The US will break with almost every other UN security council member state including its closest allies by declaring UN sanctions back in effect on Iran.

US threatens to take new measures against Iran

An 18-year-old Indian has been included by the United Nations in the 2020 list of young leaders who promote sustainable development goals.&nbsp;

The global body has named Udit Singhal in the 2020 Class of 17 Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-defeats-china-becomes-member-of-united-nations-ecosoc-327590">India defeats China, becomes member of United Nations' ECOSOC</a>

The teenager is the founder of Glass2Sand, an initiative that is based on a zero-waste ecosystem to tackle the challenge of glass waste in Delhi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-child-mortality-rate-declined-between-1990-and-2019-united-nations-326259#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20new%20mortality%20estimates%20released%20by%20UNICEF%2C%20the,in%202019%20from%20126%20in">India's child mortality rate declined between 1990 and 2019: United Nations</a>

The Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth on Friday said Singhal's initiative has prevented empty glass bottles of getting dumped into landfills and turned it into sands, making it commercially viable.

The statement by the UN envoy also said these bottles don't decompose for a million years, referring to the significance of the teenager's work.&nbsp;

"As a Young Leader for the SDGs, I will be an active agent of change. I hope to be able to encourage communities to embrace a better civic sense to create sustainable living spaces like when mountain-high landfills are detonated," Singhal said in the statement, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The website of this teenager says that he started the project in late 2018 when the demand for glass bottles dropped considerably because of the requirement of large storage spaces and huge transporting cost.&nbsp;

It adds that Singhal's initiative helped in preventing 8,000 bottles from going into landfills and produced 4,815 kilograms of high-grade silica sand.

An 18-year-old Indian has been included by the United Nations in the 2020 list of young leaders who promote sustainable development goals. The global body has named Udit Singhal in the 2020 Class of 17 Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

An 18-year-old Indian has been included by the United Nations in the 2020 list of young leaders who promote sustainable development goals. The global body has named Udit Singhal in the 2020 Class of 17 Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also read | India defeats China, becomes member of United Nations' ECOSOC The teenager is the founder of Glass2Sand, an initiative that is based on a zero-waste ecosystem to tackle the challenge of glass waste in Delhi. Also read | India's child mortality rate declined between 1990 and 2019: United Nations The Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth on Friday said Singhal's initiative has prevented empty glass bottles of getting dumped into landfills and turned it into sands, making it commercially viable. The statement by the UN envoy also said these bottles don't decompose for a million years, referring to the significance of the teenager's work. "As a Young Leader for the SDGs, I will be an active agent of change. I hope to be able to encourage communities to embrace a better civic sense to create sustainable living spaces like when mountain-high landfills are detonated," Singhal said in the statement, reported news agency PTI. The website of this teenager says that he started the project in late 2018 when the demand for glass bottles dropped considerably because of the requirement of large storage spaces and huge transporting cost. It adds that Singhal's initiative helped in preventing 8,000 bottles from going into landfills and produced 4,815 kilograms of high-grade silica sand.

Indian teenager named in UN's 2020 list of Young Leaders for Sustainable Goals

"We need a vaccine for everybody, everywhere - in affordable conditions - because we will only be safe if everybody is safe.", Tweets United Nations.

'COVID-19 vaccine must be affordable and available to all', highlights UN

A new report of the UN on the state of nature talks about how the international community collectively missed a critical deadline to safeguard biodiversity.

UN report: World missed a critical deadline to safeguard biodiversity

The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday.

The proportion of forest to total land area fell from 31.9 per cent in 2000 to 31.2 percent in 2020, now some 4.1 billion hectares, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation. &nbsp;

It marks "a net loss of almost 100 million hectares of the world’s forests," the FAO said.

Deforestation has hit particularly hard sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia, where it has accelerated in the last decade, but also Latin and Central America, where it has nonetheless slowed down.

Forests are being cut down mainly to make way for crops or farm animals, especially in less developed countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pushes-37-million-people-into-extreme-poverty-gates-foundation-327805">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus pushes 37 million people into extreme poverty: Gates Foundation</a>

In southeast Asia, forest now covers 47.8 per cent of the land compared to 49 per cent in 2015. In sub-Saharan Africa, it covers 27.8 per cent compared to 28.7 per cent five years ago.

In Indonesia, it is 50.9 per cent, down from 52.5 per cent. In Malaysia, it is 58.2 per cent, down from 59.2 per cent five years ago.

A country strongly focused on agriculture like the Ivory Coast has seen forests reduced to 8.9 percent of the total land area from 10.7 percent in &nbsp;2015. Kenya, Mali and Rwanda have largely held firm against forest loss.

In Latin and Central America, forest covers only 46.7 percent of the total land, compared to 47.4 per cent five years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-where-do-trump-and-biden-stand-on-climate-change-327786">Also read|&nbsp;US Election 2020: Where do Trump and Biden stand on climate change?</a>

In Brazil, forests declined to 59.4 per cent of the country's territory in 2020 from 60.3 per cent in 2015. In Haiti, deforestation has continued apace — falling to 12.6 percent of the total land area from 13.2 per cent in 2015.

In contrast, in many parts of Asia, Europe and North America forest area has increased or stayed the same in the last five years with policies to restore woodland and allow forests to expand naturally.

In China, forests make up 23.3 per cent, up from 22.3 per cent in 2015. In Japan, they account for 68.4 per cent, the same as it was five years ago.

In France, forests cover 31.5 per cent of the land in 2020, up from 30.7 per cent in 2015. In Italy, they make up 32.5 per cent of the national territory, up from 31.6 five years ago.

In Britain, they make up 13.2 per cent, up from 13 percent five years ago.&nbsp;

In Canada, it is unchanged at 38.2 per cent, and in the United States, unchanged at 33.9 percent.

In Australia the figure rose from 17.3 to 17.4 per cent and in New Zealand from 37.4 per cent to 37.6 per cent over the five years.

The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday.

The world has lost nearly 100 million hectares of forests in two decades, marking a steady decline though at a slower pace than before, a UN agency reported Tuesday. The proportion of forest to total land area fell from 31.9 per cent in 2000 to 31.2 percent in 2020, now some 4.1 billion hectares, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation. It marks "a net loss of almost 100 million hectares of the world’s forests," the FAO said. Deforestation has hit particularly hard sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia, where it has accelerated in the last decade, but also Latin and Central America, where it has nonetheless slowed down. Forests are being cut down mainly to make way for crops or farm animals, especially in less developed countries. Also read| Coronavirus pushes 37 million people into extreme poverty: Gates Foundation In southeast Asia, forest now covers 47.8 per cent of the land compared to 49 per cent in 2015. In sub-Saharan Africa, it covers 27.8 per cent compared to 28.7 per cent five years ago. In Indonesia, it is 50.9 per cent, down from 52.5 per cent. In Malaysia, it is 58.2 per cent, down from 59.2 per cent five years ago. A country strongly focused on agriculture like the Ivory Coast has seen forests reduced to 8.9 percent of the total land area from 10.7 percent in 2015. Kenya, Mali and Rwanda have largely held firm against forest loss. In Latin and Central America, forest covers only 46.7 percent of the total land, compared to 47.4 per cent five years ago. Also read| US Election 2020: Where do Trump and Biden stand on climate change? In Brazil, forests declined to 59.4 per cent of the country's territory in 2020 from 60.3 per cent in 2015. In Haiti, deforestation has continued apace — falling to 12.6 percent of the total land area from 13.2 per cent in 2015. In contrast, in many parts of Asia, Europe and North America forest area has increased or stayed the same in the last five years with policies to restore woodland and allow forests to expand naturally. In China, forests make up 23.3 per cent, up from 22.3 per cent in 2015. In Japan, they account for 68.4 per cent, the same as it was five years ago. In France, forests cover 31.5 per cent of the land in 2020, up from 30.7 per cent in 2015. In Italy, they make up 32.5 per cent of the national territory, up from 31.6 five years ago. In Britain, they make up 13.2 per cent, up from 13 percent five years ago. In Canada, it is unchanged at 38.2 per cent, and in the United States, unchanged at 33.9 percent. In Australia the figure rose from 17.3 to 17.4 per cent and in New Zealand from 37.4 per cent to 37.6 per cent over the five years.

World lost 100 million hectares of forest in two decades: UN

India has been elected as the member of the United Nations’ Commission on Status of Women (CSW), a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).&nbsp;

India, Afghanistan and China had contested the elections to the Commission on Status of Women. Even as India and Afghanistan won the ballot among the 54 members, China could not cross the half-way mark.

<img alt="ECOSOC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="230011f7-3041-4c03-8c98-0594cb5ce1fe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/india-china11.jpg" />

TS Tirumurti, permanent representative of India to the United Nations tweeted, “India wins seat in prestigious ECOSOC body! India elected member of Commission on Status of Women (CSW). It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours. We thank member states for their support.” 
&nbsp;

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India wins seat in prestigious <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ECOSOC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ECOSOC</a> body! 
 
India elected Member of Commission on Status of Women <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSW</a>. It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours. 
 
We thank member states for their support. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/C7cKrMxzOV">pic.twitter.com/C7cKrMxzOV</a>
— PR UN Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti/status/1305615293503483908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This year is the 25th anniversary of the famous Beijing World Conference on Women (1995). 
 
The Commission on the Status of Women is a UN organ promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.

India will be a member of United Nation's Commission on Status of Women for four years, 2021 to 2025. 
 
Earlier on June 18, 2020, India was elected as one of the non-permanent members to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with an overwhelming majority of 184 votes out of 192, where the minimum requirement was 128.

In fact that was for the eighth time that India has been elected to UNSC. India has served seven times earlier: 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and 2011-2012. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India has been elected as the member of the United Nations’ Commission on Status of Women (CSW), a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). India, Afghanistan and China had contested the elections to the Commission on Status of Women.

India has been elected as the member of the United Nations’ Commission on Status of Women (CSW), a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). India, Afghanistan and China had contested the elections to the Commission on Status of Women. Even as India and Afghanistan won the ballot among the 54 members, China could not cross the half-way mark. TS Tirumurti, permanent representative of India to the United Nations tweeted, “India wins seat in prestigious ECOSOC body! India elected member of Commission on Status of Women (CSW). It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours. We thank member states for their support.” India wins seat in prestigious #ECOSOC body! India elected Member of Commission on Status of Women #CSW. It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours. We thank member states for their support. @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/C7cKrMxzOV — PR UN Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) September 14, 2020 × This year is the 25th anniversary of the famous Beijing World Conference on Women (1995). The Commission on the Status of Women is a UN organ promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. India will be a member of United Nation's Commission on Status of Women for four years, 2021 to 2025. Earlier on June 18, 2020, India was elected as one of the non-permanent members to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with an overwhelming majority of 184 votes out of 192, where the minimum requirement was 128. In fact that was for the eighth time that India has been elected to UNSC. India has served seven times earlier: 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and 2011-2012. (With inputs from agencies)

India defeats China, becomes member of United Nations' ECOSOC

United Nations human rights chief on Monday said that “no concrete measures” have been taken three years after the Rohingya exodus to provide relief to the people. Additionally, Michelle Bachelet said that many civilian casualties may represent war crimes.

"In some cases, they appear to have been targeted or attacked indiscriminately, which may constitute further war crimes or even crimes against humanity," Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. She was speaking about casualties in Rakhine and Chin States.

Citing satellite images and eyewitness accounts, she noted how areas of northern Rakhine had been burnt in the recent months, calling this “troubling”, while calling for an independent investigation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/three-years-after-exodus-myanmar-erases-names-of-rohingya-villages-un-map-makers-follow-suit-326892" hreflang="en">Three years after exodus, Myanmar erases names of Rohingya villages. UN map makers follow suit</a>

Myanmar is in election mode and&nbsp;campaigning has begun. Political rallies are being held and with the election season underway there is also a&nbsp;controversy involving the Myanmar army. The army holds considerable power over the political establishment in the country and&nbsp;has often been accused of human rights violations.

A new report shows how the&nbsp;army is running a global business empire to finance its atrocities. The report is part of an investigation by Amnesty International. It is based on leaked government documents which apparently expose how international companies have been indirectly financing the Myanmar army.

Many of the military units that have been&nbsp;receiving funds are involved in human rights violations.&nbsp;The report claims that military generals have been receiving huge revenues from shares in Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/how-myanmar-army-runs-a-global-business-empire-to-finance-atrocities-326706" hreflang="en">How Myanmar army runs a global business empire to finance atrocities</a>

It is a secret conglomerate run by the military&nbsp;with several local and foreign businesses as partners.&nbsp;The board of this conglomerate is composed of high-level military figures.&nbsp;It is headed by the military chief Min Aan Laing himself.

According to the report, MEHL establishes joint ventures with business partners across Myanmar. This includes business activities like mining, manufacturing and trade.

United Nations human rights chief on Monday said that “no concrete measures” have been taken three years after the Rohingya exodus to provide relief to the people.

United Nations human rights chief on Monday said that “no concrete measures” have been taken three years after the Rohingya exodus to provide relief to the people. Additionally, Michelle Bachelet said that many civilian casualties may represent war crimes. "In some cases, they appear to have been targeted or attacked indiscriminately, which may constitute further war crimes or even crimes against humanity," Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. She was speaking about casualties in Rakhine and Chin States. Citing satellite images and eyewitness accounts, she noted how areas of northern Rakhine had been burnt in the recent months, calling this “troubling”, while calling for an independent investigation. Also read: Three years after exodus, Myanmar erases names of Rohingya villages. UN map makers follow suit Myanmar is in election mode and campaigning has begun. Political rallies are being held and with the election season underway there is also a controversy involving the Myanmar army. The army holds considerable power over the political establishment in the country and has often been accused of human rights violations. A new report shows how the army is running a global business empire to finance its atrocities. The report is part of an investigation by Amnesty International. It is based on leaked government documents which apparently expose how international companies have been indirectly financing the Myanmar army. Many of the military units that have been receiving funds are involved in human rights violations. The report claims that military generals have been receiving huge revenues from shares in Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL). Also read: How Myanmar army runs a global business empire to finance atrocities It is a secret conglomerate run by the military with several local and foreign businesses as partners. The board of this conglomerate is composed of high-level military figures. It is headed by the military chief Min Aan Laing himself. According to the report, MEHL establishes joint ventures with business partners across Myanmar. This includes business activities like mining, manufacturing and trade.

Casualties in Myanmar may represent war crimes: UN human rights chief

The United States voted against a UN resolution for a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the COVID-19 pandemic, a text that included recognition of the WHO's leadership role, on Friday.

The country was supported only by Israel.

The measure, which has been negotiated since May, was consequently adopted by an overwhelming majority of 169 countries out of 193, with Ukraine and Hungary abstaining.

The text is called an omnibus resolution because it covers multiple aspects of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The resolution "acknowledges the key leadership role of WHO and the fundamental role of the United Nations system in catalysing and coordinating the comprehensive global response to the Covid-19 pandemic."

The text "calls for intensified international cooperation and solidarity to contain, mitigate and overcome the pandemic and its consequences." It supports UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call in March for a ceasefire between countries in order to better facilitate the fight against the pandemic -- a request that has been little followed.

The text additionally calls for "the urgent removal of unjustified obstacles," meaning sanctions, in order to create better access to products used in combatting the virus.

It requests nations to maintain food and agricultural supply chains and encourages synching economic recovery strategies to promote sustainable development and combat climate change.

Ahead of the vote, the United States unsuccessfully attempted to remove a paragraph on protecting women in the area of sexual and reproductive health, over objections about abortion.

Libya and Iraq also voted for the paragraph's removal. However more than 120 countries voted to keep it and 25 countries abstained.

The United States withdrew from the WHO this spring, accusing the body of mismanaging the coronavirus pandemic and delaying launch of a global alert.

The United States voted against a UN resolution for a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the COVID-19 pandemic, a text that included recognition of the WHO's leadership role, on Friday.

The United States voted against a UN resolution for a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the COVID-19 pandemic, a text that included recognition of the WHO's leadership role, on Friday. The country was supported only by Israel. The measure, which has been negotiated since May, was consequently adopted by an overwhelming majority of 169 countries out of 193, with Ukraine and Hungary abstaining. The text is called an omnibus resolution because it covers multiple aspects of the pandemic. The resolution "acknowledges the key leadership role of WHO and the fundamental role of the United Nations system in catalysing and coordinating the comprehensive global response to the Covid-19 pandemic." The text "calls for intensified international cooperation and solidarity to contain, mitigate and overcome the pandemic and its consequences." It supports UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call in March for a ceasefire between countries in order to better facilitate the fight against the pandemic -- a request that has been little followed. The text additionally calls for "the urgent removal of unjustified obstacles," meaning sanctions, in order to create better access to products used in combatting the virus. It requests nations to maintain food and agricultural supply chains and encourages synching economic recovery strategies to promote sustainable development and combat climate change. Ahead of the vote, the United States unsuccessfully attempted to remove a paragraph on protecting women in the area of sexual and reproductive health, over objections about abortion. Libya and Iraq also voted for the paragraph's removal. However more than 120 countries voted to keep it and 25 countries abstained. The United States withdrew from the WHO this spring, accusing the body of mismanaging the coronavirus pandemic and delaying launch of a global alert.

UN adopts coronavirus response resolution; US votes against it

India has highlighted the "culture of violence" in Pakistan which it continues to "foment.. at home and across its borders" at the United Nations.

In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, India said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of religious and ethnic minorities is a cause of persistent concern for international community."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-listed-cross-border-terrorists-impacting-child-rights-india-326713">UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India</a>

It said "talk of ‘culture of peace’ from the delegation of Pakistan is nothing but a decoy to divert attention from their own shameful records"&nbsp;

India pointed out how "blasphemy laws are used against religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Sikhs, to violate their human rights and dignity."

The number of cases of conversions of Hindus and Sikhs have emerged in the country in recent past including of the conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi, which was forceful, according to her family.

India in its statement said, "women and girls remain particularly vulnerable as they are abducted, raped, forcefully converted and married to their violators" and "pandemic has aggravated the situation."

Pakistan has been rocked by a gangrape of a woman on Lahore Sialkot motorway.

India suggested the Pakistani delegation at the UN that "before making absurd allegations against India, where equal rights of people of all faiths are guaranteed by the constitution" the country "must do itself a favour of looking at their own system and records of protecting minorities."

India has highlighted the "culture of violence" in Pakistan which it continues to "foment.. at home and across its borders" at the United Nations. In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, India said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of religious and ethnic minorities is a cause of persistent concern for international community.

India has highlighted the "culture of violence" in Pakistan which it continues to "foment.. at home and across its borders" at the United Nations. In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, India said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of religious and ethnic minorities is a cause of persistent concern for international community." Also read | UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India It said "talk of ‘culture of peace’ from the delegation of Pakistan is nothing but a decoy to divert attention from their own shameful records" India pointed out how "blasphemy laws are used against religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Sikhs, to violate their human rights and dignity." The number of cases of conversions of Hindus and Sikhs have emerged in the country in recent past including of the conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi, which was forceful, according to her family. India in its statement said, "women and girls remain particularly vulnerable as they are abducted, raped, forcefully converted and married to their violators" and "pandemic has aggravated the situation." Pakistan has been rocked by a gangrape of a woman on Lahore Sialkot motorway. India suggested the Pakistani delegation at the UN that "before making absurd allegations against India, where equal rights of people of all faiths are guaranteed by the constitution" the country "must do itself a favour of looking at their own system and records of protecting minorities."

‘Culture of violence’ in Pakistan: India at UN

Concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere hit a record high this year, a United Nations report showed on Wednesday, as an economic slowdown amid the coronavirus pandemic had little long-term effect.

The sharp, but short, dip in emissions earlier this year represented only a blip in the build-up of climate-warming carbon dioxide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/polar-bears-will-be-gone-by-2100-if-greenhouse-emissions-are-left-unchecked-314852" hreflang="en">Polar bears will be gone by 2100 if greenhouse emissions are left unchecked</a>

"Greenhouse gas concentrations - which are already at their highest levels in 3 million years - have continued to rise," said Petteri Taalas, head of the World Meteorological Organization, a U.N. agency based in Geneva.

While daily emissions fell in April by 17% relative to the previous year, those levels were still on a par with 2006 emissions – underlining how much global emissions have grown over the last 15 years.

And by early June, as factories and offices reopened, emissions were back up to within 5% of 2019 levels, according to the report by several U.N. agencies.

Even if 2020 emissions are lower than last year's output by up to 7%, as expected, what is released will still contribute to the long-term concentration built up since the beginning of the industrial era.

Presenting the latest data on emissions, global temperatures and climate impacts on Earth's oceans and frozen regions, the report showed that atmospheric concentration of CO2 hit 414.38 parts per million in July, compared with 411.74 ppm a year earlier. Scientists say they consider 350 ppm, breached in 1988, a safe limit.

As CO2 levels have increased, global temperatures have also risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Scientists say a temperature rise beyond 1.5 or 2 degrees will lead to far worse impacts from climate change across the world, including droughts, stronger storms and extreme sea level rise.

"We are really only&nbsp;adapted and able to deal with a very small range of possible weather," Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford, told Reuters. "Even if this is just perturbed a little bit, we come very quickly to the edges of what we as societies can deal with."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/13-dairy-firms-causing-more-greenhouse-emissions-than-worlds-sixth-largest-economy-306083" hreflang="en">13 dairy firms causing more greenhouse emissions than world's sixth-largest economy</a>

The report detailed how climate change is expected to put hundreds of millions more people at risk of flooding. Access to fresh water is also projected to worsen.

The number of people living in water-scarce areas by mid-century is now estimated to reach up to 3.2 billion, up from the previous estimate of about 1.9 billion.

"It is those who are the most vulnerable in society who are hit fit first," Otto said.

Concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere hit a record high this year, a United Nations report showed on Wednesday, as an economic slowdown amid the coronavirus pandemic had little long-term effect.

Concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere hit a record high this year, a United Nations report showed on Wednesday, as an economic slowdown amid the coronavirus pandemic had little long-term effect. The sharp, but short, dip in emissions earlier this year represented only a blip in the build-up of climate-warming carbon dioxide. Also read: Polar bears will be gone by 2100 if greenhouse emissions are left unchecked "Greenhouse gas concentrations - which are already at their highest levels in 3 million years - have continued to rise," said Petteri Taalas, head of the World Meteorological Organization, a U.N. agency based in Geneva. While daily emissions fell in April by 17% relative to the previous year, those levels were still on a par with 2006 emissions – underlining how much global emissions have grown over the last 15 years. And by early June, as factories and offices reopened, emissions were back up to within 5% of 2019 levels, according to the report by several U.N. agencies. Even if 2020 emissions are lower than last year's output by up to 7%, as expected, what is released will still contribute to the long-term concentration built up since the beginning of the industrial era. Presenting the latest data on emissions, global temperatures and climate impacts on Earth's oceans and frozen regions, the report showed that atmospheric concentration of CO2 hit 414.38 parts per million in July, compared with 411.74 ppm a year earlier. Scientists say they consider 350 ppm, breached in 1988, a safe limit. As CO2 levels have increased, global temperatures have also risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Scientists say a temperature rise beyond 1.5 or 2 degrees will lead to far worse impacts from climate change across the world, including droughts, stronger storms and extreme sea level rise. "We are really only adapted and able to deal with a very small range of possible weather," Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford, told Reuters. "Even if this is just perturbed a little bit, we come very quickly to the edges of what we as societies can deal with." Also read: 13 dairy firms causing more greenhouse emissions than world's sixth-largest economy The report detailed how climate change is expected to put hundreds of millions more people at risk of flooding. Access to fresh water is also projected to worsen. The number of people living in water-scarce areas by mid-century is now estimated to reach up to 3.2 billion, up from the previous estimate of about 1.9 billion. "It is those who are the most vulnerable in society who are hit fit first," Otto said.

Build-up of greenhouse gases hits new record despite lockdowns, UN report finds

India's child mortality rate has declined substantially between 1990 and 2019 but the country, along with Nigeria, still accounted for almost a third of all under-five deaths last year, according to a new report which warned that COVID-19 pandemic threatens to undo decades of progress in eliminating preventable child deaths globally.

The 'Levels &amp; Trends in Child Mortality' Report 2020 said that the number of global under-five deaths dropped to its lowest point on record in 2019 - down to 5.2 million from 12.5 million in 1990.

Over the past 30 years, health services to prevent or treat causes of child death such as preterm, low birth weight, complications during birth, neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, as well as vaccination, have played a large role in saving millions of lives.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in major disruptions to health services that threaten to undo decades of hard-won progress toward eliminating preventable child deaths.

According to the new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the World Bank Group, the under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined to 34 in 2019 from 126 in 1990.

The country registered a 4.5 per cent annual rate of reduction in under-five mortality between 1990-2019. The number of under-five deaths in India dropped from 3.4 million in 1990 to 824,000 in 2019.

The infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined from 89 in 1990 to 28 last year, with the country registering 679000 infant deaths last year, a significant decline from 2.4 million infant deaths in 1990.

The country also witnessed a decrease in neonatal mortality rate between 1990 and 2019 from 57 to 22 - 1.5 million neonatal deaths in 1990 to 522,000 deaths in 2019.

Further, the probability of dying among children aged 5-14 years declined from 21 in 1990 to 5 in 2019 (447,000 deaths in 1990 to 136,000 deaths in 2019) and the probability of dying among youth aged 15-24 years dipped from 24 to 10 (407,000 deaths to 246,000 deaths) between the period under review.

The sex-specific under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India in 1990 stood at 122 males and 131 females and this declined to 34 males and 35 females in 2019. The regions of Central and Southern Asia and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) both saw a faster decline in under-five mortality from 2010-2019 compared to 2000-2009.

However, the global burden of under-five deaths weighs most heavily on just two regions - sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia.

The report said that about 53 per cent of all under-five deaths in 2019 - 2.8 million - occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, and roughly 1.5 million children (28 per cent) died in 2019 before reaching age 5 in Central and Southern Asia.

These two regions alone accounted for more than 80 per cent of the 5.2 million global under-five deaths in 2019, but they only accounted for 52 per cent of the global under-five population. "Nearly half (49 per cent) of all under-five deaths in 2019 occurred in just five countries: Nigeria, India, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia. Nigeria and India alone account for almost a third," the report said.

The report added that countries worldwide are now experiencing disruptions in child and maternal health services, such as health checkups, vaccinations and prenatal and post-natal care, due to resource constraints and a general uneasiness with using health services due to a fear of getting COVID-19.

"The global community has come too far towards eliminating preventable child deaths to allow the COVID-19 pandemic to stop us in our tracks. When children are denied access to health services because the system is overrun, and when women are afraid to give birth at the hospital for fear of infection, they, too, may become casualties of COVID-19. Without urgent investments to re-start disrupted health systems and services, millions of children under five, especially newborns, could die," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

Even before COVID-19, newborns were at highest risk of death. In 2019, a newborn baby died every 13 seconds. Moreover, 47 per cent of all under-five deaths occurred in the neonatal period, up from 40 per cent in 1990.

With severe disruptions in essential health services, newborn babies could be at much higher risk of dying. The report said that meeting the SDG target on under-five mortality would save the lives of almost 11 million children.

On current trends, about 48 million children under 5 years of age will die between 2020 and 2030, half of them newborns. More than half (57 per cent) of these 48 million deaths will occur in sub-Saharan Africa (28 million) and 25 per cent in Central and Southern Asia (12 million).

India's child mortality rate has declined substantially between 1990 and 2019 but the country, along with Nigeria, still accounted for almost a third of all under-five deaths last year, according to a new report which warned that COVID-19 pandemic threatens to undo decades of progress in eliminating preventable child deaths globally.

India's child mortality rate has declined substantially between 1990 and 2019 but the country, along with Nigeria, still accounted for almost a third of all under-five deaths last year, according to a new report which warned that COVID-19 pandemic threatens to undo decades of progress in eliminating preventable child deaths globally. The 'Levels & Trends in Child Mortality' Report 2020 said that the number of global under-five deaths dropped to its lowest point on record in 2019 - down to 5.2 million from 12.5 million in 1990. Over the past 30 years, health services to prevent or treat causes of child death such as preterm, low birth weight, complications during birth, neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, as well as vaccination, have played a large role in saving millions of lives. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in major disruptions to health services that threaten to undo decades of hard-won progress toward eliminating preventable child deaths. According to the new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the World Bank Group, the under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined to 34 in 2019 from 126 in 1990. The country registered a 4.5 per cent annual rate of reduction in under-five mortality between 1990-2019. The number of under-five deaths in India dropped from 3.4 million in 1990 to 824,000 in 2019. The infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined from 89 in 1990 to 28 last year, with the country registering 679000 infant deaths last year, a significant decline from 2.4 million infant deaths in 1990. The country also witnessed a decrease in neonatal mortality rate between 1990 and 2019 from 57 to 22 - 1.5 million neonatal deaths in 1990 to 522,000 deaths in 2019. Further, the probability of dying among children aged 5-14 years declined from 21 in 1990 to 5 in 2019 (447,000 deaths in 1990 to 136,000 deaths in 2019) and the probability of dying among youth aged 15-24 years dipped from 24 to 10 (407,000 deaths to 246,000 deaths) between the period under review. The sex-specific under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India in 1990 stood at 122 males and 131 females and this declined to 34 males and 35 females in 2019. The regions of Central and Southern Asia and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) both saw a faster decline in under-five mortality from 2010-2019 compared to 2000-2009. However, the global burden of under-five deaths weighs most heavily on just two regions - sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia. The report said that about 53 per cent of all under-five deaths in 2019 - 2.8 million - occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, and roughly 1.5 million children (28 per cent) died in 2019 before reaching age 5 in Central and Southern Asia. These two regions alone accounted for more than 80 per cent of the 5.2 million global under-five deaths in 2019, but they only accounted for 52 per cent of the global under-five population. "Nearly half (49 per cent) of all under-five deaths in 2019 occurred in just five countries: Nigeria, India, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia. Nigeria and India alone account for almost a third," the report said. The report added that countries worldwide are now experiencing disruptions in child and maternal health services, such as health checkups, vaccinations and prenatal and post-natal care, due to resource constraints and a general uneasiness with using health services due to a fear of getting COVID-19. "The global community has come too far towards eliminating preventable child deaths to allow the COVID-19 pandemic to stop us in our tracks. When children are denied access to health services because the system is overrun, and when women are afraid to give birth at the hospital for fear of infection, they, too, may become casualties of COVID-19. Without urgent investments to re-start disrupted health systems and services, millions of children under five, especially newborns, could die," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. Even before COVID-19, newborns were at highest risk of death. In 2019, a newborn baby died every 13 seconds. Moreover, 47 per cent of all under-five deaths occurred in the neonatal period, up from 40 per cent in 1990. With severe disruptions in essential health services, newborn babies could be at much higher risk of dying. The report said that meeting the SDG target on under-five mortality would save the lives of almost 11 million children. On current trends, about 48 million children under 5 years of age will die between 2020 and 2030, half of them newborns. More than half (57 per cent) of these 48 million deaths will occur in sub-Saharan Africa (28 million) and 25 per cent in Central and Southern Asia (12 million).

India's child mortality rate declined between 1990 and 2019: United Nations

September 7 was observed as the first-ever International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies as part of a resolution taken by the United Nations (UN

International Clean Air Day: Efforts to raise awareness on importance of clean air

Near-record violence in Afghanistan in the last few weeks creates an atmosphere of mistrust and risks derailing the peace negotiations set to begin soon between the Afghan government and the Taliban, according to a top UN official in the war-ravaged country.

The planned negotiations stem from a landmark pact the US signed with the Taliban in February to promote a peaceful settlement to the Afghan war, the longest overseas military intervention by the American military.

"As I speak, Afghans representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are preparing to sit with other Afghans representing the Taliban to discuss, at long last, a political settlement to the conflict. This is truly a historic moment," Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in a briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday.

"After four decades of war, the people of Afghanistan have more reason than ever to hope that this devastating conflict, which has brought so much suffering, may finally come to an end,? Lyons, also the Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said.

She, however, warned that this will be a long and challenging process and already, the pre-talks phase has raised difficult issues related to prisoner releases, which have taken five months to resolve.

Eventually the negotiations will have to tackle a range of profound questions about the kind of country Afghans want. These can only be addressed by Afghans talking with other Afghans. Solutions will not be found on the battlefield, we know this, nor can they be imposed from the outside,? she said.

Lyons cautioned that despite the air of cautious optimism, the level of violence on the battlefield remains deeply worrying and the last few weeks have seen near-record numbers of security incidents, including egregious attacks by spoilers targeting civilians involved in the peace process.

"We must keep in mind the terrible consequences of this violence. The conflict continues to kill and injure hundreds of Afghans every week.And as we look towards the peace talks this violence also creates an atmosphere of mistrust that risks derailing negotiations," she said.

With the negotiations, hosted by Qatar, set to launch soon, she exhorted parties to place a humanitarian ceasefire atop the agenda, and pressed all countries to amplify this call.

"The coming days will hopefully bring the formal launch of intra-Afghan negotiations. I said the coming days, not the coming weeks," she said thanking member states, including Qatar and the United States as well as many others who have engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to get us to this point.

For our part, the UN will be working with international partners to support both parties and the host countries throughout the process.

She added that a peace process, and even a peace agreement, does not peace make.

All of us must do our part to create a conducive environment for peace talks. In parallel, we must ensure that the ground is prepared for peace to flourish once an agreement is reached, she said.

"Women's rights are also emerging as among the most difficult issues confronting the parties as they enter negotiations and one around which any compromises will pose a difficult dilemma for member states," she said.

This issue will be more central in the Afghan peace process than we have ever seen in any other peace negotiation in recent memory, she added.

Lyons said she has initiated a series of meetings with a countrywide network of Afghan women on the peace process, which is giving the UN important insights into their concerns, as well as possible avenues for greater engagement.

But we all know that it is women's representation at the peace table that offers the best opportunity to ensure that their own rights are upheld, and that their vision for elements of a peaceful Afghanistan is reflected in all aspects of the talks, she said.

Lyons commended the women members of the Afghan negotiating team and other peace structures for their energetic outreach and substantive preparations for intra-Afghan talks.

"As of this moment, we are not yet aware of any women's representation on the Taliban side, but we remain hopeful that they, too, will find a way of meaningfully including women, the other 50 per cent of the population, in their negotiation team," she said. 
&nbsp;

Near-record violence in Afghanistan in the last few weeks creates an atmosphere of mistrust and risks derailing the peace negotiations set to begin soon between the Afghan government and the Taliban, according to a top UN official in the war-ravaged country.

Near-record violence in Afghanistan in the last few weeks creates an atmosphere of mistrust and risks derailing the peace negotiations set to begin soon between the Afghan government and the Taliban, according to a top UN official in the war-ravaged country. The planned negotiations stem from a landmark pact the US signed with the Taliban in February to promote a peaceful settlement to the Afghan war, the longest overseas military intervention by the American military. "As I speak, Afghans representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are preparing to sit with other Afghans representing the Taliban to discuss, at long last, a political settlement to the conflict. This is truly a historic moment," Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in a briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday. "After four decades of war, the people of Afghanistan have more reason than ever to hope that this devastating conflict, which has brought so much suffering, may finally come to an end,? Lyons, also the Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said. She, however, warned that this will be a long and challenging process and already, the pre-talks phase has raised difficult issues related to prisoner releases, which have taken five months to resolve. Eventually the negotiations will have to tackle a range of profound questions about the kind of country Afghans want. These can only be addressed by Afghans talking with other Afghans. Solutions will not be found on the battlefield, we know this, nor can they be imposed from the outside,? she said. Lyons cautioned that despite the air of cautious optimism, the level of violence on the battlefield remains deeply worrying and the last few weeks have seen near-record numbers of security incidents, including egregious attacks by spoilers targeting civilians involved in the peace process. "We must keep in mind the terrible consequences of this violence. The conflict continues to kill and injure hundreds of Afghans every week.And as we look towards the peace talks this violence also creates an atmosphere of mistrust that risks derailing negotiations," she said. With the negotiations, hosted by Qatar, set to launch soon, she exhorted parties to place a humanitarian ceasefire atop the agenda, and pressed all countries to amplify this call. "The coming days will hopefully bring the formal launch of intra-Afghan negotiations. I said the coming days, not the coming weeks," she said thanking member states, including Qatar and the United States as well as many others who have engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to get us to this point. For our part, the UN will be working with international partners to support both parties and the host countries throughout the process. She added that a peace process, and even a peace agreement, does not peace make. All of us must do our part to create a conducive environment for peace talks. In parallel, we must ensure that the ground is prepared for peace to flourish once an agreement is reached, she said. "Women's rights are also emerging as among the most difficult issues confronting the parties as they enter negotiations and one around which any compromises will pose a difficult dilemma for member states," she said. This issue will be more central in the Afghan peace process than we have ever seen in any other peace negotiation in recent memory, she added. Lyons said she has initiated a series of meetings with a countrywide network of Afghan women on the peace process, which is giving the UN important insights into their concerns, as well as possible avenues for greater engagement. But we all know that it is women's representation at the peace table that offers the best opportunity to ensure that their own rights are upheld, and that their vision for elements of a peaceful Afghanistan is reflected in all aspects of the talks, she said. Lyons commended the women members of the Afghan negotiating team and other peace structures for their energetic outreach and substantive preparations for intra-Afghan talks. "As of this moment, we are not yet aware of any women's representation on the Taliban side, but we remain hopeful that they, too, will find a way of meaningfully including women, the other 50 per cent of the population, in their negotiation team," she said.

Near-record violence risks derailing peace negotiations between Afghan govt, Taliban: top UN official

Pakistan has failed to list two Indians as United Nations listed international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The listing was blocked by 5 UNSC countries--UK, USA, France, Germany and Belgium after no evidence was found to substantiate Pakistani claim. Pakistan was keen to list Indian nationals Gobinda Patnaik, and Angara Appaji as UN terrorist.&nbsp;

UNSC members gave Pakistan time to provide evidence but Islamabad could not provide it. A hold was put for Pakistan to come up with evidence but the country failed.

India's envoy to UN T. S. Tirumurti tweeted, "Pakistan’s blatant attempt to politicize 1267 special procedure on terrorism by giving it a religious colour, has been thwarted by UN Security Council. We thank all those Council members who have blocked Pakistan’s designs."

Earlier, it attempted to list two other Indians-- Venumadhav Dongara, Ajoy Mistry as a terrorist, but the bid failed. Pakistani foreign ministry in a statement in June had expressed its "disappointment" for not able to list Dongar. It alleged that these Indians were backing groups like Jamaat-ul-Ahrar etc.

The move was considered a quid pro quo move by Pakistan for India able to get Masood Azhar listed as a UN terrorist last year. Azhar is the chief of Pakistan-based UN listed terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed responsible for Pulwama terror attack, among other attacks in India.

Pakistani nationals are listed in the largest number at the UN terror list.

Pakistan has failed to list two Indians as United Nations listed international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The listing was blocked by 5 UNSC countries--UK, USA, France, Germany and Belgium after no evidence was found to substantiate Pakistani claim.

Pakistan has failed to list two Indians as United Nations listed international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The listing was blocked by 5 UNSC countries--UK, USA, France, Germany and Belgium after no evidence was found to substantiate Pakistani claim. Pakistan was keen to list Indian nationals Gobinda Patnaik, and Angara Appaji as UN terrorist. UNSC members gave Pakistan time to provide evidence but Islamabad could not provide it. A hold was put for Pakistan to come up with evidence but the country failed. India's envoy to UN T. S. Tirumurti tweeted, "Pakistan’s blatant attempt to politicize 1267 special procedure on terrorism by giving it a religious colour, has been thwarted by UN Security Council. We thank all those Council members who have blocked Pakistan’s designs." Earlier, it attempted to list two other Indians-- Venumadhav Dongara, Ajoy Mistry as a terrorist, but the bid failed. Pakistani foreign ministry in a statement in June had expressed its "disappointment" for not able to list Dongar. It alleged that these Indians were backing groups like Jamaat-ul-Ahrar etc. The move was considered a quid pro quo move by Pakistan for India able to get Masood Azhar listed as a UN terrorist last year. Azhar is the chief of Pakistan-based UN listed terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed responsible for Pulwama terror attack, among other attacks in India. Pakistani nationals are listed in the largest number at the UN terror list.

Five countries block Pakistan's move to list Indians as terrorist at UN

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both been known to&nbsp;finance terrorists, providing&nbsp;them safe havens. Both the countries are also linked to major terror attacks - &nbsp; 9/11 in the US and 26/11 in Mumbai. And now both these countries may be controlling the United Nations office for counter-terrorism.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have an illustrious record when it comes to terrorism. And now they control the UN office that is supposed to ensure international cooperation against terrorism.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-and-saudi-arabia-running-un-anti-terror-office-324838/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A new report claims that Saudi Arabia wants to influence counter-terrorism efforts at the United Nations through big donations, and that an international civil servant of Pakistani origin, Jehangir Khan is the director of this branch of the UN.

In 2011, the UN created the counter-terrorism centre to promote cooperation for anti-terrorism efforts and support member states. From day one, Saudi Arabia has been the biggest donor to this centre. It started with 10 million Dollars. Three years later, it increased its contribution by 10 times. Saudi Arabia donated 100 million Dollars to the counter-terrorism centre.

This centre survives on donation because what it gets from the UN budget covers only 4 per cent of its expenses, while the rest of the money comes from member states. And Saudi cash makes up 47 per cent of the entire fund.

So why does Riyadh spend so much money on it?&nbsp;

The report also says Saudi Arabia's influence and power is hard to measure. For instance, Saudi Arabia decides who will be in-charge. Its ambassador to the UN has been the chair of this centre's advisory board since 2012. Saudi Arabia decides where meetings will be held, and at least two board meetings of this centre have taken place in Riyadh. One meeting that took place in 2018 was attended by Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Saudi Arabia also decides how the money will be spent. In 2018, the UN conducted an internal audit of the centre, which the Saudis did not like. Another audit was then ordered. A proposal in the original audit report recommended a new system of functioning which would have limited Saudi Arabia's influence. It said that the role, membership and working methods of the centre should be reviewed and that its funding should be diversified.

The Pakistan connection

An insider in the ruling Saudi elite feels that Riyadh doesn't "get much" from the UN centre for its money. And this is where Pakistan comes in. Jehangir Khan is the director of the United Nations counter-terrorism centre. He is said to have close ties to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The report calls him "the Saudi whisperer". However, there is no direct evidence against Jehangir Khan which says that he's influencing the UN counter-terrorism efforts on behalf of Saudi Arabia or Pakistan.

Jehangir Khan started his career as an international diplomat with the Saudi Arabian mission to the UN, and has now completed 20 years in the organisation.

According to one claim Khan is goal oriented but secretive. Another person says he takes over projects that will "satisfy the Saudis". High level UN staff members are required to file a financial disclosure form. But it’s upto them whether they want to make it public or not.

Jehangir Khan has kept his financial disclosures private. As a UN servant Jehangir Khan was able to purchase two apartments in the Trump world tower at the UN Plaza, properties worth well over three million Dollars. Khan denies all charges of impropriety.&nbsp;

In 2016 the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon made a very serious accusation and said that Saudi Arabia was exerting unacceptable and undue pressure on the UN.&nbsp;This was after the Saudi led military coalition for Yemen was blacklisted. When the Saudi coalition was found responsible for the deaths of hundreds of children in the war, Riyadh threatened to cut funding to UN programmes. Owing to this, UN removed the Saudi-led coalition from the blacklist.

As of July this year Saudi Arabia is the world's largest donor to the UN counter-terrorism office. A few years back, Saudi Arabia was also the head of the UN Human Rights Council.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both been known to finance terrorists, providing them safe havens. Both the countries are also linked to major terror attacks - 9/11 in the US and 26/11 in Mumbai.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both been known to finance terrorists, providing them safe havens. Both the countries are also linked to major terror attacks - 9/11 in the US and 26/11 in Mumbai. And now both these countries may be controlling the United Nations office for counter-terrorism. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have an illustrious record when it comes to terrorism. And now they control the UN office that is supposed to ensure international cooperation against terrorism. A new report claims that Saudi Arabia wants to influence counter-terrorism efforts at the United Nations through big donations, and that an international civil servant of Pakistani origin, Jehangir Khan is the director of this branch of the UN. In 2011, the UN created the counter-terrorism centre to promote cooperation for anti-terrorism efforts and support member states. From day one, Saudi Arabia has been the biggest donor to this centre. It started with 10 million Dollars. Three years later, it increased its contribution by 10 times. Saudi Arabia donated 100 million Dollars to the counter-terrorism centre. This centre survives on donation because what it gets from the UN budget covers only 4 per cent of its expenses, while the rest of the money comes from member states. And Saudi cash makes up 47 per cent of the entire fund. So why does Riyadh spend so much money on it? The report also says Saudi Arabia's influence and power is hard to measure. For instance, Saudi Arabia decides who will be in-charge. Its ambassador to the UN has been the chair of this centre's advisory board since 2012. Saudi Arabia decides where meetings will be held, and at least two board meetings of this centre have taken place in Riyadh. One meeting that took place in 2018 was attended by Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Saudi Arabia also decides how the money will be spent. In 2018, the UN conducted an internal audit of the centre, which the Saudis did not like. Another audit was then ordered. A proposal in the original audit report recommended a new system of functioning which would have limited Saudi Arabia's influence. It said that the role, membership and working methods of the centre should be reviewed and that its funding should be diversified. The Pakistan connection An insider in the ruling Saudi elite feels that Riyadh doesn't "get much" from the UN centre for its money. And this is where Pakistan comes in. Jehangir Khan is the director of the United Nations counter-terrorism centre. He is said to have close ties to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The report calls him "the Saudi whisperer". However, there is no direct evidence against Jehangir Khan which says that he's influencing the UN counter-terrorism efforts on behalf of Saudi Arabia or Pakistan. Jehangir Khan started his career as an international diplomat with the Saudi Arabian mission to the UN, and has now completed 20 years in the organisation. According to one claim Khan is goal oriented but secretive. Another person says he takes over projects that will "satisfy the Saudis". High level UN staff members are required to file a financial disclosure form. But it’s upto them whether they want to make it public or not. Jehangir Khan has kept his financial disclosures private. As a UN servant Jehangir Khan was able to purchase two apartments in the Trump world tower at the UN Plaza, properties worth well over three million Dollars. Khan denies all charges of impropriety. In 2016 the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon made a very serious accusation and said that Saudi Arabia was exerting unacceptable and undue pressure on the UN. This was after the Saudi led military coalition for Yemen was blacklisted. When the Saudi coalition was found responsible for the deaths of hundreds of children in the war, Riyadh threatened to cut funding to UN programmes. Owing to this, UN removed the Saudi-led coalition from the blacklist. As of July this year Saudi Arabia is the world's largest donor to the UN counter-terrorism office. A few years back, Saudi Arabia was also the head of the UN Human Rights Council.

How Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are influencing UN's counter-terrorism wing

Half of all refugee children were already out of school before the coronavirus hit, and the UN cautioned Thursday the pandemic risked deepening a crisis robbing millions of future prospects.

A new report from the UNHCR refugee agency warned that many refugee children, especially girls, who had attended school before the novel coronavirus swept the world would not be able to return.

"After everything they have endured, we cannot rob them of their futures by denying them an education today," UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said in a statement, calling for action to support refugees' right to an education.

The report, using data from 12 countries that host more than half of the world's refugee children, found that more than 1.8 million of them — or a full 48 per cent of all refugee children of school age — are out of school.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-migrants-moved-off-banksy-funded-rescue-vessel-stranded-in-mediterranean-324157">Also read:&nbsp;All migrants moved off Banksy-funded rescue vessel stranded in Mediterranean</a>

Attendance is particularly lacklustre in secondary school and higher.

Around 77 per cent of the refugee children were enrolled in primary school, but only 31 per cent attended secondary school and three per cent were in higher education, the report showed.

While the UNHCR said a shift in methodology made it difficult to compare with data from previous years, it noted the statistics, dire as they look, actually represent a small improvement.&nbsp;

A 2019 report indicated that only one percent of refugees worldwide were in higher education.

But the pandemic is now threatening to undo even the small advances made, it said.

'Chilling prediction'

The report found that while children in every country have been hit by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures put in place to rein in the virus, refugee children have been especially disadvantaged.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-migrant-arrivals-fuel-local-anger-in-italys-lampedusa-324133">Also read:&nbsp;More migrant arrivals fuel local anger in Italy's Lampedusa</a>

Refugee children are far more likely than others to face difficulty returning to their studies, with many refugee families no longer able to afford school fees, uniforms and books as income sources dry up.

They are also less likely to have access to the technologies needed for remote learning and could be required to work to help keep their struggling families afloat.

This is particularly true for refugee girls, who already had less access to education than boys.

By the time they reach secondary level, refugee girls are half as likely as their male peers to be enrolled in school, according to UNHCR, warning the coronavirus crisis risked making the gender disparities worse.

Using UNHCR data, the Malala Fund, which works towards removing barriers preventing girls from going to school, &nbsp;estimated that a full half of all refugee girls who were attending secondary school when the pandemic hit will not return when classrooms reopen this month.

And in countries where less than 10 percent of refugee girls were enrolled in secondary school, all of them were at risk of dropping out for good.

That, UNHCR underlined, is "a chilling prediction that would have an impact for generations to come."

Half of all refugee children were already out of school before the coronavirus hit, and the UN cautioned Thursday the pandemic risked deepening a crisis robbing millions of future prospects.

Half of all refugee children were already out of school before the coronavirus hit, and the UN cautioned Thursday the pandemic risked deepening a crisis robbing millions of future prospects. A new report from the UNHCR refugee agency warned that many refugee children, especially girls, who had attended school before the novel coronavirus swept the world would not be able to return. "After everything they have endured, we cannot rob them of their futures by denying them an education today," UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said in a statement, calling for action to support refugees' right to an education. The report, using data from 12 countries that host more than half of the world's refugee children, found that more than 1.8 million of them — or a full 48 per cent of all refugee children of school age — are out of school. Also read: All migrants moved off Banksy-funded rescue vessel stranded in Mediterranean Attendance is particularly lacklustre in secondary school and higher. Around 77 per cent of the refugee children were enrolled in primary school, but only 31 per cent attended secondary school and three per cent were in higher education, the report showed. While the UNHCR said a shift in methodology made it difficult to compare with data from previous years, it noted the statistics, dire as they look, actually represent a small improvement. A 2019 report indicated that only one percent of refugees worldwide were in higher education. But the pandemic is now threatening to undo even the small advances made, it said. 'Chilling prediction' The report found that while children in every country have been hit by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures put in place to rein in the virus, refugee children have been especially disadvantaged. Also read: More migrant arrivals fuel local anger in Italy's Lampedusa Refugee children are far more likely than others to face difficulty returning to their studies, with many refugee families no longer able to afford school fees, uniforms and books as income sources dry up. They are also less likely to have access to the technologies needed for remote learning and could be required to work to help keep their struggling families afloat. This is particularly true for refugee girls, who already had less access to education than boys. By the time they reach secondary level, refugee girls are half as likely as their male peers to be enrolled in school, according to UNHCR, warning the coronavirus crisis risked making the gender disparities worse. Using UNHCR data, the Malala Fund, which works towards removing barriers preventing girls from going to school, estimated that a full half of all refugee girls who were attending secondary school when the pandemic hit will not return when classrooms reopen this month. And in countries where less than 10 percent of refugee girls were enrolled in secondary school, all of them were at risk of dropping out for good. That, UNHCR underlined, is "a chilling prediction that would have an impact for generations to come."

Pandemic threatens refugee children's limited schooling: UN

In an interesting turn of events, the United Nations (UN) has appointed a Chinese official&nbsp;as a judge to settle international disputes on the sea.

A Chinese ambassador,&nbsp;Duan Jielong has been elected as a Judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

The Tribunal is an independent judicial body based in Hamburg, Germany. It was established in 1996 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

It settles disputes on the interpretation and application of the convention, and&nbsp;168 countries are party to this convention. The convention&nbsp;elects a 21-seat tribunal. Elections to seven&nbsp;seats were held recently, and Chinese ambassador Duan Jielong was elected to one of these seats, and his&nbsp;term starts on october 01.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-being-rewarded-for-its-aggression-323296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This is problematic as Beijing's track record speaks of violating law of the sea more than any other country. It boycotts court hearings on maritime disputes and&nbsp;does not accept international verdicts.

In 20016, the&nbsp;permanent court of arbitration in the hague held China guilty and said that China has violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines in the sea. China declared the decision as illegal, null and void.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

China is at odds with six countries in the south china sea:&nbsp;The Philippines,&nbsp;Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. It has also engagaged Japan in the East China sea. This is China's way of overtaking the&nbsp;region's strategic and economic value.

China began claiming the spratly islands as early as the 1970s and&nbsp;has increased the size of some islands. It has also created around 3,200 acres of new land in the Spratly islands since 2013. It has militarised the paracel islands, and created 27 outposts in the Woody islands.

China regularly carries out military drills in the sea, but will now sit in judgment of others.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson,&nbsp;Zhao Lijian, said, "I believe the judges-elect will do their duty justly and contribute to the court."

This tribunal has received 28 cases since its establishment. Recently, a Chinese vessel trespassed Japanese waters. Similarly, Vietnam is considering legal action against China for trying to grab Vietnamese land.&nbsp;If Japan and Vietnam drag Beijing to this tribunal, there's less chances of&nbsp;Duan giving out an unbiased ruling.

In an interesting turn of events, the United Nations (UN) has appointed a Chinese official as a judge to settle international disputes on the sea. A Chinese ambassador, Duan Jielong has been elected as a Judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

In an interesting turn of events, the United Nations (UN) has appointed a Chinese official as a judge to settle international disputes on the sea. A Chinese ambassador, Duan Jielong has been elected as a Judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The Tribunal is an independent judicial body based in Hamburg, Germany. It was established in 1996 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Also read| South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory It settles disputes on the interpretation and application of the convention, and 168 countries are party to this convention. The convention elects a 21-seat tribunal. Elections to seven seats were held recently, and Chinese ambassador Duan Jielong was elected to one of these seats, and his term starts on october 01. This is problematic as Beijing's track record speaks of violating law of the sea more than any other country. It boycotts court hearings on maritime disputes and does not accept international verdicts. In 20016, the permanent court of arbitration in the hague held China guilty and said that China has violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines in the sea. China declared the decision as illegal, null and void. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION China is at odds with six countries in the south china sea: The Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. It has also engagaged Japan in the East China sea. This is China's way of overtaking the region's strategic and economic value. China began claiming the spratly islands as early as the 1970s and has increased the size of some islands. It has also created around 3,200 acres of new land in the Spratly islands since 2013. It has militarised the paracel islands, and created 27 outposts in the Woody islands. China regularly carries out military drills in the sea, but will now sit in judgment of others. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, said, "I believe the judges-elect will do their duty justly and contribute to the court." This tribunal has received 28 cases since its establishment. Recently, a Chinese vessel trespassed Japanese waters. Similarly, Vietnam is considering legal action against China for trying to grab Vietnamese land. If Japan and Vietnam drag Beijing to this tribunal, there's less chances of Duan giving out an unbiased ruling.

Chinese ambassador wins seat International Tribunal for Law on the Sea

Indian mission at UN exposes Pakistan. Pakistan peddled lies through its mission at UN. Pak slammed for ridiculous assertions about India.

Indian mission exposes Pakistan's lies at United Nations

The United States has suffered another&nbsp;setback over its bid to reimpose international sanctions on Iran with 13 countries on the 15-member UN Security Council opposing US push for sanction against&nbsp;

The majority argued that Washington's move is void given it is using a process agreed under a nuclear deal that it quit two years ago.

In the 24 hours since US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he triggered a 30-day countdown to a return of UN sanctions on Iran, including an arms embargo, long-time allies Britain, France, Germany and Belgium as well as China, Russia, Vietnam, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Indonesia, Estonia and Tunisia have already written letters in opposition, seen by Reuters.

The United States has accused Iran of breaching a 2015 deal with world powers that aimed to stop Tehran developing nuclear weapons in return for sanctions relief. But President Donald Trump described it as the "worst deal ever" and quit in 2018.

Diplomats said Russia, China and many other countries are unlikely to reimpose the sanctions on Iran. Pompeo again warned Russia and China against that on Friday, threatening US action if they refuse to reimpose the UN measures on Iran.

The United States acted on Thursday after the Security Council resoundingly rejected its bid last week to extend an arms embargo on Iran beyond its expiration in October. Only the Dominican Republic joined Washington in voting yes.

Dominican Republic has not yet written to the council to state its position on the sanctions snapback push. 
Under the process Washington says it has triggered, it appears all UN sanctions should be reimposed at midnight GMT on September 19 - just days before Trump is due to address world leaders at the UN General Assembly, the annual meeting that will be largely virtual because of the coronavirus pandemic.

A 2015 Security Council resolution enshrining the nuclear deal states that if no council member has put forward a draft resolution to extend sanctions relief on Iran within 10 days of a non-compliance complaint, then the body's president shall do so within the remaining 20 days.

The United States would be able to veto this, giving it a cleaner argument that sanctions on Iran have to be reimposed.

However, the 2015 resolution also says the council would "take into account the views of the states involved." Given the strong opposition, some diplomats say the council president - Indonesia for August and Niger for September - would not have to put up a draft text.

Pompeo and outgoing US Iran envoy Brian Hook signalled that Washington expects Indonesia or Niger to put a text to a vote. Another US option is to put forward the draft itself or ask the Dominican Republic to do so.

The United States argues that it can trigger the sanctions snapback process because the 2015 Security Council resolution still names it as a nuclear deal participant.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, distanced himself from the showdown in the Security Council. 
"Security Council members will need to interpret their own resolution," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. "It's not the Secretary-General."

The United States has suffered another setback over its bid to reimpose international sanctions on Iran with 13 countries on the 15-member UN Security Council opposing US push for sanction against The majority argued that Washington's move is void given it is using a process agreed under a nuclear deal that it quit two years ago.

The United States has suffered another setback over its bid to reimpose international sanctions on Iran with 13 countries on the 15-member UN Security Council opposing US push for sanction against The majority argued that Washington's move is void given it is using a process agreed under a nuclear deal that it quit two years ago. In the 24 hours since US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he triggered a 30-day countdown to a return of UN sanctions on Iran, including an arms embargo, long-time allies Britain, France, Germany and Belgium as well as China, Russia, Vietnam, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Indonesia, Estonia and Tunisia have already written letters in opposition, seen by Reuters. The United States has accused Iran of breaching a 2015 deal with world powers that aimed to stop Tehran developing nuclear weapons in return for sanctions relief. But President Donald Trump described it as the "worst deal ever" and quit in 2018. Diplomats said Russia, China and many other countries are unlikely to reimpose the sanctions on Iran. Pompeo again warned Russia and China against that on Friday, threatening US action if they refuse to reimpose the UN measures on Iran. The United States acted on Thursday after the Security Council resoundingly rejected its bid last week to extend an arms embargo on Iran beyond its expiration in October. Only the Dominican Republic joined Washington in voting yes. Dominican Republic has not yet written to the council to state its position on the sanctions snapback push. Under the process Washington says it has triggered, it appears all UN sanctions should be reimposed at midnight GMT on September 19 - just days before Trump is due to address world leaders at the UN General Assembly, the annual meeting that will be largely virtual because of the coronavirus pandemic. A 2015 Security Council resolution enshrining the nuclear deal states that if no council member has put forward a draft resolution to extend sanctions relief on Iran within 10 days of a non-compliance complaint, then the body's president shall do so within the remaining 20 days. The United States would be able to veto this, giving it a cleaner argument that sanctions on Iran have to be reimposed. However, the 2015 resolution also says the council would "take into account the views of the states involved." Given the strong opposition, some diplomats say the council president - Indonesia for August and Niger for September - would not have to put up a draft text. Pompeo and outgoing US Iran envoy Brian Hook signalled that Washington expects Indonesia or Niger to put a text to a vote. Another US option is to put forward the draft itself or ask the Dominican Republic to do so. The United States argues that it can trigger the sanctions snapback process because the 2015 Security Council resolution still names it as a nuclear deal participant. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, distanced himself from the showdown in the Security Council. "Security Council members will need to interpret their own resolution," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. "It's not the Secretary-General."

Majority of UN Security Council members oppose US push for Iran sanctions

The United States moved to restore all UN sanctions on Iran on Thursday, arguing Tehran was in violation of a nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015 even though Washington itself abandoned that agreement two years ago. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-people-responsible-for-boeing-crash-as-protests-rage-in-tehran-274213">Also read | Let's replace Iran nuclear deal with 'Trump deal': PM Johnson</a> 
 
The United States submitted a letter to the 15-member UN Security Council accusing Tehran of non-compliance, in theory starting a 30-day process that could lead to the "snapback" of UN sanctions even though major powers such as Russia reject the US stance and say they will not restore the UN measures.

Iran itself rejected the US move, taken in part because of the impending October expiration of a UN arms embargo on Tehran, arguing Washington had no right trigger the re-imposition and asking Security Council members to reject the US action.

US President Donald Trump's administration abandoned the Iran nuclear deal, which was designed to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, arguing in part that its limitations on Iran's atomic activities were inadequate.

In a letter to the UN Security Council, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran had breached many of the deal's central limits without acknowledging that most of the Iranian "non-performance" came only after Washington had pulled out.

"Iran's non-performance is incontestable and a matter of public record," said the letter, citing Iran's enrichment of uranium above 3.67%, amassing of an enriched uranium stockpile beyond the agreement's 300 kg ceiling, and other violations.

In a letter to the Security Council submitted before the United States action, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Washington had no right to trigger the "snapback" mechanism as it was no longer a party to the pact.

"The US push to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran will have dangerous consequences," Zarif's letter said. "Now it is the international community's turn to counter the unlawful push by the United States."

Iranian state TV said the letter was sent to the current president of the UN Security Council by Iran's UN envoy Majid Takhteravanchi.

Russia backed the Iranian stance

Russia's UN ambassador rejected US plans to restore UN sanctions on Iran as "nonexistent," saying only a country that remains in the 2015 agreement can trigger the return of the sanctions in a process known informally as "snapback."

"We will not take it as snapback," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters before Pompeo was to deliver the US letter.

"He's not triggering a snapback. Snapback can be triggered by a country that is a participant of the JCPOA, which the US is not," he said, referring to the accord by its formal name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"We consider snapback as nonexistent. We will not take it as a snapback," Nebenzia added.

When asked if Russia would reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, the Russian ambassador replied: "How can Russia reimpose UN sanctions on Iran if the resolution 2231 continues?"

He was referring to the Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 deal between Iran and six major powers: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.

Under the agreement, Iran committed to limit its nuclear activities in return for wide relief from sanctions.

A snapback of UN sanctions would require Iran to suspend all nuclear enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, and ban imports of anything that could contribute to those activities or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems. 
 
It would reimpose the arms embargo, ban Iran from developing ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons and bring back targeted sanctions on dozens of individuals and entities. Countries also would be urged to inspect shipments to and from Iran and authorized to seize any banned cargo.

The United States moved to restore all UN sanctions on Iran on Thursday, arguing Tehran was in violation of a nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015 even though Washington itself abandoned that agreement two years ago.

The United States moved to restore all UN sanctions on Iran on Thursday, arguing Tehran was in violation of a nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015 even though Washington itself abandoned that agreement two years ago. Also read | Let's replace Iran nuclear deal with 'Trump deal': PM Johnson The United States submitted a letter to the 15-member UN Security Council accusing Tehran of non-compliance, in theory starting a 30-day process that could lead to the "snapback" of UN sanctions even though major powers such as Russia reject the US stance and say they will not restore the UN measures. Iran itself rejected the US move, taken in part because of the impending October expiration of a UN arms embargo on Tehran, arguing Washington had no right trigger the re-imposition and asking Security Council members to reject the US action. US President Donald Trump's administration abandoned the Iran nuclear deal, which was designed to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, arguing in part that its limitations on Iran's atomic activities were inadequate. In a letter to the UN Security Council, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran had breached many of the deal's central limits without acknowledging that most of the Iranian "non-performance" came only after Washington had pulled out. "Iran's non-performance is incontestable and a matter of public record," said the letter, citing Iran's enrichment of uranium above 3.67%, amassing of an enriched uranium stockpile beyond the agreement's 300 kg ceiling, and other violations. In a letter to the Security Council submitted before the United States action, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Washington had no right to trigger the "snapback" mechanism as it was no longer a party to the pact. "The US push to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran will have dangerous consequences," Zarif's letter said. "Now it is the international community's turn to counter the unlawful push by the United States." Iranian state TV said the letter was sent to the current president of the UN Security Council by Iran's UN envoy Majid Takhteravanchi. Russia backed the Iranian stance Russia's UN ambassador rejected US plans to restore UN sanctions on Iran as "nonexistent," saying only a country that remains in the 2015 agreement can trigger the return of the sanctions in a process known informally as "snapback." "We will not take it as snapback," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters before Pompeo was to deliver the US letter. "He's not triggering a snapback. Snapback can be triggered by a country that is a participant of the JCPOA, which the US is not," he said, referring to the accord by its formal name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "We consider snapback as nonexistent. We will not take it as a snapback," Nebenzia added. When asked if Russia would reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, the Russian ambassador replied: "How can Russia reimpose UN sanctions on Iran if the resolution 2231 continues?" He was referring to the Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 deal between Iran and six major powers: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Under the agreement, Iran committed to limit its nuclear activities in return for wide relief from sanctions. A snapback of UN sanctions would require Iran to suspend all nuclear enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, and ban imports of anything that could contribute to those activities or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems. It would reimpose the arms embargo, ban Iran from developing ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons and bring back targeted sanctions on dozens of individuals and entities. Countries also would be urged to inspect shipments to and from Iran and authorized to seize any banned cargo.

United States moves to restore all UN sanctions on Iran in dispute over nuclear deal

The United Nations has been accused by some of its staff of racism after it issued a survey that included a question asking how they identify themselves. They apparently offered 'yellow' among the possible responses.

The 'UN Survey on Racism' was sent to thousands of staff on Wednesday.&nbsp;

An email accompanying the survey said it was being carried out as part of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' "campaign to eradicate racism and promote dignity."

The first question, however, listed 'yellow' as an option. Other categories offered were black, brown, white, mixed/multi-racial and any other.

United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the survey would be "taken off-line and revised appropriately taking into account the legitimate concerns" that had been expressed.

Organisations and companies have been under increasing pressure to address racism in the wake of global protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black American who died in May after a white police officer knelt on his neck.

The email accompanying the survey, seen by Reuters, says: “This survey will provide us with the needed data to understand the depth of racism within the United Nations.” It adds, “we are not immune to the issue.”

 
&nbsp;

The United Nations has been accused by some of its staff of racism after it issued a survey that included a question asking how they identify themselves. They apparently offered 'yellow' among the possible responses.

The United Nations has been accused by some of its staff of racism after it issued a survey that included a question asking how they identify themselves. They apparently offered 'yellow' among the possible responses. The 'UN Survey on Racism' was sent to thousands of staff on Wednesday. An email accompanying the survey said it was being carried out as part of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' "campaign to eradicate racism and promote dignity." The first question, however, listed 'yellow' as an option. Other categories offered were black, brown, white, mixed/multi-racial and any other. United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the survey would be "taken off-line and revised appropriately taking into account the legitimate concerns" that had been expressed. Organisations and companies have been under increasing pressure to address racism in the wake of global protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black American who died in May after a white police officer knelt on his neck. The email accompanying the survey, seen by Reuters, says: “This survey will provide us with the needed data to understand the depth of racism within the United Nations.” It adds, “we are not immune to the issue.”

United Nations in racism row after survey lists 'yellow' as an option for staff

A United Nations-backed tribunal is all set to deliver the long-awaited verdict in the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri's assassination.

UN-backed court to issue verdict today: Rafik Hariri assassination verdict

US President Donald Trump on August 15 said to use the snapback technique, a day after the UN Security Council rejected an American resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif later said “American snapback is illegal and unacceptable and the Americans know they cannot use snapback."

Iran Nuclear Deal: US has been humiliated at the UN, says Iran

Iran on Saturday said the United States suffered a humiliating defeat with the UN Security Council's refusal to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, while US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the action a "serious mistake."

In a UN Security Council vote on Friday on the US effort to extend the world body's arms embargo on Iran, Russia and China voted against, while 11 members abstained including France, Germany and Britain. The United States and the Dominican Republic were the only votes in favour.

The UN arms embargo on Iran is due to expire under a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, which provided for many international sanctions against Iran being lifted in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018.

"I don't remember the United States preparing a resolution for months to strike a blow at the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it garners only one vote," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech. "But the great success was that the United States was defeated in this conspiracy with humiliation."

The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but that it would face a tough, messy battle.

The Security Council vote followed a proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit of world leaders to avoid "confrontation" over the American threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Tehran.

(with inputs from agencies)

Iran on Saturday said the United States suffered a humiliating defeat with the UN Security Council's refusal to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, while US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the action a "serious mistake.

Iran on Saturday said the United States suffered a humiliating defeat with the UN Security Council's refusal to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, while US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the action a "serious mistake." In a UN Security Council vote on Friday on the US effort to extend the world body's arms embargo on Iran, Russia and China voted against, while 11 members abstained including France, Germany and Britain. The United States and the Dominican Republic were the only votes in favour. The UN arms embargo on Iran is due to expire under a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, which provided for many international sanctions against Iran being lifted in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018. "I don't remember the United States preparing a resolution for months to strike a blow at the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it garners only one vote," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech. "But the great success was that the United States was defeated in this conspiracy with humiliation." The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but that it would face a tough, messy battle. The Security Council vote followed a proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit of world leaders to avoid "confrontation" over the American threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Tehran. (with inputs from agencies)

US 'humiliated' by rejection of UN arms embargo extension, says Iran

The United States has lost a bid to extend a UN arms embargo on Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday proposed a summit of world leaders to avoid "confrontation" over a US threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Tehran, which catalysed the UN to take the said decision.

In a UN Security Council vote, Russia and China opposed extending the weapons ban, which is due to expire in October under a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.&nbsp;

Eleven members abstained, including France, Germany and Britain, while Washington and the Dominican Republic were the only yes votes.

"The Security Council's failure to act decisively in defense of international peace and security is inexcusable," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback, even though President Donald Trump abandoned the accord in 2018. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but would face a tough, messy battle.

Diplomats have said such a move would put the fragile nuclear deal further at risk because Iran would lose a major incentive for limiting its nuclear activities. Iran already has breached parts of the nuclear deal in response to the US withdrawal from the pact and unilateral sanctions.

Iran's UN Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi warned the United States against trying to trigger a return of sanctions.

Putin proposed a video summit with the United States and the remaining parties to the nuclear deal - Britain, France, China, Germany and Iran - to try to avoid further "confrontation and escalation" at the United Nations over Iran. 
"The issue is urgent," Putin said in a statement, adding that the alternative was "only further escalation of tensions, increasing risk of conflict - such a scenario must be avoided."

Asked if he would take part, Trump told reporters, "I hear there's something, but I haven't been told of it yet." French President Emmanuel Macron is open to taking part in a video summit, the Elysee palace said.

The United States has argued that it can trigger a sanctions snapback because a UN Security Council resolution enshrining the nuclear deal named Washington as a participant. But the remaining parties to the deal are opposed to the move.

Putin said Russia, an ally of Iran in the Syrian civil war, remained fully committed to the nuclear deal and that the aim of a summit would be to outline steps aimed at avoiding "confrontation and escalation of the situation in the Security Council."

Trump has said he wants to negotiate a new deal with Iran that would prevent it from developing nuclear weapons and also curb its activities in the region and elsewhere. Trump, who has walked away from a series of international agreements, has dubbed the 2015 nuclear deal - reached under his predecessor Barack Obama - "the worst deal ever."

The United States has lost a bid to extend a UN arms embargo on Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday proposed a summit of world leaders to avoid "confrontation" over a US threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Tehran, which catalysed the UN to take the said decision.

The United States has lost a bid to extend a UN arms embargo on Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday proposed a summit of world leaders to avoid "confrontation" over a US threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Tehran, which catalysed the UN to take the said decision. In a UN Security Council vote, Russia and China opposed extending the weapons ban, which is due to expire in October under a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Eleven members abstained, including France, Germany and Britain, while Washington and the Dominican Republic were the only yes votes. "The Security Council's failure to act decisively in defense of international peace and security is inexcusable," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback, even though President Donald Trump abandoned the accord in 2018. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but would face a tough, messy battle. Diplomats have said such a move would put the fragile nuclear deal further at risk because Iran would lose a major incentive for limiting its nuclear activities. Iran already has breached parts of the nuclear deal in response to the US withdrawal from the pact and unilateral sanctions. Iran's UN Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi warned the United States against trying to trigger a return of sanctions. Putin proposed a video summit with the United States and the remaining parties to the nuclear deal - Britain, France, China, Germany and Iran - to try to avoid further "confrontation and escalation" at the United Nations over Iran. "The issue is urgent," Putin said in a statement, adding that the alternative was "only further escalation of tensions, increasing risk of conflict - such a scenario must be avoided." Asked if he would take part, Trump told reporters, "I hear there's something, but I haven't been told of it yet." French President Emmanuel Macron is open to taking part in a video summit, the Elysee palace said. The United States has argued that it can trigger a sanctions snapback because a UN Security Council resolution enshrining the nuclear deal named Washington as a participant. But the remaining parties to the deal are opposed to the move. Putin said Russia, an ally of Iran in the Syrian civil war, remained fully committed to the nuclear deal and that the aim of a summit would be to outline steps aimed at avoiding "confrontation and escalation of the situation in the Security Council." Trump has said he wants to negotiate a new deal with Iran that would prevent it from developing nuclear weapons and also curb its activities in the region and elsewhere. Trump, who has walked away from a series of international agreements, has dubbed the 2015 nuclear deal - reached under his predecessor Barack Obama - "the worst deal ever."

UN defeats US demand to extend arms embargo on Iran

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday&nbsp;hailed a UN Security Council vote rejecting a US bid to extend an arms embargo on the Islamic republic, saying its foe has "never been so isolated".

Rouhani said the United States had failed to kill off what he called the "half alive" 2015 deal with major powers that gave Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

"The United States failed in this conspiracy with humiliation," Rouhani told a televised news conference.

"In my opinion, this day will go down in the history of our Iran and in the history of fighting global arrogance."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-defeats-us-demand-to-extend-arms-embargo-on-iran-320759" hreflang="en">UN defeats US demand to extend arms embargo on Iran</a>

Only two of the Council's 15 members voted in favour of the US resolution seeking to extend the embargo, highlighting the division between Washington and its European allies since President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear accord in May 2018.

Washington's European allies all abstained, and Iran mocked the Trump administration for only winning the support of one other country, the Dominican Republic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uaes-israel-deal-met-with-arab-dismay-but-quiet-welcome-in-gulf-320752" hreflang="en">UAE's Israel deal met with Arab dismay but quiet welcome in Gulf</a>

"In the 75 years of United Nations history, America has never been so isolated," said foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi.

"Despite all the trips, pressure and the hawking, the United States could only mobilise a small country (to vote) with them," he tweeted.

The result increases the likelihood that the US will try to unilaterally force a return of UN sanctions, which experts say threatens to plunge the Council into one of its worst-ever diplomatic crises.&nbsp;

"The Security Council's failure to act decisively in defence of international peace and security is inexcusable," said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The embargo on conventional arms is due to expire on October 18 under the terms of&nbsp;a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Since Trump pulled out of the JCPOA and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of "maximum pressure", Tehran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief.

European allies of the United States, who, along with Russia and China, signed the deal with Iran, have voiced support for extending the 13-year-long conventional arms embargo, saying an expiry threatens stability in the Middle East.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday hailed a UN Security Council vote rejecting a US bid to extend an arms embargo on the Islamic republic, saying its foe has "never been so isolated".

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday hailed a UN Security Council vote rejecting a US bid to extend an arms embargo on the Islamic republic, saying its foe has "never been so isolated". Rouhani said the United States had failed to kill off what he called the "half alive" 2015 deal with major powers that gave Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. "The United States failed in this conspiracy with humiliation," Rouhani told a televised news conference. "In my opinion, this day will go down in the history of our Iran and in the history of fighting global arrogance." Also read: UN defeats US demand to extend arms embargo on Iran Only two of the Council's 15 members voted in favour of the US resolution seeking to extend the embargo, highlighting the division between Washington and its European allies since President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear accord in May 2018. Washington's European allies all abstained, and Iran mocked the Trump administration for only winning the support of one other country, the Dominican Republic. Also read: UAE's Israel deal met with Arab dismay but quiet welcome in Gulf "In the 75 years of United Nations history, America has never been so isolated," said foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi. "Despite all the trips, pressure and the hawking, the United States could only mobilise a small country (to vote) with them," he tweeted. The result increases the likelihood that the US will try to unilaterally force a return of UN sanctions, which experts say threatens to plunge the Council into one of its worst-ever diplomatic crises. "The Security Council's failure to act decisively in defence of international peace and security is inexcusable," said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The embargo on conventional arms is due to expire on October 18 under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Since Trump pulled out of the JCPOA and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of "maximum pressure", Tehran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief. European allies of the United States, who, along with Russia and China, signed the deal with Iran, have voiced support for extending the 13-year-long conventional arms embargo, saying an expiry threatens stability in the Middle East.

Iran hails UN Security Council vote rejecting a US bid to extend arms embargo

India at the UN said that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding and exacerbated conflict situations, stressing that some conflict actors are exploiting the current uncertain climate to press their agendas through misinformation and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks.

"We are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused global disruption on a scale that has not been experienced before by this generation," India said in a statement to the High-Level open debate of the UN Security Council on 'Pandemics and the Challenges of Sustaining Peace' on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-been-brought-to-our-knees-by-coronavirus-says-united-nations-314360">Have been 'brought to our knees' by coronavirus, says United Nations</a>

The pandemic has "impacted adversely almost all initiatives which usually go on to contribute to peacebuilding. In some ways, it has served to exacerbate conflict situations to the extent that we now have to tackle more strife and conflict as well as a growing humanitarian crisis rather than address some of the other important issues relating to peacebuilding,"&nbsp;India said.

"This is where our current challenge lies. How do we prioritize between various needs."

India recalled that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had outlined several trends related to the pandemic with implications for conflict prevention, including erosion of trust in public institutions and rise in societal tensions associated with national government's response measures.

"Some conflict actors are also exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks,"&nbsp;India said.

India further stressed that peacebuilders must mobilize to identify and counter misinformation.

"Community engagement and effective communication are critical to combat the 'infodemic' of false information that often drives fear and division,"&nbsp;the statement said.

In the context of the pandemic, India suggested that the immediate focus of the international community should be on ensuring that the humanitarian needs of the community which are in a conflict are met so that lack of availability of minimum needs itself does not become a matter of greater conflict.

"National governments should support and engage local peacebuilders to help design and lead COVID-19 sensitization and response efforts to help mitigate further conflict, prevent violence, adapt and sustain peace processes, and rebuild social cohesion," India, among the largest Troop Contributing Countries to the UN peacekeeping operations, suggested.

India also called for donors and international organizations to sustain financial support to and partnership with local peacebuilders during the crisis, adding that they should also provide flexibility for rapid program re-design, as well as re-direction of resources to respond to emergency situations.

In his remarks, Guterres said the international community's responses to the pandemic must be conflict-sensitive, starting with a multidimensional analysis that looks at how the pandemic affects underlying risks that drive conflict. 
India underlined that if peacebuilding has to endure then it should rest on institutions and not on individuals.

"It is only when institutions are strong can other factors, like addressing equitably the needs of the conflicted communities and strengthening of human rights, can be effective."

India stressed that need of the hour is human-centered and cooperative approaches, which are at the core of peacebuilding work. "We also need resilience approaches that can enhance local capacities, skills, and attributes, and enable communities to not just "bounce back"&nbsp;but "build back better".

"These locally owned, conflict-sensitive, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed peacebuilding approaches are highly cost-effective and sustainable. They must not be sacrificed due to short-term reallocation of funds to what is deemed as 'immediate' pandemic responses. Short- and long-term responses to COVID-19 must be aligned."

As the world grapples with the pandemic, India said it is equally essential to ensure performance in peacekeeping. 
"Troop Contributing Countries should entail adherence to training plans, including pre-deployment and in mission training, so that key mission tasks are not left to 'learning on the job'."

Underscoring that ensuring women's participation in peacebuilding is not only a matter of women's and girls' rights, India said women are crucial partners in shoring up three pillars of lasting peace: economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy.

"Gender capacity should be deployed in peacebuilding initiatives, gender-responsive analysis of key issues mainstreamed across mediation work and gender-inclusive language incorporated in peace agreements."

India noted that national efforts at peacebuilding and addressing the various facets of peacebuilding have been "weakened" since national resources are being diverted to tackle more immediate humanitarian issues of life and death and the scope for finding innovative solutions have also shrunk.

"While we are still in the early stages of adapting to the new reality of peacebuilding during a global pandemic, we must build back better to regain stability and spur peace and prosperity in a world that is perhaps changed forever,"&nbsp;India said.

India at the UN said that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding and exacerbated conflict situations, stressing that some conflict actors are exploiting the current uncertain climate to press their agendas through misinformation and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks.

India at the UN said that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding and exacerbated conflict situations, stressing that some conflict actors are exploiting the current uncertain climate to press their agendas through misinformation and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks. "We are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused global disruption on a scale that has not been experienced before by this generation," India said in a statement to the High-Level open debate of the UN Security Council on 'Pandemics and the Challenges of Sustaining Peace' on Wednesday. Also read | Have been 'brought to our knees' by coronavirus, says United Nations The pandemic has "impacted adversely almost all initiatives which usually go on to contribute to peacebuilding. In some ways, it has served to exacerbate conflict situations to the extent that we now have to tackle more strife and conflict as well as a growing humanitarian crisis rather than address some of the other important issues relating to peacebuilding," India said. "This is where our current challenge lies. How do we prioritize between various needs." India recalled that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had outlined several trends related to the pandemic with implications for conflict prevention, including erosion of trust in public institutions and rise in societal tensions associated with national government's response measures. "Some conflict actors are also exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks," India said. India further stressed that peacebuilders must mobilize to identify and counter misinformation. "Community engagement and effective communication are critical to combat the 'infodemic' of false information that often drives fear and division," the statement said. In the context of the pandemic, India suggested that the immediate focus of the international community should be on ensuring that the humanitarian needs of the community which are in a conflict are met so that lack of availability of minimum needs itself does not become a matter of greater conflict. "National governments should support and engage local peacebuilders to help design and lead COVID-19 sensitization and response efforts to help mitigate further conflict, prevent violence, adapt and sustain peace processes, and rebuild social cohesion," India, among the largest Troop Contributing Countries to the UN peacekeeping operations, suggested. India also called for donors and international organizations to sustain financial support to and partnership with local peacebuilders during the crisis, adding that they should also provide flexibility for rapid program re-design, as well as re-direction of resources to respond to emergency situations. In his remarks, Guterres said the international community's responses to the pandemic must be conflict-sensitive, starting with a multidimensional analysis that looks at how the pandemic affects underlying risks that drive conflict. India underlined that if peacebuilding has to endure then it should rest on institutions and not on individuals. "It is only when institutions are strong can other factors, like addressing equitably the needs of the conflicted communities and strengthening of human rights, can be effective." India stressed that need of the hour is human-centered and cooperative approaches, which are at the core of peacebuilding work. "We also need resilience approaches that can enhance local capacities, skills, and attributes, and enable communities to not just "bounce back" but "build back better". "These locally owned, conflict-sensitive, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed peacebuilding approaches are highly cost-effective and sustainable. They must not be sacrificed due to short-term reallocation of funds to what is deemed as 'immediate' pandemic responses. Short- and long-term responses to COVID-19 must be aligned." As the world grapples with the pandemic, India said it is equally essential to ensure performance in peacekeeping. "Troop Contributing Countries should entail adherence to training plans, including pre-deployment and in mission training, so that key mission tasks are not left to 'learning on the job'." Underscoring that ensuring women's participation in peacebuilding is not only a matter of women's and girls' rights, India said women are crucial partners in shoring up three pillars of lasting peace: economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy. "Gender capacity should be deployed in peacebuilding initiatives, gender-responsive analysis of key issues mainstreamed across mediation work and gender-inclusive language incorporated in peace agreements." India noted that national efforts at peacebuilding and addressing the various facets of peacebuilding have been "weakened" since national resources are being diverted to tackle more immediate humanitarian issues of life and death and the scope for finding innovative solutions have also shrunk. "While we are still in the early stages of adapting to the new reality of peacebuilding during a global pandemic, we must build back better to regain stability and spur peace and prosperity in a world that is perhaps changed forever," India said.

Conflict actors exploiting current uncertain climate through misinformation: India at UN

The U.N. Security Council is preparing to vote this week on a U.S. proposal to extend an arms embargo on Iran, a move that some diplomats say is bound to fail and put the fate of a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers further at risk.&nbsp;

A last-minute attempt by Britain, France and Germany to broker a compromise with Russia and China on an arms embargo extension appeared unsuccessful so far, diplomats said. Russia and China, allies of Iran, have long-signaled opposition to the U.S. measure.

A Chinese diplomat at the United Nations, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that "extending the arms embargo on Iran in whatever form lacks legal basis and will undermine efforts to preserve" the nuclear deal, adding that there is "no chance" the U.S. text will be adopted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/iran-says-gcc-call-for-tehran-arms-embargo-extension-is-unrealistic-319423" hreflang="en">Iran says GCC call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic'</a>

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft said Russia and China wanted to benefit from the end of the arms embargo. "Russia and China are waiting to be able to sell arms to Iran," Craft told Fox News.&nbsp;

The embargo is due to expire in October under a 2015 deal among Iran, Russia, China, Germany, Britain, France and the United States that prevents Tehran from developing nuclear weapons in return for sanctions relief.

Even though U.S. President Donald Trump's administration quit the accord in 2018 - with Trump dubbing it "the worst deal ever" - Washington has threatened to use a provision in the agreement to trigger a return of all U.N. sanctions on Iran if the Security Council does not extend the arms embargo indefinitely.

Renewed sanctions -- a move known as snapback -- would likely kill the nuclear deal because Iran would lose a major incentive for limiting its nuclear activities. Iran has already breached parts of the nuclear deal in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the pact and Washington's imposing strong unilateral sanctions.

"This U.S. administration's goal is to terminate the Iran nuclear deal," said a European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook alluded to the United States wanting to reimpose all U.N. sanctions when he said last week, "We need to restore the U.N. Security Council standard of no enrichment."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/iran-says-us-envoys-all-the-same-they-bite-off-more-than-they-can-chew-318957" hreflang="en">Iran says US envoys all the same -- 'they bite off more than they can chew'</a>

A snapback of U.N. sanctions would require Iran to suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, and ban imports of anything that could contribute to those activities or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems.

It would reimpose the arms embargo, ban Iran from developing ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons and reimpose targeted sanctions on dozens of individuals and entities. States would also be urged to inspect shipments to and from Iran and authorized to seize any banned cargo.

'ZERO CHANCE'

Richard Gowan, U.N. director for conflict prevention advocacy body the International Crisis Group, said there was "zero chance" the U.S. attempt to extend the arms embargo would be adopted and that it was "a ploy to get to snapback."

The council is operating virtually so once a vote is called the 15 members would have 24 hours to submit their decision and the result would be announced at a public meeting, but diplomats say there is little support for the current U.S. text.

The draft resolution needs at least nine votes in favor to force Russia and China to use their vetoes, but some diplomats question whether Washington can even secure those nine votes.

"Everyone at the U.N. understands that this resolution is just the curtain-raiser for a much bigger fight over the Iranian nuclear deal," said Gowan.

Washington argues it can trigger the sanctions because a Security Council resolution enshrining the nuclear deal names it as a participant. But the remaining parties to the agreement are opposed to such a move, and diplomats say the United States would face a tough, messy battle.

"It's highly likely ... a number of countries will be saying they have no intention of implementing further sanctions, until the U.N. Security Council decides whether or not snapback has been carried out legally," said a senior council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

"I don't see how the council can decide that given the divisions that will be within it," the diplomat said. "I don't see any rush to re-establish sanctions regimes therefore around the world."

The U.N. Security Council is preparing to vote this week on a U.S. proposal to extend an arms embargo on Iran, a move that some diplomats say is bound to fail and put the fate of a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers further at risk.

The U.N. Security Council is preparing to vote this week on a U.S. proposal to extend an arms embargo on Iran, a move that some diplomats say is bound to fail and put the fate of a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers further at risk. A last-minute attempt by Britain, France and Germany to broker a compromise with Russia and China on an arms embargo extension appeared unsuccessful so far, diplomats said. Russia and China, allies of Iran, have long-signaled opposition to the U.S. measure. A Chinese diplomat at the United Nations, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that "extending the arms embargo on Iran in whatever form lacks legal basis and will undermine efforts to preserve" the nuclear deal, adding that there is "no chance" the U.S. text will be adopted. Also read: Iran says GCC call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic' U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft said Russia and China wanted to benefit from the end of the arms embargo. "Russia and China are waiting to be able to sell arms to Iran," Craft told Fox News. The embargo is due to expire in October under a 2015 deal among Iran, Russia, China, Germany, Britain, France and the United States that prevents Tehran from developing nuclear weapons in return for sanctions relief. Even though U.S. President Donald Trump's administration quit the accord in 2018 - with Trump dubbing it "the worst deal ever" - Washington has threatened to use a provision in the agreement to trigger a return of all U.N. sanctions on Iran if the Security Council does not extend the arms embargo indefinitely. Renewed sanctions -- a move known as snapback -- would likely kill the nuclear deal because Iran would lose a major incentive for limiting its nuclear activities. Iran has already breached parts of the nuclear deal in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the pact and Washington's imposing strong unilateral sanctions. "This U.S. administration's goal is to terminate the Iran nuclear deal," said a European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook alluded to the United States wanting to reimpose all U.N. sanctions when he said last week, "We need to restore the U.N. Security Council standard of no enrichment." Also read: Iran says US envoys all the same -- 'they bite off more than they can chew' A snapback of U.N. sanctions would require Iran to suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, and ban imports of anything that could contribute to those activities or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems. It would reimpose the arms embargo, ban Iran from developing ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons and reimpose targeted sanctions on dozens of individuals and entities. States would also be urged to inspect shipments to and from Iran and authorized to seize any banned cargo. 'ZERO CHANCE' Richard Gowan, U.N. director for conflict prevention advocacy body the International Crisis Group, said there was "zero chance" the U.S. attempt to extend the arms embargo would be adopted and that it was "a ploy to get to snapback." The council is operating virtually so once a vote is called the 15 members would have 24 hours to submit their decision and the result would be announced at a public meeting, but diplomats say there is little support for the current U.S. text. The draft resolution needs at least nine votes in favor to force Russia and China to use their vetoes, but some diplomats question whether Washington can even secure those nine votes. "Everyone at the U.N. understands that this resolution is just the curtain-raiser for a much bigger fight over the Iranian nuclear deal," said Gowan. Washington argues it can trigger the sanctions because a Security Council resolution enshrining the nuclear deal names it as a participant. But the remaining parties to the agreement are opposed to such a move, and diplomats say the United States would face a tough, messy battle. "It's highly likely ... a number of countries will be saying they have no intention of implementing further sanctions, until the U.N. Security Council decides whether or not snapback has been carried out legally," said a senior council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "I don't see how the council can decide that given the divisions that will be within it," the diplomat said. "I don't see any rush to re-establish sanctions regimes therefore around the world."

Iran nuclear deal at risk as UN council prepares to vote on arms embargo

The UN Security Council is set for a showdown next week as it may roundly reject a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. The embargo is due to expire under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday that the United States would put forward its long-awaited resolution despite ardent opposition from Russia and China. But UN diplomats say opposition to the resolution's current form is so widespread that Washington is unlikely even to secure the nine votes required to force Moscow and Beijing to wield their vetoes.

Another said the draft "goes beyond the current provisions" of the ban on conventional weapons sales to Iran that ends on October 18.

Under the deal, negotiated by then US President Barack Obama, Iran committed to curtailing its nuclear activities for sanctions relief and other benefits. President Donald Trump pulled America out of the accord in May 2018 and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of "maximum pressure."

Iran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief.

European allies of the United States -- who along with Russia and China, signed the deal with Iran -- have voiced support for extending the conventional arms embargo but their priority is to preserve the JCPOA.

According to AFP, the US text effectively calls for an indefinite extension of the embargo on Iran and uses hawkish rhetoric.

To this end, Iran says it has the right to self-defence and that a continuation of the ban would mean an end to the nuclear deal.

Experts say the gulf between the US and its allies threatens a summer of discontent at the Security Council as the October 18 deadline approaches.

UN-watchers suggest that EU countries on the Council could be brought on-board by a short-term extension of the embargo if it helps preserve the nuclear deal. They also say that members may propose their own draft resolution, but finding consensus is likely to be difficult with China and Russia intending to veto.

The United States has threatened to try to force a return of UN sanctions if it is not extended by using a controversial technique called "snapback."

The UN Security Council is set for a showdown next week as it may roundly reject a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. The embargo is due to expire under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The UN Security Council is set for a showdown next week as it may roundly reject a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. The embargo is due to expire under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday that the United States would put forward its long-awaited resolution despite ardent opposition from Russia and China. But UN diplomats say opposition to the resolution's current form is so widespread that Washington is unlikely even to secure the nine votes required to force Moscow and Beijing to wield their vetoes. Another said the draft "goes beyond the current provisions" of the ban on conventional weapons sales to Iran that ends on October 18. Under the deal, negotiated by then US President Barack Obama, Iran committed to curtailing its nuclear activities for sanctions relief and other benefits. President Donald Trump pulled America out of the accord in May 2018 and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of "maximum pressure." Iran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief. European allies of the United States -- who along with Russia and China, signed the deal with Iran -- have voiced support for extending the conventional arms embargo but their priority is to preserve the JCPOA. According to AFP, the US text effectively calls for an indefinite extension of the embargo on Iran and uses hawkish rhetoric. To this end, Iran says it has the right to self-defence and that a continuation of the ban would mean an end to the nuclear deal. Experts say the gulf between the US and its allies threatens a summer of discontent at the Security Council as the October 18 deadline approaches. UN-watchers suggest that EU countries on the Council could be brought on-board by a short-term extension of the embargo if it helps preserve the nuclear deal. They also say that members may propose their own draft resolution, but finding consensus is likely to be difficult with China and Russia intending to veto. The United States has threatened to try to force a return of UN sanctions if it is not extended by using a controversial technique called "snapback."

UN to discuss US Iran arms embargo push next week

Even as Nepal government plans to send the new map which shows Indian territories as Nepal's to United Nations, the New York-based body would neither use it in its official dealings nor display the territories and areas claimed by Nepal as its territories on its website.

United Nations won't officially use or endorse controversial new Nepal map

Even as Nepal government plans to send the new map which shows Indian territories as Nepal's to United Nations, the New York-based body would neither use it in its official dealings nor display the territories and areas claimed by Nepal as its territories on its website. The reason being that the UN prints its maps and every map comes with a disclaimer. The disclaimer on UN Maps says,"The boundaries & names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the UN". The UN does not use either India’s, Pakistan's or China’s map or for that matter, any territory claimed but goes by its administration largely. The body will however as part of diplomatic protocol accept it, whenever Kathmandu sends it. The new Nepali map shows Indian territories of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani as its own. India had strongly reacted to the development calling it a "unilateral act", one that is "unjustified cartographic assertion". What is interesting is previous maps submitted by Nepal never included Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani. In some sense, while Nepal will be sending an updated map, it will be unintentionally conveying formally that it has indulged in cartographic assertion, as New Delhi said. The decision for new Nepal map was announced by the executive decision by KP Sharma Oli led govt. The constitutional amendment to give legal backing to its coat of arms that shows the new map was passed by Nepal parliament earlier this year. The MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had that time said, map "is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India." Ties between the 2 governments have gone downhill since then.

UN won't officially use or endorse controversial new Nepal map

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