa His victory, however, was highly controversial. Thousands of civilians were killed in the last phases of the armed conflict, including in areas declared by the government to be a 'no-fire zone' which came under sustained army shelling, including hospitals. A United Nations panel has accused Silva's division of suspected extrajudicial executions of unarmed rebels in the final week of the war which ended in 2009 and systematic torture of people in custody. Silva, who joined the army in 1984 and was its chief of staff since January, has denied the accusations. "I am deeply troubled by the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, despite the serious allegations of gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against him and his troops during the war,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement on Monday. His promotion "severely compromises Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting justice and accountability", she said, adding that it also set back security sector reform. Washington expressed its disapproval of Silva's appointment in a strongly-worded statement. "The allegations of gross human rights violations against him, documented by the United Nations and other organizations, are serious and credible," the US Embassy in Colombo said in a statement. "This appointment undermines Sri Lanka's international reputation and its commitments to promote justice and accountability, especially at a time when the need for reconciliation and social unity is paramount." Silva was named head of the army after the previous chief Mahesh Senanayake's term ended on Sunday. His appointment demonstrates a disregard for human rights, said civil society groups including the Centre for Policy Alternatives. The Sri Lankan President's office and the military media unit did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the criticism.

Sri Lanka names war veteran as army chief; US, UN critical of decision

Sudan was expected to form its sovereign council Sunday, the first step after the signing of a transitional constitution triggered unprecedented celebration in Khartoum.

Sudan was expected to form its sovereign council Sunday, the first step after the signing of a transitional constitution triggered unprecedented celebration in Khartoum. Rare scenes of jubilation filled the streets of the capital on Saturday after generals and opposition leaders signed the documents that will govern Sudan's three-year transition to civilian rule. The ceremony in a hall by the Nile river was attended by several high-ranking foreign officials, the biggest such event in years to be held in the once-pariah state. Worldwide congratulations poured in after the signing, which revellers and officials alike hailed as the beginning of a "new Sudan" after 30 years of rule by the now-detained Islamist general Omar al-Bashir. "I welcome this historic moment for Sudan. This agreement responds to the demands of the Sudanese people who have tirelessly called for change and a better future," said Britain's Minister for Africa Andrew Stephenson. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed his country would support the establishment of "a government that protects the rights of all Sudanese citizens and leads to free and fair elections". According to the green book of documents signed on Saturday, several key steps will be taken before embarking on the long and obstacle-ridden road to 2022 polls. New institutions The first is to come on Sunday with the planned announcement of the composition of a ruling sovereign council comprised of six civilians and five members of the military. The body, which will replace the Transitional Military Council, will be headed by a general for the first 21 months, and by a civilian for the last 18 months of the transitional period. Abdalla Hamdok, a former UN economist who was picked by the protest camp last week to be prime minister, will be formally appointed on Tuesday. A cabinet is then to be formed before Sudan's new institutions can tackle the main challenges that lie ahead, first among them measures to rescue a moribund economy. Making the most of new freedom acquired during eight months of protests that left at least 250 people dead, Sudanese families took to the streets for wild celebrations Saturday night. Youths spilling out of honking cars drag-raced down the main Nile-side road deep into the night, while groups sang and danced the same two words echoing across the entire city: "Madaniya, Madaniya". It loosely translates as "civilian rule" and one would be hard-pressed to find somebody on the streets of Khartoum publicly opposing that goal. Some members of the opposition alliance that organised the protests, however, fear that the euphoria could be short-lived and deep distrust remains between the incoming sovereign council's main players. Short-lived euphoria? While the power-sharing compromise reached earlier this month was widely hailed as the best Sudan could hope for, some members of the protest camp feel it short-changed their revolution. The omnipresence in the transition of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, a paramilitary commander who was one of the signatories of the documents on Saturday, is one of the main causes of unease. His forces are blamed for the deadly repression of the protests and many suspect the man best known by his nickname 'Hemeti' is simply biding his time to pounce on power and nip democracy in the bud. Sudanese analyst Abdel Latif al-Buni stressed however that one of the most immediate perils facing the transition was divisions within the civilian camp. "A spirit of revenge against the former regime is dangerous," he said. "It will lead to a clash between the former regime and the new rulers." Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on genocide charges for crimes committed in the Darfur region, faces trial on corruption charges but his fate remains unclear.

Sudan to name ruling council after landmark signing

Saudi-led coalition warplanes fired flares over Yemen's Aden at dawn on Saturday near camps occupied by southern separatist fighters who last week seized control of the port city which had been the interim seat of the government.

The coalition overnight on Saturday renewed a call for the separatist forces to withdraw from all sites they have recently captured in Aden.

The seizure of government military bases by separatist fighters a week ago has complicated United Nations <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/separatist-takeover-of-yemens-aden-leaves-saudi-arabia-in-a-bind-242232">efforts to end Yemen's war as violence escalates on other fronts</a>.

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which a Saudi-led coalition has been battling for more than four years, said on Saturday it launched drone attacks on oil installations at Shaybah in Saudi Arabia. There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities.

The Aden crisis has also exposed strains in the Sunni Muslim coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore Yemen's Saudi-backed government after it was ousted from power in the capital Sanna by the Houthis in late 2014.

The separatists, backed by coalition member the United Arab Emirates, are a major component in the anti-Houthi alliance. But the war has rekindled old strains between north and south Yemen - formerly separate countries until 1990.

The coalition statement called for dialogue and said all forces in the south should unite under the coalition to fight the Houthis.

Southern Transitional Council (STC) sources told Reuters their forces, which had already moved away from the nearly empty presidential palace and central bank, were vacating government institutions under the supervision of a Saudi-UAE delegation.

They said the forces would not quit the government military camps that give them effective control of the city.

"We will not retreat, we will not budge and planes will not scare us," a statement from one of the brigades fighting as part of the southern separatists said, in response to Saturday's flares and low-flying warplanes.

The Saudi-backed government's information minister, Muammar al-Iryani, welcomed the STC withdrawal from state institutions which he said included the central bank, Aden hospital and the cabinet secretariat.

"Measures are being completed to hand over the interior ministry and Aden refinery to presidential guard units under the supervision of the coalition," he tweeted.

An STC spokesman told Reuters last week they would not cede control unless the Islamist Islah party, a backbone of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government, and northerners were removed from positions of power in the south.

The Yemen war has been in military stalemate for years. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have come under pressure from Western allies, including those that supply them with arms, to end a conflict that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

The UAE in June scaled down its presence in Yemen, leaving behind thousands of southern forces it has built and trained.

Saudi-led coalition warplanes fired flares over Yemen's Aden at dawn on Saturday near camps occupied by southern separatist fighters who last week seized control of the port city which had been the interim seat of the government.

Saudi-led coalition warplanes fired flares over Yemen's Aden at dawn on Saturday near camps occupied by southern separatist fighters who last week seized control of the port city which had been the interim seat of the government. The coalition overnight on Saturday renewed a call for the separatist forces to withdraw from all sites they have recently captured in Aden. The seizure of government military bases by separatist fighters a week ago has complicated United Nations efforts to end Yemen's war as violence escalates on other fronts. The Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which a Saudi-led coalition has been battling for more than four years, said on Saturday it launched drone attacks on oil installations at Shaybah in Saudi Arabia. There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities. The Aden crisis has also exposed strains in the Sunni Muslim coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore Yemen's Saudi-backed government after it was ousted from power in the capital Sanna by the Houthis in late 2014. The separatists, backed by coalition member the United Arab Emirates, are a major component in the anti-Houthi alliance. But the war has rekindled old strains between north and south Yemen - formerly separate countries until 1990. The coalition statement called for dialogue and said all forces in the south should unite under the coalition to fight the Houthis. Southern Transitional Council (STC) sources told Reuters their forces, which had already moved away from the nearly empty presidential palace and central bank, were vacating government institutions under the supervision of a Saudi-UAE delegation. They said the forces would not quit the government military camps that give them effective control of the city. "We will not retreat, we will not budge and planes will not scare us," a statement from one of the brigades fighting as part of the southern separatists said, in response to Saturday's flares and low-flying warplanes. The Saudi-backed government's information minister, Muammar al-Iryani, welcomed the STC withdrawal from state institutions which he said included the central bank, Aden hospital and the cabinet secretariat. "Measures are being completed to hand over the interior ministry and Aden refinery to presidential guard units under the supervision of the coalition," he tweeted. An STC spokesman told Reuters last week they would not cede control unless the Islamist Islah party, a backbone of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government, and northerners were removed from positions of power in the south. The Yemen war has been in military stalemate for years. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have come under pressure from Western allies, including those that supply them with arms, to end a conflict that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. The UAE in June scaled down its presence in Yemen, leaving behind thousands of southern forces it has built and trained.

Saudi-led coalition fires flares over Yemen's Aden, separatists quit some posts

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel</a> to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining.

The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically".

"Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television.

"This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore."

This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome.

Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government.

Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-deputy-prime-minister-salvinis-quest-for-snap-election-faces-hurdles-242302"> squabbling with coalition partner </a>the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues.

"France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters.

In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports".

Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean.

Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years."

The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long.

"People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted.&nbsp;

Listening to my conscience&nbsp;

After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed.

The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis.

Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order.&nbsp;

But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree.

Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday.

Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience".

It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants.

Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants.

The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable."

The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya.

Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

&nbsp;

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach. Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining. The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically". "Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television. "This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore." This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome. Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government. Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been squabbling with coalition partner the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues. "France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters. In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports". Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean. Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years." The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long. "People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted. Listening to my conscience After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed. The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis. Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order. But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree. Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday. Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience". It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants. Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants. The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable." The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya. Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

'Explosive' situation on migrant rescue boat in limbo off Italy

UN Security Council to hold closed-door meeting over J&K. Watch video to know more.

UN Security Council to hold closed-door meeting over J&K

At least 65 people were killed in a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in Myanmar's state of Mon, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

"A landslide in Paung Township in Mon State last Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 65 people," the United Nations Office of the Spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.

On Friday, the mountainside of Ma-lat mountain buried residents, buildings and vehicles in the town of Paung after collapsing due to torrential monsoon downpour.&nbsp;

Earlier reports said that 59 people died in the disaster.

Myanmar has been hit with heavy rains during this year`s monsoon season.&nbsp;

Over 105,000 people have been displaced due to floods since June, according to data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.&nbsp;

At least 65 people were killed in a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in Myanmar's state of Mon, the United Nations said on Tuesday. "A landslide in Paung Township in Mon State last Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 65 people," the United Nations Office of the Spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.

At least 65 people were killed in a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in Myanmar's state of Mon, the United Nations said on Tuesday. "A landslide in Paung Township in Mon State last Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 65 people," the United Nations Office of the Spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday. On Friday, the mountainside of Ma-lat mountain buried residents, buildings and vehicles in the town of Paung after collapsing due to torrential monsoon downpour. Earlier reports said that 59 people died in the disaster. Myanmar has been hit with heavy rains during this year`s monsoon season. Over 105,000 people have been displaced due to floods since June, according to data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

65 killed in Myanmar's landslide: United Nations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-are-a-thief-pakistans-un-representative-maleeha-lodhi-heckled-in-new-york-242594">Pakistan</a> on Tuesday asked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-people-in-pakistan-kashmir-be-aware-unsc-not-waiting-for-you-qureshi-242536">United Nations Security Council </a>to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

&nbsp;"Pakistan will not provoke a conflict. But India should not mistake our restraint for weakness," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to the Security Council.&nbsp;

"If India chooses to resort again to the use of force, Pakistan will be obliged to respond, in self defence, with all its capabilities," he said, adding that "in view of the dangerous implications" Pakistan requested the meeting.

It was not immediately clear how the 15-member council would respond to the request and whether a member of the body would also need to make a formal request. Pakistan said on Saturday it had China's support for the move.

Watch: Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&amp;K

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Poland is president of the Security Council for August. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told reporters at the United Nations on Tuesday that the council had received a letter from Pakistan and "will discuss that issue and take a proper decision."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to refrain from any steps that could affect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres also said he was concerned about reports of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir.

The UN Security Council adopted several resolutions in 1948 and in the 1950s on the Kashmir issue, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the state's future.

Another resolution also calls upon both sides to "refrain from making any statements and from doing or causing to be done or permitting any acts which might aggravate the situation."

UN peacekeepers have been deployed since 1949 to observe a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan will not provoke a conflict.

Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan will not provoke a conflict. But India should not mistake our restraint for weakness," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to the Security Council. "If India chooses to resort again to the use of force, Pakistan will be obliged to respond, in self defence, with all its capabilities," he said, adding that "in view of the dangerous implications" Pakistan requested the meeting. It was not immediately clear how the 15-member council would respond to the request and whether a member of the body would also need to make a formal request. Pakistan said on Saturday it had China's support for the move. Watch: Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&K × Poland is president of the Security Council for August. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told reporters at the United Nations on Tuesday that the council had received a letter from Pakistan and "will discuss that issue and take a proper decision." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to refrain from any steps that could affect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres also said he was concerned about reports of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. The UN Security Council adopted several resolutions in 1948 and in the 1950s on the Kashmir issue, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the state's future. Another resolution also calls upon both sides to "refrain from making any statements and from doing or causing to be done or permitting any acts which might aggravate the situation." UN peacekeepers have been deployed since 1949 to observe a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan asks UN Security Council to meet over India's move in Jammu and Kashmir

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