Yemen&nbsp;has recorded its first deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, after the war-torn country confirmed five new cases, stoking fears of a major outbreak.

The country's healthcare system has been blighted by years of war that have driven millions from their homes and plunged the country into what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-no-significant-clinical-benefits-of-remdesivir-claims-a-new-lancet-study-295754" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: No significant clinical benefits of remdesivir, claims new study</a>

It has been mired in war since the Houthi group ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led alliance to intervene in March 2015.

According to its health minister&nbsp;Nasser&nbsp;Baoum,&nbsp;five COVID-19 cases with two deaths were reported in Aden and noted that the prevalence of other diseases with similar symptoms, such as dengue fever, made it difficult to detect coronavirus infections without testing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-dogs-are-being-trained-to-sniff-out-covid-19-cases-295837" hreflang="en">US: Dogs are being trained to 'sniff out' COVID-19 cases</a>

The deaths come after aid organisations warned any coronavirus outbreak could have dire consequences after six years of civil war.

The United Nations has said it fears the novel coronavirus could be spreading undetected in a country where millions face famine and lack medical care after Yemen reported its first case of COVID-19 in the southern province of Hadhramout on April 10.

Yemen has recorded its first deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, after the war-torn country confirmed five new cases, stoking fears of a major outbreak. The country's healthcare system has been blighted by years of war that have driven millions from their homes and plunged the country into what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen has recorded its first deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, after the war-torn country confirmed five new cases, stoking fears of a major outbreak. The country's healthcare system has been blighted by years of war that have driven millions from their homes and plunged the country into what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Also read: Coronavirus: No significant clinical benefits of remdesivir, claims new study It has been mired in war since the Houthi group ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led alliance to intervene in March 2015. According to its health minister Nasser Baoum, five COVID-19 cases with two deaths were reported in Aden and noted that the prevalence of other diseases with similar symptoms, such as dengue fever, made it difficult to detect coronavirus infections without testing. Also read: US: Dogs are being trained to 'sniff out' COVID-19 cases The deaths come after aid organisations warned any coronavirus outbreak could have dire consequences after six years of civil war. The United Nations has said it fears the novel coronavirus could be spreading undetected in a country where millions face famine and lack medical care after Yemen reported its first case of COVID-19 in the southern province of Hadhramout on April 10.

War-torn Yemen reports its first two coronavirus deaths

The UN's special rapporteur&nbsp;for&nbsp;Myanmar has called for a new investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity during recent fighting in the Southeast Asian country as she approaches the end of her appointment.

Yanghee Lee accused Myanmar's military of "inflicting immense suffering" on ethnic minorities in Rakhine and Chin states, where the government is battling the Arakan Army, a well-armed and well-trained guerrilla force representing the Buddhist Rakhine minority.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amnesty-accuses-myanmar-military-of-fresh-war-crimes-in-rakhine-222432">Amnesty accuses Myanmar military of fresh 'war crimes' in Rakhine</a>

"While the world is occupied with the COVID-19 pandemic, the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military continues to escalate its assault in Rankine State, targeting the civilian population," she&nbsp;said on Wednesday in her final statement after six years as rights envoy, calling for an international investigation into the allegations.

Lee linked the current situation in Rakhine and Chin to the government's actions against the Rohingya, for which no senior officers have faced justice and token punishments were given to a handful of low-ranking security personnel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-aid-restrictions-could-be-war-crime-says-rights-group-162539">Myanmar aid restrictions 'could be war crime', says rights group</a>

The human rights expert&nbsp;whose term ends this month, has been a sharp critic of Myanmar's military since her appointment in 2014, focusing especially on human rights abuses against the Muslim Rohingya minority in Rakhine state.

The government has repeatedly refused requests by Lee to enter&nbsp;Myanmar.

She has previously accused the army of genocide and other war crimes against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine in 2017, when some 700,000 fled an army crackdown.

The International Court of Justice in the Netherlands agreed last year to rule on charges of genocide lodged against Myanmar. 
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The UN's special rapporteur for Myanmar has called for a new investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity during recent fighting in the Southeast Asian country as she approaches the end of her appointment.

The UN's special rapporteur for Myanmar has called for a new investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity during recent fighting in the Southeast Asian country as she approaches the end of her appointment. Yanghee Lee accused Myanmar's military of "inflicting immense suffering" on ethnic minorities in Rakhine and Chin states, where the government is battling the Arakan Army, a well-armed and well-trained guerrilla force representing the Buddhist Rakhine minority. Amnesty accuses Myanmar military of fresh 'war crimes' in Rakhine "While the world is occupied with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Myanmar military continues to escalate its assault in Rankine State, targeting the civilian population," she said on Wednesday in her final statement after six years as rights envoy, calling for an international investigation into the allegations. Lee linked the current situation in Rakhine and Chin to the government's actions against the Rohingya, for which no senior officers have faced justice and token punishments were given to a handful of low-ranking security personnel. Also read: Myanmar aid restrictions 'could be war crime', says rights group The human rights expert whose term ends this month, has been a sharp critic of Myanmar's military since her appointment in 2014, focusing especially on human rights abuses against the Muslim Rohingya minority in Rakhine state. The government has repeatedly refused requests by Lee to enter Myanmar. She has previously accused the army of genocide and other war crimes against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine in 2017, when some 700,000 fled an army crackdown. The International Court of Justice in the Netherlands agreed last year to rule on charges of genocide lodged against Myanmar.

UN special rapporteur accuses Myanmar's army of fresh abuses

United Nations will later today screen "Earth Anthem" written by Indian Diplomat Abhay Kumar. Abhay Kumar who is currently India's Envoy to Madagascar and Comoros had penned the Earth Anthem in 2008 in St. Petersburg.

Explaining the need for a common anthem for the planet, Abhay K. said. "The global spread of Coronavirus has proved our interdependence once again, whichever country we come from, we can not remain indifferent. Similarly, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change affect all of us, it does not matter whether we live in the global north or south or east or west."

Adding, "All life is interdependent and until we understand this basic fact clearly and wholeheartedly, we will not be able to fight climate change, biodiversity loss or Novel Corona Virus pandemic."

Civil Society Unit, United Nations Department of Global Communications which is hosting a Youth-Led live event to commemorate Earth Day will release the anthem at around 6.30 pm IST in New York. The Earth Anthem will be live-streamed globally at the FB page of the UN Department of Global Communications Civil Society Youth Representatives.

The anthem has been sung by Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam and Bindu Subramaniam and was released on April&nbsp;22, 2020, to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of Earth Day.

United Nations will later today screen "Earth Anthem" written by Indian Diplomat Abhay Kumar. Abhay Kumar who is currently India's Envoy to Madagascar and Comoros had penned the Earth Anthem in 2008 in St.

United Nations will later today screen "Earth Anthem" written by Indian Diplomat Abhay Kumar. Abhay Kumar who is currently India's Envoy to Madagascar and Comoros had penned the Earth Anthem in 2008 in St. Petersburg. Explaining the need for a common anthem for the planet, Abhay K. said. "The global spread of Coronavirus has proved our interdependence once again, whichever country we come from, we can not remain indifferent. Similarly, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change affect all of us, it does not matter whether we live in the global north or south or east or west." Adding, "All life is interdependent and until we understand this basic fact clearly and wholeheartedly, we will not be able to fight climate change, biodiversity loss or Novel Corona Virus pandemic." Civil Society Unit, United Nations Department of Global Communications which is hosting a Youth-Led live event to commemorate Earth Day will release the anthem at around 6.30 pm IST in New York. The Earth Anthem will be live-streamed globally at the FB page of the UN Department of Global Communications Civil Society Youth Representatives. The anthem has been sung by Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam and Bindu Subramaniam and was released on April 22, 2020, to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of Earth Day.

United Nations to screen 'earth anthem' written by Indian diplomat

The UN. human rights office voiced concern on Monday about more than a dozen countries that have declared states of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic where police have arrested or detained hundreds of thousands of people and killed others.

The UN. human rights office voiced concern on Monday about more than a dozen countries that have declared states of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic where police have arrested or detained hundreds of thousands of people and killed others. "Emergency powers should not be a weapon governments can wield to quash dissent, control the population, and even perpetuate their time in power," UN. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement that denounced shootings and detentions without being specific. A top official from her office said about 80 countries have declared emergencies due to the new coronavirus, including 15 where the allegations were deemed most troubling. They were: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Peru, Honduras, Jordan, Morocco, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, Iran and Hungary. However, Georgette Gagnon, director of field operations, added at a virtual briefing in Geneva "there are probably several dozen more we could have highlighted". "A main concern on exceptional emergency measures is what has been described as a toxic lockdown culture in some countries," Gagnon said. "As the High Commissioner highlighted, police and other security forces are using excessive and sometimes deadly force to enforce lockdowns and curfews." Some of those countries have arrested and detained tens of thousands of people for violation of confinement measures linked to the pandemic, with the Philippines topping the list with 120,000 apprehended for curfew violations in the past 30 days. In the case of Kenya, Gagnon said that authorities were investigating 20 cases related to deaths linked to police conduct in implementing curfew measures. The country has reported 14 COVID deaths to the World Health Organization. President Uhuru Kenyatta has apologised for police violence. In South Africa, the UN has received reports of police using rubber bullets, tear gas, water bombs and whips, to enforce social distancing, especially in poor neighborhoods. Thirty-nine complaints including murder, rape, use of fire arms and corruption are being investigated, Gagnon said. Police have described the use of whips as unacceptable. In Nigeria, OHCHR has received reports that security forces killed 18 people in relation to COVID enforcement measures. Nigerian authorities have attributed some deaths to prison violence. She also raised concerns about police extortion in Africa. "Those who cannot pay bribes, poor people, are taken to mandatory quarantine centres although there is no indication that they have come into contact with someone testing positive to COVID." Gagnon, asked about China's record during the crisis, said: "The office has received reports of censorship on and offline, intimidation, arrest and apparent detention of dissenting voices such as doctors, journalists, human rights defenders and members of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party)." The office was liaising with China on around half of dozen of those cases, she said.

UN raises alarm about police brutality in lockdowns

Two boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya refugees have been stranded outside of Bangladesh for the last few weeks.

International authorities are now urging Bangladesh government to allow entry of the boats via its ports which have been shut in the face of COVID-19.

Urgent care required

It is feared that most of these people would now not require food and water, but also urgent medical care.

According to The Guardian, over 500 people including children are onboard the boats, which were recently spotted in the Bay of Bengal.

Last week, Abdul Momen, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh refused to allow entry of boats into the country and announced, “Bangladesh is always asked to take care of the responsibility of other countries.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-400-rohingya-rescued-by-bangladesh-coast-guard-from-boat-over-30-dead-293154" hreflang="en">Nearly 400 Rohingya rescued by Bangladesh coast guard from boat; over 30 dead</a>

Earlier in April, another boat was rescued by Bangladesh. According to reports, the boat was stranded in the ocean for over two months and was heading to Malaysia. 
 
The charity responsible for treating them - Médecins Sans Frontières claimed that the boat had 400 survivors, mostly youngsters aged between 12 and 20. On that boat alone, over 70 had died.

According to MSF, most of the survivors were on the verge of death when they were rescued.

This particular boat was trying to escape the horrid living conditions in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh where Rohingya have been placed in overcrowded camps.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ab3f879-b288-43ff-b8b1-81e3f77b0399" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-10_0.jpg" /> 
Rohingya refugees arrive on boats after crossing the Naf river from Myanmar into Bangladesh in Whaikhyang on October 9, 2017 | AFP 
 
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More boats at bay?

As of now, only two boats have been spotted by authorities, but they fear that many more such boats could be drifting in the ocean.

Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recently wrote to Momen, and referred to the situation as “a human tragedy of terrible proportions”.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-icj-tells-myanmar-to-end-rohingya-genocide-276215/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“I appeal to you in the strongest terms to open your ports and allow the boats to land… The reportedly more than 500 men, women and children aboard these boats have been at sea for an extended period of time, and we understand that they require urgent rescue, food, medical care and other necessary humanitarian assistance”, she added.

The boat, like many others was turned away by Malaysia due to the fears triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Momen further retorted by claiming that Bangladesh could not rescue any more people, adding that the country had “no room to shelter any foreign people or refugees”.

Over 700,000 Rohingya fled from Myanmar where an ethnic cleansing began in August 2017.

Two boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya refugees have been stranded outside of Bangladesh for the last few weeks. International authorities are now urging Bangladesh government to allow entry of the boats via its ports which have been shut in the face of COVID-19.

Two boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya refugees have been stranded outside of Bangladesh for the last few weeks. International authorities are now urging Bangladesh government to allow entry of the boats via its ports which have been shut in the face of COVID-19. Urgent care required It is feared that most of these people would now not require food and water, but also urgent medical care. According to The Guardian, over 500 people including children are onboard the boats, which were recently spotted in the Bay of Bengal. Last week, Abdul Momen, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh refused to allow entry of boats into the country and announced, “Bangladesh is always asked to take care of the responsibility of other countries.” Also read: Nearly 400 Rohingya rescued by Bangladesh coast guard from boat; over 30 dead Earlier in April, another boat was rescued by Bangladesh. According to reports, the boat was stranded in the ocean for over two months and was heading to Malaysia. The charity responsible for treating them - Médecins Sans Frontières claimed that the boat had 400 survivors, mostly youngsters aged between 12 and 20. On that boat alone, over 70 had died. According to MSF, most of the survivors were on the verge of death when they were rescued. This particular boat was trying to escape the horrid living conditions in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh where Rohingya have been placed in overcrowded camps. Rohingya refugees arrive on boats after crossing the Naf river from Myanmar into Bangladesh in Whaikhyang on October 9, 2017 | AFP More boats at bay? As of now, only two boats have been spotted by authorities, but they fear that many more such boats could be drifting in the ocean. Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recently wrote to Momen, and referred to the situation as “a human tragedy of terrible proportions”. “I appeal to you in the strongest terms to open your ports and allow the boats to land… The reportedly more than 500 men, women and children aboard these boats have been at sea for an extended period of time, and we understand that they require urgent rescue, food, medical care and other necessary humanitarian assistance”, she added. The boat, like many others was turned away by Malaysia due to the fears triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Momen further retorted by claiming that Bangladesh could not rescue any more people, adding that the country had “no room to shelter any foreign people or refugees”. Over 700,000 Rohingya fled from Myanmar where an ethnic cleansing began in August 2017.

UN urges Bangladesh to rescue two stranded boats carrying Rohingya refugees

United Nations' food relief agency has warned that the&nbsp;world is at risk of widespread famines "of biblical proportions" caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 30 countries in the developing world could experience widespread famine, and in 10 of those countries there are already more than 1 million people on the brink of starvation, said David Beasley, executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-covid-19-can-push-half-a-billion-people-into-poverty-291463">How COVID-19 can push half a billion people into poverty?</a>

He also said that ''with a short time to act before hundreds of millions starve, urgent action is needed to avoid a catastrophe''.

According to the fourth annual&nbsp;Global Report on Food Crisis,&nbsp;the number suffering from hunger could go from 135 million to more than 250 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-benefit-higher-death-rate-for-malaria-drug-in-coronavirus-study-293900" hreflang="en">No benefit, higher death rate for malaria drug in coronavirus study</a>

The countries highlighted in this report include,&nbsp;Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Nigeria and Haiti.

Addressing the UN Security Council during a video conference, Beasley said ''we could be facing multiple famines of biblical proportions within a short few months," he said. "The truth is we do not have time on our side."

In a call to action, he added: "I do believe that with our expertise and our partnerships, we can bring together the teams and the programmes necessary to make certain the Covid-19 pandemic does not become a human and food crisis catastrophe."

The World Food Programme claimed&nbsp;that those most at risk are in 10 countries affected by conflict, economic crisis and climate change.

United Nations' food relief agency has warned that the world is at risk of widespread famines "of biblical proportions" caused by the coronavirus pandemic. More than 30 countries in the developing world could experience widespread famine, and in 10 of those countries there are already more than 1 million people on the brink of starvation, said David Beasley, executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP).

United Nations' food relief agency has warned that the world is at risk of widespread famines "of biblical proportions" caused by the coronavirus pandemic. More than 30 countries in the developing world could experience widespread famine, and in 10 of those countries there are already more than 1 million people on the brink of starvation, said David Beasley, executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP). Also read: How COVID-19 can push half a billion people into poverty? He also said that ''with a short time to act before hundreds of millions starve, urgent action is needed to avoid a catastrophe''. According to the fourth annual Global Report on Food Crisis, the number suffering from hunger could go from 135 million to more than 250 million. Also read: No benefit, higher death rate for malaria drug in coronavirus study The countries highlighted in this report include, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Nigeria and Haiti. Addressing the UN Security Council during a video conference, Beasley said ''we could be facing multiple famines of biblical proportions within a short few months," he said. "The truth is we do not have time on our side." In a call to action, he added: "I do believe that with our expertise and our partnerships, we can bring together the teams and the programmes necessary to make certain the Covid-19 pandemic does not become a human and food crisis catastrophe." The World Food Programme claimed that those most at risk are in 10 countries affected by conflict, economic crisis and climate change.

World at risk of 'biblical famines' due to COVID-19, says UN

The United Nations on Wednesday urged the world to fight climate change with the same determination as it is showing in the battle against COVID-19. The UN's World Meteorological Organization said it was time to flatten the curve on climate change as well, with its impact on the planet "reaching a crescendo" in the past five years -- which were the hottest on record.

The United Nations on Wednesday urged the world to fight climate change with the same determination as it is showing in the battle against COVID-19. The UN's World Meteorological Organization said it was time to flatten the curve on climate change as well, with its impact on the planet "reaching a crescendo" in the past five years -- which were the hottest on record. The trend is expected to continue, the WMO said Wednesday, as it marked Earth Day. This year's celebration comes 50 years since the first Earth Day in 1970. Carbon dioxide levels at one key global observing station are about 26 per cent higher than in 1970, whilst the average global temperature has increased by 0.86 degrees Celsius since then, the WMO said. Temperatures are also 1.1 Celsius warmer than the pre-industrial era, it added. The agency said the COVID-19 crisis was exacerbating the socioeconomic impacts of climate change -- for example making it harder to evacuate people and keep them safe from tropical cyclones. The WMO said the coronavirus crisis "may result in a temporary reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but it is not a substitute for sustained climate action. "And it will make it more difficult to tackle weather, climate and water-related hazards which are becoming more acute because of climate change." WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas said that extreme weather events had increased, and would not go away due to the new coronavirus pandemic. He said failure to tackle climate change could threaten human well-being, ecosystems and economies "for centuries" to come. "We need to flatten both the pandemic and climate change curves. "We need to show the same determination and unity against climate change as against COVID-19," calling for action not only in the short-term "but for many generations ahead". Global Atmosphere Watch stations have recorded a reduction in key pollutants and improvements in air quality as a result of the industrial downturn during the pandemic. However, with carbon dioxide concentrations at key reporting stations remaining at record levels, the WMO said it was important that any post-coronavirus recovery stimulus packages help the economy to grow back in a greener way. "Previous economic crises have often been followed by 'recovery' associated with much higher emission growth than before the crisis," the organisation noted.

Fight climate change like coronavirus: United Nations 

United Nations have warned the world of famines in biblical proportions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: UN warns of biblical famines

Calling the COVID-19 crisis potentially catastrophic for millions across the world, the United Nations&nbsp;World Food Programm has said global hunger could double due to the virus.&nbsp; The number of acutely hungry people could nearly double due to the crisis.&nbsp;Going up from 135 million to 265 million.

Meanwhile, Australia is set to resume non-urgent surgeries beginning next week. The surgeries were put on hold as the government wanted to help the health system prepare for the COVID-19 crisis. But now that extra medical supplies have been obtained and a dip in the number of new cases, some elective procedures will now resume.

The UK&nbsp;parliament is set to resume work by holding virtual sessions amid the coronavirus pandemic. Screens have been installed around the wooden panelled chamber of the House of Commons. The speaker plans to preside over an almost-empty chamber with space made for a maximum of 50 members. The United Kingdom has decided to extend its lockdown by another three weeks.&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has banned people from returning to their hometown to celebrate the Islamic holiday of Eid. The move comes amid fears that the country could see a spike in cases after the holy month of Ramadan if strict measures weren't taken. Last year, about 33 million Indonesians left their cities to visit relatives during the holiday.

The New York&nbsp;state nurses association have sued the state and two hospitals in order to force them to provide safety equipment. The New York department of health, Montefiore medical center&nbsp;and the parent company of the Westchester medical center&nbsp;have been sued by the nurses.

Baseball returned to South Korea on Tuesday with closed-door practice games. This follows an announcement by the Korea baseball organization that it will start its postponed regular season on May 5&nbsp;without public access and then gradually open the games to fans once the COVID-19 threat is significantly reduced.

Drone trial runs are being carried out in Ghana to speed up the delivery of samples for COVID 19 testing. Virus test samples from outlying areas are being delivered back to Ghana's capital. Drastically cutting down the time it takes for health workers to receive test results. Volunteers have been pitching in at a rhino orphanage in South Africa amid the lockdown. The orphanage has relied on volunteers to fly in from abroad but amid the pandemic, frantic pleas were made for South Africans to help out. Hundreds offered help and two were picked up.

Calling the COVID-19 crisis potentially catastrophic for millions across the world, the United Nations World Food Programm has said global hunger could double due to the virus.

Calling the COVID-19 crisis potentially catastrophic for millions across the world, the United Nations World Food Programm has said global hunger could double due to the virus. The number of acutely hungry people could nearly double due to the crisis. Going up from 135 million to 265 million. Meanwhile, Australia is set to resume non-urgent surgeries beginning next week. The surgeries were put on hold as the government wanted to help the health system prepare for the COVID-19 crisis. But now that extra medical supplies have been obtained and a dip in the number of new cases, some elective procedures will now resume. The UK parliament is set to resume work by holding virtual sessions amid the coronavirus pandemic. Screens have been installed around the wooden panelled chamber of the House of Commons. The speaker plans to preside over an almost-empty chamber with space made for a maximum of 50 members. The United Kingdom has decided to extend its lockdown by another three weeks. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has banned people from returning to their hometown to celebrate the Islamic holiday of Eid. The move comes amid fears that the country could see a spike in cases after the holy month of Ramadan if strict measures weren't taken. Last year, about 33 million Indonesians left their cities to visit relatives during the holiday. The New York state nurses association have sued the state and two hospitals in order to force them to provide safety equipment. The New York department of health, Montefiore medical center and the parent company of the Westchester medical center have been sued by the nurses. Baseball returned to South Korea on Tuesday with closed-door practice games. This follows an announcement by the Korea baseball organization that it will start its postponed regular season on May 5 without public access and then gradually open the games to fans once the COVID-19 threat is significantly reduced. Drone trial runs are being carried out in Ghana to speed up the delivery of samples for COVID 19 testing. Virus test samples from outlying areas are being delivered back to Ghana's capital. Drastically cutting down the time it takes for health workers to receive test results. Volunteers have been pitching in at a rhino orphanage in South Africa amid the lockdown. The orphanage has relied on volunteers to fly in from abroad but amid the pandemic, frantic pleas were made for South Africans to help out. Hundreds offered help and two were picked up.

UK Parliament resumes work as UN says global hunger could double due to virus

The 193 members of the UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by consensus a resolution that calls for "equitable, efficient and timely" access to any future vaccines developed to fight coronavirus.

The resolution also highlights the "crucial leading role" played by the World Health Organization, which has faced criticism from Washington and others about its handling of the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-scientist-adds-new-twist-to-coronavirus-origin-mystery-293673" hreflang="en">French scientist adds new twist to coronavirus origin mystery</a>

The resolution, which was drafted by Mexico and received US support, calls for strengthening the "scientific international cooperation necessary to combat COVID-19 and to bolster&nbsp;coordination," including with the private sector.

There have been 2,437,170 reported coronavirus infections around the world, from which 167,594 people have died on Monday as per information given by&nbsp;official sources.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-secret-in-who-nothing-hidden-from-us-from-day-one-tedros-on-covid-19-pandemic-293675" hreflang="en">No secret in WHO, nothing hidden from US from day one: Tedros on COVID-19 pandemic</a>

The United States has the most deaths of any country with 40,931.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insists that the UN agency has not hidden from the US any information it had about the coronavirus pandemic.

"We have been warning from day one that this is a devil that everyone should fight," he says.

Italy is the second hardest-hit country, with 24,114 dead. Spain follows with 20,852, then France with 20,265 and Britain with 16,509.

The 193 members of the UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by consensus a resolution that calls for "equitable, efficient and timely" access to any future vaccines developed to fight coronavirus.

The 193 members of the UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by consensus a resolution that calls for "equitable, efficient and timely" access to any future vaccines developed to fight coronavirus. The resolution also highlights the "crucial leading role" played by the World Health Organization, which has faced criticism from Washington and others about its handling of the pandemic. Also read: French scientist adds new twist to coronavirus origin mystery The resolution, which was drafted by Mexico and received US support, calls for strengthening the "scientific international cooperation necessary to combat COVID-19 and to bolster coordination," including with the private sector. There have been 2,437,170 reported coronavirus infections around the world, from which 167,594 people have died on Monday as per information given by official sources. Also read: No secret in WHO, nothing hidden from US from day one: Tedros on COVID-19 pandemic The United States has the most deaths of any country with 40,931. Meanwhile, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insists that the UN agency has not hidden from the US any information it had about the coronavirus pandemic. "We have been warning from day one that this is a devil that everyone should fight," he says. Italy is the second hardest-hit country, with 24,114 dead. Spain follows with 20,852, then France with 20,265 and Britain with 16,509.

UN member states demand 'equitable' access to future COVID-19 vaccines

The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed session to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the first time the powerful UN organ is holding a meeting on coronavirus that has killed more than 74,000 people. However, the question that arises is how will China and Russia access their veto powers at UNSC. Will they vote against the resolution?

How will China and Russia access their veto powers at UNSC?

The United Nations Security Council held a closed session to discuss the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19), first time the powerful UN organ held a meeting on Coronavirus that has killed people in millions. But, it looks like, UNSC discussion on pandemic COVID-19 ended up without any concrete outcome.

UNSC discussion on pandemic COVID-19 ended up without any concrete outcome

The United Nations Security Council held a closed session to discuss the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19), first time the powerful UN organ held a meeting on Coronavirus that has killed people in millions.

UNSC discusses pandemic COVID-19, all 15 members attend meeting via video conference

The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed session on Thursday to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the first time the powerful UN organ is holding a meeting on coronavirus that has killed more than 74,000 people

UNSC to discuss coronavirus pandemic: Will there be a UNSC resolution?

A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday.

The coordinates of the sites had been communicated to the belligerents by the United Nations to protect them from air strikes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-victory-day-rehearsals-continue-despite-coronavirus-crisis-290914" hreflang="en">Russia: Victory Day rehearsals continue despite coronavirus crisis</a>

Without mentioning Russia, the investigation concluded that in four out of the seven cases studied by the board -- a school, a health center, a surgical hospital and a protection center -- "the government of Syria and/or its allies had carried out the airstrike."

In 2019, The New York Times published an exhaustive investigation, notably including recordings of Russian pilots, that directly incriminated Russia in attacks on hospitals in Syria.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-impact-is-covid-19-having-on-war-torn-areas-like-yemen-syria-libya-290652">What impact is COVID-19 having on war-torn areas like Yemen, Syria, Libya</a>

''The refusal to explicitly name Russia as a responsible party working alongside the Syrian government... is deeply disappointing," Human Rights Watch said after the summary was published.

The UN commission chose seven cases, but its investigators were unable to visit the sites because the Syrian government did not grant visas.

The cases included the Martyr Akram Ali Ibrahim Al-Ahmad school in Madiq Castle on April 2018, 2019, and the Rakaya Sijneh health center on May 3.

There were no victims in either case. The report said it was highly likely the raids were conducted by Syria or its allies.

The commission also looked at the Kafr Nabutha health center (May 7), which had no victims and was also likely conducted by Syria and its allies.

A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday.

A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday. The coordinates of the sites had been communicated to the belligerents by the United Nations to protect them from air strikes. Also read: Russia: Victory Day rehearsals continue despite coronavirus crisis Without mentioning Russia, the investigation concluded that in four out of the seven cases studied by the board -- a school, a health center, a surgical hospital and a protection center -- "the government of Syria and/or its allies had carried out the airstrike." In 2019, The New York Times published an exhaustive investigation, notably including recordings of Russian pilots, that directly incriminated Russia in attacks on hospitals in Syria. Also read: What impact is COVID-19 having on war-torn areas like Yemen, Syria, Libya ''The refusal to explicitly name Russia as a responsible party working alongside the Syrian government... is deeply disappointing," Human Rights Watch said after the summary was published. The UN commission chose seven cases, but its investigators were unable to visit the sites because the Syrian government did not grant visas. The cases included the Martyr Akram Ali Ibrahim Al-Ahmad school in Madiq Castle on April 2018, 2019, and the Rakaya Sijneh health center on May 3. There were no victims in either case. The report said it was highly likely the raids were conducted by Syria or its allies. The commission also looked at the Kafr Nabutha health center (May 7), which had no victims and was also likely conducted by Syria and its allies.

UN refrains from directly blaming Russia for Syria hospital attacks

Despite China's controversial history of systematic human rights violations, the country has been appointed to a panel on the United Nations Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

During this, China will play a key role in picking the world body’s human rights investigators, including global monitors on freedom of speech, health, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention.&nbsp;

The latest move has sparked protests by international human rights activists due to the country's history of "oppressive and inhumane" practices in the country.

Also read: <a href="China extends its influence over United Nations Security Council, one post at a time!">China extends its influence over United Nations Security Council, one post at a time!</a>

"Allowing China's oppressive and inhumane regime to choose the world investigators on freedom of speech, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances is like making a pyromaniac into the town fire chief,"&nbsp;said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch.

"It's absurd and immoral for the UN to allow China’s oppressive government a key role in selecting officials who shape international human rights standards and report on violations worldwide," Neuer also said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violation-of-one-china-policy-says-china-as-it-slams-indian-media-over-coronvirus-coverage-289770">Violation of One-China Policy, says China as it slams Indian media over coronvirus coverage</a>

The &nbsp;executive director and a strong critic of China also said that UN is undermining "their legitimacy by picking an authoritarian regime."

"The UN often describes the UN human rights experts as the 'crown jewels' of its Human Rights Council, yet the world body only undermines their legitimacy by picking an authoritarian regime that oppresses human rights activists, dissidents and minorities to preside over the experts’ appointment."&nbsp;

By joining the UNHRC panel, China will be able to influence the selection of at least 17 UN human rights mandate-holders over the next year, known as special procedures, who investigate, monitor, and publicly report on either specific country situations, or on thematic issues in all parts of the world, such as freedom of speech and religion.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-china-deletes-whistleblowers-interview-people-become-watchdog-and-keep-the-truth-alive-290480">China deletes whistleblower's interview; people become watchdog and keep the truth alive</a>

China will help vet candidates for the critical UN human rights posts — serving as Chair of the interview processes for at least five of the mandates and help decide whom to recommend for appointment. In most cases, the council president appoints the experts selected by the 5-nation panel.

Beijing has been under global criticism over its surveillance technology and re-education camps in Xinjiang. The United Nations estimates roughly 1 million Uighurs have been previously detained in Xinjiang.

Beijing denies any mistreatment of Uighurs or others in Xinjiang, saying it is providing vocational training to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach new skills.

In January, US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a scathing review of the Chinese government, calling on the international community to push back against "the most brutal and pervasive oppression China has seen in decades" in its 2020 annual report.

The report condemns Beijing’s treatment of Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region and warns that China’s growing political influence and efforts to censor people abroad pose an “existential threat to the international human rights system.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Despite China's controversial history of systematic human rights violations, the country has been appointed to a panel on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Despite China's controversial history of systematic human rights violations, the country has been appointed to a panel on the United Nations Human Rights Council. During this, China will play a key role in picking the world body’s human rights investigators, including global monitors on freedom of speech, health, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention. The latest move has sparked protests by international human rights activists due to the country's history of "oppressive and inhumane" practices in the country. Also read: China extends its influence over United Nations Security Council, one post at a time! "Allowing China's oppressive and inhumane regime to choose the world investigators on freedom of speech, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances is like making a pyromaniac into the town fire chief," said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch. "It's absurd and immoral for the UN to allow China’s oppressive government a key role in selecting officials who shape international human rights standards and report on violations worldwide," Neuer also said. Also read: Violation of One-China Policy, says China as it slams Indian media over coronvirus coverage The executive director and a strong critic of China also said that UN is undermining "their legitimacy by picking an authoritarian regime." "The UN often describes the UN human rights experts as the 'crown jewels' of its Human Rights Council, yet the world body only undermines their legitimacy by picking an authoritarian regime that oppresses human rights activists, dissidents and minorities to preside over the experts’ appointment." By joining the UNHRC panel, China will be able to influence the selection of at least 17 UN human rights mandate-holders over the next year, known as special procedures, who investigate, monitor, and publicly report on either specific country situations, or on thematic issues in all parts of the world, such as freedom of speech and religion. Also read: China deletes whistleblower's interview; people become watchdog and keep the truth alive China will help vet candidates for the critical UN human rights posts — serving as Chair of the interview processes for at least five of the mandates and help decide whom to recommend for appointment. In most cases, the council president appoints the experts selected by the 5-nation panel. Beijing has been under global criticism over its surveillance technology and re-education camps in Xinjiang. The United Nations estimates roughly 1 million Uighurs have been previously detained in Xinjiang. Beijing denies any mistreatment of Uighurs or others in Xinjiang, saying it is providing vocational training to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach new skills. In January, US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a scathing review of the Chinese government, calling on the international community to push back against "the most brutal and pervasive oppression China has seen in decades" in its 2020 annual report. The report condemns Beijing’s treatment of Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region and warns that China’s growing political influence and efforts to censor people abroad pose an “existential threat to the international human rights system.” (With inputs from agencies)

'It's like making pyromaniac the fire chief': UN watchdog on China joining human rights panel

A Pakistan Senator from Prime Minister Imran Khan's People's Party has urged the United Nations to form a high-powered commission to prove whether the COVID-19 was man-made or a naturally grown virus.

The Senator and former Interior Minister, Rehman Malik wrote a letter to UN Secretay General Antonio Guterres on Saturday and made public in a video press conference. He proposed the commission formation under the UN Convention on Biological Weapons, 1975.

The commission should present its report to Guterres in three months, Malik said adding that its ''terms of reference'' (ToR) should include recommendations to prevent future breakouts of such viruses, and international standards for coordination in case of a breakout.

The deadly coronavirus pandemic had stirred up the worst global crisis since World War II, he also said.

Pakistan has so far recorded 2,708 coronavirus cases with 40 deaths. While 130 others have recovered so far.

Punjab -- the hotspot of the viral infection in Pakistan -- reported a total of 1,072 cases, followed by Sindh at 839, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 343, Balochistan 175, Gilgit-Baltistan 193, Islamabad 75 and 11 cases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 
&nbsp;

A Pakistan Senator from Prime Minister Imran Khan's People's Party has urged the United Nations to form a high-powered commission to prove whether the COVID-19 was man-made or a naturally grown virus.

A Pakistan Senator from Prime Minister Imran Khan's People's Party has urged the United Nations to form a high-powered commission to prove whether the COVID-19 was man-made or a naturally grown virus. The Senator and former Interior Minister, Rehman Malik wrote a letter to UN Secretay General Antonio Guterres on Saturday and made public in a video press conference. He proposed the commission formation under the UN Convention on Biological Weapons, 1975. The commission should present its report to Guterres in three months, Malik said adding that its ''terms of reference'' (ToR) should include recommendations to prevent future breakouts of such viruses, and international standards for coordination in case of a breakout. The deadly coronavirus pandemic had stirred up the worst global crisis since World War II, he also said. Pakistan has so far recorded 2,708 coronavirus cases with 40 deaths. While 130 others have recovered so far. Punjab -- the hotspot of the viral infection in Pakistan -- reported a total of 1,072 cases, followed by Sindh at 839, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 343, Balochistan 175, Gilgit-Baltistan 193, Islamabad 75 and 11 cases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Pak Senator asks UN to probe whether COVID-19 is man-made or naturally grown virus

China wants to play a big role in the United Nations. Beijing has stepped up its contributions. Chinese officials are now securing top jobs at UN agencies. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how China is trying to secure more power at the UN, one post at a time.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: How China is trying to control the UN

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday renewed his call for a global ceasefire, urging all parties to conflict to lay down arms and allow war-torn nations to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

"The worst is yet to come," Guterres said, referring to countries beset with fighting like Syria, Libya and Yemen.&nbsp;

"The COVID-19 storm is now coming to all these theatres of conflict."&nbsp;

According to the latest figures, the number of global coronavirus infections crossed one million mark as the cases spikes to&nbsp;1,018,948. While over&nbsp;53,600 people have succumbed to the deadly virus which first originated in China city Wuhan.

The virus has not spread to over 180 countries and territories across the world.

Italy has the highest official death toll with 13,915 fatalities. Spain follows with 10,935, the US with 6,058 and France 5,387.

Half of the confirmed infections are in Europe, a quarter in the United States and the remaining quarter in the rest of the world.

Global economies are also sinking due to the halt in business activities under the coronavirus preventive measures imposed countries.

Asian Development Bank recently warned&nbsp;that the pandemic could cost the global economy $4.1 trillion as it ravages the United States, Europe and other major economies, the Asian Development Bank warns.&nbsp;

The estimated impact is equivalent to 4.8 percent of worldwide output based on a range of scenarios, but the lender says losses from "the worst pandemic in a century" could be higher.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday renewed his call for a global ceasefire, urging all parties to conflict to lay down arms and allow war-torn nations to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday renewed his call for a global ceasefire, urging all parties to conflict to lay down arms and allow war-torn nations to combat the coronavirus pandemic. "The worst is yet to come," Guterres said, referring to countries beset with fighting like Syria, Libya and Yemen. "The COVID-19 storm is now coming to all these theatres of conflict." According to the latest figures, the number of global coronavirus infections crossed one million mark as the cases spikes to 1,018,948. While over 53,600 people have succumbed to the deadly virus which first originated in China city Wuhan. The virus has not spread to over 180 countries and territories across the world. Italy has the highest official death toll with 13,915 fatalities. Spain follows with 10,935, the US with 6,058 and France 5,387. Half of the confirmed infections are in Europe, a quarter in the United States and the remaining quarter in the rest of the world. Global economies are also sinking due to the halt in business activities under the coronavirus preventive measures imposed countries. Asian Development Bank recently warned that the pandemic could cost the global economy $4.1 trillion as it ravages the United States, Europe and other major economies, the Asian Development Bank warns. The estimated impact is equivalent to 4.8 percent of worldwide output based on a range of scenarios, but the lender says losses from "the worst pandemic in a century" could be higher. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus pandemic: 'Worst yet to come' for countries in conflict, says UN chief

The World Health Organization (WHO) has come under a lot of scrutinies and not without reason. The UN-affiliated body has been accused of willfully parroting Chinese propaganda.

It has been accused by US Senators of downplaying the severity of the highly-infectious coronavirus outbreak in initial months.&nbsp;

And now claims against the WHO’s frivolous travel expenses are beginning to crop up again after they were first reported in 2017.&nbsp;

The United Nations health agency has routinely spent about $200 million a year on travel expenses alone.&nbsp;

This is far more than what it doles out in public health including aids, tuberculosis and malaria combined. And it’s not just journalists obsessing over the WHO’s balance sheet. According to reports even the rest of its 7,000 staffers say it sends a wrong message to the world.

Especially when the cash-strapped health agency routinely pleads for more money to fund its responses to health crises worldwide.&nbsp;

According to its statistics the WHO spent about $71 million on aids and hepatitis. It devoted $61 million to malaria. To slow the spread of tuberculosis, WHO invested $59 million.&nbsp;

Still, some health programs do get exceptional funding — the agency spends about $450 million trying to wipe out polio every year and a similar amount was used to eradicate ebola.

Comparing these figures with what the WHO has spent on travel which is largely drawn from taxpayer-funded contributions of its 194 member countries shows a startling contrast 40% of WHO budget over 4 years was spent on travel alone.&nbsp;

The numbers on your screen are startling, during 4 year period from 2013-17. Over $800 million from WHO's approximate budget of $2 billion was spent on travel. The truth is that the WHO has indeed struggled to get its travel costs under control.

Senior officials tasked with handling finance have lashed out against director-general officers like Dr Margaret Chan who helmed the health agency in 2013.

Earlier that year, a memorandum was sent to Chan and other top leaders urging her and her team to rein in travel costs.&nbsp;

Chan’s team was so insolent that even Nick Jeffreys, WHO's director of finance had said ‘we don't trust people to do the right thing when it comes to travel’.

UN Staffers continued to break new rules that were introduced to try to curb travel spending booking perks like business class aeroplane tickets and rooms in five-star hotels with few consequences.

According to a press statement, the WHO meanwhile says that nearly 60 per cent of its travel costs were spent on sending outside experts to countries.

And for representatives from member countries to attend their meetings. During the Ebola disaster in West Africa, for example, the WHOs travel costs spiked to $234 million.

Just to remind our readers that 459 million dollars are what the WHO spent on fighting ebola. That is squarely 50% of the WHO’s ebola budget was used on travel expenses.&nbsp;

While the three, worst-affected countries in West Africa bore the brunt of the outbreak and also paid for lavish arrangements demanded by WHO officials.Although under new leadership and having to face one of the most lethal and infectious pandemics in modern history.&nbsp;

The WHO's track record when it comes to expansive travel costs remains a blight on its already questionable track record.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has come under a lot of scrutinies and not without reason. The UN-affiliated body has been accused of willfully parroting Chinese propaganda.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has come under a lot of scrutinies and not without reason. The UN-affiliated body has been accused of willfully parroting Chinese propaganda. It has been accused by US Senators of downplaying the severity of the highly-infectious coronavirus outbreak in initial months. And now claims against the WHO’s frivolous travel expenses are beginning to crop up again after they were first reported in 2017. The United Nations health agency has routinely spent about $200 million a year on travel expenses alone. This is far more than what it doles out in public health including aids, tuberculosis and malaria combined. And it’s not just journalists obsessing over the WHO’s balance sheet. According to reports even the rest of its 7,000 staffers say it sends a wrong message to the world. Especially when the cash-strapped health agency routinely pleads for more money to fund its responses to health crises worldwide. According to its statistics the WHO spent about $71 million on aids and hepatitis. It devoted $61 million to malaria. To slow the spread of tuberculosis, WHO invested $59 million. Still, some health programs do get exceptional funding — the agency spends about $450 million trying to wipe out polio every year and a similar amount was used to eradicate ebola. Comparing these figures with what the WHO has spent on travel which is largely drawn from taxpayer-funded contributions of its 194 member countries shows a startling contrast 40% of WHO budget over 4 years was spent on travel alone. The numbers on your screen are startling, during 4 year period from 2013-17. Over $800 million from WHO's approximate budget of $2 billion was spent on travel. The truth is that the WHO has indeed struggled to get its travel costs under control. Senior officials tasked with handling finance have lashed out against director-general officers like Dr Margaret Chan who helmed the health agency in 2013. Earlier that year, a memorandum was sent to Chan and other top leaders urging her and her team to rein in travel costs. Chan’s team was so insolent that even Nick Jeffreys, WHO's director of finance had said ‘we don't trust people to do the right thing when it comes to travel’. UN Staffers continued to break new rules that were introduced to try to curb travel spending booking perks like business class aeroplane tickets and rooms in five-star hotels with few consequences. According to a press statement, the WHO meanwhile says that nearly 60 per cent of its travel costs were spent on sending outside experts to countries. And for representatives from member countries to attend their meetings. During the Ebola disaster in West Africa, for example, the WHOs travel costs spiked to $234 million. Just to remind our readers that 459 million dollars are what the WHO spent on fighting ebola. That is squarely 50% of the WHO’s ebola budget was used on travel expenses. While the three, worst-affected countries in West Africa bore the brunt of the outbreak and also paid for lavish arrangements demanded by WHO officials.Although under new leadership and having to face one of the most lethal and infectious pandemics in modern history. The WHO's track record when it comes to expansive travel costs remains a blight on its already questionable track record.

WHO spends more money on travel than on public health problems

This is not an exception that China is trying to take a hold of the United Nations (UN), one post at a time.&nbsp;

Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping had a motto, "Hide your strength. Bide your time." However, the current leader, Xi Jinping does not people in that in that.

The Chinese President wants to project strength, both at home and abroad!

China is flexing its diplomatic muscle by going after the top jobs at UN agencies.

It is installing its diplomats in key positions across UN agencies.

The Director-General of the UN food and agriculture organisation is now Chinese. Qu Dongyu had defeated an American to win the top job.

China is entering another major wing of the UN this year. The board of auditors they keep an eye on the account books of the world body.

India's CAG Rajiv Mehrishi's term will expire in three months.

The Auditor-General of the national audit office of China will take charge in July.

The UN has 15 specialised agencies out of which four are led by China while it has exerted its influence on many others.

These jobs may not boost China's public profile, but, they give Beijing the ability to influence key decisions in the un ecosystem.

Unlike in the past, China is voting actively on key Security Council resolutions.

Since 2011, China has exercised the veto nine times.

This shift in strategy has a direct connection with Xi Jinping's rise to power. The Chinese President wants his country to play a big role in the UN.

And, as a result, China is now the second-largest contributor to the regular budget of the UN. It has become a leader in UN peacekeeping missions.

In 1990, it had just five soldiers deployed in the operations and by Mid 2015, this surged to over three thousand.

Even today, China has over two thousand troops in un peacekeeping efforts.

These contributions come with strings attached as they legitimise the dictatorship of the Communist Party and limit the independence of global platforms against Chinese pressure.

&nbsp;The UN has long been the handmaiden of the United States, now it is being taken over by China, one post at a time.&nbsp;

This is not an exception that China is trying to take a hold of the United Nations (UN), one post at a time. Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping had a motto, "Hide your strength.

This is not an exception that China is trying to take a hold of the United Nations (UN), one post at a time. Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping had a motto, "Hide your strength. Bide your time." However, the current leader, Xi Jinping does not people in that in that. The Chinese President wants to project strength, both at home and abroad! China is flexing its diplomatic muscle by going after the top jobs at UN agencies. It is installing its diplomats in key positions across UN agencies. The Director-General of the UN food and agriculture organisation is now Chinese. Qu Dongyu had defeated an American to win the top job. China is entering another major wing of the UN this year. The board of auditors they keep an eye on the account books of the world body. India's CAG Rajiv Mehrishi's term will expire in three months. The Auditor-General of the national audit office of China will take charge in July. The UN has 15 specialised agencies out of which four are led by China while it has exerted its influence on many others. These jobs may not boost China's public profile, but, they give Beijing the ability to influence key decisions in the un ecosystem. Unlike in the past, China is voting actively on key Security Council resolutions. Since 2011, China has exercised the veto nine times. This shift in strategy has a direct connection with Xi Jinping's rise to power. The Chinese President wants his country to play a big role in the UN. And, as a result, China is now the second-largest contributor to the regular budget of the UN. It has become a leader in UN peacekeeping missions. In 1990, it had just five soldiers deployed in the operations and by Mid 2015, this surged to over three thousand. Even today, China has over two thousand troops in un peacekeeping efforts. These contributions come with strings attached as they legitimise the dictatorship of the Communist Party and limit the independence of global platforms against Chinese pressure. The UN has long been the handmaiden of the United States, now it is being taken over by China, one post at a time.

China extends its influence over United Nations Security Council, one post at a time!

International travel will likely fall by 20-30 per cent in 2020 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, putting millions of jobs in the global tourism sector at risk, the World Tourism Organisation said Friday.

This revises sharply lower a forecast made on March 6 of a decline of just 1.0-3.0 per cent due to the travel restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the disease and economic fallout of the outbreak.

The drop in arrivals will lead to an estimated loss of $300-450 billion in international tourism receipts, almost one-third of the $1.5 trillion generated in 2019, the Madrid-based UN body said in a statement.

The UNWTO said it had revised its forecast to take into account "the unparalleled introduction of travel restrictions across the world" but added it "should be interpreted with caution in view of the extreme uncertain nature of the current crisis."

The body had predicted at the beginning of the year that international tourism would grow by 3.0-4.0 per cent in 2020.

"Tourism is among the hardest hit of all economic sectors," the body's secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili, said in the statement, adding "it is clear" that millions of jobs within the sector are at risk.

The UNWTO noted that small and medium-sized businesses make up around 80 per cent of the tourism sector, which "leads the way" in providing jobs for women, youths and rural communities.

By comparison, international tourism arrivals declined by 4.0 per cent in 2009 during the global economic crisis and by just 0.4 per cent in 2003 after the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which killed 774 people worldwide, it added.

Governments around the world have restricted travel as they scramble to contain the spread of the disease which has claimed over 23,000 lives worldwide since it first emerged in China late last year.

More than three billion people around the world are currently living under lockdown measures.

Major cultural events and business conferences have been called off to limit contact between people and airlines have drastically cut back the number of flights they offer.

International tourism arrivals rose by 4.0 per cent in 2019 to 1.5 billion, with France the world's most visited nation, followed by Spain and the United States.

The last time international tourist arrivals posted an annual decline was 2009 when the global economic crisis hit the travel sector hard.

The tourism industry accounts for about 10 per cent of the world's GDP and jobs.

International travel will likely fall by 20-30 per cent in 2020 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, putting millions of jobs in the global tourism sector at risk, the World Tourism Organisation said Friday.

International travel will likely fall by 20-30 per cent in 2020 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, putting millions of jobs in the global tourism sector at risk, the World Tourism Organisation said Friday. This revises sharply lower a forecast made on March 6 of a decline of just 1.0-3.0 per cent due to the travel restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the disease and economic fallout of the outbreak. The drop in arrivals will lead to an estimated loss of $300-450 billion in international tourism receipts, almost one-third of the $1.5 trillion generated in 2019, the Madrid-based UN body said in a statement. The UNWTO said it had revised its forecast to take into account "the unparalleled introduction of travel restrictions across the world" but added it "should be interpreted with caution in view of the extreme uncertain nature of the current crisis." The body had predicted at the beginning of the year that international tourism would grow by 3.0-4.0 per cent in 2020. "Tourism is among the hardest hit of all economic sectors," the body's secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili, said in the statement, adding "it is clear" that millions of jobs within the sector are at risk. The UNWTO noted that small and medium-sized businesses make up around 80 per cent of the tourism sector, which "leads the way" in providing jobs for women, youths and rural communities. By comparison, international tourism arrivals declined by 4.0 per cent in 2009 during the global economic crisis and by just 0.4 per cent in 2003 after the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which killed 774 people worldwide, it added. Governments around the world have restricted travel as they scramble to contain the spread of the disease which has claimed over 23,000 lives worldwide since it first emerged in China late last year. More than three billion people around the world are currently living under lockdown measures. Major cultural events and business conferences have been called off to limit contact between people and airlines have drastically cut back the number of flights they offer. International tourism arrivals rose by 4.0 per cent in 2019 to 1.5 billion, with France the world's most visited nation, followed by Spain and the United States. The last time international tourist arrivals posted an annual decline was 2009 when the global economic crisis hit the travel sector hard. The tourism industry accounts for about 10 per cent of the world's GDP and jobs.

International tourism to plunge up to 30% due to virus: UN

The global COVID-19 pandemic is now expected to take a far worse toll on foreign direct investments worldwide than feared just a few weeks ago, UN economists said Thursday.

A fresh report from the UN Conference on Trade, Investment and Development (UNCTAD) warned that the rapid spread of the coronavirus would cause a "dramatic drop" in global foreign direct investment, which is a measure of cross-border private sector investment.

The agency said it now believed that global FDI could be as much as 40 per cent lower than its projections in January when it had expected to see up to five per cent growth this year and next.&nbsp;

That compares to a forecast it issued just two weeks ago, in which it said that FDI would be up to 15 per cent lower than its January projections, in a worst-case scenario.

Efforts to halt the spread of the new coronavirus, which has killed nearly 22,000 people worldwide and infected more than 500,000, have wreaked havoc on international business and are rapidly pushing the world into a global recession.&nbsp;

"Projections of the economic impact of COVID-19 are becoming more serious by the day," Thursday's report said.

It said, "early expectations that the impact would be felt first and foremost through the ripple effects caused by production stoppages and supply chain disruptions in East Asia... and felt especially in economies that are closely integrated in global value chains are being overtaken by events."

"It is now evident that pandemic mitigation efforts and lockdowns around the world will have devastating effects on all economies, independent of their links to global supply networks," UNCTAD said.

The "consensus is that most if not all major economies will experience a deep recession", it added.&nbsp;

The global COVID-19 pandemic is now expected to take a far worse toll on foreign direct investments worldwide than feared just a few weeks ago, UN economists said Thursday.

The global COVID-19 pandemic is now expected to take a far worse toll on foreign direct investments worldwide than feared just a few weeks ago, UN economists said Thursday. A fresh report from the UN Conference on Trade, Investment and Development (UNCTAD) warned that the rapid spread of the coronavirus would cause a "dramatic drop" in global foreign direct investment, which is a measure of cross-border private sector investment. The agency said it now believed that global FDI could be as much as 40 per cent lower than its projections in January when it had expected to see up to five per cent growth this year and next. That compares to a forecast it issued just two weeks ago, in which it said that FDI would be up to 15 per cent lower than its January projections, in a worst-case scenario. Efforts to halt the spread of the new coronavirus, which has killed nearly 22,000 people worldwide and infected more than 500,000, have wreaked havoc on international business and are rapidly pushing the world into a global recession. "Projections of the economic impact of COVID-19 are becoming more serious by the day," Thursday's report said. It said, "early expectations that the impact would be felt first and foremost through the ripple effects caused by production stoppages and supply chain disruptions in East Asia... and felt especially in economies that are closely integrated in global value chains are being overtaken by events." "It is now evident that pandemic mitigation efforts and lockdowns around the world will have devastating effects on all economies, independent of their links to global supply networks," UNCTAD said. The "consensus is that most if not all major economies will experience a deep recession", it added.

Pandemic will cut global investment flows more than feared: UN

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres requested countries across the world to lay down their weapons in support of the bigger battle against COVID-19. He called for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world. He said, "It is time to put the armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives.”

UN Chief calls for Global ceasefire amid coronavirus outbreak: Focus on true fight of lives

Top 10 happiest countries in the world

The ill-treatment to women in Pakistan has much been talked about and a new United Nations report confirms this point as the country stands first in holding biases against women.

The Gender Social Norms Index report released by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) studied 75 countries making 80 per cent of the world's population. The index measured how social beliefs act as a hindrance to gender equality in areas like politics, work, and education.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confirms-sixth-coronavirus-case-823-quarantined-in-sindh-284589">Pakistan confirms sixth coronavirus case, 823 quarantined in Sindh</a>

The prejudiced views that were asked in the study were: that men are better politicians and business leaders than women; that going to university is more important for men than women; and that men should get preferential treatment in competitive job markets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-struggles-to-combat-devastating-locust-plague-284119">Pakistan struggles to combat devastating locust plague</a>

The findings revealed that the percentage of those holding at least one sexist bias was largest in Pakistan, 99.81 per cent.&nbsp;

Qatar and Nigeria followed Pakistan with 99.73 per cent.&nbsp;

Ahead of the International Women's Day on March 8, the research doesn't present a brighter picture as 90% of the people studied worldwide have at least one prejudice against women.&nbsp;

Andorra had the least population with sexist beliefs, at 27.01 per cent, and Sweden and the Netherlands were next to it with 30.01 per cent and 39.75 per cent. &nbsp;

France, Britain and the United States had similar scores, with 56 per cent, 54.6 per cent and 57.31 per cent of people respectively holding at least one prejudice.&nbsp;

The numbers show "new clues to the invisible barriers women face in achieving equality" despite "decades of progress," the UNDP said in a statement released along with the report.

The ill-treatment to women in Pakistan has much been talked about and a new United Nations report confirms this point as the country stands first in holding biases against women.

The ill-treatment to women in Pakistan has much been talked about and a new United Nations report confirms this point as the country stands first in holding biases against women. The Gender Social Norms Index report released by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) studied 75 countries making 80 per cent of the world's population. The index measured how social beliefs act as a hindrance to gender equality in areas like politics, work, and education. Also read: Pakistan confirms sixth coronavirus case, 823 quarantined in Sindh The prejudiced views that were asked in the study were: that men are better politicians and business leaders than women; that going to university is more important for men than women; and that men should get preferential treatment in competitive job markets. Also read: Pakistan struggles to combat devastating locust plague The findings revealed that the percentage of those holding at least one sexist bias was largest in Pakistan, 99.81 per cent. Qatar and Nigeria followed Pakistan with 99.73 per cent. Ahead of the International Women's Day on March 8, the research doesn't present a brighter picture as 90% of the people studied worldwide have at least one prejudice against women. Andorra had the least population with sexist beliefs, at 27.01 per cent, and Sweden and the Netherlands were next to it with 30.01 per cent and 39.75 per cent. France, Britain and the United States had similar scores, with 56 per cent, 54.6 per cent and 57.31 per cent of people respectively holding at least one prejudice. The numbers show "new clues to the invisible barriers women face in achieving equality" despite "decades of progress," the UNDP said in a statement released along with the report.

Pakistan ranks first in holding biases against women: UN report

A study by the United Nations has found that nine out of ten people in the world are biased against women. This report tells you more.

UN Study: 90% of people are biased against women | Gravitas

Recently, a chilling report of the United Nations has emerged after studying on 80% of the world population that 9 out of 10 people biased against women. This report was released ahead of the International Women's Day.

UN study reveals that 9 out of 10 people biased against women

Former UN chief Javier Perez de Cuellar, who was known for his peace-making efforts including brokering a ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq war, died Wednesday in his native Peru, aged 100, his son said

Perez de Cuellar served as UN secretary-general from 1981 to 1991, when he was often described as a "pacifist by vocation and nature."

Lauded by his countrymen as one of the most illustrious Peruvians of his era, Perez de Cuellar led the United Nations through a period marked by the fight against world hunger, the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq, as well as the civil war in US-supported El Salvador which led to UN-mediated peace talks.

"My dad died after a complicated week. He died at 8:09 pm tonight (0109 GMT Thursday) and is resting in peace," his son Francisco Perez de Cuellar told RPP radio.

Perez de Cuellar was known for his efforts to reconcile warring parties.

He considered the 1990 independence of Namibia, one of the last colonial enclaves on the African continent, his greatest accomplishment as secretary-general.

Perez de Cuellar's popularity prompted him to accept the presidential nomination from one of Peru's leading political parties -- the Union for Peru -- in 1995, which pitted him against then-incumbent president Alberto Fujimori.

An 'inspiration'

The unifying force behind the Union for Peru, Perez de Cuellar won only 21.8 per cent of the vote, coming in second behind Fujimori who got 64.4 per cent.

In 1997, informants revealed that Perez de Cuellar had been subject to systematic surveillance and phone tapping during the campaign, ordered by the head of Fujimori's intelligence services, Vladimiro Montesinos.

Following the collapse of the Fujimori regime in November 2000, Perez de Cuellar was appointed head of a government of "unity and national reconciliation."

As prime minister, he helped expose a web of corruption woven by Montesinos over the course of Fujimori's 10-year rule.

After the election of President Alejandro Toledo in 2001, Perez de Cuellar was appointed ambassador to France.

Born into an upper-middle-class family in Lima and educated in Catholic schools, Perez de Cuellar spent most of his professional life outside his homeland, in diplomatic posts in Britain, Bolivia, Poland, the former Soviet Union, Switzerland and Venezuela.

He was president of the UN Security Council from 1973 to 1974 and was UN permanent representative in Cyprus from 1975 to 1977.

The career diplomat's son and daughter are from his first marriage, along with six grandchildren. He and his second wife, Marcela Temple, had no children.

A lawyer by education, Perez de Cuellar received honorary doctorates from nearly 40 universities around the world.

Antonio Guterres, who currently heads the UN, wished him "with pride &amp; joy" a happy 100th birthday on January 19.

"On this momentous occasion, we at the UN draw on his example for inspiration &amp; are deeply grateful for his many contributions and achievements as Secretary-General," Guterres wrote on Twitter.

Perez de Cuellar's remains will lie at the Peruvian foreign ministry before burial on Friday, his son said. 
&nbsp;

Former UN chief Javier Perez de Cuellar, who was known for his peace-making efforts including brokering a ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq war, died Wednesday in his native Peru, aged 100, his son said Perez de Cuellar served as UN secretary-general from 1981 to 1991, when he was often described as a "pacifist by vocation and nature.

Former UN chief Javier Perez de Cuellar, who was known for his peace-making efforts including brokering a ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq war, died Wednesday in his native Peru, aged 100, his son said Perez de Cuellar served as UN secretary-general from 1981 to 1991, when he was often described as a "pacifist by vocation and nature." Lauded by his countrymen as one of the most illustrious Peruvians of his era, Perez de Cuellar led the United Nations through a period marked by the fight against world hunger, the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq, as well as the civil war in US-supported El Salvador which led to UN-mediated peace talks. "My dad died after a complicated week. He died at 8:09 pm tonight (0109 GMT Thursday) and is resting in peace," his son Francisco Perez de Cuellar told RPP radio. Perez de Cuellar was known for his efforts to reconcile warring parties. He considered the 1990 independence of Namibia, one of the last colonial enclaves on the African continent, his greatest accomplishment as secretary-general. Perez de Cuellar's popularity prompted him to accept the presidential nomination from one of Peru's leading political parties -- the Union for Peru -- in 1995, which pitted him against then-incumbent president Alberto Fujimori. An 'inspiration' The unifying force behind the Union for Peru, Perez de Cuellar won only 21.8 per cent of the vote, coming in second behind Fujimori who got 64.4 per cent. In 1997, informants revealed that Perez de Cuellar had been subject to systematic surveillance and phone tapping during the campaign, ordered by the head of Fujimori's intelligence services, Vladimiro Montesinos. Following the collapse of the Fujimori regime in November 2000, Perez de Cuellar was appointed head of a government of "unity and national reconciliation." As prime minister, he helped expose a web of corruption woven by Montesinos over the course of Fujimori's 10-year rule. After the election of President Alejandro Toledo in 2001, Perez de Cuellar was appointed ambassador to France. Born into an upper-middle-class family in Lima and educated in Catholic schools, Perez de Cuellar spent most of his professional life outside his homeland, in diplomatic posts in Britain, Bolivia, Poland, the former Soviet Union, Switzerland and Venezuela. He was president of the UN Security Council from 1973 to 1974 and was UN permanent representative in Cyprus from 1975 to 1977. The career diplomat's son and daughter are from his first marriage, along with six grandchildren. He and his second wife, Marcela Temple, had no children. A lawyer by education, Perez de Cuellar received honorary doctorates from nearly 40 universities around the world. Antonio Guterres, who currently heads the UN, wished him "with pride & joy" a happy 100th birthday on January 19. "On this momentous occasion, we at the UN draw on his example for inspiration & are deeply grateful for his many contributions and achievements as Secretary-General," Guterres wrote on Twitter. Perez de Cuellar's remains will lie at the Peruvian foreign ministry before burial on Friday, his son said.

Former United Nations chief Javier Perez de Cuellar dead at 100

Nestle SA is launching a reforestation project to plant at least 3 million trees in Mexico and Brazil in the next year and a half as the Swiss food group strives for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Nestle vows to plant 3 million trees in Mexico

Pakistan's farmers are struggling to combat the worst locust plague in nearly three decades as insect swarms decimate entire harvests in the country's agricultural heartlands and send food prices soaring.

Heavy rains and cyclones sparked "unprecedented" breeding and the explosive growth of locust populations on the Arabian peninsula early last year, according to the United Nations.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-consider-importing-insecticides-from-india-to-fight-locusts-281375">Pakistan to consider importing insecticides from India to fight locusts</a>

The insects have since fanned out and wreaked havoc on farms from East Africa to India before making their way into Pakistan from the desert on the country's southwestern border with Iran.

The crisis is so severe that the government has declared a nationwide emergency and urgently appealed for help from the international community.

Officials in southern Sindh province fear the infestation will devastate the supply of cotton, the local cash crop, ahead of its harvest in the coming months.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts</a>

Local surveys of the damage are continuing, but the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture says nearly half of all crops have been destroyed near the port city of Karachi.

"I have not seen an infestation like this one in my career," said Shehbaz Akhtar, an agricultural official charged with locust eradication efforts in the village of Pipli Pahar in central Punjab province.

Local authorities had "launched a combat operation" to clear the area of infestation with pesticide sprays, he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-locust-crisis-how-are-nations-tackling-the-growing-menace-282092">The locust crisis: How are nations tackling the growing menace?&nbsp;</a>

Clouds of the noxious gas envelop the nearby fields each morning, where villagers gather the husks of dead insects for an official bounty of 20 rupees&nbsp;per kilogramme bag.

"We spray twice a day here," says Fayyaz Azeem, clad in a face mask and thick industrial gloves on top of a tractor discharging pesticide into rows of crops.

But the process is slow and time-consuming, and by the time locusts are killed off in one field they have often already destroyed the next.

The pesticides used by officials are also dangerous for consumption, so even when the locusts are dead the remaining crops have to be discarded.

Some farmers have been forced to opt for more desperate solutions while waiting for their fields to be sprayed and have attempted to scare off the swarms by shouting and banging pots.

A team of Chinese experts has arrived in Pakistan to survey the crisis, food security ministry chief Muhammad Hashim Popalzai told AFP.

Beijing could also offer aerial spraying, a much faster and more efficient method of pest control and Pakistan may also import pesticides from China.

Earlier reports circulating online suggested China was planning to send thousands of ducks to Pakistan to devour the scourge. Pakistani officials said no such plans were being considered.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has also set up meetings between India and Pakistan to prevent the swarms from spreading, Popalzai said.

Agriculture accounts for 20 per cent of Pakistan's GDP but the sector has already struggled for years in the face of drought and dwindling water supplies.

The country is also experiencing 12-year inflation highs, with the cost of sugar nearly doubling and flour prices jumping 15 per cent in the past year.

Years without a locust attack meant the government "had become complacent" about the risks of a new infestation, said Pakistan Farmers Bureau president Zafar Hayyat.

Though he applauded the steps being taken to fight the plague, Hayyat warned of the risk that swarms would return mid-year after the next locust breeding season.

Pakistan's farmers are struggling to combat the worst locust plague in nearly three decades as insect swarms decimate entire harvests in the country's agricultural heartlands and send food prices soaring.

Pakistan's farmers are struggling to combat the worst locust plague in nearly three decades as insect swarms decimate entire harvests in the country's agricultural heartlands and send food prices soaring. Heavy rains and cyclones sparked "unprecedented" breeding and the explosive growth of locust populations on the Arabian peninsula early last year, according to the United Nations. Also read: Pakistan to consider importing insecticides from India to fight locusts The insects have since fanned out and wreaked havoc on farms from East Africa to India before making their way into Pakistan from the desert on the country's southwestern border with Iran. The crisis is so severe that the government has declared a nationwide emergency and urgently appealed for help from the international community. Officials in southern Sindh province fear the infestation will devastate the supply of cotton, the local cash crop, ahead of its harvest in the coming months. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts Local surveys of the damage are continuing, but the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture says nearly half of all crops have been destroyed near the port city of Karachi. "I have not seen an infestation like this one in my career," said Shehbaz Akhtar, an agricultural official charged with locust eradication efforts in the village of Pipli Pahar in central Punjab province. Local authorities had "launched a combat operation" to clear the area of infestation with pesticide sprays, he said. Also read: The locust crisis: How are nations tackling the growing menace? Clouds of the noxious gas envelop the nearby fields each morning, where villagers gather the husks of dead insects for an official bounty of 20 rupees per kilogramme bag. "We spray twice a day here," says Fayyaz Azeem, clad in a face mask and thick industrial gloves on top of a tractor discharging pesticide into rows of crops. But the process is slow and time-consuming, and by the time locusts are killed off in one field they have often already destroyed the next. The pesticides used by officials are also dangerous for consumption, so even when the locusts are dead the remaining crops have to be discarded. Some farmers have been forced to opt for more desperate solutions while waiting for their fields to be sprayed and have attempted to scare off the swarms by shouting and banging pots. A team of Chinese experts has arrived in Pakistan to survey the crisis, food security ministry chief Muhammad Hashim Popalzai told AFP. Beijing could also offer aerial spraying, a much faster and more efficient method of pest control and Pakistan may also import pesticides from China. Earlier reports circulating online suggested China was planning to send thousands of ducks to Pakistan to devour the scourge. Pakistani officials said no such plans were being considered. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has also set up meetings between India and Pakistan to prevent the swarms from spreading, Popalzai said. Agriculture accounts for 20 per cent of Pakistan's GDP but the sector has already struggled for years in the face of drought and dwindling water supplies. The country is also experiencing 12-year inflation highs, with the cost of sugar nearly doubling and flour prices jumping 15 per cent in the past year. Years without a locust attack meant the government "had become complacent" about the risks of a new infestation, said Pakistan Farmers Bureau president Zafar Hayyat. Though he applauded the steps being taken to fight the plague, Hayyat warned of the risk that swarms would return mid-year after the next locust breeding season.

Pakistan struggles to combat devastating locust plague

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