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Myanmar's military, which has taken control of the administration, has fired its United Nations ambassador on Saturday after he delivered a strong and emotional speech to oust the democratically-elected government and leader Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

Police and security personnel have started using violent tactics, such as rubber bullets, tear gas to suppress massive anti-junta protests that are being organised in the country for several weeks.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The protesters are demanding the restoration of democracy and the release of Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

On Friday, Myanmar's envoy to the United Nations Kyaw Moe Tun, in an emotional appeal, asked the international community to take "the strongest possible action... to restore democracy".&nbsp;

"This revolution must win," the ambassador said, flashing the three-finger salute that has become a symbol of freedom and democracy.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/take-strongest-action-to-end-coup-myanmar-envoy-makes-emotional-plea-in-un-366580">'Take strongest action to end coup': Myanmar envoy makes emotional plea in UN</a>

Myanmar's state television on Saturday announced that the envoy had been fired for betraying the nation.&nbsp;

"(He) didn't follow the order and direction by the state and betrayed the country," as per the MRTV broadcast.&nbsp;

"That is why he is revoked from his position starting from today."

Meanwhile, on Saturday, police continued their crackdown on pro-democracy protesters by carrying out mass arrests and firing rubber bullets on peaceful demonstrators.&nbsp;

In the city of Yangon, police used rubber bullets against the protesters who were gathered in Myaynigone junction.&nbsp;

Demonstrators scattered into residential areas and used makeshift barricades made out of stacked tables and trash cans to negate the police action, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Several people wore hard hats and gas masks to protect themselves from violence.

Myanmar's military, which has taken control of the administration, has fired its United Nations ambassador on Saturday after he delivered a strong and emotional speech to oust the democratically-elected government and leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar's military, which has taken control of the administration, has fired its United Nations ambassador on Saturday after he delivered a strong and emotional speech to oust the democratically-elected government and leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Police and security personnel have started using violent tactics, such as rubber bullets, tear gas to suppress massive anti-junta protests that are being organised in the country for several weeks. Watch | The protesters are demanding the restoration of democracy and the release of Suu Kyi. On Friday, Myanmar's envoy to the United Nations Kyaw Moe Tun, in an emotional appeal, asked the international community to take "the strongest possible action... to restore democracy". "This revolution must win," the ambassador said, flashing the three-finger salute that has become a symbol of freedom and democracy. Also read | 'Take strongest action to end coup': Myanmar envoy makes emotional plea in UN Myanmar's state television on Saturday announced that the envoy had been fired for betraying the nation. "(He) didn't follow the order and direction by the state and betrayed the country," as per the MRTV broadcast. "That is why he is revoked from his position starting from today." Meanwhile, on Saturday, police continued their crackdown on pro-democracy protesters by carrying out mass arrests and firing rubber bullets on peaceful demonstrators. In the city of Yangon, police used rubber bullets against the protesters who were gathered in Myaynigone junction. Demonstrators scattered into residential areas and used makeshift barricades made out of stacked tables and trash cans to negate the police action, news agency AFP reported. Several people wore hard hats and gas masks to protect themselves from violence.

Myanmar military coup: UN envoy who delivered impassioned speech fired

Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations on Friday delivered an emotional speech in which he urged the international community to take the "strongest possible action" to end the military rule in the country.&nbsp;

During the speech, Kyaw Moe Tun's voice trembled as he criticised the military rulers and demanded the restoration of the civilian government in the UN General Assembly.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Rarely envoys in the United Nations speak against the regime they are representing, but Myanmar's ambassador also flashed the three-finger salute that recently has become a symbol of freedom and democracy.&nbsp;

"We need... the strongest possible action from the international community to immediately end the military coup, to stop oppressing the innocent people, to return the state power to the people, and to restore the democracy," Kyaw Moe Tun said.&nbsp;

He also urged all UN member nations to issue statements denouncing the coup during the special meeting on Myanmar. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-civil-servants-strike-makes-it-difficult-for-military-366373">Myanmar: Civil servants' strike makes it difficult for military</a>

"We will continue to fight for a government, which is, of the people by the people, for the people," the ambassador said.

The envoy also pleaded countries to "take all stronger possible measures" on violent action taken by security personnel against peaceful protesters.&nbsp;

The impassioned plea by the envoy was warmly received by the member countries as there was loud applause in the chamber post the speech.&nbsp;

Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations on Friday delivered an emotional speech in which he urged the international community to take the "strongest possible action" to end the military rule in the country.

Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations on Friday delivered an emotional speech in which he urged the international community to take the "strongest possible action" to end the military rule in the country. During the speech, Kyaw Moe Tun's voice trembled as he criticised the military rulers and demanded the restoration of the civilian government in the UN General Assembly. Watch | Rarely envoys in the United Nations speak against the regime they are representing, but Myanmar's ambassador also flashed the three-finger salute that recently has become a symbol of freedom and democracy. "We need... the strongest possible action from the international community to immediately end the military coup, to stop oppressing the innocent people, to return the state power to the people, and to restore the democracy," Kyaw Moe Tun said. He also urged all UN member nations to issue statements denouncing the coup during the special meeting on Myanmar. Also read | Myanmar: Civil servants' strike makes it difficult for military "We will continue to fight for a government, which is, of the people by the people, for the people," the ambassador said. The envoy also pleaded countries to "take all stronger possible measures" on violent action taken by security personnel against peaceful protesters. The impassioned plea by the envoy was warmly received by the member countries as there was loud applause in the chamber post the speech.

'Take strongest action to end coup': Myanmar envoy makes emotional plea in UN

Indian govt has questioned the silence of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Red Fort violence &amp; the issue of terrorism even as the latter continues to rake Kashmir irking Delhi.&nbsp;

India's comments come after the UN High commissioner raked protest by farmers, Jammu &amp; Kashmir during her oral statement during the ongoing session of the human rights council criticising New Delhi.

Watch |&nbsp;

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During an India statement, the Permanent Representative of India in Geneva Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey said, "The unprovoked violence on our Republic Day in the name of farmers’ rights, apparently, left her unmoved. Her indifference to terrorism is, of course, not new. Objectivity and impartiality have to be the hallmarks of any Human Rights assessment."

Pointing, "We are sorry to see that the High Commissioner’s oral update is lacking in both"

In the past as well there has been a number of run-ins between the Indian govt &amp; the UN high commissioner, especially on her silence on the issue of cross-border terror.

Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey during Friday's statement yet again reminded that "she appeared as oblivious of the enormous efforts made by my Government to address the challenges, as indeed of many of the factors driving these challenges."

Importantly, India during its statement mentioned the farm laws and situation in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

On farm laws, the envoy said, "the purpose of enacting three farm Acts is to enable farmers to realise better price for their products and enhance their income" and the Indian govt has "shown utmost respect" for protests by farmers and has "remained engaged in dialogue" with them to address their concerns.

On Jammu and Kashmir, he highlighted the rationale of "constitutional changes" of August 2019 of removal of special status which has "given impetus to socio-economic development, ended decades of discrimination". The union territory recently saw the District Development Council (DDC) elections.

Indian govt has questioned the silence of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Red Fort violence & the issue of terrorism even as the latter continues to rake Kashmir irking Delhi.

Indian govt has questioned the silence of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Red Fort violence & the issue of terrorism even as the latter continues to rake Kashmir irking Delhi. India's comments come after the UN High commissioner raked protest by farmers, Jammu & Kashmir during her oral statement during the ongoing session of the human rights council criticising New Delhi. Watch | During an India statement, the Permanent Representative of India in Geneva Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey said, "The unprovoked violence on our Republic Day in the name of farmers’ rights, apparently, left her unmoved. Her indifference to terrorism is, of course, not new. Objectivity and impartiality have to be the hallmarks of any Human Rights assessment." Pointing, "We are sorry to see that the High Commissioner’s oral update is lacking in both" In the past as well there has been a number of run-ins between the Indian govt & the UN high commissioner, especially on her silence on the issue of cross-border terror. Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey during Friday's statement yet again reminded that "she appeared as oblivious of the enormous efforts made by my Government to address the challenges, as indeed of many of the factors driving these challenges." Importantly, India during its statement mentioned the farm laws and situation in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On farm laws, the envoy said, "the purpose of enacting three farm Acts is to enable farmers to realise better price for their products and enhance their income" and the Indian govt has "shown utmost respect" for protests by farmers and has "remained engaged in dialogue" with them to address their concerns. On Jammu and Kashmir, he highlighted the rationale of "constitutional changes" of August 2019 of removal of special status which has "given impetus to socio-economic development, ended decades of discrimination". The union territory recently saw the District Development Council (DDC) elections.

India questions UN High Commissioner's silence on terror, Red Fort violence

UNITED NATIONS — Never mind that Arora Akanksha has worked at the United Nations for only about four years, as an auditor recruited from an accounting firm. Put aside that at age 34, she has no diplomatic experience.

And forget that she is less than half as old as the incumbent she wants to replace, Secretary-General António Guterres, 71, the veteran Portuguese statesman and former U.N. High Commissioner for refugees.

Arora — she uses her family name first and prefers to be called Arora — said that as a grandchild of people who were once refugees, she was acutely aware of difficult odds.

But with a $30,000 campaign budget drawn largely from her savings, a website and a social media promotion that begins with, “People in my profession aren’t supposed to stand up to the ones in charge,” Arora has declared herself a candidate to be the next leader of the United Nations.

On Feb. 17, Arora, a native of India and citizen of Canada, submitted a formal letter of application for the 2022-27 term. “We are not living up to our purpose or our promise,” the letter stated. “We are failing those we are here to serve.”

No country has yet formally endorsed her unlikely candidacy. But if nothing else, Arora’s boldness has touched a nerve at the 193-member organization and thrown attention on the historically opaque way that its leader is picked. While the process has been made more transparent compared with the backroom bargaining that prevailed years ago, it is nonetheless widely expected that Guterres will win a second term when the selection is made in October.

Arora’s message, she said, is that the United Nations is sclerotic, wasteful, adrift, paternalistic and patronizing toward many of the younger members of its staff of 44,000 people around the world.

According to one of her campaign videos on YouTube, only about 29 cents of every dollar, from the U.N.’s total annual revenue of roughly $56 billion, goes to actual causes.

“We spend our resources on holding conferences, writing reports,” Arora, an audit coordinator for the U.N. Development Program, said in an interview. “All these frivolous activities that are advertising. We have lost course on why we exist, what we’re supposed to do.”

If the United Nations were a private company, she said, “it would have been, like, out of business.”

Far from dismissing her ambition as foolish or quixotic, friends and supporters admire her nerve and penchant for speaking her mind.

“She’s fearless,” said Pauline Pamela Pratt, a colleague at the U.N. Population Fund who worked with Arora in 2019. “She’s not afraid to be who she is, even among people who have authority over her.”

When Pratt learned of Arora’s plans to seek the secretary-general job, she recalled having expressed surprise “but then thought, ‘Why not go for it?’”

Some see Arora as naive about the geopolitical forces that have shaped the United Nations over more than 75 years. Others have wondered how, precisely, she would reduce expenses for travel and other costs of running its far-flung operations.

While the secretary-general may have a bully pulpit, the position holds little real power, and its occupant is basically beholden to the five veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States — which play a decisive role in who is ultimately chosen.

“I’m sure she has no chance and equally sure that she knows that,” said Edward Mortimer, a former U.N. official who was the chief speechwriter for Kofi Annan, the secretary-general from 1997 to 2006. “It’s a brave way of demonstrating unhappiness, which I’ve no doubt is quite widely shared by her colleagues.”

Asked recently about Arora, Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters, “Let me put it this way. I speak for the incumbent candidate, but we have no comment on anyone else who may wish to put their hat in the proverbial ring.”

Arora, who has taken a leave of absence from work for her campaign, said she had received many positive messages from co-workers and more than 2,600 votes on her website, and she is hoping to make her case to U.N. ambassadors in the next few months.

“This is not even a place that challenges, because they go through countries politically and negotiate,” Arora said. “So yeah, this is a straight-on challenge, and I don’t want to play games or anything; I just want to run an honest campaign.”

Not widely known outside her workplace, Arora has committed a number of head-turning firsts.

She is the first person known to officially challenge an incumbent seeking a second term and the first millennial-generation candidate. And if she prevailed, Arora would be the first woman to lead the United Nations — a precedent nearly achieved in 2016 when seven prominent women were in the running with Guterres.

Arora talked about her life and ambition recently in an interview at the U.N. headquarters, a few blocks from her studio apartment on Manhattan’s East Side.

She lives frugally; speaks daily with her parents, who are “very supportive,” Arora said; and reads Harry Potter books to relax. Her wardrobe of brightly colored dresses, including six acquired from Uganda and Kenya in 2017 while on a field assignment, stands out among the suits in her workplace.

As for why she aspired to lead the United Nations, Arora traced the reasons partly to her own refugee family background, to a Manhattan taxi accident that sent her to the hospital, and to her memory of a malnourished child in Uganda.

Like many Hindus, her grandparents fled from Pakistan to India after the 1947 partition, a fact that colors her outlook on the world. Asked about the possibility of losing to Guterres, she said, “Refugees have no plan B, hence I have no plan B.”

Arora was born in Haryana, a northern Indian state, and spent her youngest years in Saudi Arabia, where her parents, both doctors, had relocated. From age 9 to 18 she was back in India attending boarding school, she said, and then decided to move to Canada, where she graduated from York University with honors and worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada as an auditing manager.

Hired in December 2016 by the United Nations to help improve its internal financial controls, Arora said her admiration for the organization soon turned to shock.

“The system is so amazing on the outside, but there’s no coherence for getting things done,” she said.

Just weeks into the job, she was struck by a taxi after work, and as she lay on a hospital bed with a fractured left knee, she thought, “If I died, what would my legacy be?”

That, she said, was “my big awakening moment.”

That summer while working in Uganda, Arora said, she encountered a child eating mud. “That image stuck in my head,” she said, recalling how she told a senior U.N. official back in New York about it. His seemingly callous response stunned her.

“He said, ‘Mud has iron,’” she said. “That was the first time I was speechless in my life.”

The exchange, she said, “was one of the big triggers for me.”

She plunged into learning more about U.N. history and went back to school while she kept working. She attended Columbia University’s graduate program in public administration, where she befriended a fellow student, Anne-Carine Frederique, a Haitian American who had once interned at the United Nations and whose extended family in Haiti had suffered from a cholera epidemic that medical experts traced to U.N. peacekeepers — an enduring stain on the organization’s legacy.

With their shared criticisms of the United Nations, one thing led to another, Arora said, and Frederique, who works at Columbia’s business school, now helps manage her secretary-general campaign.

While Arora has not received explicit endorsements from powerful U.N. figures, neither has she been discouraged. Mary Robinson, a former High Commissioner for Human Rights and former president of Ireland who was once considered a contender for secretary-general, said, in an emailed statement, that she welcomed Arora’s candidacy as “entirely healthy.”

“I share many of the concerns raised by Arora Akanksha about the need to promote more women and younger staff members into management and leadership roles,” her statement said.

Lyric Thompson, senior director of policy and advocacy at the International Center for Research on Women — a group that has been grading Guterres’ record on gender issues and last year gave him a B — said Arora’s candidacy should not be underestimated.

“There has been increasing demand for feminist leadership for some time,” Thompson said. “From A.O.C. to Jacinda Ardern, we know better than to count out young female voices.”

UNITED NATIONS — Never mind that Arora Akanksha has worked at the United Nations for only about four years, as an auditor recruited from an accounting firm. Put aside that at age 34, she has no diplomatic experience.

UNITED NATIONS — Never mind that Arora Akanksha has worked at the United Nations for only about four years, as an auditor recruited from an accounting firm. Put aside that at age 34, she has no diplomatic experience. And forget that she is less than half as old as the incumbent she wants to replace, Secretary-General António Guterres, 71, the veteran Portuguese statesman and former U.N. High Commissioner for refugees. Arora — she uses her family name first and prefers to be called Arora — said that as a grandchild of people who were once refugees, she was acutely aware of difficult odds. But with a $30,000 campaign budget drawn largely from her savings, a website and a social media promotion that begins with, “People in my profession aren’t supposed to stand up to the ones in charge,” Arora has declared herself a candidate to be the next leader of the United Nations. On Feb. 17, Arora, a native of India and citizen of Canada, submitted a formal letter of application for the 2022-27 term. “We are not living up to our purpose or our promise,” the letter stated. “We are failing those we are here to serve.” No country has yet formally endorsed her unlikely candidacy. But if nothing else, Arora’s boldness has touched a nerve at the 193-member organization and thrown attention on the historically opaque way that its leader is picked. While the process has been made more transparent compared with the backroom bargaining that prevailed years ago, it is nonetheless widely expected that Guterres will win a second term when the selection is made in October. Arora’s message, she said, is that the United Nations is sclerotic, wasteful, adrift, paternalistic and patronizing toward many of the younger members of its staff of 44,000 people around the world. According to one of her campaign videos on YouTube, only about 29 cents of every dollar, from the U.N.’s total annual revenue of roughly $56 billion, goes to actual causes. “We spend our resources on holding conferences, writing reports,” Arora, an audit coordinator for the U.N. Development Program, said in an interview. “All these frivolous activities that are advertising. We have lost course on why we exist, what we’re supposed to do.” If the United Nations were a private company, she said, “it would have been, like, out of business.” Far from dismissing her ambition as foolish or quixotic, friends and supporters admire her nerve and penchant for speaking her mind. “She’s fearless,” said Pauline Pamela Pratt, a colleague at the U.N. Population Fund who worked with Arora in 2019. “She’s not afraid to be who she is, even among people who have authority over her.” When Pratt learned of Arora’s plans to seek the secretary-general job, she recalled having expressed surprise “but then thought, ‘Why not go for it?’” Some see Arora as naive about the geopolitical forces that have shaped the United Nations over more than 75 years. Others have wondered how, precisely, she would reduce expenses for travel and other costs of running its far-flung operations. While the secretary-general may have a bully pulpit, the position holds little real power, and its occupant is basically beholden to the five veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States — which play a decisive role in who is ultimately chosen. “I’m sure she has no chance and equally sure that she knows that,” said Edward Mortimer, a former U.N. official who was the chief speechwriter for Kofi Annan, the secretary-general from 1997 to 2006. “It’s a brave way of demonstrating unhappiness, which I’ve no doubt is quite widely shared by her colleagues.” Asked recently about Arora, Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters, “Let me put it this way. I speak for the incumbent candidate, but we have no comment on anyone else who may wish to put their hat in the proverbial ring.” Arora, who has taken a leave of absence from work for her campaign, said she had received many positive messages from co-workers and more than 2,600 votes on her website, and she is hoping to make her case to U.N. ambassadors in the next few months. “This is not even a place that challenges, because they go through countries politically and negotiate,” Arora said. “So yeah, this is a straight-on challenge, and I don’t want to play games or anything; I just want to run an honest campaign.” Not widely known outside her workplace, Arora has committed a number of head-turning firsts. She is the first person known to officially challenge an incumbent seeking a second term and the first millennial-generation candidate. And if she prevailed, Arora would be the first woman to lead the United Nations — a precedent nearly achieved in 2016 when seven prominent women were in the running with Guterres. Arora talked about her life and ambition recently in an interview at the U.N. headquarters, a few blocks from her studio apartment on Manhattan’s East Side. She lives frugally; speaks daily with her parents, who are “very supportive,” Arora said; and reads Harry Potter books to relax. Her wardrobe of brightly colored dresses, including six acquired from Uganda and Kenya in 2017 while on a field assignment, stands out among the suits in her workplace. As for why she aspired to lead the United Nations, Arora traced the reasons partly to her own refugee family background, to a Manhattan taxi accident that sent her to the hospital, and to her memory of a malnourished child in Uganda. Like many Hindus, her grandparents fled from Pakistan to India after the 1947 partition, a fact that colors her outlook on the world. Asked about the possibility of losing to Guterres, she said, “Refugees have no plan B, hence I have no plan B.” Arora was born in Haryana, a northern Indian state, and spent her youngest years in Saudi Arabia, where her parents, both doctors, had relocated. From age 9 to 18 she was back in India attending boarding school, she said, and then decided to move to Canada, where she graduated from York University with honors and worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada as an auditing manager. Hired in December 2016 by the United Nations to help improve its internal financial controls, Arora said her admiration for the organization soon turned to shock. “The system is so amazing on the outside, but there’s no coherence for getting things done,” she said. Just weeks into the job, she was struck by a taxi after work, and as she lay on a hospital bed with a fractured left knee, she thought, “If I died, what would my legacy be?” That, she said, was “my big awakening moment.” That summer while working in Uganda, Arora said, she encountered a child eating mud. “That image stuck in my head,” she said, recalling how she told a senior U.N. official back in New York about it. His seemingly callous response stunned her. “He said, ‘Mud has iron,’” she said. “That was the first time I was speechless in my life.” The exchange, she said, “was one of the big triggers for me.” She plunged into learning more about U.N. history and went back to school while she kept working. She attended Columbia University’s graduate program in public administration, where she befriended a fellow student, Anne-Carine Frederique, a Haitian American who had once interned at the United Nations and whose extended family in Haiti had suffered from a cholera epidemic that medical experts traced to U.N. peacekeepers — an enduring stain on the organization’s legacy. With their shared criticisms of the United Nations, one thing led to another, Arora said, and Frederique, who works at Columbia’s business school, now helps manage her secretary-general campaign. While Arora has not received explicit endorsements from powerful U.N. figures, neither has she been discouraged. Mary Robinson, a former High Commissioner for Human Rights and former president of Ireland who was once considered a contender for secretary-general, said, in an emailed statement, that she welcomed Arora’s candidacy as “entirely healthy.” “I share many of the concerns raised by Arora Akanksha about the need to promote more women and younger staff members into management and leadership roles,” her statement said. Lyric Thompson, senior director of policy and advocacy at the International Center for Research on Women — a group that has been grading Guterres’ record on gender issues and last year gave him a B — said Arora’s candidacy should not be underestimated. “There has been increasing demand for feminist leadership for some time,” Thompson said. “From A.O.C. to Jacinda Ardern, we know better than to count out young female voices.”

Who is Arora Akanksha, the 34-year-old running for UN Secretary-General?

The United States has welcomed the decision of the joint statement between India and Pakistan. This joint statement will reduce tensions between both countries.

US: We support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan

The United Nations rights chief decried Thursday the systematic repression of demonstrations in Belarus, voicing alarm at recent legislative moves enabling harsher penalties for peaceful protesters and the media.

Speaking to the UN Human Rights Council via video-link, Michelle Bachelet presented a damning report on the crisis-wracked country, warning that its "unprecedented" human rights crisis was deteriorating.

"The government's systematic crackdown against protesters continues," she said.&nbsp;

"I am worried by increased targeting of journalists and human rights defenders both institutionally and individually," she said.

Last week, two journalists were sentenced to two years in prison for filming a protest last year, while a journalist and a doctor were put on trial accused of disclosing the medical records of a protester who died in detention.

Bachelet also said that "large-scale searches of human rights defenders, journalists, and organisations... were conducted, reportedly in connection with criminal investigations for 'mass disorder'." &nbsp;

As of February 9, she said, 246 people had been sentenced to prison terms on allegedly politically-motivated charges.

- 'Atmosphere of fear' -

Belarus was gripped by months of unprecedented anti-government demonstrations that erupted after a disputed presidential election last August which saw Alexander Lukashenko claim a sixth term in office.

His opponents say the polls were rigged and that political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who ran in place of her jailed husband, was the true winner.

Belarusian security forces unleashed a harsh crackdown against the protests, detaining demonstrators and pushing opposition leaders into exile.&nbsp;

Bachelet said her report, which covered the period from last May to December 20, confirmed "numerous and widespread violations".

She pointed to "mass arbitrary arrests and detentions", as well as hundreds of allegations of torture, and intimidation and harassment of journalists, activists and opposition members.

"All these violations, committed with impunity, created an atmosphere of fear," Bachelet said.

She said the Belarus government had responded to the report, acknowledging that preliminary investigation bodies had received 4,644 complaints about the use of physical force.

But, she said, the government had also said that over 1,050 of those complaints were rejected, and had offered no information regarding whether any security personnel had been investigated over allegations of excessive force.

"We understand that not one of the hundreds of complaints for acts of torture and ill-treatment... had led to the opening of a criminal case, prior to our cut-off date of December 20," Bachelet said.&nbsp;

And since then, the situation in the country had worsened further.

Bachelet voiced particular concern that "legislative amendments currently in preparation reportedly enable harsher punishments for participation in peaceful demonstrations."

"It is essential for the future of the country that respect for human rights, and the broadest possible civic space, be established," Bachelet insisted.

"All those who have been detained for peacefully exercising their rights should be released," she said, also demanding "an immediate end to the policy of harassment and intimidation of civil society and media workers."

Bachelet also called for "thorough, effective, credible and transparent investigations" into all alleged violations.

Her report urges Belarus to undertake significant legal reform to ensure fair trials, due process and the independence of the judiciary.

Bachelet stressed that her office stands ready to cooperate with the Belarusian authorities "to facilitate the significant transformations" needed.

The United Nations rights chief decried Thursday the systematic repression of demonstrations in Belarus, voicing alarm at recent legislative moves enabling harsher penalties for peaceful protesters and the media.

The United Nations rights chief decried Thursday the systematic repression of demonstrations in Belarus, voicing alarm at recent legislative moves enabling harsher penalties for peaceful protesters and the media. Speaking to the UN Human Rights Council via video-link, Michelle Bachelet presented a damning report on the crisis-wracked country, warning that its "unprecedented" human rights crisis was deteriorating. "The government's systematic crackdown against protesters continues," she said. "I am worried by increased targeting of journalists and human rights defenders both institutionally and individually," she said. Last week, two journalists were sentenced to two years in prison for filming a protest last year, while a journalist and a doctor were put on trial accused of disclosing the medical records of a protester who died in detention. Bachelet also said that "large-scale searches of human rights defenders, journalists, and organisations... were conducted, reportedly in connection with criminal investigations for 'mass disorder'." As of February 9, she said, 246 people had been sentenced to prison terms on allegedly politically-motivated charges. - 'Atmosphere of fear' - Belarus was gripped by months of unprecedented anti-government demonstrations that erupted after a disputed presidential election last August which saw Alexander Lukashenko claim a sixth term in office. His opponents say the polls were rigged and that political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who ran in place of her jailed husband, was the true winner. Belarusian security forces unleashed a harsh crackdown against the protests, detaining demonstrators and pushing opposition leaders into exile. Bachelet said her report, which covered the period from last May to December 20, confirmed "numerous and widespread violations". She pointed to "mass arbitrary arrests and detentions", as well as hundreds of allegations of torture, and intimidation and harassment of journalists, activists and opposition members. "All these violations, committed with impunity, created an atmosphere of fear," Bachelet said. She said the Belarus government had responded to the report, acknowledging that preliminary investigation bodies had received 4,644 complaints about the use of physical force. But, she said, the government had also said that over 1,050 of those complaints were rejected, and had offered no information regarding whether any security personnel had been investigated over allegations of excessive force. "We understand that not one of the hundreds of complaints for acts of torture and ill-treatment... had led to the opening of a criminal case, prior to our cut-off date of December 20," Bachelet said. And since then, the situation in the country had worsened further. Bachelet voiced particular concern that "legislative amendments currently in preparation reportedly enable harsher punishments for participation in peaceful demonstrations." "It is essential for the future of the country that respect for human rights, and the broadest possible civic space, be established," Bachelet insisted. "All those who have been detained for peacefully exercising their rights should be released," she said, also demanding "an immediate end to the policy of harassment and intimidation of civil society and media workers." Bachelet also called for "thorough, effective, credible and transparent investigations" into all alleged violations. Her report urges Belarus to undertake significant legal reform to ensure fair trials, due process and the independence of the judiciary. Bachelet stressed that her office stands ready to cooperate with the Belarusian authorities "to facilitate the significant transformations" needed.

'Systematic crackdown' ongoing in Belarus: UN rights chief

The United States is seeking to return to the UN Human Rights Council, three years after former president Donald Trump's administration withdrew.

"I'm pleased to announce the United States will seek election to the Human Rights Council for the 2022-24 term," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the council in a video message. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-chronic-violators-of-human-rights-like-china-pak-want-a-seat-at-the-unhrc-335063">Also read: Why do chronic violators of human rights like China &amp; Pak want a seat at the UNHRC?</a>

"We humbly ask for the support of all UN member states in our bid to return to a seat in this body."

The United States announced earlier this month that it would re-engage with the 47-member council after Trump's administration pulled the country out in June 2018.

Blinken also complained about its "unrelenting bias" against Israel and the "hypocrisy" of allowing rights-abusing nations a seat at the table.&nbsp;

The US departure left a void that China and others have been eager to fill at the council.

While Washington has vowed to begin active participation in the council's activities immediately, it could not automatically regain the membership it walked away from three years ago.

Elections for the next term will be held towards the end of this year.

While the US under new President Joe Biden is eager to return to the fold of the council, Blinken stressed that the country still agrees with some of the criticisms lobbed by the previous administration.

"Institutions are not perfect," he said, adding, "as the United States reengages, we urge the Human Rights Council to look at how it conducts its business. That includes its disproportionate focus on Israel."

The United States has long complained that prominent rights abusers are given seats on the council.

Currently, the membership includes China, Russia, and Venezuela, along with Cuba, Cameroon, Eritrea and the Philippines.

"Those with the worst human rights records should not be members of this council," Blinken said.

The council, set up in 2006, has a stand-alone item on the Palestinian territories on its agenda every session - the only issue with such treatment - which both Democratic and Republican administrations have opposed.

It routinely adopts resolutions condemning alleged violations by Israel in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Blinken reiterated the US call on Russia to release opposition figure Alexei Navalny as well as hundreds of others detained during protests.

He said Washington would denounce atrocities in Xinjiang, China's western region where activists and UN experts say 1 million Muslim Uighurs are held in camps. And he acknowledged rights issues at home, saying the United States would work to combat both systemic racism and economic injustice.

(with inputs from agencies)

The United States is seeking to return to the UN Human Rights Council, three years after former president Donald Trump's administration withdrew. "I'm pleased to announce the United States will seek election to the Human Rights Council for the 2022-24 term," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the council in a video message.

The United States is seeking to return to the UN Human Rights Council, three years after former president Donald Trump's administration withdrew. "I'm pleased to announce the United States will seek election to the Human Rights Council for the 2022-24 term," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the council in a video message. Also read: Why do chronic violators of human rights like China & Pak want a seat at the UNHRC? "We humbly ask for the support of all UN member states in our bid to return to a seat in this body." The United States announced earlier this month that it would re-engage with the 47-member council after Trump's administration pulled the country out in June 2018. Blinken also complained about its "unrelenting bias" against Israel and the "hypocrisy" of allowing rights-abusing nations a seat at the table. The US departure left a void that China and others have been eager to fill at the council. While Washington has vowed to begin active participation in the council's activities immediately, it could not automatically regain the membership it walked away from three years ago. Elections for the next term will be held towards the end of this year. While the US under new President Joe Biden is eager to return to the fold of the council, Blinken stressed that the country still agrees with some of the criticisms lobbed by the previous administration. "Institutions are not perfect," he said, adding, "as the United States reengages, we urge the Human Rights Council to look at how it conducts its business. That includes its disproportionate focus on Israel." The United States has long complained that prominent rights abusers are given seats on the council. Currently, the membership includes China, Russia, and Venezuela, along with Cuba, Cameroon, Eritrea and the Philippines. "Those with the worst human rights records should not be members of this council," Blinken said. The council, set up in 2006, has a stand-alone item on the Palestinian territories on its agenda every session - the only issue with such treatment - which both Democratic and Republican administrations have opposed. It routinely adopts resolutions condemning alleged violations by Israel in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Blinken reiterated the US call on Russia to release opposition figure Alexei Navalny as well as hundreds of others detained during protests. He said Washington would denounce atrocities in Xinjiang, China's western region where activists and UN experts say 1 million Muslim Uighurs are held in camps. And he acknowledged rights issues at home, saying the United States would work to combat both systemic racism and economic injustice. (with inputs from agencies)

US aims to return to UN Human Rights Council, Secretary of State confirms

India's External Affairs Minister Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar has pointed out how terrorism is a "crime against humanity" at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for a "clear realization" in the body that "terrorism can never be justified".&nbsp;

Speaking at the high-level segment of the body, EAM said, "terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind. It is a crime against humanity and violates the most fundamental human right - namely ‘the Right to Life’".&nbsp;

He explained, "As a long-standing victim, India has been at the forefront of the global action against terrorism. This is possible only when there is a clear realization, including in bodies dealing with human rights, that terrorism can never be justified, nor its perpetrators ever equated with its victims."

India had presented an 8-point agenda at the United Nations security council last month that calls for dealing with&nbsp;terrorism. The plan including proposals like preventing terrorists from accessing financial resources by strengthening FATF, objectively listing terrorists etc.

The comments come even as in the past there have been numerous&nbsp;run-ins between the Indian Govt and UNHRC even as the latter has been seen silent on the issue of cross-border terror.&nbsp;The Chief of Geneva-based body has been critical of New Delhi on Citizenship Amendment law, Kashmir but has skirted around the issue of terror from Pakistan.

EAM during his statement also highlighted India's covid vaccine outreach by sending vaccines to many countries in form of gifts and commercial deals.&nbsp;

He said,"&nbsp;From Bangladesh to Brazil and from Morocco to Fiji, the pharmacy of the world is today supplying millions of vaccine doses to more than 70 countries."

Last year, amid the pandemic, India sent&nbsp;essential medicines and equipment to more than 150 countries. He pointed out that,&nbsp;&nbsp;India’s "abiding commitment to promotion and protection" of "basic human rights has been manifest in our strategy" to deal with COVID 19 pandemic, by giving direct food support to 800 million Indians and financial support to 400 million.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pointed out how terrorism is a "crime against humanity" at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for a "clear realization" in the body that "terrorism can never be justified".

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pointed out how terrorism is a "crime against humanity" at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for a "clear realization" in the body that "terrorism can never be justified". Speaking at the high-level segment of the body, EAM said, "terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind. It is a crime against humanity and violates the most fundamental human right - namely ‘the Right to Life’". He explained, "As a long-standing victim, India has been at the forefront of the global action against terrorism. This is possible only when there is a clear realization, including in bodies dealing with human rights, that terrorism can never be justified, nor its perpetrators ever equated with its victims." India had presented an 8-point agenda at the United Nations security council last month that calls for dealing with terrorism. The plan including proposals like preventing terrorists from accessing financial resources by strengthening FATF, objectively listing terrorists etc. The comments come even as in the past there have been numerous run-ins between the Indian Govt and UNHRC even as the latter has been seen silent on the issue of cross-border terror. The Chief of Geneva-based body has been critical of New Delhi on Citizenship Amendment law, Kashmir but has skirted around the issue of terror from Pakistan. EAM during his statement also highlighted India's covid vaccine outreach by sending vaccines to many countries in form of gifts and commercial deals. He said," From Bangladesh to Brazil and from Morocco to Fiji, the pharmacy of the world is today supplying millions of vaccine doses to more than 70 countries." Last year, amid the pandemic, India sent essential medicines and equipment to more than 150 countries. He pointed out that, India’s "abiding commitment to promotion and protection" of "basic human rights has been manifest in our strategy" to deal with COVID 19 pandemic, by giving direct food support to 800 million Indians and financial support to 400 million.

Terror is a crime against humanity, India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar tells UNHRC

United Nations in a report on Tuesday claimed that civilian casualties in Afghanistan jumped after the commencement of peace talks last year.&nbsp; Currently, negotiators are meeting for the first time after weeks of inaction, Reuters reported.

Peace talks facilitated by the US began in September, but since then progress has remained very slow, with violence continuing to rise with uncertainty. International troops are expected to pull out their troops by May, as planned originally. In 2020, civilian casualties were 8,820 as per data from the United Nations' mission to Afghanistan's annual report.

This number is 15 per cent less than the previous year. Even then, the authors of the report noted a sharp increase in civilian casualties in the last 3 months of 2020 when peace talks had begun.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/nato-puts-holds-on-afghanistan-decision-expands-in-iraq-364640" hreflang="en">NATO puts holds on Afghanistan decision, expands in Iraq</a>

"[Last year] could have been the year of peace in Afghanistan. Instead, thousands of Afghan civilians perished," said Deborah Lyons, head of UNAMA. Lyons also called for a ceasefire which the Taliban has rejected multiple times.

"Parties refusing to consider a ceasefire must recognise the devastating consequences", Lyons added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/nato-will-not-withdraw-troops-from-afghanistan-before-time-is-right-says-stoltenberg-363879" hreflang="en">NATO will not withdraw troops from Afghanistan before 'time is right', says Stoltenberg</a>

On Tuesday, the Taliban put forward a response, claiming that "the concerns, precise information and accurate details that were shared by us have not been taken into account."

The report added how for the first time since records began, deaths and injuries had increased in the last three months of 2020, which is much higher than the last three months. For the fourth quarter, casualties were up by 45 per cent as compared to the same period in 2019.

(With inputs from Reuters)

United Nations in a report on Tuesday claimed that civilian casualties in Afghanistan jumped after the commencement of peace talks last year. Currently, negotiators are meeting for the first time after weeks of inaction, Reuters reported.

United Nations in a report on Tuesday claimed that civilian casualties in Afghanistan jumped after the commencement of peace talks last year. Currently, negotiators are meeting for the first time after weeks of inaction, Reuters reported. Peace talks facilitated by the US began in September, but since then progress has remained very slow, with violence continuing to rise with uncertainty. International troops are expected to pull out their troops by May, as planned originally. In 2020, civilian casualties were 8,820 as per data from the United Nations' mission to Afghanistan's annual report. This number is 15 per cent less than the previous year. Even then, the authors of the report noted a sharp increase in civilian casualties in the last 3 months of 2020 when peace talks had begun. Also read: NATO puts holds on Afghanistan decision, expands in Iraq "[Last year] could have been the year of peace in Afghanistan. Instead, thousands of Afghan civilians perished," said Deborah Lyons, head of UNAMA. Lyons also called for a ceasefire which the Taliban has rejected multiple times. "Parties refusing to consider a ceasefire must recognise the devastating consequences", Lyons added. Also read: NATO will not withdraw troops from Afghanistan before 'time is right', says Stoltenberg On Tuesday, the Taliban put forward a response, claiming that "the concerns, precise information and accurate details that were shared by us have not been taken into account." The report added how for the first time since records began, deaths and injuries had increased in the last three months of 2020, which is much higher than the last three months. For the fourth quarter, casualties were up by 45 per cent as compared to the same period in 2019. (With inputs from Reuters)

Violence against civilians in Afghanistan rose after commencement of peace talks: UN

A record 12.4 million people in war-torn Syria are struggling to find enough food to eat, the UN food agency has said, in an increase it described Saturday as "alarming".

The figure means "60 percent of the Syrian population are now food insecure", the World Food Programme said, based on results of a nationwide assessment in late 2020.

It marks a sharp increase from 9.3 million people who were food insecure in May last year.

"More Syrians are slipping deeper into hunger, poverty and food insecurity than ever before," WFP spokeswoman Jessica Lawson told AFP.

"It is alarming that a basic meal is now beyond the reach of the majority of families."

Syria's almost ten-year-old war has ravaged the economy and sent inflation soaring across the country.

In early 2021, food prices nationwide were 33 times higher than the five-year pre-war average, WFP says.

A dire financial crisis in neighbouring Lebanon that has slowed dollar inflows and lockdowns to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic have further increased economic woes.

"The economic situation in Syria is putting immense pressure on families who have nothing left after years of conflict and many depend entirely on humanitarian assistance to survive," Lawson said.

The Syrian conflict has killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions more from their homes since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

A record 12.4 million people in war-torn Syria are struggling to find enough food to eat, the UN food agency has said, in an increase it described Saturday as "alarming".

A record 12.4 million people in war-torn Syria are struggling to find enough food to eat, the UN food agency has said, in an increase it described Saturday as "alarming". The figure means "60 percent of the Syrian population are now food insecure", the World Food Programme said, based on results of a nationwide assessment in late 2020. It marks a sharp increase from 9.3 million people who were food insecure in May last year. "More Syrians are slipping deeper into hunger, poverty and food insecurity than ever before," WFP spokeswoman Jessica Lawson told AFP. "It is alarming that a basic meal is now beyond the reach of the majority of families." Syria's almost ten-year-old war has ravaged the economy and sent inflation soaring across the country. In early 2021, food prices nationwide were 33 times higher than the five-year pre-war average, WFP says. A dire financial crisis in neighbouring Lebanon that has slowed dollar inflows and lockdowns to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic have further increased economic woes. "The economic situation in Syria is putting immense pressure on families who have nothing left after years of conflict and many depend entirely on humanitarian assistance to survive," Lawson said. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions more from their homes since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

12.4 mln people food insecure in war-torn Syria: WFP

United Nations human rights Counsel held a special session to address the crisis in Myanmar. The 47 members Geneva forum adopted a resolution unanimously without a vote with Russia and china dissociating themselves from consensus.

UN rights body unanimously adopts Myanmar Resolution

United Nations deputy rights chief Nada al-Nashif expressed concern after Washington announced sanctions on the generals behind last week's coup in Myanmar.

He warned that any sanctions imposed over the coup in Myanmar must be "carefully targeted" against those responsible, to avoid harming vulnerable people.

"Any sanctions under consideration should be carefully targeted against specific individuals who are credibly alleged to have violated the people's rights," al-Nashif said.

"Leaders of this coup are an appropriate focus of such actions," she said, adding that "it is of critical importance that no harm should be inflicted on the most vulnerable people in the country."

She was addressing a special session of the council urgently called for by Britain and the European Union to address the situation in Myanmar after the military there seized control on February 1.

The new US sanctions target Min Aung Hlaing and other top generals, after President Joe Biden announced his administration was cutting off the military's access to $1 billion in funds.

Meanwhile, Supporters of Suu Kyi clashed with police on Friday as hundreds of thousands joined nationwide pro-democracy demonstrations in defiance of the junta's call to halt mass gatherings.

More than 350 officials, activists, journalists, monks and students have been detained, according to Nada al-Nashif, deputy U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Myanmar Ambassador Myint Thu said Myanmar would continue to cooperate with the United Nations and uphold international human rights treaties, adding: "We do not want to stall the nascent democratic transition in the country."

 
(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations deputy rights chief Nada al-Nashif expressed concern after Washington announced sanctions on the generals behind last week's coup in Myanmar. He warned that any sanctions imposed over the coup in Myanmar must be "carefully targeted" against those responsible, to avoid harming vulnerable people.

United Nations deputy rights chief Nada al-Nashif expressed concern after Washington announced sanctions on the generals behind last week's coup in Myanmar. He warned that any sanctions imposed over the coup in Myanmar must be "carefully targeted" against those responsible, to avoid harming vulnerable people. "Any sanctions under consideration should be carefully targeted against specific individuals who are credibly alleged to have violated the people's rights," al-Nashif said. "Leaders of this coup are an appropriate focus of such actions," she said, adding that "it is of critical importance that no harm should be inflicted on the most vulnerable people in the country." She was addressing a special session of the council urgently called for by Britain and the European Union to address the situation in Myanmar after the military there seized control on February 1. The new US sanctions target Min Aung Hlaing and other top generals, after President Joe Biden announced his administration was cutting off the military's access to $1 billion in funds. Meanwhile, Supporters of Suu Kyi clashed with police on Friday as hundreds of thousands joined nationwide pro-democracy demonstrations in defiance of the junta's call to halt mass gatherings. More than 350 officials, activists, journalists, monks and students have been detained, according to Nada al-Nashif, deputy U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. Myanmar Ambassador Myint Thu said Myanmar would continue to cooperate with the United Nations and uphold international human rights treaties, adding: "We do not want to stall the nascent democratic transition in the country." (With inputs from agencies)

United Nations warns sanctions on Myanmar should target coup leaders, not people

More than 2 million Yemeni children under the age of 5 are expected to endure acute malnutrition in 2021, four United Nations agencies said on Friday.

These agencies also urged stakeholders to end the years-long conflict that has brought the country to the brink of famine.

The UN report warned that nearly one in six of those kids -- 400,000 of the 2.3 million -- are at risk of death due to severe acute malnutrition this year, a significant increase from last year's estimates. Around 1.2 million pregnant or breastfeeding women in Yemen are also projected to be acutely malnourished this year.

The report also said a lack of funds was hampering humanitarian programmes in Yemen, as donor nations have failed to make good on their commitments.

In 2020, humanitarian programmes in Yemen received only USD 1.9 billion of the required USD 3.4 billion, the report said.

UNICEF estimates that virtually all of Yemen's 12 million children require some sort of assistance. This can include food aid, health services, clean water, schooling and cash grants to help the poorest families scrape by.

"Malnourished children are more vulnerable to diseases ... It is a vicious and often deadly cycle, but with relatively cheap and simple interventions, many lives can be saved," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Yemenis have suffered six years of bloodshed, destruction and humanitarian catastrophe. In 2014, the Iran-allied Houthi rebels seized the capital and much of the country's north.

More than 2 million Yemeni children under the age of 5 are expected to endure acute malnutrition in 2021, four United Nations agencies said on Friday. These agencies also urged stakeholders to end the years-long conflict that has brought the country to the brink of famine.

More than 2 million Yemeni children under the age of 5 are expected to endure acute malnutrition in 2021, four United Nations agencies said on Friday. These agencies also urged stakeholders to end the years-long conflict that has brought the country to the brink of famine. The UN report warned that nearly one in six of those kids -- 400,000 of the 2.3 million -- are at risk of death due to severe acute malnutrition this year, a significant increase from last year's estimates. Around 1.2 million pregnant or breastfeeding women in Yemen are also projected to be acutely malnourished this year. The report also said a lack of funds was hampering humanitarian programmes in Yemen, as donor nations have failed to make good on their commitments. In 2020, humanitarian programmes in Yemen received only USD 1.9 billion of the required USD 3.4 billion, the report said. UNICEF estimates that virtually all of Yemen's 12 million children require some sort of assistance. This can include food aid, health services, clean water, schooling and cash grants to help the poorest families scrape by. "Malnourished children are more vulnerable to diseases ... It is a vicious and often deadly cycle, but with relatively cheap and simple interventions, many lives can be saved," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Yemenis have suffered six years of bloodshed, destruction and humanitarian catastrophe. In 2014, the Iran-allied Houthi rebels seized the capital and much of the country's north.

Over 2 million Yemeni children may starve in 2021, UN says

Five Afghan security force members who were escorting the international agency's vehicles have been killed in an attack on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway in Surobi District of Kabul on Thursday.

According to an Afghan interior ministry official, the insurgent Taliban were behind it.

Condemning the incident, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that no UN personnel were hurt or vehicle effected in an attack which hit a DPS vehicle that was escorting a UN convoy.&nbsp;

Attacks on international forces and foreign players have been rare since the Taliban signed a troop withdrawal deal with Washington almost a year ago.

However, violence against Afghans has escalated around the nation even as the Taliban and the Afghan government hold peace talks in Qatar.

On Thursday, three back-to-back blasts in eastern Kunar province left three people dead and two injured, according to a police spokesman.

At least two people were killed and five others injured in three separate blasts in eastern Nangarhar province, local officials said.

Unknown gunmen shot and injured Qotbuddin Kohi, a journalist working for Pajhwok News agency in northern Faryab province on Thursday, according to the media outlet`s director.

Almost daily deadly attacks with small, magnetic bombs attached to the undercarriages of vehicles, as well as roadside explosive devices and shootings, are unnerving Afghan officials, activists and journalists.

Officials say that peace talks have largely stalled as the violence rises and U.S. President Joe Biden`s administration reviews how to handle the peace process.

(With inputs from agencies)

Five Afghan security force members who were escorting the international agency's vehicles have been killed in an attack on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway in Surobi District of Kabul on Thursday.

Five Afghan security force members who were escorting the international agency's vehicles have been killed in an attack on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway in Surobi District of Kabul on Thursday. According to an Afghan interior ministry official, the insurgent Taliban were behind it. Condemning the incident, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that no UN personnel were hurt or vehicle effected in an attack which hit a DPS vehicle that was escorting a UN convoy. Attacks on international forces and foreign players have been rare since the Taliban signed a troop withdrawal deal with Washington almost a year ago. However, violence against Afghans has escalated around the nation even as the Taliban and the Afghan government hold peace talks in Qatar. On Thursday, three back-to-back blasts in eastern Kunar province left three people dead and two injured, according to a police spokesman. At least two people were killed and five others injured in three separate blasts in eastern Nangarhar province, local officials said. Unknown gunmen shot and injured Qotbuddin Kohi, a journalist working for Pajhwok News agency in northern Faryab province on Thursday, according to the media outlet`s director. Almost daily deadly attacks with small, magnetic bombs attached to the undercarriages of vehicles, as well as roadside explosive devices and shootings, are unnerving Afghan officials, activists and journalists. Officials say that peace talks have largely stalled as the violence rises and U.S. President Joe Biden`s administration reviews how to handle the peace process. (With inputs from agencies)

Five killed as UN convoy in Afghanistan attacked by gunmen

The United States has moved to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council, nearly three years after former president Donald Trump's administration withdrew the country from body. The move marks yet another reversal by Biden of his predecessor's policies.

In a statement issued as the UN's top rights body was conducting an organisational meeting in Geneva, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken Monday said President Joe Biden had ordered his department to "re-engage immediately and robustly with the UN Human Rights Council."

Trump's administration pulled the country out of the 47-member council in June 2018, complaining about its "unrelenting bias" against Israel and "hypocrisy" of allowing rights-abusing nations a seat at the table.

At the time, the United States was a member of the council.

It, hence, cannot now automatically regain membership. It will need to wait for elections towards the end of the year for the seats becoming available in 2022.&nbsp;

Blinken acknowledged that in the immediate term, "the United States will engage with the council as an observer," stressing that it "in that capacity will have the opportunity to speak in the council, participate in negotiations, and partner with others to introduce resolutions."

Blinken said the United States still recognised the rights council is a "flawed body, in need of reform to its agenda, membership, and focus, including its disproportionate focus on Israel."

But, he stressed, "our withdrawal in June 2018 did nothing to encourage meaningful change, but instead created a vacuum of US leadership, which countries with authoritarian agendas have used to their advantage."

"To address the council's deficiencies and ensure it lives up to its mandate, the United States must be at the table using the full weight of our diplomatic leadership. It is our view that the best way to improve the council is to engage with it and its members in a principled fashion," he said.

"We strongly believe that when the United States engages constructively with the council, in concert with our allies and friends, positive change is within reach."

The United States has moved to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council, nearly three years after former president Donald Trump's administration withdrew the country from body.

The United States has moved to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council, nearly three years after former president Donald Trump's administration withdrew the country from body. The move marks yet another reversal by Biden of his predecessor's policies. In a statement issued as the UN's top rights body was conducting an organisational meeting in Geneva, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken Monday said President Joe Biden had ordered his department to "re-engage immediately and robustly with the UN Human Rights Council." Trump's administration pulled the country out of the 47-member council in June 2018, complaining about its "unrelenting bias" against Israel and "hypocrisy" of allowing rights-abusing nations a seat at the table. At the time, the United States was a member of the council. It, hence, cannot now automatically regain membership. It will need to wait for elections towards the end of the year for the seats becoming available in 2022. Blinken acknowledged that in the immediate term, "the United States will engage with the council as an observer," stressing that it "in that capacity will have the opportunity to speak in the council, participate in negotiations, and partner with others to introduce resolutions." Blinken said the United States still recognised the rights council is a "flawed body, in need of reform to its agenda, membership, and focus, including its disproportionate focus on Israel." But, he stressed, "our withdrawal in June 2018 did nothing to encourage meaningful change, but instead created a vacuum of US leadership, which countries with authoritarian agendas have used to their advantage." "To address the council's deficiencies and ensure it lives up to its mandate, the United States must be at the table using the full weight of our diplomatic leadership. It is our view that the best way to improve the council is to engage with it and its members in a principled fashion," he said. "We strongly believe that when the United States engages constructively with the council, in concert with our allies and friends, positive change is within reach."

US moves to rejoin UN Human Rights Council

At least 147 people have been detained in Myanmar since this week's coup, including activists, lawmakers and officials from the ousted government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Thursday.

The AAPP, which has tracked political detainees in Myanmar since the era of the previous junta, said 133 officials or lawmakers and 14 civil society activists were being held.&nbsp;

Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids.&nbsp;

The event ended Myanmar's brief experiment with democracy and took place days after Suu Kyi won the re-election with a strong mandate.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Myanmar court has charged ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching an import and export law.

The document from a police station in the capital Naypyitaw said military officers who searched Suu Kyi's residence had found hand-held radios that were imported illegally and used without permission.

President Win Myint, who was also detained by the military in Monday's coup, has also been charged under the National Disaster Management law.

The Group of Seven largest developed economies condemned the coup on Wednesday and said the election result must be respected.

Myanmar's military rulers have blocked access to social media platforms.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 147 people have been detained in Myanmar since this week's coup, including activists, lawmakers and officials from the ousted government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Thursday.

At least 147 people have been detained in Myanmar since this week's coup, including activists, lawmakers and officials from the ousted government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Thursday. The AAPP, which has tracked political detainees in Myanmar since the era of the previous junta, said 133 officials or lawmakers and 14 civil society activists were being held. Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids. The event ended Myanmar's brief experiment with democracy and took place days after Suu Kyi won the re-election with a strong mandate. Meanwhile, a Myanmar court has charged ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching an import and export law. The document from a police station in the capital Naypyitaw said military officers who searched Suu Kyi's residence had found hand-held radios that were imported illegally and used without permission. President Win Myint, who was also detained by the military in Monday's coup, has also been charged under the National Disaster Management law. The Group of Seven largest developed economies condemned the coup on Wednesday and said the election result must be respected. Myanmar's military rulers have blocked access to social media platforms. (With inputs from agencies)

Activists, lawmakers and officials: 147 people detained in Myanmar since coup

India has called for a balanced approach on Myanmar at the United Nations Security Council meeting that took place on Tuesday even as the UK-backed draft is still being considered. New Delhi's balanced approach, which has been perceived as a very constructive one, calls for support for the democratic process in the country, given it is a neighboring country.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The UNSC has not yet been able to come up with any statement on the coup in the country when the meeting took place on 2nd February. In the aftermath of the bloodless coup staged by the military in Myanmar, India's Ministry of External Affairs in a statement had expressed its "deep concern", calling for upholding of the "rule of law and the democratic process".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-do-everything-possible-to-make-sure-myanmar-coup-fails-un-chief-361184">Will do everything possible to make sure Myanmar coup fails: UN chief</a>

India has a close relationship with the country. While Aung San Suu Kyi's India connect is well known, including her education in India and through her father Aung San, New Delhi has been able to build close military cooperation with Myanmar's military--especially in terms of counter-insurgency operations in border areas. Last year, Myanmar inducted INS Sindhuvir which was given by India. It was inducted as UMS Minye Theinkhathu and is the country's only submarine.

UK is the president of the core UN body for this month and as the chair, decides on the key issues that can be raised and scheduling of the talks on global issues. UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a tweet had said, "As President of the @UN Security Council we brought forward an emergency meeting on Myanmar to fast-track necessary discussions on what should be done."

The draft has called for the removal of the state of emergency and reinstatement of democratic norms, according to media reports quoting the leaked document. While UNSC is working on a common press statement on the coup in the country, especially in the face of differing views expressed primarily by China, it is expected that perhaps in the next stage, talks may resume to put more pressure if there is no progress. However, it is clear that forming a consensus on this contentious issue will be a difficult task. 
&nbsp;

India has called for a balanced approach on Myanmar at the United Nations Security Council meeting that took place on Tuesday even as the UK-backed draft is still being considered.

India has called for a balanced approach on Myanmar at the United Nations Security Council meeting that took place on Tuesday even as the UK-backed draft is still being considered. New Delhi's balanced approach, which has been perceived as a very constructive one, calls for support for the democratic process in the country, given it is a neighboring country. Watch | The UNSC has not yet been able to come up with any statement on the coup in the country when the meeting took place on 2nd February. In the aftermath of the bloodless coup staged by the military in Myanmar, India's Ministry of External Affairs in a statement had expressed its "deep concern", calling for upholding of the "rule of law and the democratic process". Also read | Will do everything possible to make sure Myanmar coup fails: UN chief India has a close relationship with the country. While Aung San Suu Kyi's India connect is well known, including her education in India and through her father Aung San, New Delhi has been able to build close military cooperation with Myanmar's military--especially in terms of counter-insurgency operations in border areas. Last year, Myanmar inducted INS Sindhuvir which was given by India. It was inducted as UMS Minye Theinkhathu and is the country's only submarine. UK is the president of the core UN body for this month and as the chair, decides on the key issues that can be raised and scheduling of the talks on global issues. UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a tweet had said, "As President of the @UN Security Council we brought forward an emergency meeting on Myanmar to fast-track necessary discussions on what should be done." The draft has called for the removal of the state of emergency and reinstatement of democratic norms, according to media reports quoting the leaked document. While UNSC is working on a common press statement on the coup in the country, especially in the face of differing views expressed primarily by China, it is expected that perhaps in the next stage, talks may resume to put more pressure if there is no progress. However, it is clear that forming a consensus on this contentious issue will be a difficult task.

India backs a balanced approach on Myanmar at UNSC

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said that he would do everything possible to put pressure on Myanmar and "make sure that this coup fails".&nbsp;

Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The event ended Myanmar's brief experiment with democracy and took place days after Suu Kyi won the re-election with a strong mandate.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-coup-aung-san-suu-kyi-charged-with-breaking-importexport-law-361070">Myanmar coup: Aung San Suu Kyi charged with breaking 'import/export law'</a>

"We will do everything we can to mobilize all the key actors and international community to put enough pressure on Myanmar to make sure that this coup fails," Guterres told The Washington Post.

"After elections that I believe took place normally and after a large period of transition, it's absolutely unacceptable to reverse the results of the elections and the will of the people."

Speaking on the indictment of Suu Kyi, the UN Secretary-General said if she can be accused, it's for being "too close to the military" and for protecting "too much of the military".&nbsp;

"I hope that democracy will be able to make progress again in Myanmar but for that all the prisoners must be released, the constitutional order must be reestablished," Guterres said.&nbsp;

He also criticised the Security Council for its failure to issue a common statement on the coup after an emergency meeting was initiated by the UK.&nbsp;

The draft text that was proposed at the beginning of the week for negotiation and accessed by news agency AFP said that the Security Council would condemn the coup and ask the Myanmarese military to "immediately release those unlawfully detained."

It also demanded that the state of emergency for one year must be repealed.&nbsp;

As of Wednesday evening, negotiations are ongoing with 15 Council members, particularly with China and Russia, which blocked Tuesday's adoption of the statement.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said that he would do everything possible to put pressure on Myanmar and "make sure that this coup fails". Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said that he would do everything possible to put pressure on Myanmar and "make sure that this coup fails". Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids. Watch | The event ended Myanmar's brief experiment with democracy and took place days after Suu Kyi won the re-election with a strong mandate. Also read | Myanmar coup: Aung San Suu Kyi charged with breaking 'import/export law' "We will do everything we can to mobilize all the key actors and international community to put enough pressure on Myanmar to make sure that this coup fails," Guterres told The Washington Post. "After elections that I believe took place normally and after a large period of transition, it's absolutely unacceptable to reverse the results of the elections and the will of the people." Speaking on the indictment of Suu Kyi, the UN Secretary-General said if she can be accused, it's for being "too close to the military" and for protecting "too much of the military". "I hope that democracy will be able to make progress again in Myanmar but for that all the prisoners must be released, the constitutional order must be reestablished," Guterres said. He also criticised the Security Council for its failure to issue a common statement on the coup after an emergency meeting was initiated by the UK. The draft text that was proposed at the beginning of the week for negotiation and accessed by news agency AFP said that the Security Council would condemn the coup and ask the Myanmarese military to "immediately release those unlawfully detained." It also demanded that the state of emergency for one year must be repealed. As of Wednesday evening, negotiations are ongoing with 15 Council members, particularly with China and Russia, which blocked Tuesday's adoption of the statement.

Will do everything possible to make sure Myanmar coup fails: UN chief

A United Nations report on Wednesday claimed that a third of those held by Afghan authorities for offences related to security and terrorism are undergoing mistreatment and torture in detention centres. 
 
The report was released jointly by the UN Mission to Afghanistan and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was found that the percentage of detainees facing torture had gone down over the last 15 months. Even then, the situation remains ''alarming".

From the previous two years, the percentage has fallen from 31.9 per cent to 30.3 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/afghanistans-ghani-urges-biden-to-up-pressure-on-taliban-360183" hreflang="en">Afghanistan's Ghani urges Biden to up pressure on Taliban</a>

"Torture can never be justified. It has lasting consequences for victims, their families and society," said Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan.

Peace talks with the Taliban are proceeding in Qatar, but militant violence continues to plague the country.&nbsp;Militant violence has resurged around the country even as peace talks proceed with the insurgent Taliban in Qatar.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/with-2500-each-us-says-lowest-troops-deployed-in-iraq-afghanistan-in-about-two-decades-356978" hreflang="en">With 2,500 each, US says lowest troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan in about two decades</a>

Targeted killings occur in the country almost daily, with many blaming the killings on the Taliban, who have constantly denied responsibility. On Wednesday, a blast in Kabul ended up killing a police officer. Additionally, unknown assailants killed a religious leader in the southern city of Kandahar. In addition, a judge was also killed in the eastern city of Jalalabad. 
 
The report added that efforts have been made by the government to limit the use of torture. But it added that more work is needed to end torture. The report by UN was based on interviews with 656 detainees, which were held in 63 facilities across 24 provinces between January 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. 
&nbsp;

A United Nations report on Wednesday claimed that a third of those held by Afghan authorities for offences related to security and terrorism are undergoing mistreatment and torture in detention centres.

A United Nations report on Wednesday claimed that a third of those held by Afghan authorities for offences related to security and terrorism are undergoing mistreatment and torture in detention centres. The report was released jointly by the UN Mission to Afghanistan and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was found that the percentage of detainees facing torture had gone down over the last 15 months. Even then, the situation remains ''alarming". From the previous two years, the percentage has fallen from 31.9 per cent to 30.3 per cent. Also read: Afghanistan's Ghani urges Biden to up pressure on Taliban "Torture can never be justified. It has lasting consequences for victims, their families and society," said Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan. Peace talks with the Taliban are proceeding in Qatar, but militant violence continues to plague the country. Militant violence has resurged around the country even as peace talks proceed with the insurgent Taliban in Qatar. Also read: With 2,500 each, US says lowest troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan in about two decades Targeted killings occur in the country almost daily, with many blaming the killings on the Taliban, who have constantly denied responsibility. On Wednesday, a blast in Kabul ended up killing a police officer. Additionally, unknown assailants killed a religious leader in the southern city of Kandahar. In addition, a judge was also killed in the eastern city of Jalalabad. The report added that efforts have been made by the government to limit the use of torture. But it added that more work is needed to end torture. The report by UN was based on interviews with 656 detainees, which were held in 63 facilities across 24 provinces between January 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.

Third of detainees in Afghanistan face torture, UN report says

Hezbollah said on Monday that it downed an Israeli drone after it flew over UN-demarcated Blu Line border. Israel has also acknowledged that an unmanned aircraft has crashed. Hezbollah said that it has downed the drone in southern Lebanon. It said that it "downed a drone belonging to the Israeli enemy that had entered Lebanese airspace outside Blida"

Israel Defence Forces said that &nbsp;"during IDF operational activity along the Blue Line, an IDF drone fell in Lebanese territory".

"There is no risk of breach of information," it said.

The development has taken place just 10 days after Israel shot down unmanned aircraft which it said had entered its airspace from Lebanon. Israel&nbsp;and Hezbollah are technically still at war. A UN force, UNIFIL, patrols the border between the two.

In August 2020, Hezbollah also said it downed and seized an Israeli drone that flew into Lebanese airspace. Israel at the time also said the drone had "fallen".

Hezbollah had in September 2019 vowed to down Israeli drones overflying Lebanon following an incident a month earlier when two drones packed with explosives targeted Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut.

The group is the only side not to have disarmed following Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, and it is also a powerful player in Lebanese politics with seats in parliament.

(With AFP inputs)

Hezbollah said on Monday that it downed an Israeli drone after it flew over UN-demarcated Blu Line border. Israel has also acknowledged that an unmanned aircraft has crashed.

Hezbollah said on Monday that it downed an Israeli drone after it flew over UN-demarcated Blu Line border. Israel has also acknowledged that an unmanned aircraft has crashed. Hezbollah said that it has downed the drone in southern Lebanon. It said that it "downed a drone belonging to the Israeli enemy that had entered Lebanese airspace outside Blida" Israel Defence Forces said that "during IDF operational activity along the Blue Line, an IDF drone fell in Lebanese territory". "There is no risk of breach of information," it said. The development has taken place just 10 days after Israel shot down unmanned aircraft which it said had entered its airspace from Lebanon. Israel and Hezbollah are technically still at war. A UN force, UNIFIL, patrols the border between the two. In August 2020, Hezbollah also said it downed and seized an Israeli drone that flew into Lebanese airspace. Israel at the time also said the drone had "fallen". Hezbollah had in September 2019 vowed to down Israeli drones overflying Lebanon following an incident a month earlier when two drones packed with explosives targeted Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut. The group is the only side not to have disarmed following Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, and it is also a powerful player in Lebanese politics with seats in parliament. (With AFP inputs)

Hezbollah says it downed an Israeli drone

Despite international calls against his execution, a Baluch man was hanged by Iran for murder, abduction and 'terrorist' links on Saturday. Javid Dehghan Khalad was put to death early in the morning in the restive southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Mizan Online reported.

The execution came just a day after the United Nations made an appeal to Iran against it. Mizan said Dehghan was arrested in June 2015 and later convicted of being "one of the leaders" of a "terrorist" group linked to the jihadist Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice).

Also known as Mohammad Omar, he had been found guilty of carrying out "armed action against the state", the website said.

Dehgan was found to have been involved in the killing of two Revolutionary Guards' members in 2015. He was also accused of leading a raid aiming to abduct five border guards one of whom was killed.

"We urge the authorities to halt the imminent execution of Javid Dehghan, to review his and other death penalty cases in line with human rights law," the Geneva-based Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights wrote on Twitter before the execution.

"We strongly condemn the series of executions –- at least 28 –- since mid-December, including of people from minority groups," it added.

London-based rights group Amnesty International has alleged Dehghan's trial was "grossly unfair" with the court relying on "torture-tainted confessions" and ignoring abuses committed during the investigation.

(With agency inputs)

Despite international calls against his execution, a Baluch man was hanged by Iran for murder, abduction and 'terrorist' links on Saturday. Javid Dehghan Khalad was put to death early in the morning in the restive southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Mizan Online reported.

Despite international calls against his execution, a Baluch man was hanged by Iran for murder, abduction and 'terrorist' links on Saturday. Javid Dehghan Khalad was put to death early in the morning in the restive southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Mizan Online reported. The execution came just a day after the United Nations made an appeal to Iran against it. Mizan said Dehghan was arrested in June 2015 and later convicted of being "one of the leaders" of a "terrorist" group linked to the jihadist Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice). Also known as Mohammad Omar, he had been found guilty of carrying out "armed action against the state", the website said. Dehgan was found to have been involved in the killing of two Revolutionary Guards' members in 2015. He was also accused of leading a raid aiming to abduct five border guards one of whom was killed. "We urge the authorities to halt the imminent execution of Javid Dehghan, to review his and other death penalty cases in line with human rights law," the Geneva-based Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights wrote on Twitter before the execution. "We strongly condemn the series of executions –- at least 28 –- since mid-December, including of people from minority groups," it added. London-based rights group Amnesty International has alleged Dehghan's trial was "grossly unfair" with the court relying on "torture-tainted confessions" and ignoring abuses committed during the investigation. (With agency inputs)

Despite UN appeal, Iran hangs ethnic Baluch for 'terror'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday lauded India's role in the world as vaccine making hub. He applauded India for supply of COVID-19 doses to countries around the world. India is called pharmacy of the world and it is world's biggest makers of vaccines. Indian companies like Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have played instrumental role in manufacture COVID-19 vaccines.

"I would like to say how much we count on India. I mean, India has one of the most advanced pharmaceutical industries. India played a very important role in the production of generics for use that was a very important element of democratisation of access to medicines all over the world," Guterres said.

"..we strongly hope that India will have all the instruments that are necessary to play a major role in making sure that a global vaccination campaign becomes possible. I think that the production capacity of India is one of the best assets the world has today, and I hope the world understands that it must be fully used," he said.

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India has airlifted more than 6 million COVID-19 doses to nine countries in Phase-I under its initiative termed "Vaccine Maitri". Contractual supplies to various countries are also being undertaken in a phased manner and New Delhi has said it will gradually supply to the COVAX facility of the World Health Organization.

COVAX is the global initiative to ensure rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of income level.

This month, COVAX had announced that, pending WHO emergency use listings, nearly 150 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford candidate are anticipated to be available in the first quarter of 2021, via existing agreements with the Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-may-damage-sperm-quality-reduce-male-fertility-study-359981">Coronavirus may damage sperm quality, reduce male fertility: Study</a>

The Joe Biden administration has also applauded India for sending crucial supplies of the COVID19 vaccine to a host of South Asian nations, describing India as "a true friend" who is using its pharma to help the global community.

India has already rolled out a massive coronavirus vaccination drive under which two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are being administered to frontline health workers across the country. The country plans to vaccinate about 300 million citizens in the first six months.

Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have received India's COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance in sync with its "Neighbourhood First" policy.

(With PTI inputs)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday lauded India's role in the world as vaccine making hub. He applauded India for supply of COVID-19 doses to countries around the world.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday lauded India's role in the world as vaccine making hub. He applauded India for supply of COVID-19 doses to countries around the world. India is called pharmacy of the world and it is world's biggest makers of vaccines. Indian companies like Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have played instrumental role in manufacture COVID-19 vaccines. "I would like to say how much we count on India. I mean, India has one of the most advanced pharmaceutical industries. India played a very important role in the production of generics for use that was a very important element of democratisation of access to medicines all over the world," Guterres said. "..we strongly hope that India will have all the instruments that are necessary to play a major role in making sure that a global vaccination campaign becomes possible. I think that the production capacity of India is one of the best assets the world has today, and I hope the world understands that it must be fully used," he said. × India has airlifted more than 6 million COVID-19 doses to nine countries in Phase-I under its initiative termed "Vaccine Maitri". Contractual supplies to various countries are also being undertaken in a phased manner and New Delhi has said it will gradually supply to the COVAX facility of the World Health Organization. COVAX is the global initiative to ensure rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of income level. This month, COVAX had announced that, pending WHO emergency use listings, nearly 150 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford candidate are anticipated to be available in the first quarter of 2021, via existing agreements with the Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca. Also Read | Coronavirus may damage sperm quality, reduce male fertility: Study The Joe Biden administration has also applauded India for sending crucial supplies of the COVID19 vaccine to a host of South Asian nations, describing India as "a true friend" who is using its pharma to help the global community. India has already rolled out a massive coronavirus vaccination drive under which two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are being administered to frontline health workers across the country. The country plans to vaccinate about 300 million citizens in the first six months. Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have received India's COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance in sync with its "Neighbourhood First" policy. (With PTI inputs)

UN chief praises Indian vaccine making capacity, calls it an asset

An aide to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been suspended amid allegations from women that he behaved inappropriately, the UN said Thursday.

The accusations are against Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond, a Chilean who was recently named to the new post of special envoy for technology issues.

The allegations were first reported in PassBlue, a news outlet that focuses on the United Nations.

"The Secretary-General takes any allegation of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination or sexual harassment very seriously," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Dujarric said allegations of "possible prohibited conduct" against the diplomat were brought to the attention of Guterres and that Hochschild has been suspended pending an investigation.

"The Secretary-General will act swiftly and take the appropriate actions on the findings," the spokesman said.

He did not say what specifically Hochschild is accused of. PassBlue said several complaints were filed by women who worked with him last year alleging harassment and other misconduct.

Hochschild, 57, last year was in charge of preparations for commemorating the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

He told PassBlue he is willing to cooperate with the UN probe into his behavior.

Hochschild has worked for the UN for decades and held posts in Sudan, Israel, Bosnia, Geneva, New York and elsewhere. 
&nbsp;

An aide to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been suspended amid allegations from women that he behaved inappropriately, the UN said Thursday. The accusations are against Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond, a Chilean who was recently named to the new post of special envoy for technology issues.

An aide to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been suspended amid allegations from women that he behaved inappropriately, the UN said Thursday. The accusations are against Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond, a Chilean who was recently named to the new post of special envoy for technology issues. The allegations were first reported in PassBlue, a news outlet that focuses on the United Nations. "The Secretary-General takes any allegation of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination or sexual harassment very seriously," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Dujarric said allegations of "possible prohibited conduct" against the diplomat were brought to the attention of Guterres and that Hochschild has been suspended pending an investigation. "The Secretary-General will act swiftly and take the appropriate actions on the findings," the spokesman said. He did not say what specifically Hochschild is accused of. PassBlue said several complaints were filed by women who worked with him last year alleging harassment and other misconduct. Hochschild, 57, last year was in charge of preparations for commemorating the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. He told PassBlue he is willing to cooperate with the UN probe into his behavior. Hochschild has worked for the UN for decades and held posts in Sudan, Israel, Bosnia, Geneva, New York and elsewhere.

UN envoy suspended pending probe of alleged misconduct

The UN Human Rights Committee Wednesday claimed Italy failed to protect the right to life of more than 200 migrants on a boat that sank in the Mediterranean Sea in 2013.

Italy "failed to respond promptly to various distress calls from the sinking boat, which was carrying more than 400 adults and children," the committee found.

Rome "also failed to explain the delay in dispatching its navy ship, ITS Libra, which was located only about an hour away from the scene".

Three Syrians and a Palestinian, who survived the sinking but lost their families in the tragedy, brought a joint complaint before the committee, a body of 18 independent experts tasked with monitoring the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The incident happened on October 11, 2013. The boat had set out from the Libyan fishing port of Zuwarah, carrying mostly people who had fled from Syria.

The fishing vessel began taking on water after it was fired on by a boat flying a Berber flag when in international waters, 113 kilometres (70 miles) south of the Italian island of Lampedusa and 218 kilometres south of Malta.

Those on board made several calls to the Italian number for emergencies at sea, but were eventually told after 1:00pm that they were in the Maltese search and rescue zone.

After desperate calls to the Maltese authorities, a Maltese patrol boat arrived at 5:50pm. The vessel had already capsized. Malta urgently requested Italian help, and the ITS Libra navy ship, which was nearby, was finally instructed to go to the rescue after 6:00pm.

As a result of the delayed action, more than 200 people, including 60 children, drowned.

The committee urged Italy to conduct an independent and timely investigation, and to prosecute those responsible.

Italy and other countries involved in the tragedy also need to provide effective remedy to those who lost their families in the accident, the committee concluded.

The UN Human Rights Committee Wednesday claimed Italy failed to protect the right to life of more than 200 migrants on a boat that sank in the Mediterranean Sea in 2013.

The UN Human Rights Committee Wednesday claimed Italy failed to protect the right to life of more than 200 migrants on a boat that sank in the Mediterranean Sea in 2013. Italy "failed to respond promptly to various distress calls from the sinking boat, which was carrying more than 400 adults and children," the committee found. Rome "also failed to explain the delay in dispatching its navy ship, ITS Libra, which was located only about an hour away from the scene". Three Syrians and a Palestinian, who survived the sinking but lost their families in the tragedy, brought a joint complaint before the committee, a body of 18 independent experts tasked with monitoring the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The incident happened on October 11, 2013. The boat had set out from the Libyan fishing port of Zuwarah, carrying mostly people who had fled from Syria. The fishing vessel began taking on water after it was fired on by a boat flying a Berber flag when in international waters, 113 kilometres (70 miles) south of the Italian island of Lampedusa and 218 kilometres south of Malta. Those on board made several calls to the Italian number for emergencies at sea, but were eventually told after 1:00pm that they were in the Maltese search and rescue zone. After desperate calls to the Maltese authorities, a Maltese patrol boat arrived at 5:50pm. The vessel had already capsized. Malta urgently requested Italian help, and the ITS Libra navy ship, which was nearby, was finally instructed to go to the rescue after 6:00pm. As a result of the delayed action, more than 200 people, including 60 children, drowned. The committee urged Italy to conduct an independent and timely investigation, and to prosecute those responsible. Italy and other countries involved in the tragedy also need to provide effective remedy to those who lost their families in the accident, the committee concluded.

UN committee says Italy could have saved 200 drowning migrants

More than half of children in war-torn Syria are missing out on education, the UN children's agency UNICEF said Sunday,&nbsp;with a third of schools in ruins or commandeered by fighters.

The figures are a sharp rise from previous estimates when UNICEF said a third of Syrian&nbsp;children were out of school.

"After almost ten years of war in Syria, more than half of children continue to be deprived of education,"&nbsp;UNICEF said in a statement, estimating there are over 2.4 million children out of school inside the country.

"This number has likely increased in 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the disruption to education in Syria," said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF's chief for the Middle East and North Africa, alongside Syria crisis boss Muhannad Hadi, in a joint statement.

"The education system in Syria is overstretched, underfunded, fragmented and unable to provide safe, equitable and sustained services to millions of children," they added.

Syria's civil war erupted in 2011 after the violent repression of protests, quickly spiralling into a complex conflict that pulled in numerous actors, including jihadist groups and foreign powers.

Over 387,000 people have been killed, and more than half of Syria's pre-war population of 20 million have been forced to flee their homes.

"One in three schools inside Syria can no longer be used because they were destroyed, damaged or are being used for military purposes," the statement added.

The schools that remain operative, UNICEF said, are often overcrowded and located in "buildings with insufficient water and sanitation facilities, electricity, heating or ventilation".

UNICEF said it confirmed 52 attacks against education facilities last year, bringing to nearly 700 the number of UN-confirmed violations against schools and teaching staff.

More than half of children in war-torn Syria are missing out on education, the UN children's agency UNICEF said Sunday, with a third of schools in ruins or commandeered by fighters.

More than half of children in war-torn Syria are missing out on education, the UN children's agency UNICEF said Sunday, with a third of schools in ruins or commandeered by fighters. The figures are a sharp rise from previous estimates when UNICEF said a third of Syrian children were out of school. "After almost ten years of war in Syria, more than half of children continue to be deprived of education," UNICEF said in a statement, estimating there are over 2.4 million children out of school inside the country. "This number has likely increased in 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the disruption to education in Syria," said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF's chief for the Middle East and North Africa, alongside Syria crisis boss Muhannad Hadi, in a joint statement. "The education system in Syria is overstretched, underfunded, fragmented and unable to provide safe, equitable and sustained services to millions of children," they added. Syria's civil war erupted in 2011 after the violent repression of protests, quickly spiralling into a complex conflict that pulled in numerous actors, including jihadist groups and foreign powers. Over 387,000 people have been killed, and more than half of Syria's pre-war population of 20 million have been forced to flee their homes. "One in three schools inside Syria can no longer be used because they were destroyed, damaged or are being used for military purposes," the statement added. The schools that remain operative, UNICEF said, are often overcrowded and located in "buildings with insufficient water and sanitation facilities, electricity, heating or ventilation". UNICEF said it confirmed 52 attacks against education facilities last year, bringing to nearly 700 the number of UN-confirmed violations against schools and teaching staff.

Over half of Syria's children deprived of education: UN

Foreign forces in Libya ignored a pull out deadline set by a UN-backed ceasefire deal on Saturday. An unidentified US intelligence officer was quoted in news reports as saying that there was 'no intent' by Turkish or Russian forces to leave Libya and abide by the UN deal. The developments signify the fragility of peace efforts in Libya, which has seen a decade of conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged all "regional and international actors to respect the provisions" of the October 23 ceasefire accord that set out a withdrawal within three months of all foreign troops and mercenaries.

That deadline passed on Saturday, with no movement announced or observed on the ground.

The UN estimates there are still some 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries in Libya helping the warring factions, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli and military strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east.

The GNA has received military support from Turkey. Haftar has the backing of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt as well as Russia.

On Friday, CNN broadcast satellite images showed that Russian proxies were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-huge-trench-by-russian-proxies-may-derail-peace-process-says-report-358600">digging a kilometres-long trench</a> from coastal areas near Site to their stronghold in al-Jufra. The objective appeared to be to fortify their positions against attacks from western parts of Libya held by internationally recognised Libyan government.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-huge-trench-by-russian-proxies-may-derail-peace-process-says-report-358600">Libya: Huge trench by Russian proxies may derail peace process, says report</a>

UN Secretary-General Guterres called on all parties to implement the terms of the ceasefire "without delay," something he noted "includes ensuring the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, and the full and unconditional respect of the Security Council arms embargo," which has been in place since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi.

(With AFP inputs)

Foreign forces in Libya ignored a pull out deadline set by a UN-backed ceasefire deal on Saturday. An unidentified US intelligence officer was quoted in news reports as saying that there was 'no intent' by Turkish or Russian forces to leave Libya and abide by the UN deal.

Foreign forces in Libya ignored a pull out deadline set by a UN-backed ceasefire deal on Saturday. An unidentified US intelligence officer was quoted in news reports as saying that there was 'no intent' by Turkish or Russian forces to leave Libya and abide by the UN deal. The developments signify the fragility of peace efforts in Libya, which has seen a decade of conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged all "regional and international actors to respect the provisions" of the October 23 ceasefire accord that set out a withdrawal within three months of all foreign troops and mercenaries. That deadline passed on Saturday, with no movement announced or observed on the ground. The UN estimates there are still some 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries in Libya helping the warring factions, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli and military strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east. The GNA has received military support from Turkey. Haftar has the backing of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt as well as Russia. On Friday, CNN broadcast satellite images showed that Russian proxies were digging a kilometres-long trench from coastal areas near Site to their stronghold in al-Jufra. The objective appeared to be to fortify their positions against attacks from western parts of Libya held by internationally recognised Libyan government. Also Read | Libya: Huge trench by Russian proxies may derail peace process, says report UN Secretary-General Guterres called on all parties to implement the terms of the ceasefire "without delay," something he noted "includes ensuring the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, and the full and unconditional respect of the Security Council arms embargo," which has been in place since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi. (With AFP inputs)

Libya: Foreign forces ignore UN peace deal deadline

The number of people fleeing violence in the Central African Republic has doubled in just a week to nearly 60,000, the U.N. refugee agency said on Friday, as post-electoral violence intensifies.

UN: Nearly 60,000 have fled Central African Republic violence

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the five permanent members of the Security Council that he would like to stay on for a second term.

According to a report published in Bloomberg News, Guterres is likely to officially inform the president of the UN General Assembly soon about his decision.

Guterres took office as the ninth secretary-general in January, 2017 for a five year term that finishes at the end of the year.

Guterres was waiting for the results of the November election in the United States before coming to a decision and was seeking a second term following the win of President-elect Joe Biden, according to Bloomberg.

Under Trump, the United States left the World Health Organisation and upset Security Council members with its withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. It also exited the Paris climate accord.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the five permanent members of the Security Council that he would like to stay on for a second term. According to a report published in Bloomberg News, Guterres is likely to officially inform the president of the UN General Assembly soon about his decision.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the five permanent members of the Security Council that he would like to stay on for a second term. According to a report published in Bloomberg News, Guterres is likely to officially inform the president of the UN General Assembly soon about his decision. Guterres took office as the ninth secretary-general in January, 2017 for a five year term that finishes at the end of the year. Guterres was waiting for the results of the November election in the United States before coming to a decision and was seeking a second term following the win of President-elect Joe Biden, according to Bloomberg. Under Trump, the United States left the World Health Organisation and upset Security Council members with its withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. It also exited the Paris climate accord.

UN chief Guterres seeks to stay on for second term, report says

Iran has said it will expel United Nations nuclear watchdog inspectors unless US sanctions are lifted by a February 21 deadline set by the hardline-dominated parliament.

Parliament passed a law in November that obliges the government to halt inspections of its nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency and step up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal if sanctions are not eased.

Iran's Guardian Council watchdog body approved the law on December 2 and the government has said it will implement it.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran had an obligation to allow the inspectors access.

"Once again the Iranian regime is using its nuclear programme to extort the international community and threaten regional security," Pompeo said.

Iran said on Monday it had resumed 20 per cent uranium enrichment at an underground nuclear facility, breaching the nuclear pact with major powers and possibly complicating efforts by US President-elect Joe Biden to rejoin the deal.

Iran began violating the accord in 2019 in response to President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from it in 2018 and the reimposition of US sanctions that had been lifted under the deal. Tehran often says it can quickly reverse its breaches if Washington's sanctions are removed.

Iran has said it will expel United Nations nuclear watchdog inspectors unless US sanctions are lifted by a February 21 deadline set by the hardline-dominated parliament.

Iran has said it will expel United Nations nuclear watchdog inspectors unless US sanctions are lifted by a February 21 deadline set by the hardline-dominated parliament. Parliament passed a law in November that obliges the government to halt inspections of its nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency and step up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal if sanctions are not eased. Iran's Guardian Council watchdog body approved the law on December 2 and the government has said it will implement it. In a statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran had an obligation to allow the inspectors access. "Once again the Iranian regime is using its nuclear programme to extort the international community and threaten regional security," Pompeo said. Iran said on Monday it had resumed 20 per cent uranium enrichment at an underground nuclear facility, breaching the nuclear pact with major powers and possibly complicating efforts by US President-elect Joe Biden to rejoin the deal. Iran began violating the accord in 2019 in response to President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from it in 2018 and the reimposition of US sanctions that had been lifted under the deal. Tehran often says it can quickly reverse its breaches if Washington's sanctions are removed.

Iran says will expel UN nuclear inspectors unless US sanctions are lifted

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