United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for the need to double the capacity of COVID-19 vaccine production and for fairer redistribution of the shots in the developing world, which faces new waves of the coronavirus.

UN Chief calls for doubling COVID-19 vaccine production

A female peacekeeper from Malawi was killed in an attack by an Islamist militia in eastern Congo`s North Kivu province on Monday morning, the U.N. and the Malawian government said. 
 
A local civil rights group said separately that fighters with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist armed group with Ugandan origins, attacked the village of Kilia, around 18km southeast of Beni in the province, killing at least five people. It was not clear if that figure included the peacekeeper. 
 
"A peacekeeper was killed in an attack by alleged ADF in the Beni region," said MONUSCO, the U.N. peacekeeping mission, which has deployed around 12,000 troops to contain violence by more than 120 armed groups in the east of the country. 
 
Chitenji Kamanga, 28, was killed when the UN&nbsp;base in the village of Kilia, was attacked at 13:30 local time, the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) said in a statement. 
 
"Malawi has lost a courageous, hardworking and disciplined female soldier," the MDF said. 
 
In March the United States labelled the ADF a foreign terrorist organisation because of alleged links to Islamic State group, although the UN&nbsp;has consistently downplayed the strength and nature of Islamic State`s influence in Congo. 
 
The last peacekeeper killed in Congo was an Indonesian national on June 22 last year. More than 370 have been killed since the UN&nbsp;first sent troops during the civil war in 1999. 
 
The ADF, which has been active in Congo since the 1990s, has carried out a string of reprisal attacks on civilians since the army began operations against it in late 2019, killing around 850 people last year, according to the UN.

A female peacekeeper from Malawi was killed in an attack by an Islamist militia in eastern Congo`s North Kivu province on Monday morning, the U.N. and the Malawian government said.

A female peacekeeper from Malawi was killed in an attack by an Islamist militia in eastern Congo`s North Kivu province on Monday morning, the U.N. and the Malawian government said. A local civil rights group said separately that fighters with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist armed group with Ugandan origins, attacked the village of Kilia, around 18km southeast of Beni in the province, killing at least five people. It was not clear if that figure included the peacekeeper. "A peacekeeper was killed in an attack by alleged ADF in the Beni region," said MONUSCO, the U.N. peacekeeping mission, which has deployed around 12,000 troops to contain violence by more than 120 armed groups in the east of the country. Chitenji Kamanga, 28, was killed when the UN base in the village of Kilia, was attacked at 13:30 local time, the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) said in a statement. "Malawi has lost a courageous, hardworking and disciplined female soldier," the MDF said. In March the United States labelled the ADF a foreign terrorist organisation because of alleged links to Islamic State group, although the UN has consistently downplayed the strength and nature of Islamic State`s influence in Congo. The last peacekeeper killed in Congo was an Indonesian national on June 22 last year. More than 370 have been killed since the UN first sent troops during the civil war in 1999. The ADF, which has been active in Congo since the 1990s, has carried out a string of reprisal attacks on civilians since the army began operations against it in late 2019, killing around 850 people last year, according to the UN.

Islamist militia kills Malawian peacekeeper in east Congo: UN

Britain defended cuts to its aid spending saying that the monetary allocation was having negative impact on its budget. The stand has been taken even after several UN agencies warned that cutting aid would translate into thousands of deaths among the world's poor.

"I've found the process of making those savings very difficult," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News.

"We've had to make this extremely difficult decision to reduce and find savings in the aid budget, that's because of the impact Covid has had, the biggest contraction we've seen in the economy for 300 years," he said.

Despite the cut of £4 billion ($5.5 billion, 4.6 billion euros) to £10 billion in its aid budget, Britain remains a leading contributor among the G7 nations, Raab added as he prepares to chair a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in London this week.

At least three UN agencies this week warned of negative impact of Britain's aid cut after the country informed them of the steep reductions.

The children's fund UNICEF and UNAIDS added their own concern after UNFPA, the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, said the plan would lead to some 250,000 more deaths around the world.

Raab said the government was adopting "a more strategic approach, and also to get maximum value out of every penny of taxpayers' money that goes abroad".

The G7 meeting is expected to agree on fair access to Covid-19 vaccines around the world, and is a "great opportunity ... to use our convening power and make a real team effort to tackle these problems together", he said.

Emergency pandemic support measures have sent Britain's annual borrowing rocketing to the highest level since World War II.

But Lisa Nandy, foreign affairs spokeswoman for the main opposition Labour party, said scaling back aid in the middle of the pandemic was "extraordinarily short-sighted".

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain defended cuts to its aid spending saying that the monetary allocation was having negative impact on its budget. The stand has been taken even after several UN agencies warned that cutting aid would translate into thousands of deaths among the world's poor.

Britain defended cuts to its aid spending saying that the monetary allocation was having negative impact on its budget. The stand has been taken even after several UN agencies warned that cutting aid would translate into thousands of deaths among the world's poor. "I've found the process of making those savings very difficult," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News. "We've had to make this extremely difficult decision to reduce and find savings in the aid budget, that's because of the impact Covid has had, the biggest contraction we've seen in the economy for 300 years," he said. Despite the cut of £4 billion ($5.5 billion, 4.6 billion euros) to £10 billion in its aid budget, Britain remains a leading contributor among the G7 nations, Raab added as he prepares to chair a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in London this week. At least three UN agencies this week warned of negative impact of Britain's aid cut after the country informed them of the steep reductions. The children's fund UNICEF and UNAIDS added their own concern after UNFPA, the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, said the plan would lead to some 250,000 more deaths around the world. Raab said the government was adopting "a more strategic approach, and also to get maximum value out of every penny of taxpayers' money that goes abroad". The G7 meeting is expected to agree on fair access to Covid-19 vaccines around the world, and is a "great opportunity ... to use our convening power and make a real team effort to tackle these problems together", he said. Emergency pandemic support measures have sent Britain's annual borrowing rocketing to the highest level since World War II. But Lisa Nandy, foreign affairs spokeswoman for the main opposition Labour party, said scaling back aid in the middle of the pandemic was "extraordinarily short-sighted". (With inputs from agencies)

UK defends cut in aid after UN warns of deadly impact

The United Nations on Friday warned that half of the population of Myanmar could be living in poverty next year due to the pandemic and political turmoil that began with the coup.&nbsp;

The grim prediction comes as fighting between the Myanmar military and armed ethnic rebels resumed, causing more refugees to flee to Thailand.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Myanmar, which was already badly hit by the pandemic, saw the nation's crisis worsening after the military ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power on February 1.&nbsp;

Over 750 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group as the crackdown began against the strong pro-democracy movement.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-myanmar-villagers-poised-to-flee-violence-to-thailand-381533">Thousands of Myanmar villagers poised to flee violence to Thailand</a>

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said that by early 2022, 25 million people in Myanmar, about half of the country's population, could be living below the poverty line.&nbsp;

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said this projection threatens the progress made in the country since 2005, in which Myanmar halved the number of people living in poverty.&nbsp;

"Without functioning democratic institutions, Myanmar faces a tragic and avoidable backslide towards levels of poverty not seen in a generation," Steiner was quoted as saying in a statement by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United Nations on Friday warned that half of the population of Myanmar could be living in poverty next year due to the pandemic and political turmoil that began with the coup.

The United Nations on Friday warned that half of the population of Myanmar could be living in poverty next year due to the pandemic and political turmoil that began with the coup. The grim prediction comes as fighting between the Myanmar military and armed ethnic rebels resumed, causing more refugees to flee to Thailand. Watch | Myanmar, which was already badly hit by the pandemic, saw the nation's crisis worsening after the military ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power on February 1. Over 750 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group as the crackdown began against the strong pro-democracy movement. Also read | Thousands of Myanmar villagers poised to flee violence to Thailand The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said that by early 2022, 25 million people in Myanmar, about half of the country's population, could be living below the poverty line. UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said this projection threatens the progress made in the country since 2005, in which Myanmar halved the number of people living in poverty. "Without functioning democratic institutions, Myanmar faces a tragic and avoidable backslide towards levels of poverty not seen in a generation," Steiner was quoted as saying in a statement by news agency AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Half of Myanmar's population could face poverty due to pandemic, coup: UN

The&nbsp;World&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Organization said on Tuesday that a variant of Covid-19 feared to be contributing to a surge in coronavirus cases in India has been found in over a dozen countries.

The UN&nbsp;health&nbsp;agency said the B.1.617 variant of Covid-19 first found in India had as of Tuesday been detected in over 1,200 sequences uploaded to the GISAID open-access database "from at least 17 countries".&nbsp;

"Most sequences were uploaded from India, the United Kingdom, USA, and Singapore," the WHO said in its weekly epidemiological update on the pandemic.

The WHO recently listed B.1.617,&nbsp;which counts several sub-lineages with slightly different mutations and characteristics, as a "variant of interest".

But so far it has stopped short of declaring it a "variant of concern".

That label would indicate that it is more dangerous that the original version of the virus by for instance being more transmissible, deadly or able to dodge vaccine protections.

India is facing surging new cases and deaths in the pandemic, and fears are rising that the variant could be contributing to the unfolding catastrophe.

The explosion in infections in India, 350,000 new cases were recorded there on Tuesday alone -- has driven a surge in global cases to 147.7 million.

The virus has now killed more than 3.1 million people worldwide.

The WHO acknowledged that its preliminary modelling based on sequences submitted to GISAID indicates "that B.1.617 has a higher growth rate than other circulating variants in India, suggesting potential increased transmissibility".

It stressed that other variants circulating at the same time were also showing increased transmissibility, and that the combination "may be playing a role in the current resurgence in this country."

"Indeed, studies have highlighted that the spread of the second wave has been much faster than the first," the WHO said.

It highlighted though that "other drivers" could be contributing to the surge, including lax adherence to public&nbsp;health&nbsp;measures as well as mass gatherings.

"Further investigation is needed to understand the relative contribution of these factors," it said.

The UN agency also stressed that "further robust studies" into the characteristics of B.1.617 and other variants, including impacts on transmissibility, severity and the risk of reinfection, were "urgently needed".&nbsp;

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that a variant of Covid-19 feared to be contributing to a surge in coronavirus cases in India has been found in over a dozen countries.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that a variant of Covid-19 feared to be contributing to a surge in coronavirus cases in India has been found in over a dozen countries. The UN health agency said the B.1.617 variant of Covid-19 first found in India had as of Tuesday been detected in over 1,200 sequences uploaded to the GISAID open-access database "from at least 17 countries". "Most sequences were uploaded from India, the United Kingdom, USA, and Singapore," the WHO said in its weekly epidemiological update on the pandemic. The WHO recently listed B.1.617, which counts several sub-lineages with slightly different mutations and characteristics, as a "variant of interest". But so far it has stopped short of declaring it a "variant of concern". That label would indicate that it is more dangerous that the original version of the virus by for instance being more transmissible, deadly or able to dodge vaccine protections. India is facing surging new cases and deaths in the pandemic, and fears are rising that the variant could be contributing to the unfolding catastrophe. The explosion in infections in India, 350,000 new cases were recorded there on Tuesday alone -- has driven a surge in global cases to 147.7 million. The virus has now killed more than 3.1 million people worldwide. The WHO acknowledged that its preliminary modelling based on sequences submitted to GISAID indicates "that B.1.617 has a higher growth rate than other circulating variants in India, suggesting potential increased transmissibility". It stressed that other variants circulating at the same time were also showing increased transmissibility, and that the combination "may be playing a role in the current resurgence in this country." "Indeed, studies have highlighted that the spread of the second wave has been much faster than the first," the WHO said. It highlighted though that "other drivers" could be contributing to the surge, including lax adherence to public health measures as well as mass gatherings. "Further investigation is needed to understand the relative contribution of these factors," it said. The UN agency also stressed that "further robust studies" into the characteristics of B.1.617 and other variants, including impacts on transmissibility, severity and the risk of reinfection, were "urgently needed".

Covid virus strain first detected in India found in at least 17 countries: WHO

Food insecurity is rising sharply in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in the wake of the military coup and deepening financial&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;with&nbsp;millions&nbsp;more people expected to go hungry in coming months, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Up to 3.4 million more people will struggle to afford food in the next three to six months with urban areas worst affected as job losses mount in manufacturing, construction and services and food prices rise, a World Food Programme (WFP) analysis shows.

"More and more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food," country director Stephen Anderson said in a statement.

"A concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, and to prevent an alarming deterioration in food security."

The WFP said market prices of rice and cooking oil had risen by 5 per cent and 18 per cent respectively since the end of February, with signs that families in the commercial capital of Yangon were skipping meals, eating less nutritious food, and going into debt.

The agency plans to expand operations, tripling to 3.3 million the number of people it assists, and is appealing for $106 million, it said.

A&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta spokesman did not immediately answer phone calls to seek comment.

Myanmar’s army seized power from the democratically elected civilian government on Feb.1, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into turmoil and cracking down on mass protests and a nationwide civil disobedience movement with brutal force, killing more than 700 people, a monitoring group said.

The&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;has brought the banking system to a standstill, shuttering many branches, leaving businesses unable to make payments and customers unable to withdraw cash.

Many people depend on remittances from relatives abroad. Most imports and exports have been halted and factories have closed.

The World Bank forecasts&nbsp;Myanmar's GDP to contract 10&nbsp;per cent in 2021, a reversal of previously positive trends.

Before the coup, the WFP said about 2.8 million in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;were considered food insecure.

The coronavirus pandemic took a heavy toll of the economy, which had been growing as it emerged from decades of isolation and financial mismanagement under former military governments.

Food insecurity is rising sharply in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis with millions more people expected to go hungry in coming months, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Food insecurity is rising sharply in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis with millions more people expected to go hungry in coming months, the United Nations said on Thursday. Up to 3.4 million more people will struggle to afford food in the next three to six months with urban areas worst affected as job losses mount in manufacturing, construction and services and food prices rise, a World Food Programme (WFP) analysis shows. "More and more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food," country director Stephen Anderson said in a statement. "A concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, and to prevent an alarming deterioration in food security." The WFP said market prices of rice and cooking oil had risen by 5 per cent and 18 per cent respectively since the end of February, with signs that families in the commercial capital of Yangon were skipping meals, eating less nutritious food, and going into debt. The agency plans to expand operations, tripling to 3.3 million the number of people it assists, and is appealing for $106 million, it said. A Myanmar junta spokesman did not immediately answer phone calls to seek comment. Myanmar’s army seized power from the democratically elected civilian government on Feb.1, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into turmoil and cracking down on mass protests and a nationwide civil disobedience movement with brutal force, killing more than 700 people, a monitoring group said. The crisis has brought the banking system to a standstill, shuttering many branches, leaving businesses unable to make payments and customers unable to withdraw cash. Many people depend on remittances from relatives abroad. Most imports and exports have been halted and factories have closed. The World Bank forecasts Myanmar's GDP to contract 10 per cent in 2021, a reversal of previously positive trends. Before the coup, the WFP said about 2.8 million in Myanmar were considered food insecure. The coronavirus pandemic took a heavy toll of the economy, which had been growing as it emerged from decades of isolation and financial mismanagement under former military governments.

Millions face hunger as Myanmar crisis worsens, says United Nations

A group of rights experts from the United Nations sounded the alarm over Navalny’s condition on Wednesday, while asking for his evacuation from Russia on medical grounds. "We believe Mr Navalny's life is in serious danger," AFP cited the four independent experts as saying.

They urged Russian authorities to allow Navalny’s evacuation “for urgent medical treatment abroad”. In addition, the experts highlighted the burden of accountability which lies on Russia. “The Russian government is accountable for Mr Navalny's life and health while he is in detention”, they said.

Navalny is currently on a hunger strike in a penal colony. He has reportedly been jailed under harsh conditions and has been denied adequate medical care. Russian authorities have also barred him from seeing a doctor of this choice.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russian-police-detain-eight-at-navalny-protests-in-far-east-379005" hreflang="en">Russian police detain eight at Navalny protests in far east</a>

"We are deeply troubled that Mr Navalny is being kept in conditions that could amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," the experts added.

The experts were appointed by the United Nations but do not speak on behalf of the organisation. Protesters recently gathered across Russia in support of Navalny. The police made multiple arrests during the protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/navalny-supporters-seek-to-drown-out-putin-speech-with-mass-protests-378954" hreflang="en">Navalny supporters seek to drown out Putin speech with mass protests</a>

Since January, Navalny has remained detained in Russia. He was earlier in Germany recovering from a poisoning which he blames on Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of rights experts from the United Nations sounded the alarm over Navalny’s condition on Wednesday, while asking for his evacuation from Russia on medical grounds.

A group of rights experts from the United Nations sounded the alarm over Navalny’s condition on Wednesday, while asking for his evacuation from Russia on medical grounds. "We believe Mr Navalny's life is in serious danger," AFP cited the four independent experts as saying. They urged Russian authorities to allow Navalny’s evacuation “for urgent medical treatment abroad”. In addition, the experts highlighted the burden of accountability which lies on Russia. “The Russian government is accountable for Mr Navalny's life and health while he is in detention”, they said. Navalny is currently on a hunger strike in a penal colony. He has reportedly been jailed under harsh conditions and has been denied adequate medical care. Russian authorities have also barred him from seeing a doctor of this choice. Also read: Russian police detain eight at Navalny protests in far east "We are deeply troubled that Mr Navalny is being kept in conditions that could amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," the experts added. The experts were appointed by the United Nations but do not speak on behalf of the organisation. Protesters recently gathered across Russia in support of Navalny. The police made multiple arrests during the protests. Also read: Navalny supporters seek to drown out Putin speech with mass protests Since January, Navalny has remained detained in Russia. He was earlier in Germany recovering from a poisoning which he blames on Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny in 'serious danger', requires immediate medical help: UN experts

Iran is going to begin enriching uranium at 60 per cent purity starting Wednesday, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi announced on Tuesday, state media reported. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-take-our-revenge-from-the-zionists-iran-blames-israel-for-natanz-incident-376980">Also read | 'We will take our revenge from the Zionists': Iran blames Israel for Natanz incident</a> 
 
“Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of its plan to start 60 per cent uranium enrichment as of Wednesday,” Iran’s Press TV cited Araghchi as saying. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-atomic-agency-claims-nuclear-facility-hit-by-terrorism-376886">Also read: Iran atomic agency claims nuclear facility hit by 'terrorism'</a>

In February this year, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had said that Iran could increase its level of uranium enrichment to whatever the country needs, including up to 60%.

Under the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, Iran is limited to refining uranium to 3.67%.&nbsp;

On Monday, Iran accused arch-foe Israel of sabotaging its key Natanz nuclear site and vowed revenge for an attack that appeared to be the latest episode in a long-running covert war.

Iran said the person who caused an electricity outage in one of the production halls at the underground uranium enrichment plant had been identified. “Necessary measures are being taken to arrest this person,” Iranian state media reported, without giving further details.

The incident occurred amid diplomatic efforts by Iran and the United States to revive Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, an accord Israel fiercely opposed, after former U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned it three years ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran is going to begin enriching uranium at 60 per cent purity starting Wednesday, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi announced on Tuesday, state media reported.

Iran is going to begin enriching uranium at 60 per cent purity starting Wednesday, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi announced on Tuesday, state media reported. Also read | 'We will take our revenge from the Zionists': Iran blames Israel for Natanz incident “Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of its plan to start 60 per cent uranium enrichment as of Wednesday,” Iran’s Press TV cited Araghchi as saying. Also read: Iran atomic agency claims nuclear facility hit by 'terrorism' In February this year, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had said that Iran could increase its level of uranium enrichment to whatever the country needs, including up to 60%. Under the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, Iran is limited to refining uranium to 3.67%. On Monday, Iran accused arch-foe Israel of sabotaging its key Natanz nuclear site and vowed revenge for an attack that appeared to be the latest episode in a long-running covert war. Iran said the person who caused an electricity outage in one of the production halls at the underground uranium enrichment plant had been identified. “Necessary measures are being taken to arrest this person,” Iranian state media reported, without giving further details. The incident occurred amid diplomatic efforts by Iran and the United States to revive Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, an accord Israel fiercely opposed, after former U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned it three years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran to begin enriching uranium at 60 per cent purity: State media

United States on Friday demanded swift action from United Nations Security Council on Myanmar. There have been increasing calls for Myanmar's military junta o restore democracy. The military toppled civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1.

"The military needs to feel the cost associated with its horrific actions. The stability and prosperity of the region depends on swift action," US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told a Security Council meeting.

"The military has ignored our condemnations, posing a test for the Security Council," she said.

"Will the Council quibble over language in yet another statement or will we act to save the lives of the Burmese people?" she said, using Myanmar's former name of Burma.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-sentences-19-to-death-says-anti-coup-protests-dwindling-376559">Myanmar military sentences 19 to death, says anti-coup protests dwindling</a>

People of Myanmar have fiercely opposed military rule and have held demonstrations and protests across the country almost everyday since the military coup. The military has resorted to strong-handed tactics. Armed forces have opened fire on number of occasions and this had the death toll rise to hundreds.

Estonia, a non-permanent member of the Security Council, said that the 15-nation body needed to start drafting a resolution that could include sanctions on Myanmar including an international arms embargo.

"The United Nations Security Council is the only entity in the world, which has the legitimate power to protect nations at risk and must explore every tool in its toolbox to end this horrible situation," said Estonia's ambassador, Sven Jurgenson.

Russia and China both hold veto power and have historically opposed international sanctions, although Beijing -- the military's primary ally -- has voiced increasing concern about the instability in its neighbor.

The military on February 1 toppled democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi and has since violently suppressed pro-democracy protests, with the United Nations saying that more than 600 people have died.

(With AFP inputs)

United States on Friday demanded swift action from United Nations Security Council on Myanmar. There have been increasing calls for Myanmar's military junta o restore democracy.

United States on Friday demanded swift action from United Nations Security Council on Myanmar. There have been increasing calls for Myanmar's military junta o restore democracy. The military toppled civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1. "The military needs to feel the cost associated with its horrific actions. The stability and prosperity of the region depends on swift action," US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told a Security Council meeting. "The military has ignored our condemnations, posing a test for the Security Council," she said. "Will the Council quibble over language in yet another statement or will we act to save the lives of the Burmese people?" she said, using Myanmar's former name of Burma. Also Read | Myanmar military sentences 19 to death, says anti-coup protests dwindling People of Myanmar have fiercely opposed military rule and have held demonstrations and protests across the country almost everyday since the military coup. The military has resorted to strong-handed tactics. Armed forces have opened fire on number of occasions and this had the death toll rise to hundreds. Estonia, a non-permanent member of the Security Council, said that the 15-nation body needed to start drafting a resolution that could include sanctions on Myanmar including an international arms embargo. "The United Nations Security Council is the only entity in the world, which has the legitimate power to protect nations at risk and must explore every tool in its toolbox to end this horrible situation," said Estonia's ambassador, Sven Jurgenson. Russia and China both hold veto power and have historically opposed international sanctions, although Beijing -- the military's primary ally -- has voiced increasing concern about the instability in its neighbor. The military on February 1 toppled democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi and has since violently suppressed pro-democracy protests, with the United Nations saying that more than 600 people have died. (With AFP inputs)

US urges UNSC for action on Myanmar

At least 40 people have been killed and 58 injured in three days of clashes in Sudan's West Darfur state, the United Nations said on Monday. 
 
After clashes at the weekend, residents of El Geneina, capital of West Darfur and close to the border with Chad, said gunfire erupted in the city at dawn on Monday, with shells exploding in the suburbs. 
 
Plumes of smoke rose high into the sky as people fled the violence, witnesses reported. 
 
"Since April 3, 40 people have been killed," the UN humanitarian coordination office OCHA said in a statement. 
 
It said the clashes pitted Arab groups against the non-Arab Massalit ethnic community in the city of El Geneina, where the situation remained "tense". 
 
Sudan's top security body, the defence council, late Monday declared a state of emergency in West Darfur state and deployed troops to the region. 
 
"On Monday, we woke up to the sound of gunfire," Abdelrahman Ahmed, an eyewitness, told AFP. Clashes "spread to the western suburbs". 
 
It is unclear what sparked the latest violence.

Women and children fleeing 
The vast Darfur region was ravaged by a civil war that erupted in 2003, leaving around 300,000 people dead and 2.5 million displaced, according to the UN. 
 
It flared when ethnic minority rebels rose up against dictator Omar al-Bashir's Arab-dominated government. 
 
Khartoum responded by unleashing a notorious Arab-dominated militia known as the Janjaweed from among the region's nomadic tribes. 
 
The conflict has subsided over the years, and the latest in a string of peace deals was agreed in October. 
 
But after years of conflict, the region is awash with automatic weapons. Clashes still erupt, often over land and access to water. 
 
Residents long displaced during the worst years of the war are returning to find others have occupied their lands. 
 
Eyewitnesses said fighting still raged on Monday afternoon, as thick smoke billowed over El Geneina. 
 
"We stayed in our homes, but we've been hearing gunfire close by -- a shell landed at our neighbour's home," said Adam Issa, another resident. 
 
The West Darfur Doctors' Committee said an ambulance carrying wounded victims was attacked. 
 
Clashes often pit nomadic Arab pastoralists against settled farmers from non-Arab ethnic groups. 
 
Saleh Issa, another El Geneina resident, said he saw a "cloud of smoke" covering swathes of the city.&nbsp; 
 
"Some residents from these neighbourhoods have fled towards our area -- most of are women and children," he added. 
 
Sudan is in the midst of a rocky transitional period following the toppling of long-time president Omar al-Bashir in April 2019 off the back of mass protests against his rule. 
 
The transitional government has pushed to build peace with rebel groups in Sudan's main conflict zones, including Darfur. 
 
On December 31, the UN and African Union ended a 13-year peacekeeping mission in Darfur, even as residents feared further violence. 
 
More than 200 people were killed in clashes in January, in some of the worst bloodshed the region had witnessed in years.

At least 40 people have been killed and 58 injured in three days of clashes in Sudan's West Darfur state, the United Nations said on Monday. After clashes at the weekend, residents of El Geneina, capital of West Darfur and close to the border with Chad, said gunfire erupted in the city at dawn on Monday, with shells exploding in the suburbs.

At least 40 people have been killed and 58 injured in three days of clashes in Sudan's West Darfur state, the United Nations said on Monday. After clashes at the weekend, residents of El Geneina, capital of West Darfur and close to the border with Chad, said gunfire erupted in the city at dawn on Monday, with shells exploding in the suburbs. Plumes of smoke rose high into the sky as people fled the violence, witnesses reported. "Since April 3, 40 people have been killed," the UN humanitarian coordination office OCHA said in a statement. It said the clashes pitted Arab groups against the non-Arab Massalit ethnic community in the city of El Geneina, where the situation remained "tense". Sudan's top security body, the defence council, late Monday declared a state of emergency in West Darfur state and deployed troops to the region. "On Monday, we woke up to the sound of gunfire," Abdelrahman Ahmed, an eyewitness, told AFP. Clashes "spread to the western suburbs". It is unclear what sparked the latest violence. Women and children fleeing The vast Darfur region was ravaged by a civil war that erupted in 2003, leaving around 300,000 people dead and 2.5 million displaced, according to the UN. It flared when ethnic minority rebels rose up against dictator Omar al-Bashir's Arab-dominated government. Khartoum responded by unleashing a notorious Arab-dominated militia known as the Janjaweed from among the region's nomadic tribes. The conflict has subsided over the years, and the latest in a string of peace deals was agreed in October. But after years of conflict, the region is awash with automatic weapons. Clashes still erupt, often over land and access to water. Residents long displaced during the worst years of the war are returning to find others have occupied their lands. Eyewitnesses said fighting still raged on Monday afternoon, as thick smoke billowed over El Geneina. "We stayed in our homes, but we've been hearing gunfire close by -- a shell landed at our neighbour's home," said Adam Issa, another resident. The West Darfur Doctors' Committee said an ambulance carrying wounded victims was attacked. Clashes often pit nomadic Arab pastoralists against settled farmers from non-Arab ethnic groups. Saleh Issa, another El Geneina resident, said he saw a "cloud of smoke" covering swathes of the city. "Some residents from these neighbourhoods have fled towards our area -- most of are women and children," he added. Sudan is in the midst of a rocky transitional period following the toppling of long-time president Omar al-Bashir in April 2019 off the back of mass protests against his rule. The transitional government has pushed to build peace with rebel groups in Sudan's main conflict zones, including Darfur. On December 31, the UN and African Union ended a 13-year peacekeeping mission in Darfur, even as residents feared further violence. More than 200 people were killed in clashes in January, in some of the worst bloodshed the region had witnessed in years.

At least 40 dead in fighting in Sudan's Darfur, says UN

Four United Nations peacekeepers were killed Friday when suspected jihadists staged a major attack on their camp in Aguelhok, northern Mali, the UN mission said.

The peacekeepers "bravely pushed back a complex attack carried out by several heavily armed terrorists," MINUSMA said, adding the attackers had suffered heavy losses and had abandoned "several of their dead".

In a statement, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he "condemns in the strongest terms" the assault, commending the bravery of those who repelled the attack.

The incident left 19 wounded, the statement said, in addition to the four troops who were killed.

A source in MINUSMA said the attack occurred around 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the Algerian border, targeting a contingent of peacekeepers from Chad.

A UN source described the dawn raid as of "very large magnitude" by about 100 attackers on motorbikes and in vehicles.

"The fighting lasted three hours... mortar shells, shooting exchanges... attempted suicide car bombing," the source said.

He added that about 20 assailants had been killed.

A Chadian military source said "two of our forces' positions were attacked. We lost four people, including our forces' detachment commander, and 16 were injured."

The UN force's statement called the attack another "attempt against the peace process" that will "in no way undermine its determination to continue the execution of its mandate".

It thanked "international forces for their aerial support".

The attack took to 10 the number of MINUSMA troops killed this year.

- Second attack -

Also on Friday morning, two Malian soldiers were killed and around 10 wounded in an attack blamed on jihadists in Diafarabe in the country's centre, Mali's army said in a statement.

Local resident Youssouf Aya told AFP that he had seen a line of armed men on motorcycles headed toward a military post, then heard gunfire.

He said the assailants had "briefly occupied" the military post before leaving along the Niger River.

Mali has been struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that first broke out in the north in 2012 before spreading to the centre and neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Thousands have died and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

France, the former colonial power, intervened in Mali in 2013 to beat back the jihadists and now has some 5,100 soldiers deployed across the semi-arid Sahel region, though the mission has not been without controversy.

A UN probe published Tuesday concluded that a French air strike in central Mali killed 19 civilians on January 3.

The French defence ministry has denied the account, insisting it had identified and attacked an "armed terrorist group".

On Friday, France's military issued a statement on a separate incident, saying a woman died and a child was slightly wounded in a fire linked to an operation in Mali.

It said a suspected jihadist was also killed and two others captured in the operation overnight Wednesday to Thursday in an area southeast of Tessalit in the country's north.

According to the statement, the soldiers were shot at by the suspected jihadist in a tent and returned fire.

The tent caught fire with the woman and child inside, it said. The child was evacuated to a military hospital.

Four United Nations peacekeepers were killed Friday when suspected jihadists staged a major attack on their camp in Aguelhok, northern Mali, the UN mission said.

Four United Nations peacekeepers were killed Friday when suspected jihadists staged a major attack on their camp in Aguelhok, northern Mali, the UN mission said. The peacekeepers "bravely pushed back a complex attack carried out by several heavily armed terrorists," MINUSMA said, adding the attackers had suffered heavy losses and had abandoned "several of their dead". In a statement, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he "condemns in the strongest terms" the assault, commending the bravery of those who repelled the attack. The incident left 19 wounded, the statement said, in addition to the four troops who were killed. A source in MINUSMA said the attack occurred around 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the Algerian border, targeting a contingent of peacekeepers from Chad. A UN source described the dawn raid as of "very large magnitude" by about 100 attackers on motorbikes and in vehicles. "The fighting lasted three hours... mortar shells, shooting exchanges... attempted suicide car bombing," the source said. He added that about 20 assailants had been killed. A Chadian military source said "two of our forces' positions were attacked. We lost four people, including our forces' detachment commander, and 16 were injured." The UN force's statement called the attack another "attempt against the peace process" that will "in no way undermine its determination to continue the execution of its mandate". It thanked "international forces for their aerial support". The attack took to 10 the number of MINUSMA troops killed this year. - Second attack - Also on Friday morning, two Malian soldiers were killed and around 10 wounded in an attack blamed on jihadists in Diafarabe in the country's centre, Mali's army said in a statement. Local resident Youssouf Aya told AFP that he had seen a line of armed men on motorcycles headed toward a military post, then heard gunfire. He said the assailants had "briefly occupied" the military post before leaving along the Niger River. Mali has been struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that first broke out in the north in 2012 before spreading to the centre and neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Thousands have died and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes. France, the former colonial power, intervened in Mali in 2013 to beat back the jihadists and now has some 5,100 soldiers deployed across the semi-arid Sahel region, though the mission has not been without controversy. A UN probe published Tuesday concluded that a French air strike in central Mali killed 19 civilians on January 3. The French defence ministry has denied the account, insisting it had identified and attacked an "armed terrorist group". On Friday, France's military issued a statement on a separate incident, saying a woman died and a child was slightly wounded in a fire linked to an operation in Mali. It said a suspected jihadist was also killed and two others captured in the operation overnight Wednesday to Thursday in an area southeast of Tessalit in the country's north. According to the statement, the soldiers were shot at by the suspected jihadist in a tent and returned fire. The tent caught fire with the woman and child inside, it said. The child was evacuated to a military hospital.

Four UN troops die in major attack in northern Mali

United Nations (UN) human rights experts have said that a tourism mega-project on Indonesia's Lombok island has uprooted local and indigenous people. The experts said that this project has destroyed homes, fields, rivers and religious sites.

The Mandalika, located in Lombok’s West Nusa Tenggara province, includes a Grand Prix motorcycle circuit, hotels and a golf course, and is part of the “10 New Balis” strategy proposed by President Joko Widodo in 2016 to boost tourism revenues.

In developing the 2-hectare (5-acre) site, “local residents were subjected to threats and intimidations, and forcibly evicted from their land without compensation”, said Olivier De Schutter, U.N. special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights.

He said that businesses and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) that funded the ongoing project, failed to do due diligence "to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address adverse human rights impacts”, he said in a statement.

The AIIB said its operations adhered to its environmental and social guidelines, and that it had responded “swiftly” to complaints related to the project and commissioned an independent consultant to engage with the Indonesian government, businesses and local residents.

“The final report found no evidence of the alleged coercion, direct use of force, and intimidation relating to land acquisition and resettlement,” it said in a statement late on Thursday.

(With AFP inputs)

United Nations (UN) human rights experts have said that a tourism mega-project on Indonesia's Lombok island has uprooted local and indigenous people. The experts said that this project has destroyed homes, fields, rivers and religious sites.

United Nations (UN) human rights experts have said that a tourism mega-project on Indonesia's Lombok island has uprooted local and indigenous people. The experts said that this project has destroyed homes, fields, rivers and religious sites. The Mandalika, located in Lombok’s West Nusa Tenggara province, includes a Grand Prix motorcycle circuit, hotels and a golf course, and is part of the “10 New Balis” strategy proposed by President Joko Widodo in 2016 to boost tourism revenues. In developing the 2-hectare (5-acre) site, “local residents were subjected to threats and intimidations, and forcibly evicted from their land without compensation”, said Olivier De Schutter, U.N. special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. He said that businesses and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) that funded the ongoing project, failed to do due diligence "to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address adverse human rights impacts”, he said in a statement. The AIIB said its operations adhered to its environmental and social guidelines, and that it had responded “swiftly” to complaints related to the project and commissioned an independent consultant to engage with the Indonesian government, businesses and local residents. “The final report found no evidence of the alleged coercion, direct use of force, and intimidation relating to land acquisition and resettlement,” it said in a statement late on Thursday. (With AFP inputs)

UN displeased with Indonesia tourism project for trampling human rights

A French air strike in January killed 19 civilians and three armed men at a wedding in the remote desert of central&nbsp;Mali, United Nations investigators said on Tuesday, contradicting France's account that only Islamist militants were hit.

France immediately rejected the findings, which are likely to fuel domestic criticism of&nbsp;Mali's former colonial master. France has more than 5,000 troops in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;and neighbouring countries to battle groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The human rights division of the United Nations mission in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;(MINUSMA) said it had visited the village of Bounti where the attack took place on Jan. 3, analysed satellite images and interviewed more than 400 people, including at least 115 in face-to-face, individual sessions.

"MINUSMA is able to confirm that a wedding celebration was held that brought together about 100 civilians at the site of the strike, among whom five armed individuals, presumed members of Katiba Serma, were present," the report said.

Katiba Serma is an armed group affiliated with al Qaeda.

The MINUSMA report said 19 people, including 16 civilians and three of the armed men, were killed immediately in the air attack, while three more civilians died while being transferred to medical care.

In a statement, France's armed forces ministry said the strike followed a "robust targeting process" that identified the targets as militants.

"The only concrete sources on which this report is based are local testimonies. They are never transcribed, the identity of the witnesses is never specified, nor the conditions in which the testimonies were gathered," it said.

"It is therefore impossible to distinguish credible sources from false testimonies by possible terrorist sympathisers or individuals under the influence (including threats) from jihadist groups."

The MINUSMA report said each witness account was verified with other evidence and that some witnesses were relocated to allow them to speak freely.

RULES OF CONFLICT

Its report said forensics experts found no evidence of incinerated motorcycles, weapons or ammunitions that would have suggested the presence of a large number of armed men.

"This strike raises important concerns about the respect of the rules of armed conflict," it said. "MINUSMA recommends that the&nbsp;Malian and French authorities lead an independent, credible and transparent investigation."

Malian officials had no immediate comment.

Local officials in northern&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;accused France's military last week of killing six civilians in another air strike. French forces said they had again struck Islamist militants.

France has been embroiled in&nbsp;Mali's conflict since 2013, when it intervened to push back Islamist militants who were advancing south after seizing the desert north.

The conflict has since spread to neighbouring countries in the West African Sahel region like Burkina Faso and Niger, leading to rising criticism of French forces from local activists and some politicians.

The Jan. 3 air strike came after five French soldiers were killed the previous week in two attacks carried out with improvised explosive devices.

A French air strike in January killed 19 civilians and three armed men at a wedding in the remote desert of central Mali, United Nations investigators said on Tuesday, contradicting France's account that only Islamist militants were hit.

A French air strike in January killed 19 civilians and three armed men at a wedding in the remote desert of central Mali, United Nations investigators said on Tuesday, contradicting France's account that only Islamist militants were hit. France immediately rejected the findings, which are likely to fuel domestic criticism of Mali's former colonial master. France has more than 5,000 troops in Mali and neighbouring countries to battle groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The human rights division of the United Nations mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said it had visited the village of Bounti where the attack took place on Jan. 3, analysed satellite images and interviewed more than 400 people, including at least 115 in face-to-face, individual sessions. "MINUSMA is able to confirm that a wedding celebration was held that brought together about 100 civilians at the site of the strike, among whom five armed individuals, presumed members of Katiba Serma, were present," the report said. Katiba Serma is an armed group affiliated with al Qaeda. The MINUSMA report said 19 people, including 16 civilians and three of the armed men, were killed immediately in the air attack, while three more civilians died while being transferred to medical care. In a statement, France's armed forces ministry said the strike followed a "robust targeting process" that identified the targets as militants. "The only concrete sources on which this report is based are local testimonies. They are never transcribed, the identity of the witnesses is never specified, nor the conditions in which the testimonies were gathered," it said. "It is therefore impossible to distinguish credible sources from false testimonies by possible terrorist sympathisers or individuals under the influence (including threats) from jihadist groups." The MINUSMA report said each witness account was verified with other evidence and that some witnesses were relocated to allow them to speak freely. RULES OF CONFLICT Its report said forensics experts found no evidence of incinerated motorcycles, weapons or ammunitions that would have suggested the presence of a large number of armed men. "This strike raises important concerns about the respect of the rules of armed conflict," it said. "MINUSMA recommends that the Malian and French authorities lead an independent, credible and transparent investigation." Malian officials had no immediate comment. Local officials in northern Mali accused France's military last week of killing six civilians in another air strike. French forces said they had again struck Islamist militants. France has been embroiled in Mali's conflict since 2013, when it intervened to push back Islamist militants who were advancing south after seizing the desert north. The conflict has since spread to neighbouring countries in the West African Sahel region like Burkina Faso and Niger, leading to rising criticism of French forces from local activists and some politicians. The Jan. 3 air strike came after five French soldiers were killed the previous week in two attacks carried out with improvised explosive devices.

French air strike killed 19 civilians at Mali wedding party: United Nations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for urgent, bold measures to address an emerging debt crisis caused largely by Covid-19. 
 
"We are on the verge of a debt crisis. Today`s meeting, convened with our partners, the prime ministers of Canada and Jamaica, is a call for urgent action," he told a high-level event on debt and liquidity, Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
Six countries have already defaulted. One-third of emerging market economies are at high risk of fiscal crisis. And the situation is even worse for least-developed and low-income countries. They face a painfully slow recovery that will put the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement completely out of reach, he warned. 
 
Developing countries need access to additional liquidity to respond to the pandemic and to invest in recovery. The international community must urgently provide the necessary support to all developing countries in need, said Guterres. 
 
From the start of the pandemic, the United Nations has advocated for a three-phase approach to debt: a moratorium on debt payments, targeted debt relief, reforms to the international debt architecture, he noted. 
 
He welcomed the steps that have been taken, including fresh financing by international financial institutions, the Debt Service Suspension Initiative of the Group of 20, and the Common Framework for Debt Treatments, but said they are far from enough. 
 
"I am, therefore, calling for much bolder and more ambitious measures. 
 
"We strongly believe that the Debt Service Suspension Initiative must be extended into 2022, and made also available to highly indebted, vulnerable middle-income countries that request it.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for urgent, bold measures to address an emerging debt crisis caused largely by Covid-19. "We are on the verge of a debt crisis.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for urgent, bold measures to address an emerging debt crisis caused largely by Covid-19. "We are on the verge of a debt crisis. Today`s meeting, convened with our partners, the prime ministers of Canada and Jamaica, is a call for urgent action," he told a high-level event on debt and liquidity, Xinhua news agency reported. Six countries have already defaulted. One-third of emerging market economies are at high risk of fiscal crisis. And the situation is even worse for least-developed and low-income countries. They face a painfully slow recovery that will put the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement completely out of reach, he warned. Developing countries need access to additional liquidity to respond to the pandemic and to invest in recovery. The international community must urgently provide the necessary support to all developing countries in need, said Guterres. From the start of the pandemic, the United Nations has advocated for a three-phase approach to debt: a moratorium on debt payments, targeted debt relief, reforms to the international debt architecture, he noted. He welcomed the steps that have been taken, including fresh financing by international financial institutions, the Debt Service Suspension Initiative of the Group of 20, and the Common Framework for Debt Treatments, but said they are far from enough. "I am, therefore, calling for much bolder and more ambitious measures. "We strongly believe that the Debt Service Suspension Initiative must be extended into 2022, and made also available to highly indebted, vulnerable middle-income countries that request it.

UN chief calls for bold measures to tackle debt crisis

At Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has extended support to a regional process on peace in Afghanistan under the United Nations umbrella. &nbsp;

Jaishankar said, "We support a regional process to be convened under the aegis of the United Nations. UN stewardship would help to take into account all relevant UN resolutions and improve the odds for a lasting outcome."

The process was proposed by the US, in a letter by the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani. The proposal calls for the meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US under the United Nations for a "unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan".

Jaishankar called for a "genuine ‘double peace’" in Afghanistan which is "peace within Afghanistan and peace around Afghanistan" which "requires harmonising the interests of all, both within and around that country."

He added, "India has been supportive of all the efforts being made to accelerate the dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban, including intra-Afghan negotiations" and "if the peace process is to be successful, then it is necessary to ensure that the negotiating parties continue to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards reaching a political solution."

Last year India has attended both the US-Taliban pact signing and the start of the intra-Afghan talks in Doha. New Delhi's high-level engagement with Afghan leadership continues — including visits by Afghanistan's Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah, Senior Afghan politician Ata Mohammad Noor, former vice president Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum last year. This year National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was in Kabul, followed by a virtual meet of Afghan President and PM Narendra Modi and then a visit by Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar to India.

During the speech, EAM expressed "grave concern" over the situation in Afghanistan, pointing out that "violence and bloodshed are daily realities and the conflict itself has shown little sign of abatement". The year 2020 marked a 45% increase in civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

India in the region has emerged as a major supporter of Afghanistan--from infrastructure to connectivity to capacity building. It will be building the Shahtoot dam that will provide clean drinking water to the people of Kabul. It has already built the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat. It is also involved in more than 550 Community Development Projects covering all 34 provinces of the country.

At Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has extended support to a regional process on peace in Afghanistan under the United Nations umbrella.

At Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has extended support to a regional process on peace in Afghanistan under the United Nations umbrella. Jaishankar said, "We support a regional process to be convened under the aegis of the United Nations. UN stewardship would help to take into account all relevant UN resolutions and improve the odds for a lasting outcome." The process was proposed by the US, in a letter by the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani. The proposal calls for the meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US under the United Nations for a "unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan". Jaishankar called for a "genuine ‘double peace’" in Afghanistan which is "peace within Afghanistan and peace around Afghanistan" which "requires harmonising the interests of all, both within and around that country." He added, "India has been supportive of all the efforts being made to accelerate the dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban, including intra-Afghan negotiations" and "if the peace process is to be successful, then it is necessary to ensure that the negotiating parties continue to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards reaching a political solution." Last year India has attended both the US-Taliban pact signing and the start of the intra-Afghan talks in Doha. New Delhi's high-level engagement with Afghan leadership continues — including visits by Afghanistan's Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah, Senior Afghan politician Ata Mohammad Noor, former vice president Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum last year. This year National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was in Kabul, followed by a virtual meet of Afghan President and PM Narendra Modi and then a visit by Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar to India. During the speech, EAM expressed "grave concern" over the situation in Afghanistan, pointing out that "violence and bloodshed are daily realities and the conflict itself has shown little sign of abatement". The year 2020 marked a 45% increase in civilian casualties in Afghanistan. India in the region has emerged as a major supporter of Afghanistan--from infrastructure to connectivity to capacity building. It will be building the Shahtoot dam that will provide clean drinking water to the people of Kabul. It has already built the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat. It is also involved in more than 550 Community Development Projects covering all 34 provinces of the country.

At Heart of Asia conference, India backs regional peace process on Afghanistan under United Nations umbrella

North Korea said on Monday that the UN Security Council showed a double standard as its sanctions committee criticised the country's recent missile test as a violation of UN resolutions.

The statement came after North Korea said on Saturday that the administration of US President Joe Biden had taken a wrong first step and revealed "deep-seated hostility" by criticising its self-defensive missile test.

North Korea launched a new type of tactical short-range ballistic missile last week, prompting Washington to request a gathering of the UN Security Council's (UNSC) sanctions committee.

At the committee meeting on Friday, the United States called for imposing additional sanctions and tightening the implementation of existing measures, denouncing the test as a violation of UN resolutions, according to Jo Chol Su, director-general for international organisations at North Korea's foreign ministry.

Jo said the meeting was "designed to negate the right of our state to self-defence," warning it would devise a "countermeasure."

"It constitutes a denial of sovereign state and an apparent double standard that UNSC takes issue, on the basis of the UN 'resolutions' - direct products of the US hostile policy," Jo said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

"It does not make any sense that only our righteous self-defensive measure should be singled out for denunciation, when many other countries across the globe are firing all kinds of projectiles for the purpose of increasing their military strength."

North Korea said on Monday that the UN Security Council showed a double standard as its sanctions committee criticised the country's recent missile test as a violation of UN resolutions.

North Korea said on Monday that the UN Security Council showed a double standard as its sanctions committee criticised the country's recent missile test as a violation of UN resolutions. The statement came after North Korea said on Saturday that the administration of US President Joe Biden had taken a wrong first step and revealed "deep-seated hostility" by criticising its self-defensive missile test. North Korea launched a new type of tactical short-range ballistic missile last week, prompting Washington to request a gathering of the UN Security Council's (UNSC) sanctions committee. At the committee meeting on Friday, the United States called for imposing additional sanctions and tightening the implementation of existing measures, denouncing the test as a violation of UN resolutions, according to Jo Chol Su, director-general for international organisations at North Korea's foreign ministry. Jo said the meeting was "designed to negate the right of our state to self-defence," warning it would devise a "countermeasure." "It constitutes a denial of sovereign state and an apparent double standard that UNSC takes issue, on the basis of the UN 'resolutions' - direct products of the US hostile policy," Jo said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. "It does not make any sense that only our righteous self-defensive measure should be singled out for denunciation, when many other countries across the globe are firing all kinds of projectiles for the purpose of increasing their military strength."

N Korea accuses UNSC of 'double standard' over missile tests

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday&nbsp;that the UN was in negotiation with China for a visit "without restrictions" to Xinjiang in order to see how Uyghur Muslims were being treated. He declared this in an interview broadcast.

At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim groups have been held in camps in the northwestern region, according to US and Australian rights groups, which accuse Chinese authorities of forcibly sterilizing women and imposing forced labor.

"A serious negotiation is at the present moment taking place between the Office of the (UN Human Rights) Commissioner and the Chinese authorities," Guterres told Canada's CBC television network.

"I hope that they will reach an agreement soon" to allow a visit "without restrictions or limitations," he added.

Guterres said the Chinese had repeatedly affirmed to him "that they want that mission to take place."

Guterres said he was also following "with concern" the fate of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who are being held prisoner in China on charges of espionage.

(With AFP inputs)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday that the UN was in negotiation with China for a visit "without restrictions" to Xinjiang in order to see how Uyghur Muslims were being treated.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday that the UN was in negotiation with China for a visit "without restrictions" to Xinjiang in order to see how Uyghur Muslims were being treated. He declared this in an interview broadcast. At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim groups have been held in camps in the northwestern region, according to US and Australian rights groups, which accuse Chinese authorities of forcibly sterilizing women and imposing forced labor. "A serious negotiation is at the present moment taking place between the Office of the (UN Human Rights) Commissioner and the Chinese authorities," Guterres told Canada's CBC television network. "I hope that they will reach an agreement soon" to allow a visit "without restrictions or limitations," he added. Guterres said the Chinese had repeatedly affirmed to him "that they want that mission to take place." Guterres said he was also following "with concern" the fate of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who are being held prisoner in China on charges of espionage. (With AFP inputs)

UN negotiating with China for unrestricted Xinjiang visit: Secretary General

India on Wednesday advocated peaceful dialogue -- on the lines of the Arria formula -- on the situation in Crimea at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) follow-up meeting that was held earlier on March 12, 2021.

Speaking at the UNSC, India's Deputy Permanent Representative-Political Coordinator to the UN R Ravindra said that India has advocated political and diplomatic solutions that protect the legitimate interests of all countries in the region and ensure long-term peace and stability in Europe and beyond.

The path forward can only be through peaceful dialogue for a lasting solution acceptable to all concerned.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-never-accept-russias-occupation-of-crimea-g7-371383">We will never accept Russia's occupation of Crimea: G7</a>

"I wish to clarify that India's relations with countries in the region stand on their own merit. They are not affected by any individual issue or crisis or external factors," he said.

While thanking the Russian delegation for organising this follow-up meeting, he cautioned, "Allow me to also place on record our reservations on this format of meeting as it has been misused in the past."

This was the second Arria-formula meeting on Crimea in five days.

Wednesday meeting was a follow-up to the 12 March high-level Arria-formula meeting on Crimea organised by Council members Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, the UK, and the US.

As per Russia, the meeting's objective was to provide comprehensive information on the situation in Crimea from current residents of Crimea.

After the 2014 referendum, Crimea (Russian-speaking province of Ukraine) subsequently acceded to Russia.

Council members whose positions are closely aligned with that of Ukraine have used the Arria-formula format to promote discussions on different aspects of the situation in Crimea starting in March 2014.

Since then, these meetings have been held each March on the anniversary of the Russian annexation of Crimea. They have usually been organised jointly by European members of the Council and the US, in partnership with Ukraine. Most Council members have been generally supportive of holding such meetings.

 
&nbsp;

India on Wednesday advocated peaceful dialogue -- on the lines of the Arria formula -- on the situation in Crimea at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) follow-up meeting that was held earlier on March 12, 2021.

India on Wednesday advocated peaceful dialogue -- on the lines of the Arria formula -- on the situation in Crimea at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) follow-up meeting that was held earlier on March 12, 2021. Speaking at the UNSC, India's Deputy Permanent Representative-Political Coordinator to the UN R Ravindra said that India has advocated political and diplomatic solutions that protect the legitimate interests of all countries in the region and ensure long-term peace and stability in Europe and beyond. The path forward can only be through peaceful dialogue for a lasting solution acceptable to all concerned. Also read | We will never accept Russia's occupation of Crimea: G7 "I wish to clarify that India's relations with countries in the region stand on their own merit. They are not affected by any individual issue or crisis or external factors," he said. While thanking the Russian delegation for organising this follow-up meeting, he cautioned, "Allow me to also place on record our reservations on this format of meeting as it has been misused in the past." This was the second Arria-formula meeting on Crimea in five days. Wednesday meeting was a follow-up to the 12 March high-level Arria-formula meeting on Crimea organised by Council members Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, the UK, and the US. As per Russia, the meeting's objective was to provide comprehensive information on the situation in Crimea from current residents of Crimea. After the 2014 referendum, Crimea (Russian-speaking province of Ukraine) subsequently acceded to Russia. Council members whose positions are closely aligned with that of Ukraine have used the Arria-formula format to promote discussions on different aspects of the situation in Crimea starting in March 2014. Since then, these meetings have been held each March on the anniversary of the Russian annexation of Crimea. They have usually been organised jointly by European members of the Council and the US, in partnership with Ukraine. Most Council members have been generally supportive of holding such meetings.

India advocates peaceful dialogue on Crimea at UNSC meeting

Covid-19 appears likely to develop into a seasonal disease, the United Nations said Thursday, cautioning though against relaxing pandemic-related measures simply based on meteorological factors.

More than a year after the novel coronavirus first surfaced in China, a number of mysteries still surround the spread of the disease that has killed nearly 2.7 million people worldwide.

In its first report, an expert team tasked with trying to shed light on one of those mysteries by examining potential meteorological and air quality influences on the spread of Covid-19, found some indications the disease would develop into a seasonal menace.

The 16-member team set up by the UN' World Meteorological Organization pointed out that respiratory viral infections are often seasonal, "in particular the autumn-winter peak for influenza and cold-causing coronaviruses in temperate climates."

"This has fuelled expectations that, if it persists for many years, Covid-19 will prove to be a strongly seasonal disease," it said in a statement.

Modelling studies anticipate that transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease, "may become seasonal over time".

- Trigger? -

But Covid-19 transmission dynamics so far appear to have been influenced mainly by government interventions like mask mandates and travel restrictions, they said, rather than the weather.

The task team therefore insisted that weather and climate conditions alone should for now not be the trigger for loosening anti-Covid restrictions.

"At this stage, evidence does not support the use of meteorological and air quality factors as a basis for governments to relax their interventions aimed at reducing transmission," said task team co-chair Ben Zaitchik of the earth and planetary sciences department at The John Hopkins University in the United States.&nbsp;

He pointed out that during the first year of the pandemic, infections in some places rose in warm seasons, "and there is no evidence that this couldn't happen again in the coming year".

The experts, who focused only on outdoor meteorology and air quality conditions in the report, said laboratory studies had provided some evidence the virus survives longer in cold, dry weather and when there is low ultraviolet radiation.

But it remained unclear whether meteorological influences "have a meaningful influence on transmission rates under real world conditions".

They also highlighted that evidence around the impact of air quality on the virus remained "inconclusive".&nbsp;

There was some preliminary evidence that poor air quality increases Covid-19 mortality rates, "but not that pollution directly impacts airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2".

Covid-19 appears likely to develop into a seasonal disease, the United Nations said Thursday, cautioning though against relaxing pandemic-related measures simply based on meteorological factors.

Covid-19 appears likely to develop into a seasonal disease, the United Nations said Thursday, cautioning though against relaxing pandemic-related measures simply based on meteorological factors. More than a year after the novel coronavirus first surfaced in China, a number of mysteries still surround the spread of the disease that has killed nearly 2.7 million people worldwide. In its first report, an expert team tasked with trying to shed light on one of those mysteries by examining potential meteorological and air quality influences on the spread of Covid-19, found some indications the disease would develop into a seasonal menace. The 16-member team set up by the UN' World Meteorological Organization pointed out that respiratory viral infections are often seasonal, "in particular the autumn-winter peak for influenza and cold-causing coronaviruses in temperate climates." "This has fuelled expectations that, if it persists for many years, Covid-19 will prove to be a strongly seasonal disease," it said in a statement. Modelling studies anticipate that transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease, "may become seasonal over time". - Trigger? - But Covid-19 transmission dynamics so far appear to have been influenced mainly by government interventions like mask mandates and travel restrictions, they said, rather than the weather. The task team therefore insisted that weather and climate conditions alone should for now not be the trigger for loosening anti-Covid restrictions. "At this stage, evidence does not support the use of meteorological and air quality factors as a basis for governments to relax their interventions aimed at reducing transmission," said task team co-chair Ben Zaitchik of the earth and planetary sciences department at The John Hopkins University in the United States. He pointed out that during the first year of the pandemic, infections in some places rose in warm seasons, "and there is no evidence that this couldn't happen again in the coming year". The experts, who focused only on outdoor meteorology and air quality conditions in the report, said laboratory studies had provided some evidence the virus survives longer in cold, dry weather and when there is low ultraviolet radiation. But it remained unclear whether meteorological influences "have a meaningful influence on transmission rates under real world conditions". They also highlighted that evidence around the impact of air quality on the virus remained "inconclusive". There was some preliminary evidence that poor air quality increases Covid-19 mortality rates, "but not that pollution directly impacts airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2".

Covid may become 'seasonal', UN says

The United Nations High Commission has received a $10,000 donation from the pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice.

United Nations: UN confirms $10,000 donation from SFJ

On Tuesday (2 March), the separatist group 'Sikhs for Justice' (SFJ) claimed to donate $10,000 (more than Rs 7.33 lakh) to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Today Tonight: 'Sikhs for Justice' group donates $10,000 to the United Nations

The Yemen war intensified amid an international and regional diplomatic push to end the conflict that began with the 2014 takeover of the capital Sanaa by the Iran-backed Houthis. Yemen was devastated by the escalating conflict in 2015.

Yemen war 'back in full force', US envoy to UN calls for a ceasefire

United Nations on Tuesday called for an independent probe of Yemen capital fire that killed dozens of migrants in a holding facility. The fire had raged on March 7 in Yemen's capital Sanaa.

"There must be an independent investigation into the cause of the fire," the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council.

Human Rights Watch earlier Tuesday blamed the March 7 fire on "unidentified projectiles" fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels control northern Yemen, including Sanaa.

Griffiths said, "the world was reminded of the plight of the migrant community last week when an extraordinary, horrific fire broke out at a detention facility in Sanaa holding predominantly Ethiopian migrants."

He said that 170 were seriously injured in the fire while dozens were killed.

HRW said detainees had been protesting against overcrowding when camp guards rounded up hundreds of them into a hangar and fired two projectiles into the building.

"The migrants said the first projectile produced a lot of smoke and made their eyes water and sting. The second, which the migrants called a 'bomb,' exploded loudly and started a fire," HRW said.&nbsp;

"Huthi authorities should urgently engage with Ethiopian authorities whose nationals are languishing in Yemeni detention centres under their control," HRW said.

(With AFP inputs)

United Nations on Tuesday called for an independent probe of Yemen capital fire that killed dozens of migrants in a holding facility. The fire had raged on March 7 in Yemen's capital Sanaa.

United Nations on Tuesday called for an independent probe of Yemen capital fire that killed dozens of migrants in a holding facility. The fire had raged on March 7 in Yemen's capital Sanaa. "There must be an independent investigation into the cause of the fire," the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council. Human Rights Watch earlier Tuesday blamed the March 7 fire on "unidentified projectiles" fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Iran-backed Houthi rebels control northern Yemen, including Sanaa. Griffiths said, "the world was reminded of the plight of the migrant community last week when an extraordinary, horrific fire broke out at a detention facility in Sanaa holding predominantly Ethiopian migrants." He said that 170 were seriously injured in the fire while dozens were killed. HRW said detainees had been protesting against overcrowding when camp guards rounded up hundreds of them into a hangar and fired two projectiles into the building. "The migrants said the first projectile produced a lot of smoke and made their eyes water and sting. The second, which the migrants called a 'bomb,' exploded loudly and started a fire," HRW said. "Huthi authorities should urgently engage with Ethiopian authorities whose nationals are languishing in Yemeni detention centres under their control," HRW said. (With AFP inputs)

Independent investigation needed into Yemen fire: UN

According to the United Nations, at least 138 people have been killed so far in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taiwan-advises-firms-in-myanmar-to-fly-flags-hand-signs-to-distinguish-from-china-370632">Myanmar's </a>anti-coup protests against the military since February 1.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-factories-set-ablaze-in-myanmar-370744/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres office said the deaths include 38 people who were killed on Sunday, the majority in the Hlaing Thayer area of Yangon, while 18 people were killed on Saturday.

A local monitoring group said &nbsp;Assistance Association for Political Prisoners informed that at least 20 had died in Monday's violence as anti-military protests continued to rise in the country.

The military which ousted<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suu-kyis-court-hearing-postponed-over-myanmar-internet-block-370596"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suu-kyis-court-hearing-postponed-over-myanmar-internet-block-370596">Aung San Suu Kyi's</a> democratically elected government last month has imposed a state of emergency for one year amid raging nationwide protests.

The United Nations, the United States, China and Britain all condemned the escalation in violence. State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter said: "The junta has responded to call for the restoration of democracy in Burma with bullets, adding, "The United States continues to call on all countries to take concrete actions to oppose the coup and escalating violence."

The UN also urged the international community "including regional actors, to come together in solidarity with the people of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-myanmar-people-protest-against-military-coup-with-tattoos-370718">Myanmar</a> and their democratic aspirations."

Yangon became the epicentre of protests over the weekend as demonstrators razed multiple Chinese-owned factories with six Yangon townships put under martial law even as the Chinese foreign ministry described the violence as "nasty".

The violence on Monday occurred amid reports of block on mobile data networks across the country which also scuppered a scheduled video court appearance by Suu Kyi.

According to the United Nations, at least 138 people have been killed so far in Myanmar's anti-coup protests against the military since February 1. Watch: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres office said the deaths include 38 people who were killed on Sunday, the majority in the Hlaing Thayer area of Yangon, while 18 people were killed on Saturday.

According to the United Nations, at least 138 people have been killed so far in Myanmar's anti-coup protests against the military since February 1. Watch: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres office said the deaths include 38 people who were killed on Sunday, the majority in the Hlaing Thayer area of Yangon, while 18 people were killed on Saturday. A local monitoring group said Assistance Association for Political Prisoners informed that at least 20 had died in Monday's violence as anti-military protests continued to rise in the country. The military which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government last month has imposed a state of emergency for one year amid raging nationwide protests. The United Nations, the United States, China and Britain all condemned the escalation in violence. State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter said: "The junta has responded to call for the restoration of democracy in Burma with bullets, adding, "The United States continues to call on all countries to take concrete actions to oppose the coup and escalating violence." The UN also urged the international community "including regional actors, to come together in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations." Yangon became the epicentre of protests over the weekend as demonstrators razed multiple Chinese-owned factories with six Yangon townships put under martial law even as the Chinese foreign ministry described the violence as "nasty". The violence on Monday occurred amid reports of block on mobile data networks across the country which also scuppered a scheduled video court appearance by Suu Kyi.

138 killed in Myanmar's anti-coup protests since February 1: UN

The United Nations is now condemned that the Myanmar military is one crackdown against the anti-coup demonstrators as eight more people reportedly shot dead during one of the protests.

United Nations condemns military's violent crackdown in Myanmar

United Nations has condemned the Myanmar military's violent crackdown against the anti-coup demonstrators as 8 more people were shot dead in protest.

United Nations condemns Myanmar military's violent crackdown

The UN migration agency has urged rebels who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa to provide access to dozens of African migrants who were seriously injured in a weekend hostel fire.

The Sunday blaze at an overcrowed holding facility in Sanaa killed an unconfirmed number of migrants and injured more than 170, over half of them seriously, the International Organization for Migration said.

"As many migrants are in a critical condition, meeting their health needs must be an urgent priority,"&nbsp;IOM Middle East and North Africa director Carmela Godeau said in a statement Tuesday.&nbsp;

"We are facing challenges accessing the injured due to an increased security presence in the hospitals," she said.&nbsp;

"Humanitarians and health workers must be given access to support the treatment of those affected by the fire."

There has still been no word from the Huthi rebel authorities on what caused&nbsp;Sunday's fire or how many people it killed.

The IOM said more than 350 migrants, most of them from Ethiopia, were in a hangar area where the fire broke out.

"While the cause of the fire is still unconfirmed, its impact is clearly horrific," said Godeau.

Despite more than six years of devastating conflict in Yemen that have created what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, the impoverished country is still a magnet for migrants from the nearby Horn to Africa seeking a better life in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

Restrictions on movement imposed during the coronavirus pandemic have led to a reduction in migrant arrivals from more than 138,000 in 2019 to just over 37,500 in 2020.

But they have also led to "thousands of migrants becoming stranded with little access to basic services or protection," the IOM said.&nbsp;

It said it was working with Ethiopian authorities to restart a voluntary repatriation programme for stranded migrants.

More than 6,000 have registered to return home from Yemen's government-held second city Aden, of whom a first 1,100 are are expected to leave in the coming weeks, the IOM said.&nbsp;

The UN migration agency has urged rebels who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa to provide access to dozens of African migrants who were seriously injured in a weekend hostel fire.

The UN migration agency has urged rebels who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa to provide access to dozens of African migrants who were seriously injured in a weekend hostel fire. The Sunday blaze at an overcrowed holding facility in Sanaa killed an unconfirmed number of migrants and injured more than 170, over half of them seriously, the International Organization for Migration said. "As many migrants are in a critical condition, meeting their health needs must be an urgent priority," IOM Middle East and North Africa director Carmela Godeau said in a statement Tuesday. "We are facing challenges accessing the injured due to an increased security presence in the hospitals," she said. "Humanitarians and health workers must be given access to support the treatment of those affected by the fire." There has still been no word from the Huthi rebel authorities on what caused Sunday's fire or how many people it killed. The IOM said more than 350 migrants, most of them from Ethiopia, were in a hangar area where the fire broke out. "While the cause of the fire is still unconfirmed, its impact is clearly horrific," said Godeau. Despite more than six years of devastating conflict in Yemen that have created what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, the impoverished country is still a magnet for migrants from the nearby Horn to Africa seeking a better life in neighbouring Saudi Arabia. Restrictions on movement imposed during the coronavirus pandemic have led to a reduction in migrant arrivals from more than 138,000 in 2019 to just over 37,500 in 2020. But they have also led to "thousands of migrants becoming stranded with little access to basic services or protection," the IOM said. It said it was working with Ethiopian authorities to restart a voluntary repatriation programme for stranded migrants. More than 6,000 have registered to return home from Yemen's government-held second city Aden, of whom a first 1,100 are are expected to leave in the coming weeks, the IOM said.

UN seeks access to migrants injured in Yemen blaze

As the Political crisis escalates and pro-democracy activist holds a fresh demonstration. United nation security council has held a closed-door meeting to discuss the ongoing situation in Myanmar.

UN Special Envoy on Myanmar sends out a Strong Appeal

Seventeen percent of the food available to consumers worldwide in 2019 -- almost one billion tonnes -- was thrown away by households, retailers, institutions and the hospitality industry, far more than previously suspected, the UN said Thursday.

"The scale of the problem is just huge," Richard Swannell, development director of the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a non-profit that co-authored a special report, told AFP.

"This is costly environmentally, socially and economically."

If all the wasted food were packed into 40-ton container trucks parked end-to-end, they would circle the Earth seven times, he said.

Nearly 700 million people, meanwhile, go to bed hungry every night, according to UN estimates.

Besides sheer volume, the report challenges two widely held views on where food waste is concentrated, both across and within countries.

"Up to now, food waste was seen as a rich world problem," said co-author Clementine O'Connor, an expert at&nbsp;the UN Environment Programme's&nbsp;Sustainable Food Systems Programme.

"Our report shows that for every country that has measured food waste, household food waste is a global problem."

Of the 121 kilos of consumer-level food thrown away each year for every person on the planet, more than half -- 74 kilos -- is disposed of by households.

The report covers three-quarters of humanity and 54 countries -- poor, middle-income and rich -- with good enough data to ensure robust findings, the authors said.&nbsp;

It is also the first to focus exclusively on what happens to food at the consumer level, rather than food lost during production, storage, or distribution.&nbsp;

The resulting Food Waste Index is designed to help countries take the measure of the problem within their borders, which could also help curb global warming.

- Black soldier flies -

"If food loss and waste were a country, it would be the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions on the planet," Swannell said.

"You have to fix the food system if you're going to fix climate change,&nbsp;and one of the key priorities in the food system is tackling waste."

Even as efforts to avoid food waste are scaled up, there remains the problem of what to do with whatever unused or unusable biowaste is left over.

The one place it should not go is landfills, where it emits the powerful greenhouse gas methane and serves no productive purpose, the authors said.

"It's absurd that we haven't been better at dealing with this," said Martina Otto, head of Cities at the UN Environment Programme and a contributor to the report.

There are many alternatives to burying biowaste, including donating food that is still edible, processing it for animal feed, composting, and biogas production.

One technology already operating on an industrial scale in South Africa and elsewhere is the use of black soldier fly larvae to produce protein-rich animal feed.&nbsp;

"There are a number of rich countries that have acted on food waste, and quite successfully," said Otto, citing the Netherlands and Denmark.

Britain, she noted, saw a 31 percent drop in household food waste over 12 years, excluding inedible matter.

Food waste issues will be addressed at the first-ever UN World Food Systems Summit, set to take place in September or October.

"The summit this year will provide an opportunity to launch bold new actions to tackle food waste globally," said UNEP executive director Inter Andersen.

One of the UN Sustainable Development Goals aims to halve per-capita global food waste at the retail and consumer level by 2030.

Seventeen percent of the food available to consumers worldwide in 2019 -- almost one billion tonnes -- was thrown away by households, retailers, institutions and the hospitality industry, far more than previously suspected, the UN said Thursday.

Seventeen percent of the food available to consumers worldwide in 2019 -- almost one billion tonnes -- was thrown away by households, retailers, institutions and the hospitality industry, far more than previously suspected, the UN said Thursday. "The scale of the problem is just huge," Richard Swannell, development director of the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a non-profit that co-authored a special report, told AFP. "This is costly environmentally, socially and economically." If all the wasted food were packed into 40-ton container trucks parked end-to-end, they would circle the Earth seven times, he said. Nearly 700 million people, meanwhile, go to bed hungry every night, according to UN estimates. Besides sheer volume, the report challenges two widely held views on where food waste is concentrated, both across and within countries. "Up to now, food waste was seen as a rich world problem," said co-author Clementine O'Connor, an expert at the UN Environment Programme's Sustainable Food Systems Programme. "Our report shows that for every country that has measured food waste, household food waste is a global problem." Of the 121 kilos of consumer-level food thrown away each year for every person on the planet, more than half -- 74 kilos -- is disposed of by households. The report covers three-quarters of humanity and 54 countries -- poor, middle-income and rich -- with good enough data to ensure robust findings, the authors said. It is also the first to focus exclusively on what happens to food at the consumer level, rather than food lost during production, storage, or distribution. The resulting Food Waste Index is designed to help countries take the measure of the problem within their borders, which could also help curb global warming. - Black soldier flies - "If food loss and waste were a country, it would be the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions on the planet," Swannell said. "You have to fix the food system if you're going to fix climate change, and one of the key priorities in the food system is tackling waste." Even as efforts to avoid food waste are scaled up, there remains the problem of what to do with whatever unused or unusable biowaste is left over. The one place it should not go is landfills, where it emits the powerful greenhouse gas methane and serves no productive purpose, the authors said. "It's absurd that we haven't been better at dealing with this," said Martina Otto, head of Cities at the UN Environment Programme and a contributor to the report. There are many alternatives to burying biowaste, including donating food that is still edible, processing it for animal feed, composting, and biogas production. One technology already operating on an industrial scale in South Africa and elsewhere is the use of black soldier fly larvae to produce protein-rich animal feed. "There are a number of rich countries that have acted on food waste, and quite successfully," said Otto, citing the Netherlands and Denmark. Britain, she noted, saw a 31 percent drop in household food waste over 12 years, excluding inedible matter. Food waste issues will be addressed at the first-ever UN World Food Systems Summit, set to take place in September or October. "The summit this year will provide an opportunity to launch bold new actions to tackle food waste globally," said UNEP executive director Inter Andersen. One of the UN Sustainable Development Goals aims to halve per-capita global food waste at the retail and consumer level by 2030.

Nearly a fifth of all food reaching consumers wasted: UN

The United Nations has said that China remains&nbsp;the biggest source of applications for international&nbsp;patents in the world in 2020 for the second consecutive year.

China has&nbsp;extended its lead over the number two filer the United States, the U.N.&nbsp;patent&nbsp;agency said on Tuesday.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which oversees a system for countries to share recognition of&nbsp;patents, said China filed 68,720 applications last year while the United States filed 59,230.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/hackers-linked-to-china-attack-microsofts-email-server-exploit-new-vulnerabilities-367693" hreflang="en">Hackers linked to China attack Microsoft's email server</a>

The rate of increase was higher for China with a 16.1 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year increase versus 3 per cent&nbsp;for the United States, it added. China first knocked the United States from the top spot in 2019.

Daren Tang, WIPO director-general, said the rise in Chinese filings was part of a longer-term trend for higher applications from Asia more broadly, with South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia all submitting more applications last year.

"It's not as if filings from the traditional parts of the world like the US&nbsp;or Europe have decreased, it's just that the rate, the acceleration, has become a lot stronger in Asia," he told journalists.

The region accounted for more than half of all filings via WIPO's system known as the&nbsp;Patent&nbsp;Cooperation Treaty versus just over a third ten years ago.

Unlike after the 2008 financial crisis when filings fell sharply, overall filings via WIPO's system were up 4 per cent&nbsp;overall in 2020 to a new record despite the COVID-19-induced slowdown, it said.

"The trend is that innovation remains resilient and the sense is that the world needs more innovation ... during a crisis," said Tang.

The biggest single filer under this system last year was China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd for the fourth consecutive year and second was South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, WIPO said.

Singapore's Tang began his term in October and received strong support from Western countries including the United States in a highly politicised race against a Chinese candidate for the top job last year.

The United Nations has said that China remains the biggest source of applications for international patents in the world in 2020 for the second consecutive year.

The United Nations has said that China remains the biggest source of applications for international patents in the world in 2020 for the second consecutive year. China has extended its lead over the number two filer the United States, the U.N. patent agency said on Tuesday. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which oversees a system for countries to share recognition of patents, said China filed 68,720 applications last year while the United States filed 59,230. Also read: Hackers linked to China attack Microsoft's email server The rate of increase was higher for China with a 16.1 per cent year-on-year increase versus 3 per cent for the United States, it added. China first knocked the United States from the top spot in 2019. Daren Tang, WIPO director-general, said the rise in Chinese filings was part of a longer-term trend for higher applications from Asia more broadly, with South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia all submitting more applications last year. "It's not as if filings from the traditional parts of the world like the US or Europe have decreased, it's just that the rate, the acceleration, has become a lot stronger in Asia," he told journalists. The region accounted for more than half of all filings via WIPO's system known as the Patent Cooperation Treaty versus just over a third ten years ago. Unlike after the 2008 financial crisis when filings fell sharply, overall filings via WIPO's system were up 4 per cent overall in 2020 to a new record despite the COVID-19-induced slowdown, it said. "The trend is that innovation remains resilient and the sense is that the world needs more innovation ... during a crisis," said Tang. The biggest single filer under this system last year was China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd for the fourth consecutive year and second was South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, WIPO said. Singapore's Tang began his term in October and received strong support from Western countries including the United States in a highly politicised race against a Chinese candidate for the top job last year.

UN says China still remains biggest source of applications for international patents

UN report has revealed that North Korea may have resumed nuclear activities. It has claimed that Pyongyang may be reprocessing nuclear fuel for bombs.

UN report indicates possible North Korea nuclear activity

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