Western leaders are currently discussing whether to table a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for an independent probe into human rights abuses by China in Xinjiang, the Guardian has reported.

A meeting of the Human Rights Council (HRC) started last week in Geneva and will end on October 7.

A lot of options are being considered apart from the draft resolution for an independent inquiry. For example, talks are also on for calling a special session of the HRC to discuss the Xinjiang issue.

However, there is a possibility of the draft being defeated even before it reaches the discussion table, as China has already mobilised its allies.

On Tuesday, the Chinese ambassador in Geneva issued a statement, backed by 30 countries, accusing the UN rights office of acting without a mandate and warning of the exaggeration of “an existing trend to western polarisation and politicisation of human rights”.

Chinese ambassador Chen Xu said that any resolution is condemned to defeat.

The HRC has 47 member states, and according to the Guardian, only eight of the 30 signatories to the Chinese missive are the voting members.

Experts believe that a call for an independent probe may not see the light of the day as around 14 would be backing the draft, while roughly 15 to 18 nations supporting China’s stance.

The latest maneuverer by the Western leaders follows a report published by the outgoing UN human rights commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, on her last day in office– 31 August – saying that there was clear evidence of crimes against humanity committed by China during its suppression of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province.

This is for the first time that the UN came out with such a report making allegations against China.

The report claimed to have found evidence of systemic discrimination, mass arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Western leaders are currently discussing whether to table a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for an independent probe into human rights abuses by China in Xinjiang, the Guardian has reported.

Western leaders are currently discussing whether to table a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for an independent probe into human rights abuses by China in Xinjiang, the Guardian has reported. A meeting of the Human Rights Council (HRC) started last week in Geneva and will end on October 7. A lot of options are being considered apart from the draft resolution for an independent inquiry. For example, talks are also on for calling a special session of the HRC to discuss the Xinjiang issue. However, there is a possibility of the draft being defeated even before it reaches the discussion table, as China has already mobilised its allies. On Tuesday, the Chinese ambassador in Geneva issued a statement, backed by 30 countries, accusing the UN rights office of acting without a mandate and warning of the exaggeration of “an existing trend to western polarisation and politicisation of human rights”. Chinese ambassador Chen Xu said that any resolution is condemned to defeat. The HRC has 47 member states, and according to the Guardian, only eight of the 30 signatories to the Chinese missive are the voting members. Experts believe that a call for an independent probe may not see the light of the day as around 14 would be backing the draft, while roughly 15 to 18 nations supporting China’s stance. The latest maneuverer by the Western leaders follows a report published by the outgoing UN human rights commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, on her last day in office– 31 August – saying that there was clear evidence of crimes against humanity committed by China during its suppression of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province. This is for the first time that the UN came out with such a report making allegations against China. The report claimed to have found evidence of systemic discrimination, mass arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

West mulling to table resolution at UN against China’s abuses in Xinjiang

The headquarters of several Palestinian human rights organisations in the occupied West Bank were raided by Israeli security forces on Thursday.&nbsp;

According to an AFP report, the military said that during the overnight raids, troops and police officials "closed seven institutions and confiscated property."

The state has previously designated six of them as "terrorist organisations" and is accusing them of channelling aid to militant groups, reports Reuters.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Palestine President compares Israeli action to holocaust

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On Wednesday, the designation was ratified for three of them despite opposition from the UN and human rights organisations. The UN demanded that the designations be withdrawn.

United Nations' Human Rights Office has issued a statement calling the closures "arbitrary" and saying that "despite offers to do so, Israeli authorities have not presented to the United Nations any credible evidence to justify these declarations."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-injured-two-seriously-in-a-terror-attack-on-jerusalem-bus-506639">Seven injured, two grievously, in a 'terror attack' on Jerusalem bus</a>

The Israeli military claims that the groups were used as a front&nbsp;by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz reaffirmed Israel's assertion that the groups had acted covertly to support the PFLP, which has carried out deadly assaults against Israelis and is regarded as a terrorist organisation by the US and the EU.

According to Gantz, "They also assist in raising funds for the terrorist organisation via a variety of methods that include forgery and fraud."

While nine European Union nations, said they will continue cooperating with the groups due to insufficient proof to support Israel's accusation, the US has reportedly requested more information on the factors contributing to the decision to shut down the groups.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-indias-envoy-ruchira-kamboj-calls-israel-gaza-conflict-matter-of-grave-concern-505070">At UNSC, India's envoy Ruchira Kamboj calls Israel-Gaza conflict 'matter of grave concern'</a>

Ned Price, the spokesperson for the State Department, said, "We will review what is provided to us and come to our own conclusion.

As per Reuters, the groups are: The Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association; Al Haq; Bisan Center for Research and Development; Defense for Children International – Palestine; Health Work Committees (HWC); Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC); and the Union of Palestinian Women's Committees (UPWC).

(With inputs from agencies)

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The headquarters of several Palestinian human rights organisations in the occupied West Bank were raided by Israeli security forces on Thursday. According to an AFP report, the military said that during the overnight raids, troops and police officials "closed seven institutions and confiscated property.

The headquarters of several Palestinian human rights organisations in the occupied West Bank were raided by Israeli security forces on Thursday. According to an AFP report, the military said that during the overnight raids, troops and police officials "closed seven institutions and confiscated property." The state has previously designated six of them as "terrorist organisations" and is accusing them of channelling aid to militant groups, reports Reuters. Watch | Gravitas: Palestine President compares Israeli action to holocaust On Wednesday, the designation was ratified for three of them despite opposition from the UN and human rights organisations. The UN demanded that the designations be withdrawn. United Nations' Human Rights Office has issued a statement calling the closures "arbitrary" and saying that "despite offers to do so, Israeli authorities have not presented to the United Nations any credible evidence to justify these declarations." Also read | Seven injured, two grievously, in a 'terror attack' on Jerusalem bus The Israeli military claims that the groups were used as a front by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz reaffirmed Israel's assertion that the groups had acted covertly to support the PFLP, which has carried out deadly assaults against Israelis and is regarded as a terrorist organisation by the US and the EU. According to Gantz, "They also assist in raising funds for the terrorist organisation via a variety of methods that include forgery and fraud." While nine European Union nations, said they will continue cooperating with the groups due to insufficient proof to support Israel's accusation, the US has reportedly requested more information on the factors contributing to the decision to shut down the groups. Also read | At UNSC, India's envoy Ruchira Kamboj calls Israel-Gaza conflict 'matter of grave concern' Ned Price, the spokesperson for the State Department, said, "We will review what is provided to us and come to our own conclusion. As per Reuters, the groups are: The Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association; Al Haq; Bisan Center for Research and Development; Defense for Children International – Palestine; Health Work Committees (HWC); Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC); and the Union of Palestinian Women's Committees (UPWC). (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel raids Palestinian NGOs, labelling them 'terrorist organisations'; UN calls action 'arbitrary'

Sunday has been a day of rescues in the Mediterranean sea as the Italian Coast Guard along with European charities such as Sea-Watch and SOS Mediterannee rescued over 1,100 migrants, adrift near the Libyan coast and other places.

Sunday has been a day of rescues in the Mediterranean sea as the Italian Coast Guard along with European charities such as Sea-Watch and SOS Mediterannee rescued over 1,100 migrants, adrift near the Libyan coast and other places. Reportedly, three Coast Guard patrol boats, a financial boat and a Navy mercantile ship conducted the rescue operation from the middle of the sea, approximately 190 kilometres off the coast of Calabria. The rescued were later brought to the Italian ports of Sicily and Calabria. According to the Navy, five had died but the cause of the death was still unknown. Meanwhile, the German charity Sea-Watch and its Sea-Watch 3 vessel, famous for conducting such rescue operations also managed to protect 444 migrants who were trying to cross the Sea on overcrowded small boats. SOS Mediterannee, with the help of its Ocean Viking ship, conducted the search and rescue operation near the Libyan coast. Reportedly, 87 migrants, including 57 minors without any parents were rescued. None of them had any kind of life jackets for protection. According to Italy Navy, while some migrants were attempting to flee to Europe in search of a better life and opportunities, others were fleeing conflict, violence or persecution. Migrants and their attempts to enter Europe increase during the Summer months as better weather allows the migrants to hop on the dangerous boats, which otherwise get capsized in the rough weather. According to a United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) report, 3,231 migrants had died or gone missing whilst undertaking the treacherous sea journey. The report showed that in 2021, 1,924 people were reported dead or missing on the Central and Western Mediterranean routes, while another 1,153 perished on the North African maritime route to the Canary Islands. Read More: Over 3,000 migrants lost at sea trying to reach Europe in 2021: UN Dubbing the situation a 'largely overlooked tragedy', UN appealed the international community for increased humanitarian assistance, support and solutions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Italian Coast Guard and charities rescue 1,100 migrants in the Mediterranean sea; 5 found dead

World Refugee Day: Brazilian artist Marina Amaral's photos bring refugee stories to life

UNHRC chief Michelle Bachelet holds a news briefing at the end of her six-day trip to China. A contentious and highly criticized visit by the West comes at a time when Beijing is facing global backlash of alleged human rights abuses of Uyghur Muslims.

UNHRC Commissioner's briefing: 'Raised concerns about Uyghurs,' says Bachelet

UNHRC chief Michelle Bachelet is all set to conclude her six-day visit to the Asian nation. A contentious and highly criticized visit by the West comes at a time when Beijing is facing global backlash of alleged human rights abuses of Uyghur Muslims.

UNHRC Chief Michelle Bachelet to conclude 6-day China visit

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet begins a visit to China on Monday, the first trip by a holder of the office since 2005.

UN Human Rights chief begins historic 6-day visit to China

The United Nations General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution on whether to suspend Russia from the UNHRC over atrocities in Ukraine or not. The move was first initiated by the US in response to the Bucha killings.

UN to vote on suspending Russia from United Nations Human Rights Council

The West gears up to oust Russia from human rights body

The United Nations General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution on whether to suspend Russia from the UNHRC over atrocities in Ukraine or not. The move was first initiated by the US in response to the Bucha killings. India's neutrality on test at United Nations General Assembly

India's neutrality on test at United Nations General Assembly

In a few hours from now, the United Nations General Assembly will vote on whether suspend Russia from the UNHRC over atrocities in Ukraine or not. The move was first initiated by the US in response to the Bucha killings.

UNGA to vote on whether suspend Russia from the UNHRC over atrocities in Ukraine

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday voted strongly in favor of a resolution condemning alleged human rights violations in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression and setting up an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate them.&nbsp;

The 47-member Council voted on a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Ukraine. The resolution was adopted with 32 votes in favour including Nepal, two against (Russia and Eritrea), and 13 abstentions, including India, China, and Pakistan.&nbsp;

"The Human Rights Council has decided to urgently establish an independent international commission of inquiry as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine," the UNHRC said in a tweet.

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Nepal has so far taken a strong and clear position against Russia on multiple occasions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nepal had earlier voted in favour of a UN resolution on the Ukraine crisis at a rare United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

The resolution “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter”.

It also demands that the “Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and to refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against any Member State”.&nbsp;

Amrit Rai, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said Nepal opposes any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any sovereign country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ukraine-crisis-nepal-asks-india-to-evacuate-its-nationals-gets-positive-response-458418" hreflang="en">Ukraine: Nepal asks India to evacuate its nationals; gets positive response</a>

“Nepal is deeply concerned with the deaths and human sufferings in Ukraine and calls for an urgent cessation of hostilities and violence,” Rai said in his statement.&nbsp;

“Violence breeds more violence; it never incubates peace. Make no mistake- there is no alternative to the path of peace. Diplomacy and dialogues are the only pathways to restoring and building lasting peace. My delegation welcomes starting of direct talks between the parties concerned,” he added.&nbsp;

Nepal urged both sides to resume and continue to engage in dialogue with utmost sincerity and commitment to peace and find a lasting political solution at the earliest.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday voted strongly in favor of a resolution condemning alleged human rights violations in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression and setting up an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate them.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday voted strongly in favor of a resolution condemning alleged human rights violations in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression and setting up an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate them. The 47-member Council voted on a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Ukraine. The resolution was adopted with 32 votes in favour including Nepal, two against (Russia and Eritrea), and 13 abstentions, including India, China, and Pakistan. "The Human Rights Council has decided to urgently establish an independent international commission of inquiry as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine," the UNHRC said in a tweet. Nepal has so far taken a strong and clear position against Russia on multiple occasions. Nepal had earlier voted in favour of a UN resolution on the Ukraine crisis at a rare United Nations General Assembly. The resolution “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter”. It also demands that the “Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and to refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against any Member State”. Amrit Rai, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said Nepal opposes any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any sovereign country. Also read | Ukraine: Nepal asks India to evacuate its nationals; gets positive response “Nepal is deeply concerned with the deaths and human sufferings in Ukraine and calls for an urgent cessation of hostilities and violence,” Rai said in his statement. “Violence breeds more violence; it never incubates peace. Make no mistake- there is no alternative to the path of peace. Diplomacy and dialogues are the only pathways to restoring and building lasting peace. My delegation welcomes starting of direct talks between the parties concerned,” he added. Nepal urged both sides to resume and continue to engage in dialogue with utmost sincerity and commitment to peace and find a lasting political solution at the earliest.

32 countries including Nepal backs UNHRC to probe into Ukraine-Russia war violations

&nbsp;A UN environmental report published on Tuesday said pollution by states and companies contributes to more deaths globally than COVID-19, calling for "immediate and ambitious action" to ban some toxic chemicals.

There are widespread human rights violations caused by pesticides, plastics and electronic waste, as well as at least 9 million premature deaths a year, according to the report, which says the issue is being largely overlooked.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toppled-off-of-knife-edge-australias-famous-koala-is-now-an-endangered-animal-452372" hreflang="en">Toppled off of 'knife edge': Australia's famous Koala is now an 'endangered' animal</a>

A data aggregator Worldometer reports that an estimated 5.9 million people have died due to the Coronavirus pandemic, a number less than what pollution claims each year.

"Current approaches to managing the risks posed by pollution and toxic substances are clearly failing, resulting in widespread violations of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment," the report's author, UN Special Rapporteur David Boyd, concluded.

"I think we have an ethical and now a legal obligation to do better by these people," he said in an interview with Reuters.

UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) which has declared clean air and water a human right posted a draft of the document on their <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/Documents/Issues/Environment/SREnvironment/SR-Researchathon-on-Sacrifice-Zones-2021-EN.docx&amp;action=default&amp;DefaultItemOpen=1">website</a> on Tuesday. The document will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council next month.

It urges a ban on polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl, man-made chemicals used in household products such as non-stick cookware that have been linked to cancer and have been dubbed "forever chemicals" since they do not degrade easily.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reduced-meat-consumption-livestock-more-here-is-what-the-wwf-recommends-for-curbing-greenhouse-emissions-451925" hreflang="en">Reduced meat consumption, livestock &amp; more; here is what the WWF recommends for curbing greenhouse emissions</a>

As part of this effort, it is also seeking the clean-up of polluted sites and, in severe cases, possible relocation of affected communities - largely poor, marginalized and indigenous - from so-called "sacrifice zones".

The term "sacrifice zones" has been expanded to describe any heavily contaminated site or place rendered uninhabitable by climate change. Originally, it referred to nuclear test zones.

"What I hope to do by telling these stories of sacrifice zones is to really put a human face on these otherwise inexplicable, incomprehensible statistics (of pollution death tolls)," Boyd said.

Watch |&nbsp;Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth?

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Reuters reports that Boyd considers the report, the latest in a series he has written, to be his toughest yet. He expects "push-back" from the Council when the report is presented at the Geneva meeting.

Michelle Bachelet, UN rights chief, has called environmental threats the biggest global rights challenge. Climate and environmental justice cases are increasingly using human rights as a basis for argument.

An international conference on environmental issues will begin on Feb. 28 in Nairobi, Kenya. It is set to address chemical waste, including a proposal to establish a panel devoted to chemical waste, similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

(With inputs from agencies)

A UN environmental report published on Tuesday said pollution by states and companies contributes to more deaths globally than COVID-19, calling for "immediate and ambitious action" to ban some toxic chemicals.

A UN environmental report published on Tuesday said pollution by states and companies contributes to more deaths globally than COVID-19, calling for "immediate and ambitious action" to ban some toxic chemicals. There are widespread human rights violations caused by pesticides, plastics and electronic waste, as well as at least 9 million premature deaths a year, according to the report, which says the issue is being largely overlooked. Also read | Toppled off of 'knife edge': Australia's famous Koala is now an 'endangered' animal A data aggregator Worldometer reports that an estimated 5.9 million people have died due to the Coronavirus pandemic, a number less than what pollution claims each year. "Current approaches to managing the risks posed by pollution and toxic substances are clearly failing, resulting in widespread violations of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment," the report's author, UN Special Rapporteur David Boyd, concluded. "I think we have an ethical and now a legal obligation to do better by these people," he said in an interview with Reuters. UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) which has declared clean air and water a human right posted a draft of the document on their website on Tuesday. The document will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council next month. It urges a ban on polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl, man-made chemicals used in household products such as non-stick cookware that have been linked to cancer and have been dubbed "forever chemicals" since they do not degrade easily. Also read | Reduced meat consumption, livestock & more; here is what the WWF recommends for curbing greenhouse emissions As part of this effort, it is also seeking the clean-up of polluted sites and, in severe cases, possible relocation of affected communities - largely poor, marginalized and indigenous - from so-called "sacrifice zones". The term "sacrifice zones" has been expanded to describe any heavily contaminated site or place rendered uninhabitable by climate change. Originally, it referred to nuclear test zones. "What I hope to do by telling these stories of sacrifice zones is to really put a human face on these otherwise inexplicable, incomprehensible statistics (of pollution death tolls)," Boyd said. Watch | Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth? Reuters reports that Boyd considers the report, the latest in a series he has written, to be his toughest yet. He expects "push-back" from the Council when the report is presented at the Geneva meeting. Michelle Bachelet, UN rights chief, has called environmental threats the biggest global rights challenge. Climate and environmental justice cases are increasingly using human rights as a basis for argument. An international conference on environmental issues will begin on Feb. 28 in Nairobi, Kenya. It is set to address chemical waste, including a proposal to establish a panel devoted to chemical waste, similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (With inputs from agencies)

In contrast to Covid's 5.9 million deaths, this malady kills more than 9 million people every year

From the Uighurs in China to the Rohingya in Myanmar, the last decade has seen a rapid rise in human rights violations. To make matters worse, abusers like China and Pakistan are placed on the UN rights body. Watch Palki Sharma's message on World Human Rights day.

Gravitas: Rights abusers on UN Human Rights Council

The UN&nbsp;refugee agency UNHCR started to airlift supplies to Kabul on Tuesday to help hundreds of thousands of displaced Afghans build shelters ahead of the winter.

The UNHCR said a first plane was due to arrive later on Tuesday, carrying 33 tonnes of kits which contain flooring and partitions to improve tent insulation. Two other flights are planned on November&nbsp;4 and 7.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-cop26-taliban-urges-world-to-help-fight-climate-change-425600">Ahead of COP26, Taliban urges world to help fight climate change</a>

"More resources are urgently needed to reach all those who will need help to survive the harsh winter ahead," UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo told a briefing in Geneva.

The UNHCR said it is rushing to provide winter assistance to some 500,000 displaced Afghans, returnees and local host communities by the end of 2021.

It has already provided aid including shelter, food, blankets and stove to half a million Afghans this year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-a-responsibility-uk-pm-pledges-to-give-ps50-million-to-help-the-afghan-women-425576">'We have a responsibility': UK PM pledges to give £50 million to help the Afghan women</a>

Afghanistan was plunged into crisis in August after Taliban fighters drove out a Western-backed government, prompting donors to hold back billions of dollars in assistance for the aid-dependent economy.

Many Afghans are selling possessions to buy food with the Taliban unable to pay wages to civil servants, and urban communities are facing food insecurity on levels similar to rural areas for the first time.

Watch |&nbsp;Powerful explosion rock Kabul, two blasts and gunfire hit Kabul's military hospital

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Aid groups are urging countries, concerned about human rights under the Taliban, to engage with the new rulers to prevent a collapse they say could trigger a migration crisis similar to the 2015 exodus from Syria that shook Europe

The UN refugee agency UNHCR started to airlift supplies to Kabul on Tuesday to help hundreds of thousands of displaced Afghans build shelters ahead of the winter.

The UN refugee agency UNHCR started to airlift supplies to Kabul on Tuesday to help hundreds of thousands of displaced Afghans build shelters ahead of the winter. The UNHCR said a first plane was due to arrive later on Tuesday, carrying 33 tonnes of kits which contain flooring and partitions to improve tent insulation. Two other flights are planned on November 4 and 7. Also Read | Ahead of COP26, Taliban urges world to help fight climate change "More resources are urgently needed to reach all those who will need help to survive the harsh winter ahead," UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo told a briefing in Geneva. The UNHCR said it is rushing to provide winter assistance to some 500,000 displaced Afghans, returnees and local host communities by the end of 2021. It has already provided aid including shelter, food, blankets and stove to half a million Afghans this year. Also Read | 'We have a responsibility': UK PM pledges to give £50 million to help the Afghan women Afghanistan was plunged into crisis in August after Taliban fighters drove out a Western-backed government, prompting donors to hold back billions of dollars in assistance for the aid-dependent economy. Many Afghans are selling possessions to buy food with the Taliban unable to pay wages to civil servants, and urban communities are facing food insecurity on levels similar to rural areas for the first time. Watch | Powerful explosion rock Kabul, two blasts and gunfire hit Kabul's military hospital Aid groups are urging countries, concerned about human rights under the Taliban, to engage with the new rulers to prevent a collapse they say could trigger a migration crisis similar to the 2015 exodus from Syria that shook Europe

UN airlifts winter shelters for displaced Afghans

Three and a half years after its dramatic walkout, Washington is poised to return to a seat on the human rights council after the former trump administration withdrew from the global body.

Washington poised to return to seat on UNHRC after three and a half years

India too voiced its concerns around the use of Afghanistan soil by terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. It also reiterated its concerns around the rights of women, children, and minorities.

India at UNHRC: Hope terrorists don't use Afghan soil

India said at the special session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) that it hopes the situation in Afghanistan does not pose a challenge to its neighbours.

India speaks at UNHRC, raises concern over situation in Afghanistan

UN Human Rights Council members hit out at China's record in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet on the second day of its 47th session. As US troops continued to pull out from Afghanistan, the Taliban on Tuesday captured a key&nbsp;border crossing with Tajikistan even as the Pentagon had said a day earlier that it could delay the pullout due to the militant group's continued attacks.

Cuban government announced on Tuesday that&nbsp;its&nbsp;Abdala&nbsp;coronavirus vaccine has shown 92.28 per cent efficacy in the last stage of clinical trials.&nbsp;The government had said earlier announced that its vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-encouraged-by-early-efficacy-results-of-homegrown-covid-19-vaccine-392671">Soberana 2</a>&nbsp;had achieved 62 per cent efficacy with two or three doses.&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;Europe's top court on Tuesday said that Google's YouTube and other online platforms are not liable for copyright-infringing works uploaded by users onto their platforms under certain conditions.

Click on headlines to read more

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-human-rights-council-members-question-chinas-record-in-xinjiang-hong-kong-tibet-393172">UN Human Rights Council members question China's record in Xinjiang, Hong Kong &amp; Tibet</a>

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86e43aec-c6f7-47f8-bec0-0915009531df" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/444.jpg" />

Canadian ambassador Leslie Norton highlighted the deteriorating "fundamental freedoms in&nbsp;Hong Kong" under the national security law and the human rights situation in Tibet.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-afghanistans-main-border-crossing-with-tajikistan-393160">Taliban captures Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan</a>

<img alt="Taliban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="255f3c63-bf6d-4cc0-be43-00cbf1047822" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Talib1_1.jpg" />

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;has already claimed to have annexed at least 50 districts since it launched a major offensive last month as the US announced it was pulling out of the country by September 11.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abdala-vaccine-9228-effective-against-covid-19-says-cuba-393134">Abdala vaccine 92.28% effective against COVID-19, says Cuba</a>

<img alt="Abdala vaccine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="711e371f-1032-4824-92d4-c2483679b602" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Abdala1.jpg" />

Cuban government had said earlier announced that its vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-encouraged-by-early-efficacy-results-of-homegrown-covid-19-vaccine-392671">Soberana 2</a>&nbsp;had achieved 62 per cent efficacy with two or three doses.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eu-top-court-hands-win-to-youtube-in-user-copyright-fight-393109">EU top court hands win to YouTube in user copyright fight</a>

<img alt="YouTube" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="04bb15a2-8f81-4b2e-8328-1a3a7a0f3f4e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/YoU.jpg" />

The case marks the latest development in a long-running battle between Europe's $1 trillion creative industry and online platforms, with the former seeking compensation or action from the latter for unauthorised works that are uploaded.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-without-vaccines-will-have-lack-of-job-options-warns-russias-kremlin-393174">People without vaccines will have lack of job options, warns Russia's Kremlin</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus vaccine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e302d4c-4344-4c8a-973d-7d505d0b384e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/jabs1.jpg" />

This warning has come a little after the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, warned an alarming increase in number of coronavirus cases in a few regions of Russia

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-drank-bleach-to-cure-covid-claims-man-behind-magic-cure-393147">'Donald Trump drank bleach to cure Covid', claims man behind 'magic cure'</a>

<img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15fcffd2-929c-4795-8a24-d6f26560a2af" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Donald1_1.jpg" />

Trump had made the&nbsp;comments on bleach in April when the coronavirus was not only widely spreading across the nation.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crypto-mining-how-does-digital-currency-manufacturing-affect-environment-393162">Crypto mining: How does digital currency manufacturing affect environment?</a>

<h1><img alt="Crypto currency" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="841412b9-ef13-43c3-abf3-694fdb7a085c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Cryto1.jpg" /></h1>

Elon Musk’s Tesla recently stopped the new payment method as he feared crypto mining was negatively affecting the environment.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-the-worlds-happiest-country-is-seeking-migrants-393152">Why the 'world's happiest country' is seeking migrants</a>

<img alt="Finland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75e63db6-03f7-4939-a085-55105c5a5bd7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Finland1.jpg" />

&nbsp;

In 2009, Finland had 17 per cent of its&nbsp;population aged over 65 which was one the highest in the world.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-asks-journalist-to-shut-up-for-urging-him-to-keep-mask-on-393127">Bolsonaro asks journalist to 'shut up' for urging him to keep mask on</a>

<img alt="Bolsonaro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4834416-1988-407a-8c11-aab313b97ddc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Boli1.jpg" />

"Shut your mouth! You are creeps! You practice rogue journalism, which doesn't help at all. You destroy the Brazilian family, destroy the Brazilian religion!" Bolsonaro lashed out at the reporter after a military ceremony in Guaratingueta, in the state of Sao Paulo.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drinking-coffee-regularly-decreases-chances-of-chronic-liver-diseases-study-393155">Drinking coffee regularly decreases chances of chronic liver diseases: Study</a> 
&nbsp;

<img alt="Coffee beans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05460c95-c25f-4090-af78-00764d7cecb3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coff1.jpg" />

It was also observed that regular coffee drinkers had 49 per cent less chance of dying from chronic liver disease, than non-coffee consumers.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

UN Human Rights Council members hit out at China's record in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet on the second day of its 47th session. As US troops continued to pull out from Afghanistan, the Taliban on Tuesday captured a key border crossing with Tajikistan even as the Pentagon had said a day earlier that it could delay the pullout due to the militant group's continued attacks.

UN Human Rights Council members hit out at China's record in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet on the second day of its 47th session. As US troops continued to pull out from Afghanistan, the Taliban on Tuesday captured a key border crossing with Tajikistan even as the Pentagon had said a day earlier that it could delay the pullout due to the militant group's continued attacks. Cuban government announced on Tuesday that its Abdala coronavirus vaccine has shown 92.28 per cent efficacy in the last stage of clinical trials. The government had said earlier announced that its vaccine Soberana 2 had achieved 62 per cent efficacy with two or three doses. Meanwhile, Europe's top court on Tuesday said that Google's YouTube and other online platforms are not liable for copyright-infringing works uploaded by users onto their platforms under certain conditions. Click on headlines to read more UN Human Rights Council members question China's record in Xinjiang, Hong Kong & Tibet Canadian ambassador Leslie Norton highlighted the deteriorating "fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong" under the national security law and the human rights situation in Tibet. Taliban captures Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan The Taliban has already claimed to have annexed at least 50 districts since it launched a major offensive last month as the US announced it was pulling out of the country by September 11. Abdala vaccine 92.28% effective against COVID-19, says Cuba Cuban government had said earlier announced that its vaccine Soberana 2 had achieved 62 per cent efficacy with two or three doses. EU top court hands win to YouTube in user copyright fight The case marks the latest development in a long-running battle between Europe's $1 trillion creative industry and online platforms, with the former seeking compensation or action from the latter for unauthorised works that are uploaded. People without vaccines will have lack of job options, warns Russia's Kremlin This warning has come a little after the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, warned an alarming increase in number of coronavirus cases in a few regions of Russia 'Donald Trump drank bleach to cure Covid', claims man behind 'magic cure' Trump had made the comments on bleach in April when the coronavirus was not only widely spreading across the nation. Crypto mining: How does digital currency manufacturing affect environment? Elon Musk’s Tesla recently stopped the new payment method as he feared crypto mining was negatively affecting the environment. Why the 'world's happiest country' is seeking migrants In 2009, Finland had 17 per cent of its population aged over 65 which was one the highest in the world. Bolsonaro asks journalist to 'shut up' for urging him to keep mask on "Shut your mouth! You are creeps! You practice rogue journalism, which doesn't help at all. You destroy the Brazilian family, destroy the Brazilian religion!" Bolsonaro lashed out at the reporter after a military ceremony in Guaratingueta, in the state of Sao Paulo. Drinking coffee regularly decreases chances of chronic liver diseases: Study It was also observed that regular coffee drinkers had 49 per cent less chance of dying from chronic liver disease, than non-coffee consumers.

Top 10 world news: UN Human Rights Council hits out at China, Taliban captures border crossing with Tajikistan & more

A miffed Palestine has raised its concern with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza. The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe.&nbsp;

The matter was raised by Palestinian foreign minister Dr&nbsp;Riad Malki with India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in a letter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-foreign-minister-visits-egypt-to-discuss-permanent-ceasefire-with-gaza-388408">Israel's foreign minister visits Egypt to discuss 'permanent ceasefire' with Gaza</a>

In this letter, seen by WION, he expressed "concern" over the "position taken by India" at the human rights council's special session.

"The Republic of India missed an opportunity to join the international community at this turning point,&nbsp;(both) crucial and long over due on the path to accountability, justice and peace," he said. "Your abstention stifles the important work of human rights council at advancing human rights for all peoples, including those of the Palestinian people."

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The resolution "ensuring respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and in Israel", was adopted with 24 countries voting in favor and nine against at the 47 members strong Geneva-headquartered UN body.

Malki highlighted that "the resolution is not an aberration to the human rights council. It is a by-product of extensive multilateral consultations. It is the consolidation of years and thorough investigations into and reporting on Israel's grave violations by states, UN experts, human rights treaty bodies and international organizations, without accountability measures".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjot9HzmPHwAhVzmeYKHWNxCPQQFjACegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bIOrE3nkvetE4-nhNXZKX" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271" target="_blank">Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force</a>

India had welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas at UNHRC, which was announced last month after 11 days of violent clashes from both sides. The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhood. During the clashes, over 200 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10&nbsp;Israelis.

The FM pointed out in the letter to EAM that the "root causes of the injustice that befell the Palestinian people, the decade long dispossession, displacement, colonization, oppression of the Palestinian people and the denial and violation of their every human rights by Israel, the occupying power, must be prioritized".

He also added that if the same is not dealt with on priority "the situation will not only remain volatile but will continue deteriorating with far-reaching and grave repercussions".

The letter by Palestine's FM to EAM was sent on the May 30 — three days after India abstained from the vote at the UNHRC. Other countries that abstained included Bahamas, Brazil, Denmark, Fiji, France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Togo and Ukraine.

A miffed Palestine has raised its concern with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza.

A miffed Palestine has raised its concern with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza. The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe. The matter was raised by Palestinian foreign minister Dr Riad Malki with India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in a letter. Also read | Israel's foreign minister visits Egypt to discuss 'permanent ceasefire' with Gaza In this letter, seen by WION, he expressed "concern" over the "position taken by India" at the human rights council's special session. "The Republic of India missed an opportunity to join the international community at this turning point, (both) crucial and long over due on the path to accountability, justice and peace," he said. "Your abstention stifles the important work of human rights council at advancing human rights for all peoples, including those of the Palestinian people." The resolution "ensuring respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and in Israel", was adopted with 24 countries voting in favor and nine against at the 47 members strong Geneva-headquartered UN body. Malki highlighted that "the resolution is not an aberration to the human rights council. It is a by-product of extensive multilateral consultations. It is the consolidation of years and thorough investigations into and reporting on Israel's grave violations by states, UN experts, human rights treaty bodies and international organizations, without accountability measures". Also read | Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force India had welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas at UNHRC, which was announced last month after 11 days of violent clashes from both sides. The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhood. During the clashes, over 200 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10 Israelis. The FM pointed out in the letter to EAM that the "root causes of the injustice that befell the Palestinian people, the decade long dispossession, displacement, colonization, oppression of the Palestinian people and the denial and violation of their every human rights by Israel, the occupying power, must be prioritized". He also added that if the same is not dealt with on priority "the situation will not only remain volatile but will continue deteriorating with far-reaching and grave repercussions". The letter by Palestine's FM to EAM was sent on the May 30 — three days after India abstained from the vote at the UNHRC. Other countries that abstained included Bahamas, Brazil, Denmark, Fiji, France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Togo and Ukraine.

Palestine miffed with India's abstention at UNHRC vote; FM Riad writes to EAM

India decided to abstain from a UNHRC vote initiating an inquiry into possible war crimes by Israel. It is the latest in a series of abstentions by New Delhi. Palki Sharma tells you why sitting on the fence is never a good idea.

Gravitas: India skips UNHRC vote on Israel war probe

UNHRC wants to probe Israel for war crimes. The resolution was adopted in a special session called by Pakistan. China, Russia voted in favour of the probe. Since when did these countries start championing human rights? Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: UN Human Rights Council to probe Israel

India welcomed Israel-Hamas ceasefire at a special session on Palestine at&nbsp;the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The ceasefire was announced earlier this month after 11 days of violence from both sides.

The India statement said that (we) "welcome the diplomatic efforts of the international community and regional countries that have resulted in bringing ceasefire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza."

Significantly, India did not directly refer to Hamas in its statement but mentioned them as "armed groups".&nbsp;

Egypt played an important role to establish ceasefire and was the main channel of communication between Hamas and the West and Israel in bringing about the present situation. &nbsp;

The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and over possibility of eviction of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 200 Palestinian died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing and violence.

The statement called for "all parties to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that aggravate tensions and refrain from any further attempts to unilaterally change the existing status-quo, including in East Jerusalem and its neighbourhoods."

India lost a national in Israel's Ashkelon in the firing from Gaza by Hamas. Soumya Santhosh, an Indian caregiver in Israel, died in the rocket attack and is survived by a 9-year-old son and her husband. In a warm gesture, Israeli diplomats were present at the airport when her mortal remains arrived and visited her house in Kerala to pay homage as well.

At the UNHRC statement, India expressed its "concern" over violence in Jerusalem and "indiscriminate rocket firings" from Gaza targetting the civilian population in Israel and "retaliatory air strikes into Gaza" &nbsp;that has caused "immense suffering".

New Delhi called for "dialogue" as it "remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issues confronting the region and its people", underscoring the "need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestine".

India had made the statement at the United Nations Security Council as well on the issue. The Israel-Palestine issue was also discussed at the top UN body, of which India is a non-permanent member for a two-year term period.

India welcomed Israel-Hamas ceasefire at a special session on Palestine at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The ceasefire was announced earlier this month after 11 days of violence from both sides.

India welcomed Israel-Hamas ceasefire at a special session on Palestine at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The ceasefire was announced earlier this month after 11 days of violence from both sides. The India statement said that (we) "welcome the diplomatic efforts of the international community and regional countries that have resulted in bringing ceasefire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza." Significantly, India did not directly refer to Hamas in its statement but mentioned them as "armed groups". Egypt played an important role to establish ceasefire and was the main channel of communication between Hamas and the West and Israel in bringing about the present situation. The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and over possibility of eviction of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 200 Palestinian died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing and violence. The statement called for "all parties to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that aggravate tensions and refrain from any further attempts to unilaterally change the existing status-quo, including in East Jerusalem and its neighbourhoods." India lost a national in Israel's Ashkelon in the firing from Gaza by Hamas. Soumya Santhosh, an Indian caregiver in Israel, died in the rocket attack and is survived by a 9-year-old son and her husband. In a warm gesture, Israeli diplomats were present at the airport when her mortal remains arrived and visited her house in Kerala to pay homage as well. At the UNHRC statement, India expressed its "concern" over violence in Jerusalem and "indiscriminate rocket firings" from Gaza targetting the civilian population in Israel and "retaliatory air strikes into Gaza" that has caused "immense suffering". New Delhi called for "dialogue" as it "remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issues confronting the region and its people", underscoring the "need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestine". India had made the statement at the United Nations Security Council as well on the issue. The Israel-Palestine issue was also discussed at the top UN body, of which India is a non-permanent member for a two-year term period.

At UNHRC, India welcomes Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday said the recent UNHRC resolution against his country was the doing of local and foreign forces, which do not want Sri Lanka to progress, however, he vowed that his government would not succumb to such pressures.&nbsp;

On last Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka's rights record, giving the UN body a mandate to collect evidence of crimes committed during the country's brutal three-decade-long civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).&nbsp;

Speaking at a gathering in the southern rural district of Matara on Sunday, Rajapaksa said, "We will never succumb to (such) pressures (UNHRC resolution); we are a free nation. We will not be a victim of big power rivalry in the Indian Ocean."&nbsp;

The president said the UNHRC resolution was the doing of 'foreign and local forces', which cannot bare to see his government making progress.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa accused the previous government led by Maithripala Sirisena of betraying Sri Lanka's sovereignty by co-sponsoring the UN rights resolution in 2015.&nbsp;

The resolution titled 'Promotion of Reconciliation Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka' was passed despite heavy lobbying by Sri Lanka. India was among 14 countries, which abstained from voting.&nbsp;

India has said its stand on the matter is governed by two considerations: support to the minority Tamils and stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The resolution calls upon the Sri Lankan government to ensure prompt thorough and impartial investigation, if warranted, prosecution of all alleged crimes relating to human rights violations and serious violations of international human rights law during the country's three-decade-long civil war. The Tamil minority has welcomed the resolution.&nbsp;

According to the Lankan government figures, over 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts including the three-decade brutal war with Lankan Tamils in the north and east, which claimed at least 100,000 lives.&nbsp;

The Tamils alleged that thousands were massacred during the final stages of the war that ended in 2009 when the government forces killed LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Army denies the charge, claiming it as a humanitarian operation to rid the Tamils of LTTE's control.&nbsp;

At the end of the civil war, the United Nations accused both sides of atrocities, especially during the conflict's final stages.&nbsp;

International rights groups claim at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians were killed in the final stages of the war, but the Sri Lankan government has disputed the figures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday said the recent UNHRC resolution against his country was the doing of local and foreign forces, which do not want Sri Lanka to progress, however, he vowed that his government would not succumb to such pressures.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday said the recent UNHRC resolution against his country was the doing of local and foreign forces, which do not want Sri Lanka to progress, however, he vowed that his government would not succumb to such pressures. On last Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka's rights record, giving the UN body a mandate to collect evidence of crimes committed during the country's brutal three-decade-long civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Speaking at a gathering in the southern rural district of Matara on Sunday, Rajapaksa said, "We will never succumb to (such) pressures (UNHRC resolution); we are a free nation. We will not be a victim of big power rivalry in the Indian Ocean." The president said the UNHRC resolution was the doing of 'foreign and local forces', which cannot bare to see his government making progress. Rajapaksa accused the previous government led by Maithripala Sirisena of betraying Sri Lanka's sovereignty by co-sponsoring the UN rights resolution in 2015. The resolution titled 'Promotion of Reconciliation Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka' was passed despite heavy lobbying by Sri Lanka. India was among 14 countries, which abstained from voting. India has said its stand on the matter is governed by two considerations: support to the minority Tamils and stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. The resolution calls upon the Sri Lankan government to ensure prompt thorough and impartial investigation, if warranted, prosecution of all alleged crimes relating to human rights violations and serious violations of international human rights law during the country's three-decade-long civil war. The Tamil minority has welcomed the resolution. According to the Lankan government figures, over 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts including the three-decade brutal war with Lankan Tamils in the north and east, which claimed at least 100,000 lives. The Tamils alleged that thousands were massacred during the final stages of the war that ended in 2009 when the government forces killed LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran. The Sri Lankan Army denies the charge, claiming it as a humanitarian operation to rid the Tamils of LTTE's control. At the end of the civil war, the United Nations accused both sides of atrocities, especially during the conflict's final stages. International rights groups claim at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians were killed in the final stages of the war, but the Sri Lankan government has disputed the figures. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka will not succumb to UNHRC pressure, says president 

The critical resolution against Sri Lanka's human rights policies which was adopted by the UNHRC will take immediate effect with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights beginning the process to closely monitor the country, according to a media report on Wednesday.

The resolution titled 'Promotion of Reconciliation Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka' was adopted by the 47-member Human Rights Council after 22 members voted in favour of the document at the ongoing 46th UNHRC session in Geneva on Tuesday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-rejects-un-move-to-protect-war-crimes-evidence-372574" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka rejects UN move to protect war crimes evidence</a>

India and Japan were among 14 countries that abstained from voting. Eleven countries, including Pakistan, China, Bangladesh and Russia, voted against the resolution. 
The resolution "will take immediate effect with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) beginning the process to closely monitor Sri Lanka", the Daily Mirror reported, citing UN sources.

"Monitoring Sri Lanka will be carried out immediately with existing staff while other related work will be implemented once the UN General Assembly approves funding later this year," the paper said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-unhrc-adopts-resolution-on-sri-lanka-372632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The resolution may not have an immediate impact on Sri Lanka but with over 40 co-sponsors, sources said that in the long term there could be an impact on trade with some countries and travel restrictions imposed on some officials as a result of the resolution, the paper reported.

The US, EU and a number of other countries were among the co-sponsors of the resolution, some with no voting rights in the UNHRC.

The resolution has called on the OHCHR to enhance its monitoring and reporting on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka, including on progress in reconciliation and accountability, and to present an oral update to the Human Rights Council at its 48th session, as well as a written update at its 49th session.

The resolution was adopted despite intense lobbying by the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had dubbed it as an act of political vendetta moved by the Western nations against Sri Lanka.

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that the majority of the countries in the UNHRC did not back the resolution.

"They (sponsors of the resolution against Sri Lanka) could harness only 22 votes, 25 countries do not approve it," Gunawardena told reporters on Tuesday.

"Western South wants to dominate the global North" at a time the priority before all countries was to tackle COVID-19 pandemic by arranging vaccination, he said.

He said the European nations have failed to understand the ground reality of peace in Sri Lanka achieved after ending the LTTE's separatist campaign in 2009.

Sri Lanka's ambassador to UNHRC, M.C.A. Chandraprema, described the draft resolution as "unwarranted, unjustified and in violations of the relevant articles of the United Nations Charter."

He rejected the resolution as "divisive", saying it will polarise the Sri Lankan society and adversely affect economic development, peace and harmony.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's media of three major languages&nbsp;Sinhala, Tamil and English - on Wednesday reported the outcome of the resolution, with the Tamil press largely welcomed the document but remained unsure about its direction in terms of implementation.

While the majority Sinhala language newspapers appeared to show the resolution as one against Sri Lanka, the English papers dissected the content of the resolution.

"India, Japan skip vote on Sri Lanka resolution adopted at UNHRC,''&nbsp;read the headline of The Island. The defeat was the fourth suffered by Sri Lanka at the UNHRC since 2012, the paper said.

Sri Lanka was earlier defeated at three consecutive resolutions at the UN rights body when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's elder brother and incumbent Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was the country's president between 2012 and 2014.

India's decision to abstain from voting was questioned by a section of the Tamil media based both in Colombo and in the Northern capital of Jaffna. The Tamil press reporting on the outcome was positive in their quest to deliver justice to victims of the three-decade-long civil war.

Tamil activists were commenting on social media that India's abstention was meant to keep both the government and the main Tamil party TNA happy. They questioned how many member states abstained influenced by India's decision to abstain? One strong poser was if India had weakened the resolution so that it can comfortably abstain.

"This was a significant move by the HRC which signals a shift in approach by the international community. This resolution should send a clear message to perpetrators of past and current crimes that they cannot continue to act with impunity,? tweeted Abraham Sumanthiran, the TNA leading light.

The Tamil activists also queried what would the resolution entail? If it would subject Sri Lanka's alleged perpetrators to universal jurisdiction by a referral to the international crime court.

The English press opined that the resolution does not impose any sanctions on Sri Lanka. It said that the UN will create an office with an annual budget of USD 2.8 million to collect information about war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the country.

The Tamils alleged that thousands were massacred during the final stages of the war that ended in 2009 when the government forces killed LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran.

The Sri Lankan Army denies the charge, claiming it as a humanitarian operation to rid the Tamils of LTTE''s control.

The critical resolution against Sri Lanka's human rights policies which was adopted by the UNHRC will take immediate effect with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights beginning the process to closely monitor the country, according to a media report on Wednesday.

The critical resolution against Sri Lanka's human rights policies which was adopted by the UNHRC will take immediate effect with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights beginning the process to closely monitor the country, according to a media report on Wednesday. The resolution titled 'Promotion of Reconciliation Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka' was adopted by the 47-member Human Rights Council after 22 members voted in favour of the document at the ongoing 46th UNHRC session in Geneva on Tuesday. Also read| Sri Lanka rejects UN move to protect war crimes evidence India and Japan were among 14 countries that abstained from voting. Eleven countries, including Pakistan, China, Bangladesh and Russia, voted against the resolution. The resolution "will take immediate effect with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) beginning the process to closely monitor Sri Lanka", the Daily Mirror reported, citing UN sources. "Monitoring Sri Lanka will be carried out immediately with existing staff while other related work will be implemented once the UN General Assembly approves funding later this year," the paper said. The resolution may not have an immediate impact on Sri Lanka but with over 40 co-sponsors, sources said that in the long term there could be an impact on trade with some countries and travel restrictions imposed on some officials as a result of the resolution, the paper reported. The US, EU and a number of other countries were among the co-sponsors of the resolution, some with no voting rights in the UNHRC. The resolution has called on the OHCHR to enhance its monitoring and reporting on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka, including on progress in reconciliation and accountability, and to present an oral update to the Human Rights Council at its 48th session, as well as a written update at its 49th session. The resolution was adopted despite intense lobbying by the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had dubbed it as an act of political vendetta moved by the Western nations against Sri Lanka. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that the majority of the countries in the UNHRC did not back the resolution. "They (sponsors of the resolution against Sri Lanka) could harness only 22 votes, 25 countries do not approve it," Gunawardena told reporters on Tuesday. "Western South wants to dominate the global North" at a time the priority before all countries was to tackle COVID-19 pandemic by arranging vaccination, he said. He said the European nations have failed to understand the ground reality of peace in Sri Lanka achieved after ending the LTTE's separatist campaign in 2009. Sri Lanka's ambassador to UNHRC, M.C.A. Chandraprema, described the draft resolution as "unwarranted, unjustified and in violations of the relevant articles of the United Nations Charter." He rejected the resolution as "divisive", saying it will polarise the Sri Lankan society and adversely affect economic development, peace and harmony. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's media of three major languages Sinhala, Tamil and English - on Wednesday reported the outcome of the resolution, with the Tamil press largely welcomed the document but remained unsure about its direction in terms of implementation. While the majority Sinhala language newspapers appeared to show the resolution as one against Sri Lanka, the English papers dissected the content of the resolution. "India, Japan skip vote on Sri Lanka resolution adopted at UNHRC,'' read the headline of The Island. The defeat was the fourth suffered by Sri Lanka at the UNHRC since 2012, the paper said. Sri Lanka was earlier defeated at three consecutive resolutions at the UN rights body when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's elder brother and incumbent Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was the country's president between 2012 and 2014. India's decision to abstain from voting was questioned by a section of the Tamil media based both in Colombo and in the Northern capital of Jaffna. The Tamil press reporting on the outcome was positive in their quest to deliver justice to victims of the three-decade-long civil war. Tamil activists were commenting on social media that India's abstention was meant to keep both the government and the main Tamil party TNA happy. They questioned how many member states abstained influenced by India's decision to abstain? One strong poser was if India had weakened the resolution so that it can comfortably abstain. "This was a significant move by the HRC which signals a shift in approach by the international community. This resolution should send a clear message to perpetrators of past and current crimes that they cannot continue to act with impunity,? tweeted Abraham Sumanthiran, the TNA leading light. The Tamil activists also queried what would the resolution entail? If it would subject Sri Lanka's alleged perpetrators to universal jurisdiction by a referral to the international crime court. The English press opined that the resolution does not impose any sanctions on Sri Lanka. It said that the UN will create an office with an annual budget of USD 2.8 million to collect information about war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the country. The Tamils alleged that thousands were massacred during the final stages of the war that ended in 2009 when the government forces killed LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran. The Sri Lankan Army denies the charge, claiming it as a humanitarian operation to rid the Tamils of LTTE''s control.

UN begins monitoring Sri Lanka after adverse resolution at rights body: Report

The UNHRC has adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka's human rights violations. China & Pakistan voted against the resolution. India abstained from voting. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you this report.

Gravitas:  UNHRC adopts resolution on Sri Lanka

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka's rights accord. 22 members out of 47 voted in favour of it. 11 members voted against the resolution. India was among 14 countries that abstained from voting.

Your Story: 22 nations voted in favour of UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka

News Alert: UNHRC adopts resolution against Sri Lanka's rights accord

Sri Lanka on Tuesday rejected a UN move to preserve evidence of war crimes in the country and said the money allocated for the effort would be better spent on housing for the poor.

The resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva called for a $2.8 million budget to collect and preserve evidence of war crimes for future prosecutions.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-rights-office-gets-mandate-to-document-sri-lanka-war-crimes-372546">UN rights office gets mandate to document Sri Lanka war crimes</a>

It follows a damning report from UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Sri Lanka's failure to prosecute war criminals from the island's separatist conflict that ended in May 2009.

Foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the UN rights council's censure motion, which 22 voted for and 11 against, was not binding on Colombo.

"It is a waste of money. Highly uncalled for," Gunawardena told reporters at a hurriedly organised press conference in Colombo shortly after losing the vote.

"Without the consent and acceptance of the country concerned, it cannot be implemented."

The money would be better spent on providing "housing for the entire population in the Jaffna peninsula", he said, referring to the heartland of the island's minority Tamils in the war-battered region.

Successive governments in Sri Lanka have resisted calls for an independent investigation into allegations that troops killed at least 40,000 Tamil civilians while crushing Tiger guerrillas, a charge Colombo denies.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday rejected a UN move to preserve evidence of war crimes in the country and said the money allocated for the effort would be better spent on housing for the poor.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday rejected a UN move to preserve evidence of war crimes in the country and said the money allocated for the effort would be better spent on housing for the poor. The resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva called for a $2.8 million budget to collect and preserve evidence of war crimes for future prosecutions. Also read| UN rights office gets mandate to document Sri Lanka war crimes It follows a damning report from UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Sri Lanka's failure to prosecute war criminals from the island's separatist conflict that ended in May 2009. Foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the UN rights council's censure motion, which 22 voted for and 11 against, was not binding on Colombo. "It is a waste of money. Highly uncalled for," Gunawardena told reporters at a hurriedly organised press conference in Colombo shortly after losing the vote. "Without the consent and acceptance of the country concerned, it cannot be implemented." The money would be better spent on providing "housing for the entire population in the Jaffna peninsula", he said, referring to the heartland of the island's minority Tamils in the war-battered region. Successive governments in Sri Lanka have resisted calls for an independent investigation into allegations that troops killed at least 40,000 Tamil civilians while crushing Tiger guerrillas, a charge Colombo denies.

Sri Lanka rejects UN move to protect war crimes evidence

Sri Lanka is claiming support from India at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) but New Delhi has not made any official remark on the upcoming UN resolution against Columbo over war crimes committed during Sri Lankan civil war.

Sri Lanka claims support from India at UNHRC

Sri Lanka is facing the heat at United Nations Human Right Council over human rights violations during the civil war with the LTTE.

Sri Lanka faces the heat at UNHRC over human rights violations

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