A pharmaceutical multinational on Thursday slashed the price of a key anti-tuberculosis drug boosting the&nbsp;battle against the world's deadliest infectious disease, as a new treatment was also set to begin extensive testing.

The initiatives came as the United Nations seeks to galvanize the campaign against TB, which killed 1.5 million people worldwide last year and saw 10 million more infected.

"This lifesaving drug has, until now, been completely unaffordable in developing countries," said Lelio Marmora, head of Unitaid, a global health initiative that helped broker the landmark deal, which will see the Sanofi company cut the price of its rifapentine drug by two thirds.

The cheaper price will apply in 100 of the world's poorest nations. South Africa, where TB is a big killer, will roll out the drug from next year, Unitaid's programme director Robert Matiru told AFP.

Other major markets that could take up the treatments include India, which has a quarter of the world's TB cases, Indonesia, Philippines and Kenya, Sanofi's global health business chief Thibaud Lefort told AFP.

"We are looking realistically next year at adding at least five major countries and a dozen other smaller countries accelerating their efforts," he said.

TB resistance

Lefort said his firm welcomed generic versions of the drug being produced.

Aid agencies have become increasingly frustrated at the slow pace of fighting the disease, which the UN hopes to eradicate by 2030.

The existing TB vaccine is almost a century old and only good for limited numbers of patients and forms of the illness.

The battle has been held up by some TB strains becoming resistant to drugs.

"The reason drug-resistant TB is such a problem is that it is so much more difficult to treat, it costs so much more to treat and also... the morbidity and mortality is much higher,"&nbsp;NIH's Peter Kim told AFP.

Rifapentine, combined with the drug isoniazid, not only treats patients with TB but also shields a person who is infected but not yet sick from developing the disease.

With one-quarter of the world's population carrying the TB infection, and up to 10 per cent of them going on to develop the chronic lung disease, experts say preventive drugs such as rifapentine are central to eradicating the illness.

Only 1.8 million people are on preventive TB therapies, but a UN health summit last year set a target of 30 million people to be on such drugs by 2022, Matiru said.

Activists at a global lung health conference in Hyderabad, also called for the price of&nbsp;tests used for TB diagnosis to be halved to $5 to make it more affordable for poorer nations.

The price cut follows an announcement earlier this week by Britain's GlaxoSmithKline that a new vaccine tested in adults in three African nations had shown particular promise.

The treatment had 50 per cent effectiveness three years after it was given to participants in Kenya, South Africa and Zambia who already have TB bacteria but have not fallen ill.

And the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) said Thursday it was launching a huge trial across more than 12 countries&nbsp;for people exposed to drug-resistant strains of TB.

The study will test a new drug on vulnerable populations such as children and those with weakened immune systems, including HIV-positive people.

A pharmaceutical multinational on Thursday slashed the price of a key anti-tuberculosis drug boosting the battle against the world's deadliest infectious disease, as a new treatment was also set to begin extensive testing.

A pharmaceutical multinational on Thursday slashed the price of a key anti-tuberculosis drug boosting the battle against the world's deadliest infectious disease, as a new treatment was also set to begin extensive testing. The initiatives came as the United Nations seeks to galvanize the campaign against TB, which killed 1.5 million people worldwide last year and saw 10 million more infected. "This lifesaving drug has, until now, been completely unaffordable in developing countries," said Lelio Marmora, head of Unitaid, a global health initiative that helped broker the landmark deal, which will see the Sanofi company cut the price of its rifapentine drug by two thirds. The cheaper price will apply in 100 of the world's poorest nations. South Africa, where TB is a big killer, will roll out the drug from next year, Unitaid's programme director Robert Matiru told AFP. Other major markets that could take up the treatments include India, which has a quarter of the world's TB cases, Indonesia, Philippines and Kenya, Sanofi's global health business chief Thibaud Lefort told AFP. "We are looking realistically next year at adding at least five major countries and a dozen other smaller countries accelerating their efforts," he said. TB resistance Lefort said his firm welcomed generic versions of the drug being produced. Aid agencies have become increasingly frustrated at the slow pace of fighting the disease, which the UN hopes to eradicate by 2030. The existing TB vaccine is almost a century old and only good for limited numbers of patients and forms of the illness. The battle has been held up by some TB strains becoming resistant to drugs. "The reason drug-resistant TB is such a problem is that it is so much more difficult to treat, it costs so much more to treat and also... the morbidity and mortality is much higher," NIH's Peter Kim told AFP. Rifapentine, combined with the drug isoniazid, not only treats patients with TB but also shields a person who is infected but not yet sick from developing the disease. With one-quarter of the world's population carrying the TB infection, and up to 10 per cent of them going on to develop the chronic lung disease, experts say preventive drugs such as rifapentine are central to eradicating the illness. Only 1.8 million people are on preventive TB therapies, but a UN health summit last year set a target of 30 million people to be on such drugs by 2022, Matiru said. Activists at a global lung health conference in Hyderabad, also called for the price of tests used for TB diagnosis to be halved to $5 to make it more affordable for poorer nations. The price cut follows an announcement earlier this week by Britain's GlaxoSmithKline that a new vaccine tested in adults in three African nations had shown particular promise. The treatment had 50 per cent effectiveness three years after it was given to participants in Kenya, South Africa and Zambia who already have TB bacteria but have not fallen ill. And the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) said Thursday it was launching a huge trial across more than 12 countries for people exposed to drug-resistant strains of TB. The study will test a new drug on vulnerable populations such as children and those with weakened immune systems, including HIV-positive people.

Tuberculosis drug price slashed in global push to thwart killer disease

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-cyclone-bears-down-on-bahamas-un-pledges-aid-249554">Dorian </a>should be a wake-up call for the world about the dangers of climate change.

"I was horrified. I've never seen such a level of systematic devastation," Guterres told reporters visibly shaken on after taking an aerial tour of Abaco, which bore the brunt of Dorian's impact. "Hurricane Dorian has been classified as Category 5, I think it is Category Hell, but he was not powered by the devil. It was powered, and we have always had many hurricanes but now they are more intense and they are more frequent, and they are powered by climate change."

Guterres arrived in Nassau on Friday&nbsp;in a show of international support.

He said the international community must rally to support countries like the Bahamas, which did not contribute to climate change "but are the first line of the devastating impact."

Watch: New storm threatens Hurricane Dorian relief efforts

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said Dorian should be a wake-up call for the world about the dangers of climate change. "I was horrified. I've never seen such a level of systematic devastation," Guterres told reporters visibly shaken on after taking an aerial tour of Abaco, which bore the brunt of Dorian's impact.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said Dorian should be a wake-up call for the world about the dangers of climate change. "I was horrified. I've never seen such a level of systematic devastation," Guterres told reporters visibly shaken on after taking an aerial tour of Abaco, which bore the brunt of Dorian's impact. "Hurricane Dorian has been classified as Category 5, I think it is Category Hell, but he was not powered by the devil. It was powered, and we have always had many hurricanes but now they are more intense and they are more frequent, and they are powered by climate change." Guterres arrived in Nassau on Friday in a show of international support. He said the international community must rally to support countries like the Bahamas, which did not contribute to climate change "but are the first line of the devastating impact." Watch: New storm threatens Hurricane Dorian relief efforts ×

Hurricane Dorian was not Category 5, but 'Category Hell': UN chief

The United States, Britain and France may be complicit in war crimes in Yemen by arming and providing intelligence and logistics support to a Saudi-led coalition that starves civilians as a war tactic, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

UN&nbsp;investigators recommended that all states impose a ban on arms transfers to the warring parties to prevent them from being used to commit serious violations.

"It is clear that the continued supply of weapons to parties to the conflict is perpetuating the conflict and prolonging the suffering of the Yememi people," Melissa Parke, an expert on the independent UN&nbsp;panel, told a news conference.

"That is why we are urging member states to no longer supply weapons to parties to the conflict," she said.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the main parties in the coalition fighting against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls Yemen's capital, are two of the biggest buyers of US, British and French weapons.

The experts compiled a secret list of suspected war criminals. Investigators found potential crimes on both sides, while highlighting the role Western countries play as backers of the Arab states and Iran plays in support of the Houthis.

"There are no clean hands in this combat, in this contest," panelist Charles Garraway said.

The report accused the anti-Houthi coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE of killing civilians in air strikes and deliberately denying them food in a country facing famine. The Houthis, for their part, have shelled cities, deployed child soldiers and used "siege-like warfare", it said.

Neither the Saudi government communications office nor UAE officials responded immediately to Reuters requests for comment.

The Houthis drove Yemen's government out of the capital Sanaa in 2014. The Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Muslim states intervened the following year to restore the ousted government, a conflict that has since killed tens of thousands of people.

The prospect of famine has created what the United Nations describes as the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, where 24 million people rely on aid.

Secret List

The UN&nbsp;report said its independent panel had sent a secret list to UN&nbsp;human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, identifying "individuals who may be responsible for international crimes".

Its appendix lists more than 160 "main actors" among Saudi, Emirati and Yemeni government and Houthi officials, although it said this was separate from the suspects list.

The report said, "The legality of arms transfers by France, the United Kingdom, the United States and other States remains questionable, and is the subject of various domestic court proceedings."

It found that a Joint Incidents Assessment Team set up by Saudi Arabia to review alleged coalition violations had failed to hold anyone accountable for any strike killing civilians, raising "concerns as to the impartiality of its investigations".

"Of one thing we are pretty sure - things are going wrong in the (coalition) targeting process," Garraway said.

The UN&nbsp;panel said it had received allegations that Emirati and affiliated forces have tortured, raped and killed suspected political opponents detained in secret facilities, while Houthi forces had planted land mines that killed hundreds.

The United States, Britain and France may be complicit in war crimes in Yemen by arming and providing intelligence and logistics support to a Saudi-led coalition that starves civilians as a war tactic, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

The United States, Britain and France may be complicit in war crimes in Yemen by arming and providing intelligence and logistics support to a Saudi-led coalition that starves civilians as a war tactic, the United Nations said on Tuesday. UN investigators recommended that all states impose a ban on arms transfers to the warring parties to prevent them from being used to commit serious violations. "It is clear that the continued supply of weapons to parties to the conflict is perpetuating the conflict and prolonging the suffering of the Yememi people," Melissa Parke, an expert on the independent UN panel, told a news conference. "That is why we are urging member states to no longer supply weapons to parties to the conflict," she said. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the main parties in the coalition fighting against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls Yemen's capital, are two of the biggest buyers of US, British and French weapons. The experts compiled a secret list of suspected war criminals. Investigators found potential crimes on both sides, while highlighting the role Western countries play as backers of the Arab states and Iran plays in support of the Houthis. "There are no clean hands in this combat, in this contest," panelist Charles Garraway said. The report accused the anti-Houthi coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE of killing civilians in air strikes and deliberately denying them food in a country facing famine. The Houthis, for their part, have shelled cities, deployed child soldiers and used "siege-like warfare", it said. Neither the Saudi government communications office nor UAE officials responded immediately to Reuters requests for comment. The Houthis drove Yemen's government out of the capital Sanaa in 2014. The Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Muslim states intervened the following year to restore the ousted government, a conflict that has since killed tens of thousands of people. The prospect of famine has created what the United Nations describes as the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, where 24 million people rely on aid. Secret List The UN report said its independent panel had sent a secret list to UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, identifying "individuals who may be responsible for international crimes". Its appendix lists more than 160 "main actors" among Saudi, Emirati and Yemeni government and Houthi officials, although it said this was separate from the suspects list. The report said, "The legality of arms transfers by France, the United Kingdom, the United States and other States remains questionable, and is the subject of various domestic court proceedings." It found that a Joint Incidents Assessment Team set up by Saudi Arabia to review alleged coalition violations had failed to hold anyone accountable for any strike killing civilians, raising "concerns as to the impartiality of its investigations". "Of one thing we are pretty sure - things are going wrong in the (coalition) targeting process," Garraway said. The UN panel said it had received allegations that Emirati and affiliated forces have tortured, raped and killed suspected political opponents detained in secret facilities, while Houthi forces had planted land mines that killed hundreds.

US, France, Britain may be complicit in Yemen war crimes: UN report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-un-envoy-meets-unga-president-discusses-kashmir-issue-245943">The United Nations</a> said Friday it will help evacuate civilians from an "abysmal" Syrian desert camp near the border with Jordan, after a mission last week determined who wanted to leave.

"We are ready to facilitate" evacuations from the Rukban camp, said Panos Moumtzis, the UN's Syria humanitarian chief.&nbsp;

"We want to make sure it happens voluntarily," he told AFP during an interview in Beirut, describing the situation in the settlement as "abysmal".&nbsp;

According to the UN official, around 12,700 people remain in the isolated Rukban camp near a base used by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

The Syrian government and key backer Russia said in February they had opened corridors out of the camp, calling on residents to leave.

More than half of the original population has left in the past months, the United Nations says.

The UN and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent sent a mission to the camp last week to determine how many people remained inside and who wanted to leave, the UN official said.&nbsp;

"A little bit more than a third of them want to leave," Moumtzis said.&nbsp;

"The vast majority want to go into government-held areas and some others want to go to the north," held by the opposition, he added.&nbsp;

But the UN is not able to provide protection guarantees after civilians quit the camp, he said.

Some 47 per cent of surveyed camp residents said they wanted to stay, citing reasons including "security concerns" and "fear of detention".

Rights groups have warned that civilians returning to government-held territory have faced detention and conscription.

Those fleeing to the rebel-held north might face violence in the Idlib region, where Russian and regime bombardment has killed more than 950 people since April.&nbsp;

Although Rukban has not received aid since February, the latest UN mission did not deliver any relief items beyond "a minimal number of health supplies", Moumtzis said.

But last week's visit is only the first part of a "two-step" plan the second of which will involve aid delivery, according to the UN official.

"The next mission I hope very quickly will go back and deliver the desperately needed assistance," he said, without providing a specific date.

Conditions inside Rukban are dire, with many surviving on just one simple meal a day, often the bread and olive oil or yoghurt, according to one resident.

The United Nations said Friday it will help evacuate civilians from an "abysmal" Syrian desert camp near the border with Jordan, after a mission last week determined who wanted to leave.

The United Nations said Friday it will help evacuate civilians from an "abysmal" Syrian desert camp near the border with Jordan, after a mission last week determined who wanted to leave. "We are ready to facilitate" evacuations from the Rukban camp, said Panos Moumtzis, the UN's Syria humanitarian chief. "We want to make sure it happens voluntarily," he told AFP during an interview in Beirut, describing the situation in the settlement as "abysmal". According to the UN official, around 12,700 people remain in the isolated Rukban camp near a base used by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group. The Syrian government and key backer Russia said in February they had opened corridors out of the camp, calling on residents to leave. More than half of the original population has left in the past months, the United Nations says. The UN and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent sent a mission to the camp last week to determine how many people remained inside and who wanted to leave, the UN official said. "A little bit more than a third of them want to leave," Moumtzis said. "The vast majority want to go into government-held areas and some others want to go to the north," held by the opposition, he added. But the UN is not able to provide protection guarantees after civilians quit the camp, he said. Some 47 per cent of surveyed camp residents said they wanted to stay, citing reasons including "security concerns" and "fear of detention". Rights groups have warned that civilians returning to government-held territory have faced detention and conscription. Those fleeing to the rebel-held north might face violence in the Idlib region, where Russian and regime bombardment has killed more than 950 people since April. Although Rukban has not received aid since February, the latest UN mission did not deliver any relief items beyond "a minimal number of health supplies", Moumtzis said. But last week's visit is only the first part of a "two-step" plan the second of which will involve aid delivery, according to the UN official. "The next mission I hope very quickly will go back and deliver the desperately needed assistance," he said, without providing a specific date. Conditions inside Rukban are dire, with many surviving on just one simple meal a day, often the bread and olive oil or yoghurt, according to one resident.

United Nations to 'facilitate' evacuations from Syria desert camp

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday plans to roll back regulations that limit leaks of potent greenhouse gas methane from pipelines and wells, even as some industry players opposed the move.

It is the latest in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-slams-report-that-he-wanted-to-use-nuclear-weapons-to-break-up-hurricanes-245753"> President Donald Trump</a>'s long battle against environmental protection rules, coming weeks after his administration made fundamental changes to a widely popular wildlife protection law and re-authorized the use of "cyanide bombs" to kill animals that prey on livestock.

"EPA's proposal delivers on President Trump's executive order and removes unnecessary and duplicative regulatory burdens from the oil and gas industry," said the agency's head, Andrew Wheeler, a former fossil fuel lobbyist.

"The Trump Administration recognizes that methane is valuable, and the industry has an incentive to minimize leaks and maximize its use," he added.

The rules would likely go into effect next year after a non-binding public comment period.

The EPA said the proposed amendments would save the oil and natural gas industry $17-$19 million a year, for a total of $97-$123 million from 2019 through 2025.

But oil giants, including BP, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell, called for the current rules, introduced by Trump's predecessor, former president Barack Obama, to be maintained.

Shell has pledged to reduce its methane leaks to less than 0.2 per cent by 2025, its US president, Gretchen Watkins, said in a statement shared with media on Thursday.

"Despite the administration's proposal to no longer regulate methane, Shell's US assets will continue to contribute to that global target," she said.

Asked about this opposition from the very sector the regulation was supposed to be benefiting, EPA official Anne Idsal said: "They're not the only ones within that particular space. You've got small and midsize companies as well.

"We don't preclude anybody from going above and beyond," she said.

Like carbon dioxide, methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change.

But its potency in trapping heat is about 84–87 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year-period, falling to 28–36 times greater over 100 years, according to United Nations figures.

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday plans to roll back regulations that limit leaks of potent greenhouse gas methane from pipelines and wells, even as some industry players opposed the move.

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday plans to roll back regulations that limit leaks of potent greenhouse gas methane from pipelines and wells, even as some industry players opposed the move. It is the latest in President Donald Trump's long battle against environmental protection rules, coming weeks after his administration made fundamental changes to a widely popular wildlife protection law and re-authorized the use of "cyanide bombs" to kill animals that prey on livestock. "EPA's proposal delivers on President Trump's executive order and removes unnecessary and duplicative regulatory burdens from the oil and gas industry," said the agency's head, Andrew Wheeler, a former fossil fuel lobbyist. "The Trump Administration recognizes that methane is valuable, and the industry has an incentive to minimize leaks and maximize its use," he added. The rules would likely go into effect next year after a non-binding public comment period. The EPA said the proposed amendments would save the oil and natural gas industry $17-$19 million a year, for a total of $97-$123 million from 2019 through 2025. But oil giants, including BP, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell, called for the current rules, introduced by Trump's predecessor, former president Barack Obama, to be maintained. Shell has pledged to reduce its methane leaks to less than 0.2 per cent by 2025, its US president, Gretchen Watkins, said in a statement shared with media on Thursday. "Despite the administration's proposal to no longer regulate methane, Shell's US assets will continue to contribute to that global target," she said. Asked about this opposition from the very sector the regulation was supposed to be benefiting, EPA official Anne Idsal said: "They're not the only ones within that particular space. You've got small and midsize companies as well. "We don't preclude anybody from going above and beyond," she said. Like carbon dioxide, methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change. But its potency in trapping heat is about 84–87 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year-period, falling to 28–36 times greater over 100 years, according to United Nations figures.

The US rolls back regulations on industrial methane leaks

Sri Lanka's new army chief on Monday brushed aside international outrage over his appointment, saying "anyone can make allegations" that he had committed war crimes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-new-army-chief-takes-office-amid-international-criticism-244641">Shavendra Silva has been accused by the United Nations of committing war crimes </a>during the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist conflict, which ended in 2009.

His appointment last week by President Maithripala Sirisena was widely condemned by other countries and rights organisations.

The 55-year-old was quick to dismiss the allegations while praising Sirisena's "courageous decision" to give him the top job despite intense foreign pressure.

"There can be concerns, countries can have concerns, but I am sure the president considered the requirement of the nation," Silva said.

"Allegations have been there. This is not the first time allegations have been made (against me). Anyone can make allegations."

Silva said he wanted to move forward and cited claims about a mass grave in Sri Lanka's northwest that was later found using carbon dating to be hundreds of years old.

The government had already rejected as "unwarranted and unacceptable" the avalanche of international criticism over Silva's ascension to the top job.

The United Nations Human Rights Council and several UN reports have accused Silva of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity while crushing Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009.

Silva was the commanding officer of an army division in the island's northern warzone in the final months of the offensive that the UN said killed at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the hands of the military.

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said last week that she was "deeply troubled" by Silva's appointment.

The American embassy in Colombo described allegations of gross human rights violations against Silva as "serious and credible".

Sri Lanka's successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the 37-year conflict, in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.

Sri Lanka's new army chief on Monday brushed aside international outrage over his appointment, saying "anyone can make allegations" that he had committed war crimes.

Sri Lanka's new army chief on Monday brushed aside international outrage over his appointment, saying "anyone can make allegations" that he had committed war crimes. Shavendra Silva has been accused by the United Nations of committing war crimes during the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist conflict, which ended in 2009. His appointment last week by President Maithripala Sirisena was widely condemned by other countries and rights organisations. The 55-year-old was quick to dismiss the allegations while praising Sirisena's "courageous decision" to give him the top job despite intense foreign pressure. "There can be concerns, countries can have concerns, but I am sure the president considered the requirement of the nation," Silva said. "Allegations have been there. This is not the first time allegations have been made (against me). Anyone can make allegations." Silva said he wanted to move forward and cited claims about a mass grave in Sri Lanka's northwest that was later found using carbon dating to be hundreds of years old. The government had already rejected as "unwarranted and unacceptable" the avalanche of international criticism over Silva's ascension to the top job. The United Nations Human Rights Council and several UN reports have accused Silva of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity while crushing Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009. Silva was the commanding officer of an army division in the island's northern warzone in the final months of the offensive that the UN said killed at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the hands of the military. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said last week that she was "deeply troubled" by Silva's appointment. The American embassy in Colombo described allegations of gross human rights violations against Silva as "serious and credible". Sri Lanka's successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the 37-year conflict, in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.

Sri Lanka's new army chief dismisses war crimes claims

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi, on Monday met President of United National General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-have-succeeded-in-internationalising-the-issue-of-kashmir-claims-imran-in-national-address-245851">discussed the Kashmir issue</a>, reported Express Tribune.

This comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in France and conveyed to him that revoking Article 370 was India's internal matter and no step has been taken by New Delhi that in any manner threatens regional peace.

Lodhi's meeting is yet another attempt at flogging a dead horse by Islamabad as the country has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue India has categorically apprised Pakistan that revoking of the article, which left the neighbour rattled, is an "internal matter".&nbsp;

Following the Indian decision, Pakistan had sent its foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to China to seek its help at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), urging for an emergency meeting on the issue.&nbsp;

However, four out of five permanent members in the United Nations did not support Pakistan's contentions over India's decision.

Cash-strapped Pakistan has also alleged that India's decision of revoking the provisions under Article 370 will not only threaten the regional peace but also the world peace and further downgraded its diplomatic ties with its neighbour and suspended bilateral trade in the wake of it.

Islamabad has been snubbed on all fronts as the international community has made it clear that the Kashmir issue is strictly New Delhi's internal matter.

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi, on Monday met President of United National General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa and discussed the Kashmir issue, reported Express Tribune.

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi, on Monday met President of United National General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa and discussed the Kashmir issue, reported Express Tribune. This comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in France and conveyed to him that revoking Article 370 was India's internal matter and no step has been taken by New Delhi that in any manner threatens regional peace. Lodhi's meeting is yet another attempt at flogging a dead horse by Islamabad as the country has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue India has categorically apprised Pakistan that revoking of the article, which left the neighbour rattled, is an "internal matter". Following the Indian decision, Pakistan had sent its foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to China to seek its help at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), urging for an emergency meeting on the issue. However, four out of five permanent members in the United Nations did not support Pakistan's contentions over India's decision. Cash-strapped Pakistan has also alleged that India's decision of revoking the provisions under Article 370 will not only threaten the regional peace but also the world peace and further downgraded its diplomatic ties with its neighbour and suspended bilateral trade in the wake of it. Islamabad has been snubbed on all fronts as the international community has made it clear that the Kashmir issue is strictly New Delhi's internal matter.

Pakistan envoy to United Nations meets UNGA President, discusses Kashmir issue

Actress Keira Knightley turns to the 2003 Iraq War for her latest film "Official Secrets", in which she portrays a British government employee who was fired for leaking a secret US memo in the run-up to the conflict. The 34-year old plays Katharine Gun, a former translator at Britain's global spy centre who was charged with breaking the Official Secrets Act for leaking a US memo seeking London's help in spying on the United Nations. Knightley spoke to Reuters about the role and film, out August 30 in the States and October 18 in the UK. Below are edited excerpts of the interview.

Keira Knightley turns whistleblower in new Iraq War drama

A petition was submitted in Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday demanding the quashing of the FIRs registered against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-finds-hafiz-saeed-guilty-in-terror-financing-case-report-241330">UN-proscribed terrorist and Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed</a> and 65 others.

The petition was submitted by a JuD affiliate, Malik Zafar Iqbal. The high court will take up the matter for hearing on August 22.

Iqbal, in his petition, has contended that the complaints are "without lawful authority and are of no legal effect", Dawn reported.

Last month, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials arrested Saeed in Gujranwala, Punjab.&nbsp;

The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits.

On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

The CTD, which registered the cases in five cities of Punjab in Pakistan, had stated that JuD was involved in terror funding collected through organisations including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, and Muaz Bin Jabal Trust.

The terrorist was reportedly on his way to an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Gujranwalato seek bail when he was arrested.

A petition was submitted in Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday demanding the quashing of the FIRs registered against UN-proscribed terrorist and Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and 65 others.

A petition was submitted in Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday demanding the quashing of the FIRs registered against UN-proscribed terrorist and Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and 65 others. The petition was submitted by a JuD affiliate, Malik Zafar Iqbal. The high court will take up the matter for hearing on August 22. Iqbal, in his petition, has contended that the complaints are "without lawful authority and are of no legal effect", Dawn reported. Last month, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials arrested Saeed in Gujranwala, Punjab. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits. On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The CTD, which registered the cases in five cities of Punjab in Pakistan, had stated that JuD was involved in terror funding collected through organisations including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, and Muaz Bin Jabal Trust. The terrorist was reportedly on his way to an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Gujranwalato seek bail when he was arrested.

Pakistan: Petition submitted to quash FIRs against Hafiz Saeed

Journalist-turned-filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee is all set to give a cinematic tribute to late filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh in a new feature film called 'A Tribute to Rituparno Ghosh: Season's Greetings'. The film will have the United Nations backing it making it the first Indian film to get such support.&nbsp; 
 
The UN has shown interest in the film as it talks about the LGBTQIA community.&nbsp;Under their campaign 'Free &amp; Equal', the UN has announced its decision to collaborate with the film which features Lilette Dubey and Celina Jaitley- who makes a comeback to Bollywood after a long hiatus.&nbsp;

Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee expressed, "This was unexpected and yet a pleasant surprise. I was overwhelmed with the UN's detailed feedback on the film. I am sure Ritu da would have been the happiest today." 
 
"Films like this can play a critical role in starting and sustaining those conversations. We look forward to help raise awareness of some of the issues the film touches upon -- from acceptance of same-sex relationships to the lives of LGBTQIA people in India," said Rikke Hennum, United Nations Free &amp; Equal Campaign Manager. 
 
"I am extremely proud of the fact that the United Nations has agreed to be the (film`s) Social Cause partner under their `Free &amp; Equal` campaign. The film`s release comes at a historic moment for India`s lesbian, gay, bi and trans population, following the decision of the country`s Supreme Court to strike down a colonial-era ban on consensual same-sex relationships and previous court judgements affirming the rights of transgender people," said Celina. 
 
The film deals with a mother and daughter relationship that ends with an unexpected twist in the tale.

Journalist-turned-filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee is all set to give a cinematic tribute to late filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh in a new feature film called 'A Tribute to Rituparno Ghosh: Season's Greetings'.

Journalist-turned-filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee is all set to give a cinematic tribute to late filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh in a new feature film called 'A Tribute to Rituparno Ghosh: Season's Greetings'. The film will have the United Nations backing it making it the first Indian film to get such support. The UN has shown interest in the film as it talks about the LGBTQIA community. Under their campaign 'Free & Equal', the UN has announced its decision to collaborate with the film which features Lilette Dubey and Celina Jaitley- who makes a comeback to Bollywood after a long hiatus. Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee expressed, "This was unexpected and yet a pleasant surprise. I was overwhelmed with the UN's detailed feedback on the film. I am sure Ritu da would have been the happiest today." "Films like this can play a critical role in starting and sustaining those conversations. We look forward to help raise awareness of some of the issues the film touches upon -- from acceptance of same-sex relationships to the lives of LGBTQIA people in India," said Rikke Hennum, United Nations Free & Equal Campaign Manager. "I am extremely proud of the fact that the United Nations has agreed to be the (film`s) Social Cause partner under their `Free & Equal` campaign. The film`s release comes at a historic moment for India`s lesbian, gay, bi and trans population, following the decision of the country`s Supreme Court to strike down a colonial-era ban on consensual same-sex relationships and previous court judgements affirming the rights of transgender people," said Celina. The film deals with a mother and daughter relationship that ends with an unexpected twist in the tale.

Tribute film to Rituparno Ghosh gets UN backing

A United Nation expert said on Friday some Sri Lankan laws are "frequently applied" in a discriminatory manner and urged the government to address the root causes of public protests by treating everyone equally.

President Maithripala Sirisena's government during its 2015 election campaign promised to ensure freedom of assembly, which was strictly limited under his predecessor.

Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, who reports to the UN Human Rights Council on the right to free assembly and association, said after an eight-day official visit that some laws had been used to jeopardise the rights of free assembly and association. These include the penal code, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, and Prevention of Terrorism Act, he said.

"It has been brought to my attention that these laws are frequently applied in a discriminatory manner against those people organising around specific issues such as disappearances, land rights, livelihood and access to resources, and development projects," he told a media conference at the UN office in Colombo.

Sri Lanka is in a state of emergency after more than 250 people were killed in Easter Sunday bombings. Since then some people have been arrested on suspicions that they were involved.

"It is important that the country's political leaders do not dismiss people's desire for freedom, rule of law and democracy and do not undermine the progress that has been hard fought for, particularly in light of the upcoming elections," Voule said.

The Indian Ocean island will hold presidential polls later this year and parliamentary elections next year.

Civil society organisations have opposed proposed new laws to regulate non-government organisations and the creation of a new counter-terrorism act, which rights groups see as a move to clamp down civil society activities and the right to peaceful assembly.

Voule also expressed concern over the growing prevalence of hate speech in the country, which has increased sharply after the April attacks.

A United Nation expert said on Friday some Sri Lankan laws are "frequently applied" in a discriminatory manner and urged the government to address the root causes of public protests by treating everyone equally.

A United Nation expert said on Friday some Sri Lankan laws are "frequently applied" in a discriminatory manner and urged the government to address the root causes of public protests by treating everyone equally. President Maithripala Sirisena's government during its 2015 election campaign promised to ensure freedom of assembly, which was strictly limited under his predecessor. Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, who reports to the UN Human Rights Council on the right to free assembly and association, said after an eight-day official visit that some laws had been used to jeopardise the rights of free assembly and association. These include the penal code, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, and Prevention of Terrorism Act, he said. "It has been brought to my attention that these laws are frequently applied in a discriminatory manner against those people organising around specific issues such as disappearances, land rights, livelihood and access to resources, and development projects," he told a media conference at the UN office in Colombo. Sri Lanka is in a state of emergency after more than 250 people were killed in Easter Sunday bombings. Since then some people have been arrested on suspicions that they were involved. "It is important that the country's political leaders do not dismiss people's desire for freedom, rule of law and democracy and do not undermine the progress that has been hard fought for, particularly in light of the upcoming elections," Voule said. The Indian Ocean island will hold presidential polls later this year and parliamentary elections next year. Civil society organisations have opposed proposed new laws to regulate non-government organisations and the creation of a new counter-terrorism act, which rights groups see as a move to clamp down civil society activities and the right to peaceful assembly. Voule also expressed concern over the growing prevalence of hate speech in the country, which has increased sharply after the April attacks.

UN official says some Sri Lankan laws discriminately applied

Thousands protested in the streets of Manila on July 22 as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-must-be-stupid-president-rodrigo-duterte-says-he-wont-be-tried-by-international-court-236653">President Rodrigo Duterte</a> launched a spirited defence of his relationship with China. Duterte insisted that his refusal to challenge China's maritime assertiveness was not capitulation, but avoidance of conflict.

In one and half hour speech to Congress that frequently went off script, Duterte devoted part of his annual state of the nation address to arguing that it was senseless to confront a country with claims to the same waters, and a far superior military.

Some 3,000 protesters took to the streets to condemn the government over its stance towards China and deadly war on drugs.

Protesters burned a serpent-shaped effigy of Duterte decorated with a Chinese flag and gun.

Duterte has been heavily scrutinised for his ties to China. Critics have accused him of gambling with national sovereignty in pursuit of massive investments that have not yet materialised.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-mulls-cutting-iceland-ties-over-united-nations-probe-236318">Philippine</a> leader made a few references to his signature war on drugs, despite a July 11 decision by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the thousands of deaths and allegations of summary killings by police.

Critics say Duterte's frequent threats and talk of bloodshed have emboldened police to kill drug users and peddlers with impunity.

The president also joked about a preliminary examination of the drugs crackdown by the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying he might agree to go on trial with a few conditions that included an air-conditioned cell and "unlimited conjugal visits".

Thousands protested in the streets of Manila on July 22 as President Rodrigo Duterte launched a spirited defence of his relationship with China. Duterte insisted that his refusal to challenge China's maritime assertiveness was not capitulation, but avoidance of conflict.

Thousands protested in the streets of Manila on July 22 as President Rodrigo Duterte launched a spirited defence of his relationship with China. Duterte insisted that his refusal to challenge China's maritime assertiveness was not capitulation, but avoidance of conflict. In one and half hour speech to Congress that frequently went off script, Duterte devoted part of his annual state of the nation address to arguing that it was senseless to confront a country with claims to the same waters, and a far superior military. Some 3,000 protesters took to the streets to condemn the government over its stance towards China and deadly war on drugs. Protesters burned a serpent-shaped effigy of Duterte decorated with a Chinese flag and gun. Duterte has been heavily scrutinised for his ties to China. Critics have accused him of gambling with national sovereignty in pursuit of massive investments that have not yet materialised. The Philippine leader made a few references to his signature war on drugs, despite a July 11 decision by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the thousands of deaths and allegations of summary killings by police. Critics say Duterte's frequent threats and talk of bloodshed have emboldened police to kill drug users and peddlers with impunity. The president also joked about a preliminary examination of the drugs crackdown by the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying he might agree to go on trial with a few conditions that included an air-conditioned cell and "unlimited conjugal visits".

Protests rage in Philippine capital as President Rodrigo Duterte defends China relationship

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uns-nuclear-watchdog-iaea-worried-about-increasing-tensions-over-iran-nuclear-issue-225958">UN nuclear watchdog chief Yukiya Amano</a> has died, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday, just as he was preparing to step down because of an unspecified illness.

The 72-year-old Japanese had held the position of IAEA director-general since 2009, taking over from Mohamed ElBaradei and steering the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-food-agency-to-elect-chief-as-climate-change-ups-hunger-229612">UN agency</a> through a period of intense diplomacy over Iran's nuclear programme.

He had been preparing to leave his position in March, well before the end of his third four-year term, which ran until Nov. 30, 2021.

The IAEA announced last September that Amano had undergone an unspecified medical procedure. The specific nature of his illness has remained a taboo subject within the agency, diplomats say, but with each public appearance, he had appeared increasingly frail.

"The Secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency regrets to inform with the deepest sadness of the passing away of Director General Yukiya Amano," the secretariat's note read.

The note did not lay out a timeframe for naming his successor, though a race to succeed him had been taking shape since last week when it became clear he would step down early.

Argentina's ambassador to the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, is running to succeed Amano, and diplomats say the agency's chief coordinator Cornel Feruta of Romania, effectively Amano's chief of staff, is likely to run. Others could also enter the fray.

UN nuclear watchdog chief Yukiya Amano has died, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday, just as he was preparing to step down because of an unspecified illness.

UN nuclear watchdog chief Yukiya Amano has died, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday, just as he was preparing to step down because of an unspecified illness. The 72-year-old Japanese had held the position of IAEA director-general since 2009, taking over from Mohamed ElBaradei and steering the UN agency through a period of intense diplomacy over Iran's nuclear programme. He had been preparing to leave his position in March, well before the end of his third four-year term, which ran until Nov. 30, 2021. The IAEA announced last September that Amano had undergone an unspecified medical procedure. The specific nature of his illness has remained a taboo subject within the agency, diplomats say, but with each public appearance, he had appeared increasingly frail. "The Secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency regrets to inform with the deepest sadness of the passing away of Director General Yukiya Amano," the secretariat's note read. The note did not lay out a timeframe for naming his successor, though a race to succeed him had been taking shape since last week when it became clear he would step down early. Argentina's ambassador to the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, is running to succeed Amano, and diplomats say the agency's chief coordinator Cornel Feruta of Romania, effectively Amano's chief of staff, is likely to run. Others could also enter the fray.

United Nation nuclear watchdog chief Yukiya Amano dies aged 72

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-imposes-sanctions-on-myanmar-military-leaders-over-rohingya-abuses-236561&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiV0sDPq77jAhVFjuYKHfXpDNcQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw19Bl-Zd9_TOCkR-aIEk1_f">Sanctions</a> imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar's military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday.

The United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders, and their families from entering the United States in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.&nbsp;

But Lee said a travel ban was not enough and called for freezing the assets of the commanders.

"(The ban) does not go far enough and it should go further, and the parameters of those sanctions should go further too," she told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

"They were never going to travel to the US.. let's be realistic."

Lee said the sanctions - which covered Min Aung Hlaing, his deputy Soe Win, and brigadier generals Than Oo and Aung Aung - should also be extended to two more military leaders identified in UN investigators report in 2018.

The report, compiled by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, had called for the six generals to be tried for genocide.&nbsp;

Lee said reports from Myanmar in recent weeks suggested that human rights violations and abuses committed by the army and insurgents against civilian populations may be getting worse.

Last month, Lee had said the army may be committing gross human rights violations under cover of a mobile phone blackout in Myanmar's Rakhine and Chin states.

On Thursday, Lee said the blackout had left many villages unprepared for severe monsoon floods in the area.

It has also hampered disaster relief and humanitarian responses to the floods, she added.

"The question is, did the Myanmar government impose the ban to inflict more harm on the people of Rakhine?"

A 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, according to UN figures.

UN investigators have said Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes, and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent." Myanmar denies the charge.

Sanctions imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar's military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday.

Sanctions imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar's military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday. The United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders, and their families from entering the United States in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. But Lee said a travel ban was not enough and called for freezing the assets of the commanders. "(The ban) does not go far enough and it should go further, and the parameters of those sanctions should go further too," she told reporters in Kuala Lumpur. "They were never going to travel to the US.. let's be realistic." Lee said the sanctions - which covered Min Aung Hlaing, his deputy Soe Win, and brigadier generals Than Oo and Aung Aung - should also be extended to two more military leaders identified in UN investigators report in 2018. The report, compiled by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, had called for the six generals to be tried for genocide. Lee said reports from Myanmar in recent weeks suggested that human rights violations and abuses committed by the army and insurgents against civilian populations may be getting worse. Last month, Lee had said the army may be committing gross human rights violations under cover of a mobile phone blackout in Myanmar's Rakhine and Chin states. On Thursday, Lee said the blackout had left many villages unprepared for severe monsoon floods in the area. It has also hampered disaster relief and humanitarian responses to the floods, she added. "The question is, did the Myanmar government impose the ban to inflict more harm on the people of Rakhine?" A 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, according to UN figures. UN investigators have said Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes, and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent." Myanmar denies the charge.

United States sanctions on Myanmar military leaders inadequate: United Nation investigator

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-mulls-cutting-iceland-ties-over-united-nations-probe-236318">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte</a> has declared he will never be tried by an international court for mass killings in his war on drugs, and vowed no let-up in a crackdown that he said he was winning and would see through "to the very end".

In a television interview with a celebrity pastor, the firebrand leader said the Philippine justice system was working fine, so it would be "stupid" to imagine he would let an international court put him on trial.

"I will only face, be tried or face a trial, in a Philippine court. Presided by a Filipino judge. Prosecuted by a Filipino ... I will not answer a Caucasian, asking questions, white man there. You must be stupid," he said late on Tuesday.

"I am a Filipino. We have our courts here... Shit. Do you have to bring me somewhere else? I would not like that. I have my country. It's working. I know it's working. Justice is working here."

His opponents argue otherwise and say police are killing with impunity, and that with an approval rating of about 80 percent, a super-majority in Congress and presidential appointees heading courts, commissions, and investigative bodies, there is little chance of Duterte being impeached or prosecuted at home.

Duterte, 74, has previously said he was so committed to his war on drugs that he was prepared to be tried for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, or rot in jail there.

However, within weeks of an ICC prosecutor announcing in February 2018 that a preliminary examination was being conducted into the killings, Duterte ordered police not to cooperate, and then unilaterally cancelled the Philippines' ICC membership. The ICC examination continues, despite his withdrawal.

His latest show of defiance comes days after the UN Human Rights Council approved a resolution to investigate the killings, responding to a call from 11 UN experts concerned about a "staggering" amount of deaths.

The Philippine government has rejected the resolution as meddling by biased Western states and denies activists' allegations that police are executing thousands of drug users and peddlers.

Duterte said he was making gains in his anti-narcotics campaign, with fewer drugs on the streets.

He said suspects should choose to "drop the drugs or drop dead", but suggested that was merely an expression, not an instruction to kill.

"Whether they like it or not, I will continue what I started to the very end," he said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared he will never be tried by an international court for mass killings in his war on drugs, and vowed no let-up in a crackdown that he said he was winning and would see through "to the very end".

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared he will never be tried by an international court for mass killings in his war on drugs, and vowed no let-up in a crackdown that he said he was winning and would see through "to the very end". In a television interview with a celebrity pastor, the firebrand leader said the Philippine justice system was working fine, so it would be "stupid" to imagine he would let an international court put him on trial. "I will only face, be tried or face a trial, in a Philippine court. Presided by a Filipino judge. Prosecuted by a Filipino ... I will not answer a Caucasian, asking questions, white man there. You must be stupid," he said late on Tuesday. "I am a Filipino. We have our courts here... Shit. Do you have to bring me somewhere else? I would not like that. I have my country. It's working. I know it's working. Justice is working here." His opponents argue otherwise and say police are killing with impunity, and that with an approval rating of about 80 percent, a super-majority in Congress and presidential appointees heading courts, commissions, and investigative bodies, there is little chance of Duterte being impeached or prosecuted at home. Duterte, 74, has previously said he was so committed to his war on drugs that he was prepared to be tried for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, or rot in jail there. However, within weeks of an ICC prosecutor announcing in February 2018 that a preliminary examination was being conducted into the killings, Duterte ordered police not to cooperate, and then unilaterally cancelled the Philippines' ICC membership. The ICC examination continues, despite his withdrawal. His latest show of defiance comes days after the UN Human Rights Council approved a resolution to investigate the killings, responding to a call from 11 UN experts concerned about a "staggering" amount of deaths. The Philippine government has rejected the resolution as meddling by biased Western states and denies activists' allegations that police are executing thousands of drug users and peddlers. Duterte said he was making gains in his anti-narcotics campaign, with fewer drugs on the streets. He said suspects should choose to "drop the drugs or drop dead", but suggested that was merely an expression, not an instruction to kill. "Whether they like it or not, I will continue what I started to the very end," he said.

'You must be stupid': Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he won't be tried by international court

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-top-senator-chides-iceland-for-abortion-united-nation-drugs-war-probe-236074">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte</a> is "seriously considering" cutting his nation's diplomatic ties with Iceland after it spearheaded a UN resolution to probe his deadly drug war, the leader's spokesman said.

Duterte bristles at any Western condemnation of his signature campaign, which has killed thousands and critics say could amount to crimes against humanity.

The comments late Monday from presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo came in response to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-withdraws-from-un-human-rights-council-145673">UN Human Rights Council</a> last week backing the Iceland-proposed resolution to review the killings.&nbsp;

"(Duterte) is seriously considering cutting diplomatic relations with Iceland," Panelo said in a statement.

"The adopted Iceland resolution is grotesquely one-sided, outrageously narrow, and maliciously partisan," he added.

Duterte launched the anti-drug crackdown in 2016, and since then police say they have killed over 5,300 drug suspects. However, human rights groups say the true toll is four times that number.

The UN review comes in addition to a preliminary examination already launched by war crimes prosecutors from the International Criminal Court, which the Philippines left earlier this year.

Panelo attacked the UN resolution saying it "likewise demonstrates how the Western powers are scornful of our sovereign exercise of protecting our people".&nbsp;

Duterte's government frequently paints international criticism as a violation of sovereignty, but watchdogs counter by saying an impartial local review is nearly impossible while Duterte is in power.

Last week Amnesty International released a report alleging the killing is "systematic" and police face very little, if any, scrutiny over the nightly slayings.

Duterte has already publicly mocked Iceland over the UN vote.

"Iceland, what is Iceland's problem Justice. That's your problem. You have too much ice," Duterte said Friday.&nbsp;

"These idiots, they don't understand the social, economic, political problems of the Philippines."

While the Philippines and Iceland have diplomatic ties, they do not have embassies in each other's country, said the Filipino foreign minister.

Economic ties include Icelandic investment in geothermal energy in the Philippines and Filipinos working as office and factory workers and nurses in Iceland.

Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin had said his nation could withdraw from the UN rights council over the vote but later said it would not do so.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is "seriously considering" cutting his nation's diplomatic ties with Iceland after it spearheaded a UN resolution to probe his deadly drug war, the leader's spokesman said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is "seriously considering" cutting his nation's diplomatic ties with Iceland after it spearheaded a UN resolution to probe his deadly drug war, the leader's spokesman said. Duterte bristles at any Western condemnation of his signature campaign, which has killed thousands and critics say could amount to crimes against humanity. The comments late Monday from presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo came in response to the UN Human Rights Council last week backing the Iceland-proposed resolution to review the killings. "(Duterte) is seriously considering cutting diplomatic relations with Iceland," Panelo said in a statement. "The adopted Iceland resolution is grotesquely one-sided, outrageously narrow, and maliciously partisan," he added. Duterte launched the anti-drug crackdown in 2016, and since then police say they have killed over 5,300 drug suspects. However, human rights groups say the true toll is four times that number. The UN review comes in addition to a preliminary examination already launched by war crimes prosecutors from the International Criminal Court, which the Philippines left earlier this year. Panelo attacked the UN resolution saying it "likewise demonstrates how the Western powers are scornful of our sovereign exercise of protecting our people". Duterte's government frequently paints international criticism as a violation of sovereignty, but watchdogs counter by saying an impartial local review is nearly impossible while Duterte is in power. Last week Amnesty International released a report alleging the killing is "systematic" and police face very little, if any, scrutiny over the nightly slayings. Duterte has already publicly mocked Iceland over the UN vote. "Iceland, what is Iceland's problem Justice. That's your problem. You have too much ice," Duterte said Friday. "These idiots, they don't understand the social, economic, political problems of the Philippines." While the Philippines and Iceland have diplomatic ties, they do not have embassies in each other's country, said the Filipino foreign minister. Economic ties include Icelandic investment in geothermal energy in the Philippines and Filipinos working as office and factory workers and nurses in Iceland. Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin had said his nation could withdraw from the UN rights council over the vote but later said it would not do so.

Philippines' Duterte mulls cutting Iceland ties over United Nation probe

A senior UN official in Afghanistan has called on government offices to adopt policies of "zero tolerance" toward sexual harassment, amid a swirling scandal that has seen women allege routine misconduct in the corridors of power.

The controversy erupted in May when General Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former security advisor to President Ashraf Ghani, alleged that some members of Ghani's administration were trading government positions for sexual favours.

The attorney general's office is investigating the matter, and Ghani's spokesman has rejected Ahmadzai's claims as "completely false and baseless".

But several women have spoken out in the media with their own allegations, and stories of inappropriate behaviour by male officials are commonplace in Kabul.

Women's rights have made some significant steps since the fall of the Taliban nearly two decades ago: out of 320 parliamentary seats, roughly a quarter are held by women.

But despite these gains, harassment, abuse and violence remain commonplace.

Richard Bennett, the head of human rights for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, on Sunday addressed a conference in Kabul that included a discussion about a potential law aimed at ending violence against women.

"The issue of harassment in the workplace is of huge concern to Afghan women, primarily because it can eventually lead to a sexual assault," Bennett said, according to prepared remarks provided Monday.&nbsp;

"This should be a concern for everyone: police, prosecutors, judicial officials and civil society."

Bennett said he was strongly encouraging the attorney general's office and other bodies to develop and implement a comprehensive "zero tolerance" policy regarding the harassment of women in the workplace.

"It will send the signal that harassment of women and girls will not be tolerated and will be punished," he said.

Sarwar Danish, Afghanistan's second vice president, called on prosecutors to "seriously investigate" the reports at a press conference on Sunday.

"If the allegations are proved, after the investigation these people should be exposed. Such crimes are not acceptable to the Afghan government."

A senior UN official in Afghanistan has called on government offices to adopt policies of "zero tolerance" toward sexual harassment, amid a swirling scandal that has seen women allege routine misconduct in the corridors of power.

A senior UN official in Afghanistan has called on government offices to adopt policies of "zero tolerance" toward sexual harassment, amid a swirling scandal that has seen women allege routine misconduct in the corridors of power. The controversy erupted in May when General Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former security advisor to President Ashraf Ghani, alleged that some members of Ghani's administration were trading government positions for sexual favours. The attorney general's office is investigating the matter, and Ghani's spokesman has rejected Ahmadzai's claims as "completely false and baseless". But several women have spoken out in the media with their own allegations, and stories of inappropriate behaviour by male officials are commonplace in Kabul. Women's rights have made some significant steps since the fall of the Taliban nearly two decades ago: out of 320 parliamentary seats, roughly a quarter are held by women. But despite these gains, harassment, abuse and violence remain commonplace. Richard Bennett, the head of human rights for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, on Sunday addressed a conference in Kabul that included a discussion about a potential law aimed at ending violence against women. "The issue of harassment in the workplace is of huge concern to Afghan women, primarily because it can eventually lead to a sexual assault," Bennett said, according to prepared remarks provided Monday. "This should be a concern for everyone: police, prosecutors, judicial officials and civil society." Bennett said he was strongly encouraging the attorney general's office and other bodies to develop and implement a comprehensive "zero tolerance" policy regarding the harassment of women in the workplace. "It will send the signal that harassment of women and girls will not be tolerated and will be punished," he said. Sarwar Danish, Afghanistan's second vice president, called on prosecutors to "seriously investigate" the reports at a press conference on Sunday. "If the allegations are proved, after the investigation these people should be exposed. Such crimes are not acceptable to the Afghan government."

United Nations calls for 'zero tolerance' on sexual harassment in Afghanistan workplace

More than 821 million people suffered from hunger, food insecurity and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lifted-271-million-people-out-of-poverty-between-2006-and-2016-says-united-nations-report-235245">malnutrition worldwide last year</a>, the United Nations reported on Monday - the third year in a row that the number has risen.

After decades of decline, food insecurity began to increase in 2015 and reversing the trend is one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-chiefs-call-to-save-the-pacific-to-save-the-world-219655">2030 targets of the UN's</a> Sustainable Development Goals.

But getting to a world where no one is suffering from hunger by then remains an "immense challenge," the report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World" was produced by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other UN agencies including the World Health Organization. &nbsp;

"To safeguard food security and nutrition, it is critical to already have in place economic and social policies to counteract the effects of adverse economic cycles when they arrive, while avoiding cuts in essential services, such as health care and education, at all costs," it said.

The authors said a "structural transformation" was needed to include the poorest people in the world, a move they said would require "integrating food security and nutrition concerns into poverty reduction efforts" while tackling gender inequality and the exclusion of certain social groups.&nbsp;

Malnutrition remains widespread in Africa, where around 20 per cent of the population is affected, and in Asia where more than 12 of people experience it. In Latin America and the Caribbean, seven percent of people are affected.

Adding the number of people suffering from famine to those hit by food insecurity gives a total of more than two billion.&nbsp;

The FAO said current efforts were insufficient to meet the goal of halving the number of children whose growth is stunted by malnutrition by 2030.

Around 149 million children currently suffer from hunger-related growth delays.&nbsp;

At the same time, the report notes that obesity and excess weight are both on the rise in all regions, with school-age children and adults particularly affected.

More than 821 million people suffered from hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide last year, the United Nations reported on Monday - the third year in a row that the number has risen.

More than 821 million people suffered from hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide last year, the United Nations reported on Monday - the third year in a row that the number has risen. After decades of decline, food insecurity began to increase in 2015 and reversing the trend is one of the 2030 targets of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. But getting to a world where no one is suffering from hunger by then remains an "immense challenge," the report said. "The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World" was produced by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other UN agencies including the World Health Organization. "To safeguard food security and nutrition, it is critical to already have in place economic and social policies to counteract the effects of adverse economic cycles when they arrive, while avoiding cuts in essential services, such as health care and education, at all costs," it said. The authors said a "structural transformation" was needed to include the poorest people in the world, a move they said would require "integrating food security and nutrition concerns into poverty reduction efforts" while tackling gender inequality and the exclusion of certain social groups. Malnutrition remains widespread in Africa, where around 20 per cent of the population is affected, and in Asia where more than 12 of people experience it. In Latin America and the Caribbean, seven percent of people are affected. Adding the number of people suffering from famine to those hit by food insecurity gives a total of more than two billion. The FAO said current efforts were insufficient to meet the goal of halving the number of children whose growth is stunted by malnutrition by 2030. Around 149 million children currently suffer from hunger-related growth delays. At the same time, the report notes that obesity and excess weight are both on the rise in all regions, with school-age children and adults particularly affected.

Hunger on the rise worldwide as 821 million affected: UN

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-family-find-cocaine-packages-worth-over-a-half-million-us-dollars-234469">Philippines</a>'&nbsp;highest-ranking lawmaker said on Monday a UN resolution to probe the country's bloody war on drugs should be ignored, and its chief backer Iceland be investigated instead for human rights abuses in allowing abortion.

"They have more unborn babies that they have aborted or killed. There are more killings in abortion than the drug pushers who are fighting the police," Senate President Vicente Sotto told ANC news channel.

The Nordic nation lacks moral grounds to lecture the Philippines on human rights, Sotto said. "So we should disregard that resolution."

His remarks are the latest in a series of comments from lawmakers urging the government to not cooperate after the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday adopted Iceland`s resolution to investigate thousands of deaths under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amnesty-urges-united-nation-probe-of-systematic-philippine-drug-war-killings-234069">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drugs campaign</a>.

Police have killed more than 6,600 suspected drug dealers in sting operations since Duterte took office in 2016.&nbsp;

Critics and rights group said authorities summarily execute suspects, which the police deny.

"The criminals can fight back, the babies cannot.

What human rights are they talking about?" Sotto said, adding that drug dealers that fight back and destroy families lose their human rights.

His comments about abortion echoed those made by incoming Senator Imee Marcos, the daughter of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Rights groups, which hailed the UN vote as a step towards accountability, point out that the bloody anti-narcotics campaign is marked by systematic cover-ups, planted evidence, and impunity.

The president`s spokesman on Monday warned countries not to meddle with the state`s affairs.

"All incidents in the war on drugs are tallied, recorded. All they have to do is ask us, not to pre-judge us," presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told a regular news conference.

&nbsp;"It behooves them to render respect to a sovereign state."

Duterte on Friday mocked Iceland as an ice-eating nation without an understanding of his country`s problems.

The Philippines' highest-ranking lawmaker said on Monday a UN resolution to probe the country's bloody war on drugs should be ignored, and its chief backer Iceland be investigated instead for human rights abuses in allowing abortion.

The Philippines' highest-ranking lawmaker said on Monday a UN resolution to probe the country's bloody war on drugs should be ignored, and its chief backer Iceland be investigated instead for human rights abuses in allowing abortion. "They have more unborn babies that they have aborted or killed. There are more killings in abortion than the drug pushers who are fighting the police," Senate President Vicente Sotto told ANC news channel. The Nordic nation lacks moral grounds to lecture the Philippines on human rights, Sotto said. "So we should disregard that resolution." His remarks are the latest in a series of comments from lawmakers urging the government to not cooperate after the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday adopted Iceland`s resolution to investigate thousands of deaths under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drugs campaign. Police have killed more than 6,600 suspected drug dealers in sting operations since Duterte took office in 2016. Critics and rights group said authorities summarily execute suspects, which the police deny. "The criminals can fight back, the babies cannot. What human rights are they talking about?" Sotto said, adding that drug dealers that fight back and destroy families lose their human rights. His comments about abortion echoed those made by incoming Senator Imee Marcos, the daughter of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Rights groups, which hailed the UN vote as a step towards accountability, point out that the bloody anti-narcotics campaign is marked by systematic cover-ups, planted evidence, and impunity. The president`s spokesman on Monday warned countries not to meddle with the state`s affairs. "All incidents in the war on drugs are tallied, recorded. All they have to do is ask us, not to pre-judge us," presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told a regular news conference. "It behooves them to render respect to a sovereign state." Duterte on Friday mocked Iceland as an ice-eating nation without an understanding of his country`s problems.

Philippines' top senator chides Iceland for abortion, United Nation drugs war probe

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">UN human rights</a> chief said Monday that she was "deeply shocked" by conditions under which migrants and refugees are held at US detention centres, following reports of severe overcrowding and disease-ridden cells.&nbsp;

"As a paediatrician, but also as a mother and a former head of State, I am deeply shocked that children are forced to sleep on the floor in overcrowded facilities, without access to adequate healthcare or food, and with poor sanitation conditions," the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">Michelle Bachelet</a>, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog report released last week warned of "dangerous overcrowding" in multiple detention facilities holding thousands of migrants seeking to remain in the United States. Most of them are fleeing violence and poverty in Central America.

On Saturday, the New York Times and The El Paso Times published an article describing a Border Patrol station in Clint, Texas as filled with hundreds of children wearing filthy clothing and packed into disease-ridden cells.

President Donald Trump called the story a "hoax" and said he would take the media to visit the centres.&nbsp;

Democratic lawmakers who recently visited detention facilities reported massive crowding in cells with no running water, where children and adults lacked access to medicines and were deprived of showers for up to two weeks.

Responding to the DHS report, Bachelet said that even detaining children "for short periods under good conditions can have a serious impact on their health and development.

"Consider the damage being done every day by allowing this alarming situation to continue," added Bachelet, the former president of Chile.

Trump has previously expressed little sympathy for migrants in the facilities.

On Twitter, he wrote,&nbsp;"If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centres, just tell them not to come. All problems solved!"

'This should never happen, anywhere'&nbsp;

Bachelet called for compassion, stressing that those who find themselves in these facilities "have embarked on perilous journeys with their children in search of protection and dignity and away from violence and hunger."

"When they finally believe they have arrived in safety, they may find themselves separated from their loved ones and locked in undignified conditions. This should never happen anywhere."

She noted that states have the right to determine the circumstances surrounding the entry of foreign nationals and acknowledged the complex challenges surrounding migration management, including in Central America.&nbsp;

"But clearly, border management measures must comply with the State’s human rights obligations and should not be based on narrow policies aimed only at detecting, detaining and expeditiously deporting irregular migrants," she added.

The UN human rights chief said Monday that she was "deeply shocked" by conditions under which migrants and refugees are held at US detention centres, following reports of severe overcrowding and disease-ridden cells.

The UN human rights chief said Monday that she was "deeply shocked" by conditions under which migrants and refugees are held at US detention centres, following reports of severe overcrowding and disease-ridden cells. "As a paediatrician, but also as a mother and a former head of State, I am deeply shocked that children are forced to sleep on the floor in overcrowded facilities, without access to adequate healthcare or food, and with poor sanitation conditions," the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said in a statement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog report released last week warned of "dangerous overcrowding" in multiple detention facilities holding thousands of migrants seeking to remain in the United States. Most of them are fleeing violence and poverty in Central America. On Saturday, the New York Times and The El Paso Times published an article describing a Border Patrol station in Clint, Texas as filled with hundreds of children wearing filthy clothing and packed into disease-ridden cells. President Donald Trump called the story a "hoax" and said he would take the media to visit the centres. Democratic lawmakers who recently visited detention facilities reported massive crowding in cells with no running water, where children and adults lacked access to medicines and were deprived of showers for up to two weeks. Responding to the DHS report, Bachelet said that even detaining children "for short periods under good conditions can have a serious impact on their health and development. "Consider the damage being done every day by allowing this alarming situation to continue," added Bachelet, the former president of Chile. Trump has previously expressed little sympathy for migrants in the facilities. On Twitter, he wrote, "If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centres, just tell them not to come. All problems solved!" 'This should never happen, anywhere' Bachelet called for compassion, stressing that those who find themselves in these facilities "have embarked on perilous journeys with their children in search of protection and dignity and away from violence and hunger." "When they finally believe they have arrived in safety, they may find themselves separated from their loved ones and locked in undignified conditions. This should never happen anywhere." She noted that states have the right to determine the circumstances surrounding the entry of foreign nationals and acknowledged the complex challenges surrounding migration management, including in Central America. "But clearly, border management measures must comply with the State’s human rights obligations and should not be based on narrow policies aimed only at detecting, detaining and expeditiously deporting irregular migrants," she added.

United Nation rights chief 'shocked' by conditions at US migrant detention centres

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-rejects-call-for-united-nations-rights-council-probe-225446">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's</a> narcotics crackdown has become a "systematic" campaign of killing, Amnesty International alleged on Monday, urging the United Nations to launch a probe into thousands of deaths.

The drug war is Duterte's signature initiative and is heavily supported by many Filipinos, but the nightly slaying of suspects by police and masked gunmen has provoked international condemnation.

In a speech just hours after Amnesty issued its report attacking the crackdown, Duterte said "extrajudicial killing is okay, but not corruption", &nbsp;though he did not elaborate further.

In its report, Amnesty said there is a well-worn pattern of deadly police operations, planted evidence and abductions that start with so-called "watch lists".

Those names are supplied by local officials who are "under immense pressure" from authorities to provide a steady stream of suspects, the London-based monitor said.

"Worse still, individuals on watch lists appear to be placed on them indefinitely, with no means of getting delisted, even after they have gone through drug treatment or stopped using drugs," said the report.

Amnesty said it was impossible to determine how many people have been killed in the campaign, accusing Manila of "deliberate obfuscation and misinformation" that has left victims' kin feeling helpless.

The government's official toll is just over 5,300, but watchdogs say the true number is quadruple that.

"What we believe is most important, in assessing the current situation, is the systematic nature of the violations," Amnesty's East Asia director Nicholas Bequelin told AFP.

'Failure of the international community'&nbsp;

Amnesty said the press has lost interest in the killings while the government fails to investigate or provide adequate treatment programmes for drug users.

"It has had the effect of creating a climate of total impunity in the country, in which police and others are free to kill without consequence," it said.

"There is sufficient evidence to conclude that crimes committed may constitute crimes against humanity," the group added.

Amnesty said it investigated the deaths of 27 people over the past year in Bulacan, a province near Manila that has become "the country's bloodiest killing field".

Police broke down doors before shooting drug suspects inside and abducted others to be killed elsewhere, it alleged.

Police also tampered with crime scenes and fabricated their reports, planted evidence and stole from victims, it added.

Amnesty called on the UN Human Rights Council to open an inquiry to "put an end to these crimes, and to provide justice and reparations for countless families and victims".

"We ask that the council vote on the resolution and let it pass this week so that an independent investigation can commence led by the UN," Amnesty section director in the Philippines Butch Olano told reporters.&nbsp;

He was referring to a draft resolution, proposed by Iceland and backed mainly by Western nations, which calls for a probe into the drug war and that is expected to go up for a vote before the council sessions end on Friday.

Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo criticised as "incorrigible" Amnesty's call for a probe, adding police only killed suspects in self-defence.&nbsp;

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's narcotics crackdown has become a "systematic" campaign of killing, Amnesty International alleged on Monday, urging the United Nations to launch a probe into thousands of deaths.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's narcotics crackdown has become a "systematic" campaign of killing, Amnesty International alleged on Monday, urging the United Nations to launch a probe into thousands of deaths. The drug war is Duterte's signature initiative and is heavily supported by many Filipinos, but the nightly slaying of suspects by police and masked gunmen has provoked international condemnation. In a speech just hours after Amnesty issued its report attacking the crackdown, Duterte said "extrajudicial killing is okay, but not corruption", though he did not elaborate further. In its report, Amnesty said there is a well-worn pattern of deadly police operations, planted evidence and abductions that start with so-called "watch lists". Those names are supplied by local officials who are "under immense pressure" from authorities to provide a steady stream of suspects, the London-based monitor said. "Worse still, individuals on watch lists appear to be placed on them indefinitely, with no means of getting delisted, even after they have gone through drug treatment or stopped using drugs," said the report. Amnesty said it was impossible to determine how many people have been killed in the campaign, accusing Manila of "deliberate obfuscation and misinformation" that has left victims' kin feeling helpless. The government's official toll is just over 5,300, but watchdogs say the true number is quadruple that. "What we believe is most important, in assessing the current situation, is the systematic nature of the violations," Amnesty's East Asia director Nicholas Bequelin told AFP. 'Failure of the international community' Amnesty said the press has lost interest in the killings while the government fails to investigate or provide adequate treatment programmes for drug users. "It has had the effect of creating a climate of total impunity in the country, in which police and others are free to kill without consequence," it said. "There is sufficient evidence to conclude that crimes committed may constitute crimes against humanity," the group added. Amnesty said it investigated the deaths of 27 people over the past year in Bulacan, a province near Manila that has become "the country's bloodiest killing field". Police broke down doors before shooting drug suspects inside and abducted others to be killed elsewhere, it alleged. Police also tampered with crime scenes and fabricated their reports, planted evidence and stole from victims, it added. Amnesty called on the UN Human Rights Council to open an inquiry to "put an end to these crimes, and to provide justice and reparations for countless families and victims". "We ask that the council vote on the resolution and let it pass this week so that an independent investigation can commence led by the UN," Amnesty section director in the Philippines Butch Olano told reporters. He was referring to a draft resolution, proposed by Iceland and backed mainly by Western nations, which calls for a probe into the drug war and that is expected to go up for a vote before the council sessions end on Friday. Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo criticised as "incorrigible" Amnesty's call for a probe, adding police only killed suspects in self-defence.

Amnesty urges United Nation probe of 'systematic' Philippine drug war killings

Nearly 40 migrants were killed in an airstrike Tuesday night on their detention centre in a Tripoli suburb blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who has been trying for three months to seize the capital.

At least 70 were also wounded in the raid on Tajoura, an emergency services spokesman told AFP.

"This is a preliminary assessment and the toll could rise," said spokesman Osama Ali.

He said 120 migrants were detained in the hangar which was directly hit by the strike.

Bodies were strewn on the floor of the hangar, mixed with the belongings and blood-soaked clothes of migrants, an AFP photographer said.

Rescuers were searching for survivors under the rubble, while dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene.&nbsp;

In a statement, the internationally recognised national unity government (GNA) based in Tripoli denounced the attack as a "heinous crime" and blamed it on the "war criminal Khalifar Haftar".

Haftar, who controls much of eastern and southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-90000-displaced-in-libya-due-to-fighting-in-tripoli-un-223422">Libya</a>, in early April, launched an offensive to take the capital.

The GNA accused pro-Haftar forces of having carried out a "premeditated" and "precise" attack on the migrant centre.

No one has so far claimed responsibility but pro-Haftar media reported Tuesday night a "series of air raids" in Tripoli and Tajoura.

The suburb of Tajoura, which has several military sites belonging to pro-GNA armed groups, is regularly targeted in air raids by Khalifa's forces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Migrants 'at risk'&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-unanimously-extends-libyas-arms-embargo-for-1-year-226208">United Nation </a>refugee agency said it was "extremely concerned" at reports of the strikes on the migrant centre.

"UNHCR is extremely concerned about news of air strikes targeting Tajoura detention centre east of Tripoli, and accounts of refugees and migrants deceased," it tweeted. "Civilians should never be a target."

Libya, wracked by chaos since the 2011 uprising against dictator Moamer Kadhafi, has become a major conduit for migrants seeking to reach Europe.

Rights groups say migrants face horrifying abuses in the North African country, which remains prey to a multitude of militias vying for control of the oil-rich country.

The plight of migrants has worsened since Haftar launched an offensive against Tripoli, the seat of an internationally recognised unity government in early April.

Since then, fighting has killed more than 700 and wounded 4,000, while nearly 100,000 have been displaced, according to UN agencies.&nbsp;

Haftar's forces have pledged to intensify air strikes against their GNA rivals after losing a key town to unity government forces.

The two rival camps accuse each other of using foreign mercenaries and enjoying military support, especially air, from foreign powers.

The UN's mission in Libya has said around 3,500 migrants and refugees held in detention centres near the combat zone are at risk.

UN agencies and humanitarian organisations have regularly voiced their opposition to migrants arrested at sea being brought back to Libya, where they are "arbitrarily detained" or at the mercy of militias.

Despite chronic instability, Libya remains an important transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and instability in other parts of Africa and the Middle East.&nbsp;

Nearly 40 migrants were killed in an airstrike Tuesday night on their detention centre in a Tripoli suburb blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who has been trying for three months to seize the capital.

Nearly 40 migrants were killed in an airstrike Tuesday night on their detention centre in a Tripoli suburb blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who has been trying for three months to seize the capital. At least 70 were also wounded in the raid on Tajoura, an emergency services spokesman told AFP. "This is a preliminary assessment and the toll could rise," said spokesman Osama Ali. He said 120 migrants were detained in the hangar which was directly hit by the strike. Bodies were strewn on the floor of the hangar, mixed with the belongings and blood-soaked clothes of migrants, an AFP photographer said. Rescuers were searching for survivors under the rubble, while dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene. In a statement, the internationally recognised national unity government (GNA) based in Tripoli denounced the attack as a "heinous crime" and blamed it on the "war criminal Khalifar Haftar". Haftar, who controls much of eastern and southern Libya, in early April, launched an offensive to take the capital. The GNA accused pro-Haftar forces of having carried out a "premeditated" and "precise" attack on the migrant centre. No one has so far claimed responsibility but pro-Haftar media reported Tuesday night a "series of air raids" in Tripoli and Tajoura. The suburb of Tajoura, which has several military sites belonging to pro-GNA armed groups, is regularly targeted in air raids by Khalifa's forces. Migrants 'at risk' The United Nation refugee agency said it was "extremely concerned" at reports of the strikes on the migrant centre. "UNHCR is extremely concerned about news of air strikes targeting Tajoura detention centre east of Tripoli, and accounts of refugees and migrants deceased," it tweeted. "Civilians should never be a target." Libya, wracked by chaos since the 2011 uprising against dictator Moamer Kadhafi, has become a major conduit for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Rights groups say migrants face horrifying abuses in the North African country, which remains prey to a multitude of militias vying for control of the oil-rich country. The plight of migrants has worsened since Haftar launched an offensive against Tripoli, the seat of an internationally recognised unity government in early April. Since then, fighting has killed more than 700 and wounded 4,000, while nearly 100,000 have been displaced, according to UN agencies. Haftar's forces have pledged to intensify air strikes against their GNA rivals after losing a key town to unity government forces. The two rival camps accuse each other of using foreign mercenaries and enjoying military support, especially air, from foreign powers. The UN's mission in Libya has said around 3,500 migrants and refugees held in detention centres near the combat zone are at risk. UN agencies and humanitarian organisations have regularly voiced their opposition to migrants arrested at sea being brought back to Libya, where they are "arbitrarily detained" or at the mercy of militias. Despite chronic instability, Libya remains an important transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and instability in other parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Nearly 40 killed in air strike on Libya migrant centre

Pressured by a labour crunch and rising wages in China, Shu Ke' an, whose company supplies bulletproof vests, rifle bags and other tactical gear to the United States, first considered shifting some production to Southeast Asia a few years ago, but nothing came of it.

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asian-markets-tumble-over-intensifying-us-china-trade-tensions-223751">trade tensions</a> flared into a tariff war last year, however, it was the final straw.

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-rekindle-trade-talks-ahead-of-donald-trump-xi-jinping-g20-meeting-228545">US President Donald</a> imposed additional tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods in September, Shu, 49, decided to start making vests for his US clients in Myanmar instead.

Since then, the Trump administration has further hiked tariffs on Chinese imports, raising the US taxes on Shu's Guangzhou-made bulletproof vests to 42.6%.

With more than half of his company's income reliant on orders from the United States, Shu was happy with his Myanmar decision.

"The trade war was actually a blessing in disguise," he said.

With Trump poised to slap 25% tariffs on another $300 billion-plus of Chinese goods, no exporter in China will be unscathed.

In recent years, some Chinese manufacturers had already started to relocate some of their capacity to countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia, due to high operating costs at home. The trade war is now pushing more to follow suit, especially makers of low-tech and low-value goods.

A few Chinese exporters have also tried to dodge the trade war bullet by quietly transhipping via third countries.

Choice Destination

Nine months on, Shu's firm, Yakeda Tactical Gear Co, is relying on his new Myanmar factory, which started operations in December, to produce new orders for its US clients.

The 220 workers at his original Guangzhou plant, in China's Pearl River Delta manufacturing powerhouse, now mostly supply clients in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

In Yangon, meanwhile, Shu's Myanmar factory turns raw materials imported from China into backpacks, kit bags and pouches for rifles and pistols - all labelled 'Made in Myanmar' almost all of which are exported to the United States.

"Our factory is receiving many orders. The products are being exported to the US and Europe. So, I believe our future will be improved from working in this factory," said Marlar Cho, 36, a supervisor at the factory.

The factory manager, 40-year-old Jiang Aoxiong from eastern China, said they were constantly rushing to keep up with orders, despite its 600-strong workforce.

Though international criticism of Myanmar's handling of the Rohingya crisis has crimped Western investment, the Southeast Asian nation has become the choice destination for some Chinese firms, drawn to its cheap and abundant labour.

The former British colony, located on China's southwestern border, exports some 5,000 products to the United States duty-free under a US trade programme for developing nations - another big plus.

In the 12 months through April, approved Chinese projects increased by $585 million, the latest data from Myanmar's Directorate of Investment and Company Administration shows.

The infusion of Chinese capital has helped fuel expansion in Myanmar's fledgeling industrial sector.

In May, firms saw the fastest rise in workforce numbers since 2015, while production scaled a 13-month high, the latest Nikkei Myanmar Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index survey showed.

Stay or Go?

ACMEX Group, a tyre maker based in China's coastal Shandong province, already had some experience with offshoring when the trade war began.

About two years ago, it started manufacturing some tyres in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia to take advantage of lower labour and raw material costs and avoid US anti-dumping duties.

With fresh tariffs in the trade war, the company plans to boost the proportion of tyres made abroad to 50% from 20%, and build its own factories instead of outsourcing to existing factories, Chairman Guan Zheng said.

"The time is ripe now," he said, adding that supply chain infrastructure had improved.

The experience of companies like ACMEX and Shu's Yakeda Tactical Gear underlines how the trade war has put Chinese exporters on the back foot, needing to either diversify their client base, increase domestic sales or move production to a third country.

But all those options require time and money, which are not necessarily available to China's legion of small exporters grappling with thinning profit margins.

Even locations such as Vietnam and the Philippines have grown too dear for some.

While China has encouraged the relocation of some heavy industry overseas to ease overcapacity and support its ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure plan, Beijing is less supportive of a broader move to shift manufacturing offshore.

Liang Ming, director of the Institute of International Trade at the Ministry of Commerce's Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, rejected the idea that Chinese firms were leaving China in droves.

"Few companies are actually moving. If they move, they risk losses if there is a China-US deal," Liang told reporters earlier this month, adding that any relocation back to China would be expensive.

As trade pressures intensify, analysts say China will loosen policy further in months ahead to shore up economic growth.

Investors are also watching to see how much Beijing allows the yuan to weaken to offset higher US tariffs. The tightly-managed currency has depreciated about 2% against the dollar since trade tensions worsened in early May.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to meet in Osaka at a G20 summit at the end of this week in a bid to reset ties poisoned by the trade war.

And though costs and labour may be cheaper, some Chinese firms with experience of offshoring say there are downsides too.

Factory manager Jiang complained about lower worker productivity in Myanmar compared with China, flooded roads during the rainy season, and power cuts of eight to nine hours every day.

"If there is no trade war between China and the US, we definitely would not have come to Myanmar to open our factory," he said.

Pressured by a labour crunch and rising wages in China, Shu Ke' an, whose company supplies bulletproof vests, rifle bags and other tactical gear to the United States, first considered shifting some production to Southeast Asia a few years ago, but nothing came of it.

Pressured by a labour crunch and rising wages in China, Shu Ke' an, whose company supplies bulletproof vests, rifle bags and other tactical gear to the United States, first considered shifting some production to Southeast Asia a few years ago, but nothing came of it. When trade tensions flared into a tariff war last year, however, it was the final straw. A day after US President Donald imposed additional tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods in September, Shu, 49, decided to start making vests for his US clients in Myanmar instead. Since then, the Trump administration has further hiked tariffs on Chinese imports, raising the US taxes on Shu's Guangzhou-made bulletproof vests to 42.6%. With more than half of his company's income reliant on orders from the United States, Shu was happy with his Myanmar decision. "The trade war was actually a blessing in disguise," he said. With Trump poised to slap 25% tariffs on another $300 billion-plus of Chinese goods, no exporter in China will be unscathed. In recent years, some Chinese manufacturers had already started to relocate some of their capacity to countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia, due to high operating costs at home. The trade war is now pushing more to follow suit, especially makers of low-tech and low-value goods. A few Chinese exporters have also tried to dodge the trade war bullet by quietly transhipping via third countries. Choice Destination Nine months on, Shu's firm, Yakeda Tactical Gear Co, is relying on his new Myanmar factory, which started operations in December, to produce new orders for its US clients. The 220 workers at his original Guangzhou plant, in China's Pearl River Delta manufacturing powerhouse, now mostly supply clients in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. In Yangon, meanwhile, Shu's Myanmar factory turns raw materials imported from China into backpacks, kit bags and pouches for rifles and pistols - all labelled 'Made in Myanmar' almost all of which are exported to the United States. "Our factory is receiving many orders. The products are being exported to the US and Europe. So, I believe our future will be improved from working in this factory," said Marlar Cho, 36, a supervisor at the factory. The factory manager, 40-year-old Jiang Aoxiong from eastern China, said they were constantly rushing to keep up with orders, despite its 600-strong workforce. Though international criticism of Myanmar's handling of the Rohingya crisis has crimped Western investment, the Southeast Asian nation has become the choice destination for some Chinese firms, drawn to its cheap and abundant labour. The former British colony, located on China's southwestern border, exports some 5,000 products to the United States duty-free under a US trade programme for developing nations - another big plus. In the 12 months through April, approved Chinese projects increased by $585 million, the latest data from Myanmar's Directorate of Investment and Company Administration shows. The infusion of Chinese capital has helped fuel expansion in Myanmar's fledgeling industrial sector. In May, firms saw the fastest rise in workforce numbers since 2015, while production scaled a 13-month high, the latest Nikkei Myanmar Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index survey showed. Stay or Go? ACMEX Group, a tyre maker based in China's coastal Shandong province, already had some experience with offshoring when the trade war began. About two years ago, it started manufacturing some tyres in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia to take advantage of lower labour and raw material costs and avoid US anti-dumping duties. With fresh tariffs in the trade war, the company plans to boost the proportion of tyres made abroad to 50% from 20%, and build its own factories instead of outsourcing to existing factories, Chairman Guan Zheng said. "The time is ripe now," he said, adding that supply chain infrastructure had improved. The experience of companies like ACMEX and Shu's Yakeda Tactical Gear underlines how the trade war has put Chinese exporters on the back foot, needing to either diversify their client base, increase domestic sales or move production to a third country. But all those options require time and money, which are not necessarily available to China's legion of small exporters grappling with thinning profit margins. Even locations such as Vietnam and the Philippines have grown too dear for some. While China has encouraged the relocation of some heavy industry overseas to ease overcapacity and support its ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure plan, Beijing is less supportive of a broader move to shift manufacturing offshore. Liang Ming, director of the Institute of International Trade at the Ministry of Commerce's Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, rejected the idea that Chinese firms were leaving China in droves. "Few companies are actually moving. If they move, they risk losses if there is a China-US deal," Liang told reporters earlier this month, adding that any relocation back to China would be expensive. As trade pressures intensify, analysts say China will loosen policy further in months ahead to shore up economic growth. Investors are also watching to see how much Beijing allows the yuan to weaken to offset higher US tariffs. The tightly-managed currency has depreciated about 2% against the dollar since trade tensions worsened in early May. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to meet in Osaka at a G20 summit at the end of this week in a bid to reset ties poisoned by the trade war. And though costs and labour may be cheaper, some Chinese firms with experience of offshoring say there are downsides too. Factory manager Jiang complained about lower worker productivity in Myanmar compared with China, flooded roads during the rainy season, and power cuts of eight to nine hours every day. "If there is no trade war between China and the US, we definitely would not have come to Myanmar to open our factory," he said.

To dodge trade war, Chinese exporters shift production to low-cost nations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862">Iran</a> is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862">deal with major powers</a> but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say.

On Wednesday, the UN nuclear watchdog verified that Iran had roughly 200 kg of low-enriched uranium, below the deal's 202.8 kg limit, three diplomats who follow the agency's work said.

Two of the diplomats said Iran was producing at a rate of around 1 kg a day, suggesting it will not make good on its announcement that it would reach the limit on Thursday. It could, however, go over the line soon after a meeting with other signatories of the deal in Vienna on Friday that is aimed at saving the accord.

"They haven't reached the limit... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," one diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

The 2015 deal, which lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, is aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months.

Washington pulled out of the deal last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to unravel, but it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions.

Iran is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its deal with major powers but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say.

Iran is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its deal with major powers but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say. On Wednesday, the UN nuclear watchdog verified that Iran had roughly 200 kg of low-enriched uranium, below the deal's 202.8 kg limit, three diplomats who follow the agency's work said. Two of the diplomats said Iran was producing at a rate of around 1 kg a day, suggesting it will not make good on its announcement that it would reach the limit on Thursday. It could, however, go over the line soon after a meeting with other signatories of the deal in Vienna on Friday that is aimed at saving the accord. "They haven't reached the limit... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," one diplomat said on condition of anonymity. The 2015 deal, which lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, is aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months. Washington pulled out of the deal last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to unravel, but it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions.

Iran still short of nuclear deal's enriched uranium cap: Diplomats

Prison officials in Sri Lanka Thursday said they were yet to receive the documents related to President Maithripala <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-maithripala-sirisena-signs-death-penalty-for-four-drugs-convicts-230541">Sirisena's signed death warrants to hang four drug convicts</a>.

President Sirisena on Wednesday signed the death warrants to hang four drug convicts, ending a four-decade-long moratorium on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-resume-executions-within-two-months-president-195641">capital punishment in Sri Lanka</a>.

&nbsp;The last execution in Sri Lanka was 43 years ago. A senior prison official told reporters they have not received any written instructions for the hanging until Thursday morning.

"The president's secretary must write to the secretary to the ministry of Justice and Prison Reforms. Then the ministry secretary must intimate in writing to the Commissioner General of Prisons," said the official who did not want to be named.

He said the four convicts would be informed in writing of their death sentence and if they are currently housed in any other prison, then they would have to be brought to the Welikada prison in the capital Colombo.

Sirisena said Wednesday he was committed to bringing back capital punishment for drug offenders, months after vowing a tougher line on spiralling narcotics-related crime.

This was despite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/activists-decry-sri-lankan-presidents-praise-for-dutertes-drugs-war-191336">Sri Lanka</a> has become a party to the UN moratorium on the death penalty and voting in favour of the moratorium just six months back. 
The international condemnation of the decision to resume capital punishment has been coming since the President made his announcement.

The British government in a statement condemned the move, saying the decision would have implications on many areas including counter-terrorism cooperation.

The decision would hamper Sri Lanka's reputation as a tourist destination, the statement added.

The decision will require us to review our technical assistance programme on relevant policing, defence and other security issues, it said. 
Sirisena's signing of death warrants came during the ongoing 'Drug Prevention' week from June 23 to July 1.

All of Sirisena's predecessors as Presidents had refused to sign the death warrants to carry out capital punishment. The death sentences have been commuted to life terms which usually lasts 20 years.

The last hanging came in June 1976 when Siripala alias Maru Sira, a noted criminal was hanged for murder and Sri Lanka's last hangman quit in 2014 without ever having to execute anyone, citing stress after seeing the gallows for the first time. Another hangman hired last year never turned up for work.

Justice Ministry in March said there were over 450 prisoners in Sri Lankan jails, including five women. Out of that, at least 48 are drug convicts. While 30 of them appealed against their death sentence, 18 of them could be hanged, officials said.

Sri Lanka in March advertised to recruit two hangmen to carry out executions. There were over 100 applications received by February 25 deadline, officials said.&nbsp;

The New York-based rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in April that some 1299 Sri Lankan prisoners, including 84 women are on death row.&nbsp;

"Imposing the death penalty for drug offences would violate Sri Lanka's human rights obligations," the HRW said.

Sirisena said he would sign death warrants only for the drug convicts.

Prison officials in Sri Lanka Thursday said they were yet to receive the documents related to President Maithripala Sirisena's signed death warrants to hang four drug convicts.

Prison officials in Sri Lanka Thursday said they were yet to receive the documents related to President Maithripala Sirisena's signed death warrants to hang four drug convicts. President Sirisena on Wednesday signed the death warrants to hang four drug convicts, ending a four-decade-long moratorium on the capital punishment in Sri Lanka. The last execution in Sri Lanka was 43 years ago. A senior prison official told reporters they have not received any written instructions for the hanging until Thursday morning. "The president's secretary must write to the secretary to the ministry of Justice and Prison Reforms. Then the ministry secretary must intimate in writing to the Commissioner General of Prisons," said the official who did not want to be named. He said the four convicts would be informed in writing of their death sentence and if they are currently housed in any other prison, then they would have to be brought to the Welikada prison in the capital Colombo. Sirisena said Wednesday he was committed to bringing back capital punishment for drug offenders, months after vowing a tougher line on spiralling narcotics-related crime. This was despite Sri Lanka has become a party to the UN moratorium on the death penalty and voting in favour of the moratorium just six months back. The international condemnation of the decision to resume capital punishment has been coming since the President made his announcement. The British government in a statement condemned the move, saying the decision would have implications on many areas including counter-terrorism cooperation. The decision would hamper Sri Lanka's reputation as a tourist destination, the statement added. The decision will require us to review our technical assistance programme on relevant policing, defence and other security issues, it said. Sirisena's signing of death warrants came during the ongoing 'Drug Prevention' week from June 23 to July 1. All of Sirisena's predecessors as Presidents had refused to sign the death warrants to carry out capital punishment. The death sentences have been commuted to life terms which usually lasts 20 years. The last hanging came in June 1976 when Siripala alias Maru Sira, a noted criminal was hanged for murder and Sri Lanka's last hangman quit in 2014 without ever having to execute anyone, citing stress after seeing the gallows for the first time. Another hangman hired last year never turned up for work. Justice Ministry in March said there were over 450 prisoners in Sri Lankan jails, including five women. Out of that, at least 48 are drug convicts. While 30 of them appealed against their death sentence, 18 of them could be hanged, officials said. Sri Lanka in March advertised to recruit two hangmen to carry out executions. There were over 100 applications received by February 25 deadline, officials said. The New York-based rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in April that some 1299 Sri Lankan prisoners, including 84 women are on death row. "Imposing the death penalty for drug offences would violate Sri Lanka's human rights obligations," the HRW said. Sirisena said he would sign death warrants only for the drug convicts.

Sri Lankan prison officials await President Maithripala Sirisena's hanging order

An internet blackout in parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/former-blackwater-contractor-erik-prince-in-myanmar-security-venture-204928">Myanmar </a>could be cover for "gross human rights violations" in an area where a brutal army crackdown has already forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee, a UN rights investigator said.

The military is locked in battle with the Arakan Army (AA), insurgents fighting for more autonomy for the region's ethnic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amnesty-accuses-myanmar-military-of-fresh-war-crimes-in-rakhine-222432">Rakhine Buddhists</a>.

On Friday the government took the unprecedented step of ordering mobile phone operators to shut down all internet data across at least eight townships in Rakhine and one in neighbouring Chin states.

"I fear for all civilians there," said UN Special Rapporteur to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-urges-social-media-investors-to-promote-human-rights-in-myanmar-201453">Myanmar Yanghee Lee</a>, calling for the immediate lifting of restrictions.

The military's "clearance operations" can be a "cover for committing gross human rights violations against the civilian population," she said, referencing alleged mass atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims in 2017.&nbsp;

The decree was made under the Telecommunications Law, hitting all mobile operators for an unspecified period.

Telenor Group said the Ministry of Transport and Communications justified the measure, saying the internet was being used to "coordinate illegal activities".

Thousands of troops have been deployed to the western region, which has seen more than 35,000 people fleeing their homes to escape heavy artillery fire in the violence that has spilt over into Chin state.

Both sides stand accused of committing abuses and dozens of civilians have been killed in crossfire and shellings, even while taking refuge in monasteries.&nbsp;

The military confirmed it shot dead six Rakhine detainees in late April.

The violence has even spread to near the Rakhine state capital Sittwe with insurgents attacking a naval vessel during the weekend, killing two.

Few people own personal computers so the mobile internet blackout has effectively shut most people off from the outside world.

AFP spoke by phone Tuesday to local residents in three of the affected townships, all angry and afraid.

"We can't share the information which is really dangerous and frightening when you're living in a conflict area," said Myo Kyaw Aung, Sapa Htar village administrator in Minbya township, by phone.

Rakhine is also home to several hundred thousand remaining Rohingya, many confined to squalid camps.

Around 740,000 of the stateless group were driven into Bangladesh in a 2017 army crackdown.

An internet blackout in parts of Myanmar could be cover for "gross human rights violations" in an area where a brutal army crackdown has already forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee, a UN rights investigator said.

An internet blackout in parts of Myanmar could be cover for "gross human rights violations" in an area where a brutal army crackdown has already forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee, a UN rights investigator said. The military is locked in battle with the Arakan Army (AA), insurgents fighting for more autonomy for the region's ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. On Friday the government took the unprecedented step of ordering mobile phone operators to shut down all internet data across at least eight townships in Rakhine and one in neighbouring Chin states. "I fear for all civilians there," said UN Special Rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee, calling for the immediate lifting of restrictions. The military's "clearance operations" can be a "cover for committing gross human rights violations against the civilian population," she said, referencing alleged mass atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims in 2017. The decree was made under the Telecommunications Law, hitting all mobile operators for an unspecified period. Telenor Group said the Ministry of Transport and Communications justified the measure, saying the internet was being used to "coordinate illegal activities". Thousands of troops have been deployed to the western region, which has seen more than 35,000 people fleeing their homes to escape heavy artillery fire in the violence that has spilt over into Chin state. Both sides stand accused of committing abuses and dozens of civilians have been killed in crossfire and shellings, even while taking refuge in monasteries. The military confirmed it shot dead six Rakhine detainees in late April. The violence has even spread to near the Rakhine state capital Sittwe with insurgents attacking a naval vessel during the weekend, killing two. Few people own personal computers so the mobile internet blackout has effectively shut most people off from the outside world. AFP spoke by phone Tuesday to local residents in three of the affected townships, all angry and afraid. "We can't share the information which is really dangerous and frightening when you're living in a conflict area," said Myo Kyaw Aung, Sapa Htar village administrator in Minbya township, by phone. Rakhine is also home to several hundred thousand remaining Rohingya, many confined to squalid camps. Around 740,000 of the stateless group were driven into Bangladesh in a 2017 army crackdown.

United Nation fears Myanmar human rights abuses in internet shutdown

India has been elected to the Executive Board of the first UN-Habitat Assembly, announced Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Monday.

"The nation's global clout continues to grow significantly. In an extremely proud development, India has been elected today to the Executive Board of the first UN-Habitat Assembly at the Plenary Session of the Assembly being held in Nairobi," read a post on the ministry's official Twitter handle.

The first session of the UN-Habitat Assembly started on May 27 at the headquarters of UN-Habitat in Nairobi and will go on till May 31.

The special theme for the UN-Habitat Assembly is "Innovation for Better Quality of Life in Cities and Communities".&nbsp;

The Assembly is expected to establish the Executive Board of UN-Habitat and elect its members during its first session. It will review and approve the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2025, as mentioned on the official website.

UN Member States are expected to participate in the deliberations of the UN-Habitat Assembly.&nbsp;

"The Assembly will also be attended by United Nations Agencies, Local authorities and non-state actors including civil society, youth and women group representatives, the private sector and the Academia," as mentioned on the official website.&nbsp;

India has been elected to the Executive Board of the first UN-Habitat Assembly, announced Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Monday. "The nation's global clout continues to grow significantly.

India has been elected to the Executive Board of the first UN-Habitat Assembly, announced Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Monday. "The nation's global clout continues to grow significantly. In an extremely proud development, India has been elected today to the Executive Board of the first UN-Habitat Assembly at the Plenary Session of the Assembly being held in Nairobi," read a post on the ministry's official Twitter handle. The first session of the UN-Habitat Assembly started on May 27 at the headquarters of UN-Habitat in Nairobi and will go on till May 31. The special theme for the UN-Habitat Assembly is "Innovation for Better Quality of Life in Cities and Communities". The Assembly is expected to establish the Executive Board of UN-Habitat and elect its members during its first session. It will review and approve the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2025, as mentioned on the official website. UN Member States are expected to participate in the deliberations of the UN-Habitat Assembly. "The Assembly will also be attended by United Nations Agencies, Local authorities and non-state actors including civil society, youth and women group representatives, the private sector and the Academia," as mentioned on the official website.

India elected to Executive Board of first UN-Habitat Assembly

At least 300 fighters from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), designated a global terror organisation by the US and the UN, are active in war-torn Afghanistan, a Pentagon report has said.

The report also identified LeT among the three terrorist groups posing the greatest threat to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-considering-duties-on-countries-that-undervalue-currency-221192"> US </a>and its allied forces in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-foreign-ministry-lauds-indias-role-in-afghan-peace-process-220479"> Afghanistan.</a>

The LeT was responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 that killed 166 people.&nbsp;

Among the 20 prominent terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan, LeT ranks fifth in terms of fighters along with al Qaeda and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, stated the Pentagon report, 'Lead Inspector General for Operation Freedom's Sentinel', for the quarter ending March 31.

The report said the Department of Defence "identified the Haqqani Network, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba as groups that present the greatest threat to the US and allied forces in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

The report also stated that an estimated 300 LeT and 1,000 Islamic Emirate High Council operatives are active in the war-torn country.&nbsp;

The ISIS-K, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Haqqani network with an estimated 3,000-5,000 fighters each top the list of terrorist groups active in Afghanistan, it said.&nbsp;

At least 300 fighters from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), designated a global terror organisation by the US and the UN, are active in war-torn Afghanistan, a Pentagon report has said.

At least 300 fighters from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), designated a global terror organisation by the US and the UN, are active in war-torn Afghanistan, a Pentagon report has said. The report also identified LeT among the three terrorist groups posing the greatest threat to the US and its allied forces in Afghanistan. The LeT was responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 that killed 166 people. Among the 20 prominent terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan, LeT ranks fifth in terms of fighters along with al Qaeda and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, stated the Pentagon report, 'Lead Inspector General for Operation Freedom's Sentinel', for the quarter ending March 31. The report said the Department of Defence "identified the Haqqani Network, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba as groups that present the greatest threat to the US and allied forces in Afghanistan". The report also stated that an estimated 300 LeT and 1,000 Islamic Emirate High Council operatives are active in the war-torn country. The ISIS-K, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Haqqani network with an estimated 3,000-5,000 fighters each top the list of terrorist groups active in Afghanistan, it said.

Around 300 LeT terrorists active in Afghanistan: Pentagon

UN envoy Ghassan Salame has bitterly denounced the conflict in Libya saying it is "committing suicide" and plundering its oil wealth to pay for the war.

The north African country was "a textbook example of foreign interference today in local conflicts," Salame told a New York-based think tank late Wednesday.

Between "six and 10 countries (are) permanently interfering in Libya's problem" funneling arms, cash and military advice to the country, he warned.

But the Libyans do not need outside help to fuel the conflict, which has ravaged the country since dictator Moamer Kadhafi was ousted in 2011, he said.

"The truth is that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-pm-accuses-rival-khalifa-haftar-of-betrayal-over-tripoli-offensive-208472">Libya</a> can pay for its own suicide," Salame lamented.

"I always considered my compatriots in Lebanon as stupid enough to commit suicide with somebody else's money. The Libyans are even worse. They are committing suicide with their own money," he told the International Peace Institute (IPI).

Lebanon was devastated by a civil war between 1975 and 1990, fueled by regional rivalries.

Salame stressed that Libya was a rich country, producing 1.2 million barrels of oil a day.

"This is big money," the UN envoy said. "Plus there are mines of gold, platine ... The country is very wealthy, so it (the conflict) can expand."

He again urged the international community to "not only contain this conflict".

"We need to work in order to put an end to this conflict," Salame said, regretting the lack of unity at the UN over the issue.

He was speaking a day after warning the UN Security Council that the ongoing battle for Tripoli launched by strongman<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khalifa-haftars-forces-shoot-down-tripoli-government-warplane-south-of-capital-216782"> Khalifa Haftar </a>on April 4 was "just the start of a long and bloody war".

More than 75,000 people have been driven from their homes in the latest fighting and 510 have been killed, according to the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

More than 2,400 have also been wounded, while 100,000 people are feared trapped by the clashes raging on the outskirts of Tripoli.

The war has pitted Haftar's forces against those of the UN-recognised government based in Tripoli.

The Security Council failed last month to agree on a draft resolution demanding a ceasefire in Libya and a return to political talks to end the conflict.

&nbsp;

UN envoy Ghassan Salame has bitterly denounced the conflict in Libya saying it is "committing suicide" and plundering its oil wealth to pay for the war. The north African country was "a textbook example of foreign interference today in local conflicts," Salame told a New York-based think tank late Wednesday.

UN envoy Ghassan Salame has bitterly denounced the conflict in Libya saying it is "committing suicide" and plundering its oil wealth to pay for the war. The north African country was "a textbook example of foreign interference today in local conflicts," Salame told a New York-based think tank late Wednesday. Between "six and 10 countries (are) permanently interfering in Libya's problem" funneling arms, cash and military advice to the country, he warned. But the Libyans do not need outside help to fuel the conflict, which has ravaged the country since dictator Moamer Kadhafi was ousted in 2011, he said. "The truth is that Libya can pay for its own suicide," Salame lamented. "I always considered my compatriots in Lebanon as stupid enough to commit suicide with somebody else's money. The Libyans are even worse. They are committing suicide with their own money," he told the International Peace Institute (IPI). Lebanon was devastated by a civil war between 1975 and 1990, fueled by regional rivalries. Salame stressed that Libya was a rich country, producing 1.2 million barrels of oil a day. "This is big money," the UN envoy said. "Plus there are mines of gold, platine ... The country is very wealthy, so it (the conflict) can expand." He again urged the international community to "not only contain this conflict". "We need to work in order to put an end to this conflict," Salame said, regretting the lack of unity at the UN over the issue. He was speaking a day after warning the UN Security Council that the ongoing battle for Tripoli launched by strongman Khalifa Haftar on April 4 was "just the start of a long and bloody war". More than 75,000 people have been driven from their homes in the latest fighting and 510 have been killed, according to the World Health Organization. More than 2,400 have also been wounded, while 100,000 people are feared trapped by the clashes raging on the outskirts of Tripoli. The war has pitted Haftar's forces against those of the UN-recognised government based in Tripoli. The Security Council failed last month to agree on a draft resolution demanding a ceasefire in Libya and a return to political talks to end the conflict.

Libya committing suicide, squandering oil riches: UN envoy

Myanmar's military commanders should be financially "isolated" and brought to trial to face charges of war crimes and genocide against the Rohingya minority, UN investigators said Tuesday.

The United Nations fact-finding mission on the situation in Myanmar called on the international community to cut off all financial and other support to the country's military.

Marzuki Darusman, who heads the fact-finding mission which just concluded a 10-day visit to surrounding countries, said drastic measures were needed since Myanmar so far had done little to resolve the egregious rights situation in the country.

"There has been no movement toward a resolution of the crisis," Darusman said in a statement. "The situation is at a total standstill."&nbsp;

Some 740,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-rescue-dozens-of-rohingya-being-trafficked-to-malaysia-218629">Rohingya refugees</a> fled a military crackdown in August 2017 to cross into Bangladesh where 300,000 members of the persecuted Muslim minority were already in camps.

Many Rohingya refugees who fled said there had been mass rapes and slaughters in the villages, and in a report published last September, the fact-finding mission said there were reasonable grounds to believe the atrocities amounted to "genocide".

The investigators lamented Tuesday that "both military and civilian sides of Myanmar's government persistently deny the facts and disclaim any responsibility for crimes under international law.

"Following this violence, Myanmar authorities have levelled empty Rohingya villages with bulldozers, effectively destroying criminal evidence, while making no substantive progress in resolving the ethnic animosities that have helped fuel the crisis," they said.

The UN fact-finding mission was not granted access to Myanmar itself, but during their visit to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, the investigators met exiled representatives from the Chin, Kachin, Shan and Rakhine ethnic communities.

"Meeting with these different ethnic communities only underscored our findings that the Tatmadaw (the Myanmar military) has over time committed similar atrocities against many of the ethnic groups living within the borders of Myanmar," expert Radhika Coomaraswamy said in the statement.

Another member of the team, Christopher Sidoti, said the investigators so far had "seen no evidence that the Myanmar government is acting in good faith to resolve the crisis or facilitate the safe return of refugees.

"The situation demands an increase in international pressure," he said.

"Due to the gravity of the past and continuing violations, attention must be given to the political, economic and financial ties of the Myanmar military - to identify who and what should be targeted so we can cut off the money supply as a means of increasing the pressure and reducing the violence," he added.

The fact-finding mission is due to present its final report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva next September and will hand over its findings to a panel tasked with preparing criminal indictments.

Myanmar's military commanders should be financially "isolated" and brought to trial to face charges of war crimes and genocide against the Rohingya minority, UN investigators said Tuesday.

Myanmar's military commanders should be financially "isolated" and brought to trial to face charges of war crimes and genocide against the Rohingya minority, UN investigators said Tuesday. The United Nations fact-finding mission on the situation in Myanmar called on the international community to cut off all financial and other support to the country's military. Marzuki Darusman, who heads the fact-finding mission which just concluded a 10-day visit to surrounding countries, said drastic measures were needed since Myanmar so far had done little to resolve the egregious rights situation in the country. "There has been no movement toward a resolution of the crisis," Darusman said in a statement. "The situation is at a total standstill." Some 740,000 Rohingya refugees fled a military crackdown in August 2017 to cross into Bangladesh where 300,000 members of the persecuted Muslim minority were already in camps. Many Rohingya refugees who fled said there had been mass rapes and slaughters in the villages, and in a report published last September, the fact-finding mission said there were reasonable grounds to believe the atrocities amounted to "genocide". The investigators lamented Tuesday that "both military and civilian sides of Myanmar's government persistently deny the facts and disclaim any responsibility for crimes under international law. "Following this violence, Myanmar authorities have levelled empty Rohingya villages with bulldozers, effectively destroying criminal evidence, while making no substantive progress in resolving the ethnic animosities that have helped fuel the crisis," they said. The UN fact-finding mission was not granted access to Myanmar itself, but during their visit to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, the investigators met exiled representatives from the Chin, Kachin, Shan and Rakhine ethnic communities. "Meeting with these different ethnic communities only underscored our findings that the Tatmadaw (the Myanmar military) has over time committed similar atrocities against many of the ethnic groups living within the borders of Myanmar," expert Radhika Coomaraswamy said in the statement. Another member of the team, Christopher Sidoti, said the investigators so far had "seen no evidence that the Myanmar government is acting in good faith to resolve the crisis or facilitate the safe return of refugees. "The situation demands an increase in international pressure," he said. "Due to the gravity of the past and continuing violations, attention must be given to the political, economic and financial ties of the Myanmar military - to identify who and what should be targeted so we can cut off the money supply as a means of increasing the pressure and reducing the violence," he added. The fact-finding mission is due to present its final report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva next September and will hand over its findings to a panel tasked with preparing criminal indictments.

UN experts urge 'financial isolation' of Myanmar military

The United Nations said Sunday that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-confirms-yemen-aid-port-withdrawal-underway-217879">Yemeni rebel </a>withdrawal from key <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-confirms-yemen-aid-port-withdrawal-underway-217879">Red Sea ports</a> was proceeding as planned after the government accused the insurgents of faking the pullout.

The first day of the redeployment by Huthi insurgents from the ports of Hodeida, Saleef and Ras Issa on Saturday "went in accordance with established plans," a UN statement said.

"All three ports were monitored simultaneously by United Nations teams as the military forces left the ports and the Coast Guard took over responsibility for security," it added.

Military equipment is expected to be removed in the coming days, while demining is also planned, the statement said.

Formal verification of the first redeployment will take place at the three ports on Tuesday, according to the UN.

Hodeida port serves as a lifeline for millions in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country, which has been pushed to the brink of famine by more than four years of devastating war.

The pullback is considered a first step in implementing a hard-won truce agreement for Hodeida struck in Sweden in December between Yemen's Saudi-backed government and the Iran-aligned Huthi rebels.

Yemen's information minister dismissed the rebels' announcement, accusing them of "a policy of deception."

"What the Huthi militia did is a repeated theatrical play of handing over control of the port to its own forces (in different uniforms)," Moammer al-Eryani tweeted.

The United Nations said Sunday that a Yemeni rebel withdrawal from key Red Sea ports was proceeding as planned after the government accused the insurgents of faking the pullout.

The United Nations said Sunday that a Yemeni rebel withdrawal from key Red Sea ports was proceeding as planned after the government accused the insurgents of faking the pullout. The first day of the redeployment by Huthi insurgents from the ports of Hodeida, Saleef and Ras Issa on Saturday "went in accordance with established plans," a UN statement said. "All three ports were monitored simultaneously by United Nations teams as the military forces left the ports and the Coast Guard took over responsibility for security," it added. Military equipment is expected to be removed in the coming days, while demining is also planned, the statement said. Formal verification of the first redeployment will take place at the three ports on Tuesday, according to the UN. Hodeida port serves as a lifeline for millions in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country, which has been pushed to the brink of famine by more than four years of devastating war. The pullback is considered a first step in implementing a hard-won truce agreement for Hodeida struck in Sweden in December between Yemen's Saudi-backed government and the Iran-aligned Huthi rebels. Yemen's information minister dismissed the rebels' announcement, accusing them of "a policy of deception." "What the Huthi militia did is a repeated theatrical play of handing over control of the port to its own forces (in different uniforms)," Moammer al-Eryani tweeted.

United Nation says rebel pullout from Yemen ports on track

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