An airstrike hit a detention center for migrants in the Libyan capital early Wednesday, killing more than 40 people, the United Nations said. The airstrike targeting the detention center in Tripoli's Tajoura neighborhood also wounded 80 migrants, said Malek Merset, a Libyan Health Ministry spokesman.

Libya airstrike hits migrant detention center in Tripoli

Iran said on Friday it had formally lodged a complaint to the UN Security Council against the United States over a drone violating its airspace, Tasnim news agency reported.

Iran "filed a complaint to the UN Security Council and the organisation's Secretary General after a US spy drone violated Iran's airspace and was shot down," Tasnim quoted deputy foreign minister Gholamhossein Dehghani as saying.

"The complaint states that Iran reserves the right to defend its airspace and confront any violation," he added.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiked ever since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Hostilities grew last week when Iran shot down a US drone over sensitive Gulf waters following a series of tanker attacks that Washington blamed Tehran for despite its denials.

Since then the arch-foes have been locked in a war of words, which escalated this week when Trump announced new sanctions against Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Iran has threatened to abandon some of its commitments under the nuclear deal unless the remaining partners -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- help it circumvent US sanctions and especially sell its oil.

Iran said on Friday it had formally lodged a complaint to the UN Security Council against the United States over a drone violating its airspace, Tasnim news agency reported.

Iran said on Friday it had formally lodged a complaint to the UN Security Council against the United States over a drone violating its airspace, Tasnim news agency reported. Iran "filed a complaint to the UN Security Council and the organisation's Secretary General after a US spy drone violated Iran's airspace and was shot down," Tasnim quoted deputy foreign minister Gholamhossein Dehghani as saying. "The complaint states that Iran reserves the right to defend its airspace and confront any violation," he added. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiked ever since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions on the Islamic republic. Hostilities grew last week when Iran shot down a US drone over sensitive Gulf waters following a series of tanker attacks that Washington blamed Tehran for despite its denials. Since then the arch-foes have been locked in a war of words, which escalated this week when Trump announced new sanctions against Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Iran has threatened to abandon some of its commitments under the nuclear deal unless the remaining partners -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- help it circumvent US sanctions and especially sell its oil.

Iran files complaint to UN over US spy drone

A top UN agency on Wednesday demanded justice for a freelance Pakistani journalist who was murdered earlier this month, as activists warned of a shrinking space for dissent and threats to freedom of speech.

Muhammad Bilal Khan, a social media activist, blogger and freelancer with tens of thousands of followers across Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, was stabbed to death in Islamabad on June 16.

The motive for the killing is not known, but Bilal cast a wide net with his criticism, with the powerful military, politicians, sportsmen, religious figures and even fellow journalists coming in for their share.

Local police said on the day of his death he received a phone call from an unidentified person, who took him to a nearby forest and killed him.

"I condemn the killing of Muhammad Bilal Khan," UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said in a statement, calling for "authorities investigating this crime to bring its perpetrators to trial".

The statement came after an earlier condemnation by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which asked Pakistani authorities to "swiftly investigate the killing to determine the motive and hold the perpetrators to account".

"Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that must be preserved for everybody, regardless of individuals' religious or political opinion," Azoulay said.

Censorship is already rife among the country's once-riotous mainstream media, with the CPJ noting last year that the military had "quietly but effectively" imposed strict limits on reporting.

Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter were regarded as the last holdouts of dissenting voices, but now even that has changed.

In February, authorities announced the creation of a new enforcement arm to root out social media users accused of spreading "hate speech and violence" as part of the crackdown.

Pakistan routinely ranks among the world's most dangerous countries for media workers, and reporters have frequently been detained, beaten and even killed for being critical of the government or powerful military.&nbsp;

A top UN agency on Wednesday demanded justice for a freelance Pakistani journalist who was murdered earlier this month, as activists warned of a shrinking space for dissent and threats to freedom of speech.

A top UN agency on Wednesday demanded justice for a freelance Pakistani journalist who was murdered earlier this month, as activists warned of a shrinking space for dissent and threats to freedom of speech. Muhammad Bilal Khan, a social media activist, blogger and freelancer with tens of thousands of followers across Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, was stabbed to death in Islamabad on June 16. The motive for the killing is not known, but Bilal cast a wide net with his criticism, with the powerful military, politicians, sportsmen, religious figures and even fellow journalists coming in for their share. Local police said on the day of his death he received a phone call from an unidentified person, who took him to a nearby forest and killed him. "I condemn the killing of Muhammad Bilal Khan," UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said in a statement, calling for "authorities investigating this crime to bring its perpetrators to trial". The statement came after an earlier condemnation by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which asked Pakistani authorities to "swiftly investigate the killing to determine the motive and hold the perpetrators to account". "Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that must be preserved for everybody, regardless of individuals' religious or political opinion," Azoulay said. Censorship is already rife among the country's once-riotous mainstream media, with the CPJ noting last year that the military had "quietly but effectively" imposed strict limits on reporting. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter were regarded as the last holdouts of dissenting voices, but now even that has changed. In February, authorities announced the creation of a new enforcement arm to root out social media users accused of spreading "hate speech and violence" as part of the crackdown. Pakistan routinely ranks among the world's most dangerous countries for media workers, and reporters have frequently been detained, beaten and even killed for being critical of the government or powerful military.

UN condemns murder of Pakistani journalist

An official Saudi Arabian investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents failed to examine who may have ordered the killing and ignored key suspects, a UN special rapporteur said on Wednesday.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a key adviser, and other senior officials should be investigated over the premeditated murder at its consulate in Istanbul given the evidence against them, said Agnes Callamard, UN investigator on extrajudicial executions who undertook her own inquiry.

Saudi officials have long denied suspicions in the CIA and some Western countries that the crown prince, the kingdom's de facto ruler, ordered the killing in October.

"The inquiry, which was a human rights inquiry, not a criminal investigation, has found credible evidence, warranting further investigation, of high-level Saudi officials' individual liability, including that of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and his key adviser (Saud) Qahtani," Callamard told the UN Human Rights Council.

"The investigation carried out by the Saudi authorities has failed to address the chain of command," she said.

She reiterated the recommendation in her report, issued this month, for an international criminal investigation.

Abdulaziz Alwasil, Saudi ambassador to the UN in Geneva, said Callamard's report was "based on prejudice and prefabricated ideas".

"This is why we reject any attempt to remove this from our national justice system in Saudi Arabia, irrespective of the form that may take," Alwasil told the council.

Gulf allies including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates spoke in favour of allowing the Saudi justice system to do its work.

Qahtani, seen as the right-hand man to Prince Mohammed, was removed as a royal court adviser and is the highest-profile figure implicated in the incident. However, he is not among 11 on trial.

"The prosecutor in a public statement has recognised that one particular person, Saud al-Qahtani, incited the mission before it departed, calling Mr Khashoggi 'a national threat', and yet this particular individual has not been indicted," Callamard said, noting that a total of 15 Saudis were involved.

Walter Stevens, European Union ambassador, said that those responsible must be held to account and called on Saudi Arabia to disclose all information available and to fully cooperate with all investigations into the killing.

Canada's envoy said: "The explanations provided by Saudi Arabia to date are insufficient."

Hatice Cengiz, a Turkish writer and Khashoggi's fiancée, who is to address the council later, on Tuesday said she supported an international criminal investigation into what she called a political murder by Saudi agents.

An official Saudi Arabian investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents failed to examine who may have ordered the killing and ignored key suspects, a UN special rapporteur said on Wednesday.

An official Saudi Arabian investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents failed to examine who may have ordered the killing and ignored key suspects, a UN special rapporteur said on Wednesday. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a key adviser, and other senior officials should be investigated over the premeditated murder at its consulate in Istanbul given the evidence against them, said Agnes Callamard, UN investigator on extrajudicial executions who undertook her own inquiry. Saudi officials have long denied suspicions in the CIA and some Western countries that the crown prince, the kingdom's de facto ruler, ordered the killing in October. "The inquiry, which was a human rights inquiry, not a criminal investigation, has found credible evidence, warranting further investigation, of high-level Saudi officials' individual liability, including that of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and his key adviser (Saud) Qahtani," Callamard told the UN Human Rights Council. "The investigation carried out by the Saudi authorities has failed to address the chain of command," she said. She reiterated the recommendation in her report, issued this month, for an international criminal investigation. Abdulaziz Alwasil, Saudi ambassador to the UN in Geneva, said Callamard's report was "based on prejudice and prefabricated ideas". "This is why we reject any attempt to remove this from our national justice system in Saudi Arabia, irrespective of the form that may take," Alwasil told the council. Gulf allies including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates spoke in favour of allowing the Saudi justice system to do its work. Qahtani, seen as the right-hand man to Prince Mohammed, was removed as a royal court adviser and is the highest-profile figure implicated in the incident. However, he is not among 11 on trial. "The prosecutor in a public statement has recognised that one particular person, Saud al-Qahtani, incited the mission before it departed, calling Mr Khashoggi 'a national threat', and yet this particular individual has not been indicted," Callamard said, noting that a total of 15 Saudis were involved. Walter Stevens, European Union ambassador, said that those responsible must be held to account and called on Saudi Arabia to disclose all information available and to fully cooperate with all investigations into the killing. Canada's envoy said: "The explanations provided by Saudi Arabia to date are insufficient." Hatice Cengiz, a Turkish writer and Khashoggi's fiancée, who is to address the council later, on Tuesday said she supported an international criminal investigation into what she called a political murder by Saudi agents.

Saudi probe dodges who ordered Khashoggi murder: UN expert

Donald Trump has dismissed a United Nations request for the FBI to investigate the murder of the dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, suggesting it would jeopardise American weapons sales to Saudi Arabia.

Trump refuses to pay heed to UN report

The US will impose "major" additional sanctions on Iran in a bid to prevent the country obtaining nuclear weapons, President Donald Trump says.

Trump announces 'major' sanctions amid tensions on Iran

Candidates from China, France and Georgia are vying to head the UN's food agency, as the fight to eradicate world hunger takes a blow from global warming and wars.

The election of the new chief of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will be held Sunday at the headquarters in Rome during the agency's 41st conference, which brings together 194 member countries.

Global hunger has risen for the past three years due to the combined effects of extreme and erratic weather, economic slowdowns, and conflicts, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

FAO has sounded the alarm over rising food insecurity and high levels of malnutrition, and the new head will have to ramp up support for small-holder farms and fisheries to combat the ills of intensive farming, food waste and poverty.

Whoever takes over the four-year posting from Brazil's Jose Graziano da Silva will have to put policies in place now in preparation for feeding a world population expected to increase from 7.7 billion people to 9.7 billion in 2050.

The UN agency tackles issues that are "important for both advanced and developing countries," Manuel Lafont Rapnouil, from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), told AFP.&nbsp;

They include "food security, (and) agricultural development, but also agro-business, trade, biotechnology and, increasingly, climate and environment", he said.

Epidemic, trade war

The candidates -- who for the first time include a woman -- each boast extensive experience in the sector.

China has nominated its agricultural deputy minister, 55-year-old Qu Dongyu, who many analysts see as the frontrunner.

"Beijing has made a big push to get more senior jobs at the UN in the last few years," Richard Gowan, an analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, told AFP.

The country is currently grappling with a swine fever epidemic that is decimating its livestock, as well as a trade war with the United States that is forcing it to go elsewhere for cereals and soya.

The crises have pushed the food sector to the top of the government's priorities, Beijing said in its bid letter, seen by AFP.&nbsp;

Qu, a biologist by training, has 30 years experience, from developing digital technologies in agriculture to introducing micro-credit in rural areas.

'Know hunger personally'

Georgia's candidate, Davit Kirvalidze, is a former minister of agriculture who believes the private sector has a key role to play in eliminating global hunger, he said in a telephone interview.

It is vital that small family farmers have market access, with FAO acting as a "broker" of change to launch "public-private" partnerships to that end, he said.

"I know hunger personally, and it drew me to farm. Eventually I was able to feed my family, my community, and this is what led me here today," he added.

In an apparent nod to criticisms of the UN agency over management practices in recent years, Kirvalidze said his tenure would be "one marked by unprecedented transparency".

French candidate Catherine Geslain-Laneelle, former head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), has spent her entire career in the agricultural and agri-food sectors at the highest level in France.

She says FAO should help "develop value chains around agriculture, fisheries and forestry", a reference to the storage, processing and distribution of food.

As well as tackling the red-button issue of food waste, such chains would also help combat poverty by creating jobs for young people, in particular in rural areas and developing countries, she added.

Candidates from China, France and Georgia are vying to head the UN's food agency, as the fight to eradicate world hunger takes a blow from global warming and wars.

Candidates from China, France and Georgia are vying to head the UN's food agency, as the fight to eradicate world hunger takes a blow from global warming and wars. The election of the new chief of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will be held Sunday at the headquarters in Rome during the agency's 41st conference, which brings together 194 member countries. Global hunger has risen for the past three years due to the combined effects of extreme and erratic weather, economic slowdowns, and conflicts, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. FAO has sounded the alarm over rising food insecurity and high levels of malnutrition, and the new head will have to ramp up support for small-holder farms and fisheries to combat the ills of intensive farming, food waste and poverty. Whoever takes over the four-year posting from Brazil's Jose Graziano da Silva will have to put policies in place now in preparation for feeding a world population expected to increase from 7.7 billion people to 9.7 billion in 2050. The UN agency tackles issues that are "important for both advanced and developing countries," Manuel Lafont Rapnouil, from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), told AFP. They include "food security, (and) agricultural development, but also agro-business, trade, biotechnology and, increasingly, climate and environment", he said. Epidemic, trade war The candidates -- who for the first time include a woman -- each boast extensive experience in the sector. China has nominated its agricultural deputy minister, 55-year-old Qu Dongyu, who many analysts see as the frontrunner. "Beijing has made a big push to get more senior jobs at the UN in the last few years," Richard Gowan, an analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, told AFP. The country is currently grappling with a swine fever epidemic that is decimating its livestock, as well as a trade war with the United States that is forcing it to go elsewhere for cereals and soya. The crises have pushed the food sector to the top of the government's priorities, Beijing said in its bid letter, seen by AFP. Qu, a biologist by training, has 30 years experience, from developing digital technologies in agriculture to introducing micro-credit in rural areas. 'Know hunger personally' Georgia's candidate, Davit Kirvalidze, is a former minister of agriculture who believes the private sector has a key role to play in eliminating global hunger, he said in a telephone interview. It is vital that small family farmers have market access, with FAO acting as a "broker" of change to launch "public-private" partnerships to that end, he said. "I know hunger personally, and it drew me to farm. Eventually I was able to feed my family, my community, and this is what led me here today," he added. In an apparent nod to criticisms of the UN agency over management practices in recent years, Kirvalidze said his tenure would be "one marked by unprecedented transparency". French candidate Catherine Geslain-Laneelle, former head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), has spent her entire career in the agricultural and agri-food sectors at the highest level in France. She says FAO should help "develop value chains around agriculture, fisheries and forestry", a reference to the storage, processing and distribution of food. As well as tackling the red-button issue of food waste, such chains would also help combat poverty by creating jobs for young people, in particular in rural areas and developing countries, she added.

UN food agency to elect chief as climate change ups hunger

International Yoga Day 2019: UN Celebrates 5th International Yoga Day. UN headquarters also lit up on International yoga day. Watch this video to know more.

International Yoga Day 2019: UN Celebrates 5th International Yoga Day

India has said its vote for Israel at a UN body should not be "construed as a vote against the Palestinian cause".&nbsp;

India on June 6 had voted in favour of Israel for not giving consultative or observer status to a Palestinian NGO-Non governmental organisation at UN's economic and social council - ECOSOC. &nbsp;

The proposal was submitted by Israel for further scrutiny by the Committee on NGOs of the application from an NGO 'Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness)'&nbsp;or Shahed requesting observer status. Israel said the NGO had close contacts with terrorist organisations.

Explaining India's vote, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "Our vote was in favour of the proposal in line with India’s position on greater scrutiny by the NGO Committee of the consultative status applications for possible terrorist linkages and to screen the NGO applications with the sanctions list of the UN Security Council before granting them ECOSOC status."

"It should not be linked to the Palestinian cause. It is something we have done in the past. This was done so that proper vetting of the NGO could be done before it could be admitted as ECOSOC Observer," the external affairs ministry spokesman added.

Twenty-eight countries including India have backed Isreal while fourteen countries&nbsp;voted against and five abstentions. Israel was quick to welcome India's decision. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted, "Thank you @NarendraModi, thank you India, for your support and for standing with Israel at the UN."

India has supported the establishment of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital existing alongside the state of Israel in conformity with the relevant UN resolutions.

Ties between India and Israel have grown in the past few years with a number of high-level visits between both the countries. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in July, 2017, the first visit by an Indian PM to the country. It was followed by a visit by Israeli PM Netanyahu to India in January last year.

PM Modi had visited Palestine in 2018 during which he was honoured with the highest civilian award.

India has said its vote for Israel at a UN body should not be "construed as a vote against the Palestinian cause". India on June 6 had voted in favour of Israel for not giving consultative or observer status to a Palestinian NGO-Non governmental organisation at UN's economic and social council - ECOSOC.

India has said its vote for Israel at a UN body should not be "construed as a vote against the Palestinian cause". India on June 6 had voted in favour of Israel for not giving consultative or observer status to a Palestinian NGO-Non governmental organisation at UN's economic and social council - ECOSOC. The proposal was submitted by Israel for further scrutiny by the Committee on NGOs of the application from an NGO 'Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness)' or Shahed requesting observer status. Israel said the NGO had close contacts with terrorist organisations. Explaining India's vote, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "Our vote was in favour of the proposal in line with India’s position on greater scrutiny by the NGO Committee of the consultative status applications for possible terrorist linkages and to screen the NGO applications with the sanctions list of the UN Security Council before granting them ECOSOC status." "It should not be linked to the Palestinian cause. It is something we have done in the past. This was done so that proper vetting of the NGO could be done before it could be admitted as ECOSOC Observer," the external affairs ministry spokesman added. Twenty-eight countries including India have backed Isreal while fourteen countries voted against and five abstentions. Israel was quick to welcome India's decision. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted, "Thank you @NarendraModi, thank you India, for your support and for standing with Israel at the UN." India has supported the establishment of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital existing alongside the state of Israel in conformity with the relevant UN resolutions. Ties between India and Israel have grown in the past few years with a number of high-level visits between both the countries. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in July, 2017, the first visit by an Indian PM to the country. It was followed by a visit by Israeli PM Netanyahu to India in January last year. PM Modi had visited Palestine in 2018 during which he was honoured with the highest civilian award.

Vote for Israel at UN not against Palestinian cause: India

More than 70 million people were counted last year as displaced from their homes, a record that underestimates the real number of refugees and asylum seekers, the UN said Wednesday.&nbsp;

In its annual global trends report, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) described the figure of 70.8 million at the end of 2018 as "conservative", particularly because the number of people who fled Venezuela's devastating crisis is undercounted.&nbsp;

At the end of 2017, by comparison, 68.5 million people were counted as being forcibly displaced by violence or persecution.

The UNHCR attributed the increase partly to surging displacement in Ethiopia caused by inter-ethnic conflict, and in Venezuela, where thousands are fleeing every day amid an economic collapse that has triggered shortages of basic food and medicine.

An estimated 3.3 million people have left Venezuela since the start of 2016, according to the UN.&nbsp;

UNHCR head Filippo Grandi told reporters in Geneva the figure of 70.8 million only includes Venezuelans who had officially applied for asylum -- roughly half a million people.

Overall, the number of displaced people in the world has doubled over the last 20 years and now exceeds the population of Thailand.&nbsp;

The trend, Grandi said, continues to go in "the wrong direction".

Conflicts 'Never' End

According to Amnesty International, a refugee is a person who flees their home country and cannot or will not return due to conflict or fear of persecution.

The report lists 41.3 million internally displaced people (IDPs), 25.9 million refugees, and 3.5 million asylum seekers -- those awaiting a decision on their bid for official refugee protection.

The countries with the most internally displaced people -- fleeing within their own countries -- are Syria, wracked by conflict since 2011 and Colombia, plagued by decades of violence, said the UNHCR.

The group of refugees, it added, included 5.5 million Palestinians scattered across several countries, notably Lebanon and Jordan.&nbsp;

The best solution for a refugee is to be able to return home once their country stabilises, but Grandi noted that 20 per cent have been in exile for more than two decades.&nbsp;

"We have become almost unable to make peace," the UNHCR chief said.&nbsp;

"It is true there are new conflicts, new situations producing refugees..., (but) the old ones never get resolved," he added. "When is the last conflict that you remember was resolved?"

&nbsp;'Praise' for Germany&nbsp;

The UNHCR has at times sought to push back against the phrase "migrant crisis", especially as it has been applied to an influx of people into Europe via the Mediterranean sea.

The agency has argued that while mass migration does pose serious challenges, it can be managed, particularly by wealthier nations.&nbsp;

Grandi praised Germany for its acceptance of migrants and its efforts to "demystify" the notion that migration is unmanageable, "even when the numbers are very big."

"I usually don't like to praise and criticise but I think in this case, I'd like to praise Germany for what it has done," said Grandi in Geneva, ahead of the report's launch in Berlin.&nbsp;

He noted that Chancellor Angela Merkel had paid a "heavy price" politically for her openness to migration, arguing this made her actions "even more courageous".

More than 70 million people were counted last year as displaced from their homes, a record that underestimates the real number of refugees and asylum seekers, the UN said Wednesday.

More than 70 million people were counted last year as displaced from their homes, a record that underestimates the real number of refugees and asylum seekers, the UN said Wednesday. In its annual global trends report, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) described the figure of 70.8 million at the end of 2018 as "conservative", particularly because the number of people who fled Venezuela's devastating crisis is undercounted. At the end of 2017, by comparison, 68.5 million people were counted as being forcibly displaced by violence or persecution. The UNHCR attributed the increase partly to surging displacement in Ethiopia caused by inter-ethnic conflict, and in Venezuela, where thousands are fleeing every day amid an economic collapse that has triggered shortages of basic food and medicine. An estimated 3.3 million people have left Venezuela since the start of 2016, according to the UN. UNHCR head Filippo Grandi told reporters in Geneva the figure of 70.8 million only includes Venezuelans who had officially applied for asylum -- roughly half a million people. Overall, the number of displaced people in the world has doubled over the last 20 years and now exceeds the population of Thailand. The trend, Grandi said, continues to go in "the wrong direction". Conflicts 'Never' End According to Amnesty International, a refugee is a person who flees their home country and cannot or will not return due to conflict or fear of persecution. The report lists 41.3 million internally displaced people (IDPs), 25.9 million refugees, and 3.5 million asylum seekers -- those awaiting a decision on their bid for official refugee protection. The countries with the most internally displaced people -- fleeing within their own countries -- are Syria, wracked by conflict since 2011 and Colombia, plagued by decades of violence, said the UNHCR. The group of refugees, it added, included 5.5 million Palestinians scattered across several countries, notably Lebanon and Jordan. The best solution for a refugee is to be able to return home once their country stabilises, but Grandi noted that 20 per cent have been in exile for more than two decades. "We have become almost unable to make peace," the UNHCR chief said. "It is true there are new conflicts, new situations producing refugees..., (but) the old ones never get resolved," he added. "When is the last conflict that you remember was resolved?" 'Praise' for Germany The UNHCR has at times sought to push back against the phrase "migrant crisis", especially as it has been applied to an influx of people into Europe via the Mediterranean sea. The agency has argued that while mass migration does pose serious challenges, it can be managed, particularly by wealthier nations. Grandi praised Germany for its acceptance of migrants and its efforts to "demystify" the notion that migration is unmanageable, "even when the numbers are very big." "I usually don't like to praise and criticise but I think in this case, I'd like to praise Germany for what it has done," said Grandi in Geneva, ahead of the report's launch in Berlin. He noted that Chancellor Angela Merkel had paid a "heavy price" politically for her openness to migration, arguing this made her actions "even more courageous".

Record 70.8 million people displaced at end of 2018: UN

Watch India Watch, 18th June 2019. To know more watch the video

Watch India Watch, 18th June 2019

Mexico on Wednesday called on the United Nations for more support for its plan to stem the stream of undocumented migrants who are fleeing poverty and violence in Central America.

In a meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard asked for a special envoy to be appointed to coordinate the work that 14 UN agencies are carrying out on the ground in Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

Extra UN participation was needed because the work "involves not only several agencies in Mexico but also all other agencies in the three other countries and Mexico," said Mexico's ambassador to the United Nations, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, who was also present at the meeting.

The minister himself said the meeting with Guterres had been "very successful ... We asked for a UN presence on the border."&nbsp;

A spokesman for Guterres said the "UN system has been very involved in supporting Mexico, as a large number of refugees and migrants cross its territory" and said a full statement on the meeting was likely to be released Thursday.

Thousands of Central American migrants have fled poverty and violence, heading across Mexico and bound for the United States, many of them organized into massive "caravans."&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has threatened to close the border and slap tariffs on Mexican imports if Mexico does not stem the flow of migrants from the south.

In tense negotiations, Mexico won a delay of 45 days on punitive actions in return for a pledge to deploy 6,000 members of the National Guard along its own southern border to start cracking down on the migrant flow.

"Migration is not prohibited," said Ebrard. "But we are not going to allow the trafficking of minors as they are doing, the trafficking of people."

Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obredor and his El Salvador counterpart Nayib Bukele are due on Thursday to launch one of the development plans aimed at stemming the flow of migrants.

The plan will include 30 public policy recommendations to bolster growth and employment in the region, thereby easing pressure on people to leave their homelands. &nbsp;

Mexico will contribute "several million dollars" to the plan, said Ebrard.&nbsp;

Mexico on Wednesday called on the United Nations for more support for its plan to stem the stream of undocumented migrants who are fleeing poverty and violence in Central America.

Mexico on Wednesday called on the United Nations for more support for its plan to stem the stream of undocumented migrants who are fleeing poverty and violence in Central America. In a meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard asked for a special envoy to be appointed to coordinate the work that 14 UN agencies are carrying out on the ground in Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Extra UN participation was needed because the work "involves not only several agencies in Mexico but also all other agencies in the three other countries and Mexico," said Mexico's ambassador to the United Nations, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, who was also present at the meeting. The minister himself said the meeting with Guterres had been "very successful ... We asked for a UN presence on the border." A spokesman for Guterres said the "UN system has been very involved in supporting Mexico, as a large number of refugees and migrants cross its territory" and said a full statement on the meeting was likely to be released Thursday. Thousands of Central American migrants have fled poverty and violence, heading across Mexico and bound for the United States, many of them organized into massive "caravans." US President Donald Trump has threatened to close the border and slap tariffs on Mexican imports if Mexico does not stem the flow of migrants from the south. In tense negotiations, Mexico won a delay of 45 days on punitive actions in return for a pledge to deploy 6,000 members of the National Guard along its own southern border to start cracking down on the migrant flow. "Migration is not prohibited," said Ebrard. "But we are not going to allow the trafficking of minors as they are doing, the trafficking of people." Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obredor and his El Salvador counterpart Nayib Bukele are due on Thursday to launch one of the development plans aimed at stemming the flow of migrants. The plan will include 30 public policy recommendations to bolster growth and employment in the region, thereby easing pressure on people to leave their homelands. Mexico will contribute "several million dollars" to the plan, said Ebrard.

Mexico asks UN for more suppoprt to tackle Central American migrants

As per a United Nations report, released on Monday, India is expected to add nearly 273 million people between 2019 and 2050 and remain the most populated country through the end of the current century.

India Watch: UN releases report on population

United Nations food chief David Beasley warned on Monday (June 17) that a phased-suspension of food assistance in Yemen was likely to begin later this week over a diversion of aid and lack of independence in Houthi-controlled areas.

U.N. food chief warns aid suspension in Yemen likely to start this week

UN Report says population to grow by 2 billion in 20 years. Population getting older & growing at a slower pace. Half opf the total population to be concentrated in 9 countries. Growth to provide opportunities in developing countries. Watch this video to know more.

UN Report: India To Surpass China By 2027 In Population

China and the United Nations have reached a "broad consensus" about counter-terror work, China`s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday after a controversial visit by a senior UN official to the restive far western Chinese region of Xinjiang this week.

The United States and other western countries objected to a visit by the UN counterterrorism chief to Xinjiang, where UN experts say someone million ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims are held in detention centres.

Diplomats said that along with the United States several other countries, including Britain, complained about the trip of Vladimir Voronkov, a veteran Russian diplomat who heads the UN Counterterrorism Office.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday "to convey deep concerns" about Voronkov`s trip because "Beijing continues to paint its repressive campaign against Uighurs and other Muslims as legitimate counterterrorism efforts when it is not".

In a brief statement, China`s Foreign Ministry said that Voronkov had visited Beijing and Xinjiang from June 13-15, meeting senior diplomats including Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng.

The two sides "had a deep exchange of views on the international counter-terrorism situation and counter-terrorism cooperation between China and the United Nations, and reached a broad consensus", the ministry said, without giving details.

China and the world need to stand together to fight terror, and China supports the work of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office, the statement added.

China has been condemned internationally for setting up the detention complexes, which it describes as "education training centres" helping to stamp out extremism and give people new skills.&nbsp;

Voronkov visited Xinjiang before UN&nbsp;human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, who has repeatedly pushed China to grant the United Nations access to investigate reports of disappearances and arbitrary detentions, particularly of Muslims in Xinjiang.

Guterres raised the plight of Muslims in China`s Xinjiang region with the Chinese government`s top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, during a visit to Beijing in April.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has been in the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan over the past few days, where he has spoken of the importance of fighting extremism and terror.

China and the United Nations have reached a "broad consensus" about counter-terror work, China`s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday after a controversial visit by a senior UN official to the restive far western Chinese region of Xinjiang this week.

China and the United Nations have reached a "broad consensus" about counter-terror work, China`s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday after a controversial visit by a senior UN official to the restive far western Chinese region of Xinjiang this week. The United States and other western countries objected to a visit by the UN counterterrorism chief to Xinjiang, where UN experts say someone million ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims are held in detention centres. Diplomats said that along with the United States several other countries, including Britain, complained about the trip of Vladimir Voronkov, a veteran Russian diplomat who heads the UN Counterterrorism Office. US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday "to convey deep concerns" about Voronkov`s trip because "Beijing continues to paint its repressive campaign against Uighurs and other Muslims as legitimate counterterrorism efforts when it is not". In a brief statement, China`s Foreign Ministry said that Voronkov had visited Beijing and Xinjiang from June 13-15, meeting senior diplomats including Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng. The two sides "had a deep exchange of views on the international counter-terrorism situation and counter-terrorism cooperation between China and the United Nations, and reached a broad consensus", the ministry said, without giving details. China and the world need to stand together to fight terror, and China supports the work of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office, the statement added. China has been condemned internationally for setting up the detention complexes, which it describes as "education training centres" helping to stamp out extremism and give people new skills. Voronkov visited Xinjiang before UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, who has repeatedly pushed China to grant the United Nations access to investigate reports of disappearances and arbitrary detentions, particularly of Muslims in Xinjiang. Guterres raised the plight of Muslims in China`s Xinjiang region with the Chinese government`s top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, during a visit to Beijing in April. Chinese President Xi Jinping has been in the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan over the past few days, where he has spoken of the importance of fighting extremism and terror.

China says reached 'broad consensus' with UN after Xinjiang visit

India Sides With Israel & Votes Against Palestinian NGO In UN's ECOSOC. After Decades Of Endorsing The Two-nation Theory In Israel-Palestine Conflict, India Favours Israel Over Palestine At The United Nation's ECOSOC. Is There Merit In India's Decision? What Does This Mean For India? How Has The Indo-Israel Relationship Evolved Under Modi? Is Hugplomacy Working?

Gravitas: India Favours Israel Over Palestine

The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-rejects-armys-offer-of-talks-death-toll-hits-101-224759">death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100</a>.

"We are temporarily relocating non-programme-critical UN staff, while all UN operations continue in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sudan-can-avoid-past-mistakes-by-drawing-lessons-from-its-history-210866">Sudan</a>," said UN spokesperson Eri Kaneko.

No details were provided on the number of staffers leaving Khartoum, where there is a large UN presence of 27 entities, mostly UN aid agencies.

The United Nations also runs a peacekeeping mission in Darfur with the African Union, where about 7,200 troops and police are deployed.

Sudan has been engulfed in turmoil since security forces on Monday violently broke up a weeks-long sit-in by protesters demanding an end to military rule.

The Central Committee for Sudanese Doctors close to the protest movement said on Wednesday that at least 108 people had been killed in the crackdown.

Forty bodies have been recovered from the Nile river, they said.

Watch: Unrest In Sudan Continues: Military Council Calls For Snap Polls

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-unrest-in-sudan-continues-military-council-calls-for-snap-polls-224388/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A military council has ruled the country since the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir on April 11, following months of protests against his three-decade authoritarian rule.

Army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced Tuesday that he was scrapping a plan for a three-year transition period and would hold elections within nine months.

Western powers have warned that snap elections will crush hopes for a democratic transition in Sudan and have called for a return to negotiations.

The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100.

The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100. "We are temporarily relocating non-programme-critical UN staff, while all UN operations continue in Sudan," said UN spokesperson Eri Kaneko. No details were provided on the number of staffers leaving Khartoum, where there is a large UN presence of 27 entities, mostly UN aid agencies. The United Nations also runs a peacekeeping mission in Darfur with the African Union, where about 7,200 troops and police are deployed. Sudan has been engulfed in turmoil since security forces on Monday violently broke up a weeks-long sit-in by protesters demanding an end to military rule. The Central Committee for Sudanese Doctors close to the protest movement said on Wednesday that at least 108 people had been killed in the crackdown. Forty bodies have been recovered from the Nile river, they said. Watch: Unrest In Sudan Continues: Military Council Calls For Snap Polls × A military council has ruled the country since the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir on April 11, following months of protests against his three-decade authoritarian rule. Army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced Tuesday that he was scrapping a plan for a three-year transition period and would hold elections within nine months. Western powers have warned that snap elections will crush hopes for a democratic transition in Sudan and have called for a return to negotiations.

UN relocates staff from Sudan, death toll rises to 108

International donors pledged to contribute $1.2 billion to help rebuild areas and infrastructure destroyed by cyclones Kenneth and Idai in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-idai-at-least-157-killed-in-zimbabwe-mozambique-204116">Mozambique</a>, according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-provides-13-million-in-emergency-funds-to-cyclone-hit-mozambique-214368">United Nations</a>, less than half the amount the government says is needed.

The announcement was made by the country`s President Filipe Nyusi at the end of a two-day International Conference of Donors that drew around 700 participants from international organizations, donors, the private sector and civil society to the city of Beira, one of the areas worst hit by the cyclones.

In his address, Nyusi said "thank you very much for saving Mozambican lives," an article on the UN website dated June 1 read. 
Cyclone Kenneth crashed into the province of Cabo Delgado and flattened entire villages with winds of up to 280 kph (174 mph), killing around 45 people while Mozambique was still struggling to deal with the impact of Cyclone Idai, which hammered the country`s central region just six weeks earlier.

More than 1,000 people were killed across Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi when Cyclone Idai, the worst cyclone in decades, lashed its eastern Indian Ocean coast with heavy winds and rains in mid-March. 
Mozambique needs $3.2 billion for post-cyclone reconstruction in the provinces of Sofala, Manica, Tete, Zambézia, Inhambane Nampula and Cabo Delgado.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, called for a "generous response" from the international community and said "this is the time to translate into concrete gestures the solidarity with a country that has suffered one of the worst environmental disasters ever experienced in Africa," the UN said.

International donors pledged to contribute $1.2 billion to help rebuild areas and infrastructure destroyed by cyclones Kenneth and Idai in Mozambique, according to the United Nations, less than half the amount the government says is needed.

International donors pledged to contribute $1.2 billion to help rebuild areas and infrastructure destroyed by cyclones Kenneth and Idai in Mozambique, according to the United Nations, less than half the amount the government says is needed. The announcement was made by the country`s President Filipe Nyusi at the end of a two-day International Conference of Donors that drew around 700 participants from international organizations, donors, the private sector and civil society to the city of Beira, one of the areas worst hit by the cyclones. In his address, Nyusi said "thank you very much for saving Mozambican lives," an article on the UN website dated June 1 read. Cyclone Kenneth crashed into the province of Cabo Delgado and flattened entire villages with winds of up to 280 kph (174 mph), killing around 45 people while Mozambique was still struggling to deal with the impact of Cyclone Idai, which hammered the country`s central region just six weeks earlier. More than 1,000 people were killed across Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi when Cyclone Idai, the worst cyclone in decades, lashed its eastern Indian Ocean coast with heavy winds and rains in mid-March. Mozambique needs $3.2 billion for post-cyclone reconstruction in the provinces of Sofala, Manica, Tete, Zambézia, Inhambane Nampula and Cabo Delgado. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, called for a "generous response" from the international community and said "this is the time to translate into concrete gestures the solidarity with a country that has suffered one of the worst environmental disasters ever experienced in Africa," the UN said.

Donors pledge $1.2 billion to rebuild Mozambique after cyclones: UN

More than 90,000 people have been displaced in Libya since April as a result of the armed conflict between Khalifa Haftar`s army and UN-backed government forces in capital Tripoli, United Nations said on Friday.

Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said in a press briefing here that over than 8000 people were displaced this week alone. Half of them are believed to be children.

"Aid workers continue to provide assistance to the internally displaced and to other vulnerable people impacted by the hostilities, with more than 47,000 people in Tripoli and surrounding areas having received help to date," Xinhua quoted Haq as saying.

According to a recent report by the World Health Organisation, more than 390 people have lost their lives and over 1,900 others wounded since the fighting began on April 12.

Libya has been largely divided into two factions ever since the death of its dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

The LNA-backed parliament controls the east of Libya, while the UN-backed interim Government of National Accord (GNA) governs Libya`s western region from Tripoli.

While the US government has primarily backed the GNA which is led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, American diplomats and military officers have maintained contacts with Russia backed Haftar.

Most of the international community has urged for a peaceful resolution to the intense fighting which has ensued in the African nation.&nbsp;

More than 90,000 people have been displaced in Libya since April as a result of the armed conflict between Khalifa Haftar`s army and UN-backed government forces in capital Tripoli, United Nations said on Friday.

More than 90,000 people have been displaced in Libya since April as a result of the armed conflict between Khalifa Haftar`s army and UN-backed government forces in capital Tripoli, United Nations said on Friday. Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said in a press briefing here that over than 8000 people were displaced this week alone. Half of them are believed to be children. "Aid workers continue to provide assistance to the internally displaced and to other vulnerable people impacted by the hostilities, with more than 47,000 people in Tripoli and surrounding areas having received help to date," Xinhua quoted Haq as saying. According to a recent report by the World Health Organisation, more than 390 people have lost their lives and over 1,900 others wounded since the fighting began on April 12. Libya has been largely divided into two factions ever since the death of its dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The LNA-backed parliament controls the east of Libya, while the UN-backed interim Government of National Accord (GNA) governs Libya`s western region from Tripoli. While the US government has primarily backed the GNA which is led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, American diplomats and military officers have maintained contacts with Russia backed Haftar. Most of the international community has urged for a peaceful resolution to the intense fighting which has ensued in the African nation.

Over 90,000 displaced in Libya due to fighting in Tripoli: UN

The world risks a descent into lawlessness and a new Cold War if multilateralism fails, UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday, calling on the European Union to take a lead role in fighting to preserve a rules-based global order.

Speaking in the western German city of Aachen, where he was being awarded the annual Charlemagne Prize for promoting European unity, Guterres described the 28-nation bloc as a pillar of multilateralism that was "too big to fail".

"If you want to avoid a new Cold War, if you want a real multilateral order, then we have to have a United States of Europe as a strong pillar of it," he said after being presented the medal in Aachen city hall`s ornate Coronation Room.

The prize, first awarded in 1949, is named after the medieval monarch who in 800 was crowned emperor of a Europe-spanning polity that ruled much of modern-day France, Germany, the Low Countries and Central Europe from Aachen.

Former laureates have included French President Emmanuel Macron, Pope Francis and Britain`s wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

In its citation, the prize committee said Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, had been chosen for his advocacy of cooperation, tolerance, pluralism and multilateral cooperation.

Guterres said Europe and the global order, with the United Nations at its apex, risked being undermined by rising nationalism and xenophobia at precisely the time when it was needed more than ever to tackle challenges posed by issues such as climate change and migration.

"The bitter truth is that we have taken too many things for granted," he said.

"Human rights has lost ground against the agenda of national sovereignty," he added. "The failure of Europe would inevitably be the failure of multilateralism and the failure of a world in which the rule of law can prevail."

The world risks a descent into lawlessness and a new Cold War if multilateralism fails, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday, calling on the European Union to take a lead role in fighting to preserve a rules-based global order.

The world risks a descent into lawlessness and a new Cold War if multilateralism fails, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday, calling on the European Union to take a lead role in fighting to preserve a rules-based global order. Speaking in the western German city of Aachen, where he was being awarded the annual Charlemagne Prize for promoting European unity, Guterres described the 28-nation bloc as a pillar of multilateralism that was "too big to fail". "If you want to avoid a new Cold War, if you want a real multilateral order, then we have to have a United States of Europe as a strong pillar of it," he said after being presented the medal in Aachen city hall`s ornate Coronation Room. The prize, first awarded in 1949, is named after the medieval monarch who in 800 was crowned emperor of a Europe-spanning polity that ruled much of modern-day France, Germany, the Low Countries and Central Europe from Aachen. Former laureates have included French President Emmanuel Macron, Pope Francis and Britain`s wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In its citation, the prize committee said Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, had been chosen for his advocacy of cooperation, tolerance, pluralism and multilateral cooperation. Guterres said Europe and the global order, with the United Nations at its apex, risked being undermined by rising nationalism and xenophobia at precisely the time when it was needed more than ever to tackle challenges posed by issues such as climate change and migration. "The bitter truth is that we have taken too many things for granted," he said. "Human rights has lost ground against the agenda of national sovereignty," he added. "The failure of Europe would inevitably be the failure of multilateralism and the failure of a world in which the rule of law can prevail."

Stand firm or face a new Cold War, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns Europe

A top U.N. official warned the Security Council on Tuesday, he said, 'Libya is on the verge of descending into a civil war, which could lead to the permanent division of the country. The damage already done will take years to mend. And that's only if the war is ended now." Watch this video to know more.

UN's warning comes amid rising violence in Tripoli

After warning Iran, President Trump said the US hadn't <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-iran-wants-to-fight-that-will-be-official-end-of-it-trump-warns-to-never-threaten-us-again-220000">reached out to Iran</a> for talks. &nbsp;

"Iran will call us if and when they are ever ready. In the meantime, their economy continues to collapse - very sad for the Iranian people!," US President tweeted on Monday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Fake News put out a typically false statement, without any knowledge that the United States was trying to set up a negotiation with Iran. This is a false report....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1130526242531364864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Fake News put out a typically false statement, without any knowledge that the United States was trying to set up a negotiation with Iran. This is a false report," Trump wrote in a tweet that did not specify what report he was referring to.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
....Iran will call us if and when they are ever ready. In the meantime, their economy continues to collapse - very sad for the Iranian people!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1130526243751960576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Sunday, Trump had said that if Iran wanted to fight then it would be "official end of Iran". Never threaten the United States again," Trump had said in a tweet as tensions between the two countries continued to simmer.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-threatens-iran-in-tweet-as-tension-between-two-countries-escalate-220208/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US had sent B-52 bombers and warships to the Gulf as tensions between the two countries reached fever pitch last week. The Trump administration has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq over Iran row.

Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-genocidal-taunts-will-not-end-iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-hits-back-220126">Mohammad Javad Zarif </a>said that the "genocidal taunts" of US President Donald Trump will not "end Iran". "Iranians have stood tall for millennia while aggressors all gone. Economic terrorism and genocidal taunts won't 'end Iran'," Zarif wrote on Twitter.

Relations between the two countries had hit rock bottom last year when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and imposed tough sanctions, a move criticised by the European Union which backed Iran.&nbsp;

The United Nations voiced concern about the rising rhetoric between the United States and Iran and called on the two sides to dial down their remarks.

"We would ask all parties to lower the rhetoric and lower the threshold of action as well," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, adding,"we are concerned about the rising rhetoric."

As tensions mounted, on Sunday a rocket was fired into the Green Zone of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, which houses government offices and embassies including the US mission. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack. 
&nbsp;

After warning Iran, President Trump said the US hadn't reached out to Iran for talks. "Iran will call us if and when they are ever ready. In the meantime, their economy continues to collapse - very sad for the Iranian people!

After warning Iran, President Trump said the US hadn't reached out to Iran for talks. "Iran will call us if and when they are ever ready. In the meantime, their economy continues to collapse - very sad for the Iranian people!," US President tweeted on Monday. The Fake News put out a typically false statement, without any knowledge that the United States was trying to set up a negotiation with Iran. This is a false report.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2019 × "The Fake News put out a typically false statement, without any knowledge that the United States was trying to set up a negotiation with Iran. This is a false report," Trump wrote in a tweet that did not specify what report he was referring to. ....Iran will call us if and when they are ever ready. In the meantime, their economy continues to collapse - very sad for the Iranian people! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2019 × On Sunday, Trump had said that if Iran wanted to fight then it would be "official end of Iran". Never threaten the United States again," Trump had said in a tweet as tensions between the two countries continued to simmer. The US had sent B-52 bombers and warships to the Gulf as tensions between the two countries reached fever pitch last week. The Trump administration has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq over Iran row. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the "genocidal taunts" of US President Donald Trump will not "end Iran". "Iranians have stood tall for millennia while aggressors all gone. Economic terrorism and genocidal taunts won't 'end Iran'," Zarif wrote on Twitter. Relations between the two countries had hit rock bottom last year when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and imposed tough sanctions, a move criticised by the European Union which backed Iran. The United Nations voiced concern about the rising rhetoric between the United States and Iran and called on the two sides to dial down their remarks. "We would ask all parties to lower the rhetoric and lower the threshold of action as well," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, adding,"we are concerned about the rising rhetoric." As tensions mounted, on Sunday a rocket was fired into the Green Zone of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, which houses government offices and embassies including the US mission. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack.

US not trying to set up negotiation with Iran: Trump

UN Says That Syria Is Reeling Under Fresh Clashes, The World Body Confirms Reports Of Aerial Attacks On Population Centres & Civilian Buildings.

Gravitas: Clashes Erupt In Syria As UN Calls The Situation 'Alarming'

Political unrest in Venezuela Continued once again. Watch this video to know more.

Political unrest in Venezuela continues

The UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's "almost pinpoint accuracy" of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">The powerful cyclone</a>, strongest to hit India in 20 years, made landfall at around 8 AM in India's eastern state of Odisha, killing at least eight people.

Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state affecting about 11 lakh people. 
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Fani as an "extremely severe cyclonic storm".

UN agencies are monitoring Fani's movements closely and taking measures to protect families living in refugee camps in Bangladesh, which is on alert.

The Cyclone lashed the coast with maximum wind speeds of up to 175 kilometres per hour, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding, with 28 million people living along the route of the massive storm.

"India's zero casualty approach to managing extreme weather events is a major contribution to the implementation of the #SendaiFramework and the reduction of loss of life from such events," Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction, and head of the Geneva-based UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), said.

Mizutori was referring to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the first major agreement of the post-2015 development agenda.

It is a 15-year, voluntary, non-binding agreement which recognises that the state has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including the local government, the private sector and other stakeholders.

Highlighting the zero-casualty cyclone preparedness policy of the Indian government, a spokesperson for UNISDR, Denis McClean said, "the almost pinpoint accuracy of the early warnings from the Indian Meteorological Department had enabled the authorities to conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan, which had involved moving more than one million people into storm shelters".

UNISDR also tweeted about the advisory distributed by India's National Disaster Management Authority and local authorities days before Fani made landfall in an effort to minimise loss of life and injury.

Local authorities are accommodating evacuees in over 4,000 shelters, including 880 specially designed to withstand cyclones.

"Schools were shut, airports closed and transport suspended, and although damage to infrastructure was expected to be severe, there were no reports of any deaths," McClean said.

According to preliminary reports, eight people have been killed due to the cyclone, which has the potential to cause widespread loss of life.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson St?phane Dujarric told reporters that the UN humanitarian agencies in India have met ahead of the storm's arrival to take stock of preparedness measures.

With Fani threatening devastation in India and Mozambique still reeling from Cyclone Idai, one of the worst tropical cyclones, UNICEF raised alarm about impact of climate change on children.

The UN children's agency said the cyclone currently hammering India and the back-to-back cyclones that tore through Mozambique in March and April have caused serious damage to the lives of thousands of children. They should be an urgent wake-up call to world leaders on the serious risks that extreme weather events pose to the lives of children.

In Odisha, 28 million people, including 10 million children, are in the path of Cyclone Fani, UNICEF said.

"Children will bear the brunt of these disasters," said Gautam Narasimhan, UNICEF Senior Adviser on Climate Change.

He said climate change is linked to rising sea levels and the increase in rainfall associated with cyclones, causing more devastation in coastal but also inland areas.

"In the short term, the most vulnerable children are at the risk of drowning and landslides, deadly diseases including cholera and malaria, malnutrition from reduced agricultural production, and psychological trauma ? all of which are compounded when health centres and schools are impacted," he said.

Narasimhan warned that in the long term, cycles of poverty can linger for years and limit the capacity of families and communities to adapt to climate change and to reduce the risk of disasters.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the forecast on Friday was that Cyclone Fani "would move north-northeast towards Bangladesh where there were concerns about the effects of potential coastal flooding".

World Meteorological Organization spokesperson Clare Nullis said the impact the cyclone is expected to be less severe in areas such as Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar which is home to the world's largest refugee camp, populated mainly by Rohingyas who have fled Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, said its India arm Americares India is preparing to deliver medicine and relief supplies to assist survivors, including tarps, water cans and water purification tablets for up to 3,000 families.

Americares India Managing Director Shripad Desai said, "We anticipate thousands of families will need shelter and medical care in the coming days".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's "almost pinpoint accuracy" of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri.

The UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's "almost pinpoint accuracy" of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri. The powerful cyclone, strongest to hit India in 20 years, made landfall at around 8 AM in India's eastern state of Odisha, killing at least eight people. Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state affecting about 11 lakh people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Fani as an "extremely severe cyclonic storm". UN agencies are monitoring Fani's movements closely and taking measures to protect families living in refugee camps in Bangladesh, which is on alert. The Cyclone lashed the coast with maximum wind speeds of up to 175 kilometres per hour, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding, with 28 million people living along the route of the massive storm. "India's zero casualty approach to managing extreme weather events is a major contribution to the implementation of the #SendaiFramework and the reduction of loss of life from such events," Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction, and head of the Geneva-based UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), said. Mizutori was referring to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the first major agreement of the post-2015 development agenda. It is a 15-year, voluntary, non-binding agreement which recognises that the state has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including the local government, the private sector and other stakeholders. Highlighting the zero-casualty cyclone preparedness policy of the Indian government, a spokesperson for UNISDR, Denis McClean said, "the almost pinpoint accuracy of the early warnings from the Indian Meteorological Department had enabled the authorities to conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan, which had involved moving more than one million people into storm shelters". UNISDR also tweeted about the advisory distributed by India's National Disaster Management Authority and local authorities days before Fani made landfall in an effort to minimise loss of life and injury. Local authorities are accommodating evacuees in over 4,000 shelters, including 880 specially designed to withstand cyclones. "Schools were shut, airports closed and transport suspended, and although damage to infrastructure was expected to be severe, there were no reports of any deaths," McClean said. According to preliminary reports, eight people have been killed due to the cyclone, which has the potential to cause widespread loss of life. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson St?phane Dujarric told reporters that the UN humanitarian agencies in India have met ahead of the storm's arrival to take stock of preparedness measures. With Fani threatening devastation in India and Mozambique still reeling from Cyclone Idai, one of the worst tropical cyclones, UNICEF raised alarm about impact of climate change on children. The UN children's agency said the cyclone currently hammering India and the back-to-back cyclones that tore through Mozambique in March and April have caused serious damage to the lives of thousands of children. They should be an urgent wake-up call to world leaders on the serious risks that extreme weather events pose to the lives of children. In Odisha, 28 million people, including 10 million children, are in the path of Cyclone Fani, UNICEF said. "Children will bear the brunt of these disasters," said Gautam Narasimhan, UNICEF Senior Adviser on Climate Change. He said climate change is linked to rising sea levels and the increase in rainfall associated with cyclones, causing more devastation in coastal but also inland areas. "In the short term, the most vulnerable children are at the risk of drowning and landslides, deadly diseases including cholera and malaria, malnutrition from reduced agricultural production, and psychological trauma ? all of which are compounded when health centres and schools are impacted," he said. Narasimhan warned that in the long term, cycles of poverty can linger for years and limit the capacity of families and communities to adapt to climate change and to reduce the risk of disasters. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the forecast on Friday was that Cyclone Fani "would move north-northeast towards Bangladesh where there were concerns about the effects of potential coastal flooding". World Meteorological Organization spokesperson Clare Nullis said the impact the cyclone is expected to be less severe in areas such as Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar which is home to the world's largest refugee camp, populated mainly by Rohingyas who have fled Myanmar. Meanwhile, Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, said its India arm Americares India is preparing to deliver medicine and relief supplies to assist survivors, including tarps, water cans and water purification tablets for up to 3,000 families. Americares India Managing Director Shripad Desai said, "We anticipate thousands of families will need shelter and medical care in the coming days".

UN agency praises India on minimising loss of life from Cyclone Fani

Indonesia, which is the president of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-awaited-action-victory-for-us-diplomacy-mike-pompeo-on-unsc-listing-azhar-as-terrorist-215231">United Nations Security Council(UNSC)</a> for the month of May 2019 and the chair of 1267 committee of the UNSC has said that listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist has preserved the sanctity and credibility of the council and focus is on fighting against terror.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-what-the-listing-of-masood-azhar-as-terrorist-means-215177/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations at a press conference, Indonesia's permanent representative Dian Triansyah Djani said, "Like to underline, its not just the function of the chair, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/found-no-objection-to-list-azhar-after-studying-revised-materials-china-215122">all members of the committee</a> are working very hard. What is more important is not the role of the chair, but we have been able to preserve the sanctity and credibility of the committee and we have been able to have the listing"

&nbsp;

The chairperson of the United Nations sanctions committee had informed Indian envoy to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin that Masood Azhar has been listed on May 1st.

Asked about the dynamic at the UNSC, given the fact it became China vs the rest of the members of the top body of the secuity council, Indonesian envoy to UN said,"One thing is for sure, time for us to really work together, all the countries, regardless, of UNSC or other fora. We have been experiencing a lot of cases on terror attacks."

Explaining he said, "You know our stance on terrorism, we have been working very hard with others. We have been a victim of terrorism, and that precisely is the point, we took this responsibility...we trying to help in the fight against terror."

Meanwhile, the United Nations welcomed the fact all UNSC members were able to agree on the listing.The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric said, "It's always good when all member states of the security council agree on something. We would, of course, hope that all member states abide by those decisions."

It took ten&nbsp;years for the listing of Masood Azhar. India had proposed the listing in 2009, but China had continued to block the listing citing lack of consensus. In March of 2019, when China had put a hold at the listing of Masood Azhar, 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backed his listing.&nbsp;

Indonesia, which is the president of the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) for the month of May 2019 and the chair of 1267 committee of the UNSC has said that listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist has preserved the sanctity and credibility of the council and focus is on fighting against terror.

Indonesia, which is the president of the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) for the month of May 2019 and the chair of 1267 committee of the UNSC has said that listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist has preserved the sanctity and credibility of the council and focus is on fighting against terror. Speaking to reporters at the United Nations at a press conference, Indonesia's permanent representative Dian Triansyah Djani said, "Like to underline, its not just the function of the chair, all members of the committee are working very hard. What is more important is not the role of the chair, but we have been able to preserve the sanctity and credibility of the committee and we have been able to have the listing" The chairperson of the United Nations sanctions committee had informed Indian envoy to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin that Masood Azhar has been listed on May 1st. Asked about the dynamic at the UNSC, given the fact it became China vs the rest of the members of the top body of the secuity council, Indonesian envoy to UN said,"One thing is for sure, time for us to really work together, all the countries, regardless, of UNSC or other fora. We have been experiencing a lot of cases on terror attacks." Explaining he said, "You know our stance on terrorism, we have been working very hard with others. We have been a victim of terrorism, and that precisely is the point, we took this responsibility...we trying to help in the fight against terror." Meanwhile, the United Nations welcomed the fact all UNSC members were able to agree on the listing.The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric said, "It's always good when all member states of the security council agree on something. We would, of course, hope that all member states abide by those decisions." It took ten years for the listing of Masood Azhar. India had proposed the listing in 2009, but China had continued to block the listing citing lack of consensus. In March of 2019, when China had put a hold at the listing of Masood Azhar, 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backed his listing.

Masood Azhar listing: Rare bonhomie as UNSC president says sanctity preserved

Here are the implications of Masood Azhar's designation as a global terrorist. Watch this video to know more.

WION Gravitas: What the listing of Masood Azhar as terrorist means

Masood Azhar was designated a 'global terrorist by the United Nations as China lifts the technical hold.

Big diplomatic win for India: UN blacklists Masood Azhar

The mastermind behind several terror attacks in India & the world - Masood Azhar, JeM Chief, is listed as a global terrorist.

JeM Chief Masood Azhar now a proscribed terrorist: A discussion

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar at the weekly presser said, "for us, what is important, that he has been designated as a terrorist. I can tell u that the terror attack Pulwama did play a role in coming to the decision. "

The spokesperson explained, "our objective, all along, has been the designation of Masood as a terrorist. The process started way back in 2009.In 2016-2017 another effort was made. &nbsp;Designation not based on specific incidence but on the basis of evidence which we shared the evidence with members of 1267 Committee linking Masood Azhar with various terror acts."

The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday called the listing of Pakistani national Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as a "diplomatic victory" since according to them "the current listing proposal has been agreed after... removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama."

According to UNSC notification on the UN website, Masood Azhar was listed for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts associated with Jaish-i-Mohammed.&nbsp;

India termed the UN action as a huge diplomatic set back for Pakistan, one they "cant welcome or criticise", that is why they are picking up "holes which they think exists."&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, finance minister Arun Jaitley responding to the same question on the omission of Pulwama from UNSC notification and said, "Listing and decision are not a biodata of Masood Azhar. They don't have to give his entire background. The core issue is he has been declared an international terrorist. He and his country have to face consequences of this."

No negotiation on terror: MEA

The MEA also dismissed reports of any negotiation with China regarding the listing of Azhar. Raveesh Kumar said, "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has given an explanation."

China has been blocking the move to list Azhar for the last 10 years. India in 2009 had first proposed listing of Azhar as an international terrorist.&nbsp;

While welcoming China's decision to lift the hold for the listing of Azhar, MEA said, "it was agreed during (Wuhan informal) summit, that in next summit in India, that we will try to take the spirit of Wuhan forward."

The listing of Azhar as UN terrorist means an arms embargo will be put on him, along with a travel ban and his assets will be frozen.

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory.

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory. Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar at the weekly presser said, "for us, what is important, that he has been designated as a terrorist. I can tell u that the terror attack Pulwama did play a role in coming to the decision. " The spokesperson explained, "our objective, all along, has been the designation of Masood as a terrorist. The process started way back in 2009.In 2016-2017 another effort was made. Designation not based on specific incidence but on the basis of evidence which we shared the evidence with members of 1267 Committee linking Masood Azhar with various terror acts." The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday called the listing of Pakistani national Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as a "diplomatic victory" since according to them "the current listing proposal has been agreed after... removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama." According to UNSC notification on the UN website, Masood Azhar was listed for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts associated with Jaish-i-Mohammed. India termed the UN action as a huge diplomatic set back for Pakistan, one they "cant welcome or criticise", that is why they are picking up "holes which they think exists." Earlier in the day, finance minister Arun Jaitley responding to the same question on the omission of Pulwama from UNSC notification and said, "Listing and decision are not a biodata of Masood Azhar. They don't have to give his entire background. The core issue is he has been declared an international terrorist. He and his country have to face consequences of this." No negotiation on terror: MEA The MEA also dismissed reports of any negotiation with China regarding the listing of Azhar. Raveesh Kumar said, "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has given an explanation." China has been blocking the move to list Azhar for the last 10 years. India in 2009 had first proposed listing of Azhar as an international terrorist. While welcoming China's decision to lift the hold for the listing of Azhar, MEA said, "it was agreed during (Wuhan informal) summit, that in next summit in India, that we will try to take the spirit of Wuhan forward." The listing of Azhar as UN terrorist means an arms embargo will be put on him, along with a travel ban and his assets will be frozen.

Masood Azhar listing: India says Pulwama attack played a role; calls Pakistan to act on terror

Un, News on Un, stories on Un, articles on Un, Un stories at Wion, Un news, Un latest news