The human body can survive without food for upto&nbsp;3 weeks. But deprive it of water, and it's game over in 3 days. Water not only regulates body temperature but it literally keep our bodily cells alive. Water covers 71 per cent of Earth's surface but only 3 per cent of it is potable. Saving water is thus saving humanity. And United Nations' World Water Day wants to bring this into focus.

Each year, World Water Day is celebrated on March 22. The UN observes such special days and weeks to educate public about issues facing humanity. The effort is also focused on mobilising political will and resources.

What is the theme for this year's World Water Day?

This year the focus is on groundwater. Groundwater is something that is a source for lakes and even rivers. It is found underground in aquifers. Aquifers are geological formations of rocks. Groundwater deposits are recharged when water from rain or snowfall trickles underground.

<img alt="Groundwater" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9fd483fe-f6d3-4e7a-b90b-2afe6acede36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WWD2022_CARD3_A%20changing%20world_still%20image.jpg" />

(Source: United Nations)

As we know, groundwater can easily be accessed by digging wells. But over-extraction of groundwater from a particular source may spell doom for the deposit and population residing in that area. Careful use of groundwater is hence of great importance.

Since when has World Water Day been celebrated?

The very first World Water Day was observed in the year 1993. The idea for observance of such a day was put forth during United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992.

United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in the same year to observe March 22 as World Water Day each year.&nbsp;

Focus on water is necessary since as per latest UN data, 2.2 billion people around the world do not have access to safe drinking water.

"A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030," says the UN.

How can you tell your story to the UN?

The UN has asked everyone to take 'one minute challenge' It has invited one minute videos from everyone.&nbsp;

"Share your groundwater story" says the UN.&nbsp;

"How does groundwater affect your life? Is there enough? Is it safe? What needs to be done to protect groundwater?"

Hashtags #MyGroundwaterStory &amp; #WorldWaterDay can be used and the videos can be uploaded on Youtube or Vimeo.

The link then can be sent to mygroundwaterstory@un-igrac.org by November 20, 2022

The human body can survive without food for upto 3 weeks. But deprive it of water, and it's game over in 3 days. Water not only regulates body temperature but it literally keep our bodily cells alive.

The human body can survive without food for upto 3 weeks. But deprive it of water, and it's game over in 3 days. Water not only regulates body temperature but it literally keep our bodily cells alive. Water covers 71 per cent of Earth's surface but only 3 per cent of it is potable. Saving water is thus saving humanity. And United Nations' World Water Day wants to bring this into focus. Each year, World Water Day is celebrated on March 22. The UN observes such special days and weeks to educate public about issues facing humanity. The effort is also focused on mobilising political will and resources. What is the theme for this year's World Water Day? This year the focus is on groundwater. Groundwater is something that is a source for lakes and even rivers. It is found underground in aquifers. Aquifers are geological formations of rocks. Groundwater deposits are recharged when water from rain or snowfall trickles underground. (Source: United Nations) As we know, groundwater can easily be accessed by digging wells. But over-extraction of groundwater from a particular source may spell doom for the deposit and population residing in that area. Careful use of groundwater is hence of great importance. Since when has World Water Day been celebrated? The very first World Water Day was observed in the year 1993. The idea for observance of such a day was put forth during United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in the same year to observe March 22 as World Water Day each year. Focus on water is necessary since as per latest UN data, 2.2 billion people around the world do not have access to safe drinking water. "A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030," says the UN. How can you tell your story to the UN? The UN has asked everyone to take 'one minute challenge' It has invited one minute videos from everyone. "Share your groundwater story" says the UN. "How does groundwater affect your life? Is there enough? Is it safe? What needs to be done to protect groundwater?" Hashtags #MyGroundwaterStory & #WorldWaterDay can be used and the videos can be uploaded on Youtube or Vimeo. The link then can be sent to mygroundwaterstory@un-igrac.org by November 20, 2022

World Water Day 2022: Know the significance, tell your story to the UN

The United Nations (UN) said on Wednesday that $4.3bn is the amount that the organisation will need to address Yemen’s food shortages this year. The UN believes that around 161,000 people are likely to experience famine in 2022 and they called it “the world's worst humanitarian crisis”.

Ahead of a high-level pledging conference which will be co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland, the UN said that three out of four Yemenis will depend on food assistance in 2022 and it hopes that the participating nations will be able to pledge the necessary amount for the aid of the war-torn nation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-joe-biden-to-announce-800-million-in-new-security-aid-to-ukraine-462729">Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine</a>

“As of now, funding is drying up and agencies are stopping their work in Yemen,” UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths told Al-Jazeera. “We need to replenish the food pipeline, provide shelter and send a message to Yemenis that we do not forget them.”

According to an Associated Press report, at the beginning of the year, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) was forced to reduce food rations for eight million people due to a funding shortage, with households receiving barely half of the WFP standard daily minimum food basket.

The report also stated that last year's conference raised only $1.7bn for Yemen after&nbsp;the UN asked for $3.85bn.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/refugee-exodus-in-20-days-28-million-people-have-fled-ukraine-462361">&nbsp;In 20 days, 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine</a>

The war in Yemen started back in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels captured a major part of the country’s northern region&nbsp;including capital Sanaa. Months later, an US-backed coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened in order to defeat the rebels and restore the recognised government.

The situation in Yemen has been&nbsp;grim for quite some time and it seems that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis may end up making things worse. Ukraine supplies around 40 per cent of Yemen’s grains and with the country under attack, the supplies may stop for the time being.

(With agency inputs)

The United Nations (UN) said on Wednesday that $4.3bn is the amount that the organisation will need to address Yemen’s food shortages this year. The UN believes that around 161,000 people are likely to experience famine in 2022 and they called it “the world's worst humanitarian crisis”.

The United Nations (UN) said on Wednesday that $4.3bn is the amount that the organisation will need to address Yemen’s food shortages this year. The UN believes that around 161,000 people are likely to experience famine in 2022 and they called it “the world's worst humanitarian crisis”. Ahead of a high-level pledging conference which will be co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland, the UN said that three out of four Yemenis will depend on food assistance in 2022 and it hopes that the participating nations will be able to pledge the necessary amount for the aid of the war-torn nation. Also read | Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine “As of now, funding is drying up and agencies are stopping their work in Yemen,” UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths told Al-Jazeera. “We need to replenish the food pipeline, provide shelter and send a message to Yemenis that we do not forget them.” According to an Associated Press report, at the beginning of the year, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) was forced to reduce food rations for eight million people due to a funding shortage, with households receiving barely half of the WFP standard daily minimum food basket. The report also stated that last year's conference raised only $1.7bn for Yemen after the UN asked for $3.85bn. Also read | In 20 days, 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine The war in Yemen started back in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels captured a major part of the country’s northern region including capital Sanaa. Months later, an US-backed coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened in order to defeat the rebels and restore the recognised government. The situation in Yemen has been grim for quite some time and it seems that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis may end up making things worse. Ukraine supplies around 40 per cent of Yemen’s grains and with the country under attack, the supplies may stop for the time being. (With agency inputs)

$4.3bn needed to prevent Yemen hunger crisis, says UN

Volunteer groups in the United Kingdom have raised $72 million for people affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella group for 15 charities, praised the "overwhelming" response from the public.

"We've felt very humbled to be part of it," Jenny Hancock and Tom Jackson who have extended family in Ukraine told Sky News.&nbsp;

"It's been amazing, overwhelming and quite emotional."

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''Most of our female relatives and the children have now left the country, but the men have stayed to fight,'' said Tom Jackson.

"It's through speaking with them that we have a good idea of what's needed most right now."

The Yas Bean coffee shop donated 100% of the price of each cup of coffee purchased on Friday to a Ukrainian aid charity. It is located in Macclesfield.

Owner Mika Johnson said customers have come especially to take part, adding: "People are kind at their very essence, and I think when you see what is happening overseas, most people have that compassion to put themselves in that position and want to help.

"What we're doing here is a drop in the ocean to what other fundraising groups are doing, but it gives people somewhere to come, have a coffee, have a chat if they want to, and do some good at the same time."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-may-handover-russian-oligarchs-seized-properties-to-ukrainian-refugees-says-raab-459215" hreflang="en">UK government may handover Russian oligarchs’ seized properties to Ukrainian refugees, says Raab&nbsp;</a>

In a warning of a hunger crisis yet to come, the UN World Food Programme says millions of people inside Ukraine, a major global wheat supplier, will need food aid “immediately.”

The UN Security Council scheduled an open meeting for Monday on the worsening humanitarian situation.&nbsp;

The United Nations estimates that 12 million people in Ukraine and 4 million fleeing to neighboring countries in the coming months will need humanitarian aid.

More than 840 children have been wounded in the invasion, and 28 have been killed, according to Ukraine’s government.&nbsp;

At least 331 civilians have been confirmed killed, but the true number is probably much higher, the UN human rights office said.

The World Food Programme said on Friday it is ramping up food aid to war-torn Ukraine, citing reports of severe shortages of food and water in Kyiv, the capital, and the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

The UN agency said it is in the process of finding partners in Ukraine to help it distribute the food, and that it will also assist Ukrainian refugees coming across the border to neighbouring countries.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Volunteer groups in the United Kingdom have raised $72 million for people affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella group for 15 charities, praised the "overwhelming" response from the public.

Volunteer groups in the United Kingdom have raised $72 million for people affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella group for 15 charities, praised the "overwhelming" response from the public. "We've felt very humbled to be part of it," Jenny Hancock and Tom Jackson who have extended family in Ukraine told Sky News. "It's been amazing, overwhelming and quite emotional." ''Most of our female relatives and the children have now left the country, but the men have stayed to fight,'' said Tom Jackson. "It's through speaking with them that we have a good idea of what's needed most right now." The Yas Bean coffee shop donated 100% of the price of each cup of coffee purchased on Friday to a Ukrainian aid charity. It is located in Macclesfield. Owner Mika Johnson said customers have come especially to take part, adding: "People are kind at their very essence, and I think when you see what is happening overseas, most people have that compassion to put themselves in that position and want to help. "What we're doing here is a drop in the ocean to what other fundraising groups are doing, but it gives people somewhere to come, have a coffee, have a chat if they want to, and do some good at the same time." Also read | UK government may handover Russian oligarchs’ seized properties to Ukrainian refugees, says Raab In a warning of a hunger crisis yet to come, the UN World Food Programme says millions of people inside Ukraine, a major global wheat supplier, will need food aid “immediately.” The UN Security Council scheduled an open meeting for Monday on the worsening humanitarian situation. The United Nations estimates that 12 million people in Ukraine and 4 million fleeing to neighboring countries in the coming months will need humanitarian aid. More than 840 children have been wounded in the invasion, and 28 have been killed, according to Ukraine’s government. At least 331 civilians have been confirmed killed, but the true number is probably much higher, the UN human rights office said. The World Food Programme said on Friday it is ramping up food aid to war-torn Ukraine, citing reports of severe shortages of food and water in Kyiv, the capital, and the northeastern city of Kharkiv. The UN agency said it is in the process of finding partners in Ukraine to help it distribute the food, and that it will also assist Ukrainian refugees coming across the border to neighbouring countries. (With inputs from agencies)

UK volunteer groups raise $72 million for people affected by Ukraine's invasion

The United Nations has agreed to start negotiating for world's first treaty on plastic pollution in what has been hailed a watershed moment for the planet. Nearly 200 nations at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi unanimously agreed to create an intergovernmental committee to negotiate and finalise a legally binding plastics treaty by 2024.

World comes together to clean up plastic trash

A spokesperson for the US Mission to United Nations on Tuesday (March 1) said that amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict , the US is expelling a Russian "intelligence operative" who works at the United Nations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The US has levelled accusations of espionage for the second day running on Tuesday and it has targeted Russians working at the United Nations.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mom-i-am-scared-we-are-hitting-everyone-russian-soldiers-last-words-to-mother-are-heart-wrenching-457862">'Mom, I am scared. We are hitting everyone': Russian soldier's last words to mother are heart-wrenching</a>

News agency Reuters reported citing a spokesperson who commented on the condition of anonymity that the US began the process on Monday "to require the departure of one Russian intelligence operative working at the United Nations who has abused their privileges of residence in the United States".&nbsp;

"We regret that we find ourselves in this situation, but are engaging with the host country," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Tuesday of the expulsion of the Russian UN staff member. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"What makes this decision a little difficult to understand is that the staff member was scheduled to end his assignment on March 14th," Dujarric said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukraine-russia-conflict-man-miraculously-saved-after-military-combat-vehicle-runs-over-his-car-457805">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Man miraculously saved after military combat vehicle runs over his car</a>

On Monday (February 28), Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said that the 12 Russian diplomats had been asked to leave by March 7. &nbsp;

Nebenzia described the move by the US as "hostile" and said Russia would respond "because it's diplomatic practice."&nbsp;

When asked if there was any link with Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, the spokesperson said that the request, like the expulsion of the 12 diplomats, had been in the works for "months."&nbsp;

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A spokesperson for the US Mission to United Nations on Tuesday (March 1) said that amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict , the US is expelling a Russian "intelligence operative" who works at the United Nations.

A spokesperson for the US Mission to United Nations on Tuesday (March 1) said that amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict , the US is expelling a Russian "intelligence operative" who works at the United Nations. The US has levelled accusations of espionage for the second day running on Tuesday and it has targeted Russians working at the United Nations. ALSO READ | 'Mom, I am scared. We are hitting everyone': Russian soldier's last words to mother are heart-wrenching News agency Reuters reported citing a spokesperson who commented on the condition of anonymity that the US began the process on Monday "to require the departure of one Russian intelligence operative working at the United Nations who has abused their privileges of residence in the United States". "We regret that we find ourselves in this situation, but are engaging with the host country," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Tuesday of the expulsion of the Russian UN staff member. "What makes this decision a little difficult to understand is that the staff member was scheduled to end his assignment on March 14th," Dujarric said. WATCH | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Man miraculously saved after military combat vehicle runs over his car On Monday (February 28), Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said that the 12 Russian diplomats had been asked to leave by March 7. Nebenzia described the move by the US as "hostile" and said Russia would respond "because it's diplomatic practice." When asked if there was any link with Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, the spokesperson said that the request, like the expulsion of the 12 diplomats, had been in the works for "months." ×

'Intelligence operative': US expels Russian spy working for United Nations

The United Nations on Wednesday agreed to start negotiating a world-first global treaty on plastic pollution in what has been hailed as a watershed moment for the planet.

Nearly 200 nations at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi unanimously agreed to create an intergovernmental committee to negotiate and finalise a legally binding plastics treaty by 2024.

UNEA chair Espen Barthe Eide declared the resolution passed with a strike of the gavel, itself made from recycled plastic,&nbsp;as the assembly hall erupted into cheers and applause.

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"We are making history today. You should all be proud," said Eide, who is Norway's climate and environment minister.&nbsp;

Negotiators have been given a broad and robust mandate to target plastic trash in all its forms.

It addresses not just the bottles, straws and shopping bags floating in rivers and oceans, but invisible microplastics found in the deepest oceans and highest mountains, and within the air, soil and food chain.

'Historic crossroad'&nbsp;

Supporters described the commitment as the most important environmental decision taken by the UN in years.

"We stand at a crossroad in history when ambitious decisions taken today can prevent plastic pollution from contributing to our planet's ecosystem collapse," said Marco Lambertini from WWF.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coca-cola-and-pepsico-ranked-as-worlds-leading-plastic-polluters-449536">Also read |&nbsp;Coca-Cola and PepsiCo ranked as world's leading plastic polluters</a>

The broad treaty framework approved by 193 UN nations, among them major plastic producers like the United States and China,&nbsp;does not spell out specific measures but leaves particulars to negotiations.

But the scope covers pollution "from source to sea",&nbsp;a key demand of many nations,&nbsp;and could for the first time introduce caps on the production of new plastic from fossil fuels.

Other regulations could require that industry redesign products to make recycling easier and stem the torrent of trash created by single-use items.

Less than 10 percent of plastic is recycled. Most of the 460 million tonnes of plastic produced in 2019 wound up in landfill and oceans.

"This is a clear acknowledgement that the entire life cycle of plastic, from fossil fuel extraction to disposal, creates pollution that is harmful to people and the planet," said Graham Forbes from Greenpeace.

'Landmark' decision&nbsp;

The amount of plastic entering the oceans is forecast to triple by 2040, and governments have been under pressure to unite against the trash "epidemic".

The rate of plastic production has also grown faster than any other material and is expected to double within two decades without urgent action.

By some estimates, a garbage truck's worth of plastic is dumped into the sea every minute.

Large pieces of plastic are a notorious peril for sea birds, whales and other marine animals. But at the microscopic level, particles of plastic can also enter the food chain, eventually joining the human diet.

To address the urgency, talks toward concluding the treaty are being fast-tracked and the first round is slated for later this year.

Diplomats and conservationists cautioned that the strength of the treaty would be determined by the level of political will shown in these negotiations.

Setting targets, ensuring accountability, and monitoring success or otherwise could prove sticking points, said UN environment chief Inger Andersen.

Negotiators will need to establish what measures are binding or voluntary, and some countries are pushing for flexibility in setting their own goals through national action plans.

"There will be a number of thorny issues as there always is when we start a negotiation," said Andersen, head of the UN Environment Programme.

Big corporations had expressed support for a binding agreement and negotiators were urged to engage industry players in the process.

Dozens of major businesses had called for a common set of rules around plastic to create a level playing field for competition.

"This is a landmark decision by UN member states," said Richard Slater, chief research and development officer at British consumer goods group Unilever.

Trade group Plastics Europe said its products played a vital role in society and industry was doing its part to bolster recycling and invest in solutions.

"The UNEA resolution represents a major step towards the creation of a waste free future which is critical to achieving our collective climate ambitions," said Plastics Europe president Markus Steilemann.

The United Nations on Wednesday agreed to start negotiating a world-first global treaty on plastic pollution in what has been hailed as a watershed moment for the planet.

The United Nations on Wednesday agreed to start negotiating a world-first global treaty on plastic pollution in what has been hailed as a watershed moment for the planet. Nearly 200 nations at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi unanimously agreed to create an intergovernmental committee to negotiate and finalise a legally binding plastics treaty by 2024. UNEA chair Espen Barthe Eide declared the resolution passed with a strike of the gavel, itself made from recycled plastic, as the assembly hall erupted into cheers and applause. "We are making history today. You should all be proud," said Eide, who is Norway's climate and environment minister. Negotiators have been given a broad and robust mandate to target plastic trash in all its forms. It addresses not just the bottles, straws and shopping bags floating in rivers and oceans, but invisible microplastics found in the deepest oceans and highest mountains, and within the air, soil and food chain. 'Historic crossroad' Supporters described the commitment as the most important environmental decision taken by the UN in years. "We stand at a crossroad in history when ambitious decisions taken today can prevent plastic pollution from contributing to our planet's ecosystem collapse," said Marco Lambertini from WWF. Also read | Coca-Cola and PepsiCo ranked as world's leading plastic polluters The broad treaty framework approved by 193 UN nations, among them major plastic producers like the United States and China, does not spell out specific measures but leaves particulars to negotiations. But the scope covers pollution "from source to sea", a key demand of many nations, and could for the first time introduce caps on the production of new plastic from fossil fuels. Other regulations could require that industry redesign products to make recycling easier and stem the torrent of trash created by single-use items. Less than 10 percent of plastic is recycled. Most of the 460 million tonnes of plastic produced in 2019 wound up in landfill and oceans. "This is a clear acknowledgement that the entire life cycle of plastic, from fossil fuel extraction to disposal, creates pollution that is harmful to people and the planet," said Graham Forbes from Greenpeace. 'Landmark' decision The amount of plastic entering the oceans is forecast to triple by 2040, and governments have been under pressure to unite against the trash "epidemic". The rate of plastic production has also grown faster than any other material and is expected to double within two decades without urgent action. By some estimates, a garbage truck's worth of plastic is dumped into the sea every minute. Large pieces of plastic are a notorious peril for sea birds, whales and other marine animals. But at the microscopic level, particles of plastic can also enter the food chain, eventually joining the human diet. To address the urgency, talks toward concluding the treaty are being fast-tracked and the first round is slated for later this year. Diplomats and conservationists cautioned that the strength of the treaty would be determined by the level of political will shown in these negotiations. Setting targets, ensuring accountability, and monitoring success or otherwise could prove sticking points, said UN environment chief Inger Andersen. Negotiators will need to establish what measures are binding or voluntary, and some countries are pushing for flexibility in setting their own goals through national action plans. "There will be a number of thorny issues as there always is when we start a negotiation," said Andersen, head of the UN Environment Programme. Big corporations had expressed support for a binding agreement and negotiators were urged to engage industry players in the process. Dozens of major businesses had called for a common set of rules around plastic to create a level playing field for competition. "This is a landmark decision by UN member states," said Richard Slater, chief research and development officer at British consumer goods group Unilever. Trade group Plastics Europe said its products played a vital role in society and industry was doing its part to bolster recycling and invest in solutions. "The UNEA resolution represents a major step towards the creation of a waste free future which is critical to achieving our collective climate ambitions," said Plastics Europe president Markus Steilemann.

UN takes 'historic' step toward global treaty on plastic trash

United Nations held a rare emergency special session of General Assembly on Monday (February 28) to debate Russia's invasion of Poland. The countries condemned Rusia's "unprovoked armed aggression". Russia defended its decision to invade its neighbor as member state after member state made a plea for peace.

This was just 11th such session in United Nations' 77-year history.&nbsp;

"The fighting in Ukraine must stop," warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, after the session began with a minute of silence for the victims of the conflict.

"Enough is enough. Soldiers need to move back to their barracks. Leaders need to move to peace. Civilians must be protected," he pleaded.

More than 100 countries were expected to speak as the global body decides if it will support the resolution that demands Russia immediately withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-plan-second-round-of-conflict-talks-457449">Russia, Ukraine plan 'second round' of conflict talks</a>

The resolution is non-binding but will serve as marker of how isolated Russia is.

A vote may not come until Tuesday. Its authors hope they may exceed 100 votes in favor -- though countries including Syria, China, Cuba and India are expected to either support Russia or abstain.

It will be seen as a barometer of democracy in a world where autocratic sentiment has been on the rise, diplomats said, pointing to such regimes in Myanmar, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Venezuela, Nicaragua -- and, of course, Russia.

"If Ukraine does not survive, the United Nations will not survive. Have no illusions," said Ukraine's ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, imploring countries to support the resolution.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-united-states-treasury-bans-transactions-with-russias-central-bank-457505">Ukraine invasion: United States Treasury bans transactions with Russia’s Central Bank</a>

"We can save Ukraine, save the United Nations, save democracy and defend the values we believe in," he added.

Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia reiterated Moscow's stance -- flatly rejected by Kiev and its Western allies -- that its military operation was launched to protect residents of breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.

"The hostilities were unleashed by Ukraine against its own residents," he said from the podium.

"Russia is seeking to end this war," he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Moscow has pleaded "self-defense" under Article 51 of the UN Charter.&nbsp;

But that has been roundly rejected by Western countries and the UN, which accuse Moscow of violating Article 2 of the Charter, requiring its members to refrain from the threat or use of force to resolve a crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations held a rare emergency special session of General Assembly on Monday (February 28) to debate Russia's invasion of Poland. The countries condemned Rusia's "unprovoked armed aggression".

United Nations held a rare emergency special session of General Assembly on Monday (February 28) to debate Russia's invasion of Poland. The countries condemned Rusia's "unprovoked armed aggression". Russia defended its decision to invade its neighbor as member state after member state made a plea for peace. This was just 11th such session in United Nations' 77-year history. "The fighting in Ukraine must stop," warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, after the session began with a minute of silence for the victims of the conflict. "Enough is enough. Soldiers need to move back to their barracks. Leaders need to move to peace. Civilians must be protected," he pleaded. More than 100 countries were expected to speak as the global body decides if it will support the resolution that demands Russia immediately withdraws its troops from Ukraine. Also Read | Russia, Ukraine plan 'second round' of conflict talks The resolution is non-binding but will serve as marker of how isolated Russia is. A vote may not come until Tuesday. Its authors hope they may exceed 100 votes in favor -- though countries including Syria, China, Cuba and India are expected to either support Russia or abstain. It will be seen as a barometer of democracy in a world where autocratic sentiment has been on the rise, diplomats said, pointing to such regimes in Myanmar, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Venezuela, Nicaragua -- and, of course, Russia. "If Ukraine does not survive, the United Nations will not survive. Have no illusions," said Ukraine's ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, imploring countries to support the resolution. Also Read | Ukraine invasion: United States Treasury bans transactions with Russia’s Central Bank "We can save Ukraine, save the United Nations, save democracy and defend the values we believe in," he added. Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia reiterated Moscow's stance -- flatly rejected by Kiev and its Western allies -- that its military operation was launched to protect residents of breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. "The hostilities were unleashed by Ukraine against its own residents," he said from the podium. "Russia is seeking to end this war," he added. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Moscow has pleaded "self-defense" under Article 51 of the UN Charter. But that has been roundly rejected by Western countries and the UN, which accuse Moscow of violating Article 2 of the Charter, requiring its members to refrain from the threat or use of force to resolve a crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

UNGA emergency session: Russia defends Ukraine invasion, countries appeal for peace

The United Nations on Wednesday lashed out at makers of commercial baby formula for 'unethical' marketing strategies. The UN accused the companies of putting shareholder interests before children's health and aggressively targetting expecting parents and health workers.

It is widely recognised that breastfeeding carries huge health benefits.

But countries' failure to crack down on the marketing of breast milk substitutes means far too many children are still being reared on formula, the World Health Organization and the UN children's agency Unicef warned, in a new report.

It found that the $55-billion formula milk industry systematically deploys aggressive marketing strategies, spending up to $5 billion a year to sway parents' decisions on how to feed their infants.

"This report shows very clearly that formula milk marketing remains unacceptably pervasive, misleading and aggressive," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

Unicef chief Catherine Russell called for "robust policies, legislation and investments in breastfeeding to ensure that women are protected from unethical marketing practices".

Experts have long extolled the health benefits of breastfeeding, saying that breast-fed children are healthier, perform better on intelligence tests and are less likely to be overweight or suffer from diabetes later in life.

Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, research shows.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations on Wednesday lashed out at makers of commercial baby formula for 'unethical' marketing strategies. The UN accused the companies of putting shareholder interests before children's health and aggressively targetting expecting parents and health workers.

The United Nations on Wednesday lashed out at makers of commercial baby formula for 'unethical' marketing strategies. The UN accused the companies of putting shareholder interests before children's health and aggressively targetting expecting parents and health workers. It is widely recognised that breastfeeding carries huge health benefits. But countries' failure to crack down on the marketing of breast milk substitutes means far too many children are still being reared on formula, the World Health Organization and the UN children's agency Unicef warned, in a new report. It found that the $55-billion formula milk industry systematically deploys aggressive marketing strategies, spending up to $5 billion a year to sway parents' decisions on how to feed their infants. "This report shows very clearly that formula milk marketing remains unacceptably pervasive, misleading and aggressive," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. Unicef chief Catherine Russell called for "robust policies, legislation and investments in breastfeeding to ensure that women are protected from unethical marketing practices". Experts have long extolled the health benefits of breastfeeding, saying that breast-fed children are healthier, perform better on intelligence tests and are less likely to be overweight or suffer from diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, research shows. (With inputs from agencies)

Formula milk companies get rap from the UN 

The International Court of Justice on Wednesday ordered Uganda to pay $325 million in reparations to the Democratic Republic of Congo for its role in conflicts that took place in Congo's Ituri province. The judges said Uganda was responsible for the deaths of around 15,000 people and ordered to pay five annual instalments of $65m between 2022 and 2026.

UN's top court orders Uganda to pay reparations of $325 mn to DR Congo

The United Nations’ World Food Programme has announced that around 13 million people are facing severe hunger in the Horn of Africa. The three consecutive failed rainy seasons has led to the shortage of water and pasture, decimating crops and causing high livestock deaths in the Eastern Africa.

Drought worsens livelihood in East Africa as 13 mn people face hunger

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward.

Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before. “Her body was so hot,” she said, stroking her daughter’s emaciated leg.

The baby had a high fever, convulsions and sepsis, said Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Sadiq, a pediatrician, glancing at her chart.

“Her chances are not good,” the doctor said. “We got her too late.”

At the Indira Gandhi hospital, and in faltering hospitals across Afghanistan, famished children arrive by car and taxi and ambulance every day and night. Acute malnutrition is just one of a cascade of maladies that threaten to topple the country’s fragile health system.

Late last month, António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, told the Security Council that Afghanistan was “hanging by a thread,” as he called for countries to suspend all sanctions that restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country.

“For 20 years, we kept Afghanistan on a transfusion,” said Filipe Ribeiro, country representative for Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, in Kabul. “Overnight, we removed the drip. Now we have to find a way to put it back.”

Three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population has plunged into acute poverty, with 4.7 million Afghans likely to suffer severe malnutrition this year, according to the United Nations. Last month, the organization made its biggest appeal ever for a single country, asking international donors to give more than $5 billion to fend off a humanitarian disaster.

Save the Children said the number of critically malnourished children visiting its clinics in Afghanistan had doubled since August, with 40 children dying in December on their way to receive medical care.

Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, whose country hosted meetings between Taliban representatives and Afghan civil society groups late last month, spoke to the Security Council about the urgency to expedite aid.

“We need new agreements and commitments in place to be able to assist and help an extremely vulnerable civil population, and most vulnerable among them, the children who face hunger and suffering,” he said.

Before the U.S.-backed Afghan government disintegrated in August as the Taliban overran the country, the health system relied on international aid to survive. But much of that funding has been frozen to comply with sanctions imposed on the Taliban.

As a result, the International Rescue Committee recently predicted that 90% of Afghanistan’s health clinics were likely to shut down in the coming months. The World Health Organization has said that outbreaks of diarrhea, measles, dengue fever, malaria and COVID-19 threaten to overwhelm overburdened hospitals.

Kabul’s Indira Gandhi hospital nearly shut down in October, when the unpaid staff had to cut down trees for cooking fires. A flush of funding in November from the International Committee of the Red Cross allowed it to keep its doors open and provide desperately needed medical supplies.

The infusion could keep the hospital afloat for the next several months, according to Sadiq, the pediatrician.

“After that, no one knows what will happen,” he said.

While there have been other infusions of aid, including $308 million in relief authorized by the United States, they have not been enough to cover 1,200 health facilities and 11,000 health workers.

Although the drastic decline in war-related casualties has relieved the burden of such patients on many hospitals, the suspension of operations by private facilities and the ability to safely travel Afghanistan’s roads has left other hospitals overrun with people.

On a recent morning, the corridors of Indira Gandhi hospital were crammed with beds as patients’ family members squatted on floors amid parcels of food bought at the local bazaar.

Patients’ meals consist of an egg, two apples, a milk packet, rice and juice, so many families supplement them with outside food. Some buy medicine at local pharmacies because the hospital can provide only about 70% of required medication, Sadiq said.

In the children’s critical care ward, many of the tiny cribs held two or three infants. In the ward for premature babies, two newborns had been placed in some incubators designed for a single infant.

“I’ve never seen it like this,” said Sadiq, who has worked at the hospital for more than three years. “And just imagine this same situation in every hospital in Afghanistan.”

The hospital, the largest in Afghanistan, is squeezing 500 patients into the 360-bed facility, Dr. Hasibullah Rahimzay Wardak, the hospital director, said. More than 1,000 patients arrive on a typical day, many from distant provinces. About 250-300 are admitted daily.

In the crowded malnutrition ward, 15-20 emaciated babies arrive daily, with about 60 infants filling the crowded malnutrition ward on any given day. The mortality rate is 2%-3%, Sadiq said.

Soraya, 2, had arrived 20 days earlier, dangerously underweight and gasping for breath. Her mother, Sara, 17, sat by her child’s bed as the girl’s bony chest heaved up and down. Sadiq tenderly lifted the girl’s legs, which were limp and swollen.

Soraya weighed 14 pounds on arrival, the doctor said, but weighed just 12 pounds now. Even so, he said, her condition had improved. Her chances of survival were good.

Adding more pressure on Afghanistan’s overburdened health care system is a fourth wave of COVID-19. Yet the virus is an afterthought in Afghanistan, where many people struggle to find enough to eat every day.

Few Afghans wear masks — even at the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. There, officials clustered in groups on a recent weekday, greeting visitors with hugs and kisses, and ignoring faded signs saying masks were required throughout the building.

At the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, the only remaining COVID-19 facility in the capital, few staff members or patients complied with worn stickers on the floors that proclaimed: “Let’s Beat Coronavirus — Please keep at least 2 meters from people around you.”

“When I try to talk to people about COVID-19, they say we have no food, no water, no electricity — why should we care about this virus?” said Dr. Tariq Ahmad Akbari, the hospital’s medical director.

Akbari suspected that the omicron variant had entered the country, but the hospital lacked the medical equipment to test for variants. He and his staff had not been paid for five months, he said, and the hospital was critically low on oxygen supplies and health care workers.

Seven of the hospital’s eight female doctors fled after the Taliban takeover in August, part of a hollowing out that reduced the staff from 350 to 190 the past five months. Four of the five staff microbiologists quit. And only five of the country’s 34 COVID-19 centers were still operating, Akbari said.

Several staff members lived in the hospital in Kabul because, without salaries, they cannot afford rent, he said.

The hospital was recently buoyed by a two-month stopgap grant of $800,000 from an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Akbari said. And Afghanistan’s relative isolation after the Taliban takeover had likely helped contain the spread of COVID-19, he said.

Up to 20 patients died per day during the previous wave, but just one or two a day now. And the hospital tests about 150 patients a day now, down from 600 to 700 daily tests during the second wave, Akbari said.

He speculated that Afghans are so overwhelmed by other survival issues that they are less likely to seek treatment for COVID-19.

Before the Taliban takeover, the Ministry of Public Health published detailed daily charts showing the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths — and the positivity rate for testing. But now the poorly funded ministry struggles to keep tabs on the pandemic.

Of the more than 856,000 tests conducted since the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020 — of an estimated population of nearly 40 million — roughly 163,000 were positive, a Health Ministry spokesperson said. More than 7,400 COVID-19 deaths had been confirmed since 2020, he said.

But because testing is extremely limited and the cause of death is not recorded in many instances, particularly in rural areas of Afghanistan, no one knows the pandemic’s true scale.

Akbari shook his head in frustration as he described how little was known about the virus in Afghanistan.

Looking defeated, he said, “If we have a surge like we had during the second and third wave, we would not be equipped to handle it.”

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward. Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before.

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward. Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before. “Her body was so hot,” she said, stroking her daughter’s emaciated leg. The baby had a high fever, convulsions and sepsis, said Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Sadiq, a pediatrician, glancing at her chart. “Her chances are not good,” the doctor said. “We got her too late.” At the Indira Gandhi hospital, and in faltering hospitals across Afghanistan, famished children arrive by car and taxi and ambulance every day and night. Acute malnutrition is just one of a cascade of maladies that threaten to topple the country’s fragile health system. Late last month, António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, told the Security Council that Afghanistan was “hanging by a thread,” as he called for countries to suspend all sanctions that restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country. “For 20 years, we kept Afghanistan on a transfusion,” said Filipe Ribeiro, country representative for Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, in Kabul. “Overnight, we removed the drip. Now we have to find a way to put it back.” Three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population has plunged into acute poverty, with 4.7 million Afghans likely to suffer severe malnutrition this year, according to the United Nations. Last month, the organization made its biggest appeal ever for a single country, asking international donors to give more than $5 billion to fend off a humanitarian disaster. Save the Children said the number of critically malnourished children visiting its clinics in Afghanistan had doubled since August, with 40 children dying in December on their way to receive medical care. Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, whose country hosted meetings between Taliban representatives and Afghan civil society groups late last month, spoke to the Security Council about the urgency to expedite aid. “We need new agreements and commitments in place to be able to assist and help an extremely vulnerable civil population, and most vulnerable among them, the children who face hunger and suffering,” he said. Before the U.S.-backed Afghan government disintegrated in August as the Taliban overran the country, the health system relied on international aid to survive. But much of that funding has been frozen to comply with sanctions imposed on the Taliban. As a result, the International Rescue Committee recently predicted that 90% of Afghanistan’s health clinics were likely to shut down in the coming months. The World Health Organization has said that outbreaks of diarrhea, measles, dengue fever, malaria and COVID-19 threaten to overwhelm overburdened hospitals. Kabul’s Indira Gandhi hospital nearly shut down in October, when the unpaid staff had to cut down trees for cooking fires. A flush of funding in November from the International Committee of the Red Cross allowed it to keep its doors open and provide desperately needed medical supplies. The infusion could keep the hospital afloat for the next several months, according to Sadiq, the pediatrician. “After that, no one knows what will happen,” he said. While there have been other infusions of aid, including $308 million in relief authorized by the United States, they have not been enough to cover 1,200 health facilities and 11,000 health workers. Although the drastic decline in war-related casualties has relieved the burden of such patients on many hospitals, the suspension of operations by private facilities and the ability to safely travel Afghanistan’s roads has left other hospitals overrun with people. On a recent morning, the corridors of Indira Gandhi hospital were crammed with beds as patients’ family members squatted on floors amid parcels of food bought at the local bazaar. Patients’ meals consist of an egg, two apples, a milk packet, rice and juice, so many families supplement them with outside food. Some buy medicine at local pharmacies because the hospital can provide only about 70% of required medication, Sadiq said. In the children’s critical care ward, many of the tiny cribs held two or three infants. In the ward for premature babies, two newborns had been placed in some incubators designed for a single infant. “I’ve never seen it like this,” said Sadiq, who has worked at the hospital for more than three years. “And just imagine this same situation in every hospital in Afghanistan.” The hospital, the largest in Afghanistan, is squeezing 500 patients into the 360-bed facility, Dr. Hasibullah Rahimzay Wardak, the hospital director, said. More than 1,000 patients arrive on a typical day, many from distant provinces. About 250-300 are admitted daily. In the crowded malnutrition ward, 15-20 emaciated babies arrive daily, with about 60 infants filling the crowded malnutrition ward on any given day. The mortality rate is 2%-3%, Sadiq said. Soraya, 2, had arrived 20 days earlier, dangerously underweight and gasping for breath. Her mother, Sara, 17, sat by her child’s bed as the girl’s bony chest heaved up and down. Sadiq tenderly lifted the girl’s legs, which were limp and swollen. Soraya weighed 14 pounds on arrival, the doctor said, but weighed just 12 pounds now. Even so, he said, her condition had improved. Her chances of survival were good. Adding more pressure on Afghanistan’s overburdened health care system is a fourth wave of COVID-19. Yet the virus is an afterthought in Afghanistan, where many people struggle to find enough to eat every day. Few Afghans wear masks — even at the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. There, officials clustered in groups on a recent weekday, greeting visitors with hugs and kisses, and ignoring faded signs saying masks were required throughout the building. At the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, the only remaining COVID-19 facility in the capital, few staff members or patients complied with worn stickers on the floors that proclaimed: “Let’s Beat Coronavirus — Please keep at least 2 meters from people around you.” “When I try to talk to people about COVID-19, they say we have no food, no water, no electricity — why should we care about this virus?” said Dr. Tariq Ahmad Akbari, the hospital’s medical director. Akbari suspected that the omicron variant had entered the country, but the hospital lacked the medical equipment to test for variants. He and his staff had not been paid for five months, he said, and the hospital was critically low on oxygen supplies and health care workers. Seven of the hospital’s eight female doctors fled after the Taliban takeover in August, part of a hollowing out that reduced the staff from 350 to 190 the past five months. Four of the five staff microbiologists quit. And only five of the country’s 34 COVID-19 centers were still operating, Akbari said. Several staff members lived in the hospital in Kabul because, without salaries, they cannot afford rent, he said. The hospital was recently buoyed by a two-month stopgap grant of $800,000 from an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Akbari said. And Afghanistan’s relative isolation after the Taliban takeover had likely helped contain the spread of COVID-19, he said. Up to 20 patients died per day during the previous wave, but just one or two a day now. And the hospital tests about 150 patients a day now, down from 600 to 700 daily tests during the second wave, Akbari said. He speculated that Afghans are so overwhelmed by other survival issues that they are less likely to seek treatment for COVID-19. Before the Taliban takeover, the Ministry of Public Health published detailed daily charts showing the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths — and the positivity rate for testing. But now the poorly funded ministry struggles to keep tabs on the pandemic. Of the more than 856,000 tests conducted since the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020 — of an estimated population of nearly 40 million — roughly 163,000 were positive, a Health Ministry spokesperson said. More than 7,400 COVID-19 deaths had been confirmed since 2020, he said. But because testing is extremely limited and the cause of death is not recorded in many instances, particularly in rural areas of Afghanistan, no one knows the pandemic’s true scale. Akbari shook his head in frustration as he described how little was known about the virus in Afghanistan. Looking defeated, he said, “If we have a surge like we had during the second and third wave, we would not be equipped to handle it.”

Afghanistan’s health care system is collapsing under stress

United Nations Security Council on Monday saw a fiery session on Ukraine crisis. The session, requested by the US, was held as threat of Russian invasion against Ukraine remained high. Russian forces remain deployed along the Ukrainian border and tensions between Russia and the West are high.

Russia tried to block the 15-member Council from holding the meeting at all -- with its envoy to the UN Vasily Nebenzya accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria" by pushing a Security Council debate.

But Washington's UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Moscow's troop buildup justified the move, and Russia's blocking move was rejected with 10 out of 15 members backing Washington.

Here are some of the major statements made by the countries during the session:

USA

<ul>
	<li>Russia's position threatens not only Ukraine but also Europe and international order</li>
	<li>Russia is sending more forces as we speak</li>
	<li>Russia has moved 5000 troops to Belarus and evidence suggests that it intends to take this number to 30,000</li>
	<li>If Russia invades the consequences will be horrific. And we can't say that we didn't see it coming</li>
</ul>

Russia

<ul>
	<li>We are not refusing to discuss the situation in Ukraine&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Deployment in our territory has happened before and hasn't caused any problem</li>
	<li>This deployment in our own territory is getting US and the western colleagues that there is a planned action.</li>
	<li>There is no proof of such a serious act (invasion).&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The Ukranians are being brain-washed.</li>
	<li>Let the Americans show us any evidence that Russia is planning to invade Ukraine</li>
	<li>Where did you get the figure of 100,000 troops? We never cited any such figure</li>
	<li>US has 750 bases in more than 80 countries. 175,000 US troops are deployed around the world. More than 60000 are in Europe.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Ukraine

<ul>
	<li>Russian forces continue to build up at Ukrainian border&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A serious talk in security council is required more than ever to work towards descalation&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Russian military drills are taking place in Belarus &amp; Black Sea&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Militarisation in Donbass &amp; Russian involvement in it is a cause of concern&nbsp;</li>
	<li>We firmly believe in dialogue</li>
	<li>Russia should move back troops and engage in dialogue</li>
	<li>We have rights to form alliances. It is a right enshrined in many international treaties to which Russia is also a part</li>
	<li>We are ready to resume Normandy talks in all formats</li>
</ul>

 
UK

<ul>
	<li>Today over 100,000 Russian troops are amassed with all weaponry.</li>
	<li>This is not a routine deployment. It is largest in decades.</li>
	<li>We are unwavering in our support to Ukraine.</li>
	<li>At the same time, we have called for a NATO Russia Council engagement.</li>
	<li>We are committed to a genuine dialogue.</li>
	<li>This is not a regional issue.</li>
	<li>Any invasion will be gross violation of charter.</li>
</ul>

Belarus

<ul>
	<li>We have made various efforts to normalize the situation in Ukraine</li>
	<li>Belarus is willing to provide all the support to settle the dispute in Ukraine</li>
	<li>Military drills in Belarus aren't to threaten anyone</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

China

<ul>
	<li>We can't align with USA's point of view.</li>
	<li>Russia has repeatedly stated that it has no plans of any invasion and Ukraine has said there is no war.</li>
	<li>What is the basis for these countries to say there is a war?</li>
	<li>What we urgently need now is quiet diplomacy and not microphone diplomacy.</li>
	<li>China calls all parties to remain calm.</li>
	<li>NATO epitomises group politics.</li>
	<li>We need to abandon Cold War mentality.</li>
</ul>

 
Albania

<ul>
	<li>We express our deep concerns on the build-up on the border</li>
	<li>This movement of troop and weaponry is very worrying. Especially for us in Europe.</li>
	<li>Countries shd be free to join whichever organisation they want to join</li>
	<li>Albania believes this issue shd be solved thru talks&nbsp;</li>
	<li>There are several ways to defuse the situation</li>
	<li>The instability of Ukraine will impact the whole of Europe</li>
</ul>

 
France

<ul>
	<li>The situation on the borders is a deep concern for France</li>
	<li>It raises legitimate questions on Russia intentions, since it has infringed Ukraine territory in the past.</li>
	<li>We Call on Russia to de-escalate and engage in dialogue.</li>
	<li>We plan to take forward the Normandy Format talks in Berlin.</li>
</ul>

 
India

<ul>
	<li>We have been closely following and all for diplomatic resolution.</li>
	<li>We have been in touch with all parties. We welcome the efforts under Normandy format and Minsk agreement.</li>
	<li>Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour.</li>
</ul>

United Nations Security Council on Monday saw a fiery session on Ukraine crisis. The session, requested by the US, was held as threat of Russian invasion against Ukraine remained high.

United Nations Security Council on Monday saw a fiery session on Ukraine crisis. The session, requested by the US, was held as threat of Russian invasion against Ukraine remained high. Russian forces remain deployed along the Ukrainian border and tensions between Russia and the West are high. Russia tried to block the 15-member Council from holding the meeting at all -- with its envoy to the UN Vasily Nebenzya accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria" by pushing a Security Council debate. But Washington's UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Moscow's troop buildup justified the move, and Russia's blocking move was rejected with 10 out of 15 members backing Washington. Here are some of the major statements made by the countries during the session: USA Russia's position threatens not only Ukraine but also Europe and international order Russia is sending more forces as we speak Russia has moved 5000 troops to Belarus and evidence suggests that it intends to take this number to 30,000 If Russia invades the consequences will be horrific. And we can't say that we didn't see it coming Russia We are not refusing to discuss the situation in Ukraine Deployment in our territory has happened before and hasn't caused any problem This deployment in our own territory is getting US and the western colleagues that there is a planned action. There is no proof of such a serious act (invasion). The Ukranians are being brain-washed. Let the Americans show us any evidence that Russia is planning to invade Ukraine Where did you get the figure of 100,000 troops? We never cited any such figure US has 750 bases in more than 80 countries. 175,000 US troops are deployed around the world. More than 60000 are in Europe. Ukraine Russian forces continue to build up at Ukrainian border A serious talk in security council is required more than ever to work towards descalation Russian military drills are taking place in Belarus & Black Sea Militarisation in Donbass & Russian involvement in it is a cause of concern We firmly believe in dialogue Russia should move back troops and engage in dialogue We have rights to form alliances. It is a right enshrined in many international treaties to which Russia is also a part We are ready to resume Normandy talks in all formats UK Today over 100,000 Russian troops are amassed with all weaponry. This is not a routine deployment. It is largest in decades. We are unwavering in our support to Ukraine. At the same time, we have called for a NATO Russia Council engagement. We are committed to a genuine dialogue. This is not a regional issue. Any invasion will be gross violation of charter. Belarus We have made various efforts to normalize the situation in Ukraine Belarus is willing to provide all the support to settle the dispute in Ukraine Military drills in Belarus aren't to threaten anyone China We can't align with USA's point of view. Russia has repeatedly stated that it has no plans of any invasion and Ukraine has said there is no war. What is the basis for these countries to say there is a war? What we urgently need now is quiet diplomacy and not microphone diplomacy. China calls all parties to remain calm. NATO epitomises group politics. We need to abandon Cold War mentality. Albania We express our deep concerns on the build-up on the border This movement of troop and weaponry is very worrying. Especially for us in Europe. Countries shd be free to join whichever organisation they want to join Albania believes this issue shd be solved thru talks There are several ways to defuse the situation The instability of Ukraine will impact the whole of Europe France The situation on the borders is a deep concern for France It raises legitimate questions on Russia intentions, since it has infringed Ukraine territory in the past. We Call on Russia to de-escalate and engage in dialogue. We plan to take forward the Normandy Format talks in Berlin. India We have been closely following and all for diplomatic resolution. We have been in touch with all parties. We welcome the efforts under Normandy format and Minsk agreement. Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour.

UNSC session on Ukraine crisis: Who said what

UN experts said in a new report that nearly 2,000 children recruited by Yemen's Houthi rebels died on the battlefield between January 2020 and May 2021, and the Iranian-backed rebels continue to hold camps and courses encouraging youngsters to fight.

In the report to the UN Security Council circulated Saturday, the experts said they investigated some summer camps in schools and a mosque where the Houthis disseminated their ideology and sought to recruit children to fight in the seven-year war with Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.&nbsp;

"The children are instructed to shout the Houthi slogan 'death to America, death to Israel, curse the Jews, victory to Islam,'"&nbsp;the four-member panel of experts said.

"In one camp, children as young as 7 years of age were taught to clean weapons and evade rockets."

The experts said they documented 10 cases where children were taken to fight after being told they would be enrolled in cultural courses or were already taking such courses, nine cases where humanitarian aid was provided or denied to families "solely on the basis whether their children participated in fighting or to teachers on the basis of whether they taught the Houthi curriculum,"&nbsp;and one case where sexual violence was committed against a child who underwent military training.

The panel said it received a list of 1,406 children recruited by the Houthis who died on the battlefield in 2020 and a list of 562 children recruited by the rebels who died on the battlefield between January and May 2021.

"They were aged between 10 and 17 years old,"&nbsp;the experts said, and "a significant number"&nbsp;of them were killed in Amran, Dhamar, Hajjah, Hodeida, Ibb, Saada and Sanaa.&nbsp;

Yemen has been engulfed in civil war since 2014 when the Houthis took Sanaa, the capital, and much of the northern part of the country, forcing the government to flee to the south, then to Saudi Arabia.

A Saudi-led coalition that included the United Arab Emirates and was backed at the time by the United States, entered the war months later, in 2015, seeking to restore the government to power.

The conflict has since become a regional proxy war that has killed tens of thousands of civilians and fighters.&nbsp;

The war has also created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, leaving millions suffering from food and medical care shortages and pushing the country to the brink of famine.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, shifting front lines on the ground have resulted in escalating attacks following gains by UAE-backed forces in the contested province of Marib, which the Houthis have been trying to take for more than a year.&nbsp;

Coalition airstrikes followed two Houthi attacks inside the UAE using missiles and drones, killing three in strikes near the Abu Dhabi international airport.&nbsp;

The panel of experts said the Houthis have continued their aerial and maritime attacks on Saudi Arabia, with targets close to the border most at risk and usually attacked several times a week with a combination of unmanned drones and short-range artillery rockets.&nbsp;

But the rebels also continue to strike deep inside Saudi Arabia less frequently using longer-range drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, they said.&nbsp;

In the Red Sea, the experts said, waterborne improvised explosive devices were used to attack commercial vessels at anchor in Saudi ports, in some cases more than 1,000 kilometres from Yemeni shores.

"It appears almost certain that those devices were launched from a 'mothership', which would have towed the devices for most of the journey,"&nbsp;they said.&nbsp;

"The purpose of these attacks was primarily political, i.e. The Houthis want to push Riyadh towards accepting a political settlement beneficial to them,"&nbsp;the experts said.

"This contrasts sharply with the use of missiles and un-crewed aerial vehicles within Yemen, the aim of which is often to attain maximum lethality."

The 303-page report said violations of international humanitarian and human rights law are "the norm rather than the exception"&nbsp;in the Yemen conflict, citing arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment "committed by all parties."

Migrants continue to be particularly vulnerable to abuses and human rights violations, the experts said, and in Houthi-controlled areas, detention and the judicial system are used "to quell any opposition or perceived dissent, especially by journalists, women and religious minorities."

The annual UN report, covering the year to December 5, 2021, said the Houthis and paramilitary forces loyal to them continue to violate a UN arms embargo.

"Most types of un-crewed aerial vehicles, waterborne improvised explosive devices and short-range rockets are assembled in Houthi-controlled areas using locally available materials, as well as commercial components, such as engines and electronics, which are sourced from abroad using a complex network of intermediaries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia,"&nbsp;the panel said.

The experts said evidence shows that weapons components and other military equipment "continue to be supplied overland to the Houthi forces by individuals and entities based in Oman."

Oman, which borders Yemen, remains neutral in the war and is the only regional country other than Iran to maintain relations with the Houthis.&nbsp;

UN experts said in a new report that nearly 2,000 children recruited by Yemen's Houthi rebels died on the battlefield between January 2020 and May 2021, and the Iranian-backed rebels continue to hold camps and courses encouraging youngsters to fight.

UN experts said in a new report that nearly 2,000 children recruited by Yemen's Houthi rebels died on the battlefield between January 2020 and May 2021, and the Iranian-backed rebels continue to hold camps and courses encouraging youngsters to fight. In the report to the UN Security Council circulated Saturday, the experts said they investigated some summer camps in schools and a mosque where the Houthis disseminated their ideology and sought to recruit children to fight in the seven-year war with Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition. "The children are instructed to shout the Houthi slogan 'death to America, death to Israel, curse the Jews, victory to Islam,'" the four-member panel of experts said. "In one camp, children as young as 7 years of age were taught to clean weapons and evade rockets." The experts said they documented 10 cases where children were taken to fight after being told they would be enrolled in cultural courses or were already taking such courses, nine cases where humanitarian aid was provided or denied to families "solely on the basis whether their children participated in fighting or to teachers on the basis of whether they taught the Houthi curriculum," and one case where sexual violence was committed against a child who underwent military training. The panel said it received a list of 1,406 children recruited by the Houthis who died on the battlefield in 2020 and a list of 562 children recruited by the rebels who died on the battlefield between January and May 2021. "They were aged between 10 and 17 years old," the experts said, and "a significant number" of them were killed in Amran, Dhamar, Hajjah, Hodeida, Ibb, Saada and Sanaa. Yemen has been engulfed in civil war since 2014 when the Houthis took Sanaa, the capital, and much of the northern part of the country, forcing the government to flee to the south, then to Saudi Arabia. A Saudi-led coalition that included the United Arab Emirates and was backed at the time by the United States, entered the war months later, in 2015, seeking to restore the government to power. The conflict has since become a regional proxy war that has killed tens of thousands of civilians and fighters. The war has also created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, leaving millions suffering from food and medical care shortages and pushing the country to the brink of famine. In recent weeks, shifting front lines on the ground have resulted in escalating attacks following gains by UAE-backed forces in the contested province of Marib, which the Houthis have been trying to take for more than a year. Coalition airstrikes followed two Houthi attacks inside the UAE using missiles and drones, killing three in strikes near the Abu Dhabi international airport. The panel of experts said the Houthis have continued their aerial and maritime attacks on Saudi Arabia, with targets close to the border most at risk and usually attacked several times a week with a combination of unmanned drones and short-range artillery rockets. But the rebels also continue to strike deep inside Saudi Arabia less frequently using longer-range drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, they said. In the Red Sea, the experts said, waterborne improvised explosive devices were used to attack commercial vessels at anchor in Saudi ports, in some cases more than 1,000 kilometres from Yemeni shores. "It appears almost certain that those devices were launched from a 'mothership', which would have towed the devices for most of the journey," they said. "The purpose of these attacks was primarily political, i.e. The Houthis want to push Riyadh towards accepting a political settlement beneficial to them," the experts said. "This contrasts sharply with the use of missiles and un-crewed aerial vehicles within Yemen, the aim of which is often to attain maximum lethality." The 303-page report said violations of international humanitarian and human rights law are "the norm rather than the exception" in the Yemen conflict, citing arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment "committed by all parties." Migrants continue to be particularly vulnerable to abuses and human rights violations, the experts said, and in Houthi-controlled areas, detention and the judicial system are used "to quell any opposition or perceived dissent, especially by journalists, women and religious minorities." The annual UN report, covering the year to December 5, 2021, said the Houthis and paramilitary forces loyal to them continue to violate a UN arms embargo. "Most types of un-crewed aerial vehicles, waterborne improvised explosive devices and short-range rockets are assembled in Houthi-controlled areas using locally available materials, as well as commercial components, such as engines and electronics, which are sourced from abroad using a complex network of intermediaries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia," the panel said. The experts said evidence shows that weapons components and other military equipment "continue to be supplied overland to the Houthi forces by individuals and entities based in Oman." Oman, which borders Yemen, remains neutral in the war and is the only regional country other than Iran to maintain relations with the Houthis.

UN: 2,000 children recruited by Yemen's rebels died fighting

A military court in the Democratic Republic of&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;Saturday sentenced 51 people to death, several in absentia, in a mass trial over the 2017 murder of two UN experts in a troubled central region.

Capital punishment is frequently pronounced in murder cases in DRC, but is routinely commuted to life imprisonment since the country declared a moratorium on executions in 2003.

Dozens of people have been on trial for more than four years over a killing that shook diplomats and the aid community, although key questions about the episode remain unanswered.

Michael Sharp, an American, and Zaida Catalan, a Swedish-Chilean, disappeared as they probed violence in the Kasai region after being hired to do so by the United Nations.

They were investigating mass graves linked to a bloody conflict that had flared between the government and a local group.

Their bodies were found in a village on March 28, 2017, 16 days after they went missing. Catalan had been beheaded.

Unrest in the Kasai region had broken out in 2016, triggered by the killing of a local traditional chief, the Kamuina Nsapu, by the security forces.

Around 3,400 people were killed, and tens of thousands of people fled their homes, before the conflict fizzled out in mid-2017.

Prosecutors at the military court in Kananga had demanded the death penalty against 51 of the 54 accused, 22 of whom are fugitives and are being tried in absentia.

The charge sheet ranged from "terrorism" and "murder" to "participation in an insurrectional movement" and "the act of a war crime through mutilation".

According to the official version of events, pro-Kamuina Nsapu&nbsp;militiamen executed the pair on March 12, 2017, the day they went missing.

But in June 2017, a report handed to the UN Security Council described the killings as a "premeditated setup" in which members of state security may have been involved.

During the trial, prosecutors suggested that the militiamen had carried out the murders to take revenge against the United Nations, which the sect accused of failing to prevent attacks against them by the army.

If so, those who purportedly ordered the act were not identified throughout the marathon proceedings.

Among the main accused was a colonel, Jean de Dieu Mambweni, who prosecutors say colluded with the militiamen, providing them with ammunition. He has denied the charges and his lawyers say the trial is a set-up.

Mambweni was among those originally facing the death penalty, but instead was only sentenced to 10 years in jail for "disobeying orders and failure to assist a person in danger". His defence team said he would appeal the verdict.

Two more detainees were acquitted, including a journalist.

Saturday's verdict is liable to appeal at the High Military Court in Kinshasa, DRC's capital.

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday sentenced 51 people to death, several in absentia, in a mass trial over the 2017 murder of two UN experts in a troubled central region.

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday sentenced 51 people to death, several in absentia, in a mass trial over the 2017 murder of two UN experts in a troubled central region. Capital punishment is frequently pronounced in murder cases in DRC, but is routinely commuted to life imprisonment since the country declared a moratorium on executions in 2003. Dozens of people have been on trial for more than four years over a killing that shook diplomats and the aid community, although key questions about the episode remain unanswered. Michael Sharp, an American, and Zaida Catalan, a Swedish-Chilean, disappeared as they probed violence in the Kasai region after being hired to do so by the United Nations. They were investigating mass graves linked to a bloody conflict that had flared between the government and a local group. Their bodies were found in a village on March 28, 2017, 16 days after they went missing. Catalan had been beheaded. Unrest in the Kasai region had broken out in 2016, triggered by the killing of a local traditional chief, the Kamuina Nsapu, by the security forces. Around 3,400 people were killed, and tens of thousands of people fled their homes, before the conflict fizzled out in mid-2017. Prosecutors at the military court in Kananga had demanded the death penalty against 51 of the 54 accused, 22 of whom are fugitives and are being tried in absentia. The charge sheet ranged from "terrorism" and "murder" to "participation in an insurrectional movement" and "the act of a war crime through mutilation". According to the official version of events, pro-Kamuina Nsapu militiamen executed the pair on March 12, 2017, the day they went missing. But in June 2017, a report handed to the UN Security Council described the killings as a "premeditated setup" in which members of state security may have been involved. During the trial, prosecutors suggested that the militiamen had carried out the murders to take revenge against the United Nations, which the sect accused of failing to prevent attacks against them by the army. If so, those who purportedly ordered the act were not identified throughout the marathon proceedings. Among the main accused was a colonel, Jean de Dieu Mambweni, who prosecutors say colluded with the militiamen, providing them with ammunition. He has denied the charges and his lawyers say the trial is a set-up. Mambweni was among those originally facing the death penalty, but instead was only sentenced to 10 years in jail for "disobeying orders and failure to assist a person in danger". His defence team said he would appeal the verdict. Two more detainees were acquitted, including a journalist. Saturday's verdict is liable to appeal at the High Military Court in Kinshasa, DRC's capital.

DR Congo court sentences 51 to death in murder of UN experts

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday told the security council on Wednesday that Afghanistan is "hanging by a thread'. He urged countries to authorise all transactions needed to carry out humanitarian activities.

He also made a case for suspension of any rules or conditions that constricted "lifesaving" aid operations. He said millions in Afghanistan were suffering extreme hunger and education and social services were on the brink of collapse. Lack of liquidity limited capacity of the UN and aid groups to reach people in need, he said.

"We need to give financial institutions and commercial partners legal assurance that they can work with humanitarian operators without fear of breaching sanctions," said Guterres, noting that the 15-member council last month adopted a humanitarian exemption to U.N. sanctions tied to Afghanistan.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-destroying-lives-of-lgbtq-people-in-afghanistan-report-447765">Taliban 'destroying lives' of LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan: Report</a>

About $ 9.5 billion of Afghan central bank funds remain frozen abroad. International development support has dried up since Taliban seized power in the country last August.

"There is compelling evidence of an emerging environment of intimidation and a deterioration in respect for human rights. This suggests that the consolidation of government authority may be leading toward control of the population by fear," the U.N. special envoy on Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, told the council.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-warn-against-womens-rights-activism-after-two-activists-were-seized-from-their-homes-446896">Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes</a>

In December, donors to a frozen World Bank-administered Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund agreed to transfer $280 million to the World Food Program and UN children's agency UNICEF to support nutrition and health in Afghanistan. Guterres said the remaining $1.2 billion in the fund needed "to be freed up urgently to help Afghanistan's people survive the winter."

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council that Washington had moved to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not impede humanitarian activity and it is examining various options to ease the liquidity crunch."

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday told the security council on Wednesday that Afghanistan is "hanging by a thread'. He urged countries to authorise all transactions needed to carry out humanitarian activities.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday told the security council on Wednesday that Afghanistan is "hanging by a thread'. He urged countries to authorise all transactions needed to carry out humanitarian activities. He also made a case for suspension of any rules or conditions that constricted "lifesaving" aid operations. He said millions in Afghanistan were suffering extreme hunger and education and social services were on the brink of collapse. Lack of liquidity limited capacity of the UN and aid groups to reach people in need, he said. "We need to give financial institutions and commercial partners legal assurance that they can work with humanitarian operators without fear of breaching sanctions," said Guterres, noting that the 15-member council last month adopted a humanitarian exemption to U.N. sanctions tied to Afghanistan. Also Read | Taliban 'destroying lives' of LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan: Report About $ 9.5 billion of Afghan central bank funds remain frozen abroad. International development support has dried up since Taliban seized power in the country last August. "There is compelling evidence of an emerging environment of intimidation and a deterioration in respect for human rights. This suggests that the consolidation of government authority may be leading toward control of the population by fear," the U.N. special envoy on Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, told the council. Also Read | Taliban warn against women's rights activism after two activists were seized from their homes In December, donors to a frozen World Bank-administered Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund agreed to transfer $280 million to the World Food Program and UN children's agency UNICEF to support nutrition and health in Afghanistan. Guterres said the remaining $1.2 billion in the fund needed "to be freed up urgently to help Afghanistan's people survive the winter." The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council that Washington had moved to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not impede humanitarian activity and it is examining various options to ease the liquidity crunch." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan 'hanging by a thread', UN chief Antonio Guterres tells Security Council

During a virtual address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos Agenda 2022 on Monday (January 17), the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted urgent actions needed to help developing countries amid climate, coronavirus (COVID-19) and other crises.&nbsp;

Guterres appealed to the business leaders to support developing countries in order to reform the global financial system. In the current scenario, developing and low-income countries need access to COVID-19 vaccines, they need assistance to combat the climate crisis and its related consequences.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-offer-a-bouquet-of-hope-to-world-modi-pitches-invest-in-india-at-wef-davos-2022-445514">‘We offer a bouquet of hope to world’: Modi pitches ‘invest in India’ at WEF Davos 2022</a>

During the address, Guterres said that the low-income countries are at a huge disadvantage. "They're experiencing their slowest growth in a generation," Guterres said.&nbsp;

"The burdens of record inflation, shrinking fiscal space, high-interest rates and soaring energy and food prices are hitting every corner of the world and blocking recovery — especially in low- and some middle-income countries," he added.&nbsp;

Talking about Covid vaccine equity, he said, "Last fall, the World Health Organization unveiled a strategy to vaccinate 40 per cent of people in all countries by the end of last year and 70 per cent by the middle of this year. We are nowhere near these targets."

"Vaccination rates in high-income countries are shamefully seven times higher than in African countries, and we need vaccine equity now," he added.&nbsp;

Guterres, who began a second five-year term as UN chief on January&nbsp;1. has long been pushing for more global action to address COVID-19 vaccine inequity and climate change and for reform of the global financial system.

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Meanwhile, in the latest report by Oxfam released on Sunday, it has been stated that the wealth of some richest people in the world has increased and how taxing them will benefit millions who face the worst of situations due to extreme poverty. &nbsp;

Abby Maxman, who is the president of Oxfam America said that one of the "single most powerful tools" is there to address the level of "egregious and deadly inequality" is to tax the rich.

In a news release, she added that instead of lining the pockets of the ultra-wealthy, there's a need to invest billions of dollars in the economy, children and planet, paving the way for a more "equal and sustainable future".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses WEF’s Online Davos Agenda 2022 Summit

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&nbsp;

During a virtual address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos Agenda 2022 on Monday (January 17), the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted urgent actions needed to help developing countries amid climate, coronavirus (COVID-19) and other crises.

During a virtual address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos Agenda 2022 on Monday (January 17), the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted urgent actions needed to help developing countries amid climate, coronavirus (COVID-19) and other crises. Guterres appealed to the business leaders to support developing countries in order to reform the global financial system. In the current scenario, developing and low-income countries need access to COVID-19 vaccines, they need assistance to combat the climate crisis and its related consequences. ALSO READ | ‘We offer a bouquet of hope to world’: Modi pitches ‘invest in India’ at WEF Davos 2022 During the address, Guterres said that the low-income countries are at a huge disadvantage. "They're experiencing their slowest growth in a generation," Guterres said. "The burdens of record inflation, shrinking fiscal space, high-interest rates and soaring energy and food prices are hitting every corner of the world and blocking recovery — especially in low- and some middle-income countries," he added. Talking about Covid vaccine equity, he said, "Last fall, the World Health Organization unveiled a strategy to vaccinate 40 per cent of people in all countries by the end of last year and 70 per cent by the middle of this year. We are nowhere near these targets." "Vaccination rates in high-income countries are shamefully seven times higher than in African countries, and we need vaccine equity now," he added. Guterres, who began a second five-year term as UN chief on January 1. has long been pushing for more global action to address COVID-19 vaccine inequity and climate change and for reform of the global financial system. Special Address by @antonioguterres, Secretary-General, @UN with @borgebrende #DavosAgenda https://t.co/daBRBJi4HF — World Economic Forum (@wef) January 17, 2022 × Meanwhile, in the latest report by Oxfam released on Sunday, it has been stated that the wealth of some richest people in the world has increased and how taxing them will benefit millions who face the worst of situations due to extreme poverty. Abby Maxman, who is the president of Oxfam America said that one of the "single most powerful tools" is there to address the level of "egregious and deadly inequality" is to tax the rich. In a news release, she added that instead of lining the pockets of the ultra-wealthy, there's a need to invest billions of dollars in the economy, children and planet, paving the way for a more "equal and sustainable future". WATCH | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses WEF’s Online Davos Agenda 2022 Summit ×

Davos Agenda 2022: At WEF, UN chief urges businesses to help low-income nations amid Covid and climate crises

A top humanitarian official of the United Nations said on Wednesday that the UN would need around USD 3.9 billion this year to help millions of people in war-hit Yemen.

Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ramesh Rajasingham told the UN Security Council that "the biggest constraint right now is funding" to help some 16 million people in Yemen, where a civil war has raged for over seven years.

"I call on all donors to sustain –- and if possible, to increase –- their support this year," Rajasingham said.&nbsp;

Rajasingham added that funding had been decreasing in recent years. He said that last year's response plan was pnly funded at 58 per cent as UN World Food Program in December announced cuts in its assistance budget for eight million people.

"Other vital programs, including water, protection and reproductive health services, have also been forced to scale back or close in recent weeks for lack of funds," Rajasingham said.

Aside from funding, humanitarian access and security also remain major impediments to aid.

Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when Iranian-backed Huthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year.

The UN has estimated the war killed 377,000 people by the end of 2021, both directly and indirectly through hunger and disease.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A top humanitarian official of the United Nations said on Wednesday that the UN would need around USD 3.9 billion this year to help millions of people in war-hit Yemen.

A top humanitarian official of the United Nations said on Wednesday that the UN would need around USD 3.9 billion this year to help millions of people in war-hit Yemen. Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ramesh Rajasingham told the UN Security Council that "the biggest constraint right now is funding" to help some 16 million people in Yemen, where a civil war has raged for over seven years. "I call on all donors to sustain –- and if possible, to increase –- their support this year," Rajasingham said. Rajasingham added that funding had been decreasing in recent years. He said that last year's response plan was pnly funded at 58 per cent as UN World Food Program in December announced cuts in its assistance budget for eight million people. "Other vital programs, including water, protection and reproductive health services, have also been forced to scale back or close in recent weeks for lack of funds," Rajasingham said. Aside from funding, humanitarian access and security also remain major impediments to aid. Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when Iranian-backed Huthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year. The UN has estimated the war killed 377,000 people by the end of 2021, both directly and indirectly through hunger and disease. (With inputs from agencies)

USD 3.9 billion needed for war-torn Yemen, says UN

The United States on Tuesday promised more than $308 million in an initial aid package for Afghanistan this year.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said in a statement that it will provide for food and nutrition for vulnerable people, health care facilities, winterisation programmes and logistics support.

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It comes after an appeal by the United Nations for funds to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and offer the ravaged country a future after 40 years of suffering.

''A full-blown humanitarian catastrophe looms. My message is urgent: don't shut the door on the people of Afghanistan," said UN aid chief Martin Griffiths.

"Help us scale up and stave off wide-spread hunger, disease, malnutrition and ultimately death."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/afghan-women-protest-against-killing-of-former-troops-demand-equal-rights-440708" hreflang="en">Afghan women protest against killing of former troops, demand equal rights</a>

The United Nations says nearly 23 million people, about 55% of the population, are facing extreme levels of hunger, with nearly 9 million at risk of famine as winter takes hold.

Afghanistan's economic crisis accelerated after the Taliban seized power in August, as the former Western-backed government collapsed and the last US troops withdrew.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/from-narco-terrorism-to-informal-economy-the-state-crime-nexus-of-afghanistans-opium-dilemma-407432" hreflang="en">From narco-terrorism to informal economy: The state-crime nexus of Afghanistan’s opium dilemma</a>

"The banks are not working properly so there is also a need to control the inflation and that can be controlled when dollars ... hard currency come to Afghanistan," senior Taliban leader and the group's designated UN representative, Suhail Shaheen said.

Washington has frozen billions of dollars of the country's assets, while aid supplies have been heavily disrupted.

Last month, the United States formally exempted US and UN officials doing permitted business with the Taliban from US sanctions to try to maintain the flow of aid to Afghanistan as it sinks deeper into a humanitarian crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Tuesday promised more than $308 million in an initial aid package for Afghanistan this year. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said in a statement that it will provide for food and nutrition for vulnerable people, health care facilities, winterisation programmes and logistics support.

The United States on Tuesday promised more than $308 million in an initial aid package for Afghanistan this year. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said in a statement that it will provide for food and nutrition for vulnerable people, health care facilities, winterisation programmes and logistics support. It comes after an appeal by the United Nations for funds to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and offer the ravaged country a future after 40 years of suffering. ''A full-blown humanitarian catastrophe looms. My message is urgent: don't shut the door on the people of Afghanistan," said UN aid chief Martin Griffiths. "Help us scale up and stave off wide-spread hunger, disease, malnutrition and ultimately death." Also see | Afghan women protest against killing of former troops, demand equal rights The United Nations says nearly 23 million people, about 55% of the population, are facing extreme levels of hunger, with nearly 9 million at risk of famine as winter takes hold. Afghanistan's economic crisis accelerated after the Taliban seized power in August, as the former Western-backed government collapsed and the last US troops withdrew. Also read | From narco-terrorism to informal economy: The state-crime nexus of Afghanistan’s opium dilemma "The banks are not working properly so there is also a need to control the inflation and that can be controlled when dollars ... hard currency come to Afghanistan," senior Taliban leader and the group's designated UN representative, Suhail Shaheen said. Washington has frozen billions of dollars of the country's assets, while aid supplies have been heavily disrupted. Last month, the United States formally exempted US and UN officials doing permitted business with the Taliban from US sanctions to try to maintain the flow of aid to Afghanistan as it sinks deeper into a humanitarian crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

United States pledges over $300 million in aid for Afghanistan

United Nation on Thursday urged everyone in Kazakhstan to refrain from violence. The central Asian nation declared nationwide emergency after protests against fuel hike went out of control and subsequent violence even saw people storming government buildings.

UN urged that peaceful solutions must be found.

Alarmed by reports of deadly violence and gun battles in the largest city Almaty, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said lethal force, notably live ammunition, should only be used as a last resort.

She also called for the release of people held solely for exercising their right to peaceful protest.

"People have the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression," Bachelet said in a statement.

"At the same time, protesters, no matter how angry or aggrieved they may be, should not resort to violence against others."&nbsp;

The UN high commissioner for human rights said that that force could only be used by Kazakh authorities if necessary and proportionate.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kazakhstan-protests-create-a-new-headache-for-putin-442752/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Live bullets should only be used as a last resort against specific individuals to address an imminent threat of death or serious injury, she said.

Moscow-led troops have arrived to help quell the unrest that has so far left dozens dead and hundreds detained.

Bachelet said the use of force -- including by foreign troops -- to maintain public order should be guided by the standards of international law.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nation on Thursday urged everyone in Kazakhstan to refrain from violence. The central Asian nation declared nationwide emergency after protests against fuel hike went out of control and subsequent violence even saw people storming government buildings.

United Nation on Thursday urged everyone in Kazakhstan to refrain from violence. The central Asian nation declared nationwide emergency after protests against fuel hike went out of control and subsequent violence even saw people storming government buildings. UN urged that peaceful solutions must be found. Alarmed by reports of deadly violence and gun battles in the largest city Almaty, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said lethal force, notably live ammunition, should only be used as a last resort. She also called for the release of people held solely for exercising their right to peaceful protest. "People have the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression," Bachelet said in a statement. "At the same time, protesters, no matter how angry or aggrieved they may be, should not resort to violence against others." The UN high commissioner for human rights said that that force could only be used by Kazakh authorities if necessary and proportionate. Watch | Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin Live bullets should only be used as a last resort against specific individuals to address an imminent threat of death or serious injury, she said. Moscow-led troops have arrived to help quell the unrest that has so far left dozens dead and hundreds detained. Bachelet said the use of force -- including by foreign troops -- to maintain public order should be guided by the standards of international law. (With inputs from agencies)

Kazakhstan: UN urges all sides to refrain from violence

The United Nations is proposing to pay nearly $6 million for protection in Afghanistan to&nbsp;Taliban-run Interior Ministry personnel, whose chief is under UN&nbsp;and US&nbsp;sanctions and wanted by the FBI, according to a UN&nbsp;document and a source familiar with the matter.

The proposed funds would be paid next year mostly to subsidise&nbsp;the monthly wages of&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;fighters guarding UN&nbsp;facilities and to provide them a monthly food allowance under an expansion of an accord with the former US-backed Afghan government, the document reviewed by Reuters shows.

The plan underscores the persisting insecurity in Afghanistan following the Islamist&nbsp;Taliban’s takeover in August as the last US&nbsp;troops left, as well as a dire shortage of funds hampering the new government because of a cutoff of international financial aid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-taliban-govt-resumed-issuing-passports-hundreds-queue-outside-the-office-in-a-bid-to-leave-afghanistan-438244" hreflang="en">As Taliban govt resumed issuing passports, hundreds queue outside the office</a>

“The United Nations has a duty as an employer to reinforce and, where necessary, supplement the capacity of host states in circumstances where UN&nbsp;personnel work in areas of insecurity,” deputy UN&nbsp;spokesman Farhan Haq wrote in an email in response to Reuters’ questions about the proposed payments. He did not dispute the contents of the document.

Several experts said the proposed payments raise questions about whether they would violate US&nbsp;and UN&nbsp;sanctions on the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and their top leaders, and whether the United Nations could detect diversions of funds for other purposes.

“What it comes down to is there is no proper oversight,” said the source, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/days-after-oic-meet-tension-ensues-between-pakistan-and-afghanistan-on-durand-line-border-438954" hreflang="en">Days after OIC meet, tension ensues between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Durand Line border</a>

Those under sanctions include deputy&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;leader and Interior Ministry chief Sirajuddin Haqqani. He heads the Haqqani network, a faction blamed for some of the bloodiest attacks over 20 years of war. The United States, which says Haqqani is close to al Qaeda, is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

The UN&nbsp;Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) budget is “currently under review,” but the mission “maintains full compliance with all UN&nbsp;sanctions regimes,” Haq said.

He did not respond to a question about whether the proposed payments would breach US&nbsp;sanctions.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dont-politicise-education-and-right-to-work-afghan-women-protest-against-taliban-government-422880" hreflang="en">'Don't politicise education and right to work:' Afghan women protest against Taliban government</a>

A US&nbsp;Treasury Department official said the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and the Haqqani network remain designated under the US&nbsp;government's counterterrorism sanctions program and that unauthorized people supporting them "risk exposure to US&nbsp;sanctions."

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to comment on the UN&nbsp;proposal.

Food shortages, economic collapse

The proposed funds would bolster the cash-strapped&nbsp;Taliban’s ability to protect some 3,500 UN&nbsp;personnel in Kabul and 10 field offices. Many are striving to help the country of 39 million cope with food shortages amid a public services breakdown and an economic collapse accelerated by the evaporation of foreign financial aid.

The UN&nbsp;document says most of a proposed $4 million security budget for 2022 shared by the 20 UN&nbsp;agencies operating in Afghanistan “constitutes payments in respect of supplementing host nation resources for their primary responsibility to protect UN&nbsp;personnel (as foreseen in our SOMA).”

SOMA stands for a Status of Mission Agreement with the former government. Under the accord, the United Nations subsidized the costs to the Interior Ministry of police who protected UN&nbsp;facilities, the source said.

Most of the $4 million would boost the wages of individual&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;members by $275-to-$319 per month and provide a monthly food allowance of $90 per person, “which was previously only paid in the regions but now also extended to Kabul,” the document said.

UNAMA would spend an additional nearly $2 million “for similar services” outside the security budget shared with other UN&nbsp;agencies, the document added.

“The UN&nbsp;system provided allowances to personnel who perform supplementary security services which are critical to the safety of personnel and compounds, as well as operations and movements in the country,” said Haq.

Such funds, he said, are paid directly to recipients "and not through the de facto authorities.”

The United Nations is proposing to pay nearly $6 million for protection in Afghanistan to Taliban-run Interior Ministry personnel, whose chief is under UN and US sanctions and wanted by the FBI, according to a UN document and a source familiar with the matter.

The United Nations is proposing to pay nearly $6 million for protection in Afghanistan to Taliban-run Interior Ministry personnel, whose chief is under UN and US sanctions and wanted by the FBI, according to a UN document and a source familiar with the matter. The proposed funds would be paid next year mostly to subsidise the monthly wages of Taliban fighters guarding UN facilities and to provide them a monthly food allowance under an expansion of an accord with the former US-backed Afghan government, the document reviewed by Reuters shows. The plan underscores the persisting insecurity in Afghanistan following the Islamist Taliban’s takeover in August as the last US troops left, as well as a dire shortage of funds hampering the new government because of a cutoff of international financial aid. Also read | As Taliban govt resumed issuing passports, hundreds queue outside the office “The United Nations has a duty as an employer to reinforce and, where necessary, supplement the capacity of host states in circumstances where UN personnel work in areas of insecurity,” deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq wrote in an email in response to Reuters’ questions about the proposed payments. He did not dispute the contents of the document. Several experts said the proposed payments raise questions about whether they would violate US and UN sanctions on the Taliban and their top leaders, and whether the United Nations could detect diversions of funds for other purposes. “What it comes down to is there is no proper oversight,” said the source, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. Also read | Days after OIC meet, tension ensues between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Durand Line border Those under sanctions include deputy Taliban leader and Interior Ministry chief Sirajuddin Haqqani. He heads the Haqqani network, a faction blamed for some of the bloodiest attacks over 20 years of war. The United States, which says Haqqani is close to al Qaeda, is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest. The UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) budget is “currently under review,” but the mission “maintains full compliance with all UN sanctions regimes,” Haq said. He did not respond to a question about whether the proposed payments would breach US sanctions. Also see | 'Don't politicise education and right to work:' Afghan women protest against Taliban government A US Treasury Department official said the Taliban and the Haqqani network remain designated under the US government's counterterrorism sanctions program and that unauthorized people supporting them "risk exposure to US sanctions." The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to comment on the UN proposal. Food shortages, economic collapse The proposed funds would bolster the cash-strapped Taliban’s ability to protect some 3,500 UN personnel in Kabul and 10 field offices. Many are striving to help the country of 39 million cope with food shortages amid a public services breakdown and an economic collapse accelerated by the evaporation of foreign financial aid. The UN document says most of a proposed $4 million security budget for 2022 shared by the 20 UN agencies operating in Afghanistan “constitutes payments in respect of supplementing host nation resources for their primary responsibility to protect UN personnel (as foreseen in our SOMA).” SOMA stands for a Status of Mission Agreement with the former government. Under the accord, the United Nations subsidized the costs to the Interior Ministry of police who protected UN facilities, the source said. Most of the $4 million would boost the wages of individual Taliban members by $275-to-$319 per month and provide a monthly food allowance of $90 per person, “which was previously only paid in the regions but now also extended to Kabul,” the document said. UNAMA would spend an additional nearly $2 million “for similar services” outside the security budget shared with other UN agencies, the document added. “The UN system provided allowances to personnel who perform supplementary security services which are critical to the safety of personnel and compounds, as well as operations and movements in the country,” said Haq. Such funds, he said, are paid directly to recipients "and not through the de facto authorities.”

UN proposes to pay nearly $6 million to Taliban for security

Taliban officials appealed to the international community to help Afghanistan as the country currently is in dire straits, facing an economic and humanitarian crisis, which has created fears of another refugee exodus.

Taliban officials appealed to the international community to help Afghanistan as the country currently is in dire straits, facing an economic and humanitarian crisis, which has created fears of another refugee exodus. The crisis has been escalated ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August and, in immediate response, major donors halted their support for the country by freezing funds. Afghanistan also faced challenges of drought caused by global warming. "The impact of the frozen funds is on the common people and not Taliban authorities," deputy Foreign Minister, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said at a special meeting meant to mark the UN's international migrants day. ALSO READ | Rewind 2021: When Taliban in Afghanistan became the 'new normal' In the conference, which was attended by representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the United Nations refugee organisation, he appealed to the countries like the United States to help Afghanistan recover after decades of war. "If the political and economic situation doesn't change, there will be more migration," Stanikzai added. As per repeated warnings by the United Nations, Afghanistan is on the brink of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. However, international donors recently agreed to release $280 million in aid to Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) will go "to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan at this critical time," the World Bank said in a statement, which was released on Friday (December 10). ALSO READ | Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget The Taliban regime is also looking forward to bridging the gap between other countries as made a fresh appeal on Friday (December 17) for Afghanistan's seat at the United Nations after the ambassador of the former US-backed government left his post. The UN seat, and some other embassies abroad, are at the centre of a tug-of-war between exiled diplomats of the old government and Afghanistan's new Islamist rulers. No country has yet recognised the Taliban regime. × (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban officials appeal for international help to combat a deepening economic crisis in Afghanistan

Western countries offered 'unwavering' support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the United Nations in Geneva.

Situation at border between Ukraine and Russia is tense as there are specuklations of Russian invasion.

"We are gravely concerned by evidence that Russia has developed plans to take further aggressive action against Ukraine," Patrick Elliot, a human rights officer at the US mission in Geneva, told the council.

"We are unwavering in our support of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."&nbsp;

British Ambassador Simon Manley also voiced alarm at the "pattern of destabilising activity and military buildups on Ukraine's border", warning that "Russia's activity poses a threat to Ukraine's and international security."

Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Moscow of massing tens of thousands of troops near its border with Ukraine in preparation for an invasion.&nbsp;

Kiev's military command believes a possible escalation could come at the end of January.&nbsp;

Moscow has said the troop build-up is part of routine deployments, saying it has the right to do what it wants on its territory.

Ukrainian Ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko warned the rights council Wednesday that "the impact of possible invasion will have disastrous consequences for the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in my country and well beyond."

The comments came after UN deputy rights chief Nada Al-Nashif presented the council with an update on the rights situation across Ukraine. 
She did not touch on the feared Russian buildup at the border.

But she did decry significant restrictions of the freedom of expression and assembly in the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, and in eastern regions where Kiev has been fighting a pro-Russian insurgency since then.

Al-Nashif also highlighted rights concerns in areas under the control of the Ukrainian government, including the "lack of accountability" for threats and violence targeting rights defenders, media workers and women and gay rights activists, among others.

Russian representative Yaroslave Eremin seized onto that criticism, slamming Kiev for "maintaining an atmosphere of impunity" exploited by the far right.&nbsp;

He also urged UN rights office to "stop including in their reports (on Ukraine), matters related to Russian regions" -- referring to Crimea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Western countries offered 'unwavering' support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the United Nations in Geneva. Situation at border between Ukraine and Russia is tense as there are specuklations of Russian invasion.

Western countries offered 'unwavering' support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the United Nations in Geneva. Situation at border between Ukraine and Russia is tense as there are specuklations of Russian invasion. "We are gravely concerned by evidence that Russia has developed plans to take further aggressive action against Ukraine," Patrick Elliot, a human rights officer at the US mission in Geneva, told the council. "We are unwavering in our support of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity." British Ambassador Simon Manley also voiced alarm at the "pattern of destabilising activity and military buildups on Ukraine's border", warning that "Russia's activity poses a threat to Ukraine's and international security." Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Moscow of massing tens of thousands of troops near its border with Ukraine in preparation for an invasion. Kiev's military command believes a possible escalation could come at the end of January. Moscow has said the troop build-up is part of routine deployments, saying it has the right to do what it wants on its territory. Ukrainian Ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko warned the rights council Wednesday that "the impact of possible invasion will have disastrous consequences for the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in my country and well beyond." The comments came after UN deputy rights chief Nada Al-Nashif presented the council with an update on the rights situation across Ukraine. She did not touch on the feared Russian buildup at the border. But she did decry significant restrictions of the freedom of expression and assembly in the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, and in eastern regions where Kiev has been fighting a pro-Russian insurgency since then. Al-Nashif also highlighted rights concerns in areas under the control of the Ukrainian government, including the "lack of accountability" for threats and violence targeting rights defenders, media workers and women and gay rights activists, among others. Russian representative Yaroslave Eremin seized onto that criticism, slamming Kiev for "maintaining an atmosphere of impunity" exploited by the far right. He also urged UN rights office to "stop including in their reports (on Ukraine), matters related to Russian regions" -- referring to Crimea. (With inputs from agencies)

Nations declare 'unwavering support' to Ukraine at UN

United Nations on Monday deplored conviction of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for immediate release of Suu Kyi and called trial that convicted her a 'sham trial'

The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office.

“The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added.

Aung San Suu Kyi, former State Counsellor of Myanmar was deposed by country's military in a coup on February 1 this year. The military did not budge and used force to quell nationwide protests that opposed the military rule.

On Monday, Suu Kyi was handed four-year jail term by the court. She&nbsp;had been accused of fomenting unrest against the military and violating Covid rules. She has also been accused by military of corruption.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-jailed-for-four-years-for-inciting-dissent-against-military-434482">Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military</a>

The military has not given details of where Suu Kyi has been detained and it was not immediately clear if the sentencing would mean any immediate change in her circumstances.

The trial in the capital, Naypyitaw, has been closed to the media and the junta's public information outlets have not mentioned the proceedings. Suu Kyi's lawyers have been barred from communicating with the media and public.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations on Monday deplored conviction of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for immediate release of Suu Kyi and called trial that convicted her a 'sham trial' The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb.

United Nations on Monday deplored conviction of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for immediate release of Suu Kyi and called trial that convicted her a 'sham trial' The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office. “The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added. Aung San Suu Kyi, former State Counsellor of Myanmar was deposed by country's military in a coup on February 1 this year. The military did not budge and used force to quell nationwide protests that opposed the military rule. On Monday, Suu Kyi was handed four-year jail term by the court. She had been accused of fomenting unrest against the military and violating Covid rules. She has also been accused by military of corruption. Also Read | Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military The military has not given details of where Suu Kyi has been detained and it was not immediately clear if the sentencing would mean any immediate change in her circumstances. The trial in the capital, Naypyitaw, has been closed to the media and the junta's public information outlets have not mentioned the proceedings. Suu Kyi's lawyers have been barred from communicating with the media and public. (With inputs from agencies)

UN deplores Suu Kyi conviction, calls trial a 'sham'

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres blasted what he called "travel apartheid" as the US and other countries have implemented travel bans against South Africa to stop the spread of the Omicron variant.

UN chief Guterres blasts 'travel apartheid' against South Africa

The United Nations Accreditation Committee has denied the chosen representatives of Afghanistan and Myanmar at the world body. The committee responsible for approving nominations of ambassadors met Wednesday but deferred a decision over rival claims to the seats for both countries.

UN Committee denies Taliban & Myanmar Military Junta's seats the world body

The United Nations is due to decide on the ambassadors nominated by the Taliban in Afghanistan and military hunter in Myanmar as both are seeking greater international recognition.

United Nations to decide on Myanmar and Afghanistan representation

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. On this day, the United Nations has highlighted the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on women's safety in public spaces or even at home.&nbsp;

As per the latest global estimates that nearly one-in-three women aged 15 and older have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate or non-sexual partner or both at least once in their lifetime.&nbsp;

The violence against women has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the humanitarian crisis, which is referred to as a 'shadow pandemic'.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-demonstrators-demand-foreign-treatment-for-ailing-ex-pm-431902">Bangladesh demonstrators demand foreign treatment for ailing ex-PM</a>

When we talk about Afghanistan, it has one of the highest rates of violence against women globally. And after the Taliban took over the country, the status of women remains unclear.&nbsp;

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called for concrete actions to end violence against women. &nbsp;

A release by UNAMA read, "The global community needs to listen to the voices and experiences of Afghan women and girls and urgently respond to their needs, especially survivors of violence and those who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination."

"We must act together to tackle this shadow pandemic. The violence should be prevented, we must change attitudes that shame survivors and support violence, we must support services for survivors," said Deborah Lyons, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/train-with-humanitarian-aid-departed-from-china-to-afghanistan-431898">Train with humanitarian aid departed from China to Afghanistan</a>

"The message we receive from our partners and women across the country is clear — violence against women that was already at alarming levels, has been exacerbated by both crisis and Covid-19. And yet, lifesaving services for women survivors of violence have closed on account of fear of being targeted," said Alison Davidian, UN Women Country Representative in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Recently, &nbsp;The Taliban administration has released a set of restrictions on Afghan media, including banning television dramas that included female actors and ordering women news presenters to wear "Islamic hijab".

It is worth mentioning that during the Taliban's previous rule, strict curbs were placed on women.&nbsp;

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"Violence against women and girls continues to be the most pervasive and pressing human rights issue in the world today." 
 
-- <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a> on Thursday's Int'l Day to End Violence against Women. <a href="https://t.co/BgAcPc3Azn">https://t.co/BgAcPc3Azn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/16days?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#16days</a> <a href="https://t.co/L3eSf6MDJS">pic.twitter.com/L3eSf6MDJS</a>
— United Nations (@UN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN/status/1463735196188954625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As the world marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the UN in Afghanistan calls on everyone to take concrete steps to end this violence and to support services for survivors. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/orangetheworld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#orangetheworld</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/16days?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#16days</a> Read press release: <a href="https://t.co/fxrW0Py9Jy">https://t.co/fxrW0Py9Jy</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hb8H9QxKpp">pic.twitter.com/Hb8H9QxKpp</a>
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&nbsp;

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. On this day, the United Nations has highlighted the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on women's safety in public spaces or even at home.

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. On this day, the United Nations has highlighted the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on women's safety in public spaces or even at home. As per the latest global estimates that nearly one-in-three women aged 15 and older have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate or non-sexual partner or both at least once in their lifetime. The violence against women has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the humanitarian crisis, which is referred to as a 'shadow pandemic'. ALSO READ | Bangladesh demonstrators demand foreign treatment for ailing ex-PM When we talk about Afghanistan, it has one of the highest rates of violence against women globally. And after the Taliban took over the country, the status of women remains unclear. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called for concrete actions to end violence against women. A release by UNAMA read, "The global community needs to listen to the voices and experiences of Afghan women and girls and urgently respond to their needs, especially survivors of violence and those who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination." "We must act together to tackle this shadow pandemic. The violence should be prevented, we must change attitudes that shame survivors and support violence, we must support services for survivors," said Deborah Lyons, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan. ALSO READ | Train with humanitarian aid departed from China to Afghanistan "The message we receive from our partners and women across the country is clear — violence against women that was already at alarming levels, has been exacerbated by both crisis and Covid-19. And yet, lifesaving services for women survivors of violence have closed on account of fear of being targeted," said Alison Davidian, UN Women Country Representative in Afghanistan. Recently, The Taliban administration has released a set of restrictions on Afghan media, including banning television dramas that included female actors and ordering women news presenters to wear "Islamic hijab". It is worth mentioning that during the Taliban's previous rule, strict curbs were placed on women. "Violence against women and girls continues to be the most pervasive and pressing human rights issue in the world today." -- @antonioguterres on Thursday's Int'l Day to End Violence against Women. https://t.co/BgAcPc3Azn #16days pic.twitter.com/L3eSf6MDJS — United Nations (@UN) November 25, 2021 × As the world marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the UN in Afghanistan calls on everyone to take concrete steps to end this violence and to support services for survivors. #orangetheworld #16days Read press release: https://t.co/fxrW0Py9Jy pic.twitter.com/Hb8H9QxKpp — UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) November 25, 2021 ×

'Violence against Afghan women at alarming levels': UN in Afghanistan calls for concrete steps

UN officials are alarmed by a surge in arrests since Ethiopia introduced a state of emergency on November 2. Within just a matter of two weeks, more than 1000 people have been arrested.

The UN human rights office said Tuesday that most of those detained in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar, and other locations are Tigrayans.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-lies-ahead-for-ethiopia-as-war-enters-second-year-428831">In Pics - What lies ahead for Ethiopia as war enters second year</a>

"According to reports, at least 1,000 individuals are believed to have been detained... with some reports putting the figure much higher," spokeswoman Liz Throssell told reporters in Geneva.

The arrests have occurred since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government declared a state of emergency two weeks ago when Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters threatened to march on the capital.

In addition, lawyers say that thousands of Tigrayans have been arbitrarily detained since the government announced the measures, which allow officials to detain without a warrant anyone suspected of supporting "terrorist groups".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-authorities-round-up-high-profile-tigrayans-including-bank-ceos-and-un-staff-428435">Ethiopian authorities round up high-profile Tigrayans, including bank CEOs and UN staff</a>

A number of UN employees are among those arrested since the state of emergency was declared.

In a statement released by Stephane Dujarric, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres again called for the immediate release of the employees.

"As far as the Secretary-General is aware, the staff members are being held without charge, and no specific information has been provided regarding the reasons for their arrest," Dujarric said.

Watch |&nbsp;Ethiopia: Ethiopian police detains ethnic Tigrayans on suspicion

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Throssell said 10 local UN staff, as well as 34 UN subcontracted drivers, are still in detention.

"We call for all those still in detention to be immediately released," she said, adding that if that does not happen, "a court or other independent and impartial tribunal should review the reasons for their detention, or they should be formally charged".
</div>

According to her, it is "challenging" for the remaining UN rights agency staff to do their work, adding that "we have reports of at least 1,000 people detained" but are not able to provide a more definite number.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/absolutely-ridiculous-rebels-in-ethiopia-play-down-reports-of-causing-bloodbath-427500">'Absolutely ridiculous': Rebels in Ethiopia play down reports of causing 'bloodbath'</a>

In general, she said, detention conditions were poor, with many detainees being held in overcrowded police stations.

Many of those detained had reportedly not even been informed of the reason for their detention, let alone charged formally.

"We are also concerned at reports of ill-treatment in detention," she said, adding that even though they had no specific evidence of torture, the reports were still concerning.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 70 women raped in Ethiopia's Amhara region

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-70-women-raped-in-ethiopias-amhara-region-428564/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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The conflict between Ethiopian authorities and the TPLF has killed thousands, displaced over two million people, and left hundreds of thousands in famine-like conditions over the past year.

All sides involved in the conflict have committed serious human rights violations, according to the UN.
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UN officials are alarmed by a surge in arrests since Ethiopia introduced a state of emergency on November 2. Within just a matter of two weeks, more than 1000 people have been arrested.

UN officials are alarmed by a surge in arrests since Ethiopia introduced a state of emergency on November 2. Within just a matter of two weeks, more than 1000 people have been arrested. The UN human rights office said Tuesday that most of those detained in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar, and other locations are Tigrayans. Also read | In Pics - What lies ahead for Ethiopia as war enters second year "According to reports, at least 1,000 individuals are believed to have been detained... with some reports putting the figure much higher," spokeswoman Liz Throssell told reporters in Geneva. The arrests have occurred since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government declared a state of emergency two weeks ago when Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters threatened to march on the capital. In addition, lawyers say that thousands of Tigrayans have been arbitrarily detained since the government announced the measures, which allow officials to detain without a warrant anyone suspected of supporting "terrorist groups". Also read | Ethiopian authorities round up high-profile Tigrayans, including bank CEOs and UN staff A number of UN employees are among those arrested since the state of emergency was declared. In a statement released by Stephane Dujarric, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres again called for the immediate release of the employees. "As far as the Secretary-General is aware, the staff members are being held without charge, and no specific information has been provided regarding the reasons for their arrest," Dujarric said. Watch | Ethiopia: Ethiopian police detains ethnic Tigrayans on suspicion Throssell said 10 local UN staff, as well as 34 UN subcontracted drivers, are still in detention. "We call for all those still in detention to be immediately released," she said, adding that if that does not happen, "a court or other independent and impartial tribunal should review the reasons for their detention, or they should be formally charged". According to her, it is "challenging" for the remaining UN rights agency staff to do their work, adding that "we have reports of at least 1,000 people detained" but are not able to provide a more definite number. Also read | 'Absolutely ridiculous': Rebels in Ethiopia play down reports of causing 'bloodbath' In general, she said, detention conditions were poor, with many detainees being held in overcrowded police stations. Many of those detained had reportedly not even been informed of the reason for their detention, let alone charged formally. "We are also concerned at reports of ill-treatment in detention," she said, adding that even though they had no specific evidence of torture, the reports were still concerning. Watch | Gravitas: 70 women raped in Ethiopia's Amhara region The conflict between Ethiopian authorities and the TPLF has killed thousands, displaced over two million people, and left hundreds of thousands in famine-like conditions over the past year. All sides involved in the conflict have committed serious human rights violations, according to the UN.

Ethiopia state of emergency: With over 1000 arrested in just two weeks, UN raises alarm

India’s Bimal Patel, who has been elected to the UN’s International Law Commission, has called for regional voices from Africa and Asia in the international law-making process.

Professor Patel, who is also the vice-chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat, and a member of the 21st Law Commission of India, has been elected for 5 years, starting from January 1, 2023.

Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Patel said, “Until and unless due importance to regional voices, be it, Africa, Asia, are not given in the international law making process, the laws can hardly have any appeal or the utility to the international community as a whole."

He got overwhelming support during the election, with 163 votes in 192 members present and voting. India topped in the Asia Pacific group.

International&nbsp;Law Commission, which holds its session in Geneva, has 34 member countries. The commission deals with the codification of international law. Laws like the Rome statute, and UNCLOS owe their origin to the proposals by the commission.&nbsp;

WION: Your first reaction to you being elected to the international law commission?

Patel: It is my great pleasure and honour. I thank our honourable PM (Modi), Home Minister (Amit Shah), External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) and the entire ministry for having faith in me and for their efforts in securing the highest votes for India for the term 2023-2027. It is a matter of great pride. I would like to live up to the expectations of the country with utmost sincerity, hard work and commitment.&nbsp;

WION: You met the leadership in Delhi. What was their message to you?

Patel:&nbsp;There is a huge revival and importance of international law. The international law is not just for development, but also for security, and in some cases important to the very survival of nation-states. So, international law has never received so much importance as of now especially in India, which is increasing its quality footprint in terms of brining a global voice, not just for India but also in similarly situated countries. To develop international law as a common language to resolve a number of problems and forge international cooperation and friendship, thereby the Ministry of External Affairs and the country is looking forward as to what international law has for the country and how international law can become a vehicle for cooperation and friendship.

WION: Can you tell us a bit about the importance of the commission?

Patel:&nbsp;International Law Commission (ILC) is a subsidiary organ of the United Nations General Assembly. Thirty-four members are elected every 5 years for a term 5-year term. The main aim of the commission is to study the codification of international law and progressive development of international law. The international law commission studies and proposes to the General Assembly and to the UN member states what the new legal instruments should look like--treaty, resolution or simply report. Depending on the requirement of the international community an independent expert body proposes to the UN member how legal instruments will directly benefit the member states in future while promoting UN charter and aims. The ILC holds great importance in international law making, execution and interpretation. By studying the concerns of member states, we bring the needs, interests and concerns to the ILC, and to UNGA. ILC is one of the prestigious and significant conventions. The UNCLOS, which we call as the constitution of the ocean, was very much the work of the International Law Commission.

WION: What does India brings to the table here at the ILC

Patel: India brings a unique perspective as one of the most important and principal legal systems. This combination of legal system and oldest civilization, if we look at the entire south Asian sub-continent, it brings the convention, the treaties and norms that evolved in practices and all the countries in South Asia hold importance in the international law making. I must emphasise that while I was interacting with delegates in New York for the elections, our honourable PM's vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (whole world is one family) has been actualized by people at the International Law Commission. And PM's vision of ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’ (everyone's support, everyone's development), the pandemic has made us realise the importance of this mantra. I will try to put forward these mantras given PM at the ILC. Until and unless, due importance is not given to regional voices like Africa, Asia in the international law making process, international law can hardly ever have the appeal or the utility to the international community as a whole. Therefore, I believe international law has never received such an unprecedented importance, and as a member of ILC, I am duty-bound to bring the regional voices into the functioning of the International Law Commission.&nbsp;

WION: What is the future of international law, particularly in new sectors like cryptocurrency?

Patel:&nbsp;Yes, in all these newly emerging sectors, like cryptocurrency, it has direct importance. We are talking of an investor and the state’s arbitration powers. Like the pandemic, we never expected a medical health issue to occupy such an importance in the international legal community. The same is the case with cyber security and data privacy, the responsibility of international organizations is immense. So, these are the new areas where we believe international law can have a significant influence, similar to the ones like the WHO. We will be working with sector-specific organizations to make sure that sectoral inputs get fine-tuned and translated into the development of international legal product and guide the member states as to how they should conduct themselves in resolving or framing issues.

India’s Bimal Patel, who has been elected to the UN’s International Law Commission, has called for regional voices from Africa and Asia in the international law-making process.

India’s Bimal Patel, who has been elected to the UN’s International Law Commission, has called for regional voices from Africa and Asia in the international law-making process. Professor Patel, who is also the vice-chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat, and a member of the 21st Law Commission of India, has been elected for 5 years, starting from January 1, 2023. Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Patel said, “Until and unless due importance to regional voices, be it, Africa, Asia, are not given in the international law making process, the laws can hardly have any appeal or the utility to the international community as a whole." He got overwhelming support during the election, with 163 votes in 192 members present and voting. India topped in the Asia Pacific group. International Law Commission, which holds its session in Geneva, has 34 member countries. The commission deals with the codification of international law. Laws like the Rome statute, and UNCLOS owe their origin to the proposals by the commission. WION: Your first reaction to you being elected to the international law commission? Patel: It is my great pleasure and honour. I thank our honourable PM (Modi), Home Minister (Amit Shah), External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) and the entire ministry for having faith in me and for their efforts in securing the highest votes for India for the term 2023-2027. It is a matter of great pride. I would like to live up to the expectations of the country with utmost sincerity, hard work and commitment. WION: You met the leadership in Delhi. What was their message to you? Patel: There is a huge revival and importance of international law. The international law is not just for development, but also for security, and in some cases important to the very survival of nation-states. So, international law has never received so much importance as of now especially in India, which is increasing its quality footprint in terms of brining a global voice, not just for India but also in similarly situated countries. To develop international law as a common language to resolve a number of problems and forge international cooperation and friendship, thereby the Ministry of External Affairs and the country is looking forward as to what international law has for the country and how international law can become a vehicle for cooperation and friendship. WION: Can you tell us a bit about the importance of the commission? Patel: International Law Commission (ILC) is a subsidiary organ of the United Nations General Assembly. Thirty-four members are elected every 5 years for a term 5-year term. The main aim of the commission is to study the codification of international law and progressive development of international law. The international law commission studies and proposes to the General Assembly and to the UN member states what the new legal instruments should look like--treaty, resolution or simply report. Depending on the requirement of the international community an independent expert body proposes to the UN member how legal instruments will directly benefit the member states in future while promoting UN charter and aims. The ILC holds great importance in international law making, execution and interpretation. By studying the concerns of member states, we bring the needs, interests and concerns to the ILC, and to UNGA. ILC is one of the prestigious and significant conventions. The UNCLOS, which we call as the constitution of the ocean, was very much the work of the International Law Commission. WION: What does India brings to the table here at the ILC Patel: India brings a unique perspective as one of the most important and principal legal systems. This combination of legal system and oldest civilization, if we look at the entire south Asian sub-continent, it brings the convention, the treaties and norms that evolved in practices and all the countries in South Asia hold importance in the international law making. I must emphasise that while I was interacting with delegates in New York for the elections, our honourable PM's vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (whole world is one family) has been actualized by people at the International Law Commission. And PM's vision of ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’ (everyone's support, everyone's development), the pandemic has made us realise the importance of this mantra. I will try to put forward these mantras given PM at the ILC. Until and unless, due importance is not given to regional voices like Africa, Asia in the international law making process, international law can hardly ever have the appeal or the utility to the international community as a whole. Therefore, I believe international law has never received such an unprecedented importance, and as a member of ILC, I am duty-bound to bring the regional voices into the functioning of the International Law Commission. WION: What is the future of international law, particularly in new sectors like cryptocurrency? Patel: Yes, in all these newly emerging sectors, like cryptocurrency, it has direct importance. We are talking of an investor and the state’s arbitration powers. Like the pandemic, we never expected a medical health issue to occupy such an importance in the international legal community. The same is the case with cyber security and data privacy, the responsibility of international organizations is immense. So, these are the new areas where we believe international law can have a significant influence, similar to the ones like the WHO. We will be working with sector-specific organizations to make sure that sectoral inputs get fine-tuned and translated into the development of international legal product and guide the member states as to how they should conduct themselves in resolving or framing issues.

Exclusive: Need Asian, African voices to be heard at international law making process, says Prof Bimal Patel

Professor Bimal Patel, Vice-Chancellor of the Rashtriya Raksha University and Member of the National Security Advisory Board of India, has been elected to the International Law Commission for a five-year term, in a hard-fought election at the United Nations.

"Hearty felicitations to Prof Bimal Patel @RakshaUni for election to International Law Commission by topping the group," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted on Friday, thanking all UN member states for overwhelming support to India's candidature.

Patel, 51, garnered 163 votes in the UN General Assembly out of 192 members present and voting, topping the Asia-Pacific group that included candidates from China, South Korea and Japan. He will serve a five-year term starting January 1, 2023.

In the Asia-Pacific group, there were 11 very strong candidates vying for 8 seats, making the election hotly-contested.

"Professor Bimal Patel of India is elected to the ILC for a 5-year term. Our contribution to ILC will reflect the commitment to uphold rules-based international order, underpinned by Rule Of Law," India's Permanent Mission to the UN tweeted, in the backdrop of growing global concern over China's military muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Heartfelt gratitude to all countries who reposed their trust in India's candidate with highest votes in Asia-Pacific Group,"&nbsp;the mission said.

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Professor Bimal Patel of 🇮🇳 is elected to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ILC</a> for a 5 year term. 
 
Our contribution to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ILC</a> will reflect the commitment to uphold rules-based international order, underpinned by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuleOfLaw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuleOfLaw</a> <a href="https://t.co/4MG953GQQW">pic.twitter.com/4MG953GQQW</a>
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNNewYork/status/1459221439568130053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India topped the group with 163 votes for Patel, followed by 162 votes for Thailand, 154 for Japan, 145 for Vietnam. China could manage 142 votes, followed by 140 for South Korea, 139 for Cyprus and 123 for Mongolia.

China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years.

Beijing claims almost all of the 1.3 million square-mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory. China has been building military bases on artificial islands in the region which, in parts, is claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Beijing has impeded commercial activity like fishing and mineral exploration by neighbouring nations in recent years, saying the ownership of the resource-rich maritime territory belongs to China for hundreds of years.

Patel is an esteemed educationalist, jurist and administrator and during his professional career of over three decades, he has served in various roles such as the Director at the Gujarat National Law University and member of the 21st Law Commission of India.

He has worked for 15 years at global organisations such as the United Nations of Youth and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the Hague, Netherlands, according to his profile on the Rashtriya Raksha University website.

The International Law Commission was established by the General Assembly in 1947 to undertake the mandate of the Assembly to "initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of? encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification?.

The Statute of the International Law Commission provides that the Commission shall consist of 34 members "who shall be persons of recognised competence in international law."

The members of the Commission are to be elected by the General Assembly from a list of candidates nominated by the Governments of States Members of the United Nations.

Professor Bimal Patel, Vice-Chancellor of the Rashtriya Raksha University and Member of the National Security Advisory Board of India, has been elected to the International Law Commission for a five-year term, in a hard-fought election at the United Nations.

Professor Bimal Patel, Vice-Chancellor of the Rashtriya Raksha University and Member of the National Security Advisory Board of India, has been elected to the International Law Commission for a five-year term, in a hard-fought election at the United Nations. "Hearty felicitations to Prof Bimal Patel @RakshaUni for election to International Law Commission by topping the group," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted on Friday, thanking all UN member states for overwhelming support to India's candidature. Patel, 51, garnered 163 votes in the UN General Assembly out of 192 members present and voting, topping the Asia-Pacific group that included candidates from China, South Korea and Japan. He will serve a five-year term starting January 1, 2023. In the Asia-Pacific group, there were 11 very strong candidates vying for 8 seats, making the election hotly-contested. "Professor Bimal Patel of India is elected to the ILC for a 5-year term. Our contribution to ILC will reflect the commitment to uphold rules-based international order, underpinned by Rule Of Law," India's Permanent Mission to the UN tweeted, in the backdrop of growing global concern over China's military muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific region. "Heartfelt gratitude to all countries who reposed their trust in India's candidate with highest votes in Asia-Pacific Group," the mission said. Professor Bimal Patel of 🇮🇳 is elected to the #ILC for a 5 year term. Our contribution to #ILC will reflect the commitment to uphold rules-based international order, underpinned by #RuleOfLaw pic.twitter.com/4MG953GQQW — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) November 12, 2021 × India topped the group with 163 votes for Patel, followed by 162 votes for Thailand, 154 for Japan, 145 for Vietnam. China could manage 142 votes, followed by 140 for South Korea, 139 for Cyprus and 123 for Mongolia. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years. Beijing claims almost all of the 1.3 million square-mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory. China has been building military bases on artificial islands in the region which, in parts, is claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Beijing has impeded commercial activity like fishing and mineral exploration by neighbouring nations in recent years, saying the ownership of the resource-rich maritime territory belongs to China for hundreds of years. Patel is an esteemed educationalist, jurist and administrator and during his professional career of over three decades, he has served in various roles such as the Director at the Gujarat National Law University and member of the 21st Law Commission of India. He has worked for 15 years at global organisations such as the United Nations of Youth and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the Hague, Netherlands, according to his profile on the Rashtriya Raksha University website. The International Law Commission was established by the General Assembly in 1947 to undertake the mandate of the Assembly to "initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of? encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification?. The Statute of the International Law Commission provides that the Commission shall consist of 34 members "who shall be persons of recognised competence in international law." The members of the Commission are to be elected by the General Assembly from a list of candidates nominated by the Governments of States Members of the United Nations.

India's Bimal Patel elected to UN's International Law Commission for 5-yr term

Ethiopian authorities have now rounded up high-profile Tigrayans in a mass crackdown on suspected supporters of rebellious northern forces.

Ethiopia: Tigray ceasefire talks

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