The UN human rights chief has filed a case in the Supreme Court of India against the recently enacted Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), even as the Centre has said that no foreign institution or individual has any locus standi on internal matters of a sovereign country. 
 
In a statement, the Ministry of External affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that India`s Permanent Mission in Geneva was informed on Monday evening that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has filed "an intervention application" in the apex court in connection to the CAA.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-protests-home-ministry-to-hold-review-meeting-over-unrest-across-country-269211">CAA protests: Home Ministry to hold review meeting over unrest across country</a> 
 
The CAA fast tracks citizenship of persecuted religious minorities of three Islamic theocratic countries neighbouring India. The law triggered widespread violent protests in India, with the opposition calling it discriminatory against Muslims. 
 
Last week, Delhi witnessed massive violence that resulted in the deaths of 48 people, while over 250 others were injured.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-heres-why-the-police-force-is-being-targetted-and-demonised-271596">Anti-CAA protests: Here's why the police force is being targetted and demonised</a> 
 
The Centre on Tuesday said that the CAA was an internal matter of India and concerns the sovereign right of the Indian Parliament to make laws. 
 
"We strongly believe that no foreign party has any locus standi on issues pertaining to India`s sovereignty," Kumar said. 
 
"We are clear that the CAA is constitutionally valid and complies with all requirements of our constitutional values. It is reflective of our long-standing national commitment in respect of human rights issues arising from the tragedy of the Partition of India." 
 
India, he said, is a democratic country governed by the rule of law. 
 
"We all have the utmost respect for and full trust in our independent judiciary. We are confident that our sound and legally sustainable position would be vindicated by the honourable Supreme Court," he added.

The UN human rights chief has filed a case in the Supreme Court of India against the recently enacted Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), even as the Centre has said that no foreign institution or individual has any locus standi on internal matters of a sovereign country.

The UN human rights chief has filed a case in the Supreme Court of India against the recently enacted Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), even as the Centre has said that no foreign institution or individual has any locus standi on internal matters of a sovereign country. In a statement, the Ministry of External affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that India`s Permanent Mission in Geneva was informed on Monday evening that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has filed "an intervention application" in the apex court in connection to the CAA. Also read: CAA protests: Home Ministry to hold review meeting over unrest across country The CAA fast tracks citizenship of persecuted religious minorities of three Islamic theocratic countries neighbouring India. The law triggered widespread violent protests in India, with the opposition calling it discriminatory against Muslims. Last week, Delhi witnessed massive violence that resulted in the deaths of 48 people, while over 250 others were injured. Also read: Anti-CAA protests: Here's why the police force is being targetted and demonised The Centre on Tuesday said that the CAA was an internal matter of India and concerns the sovereign right of the Indian Parliament to make laws. "We strongly believe that no foreign party has any locus standi on issues pertaining to India`s sovereignty," Kumar said. "We are clear that the CAA is constitutionally valid and complies with all requirements of our constitutional values. It is reflective of our long-standing national commitment in respect of human rights issues arising from the tragedy of the Partition of India." India, he said, is a democratic country governed by the rule of law. "We all have the utmost respect for and full trust in our independent judiciary. We are confident that our sound and legally sustainable position would be vindicated by the honourable Supreme Court," he added.

UN body moves SC over CAA, India says no locus standi

India on Friday asked Pakistan's top leadership to stop terror funding and dismantle terrorist camps operating from its soil and territories under its control while decrying Islamabad's efforts to derail the positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir.

India's statement came a week after the global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris decided to retain Pakistan in its 'Grey List' and warned the country of stern action if it fails to prosecute and penalise those involved in terror funding emanating from its jurisdiction.

Exercising the right of reply after Pakistan raised concerns over human rights in Jammu and Kashmir at the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council here, India's representative said that the international community cannot be misled by Pakistani hysterical reactions at all global forums to malign India.

"The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is fast returning to normalcy despite serious attempts by Pakistan to derail the positive developments through its active support to terrorist groups and related entities," he said.

Giving Pakistan a 10-point advise list, the Indian diplomat asked it to stop terror funding and dismantle terrorist camps operating in the country and territories under its control.

"Stop public advocacy and support for terrorists by Pakistani leadership at the highest level, end illegal and forcible occupation and reverse the demographic changes in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and take structural reforms to develop a semblance of democracy in Pakistan," he said.&nbsp;

India on Friday asked Pakistan's top leadership to stop terror funding and dismantle terrorist camps operating from its soil and territories under its control while decrying Islamabad's efforts to derail the positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir.

India on Friday asked Pakistan's top leadership to stop terror funding and dismantle terrorist camps operating from its soil and territories under its control while decrying Islamabad's efforts to derail the positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir. India's statement came a week after the global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris decided to retain Pakistan in its 'Grey List' and warned the country of stern action if it fails to prosecute and penalise those involved in terror funding emanating from its jurisdiction. Exercising the right of reply after Pakistan raised concerns over human rights in Jammu and Kashmir at the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council here, India's representative said that the international community cannot be misled by Pakistani hysterical reactions at all global forums to malign India. "The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is fast returning to normalcy despite serious attempts by Pakistan to derail the positive developments through its active support to terrorist groups and related entities," he said. Giving Pakistan a 10-point advise list, the Indian diplomat asked it to stop terror funding and dismantle terrorist camps operating in the country and territories under its control. "Stop public advocacy and support for terrorists by Pakistani leadership at the highest level, end illegal and forcible occupation and reverse the demographic changes in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and take structural reforms to develop a semblance of democracy in Pakistan," he said.

India at UN asks Pakistan leadership to stop terror funding, dismantle terrorist camps 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called women's inequality "stupid" and a cause for global shame. He pledged to press governments to end discriminatory laws in the face of a "strong and relentless pushback" against women's rights.

UN Chief Slams Gender Inequality

India has exercised its 'Right To Reply' at the United Nations. This comes in response to Pakistan's statement during the 43rd session of the UN Human Right's Council

India Exercises 'Right To Reply' at the UN

France Thursday asked Sri Lanka to end impunity and ensure ethnic reconciliation a day after Colombo withdrew from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged atrocities during its decades-long separatist war.

A top French diplomat said Colombo could not wish away the 2015 Human Rights Council resolution which the previous Sri Lankan administration co-sponsored with the unanimous support of UN's rights body.

"Sri Lanka's decision to withdraw from the co-sponsorship of the resolution does not mean that the resolution has disappeared. The resolution is still on the table.

"It is legally binding. The objective is still there. Reconciliation has to be a key priority," Thierry Mathou, director of Asia and Oceania for the French foreign ministry told reporters in Colombo after talks with local leaders.

At least 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka's drawn-out Tamil separatist war which ended in May 2009.

The end of the conflict also sparked allegations that troops killed 40,000 minority Tamils while crushing Tiger rebels who were known for their trademark suicide bombings.

"We have heard and read that economic development will lead to reconciliation (in Sri Lanka). I tend to say that in order to reach economic development, you have to get reconciliation. So, the fight against impunity is obviously an important objective."

Sri Lanka on Wednesday formally told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that it was pulling out of the 2015 resolution.

Current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was president when Sri Lankan troops defeated Tamil Tiger guerrillas. His brother Gotabaya, who is now president, was defence secretary at the time.

Sri Lanka's Foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the UNHRC that the resolution was "a blot on the sovereignty and dignity of the people of Sri Lanka".

France Thursday asked Sri Lanka to end impunity and ensure ethnic reconciliation a day after Colombo withdrew from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged atrocities during its decades-long separatist war.

France Thursday asked Sri Lanka to end impunity and ensure ethnic reconciliation a day after Colombo withdrew from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged atrocities during its decades-long separatist war. A top French diplomat said Colombo could not wish away the 2015 Human Rights Council resolution which the previous Sri Lankan administration co-sponsored with the unanimous support of UN's rights body. "Sri Lanka's decision to withdraw from the co-sponsorship of the resolution does not mean that the resolution has disappeared. The resolution is still on the table. "It is legally binding. The objective is still there. Reconciliation has to be a key priority," Thierry Mathou, director of Asia and Oceania for the French foreign ministry told reporters in Colombo after talks with local leaders. At least 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka's drawn-out Tamil separatist war which ended in May 2009. The end of the conflict also sparked allegations that troops killed 40,000 minority Tamils while crushing Tiger rebels who were known for their trademark suicide bombings. "We have heard and read that economic development will lead to reconciliation (in Sri Lanka). I tend to say that in order to reach economic development, you have to get reconciliation. So, the fight against impunity is obviously an important objective." Sri Lanka on Wednesday formally told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that it was pulling out of the 2015 resolution. Current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was president when Sri Lankan troops defeated Tamil Tiger guerrillas. His brother Gotabaya, who is now president, was defence secretary at the time. Sri Lanka's Foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the UNHRC that the resolution was "a blot on the sovereignty and dignity of the people of Sri Lanka".

France asks Sri Lanka to honour UN pledges on rights

Sri Lanka on Wednesday notified the UN that it was withdrawing from a United Nations resolution for investigating alleged war crimes committed during a decades-long conflict with Tamil separatists.

"I wish to place on record Sri Lanka's decision to withdraw from co-sponsorship of resolution 40/1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights," Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

"Notwithstanding withdrawing from the co-sponsorship of this resolution, Sri Lanka remains committed to achieving the goals set by the people of Sri Lanka on accountability, human rights, towards sustainable peace and reconciliation," he said.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier this month had said Sri Lanka was withdrawing from the resolution that the country's previous government had endorsed.

Rajapaksa was president when Sri Lankan troops defeated Tamil Tiger guerrillas in 2009, but rights groups accused the army of killing at least 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the conflict.

His brother Gotabaya, who is now president, was defence secretary at the time.

Gunawardena on Wednesday said the resolution was "a blot on the sovereignty and dignity of the people of Sri Lanka". The previous government had turned its back on "a homegrown reconciliation process", he added.

"It made my country a pawn on the chessboard of global politics," he told delegates.

But John Fisher, Geneva director of Human Rights Watch, described the announcement as "a slap in the face to victims and an act of contempt for the UN's top human rights body.

"UN Human Rights Council members should not allow themselves to be fooled -- there is no prospect that the Rajapaksas, implicated in war crimes, will take meaningful steps towards accountability," he said.

He argued that the government's move highlighted the need for the rights council to finally establish an international investigation into the war-era crimes -- something Colombo has long flatly rejected.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday notified the UN that it was withdrawing from a United Nations resolution for investigating alleged war crimes committed during a decades-long conflict with Tamil separatists.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday notified the UN that it was withdrawing from a United Nations resolution for investigating alleged war crimes committed during a decades-long conflict with Tamil separatists. "I wish to place on record Sri Lanka's decision to withdraw from co-sponsorship of resolution 40/1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights," Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. "Notwithstanding withdrawing from the co-sponsorship of this resolution, Sri Lanka remains committed to achieving the goals set by the people of Sri Lanka on accountability, human rights, towards sustainable peace and reconciliation," he said. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier this month had said Sri Lanka was withdrawing from the resolution that the country's previous government had endorsed. Rajapaksa was president when Sri Lankan troops defeated Tamil Tiger guerrillas in 2009, but rights groups accused the army of killing at least 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the conflict. His brother Gotabaya, who is now president, was defence secretary at the time. Gunawardena on Wednesday said the resolution was "a blot on the sovereignty and dignity of the people of Sri Lanka". The previous government had turned its back on "a homegrown reconciliation process", he added. "It made my country a pawn on the chessboard of global politics," he told delegates. But John Fisher, Geneva director of Human Rights Watch, described the announcement as "a slap in the face to victims and an act of contempt for the UN's top human rights body. "UN Human Rights Council members should not allow themselves to be fooled -- there is no prospect that the Rajapaksas, implicated in war crimes, will take meaningful steps towards accountability," he said. He argued that the government's move highlighted the need for the rights council to finally establish an international investigation into the war-era crimes -- something Colombo has long flatly rejected.

Sri Lanka notifies UN withdrawing from war crimes resolution

More than 10,000 civilians were killed or wounded in Afghanistan's war last year, the United Nations announced Saturday, as a historic partial truce kicked in across the country.

More than 10,000 civilians were killed or wounded in Afghanistan's war last year, the United Nations announced Saturday, as a historic partial truce kicked in across the country. According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 3,404 civilians were killed and 6,989 were injured in 2019. While the number was down five per cent from 2018, it was nonetheless the sixth year straight that the war caused more than 10,000 casualties, UNAMA said. "Almost no civilian in Afghanistan has escaped being personally affected in some way by the ongoing violence," UNAMA head Tadamichi Yamamoto said. "It is absolutely imperative for all parties to seize the moment to stop the fighting, as peace is long overdue; civilian lives must be protected and efforts for peace are underway." The five-per cent drop in casualties was attributed to the decrease in activity by the local Islamic State affiliate in eastern Afghanistan, which was largely wiped out last year. On Saturday, a partial truce, being referred to by warring parties as a "reduction in violence", started across Afghanistan. The Taliban, the US and Afghan forces have agreed to cut violence for seven days ahead of the planned February 29 signing of a US-Taliban deal that could begin to end the war. The United States has been in talks with the Taliban for more than a year to secure the deal, in which it would pull out thousands of troops in return for Taliban security guarantees and a promise to hold peace talks with the government in Kabul. The UNAMA report said there had been significant fluctuations in violence throughout 2019, coinciding with gains and setbacks made during US-Taliban negotiations.

More than 10,000 civilian casualties in Afghan war in 2019: UN

Turkey's Erdogan speaks to Russian president Putin and asked him to halt the Syrian regime offensive. Putin said he is seriously concerned by rebel actions. Whereas the united nations call for immediate end to the conflict.

Fight for Idlib intensifies, millions of people displaced

The United Nations warned on Friday that fighting in northwest Syria could "end in a bloodbath" and called again for a ceasefire, while Moscow denied reports of a mass flight of civilians from a Russian-led Syrian government offensive.

Syrian troops backed by Russian air power have been battling since December to eliminate the last rebel strongholds in the region in a war that has killed an estimated 400,000 Syrians, displaced millions more and left much of the country in ruins.

The latest offensive in the regions of Aleppo and Idlib has uprooted nearly 1 million people - most of them women and children - who have fled clashes to seek sanctuary further north, near the Turkish border.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-russia-discuss-joint-patrols-option-in-syrias-idlib-official-281805">Turkey, Russia discuss joint patrols option in Syria's Idlib</a>

The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said 60% of the 900,000 people trapped in a shrinking space after fleeing are children.

"We call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering and what we fear may end in a bloodbath," OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke told a news briefing in Geneva.

"The front lines and relentless violence continue to move closer to these areas which are packed with displaced people, with bombardments increasingly affecting displacement sites and their vicinity."

At a university building in the town of Azaz in northwest Syria, people fleeing Idlib have poured in every day to shelter from the violence and bitter cold.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-turkeys-role-in-the-syrian-civil-war-281781">Explained - Turkey's role in the Syrian civil war</a>

Souad Saleh, 58, is staying in a room with her family and dozens of other people. "We want to go back home but we can't. We left things behind because the warplanes were above us and houses were collapsing," she said.

The escape was exhausting. "Everyone was crying," the grandmother recalled, bursting into tears.

Hayat al-Fayad, 50, said her village in Idlib had emptied out since her family ran from the bombing some two weeks ago. "The entire village fled," she said.

Other families are sleeping outside by roads and in olive groves, burning garbage to stay warm. Some children have died from the cold, while some families have at least reached tent camps for displaced people.

Turkey, which currently hosts 3.7 million Syrian refugees, has said it cannot handle a new influx and has warned that it will use military power to repel Syrian advances in Idlib and ease a humanitarian crisis.

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Russia denies humanitarian emergency

Russia's Defence Ministry said reports of hundreds of thousands of Syrians fleeing from Idlib towards the Turkish border - in an area where Turkish forces maintain forward observation posts - were false, urging Ankara to enable Idlib residents to enter other parts of Syria.

Turkey and Russia back opposing sides in Syria's conflict, but have collaborated towards a political solution. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's onslaught in the northwest has upset this fragile cooperation, causing Ankara and Moscow to accuse each other of flouting de-escalation agreements in the region.

Turkish and Russian officials have failed to find a solution to the clashes in several rounds of talks, and a flare-up on the ground on Thursday which killed two Turkish soldiers brought the total Turkish fatalities in Idlib this month to 15 troops.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-to-cope-with-war-trauma-syrian-father-and-daughter-turn-bombing-sounds-into-rosy-game-281650">To cope with war trauma, Syrian father and daughter turn bombing sounds into rosy game</a>

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he would speak by phone with Russia's Vladimir Putin on Friday at 1500 GMT and, based on those talks, determine Turkey's stance on the conflict.

Speaking to reporters, Erdogan said the French and German leaders had proposed a four-way summit with Russia in Istanbul on March 5, but that Putin had not yet responded. He repeated that Turkey was not withdrawing its forces from Idlib.

Erdogan further said Turkey was continuing work to set up housing for Syrian migrants in a 30-35 km (19-22 mile) "safe zone" inside Syria along the border with Turkey.

Earlier on Friday, the Kremlin said it was discussing the possibility of holding the summit with Turkey, France and Germany mentioned by Erdogan.

The German and French leaders called Putin on Thursday to voice alarm about the humanitarian situation.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also held a phone call with Erdogan, who asked Paris and Berlin for concrete support in the crisis.

The United Nations warned on Friday that fighting in northwest Syria could "end in a bloodbath" and called again for a ceasefire, while Moscow denied reports of a mass flight of civilians from a Russian-led Syrian government offensive.

The United Nations warned on Friday that fighting in northwest Syria could "end in a bloodbath" and called again for a ceasefire, while Moscow denied reports of a mass flight of civilians from a Russian-led Syrian government offensive. Syrian troops backed by Russian air power have been battling since December to eliminate the last rebel strongholds in the region in a war that has killed an estimated 400,000 Syrians, displaced millions more and left much of the country in ruins. The latest offensive in the regions of Aleppo and Idlib has uprooted nearly 1 million people - most of them women and children - who have fled clashes to seek sanctuary further north, near the Turkish border. Also read: Turkey, Russia discuss joint patrols option in Syria's Idlib The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said 60% of the 900,000 people trapped in a shrinking space after fleeing are children. "We call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering and what we fear may end in a bloodbath," OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke told a news briefing in Geneva. "The front lines and relentless violence continue to move closer to these areas which are packed with displaced people, with bombardments increasingly affecting displacement sites and their vicinity." At a university building in the town of Azaz in northwest Syria, people fleeing Idlib have poured in every day to shelter from the violence and bitter cold. Also read: Explained - Turkey's role in the Syrian civil war Souad Saleh, 58, is staying in a room with her family and dozens of other people. "We want to go back home but we can't. We left things behind because the warplanes were above us and houses were collapsing," she said. The escape was exhausting. "Everyone was crying," the grandmother recalled, bursting into tears. Hayat al-Fayad, 50, said her village in Idlib had emptied out since her family ran from the bombing some two weeks ago. "The entire village fled," she said. Other families are sleeping outside by roads and in olive groves, burning garbage to stay warm. Some children have died from the cold, while some families have at least reached tent camps for displaced people. Turkey, which currently hosts 3.7 million Syrian refugees, has said it cannot handle a new influx and has warned that it will use military power to repel Syrian advances in Idlib and ease a humanitarian crisis. × Russia denies humanitarian emergency Russia's Defence Ministry said reports of hundreds of thousands of Syrians fleeing from Idlib towards the Turkish border - in an area where Turkish forces maintain forward observation posts - were false, urging Ankara to enable Idlib residents to enter other parts of Syria. Turkey and Russia back opposing sides in Syria's conflict, but have collaborated towards a political solution. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's onslaught in the northwest has upset this fragile cooperation, causing Ankara and Moscow to accuse each other of flouting de-escalation agreements in the region. Turkish and Russian officials have failed to find a solution to the clashes in several rounds of talks, and a flare-up on the ground on Thursday which killed two Turkish soldiers brought the total Turkish fatalities in Idlib this month to 15 troops. Also read: To cope with war trauma, Syrian father and daughter turn bombing sounds into rosy game Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he would speak by phone with Russia's Vladimir Putin on Friday at 1500 GMT and, based on those talks, determine Turkey's stance on the conflict. Speaking to reporters, Erdogan said the French and German leaders had proposed a four-way summit with Russia in Istanbul on March 5, but that Putin had not yet responded. He repeated that Turkey was not withdrawing its forces from Idlib. Erdogan further said Turkey was continuing work to set up housing for Syrian migrants in a 30-35 km (19-22 mile) "safe zone" inside Syria along the border with Turkey. Earlier on Friday, the Kremlin said it was discussing the possibility of holding the summit with Turkey, France and Germany mentioned by Erdogan. The German and French leaders called Putin on Thursday to voice alarm about the humanitarian situation. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also held a phone call with Erdogan, who asked Paris and Berlin for concrete support in the crisis.

UN says it fears 'bloodbath' in northwest Syria, Russia denies mass displacements

At a time when several parts of the world is struggling with starvation, global food <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fearing-virus-hong-kong-residents-stock-up-on-food-essentials-278288">waste</a> is seen doubling, according to a study.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-9-million-facing-food-shortages-in-african-sahel-sources-267236">Also Read: Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel</a>

The research published in the journal Plos One states that the extent of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lack-of-proper-food-in-wuhan-says-indian-student-277127">food</a> wasted by consumers has been grossly underestimated.

The United Nations estimated in its annual global food waste at 1.3 billion tons per day per person in 2005. Now, it turns out that a third of all food available for human consumption is wasted which is twice as much of wastage as previously estimated.

The study finds that growth in waste occurs as the income increases and hence it's the people in wealthier nations who are wasting more food than anyone else.

According to the study, global food waste is up from 214 calories per day per person to 527 calories. The estimates were made by the United Nations’ food and agriculture organization (FOA) in 2015.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-having-enough-food-humanity-risks-hunger-crises-report-256776">Also Read: 'Despite having enough food, humanity risks hunger crises'</a>

The new study states that food waste starts to emerge when consumers reach a threshold of approximately 6.70 dollars per day a person.

Climate experts have identified food waste as one of the top sustainability problems worldwide and the United Nations environment program has an ambitious goal of eliminating half of all food waste by 2030.

On the flip side, global hunger levels have risen in the last three&nbsp;years from 785 million in 2015 to 822 million in 2018.

At a time when several parts of the world is struggling with starvation, global food waste is seen doubling, according to a study. Also Read: Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel The research published in the journal Plos One states that the extent of food wasted by consumers has been grossly underestimated.

At a time when several parts of the world is struggling with starvation, global food waste is seen doubling, according to a study. Also Read: Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel The research published in the journal Plos One states that the extent of food wasted by consumers has been grossly underestimated. The United Nations estimated in its annual global food waste at 1.3 billion tons per day per person in 2005. Now, it turns out that a third of all food available for human consumption is wasted which is twice as much of wastage as previously estimated. The study finds that growth in waste occurs as the income increases and hence it's the people in wealthier nations who are wasting more food than anyone else. According to the study, global food waste is up from 214 calories per day per person to 527 calories. The estimates were made by the United Nations’ food and agriculture organization (FOA) in 2015. Also Read: 'Despite having enough food, humanity risks hunger crises' The new study states that food waste starts to emerge when consumers reach a threshold of approximately 6.70 dollars per day a person. Climate experts have identified food waste as one of the top sustainability problems worldwide and the United Nations environment program has an ambitious goal of eliminating half of all food waste by 2030. On the flip side, global hunger levels have risen in the last three years from 785 million in 2015 to 822 million in 2018.

People in wealthier nations wasting more food: Study

South Sudan's government forces and other armed groups have "deliberately starved" civilians by denying aid access and displacing communities, a United Nations rights probe said Thursday.

In a report issued two days before a deadline to form a unity government, the three-member commission looked into abuses from the signing of a peace deal in September 2018 to December 2019.

The panel delivered a damning indictment of "predatory and unaccountable elites" and the suffering of civilians after six years of conflict.

"Today in South Sudan, civilians are deliberately starved, systematically surveilled and silenced, arbitrarily arrested and detained and denied meaningful access to justice," it said.

As President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar met in Juba to discuss outstanding obstacles to the power-sharing government, the report slammed the process as beset with delays and bickering, and "lack of political will".

"Political elites remained oblivious to the intense suffering of millions of civilians for whom they were ostensibly fighting," it said.

Ongoing recruitment of child soldiers by both government forces and rebel groups, bloody localised conflicts which left hundreds dead, sexual violence and theft of public funds continued unhindered by the latest peace process, the commissioners found.

"The Commission notes with grave concern that beyond climate-induced factors, both government forces and armed groups have pursued policies responsible for the starvation of the population in Wau and Unity State" in the north of the country.

"The denial of humanitarian access and displacement brought about by unlawful tactics have significantly exacerbated famine in different parts of the country, depriving hundreds of thousands of civilians of vital needs, including access to food."

During the period reviewed by the commission, some 6.35 million people -- 54 per cent of the population -- were facing severe hunger.

Major challenges

South Sudan's conflict broke out in December 2013 after a dispute between Kiir and his former deputy and longtime rival Machar.

The fighting has left some 380,000 dead and forced four million to flee their homes.&nbsp;

The September 2018 peace deal is the latest effort to end the conflict and push the two men to govern together -- an experiment which has twice previously ended in disaster.

Sticky issues of state borders and security arrangements remain with just two days to the deadline, which has already been pushed back twice.

However, even if the unity government is formed, the UN report highlights the massive challenges facing the country -- which only achieved independence in 2011 -- going forward.

Across the country, local ethnic conflicts far removed from the national peace process left 531 dead between February and May 2019 alone, and fighting continues today against holdout rebel groups in the Equatoria region, the report said.

Meanwhile, graft has robbed the state of precious resources.

"Corruption has made several officials extremely wealthy at the expense of millions of starving civilians," said the report, which found millions of dollars in tax collections had been diverted and disappeared.&nbsp;

Both the government and armed groups continued to recruit children during the period reviewed, with 19,000 children believed to be enlisted.

Additionally, some 2.2 million children did not attend school and 30 per cent of schools remain closed.

South Sudan's government forces and other armed groups have "deliberately starved" civilians by denying aid access and displacing communities, a United Nations rights probe said Thursday.

South Sudan's government forces and other armed groups have "deliberately starved" civilians by denying aid access and displacing communities, a United Nations rights probe said Thursday. In a report issued two days before a deadline to form a unity government, the three-member commission looked into abuses from the signing of a peace deal in September 2018 to December 2019. The panel delivered a damning indictment of "predatory and unaccountable elites" and the suffering of civilians after six years of conflict. "Today in South Sudan, civilians are deliberately starved, systematically surveilled and silenced, arbitrarily arrested and detained and denied meaningful access to justice," it said. As President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar met in Juba to discuss outstanding obstacles to the power-sharing government, the report slammed the process as beset with delays and bickering, and "lack of political will". "Political elites remained oblivious to the intense suffering of millions of civilians for whom they were ostensibly fighting," it said. Ongoing recruitment of child soldiers by both government forces and rebel groups, bloody localised conflicts which left hundreds dead, sexual violence and theft of public funds continued unhindered by the latest peace process, the commissioners found. "The Commission notes with grave concern that beyond climate-induced factors, both government forces and armed groups have pursued policies responsible for the starvation of the population in Wau and Unity State" in the north of the country. "The denial of humanitarian access and displacement brought about by unlawful tactics have significantly exacerbated famine in different parts of the country, depriving hundreds of thousands of civilians of vital needs, including access to food." During the period reviewed by the commission, some 6.35 million people -- 54 per cent of the population -- were facing severe hunger. Major challenges South Sudan's conflict broke out in December 2013 after a dispute between Kiir and his former deputy and longtime rival Machar. The fighting has left some 380,000 dead and forced four million to flee their homes. The September 2018 peace deal is the latest effort to end the conflict and push the two men to govern together -- an experiment which has twice previously ended in disaster. Sticky issues of state borders and security arrangements remain with just two days to the deadline, which has already been pushed back twice. However, even if the unity government is formed, the UN report highlights the massive challenges facing the country -- which only achieved independence in 2011 -- going forward. Across the country, local ethnic conflicts far removed from the national peace process left 531 dead between February and May 2019 alone, and fighting continues today against holdout rebel groups in the Equatoria region, the report said. Meanwhile, graft has robbed the state of precious resources. "Corruption has made several officials extremely wealthy at the expense of millions of starving civilians," said the report, which found millions of dollars in tax collections had been diverted and disappeared. Both the government and armed groups continued to recruit children during the period reviewed, with 19,000 children believed to be enlisted. Additionally, some 2.2 million children did not attend school and 30 per cent of schools remain closed.

South Sudan citizens 'deliberately starved' by warring parties: UN

India ranked 77th on a sustainability index that takes into account per capita carbon emissions and ability of children in a nation to live healthy lives and was placed 131st on a ranking that measures the best chance at survival and well-being for children, according to a UN-backed report.

The report was released on Wednesday by a commission of over 40 child and adolescent health experts from around the world.

It was commissioned by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-warns-overseas-virus-spread-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-279719">World Health Organization</a> (WHO), UN Children's Fund (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unicef-deputy-director-justin-forsyth-steps-down-33748">UNICEF</a>) and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/walk-to-work-clean-your-house-live-longer-lancet-20535/amp">Lancet medical journal</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wef-ranks-india-at-62nd-place-on-inclusive-development-index-30347">WEF ranks India at 62nd place on Inclusive Development Index behind Pakistan</a>

In the report assessing the capacity of 180 countries to ensure that their youngsters can survive and thrive, India ranks 77th on the Sustainability Index and 131 on the Flourishing Index, it said.

Flourishing is the geometric mean of Surviving and Thriving.

For Surviving, the authors selected maternal survival, survival in children younger than 5 years old, suicide, access to maternal and child health services, basic hygiene and sanitation, and lack of extreme poverty.

For Thriving, the domains were educational achievement, growth and nutrition, reproductive freedom, and protection from violence.

Under the Sustainability Index, the authors noted that promoting today's national conditions for children to survive and thrive must not come at the cost of eroding future global conditions for children's ability to flourish.

The Sustainability Index ranks countries on excess carbon emissions compared with the 2030 target. This provides a convenient and available proxy for a country's contribution to sustainability in future.

The report noted that under realistic assumptions about possible trajectories towards sustainable greenhouse gas emissions, models predict that global carbon emissions need to be reduced from 397 gigatonnes&nbsp;to 228 gigatonnes per year by 2030 to maintain even a 66 per cent chance of keeping global warming below 15C.

It said that the world's survival depended on children being able to flourish, but no country is doing enough to give them a sustainable future.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-landmark-assessment-un-body-suggests-ways-to-avoid-food-insecurity-worst-impacts-of-climate-change-241492">In landmark assessment, UN body suggests ways to avoid food insecurity, worst impacts of climate change</a>

"No country in the world is currently providing the conditions we need to support every child to grow up and have a healthy future," said Anthony Costello, Professor of Global Health and Sustainability at University College London, one of the lead authors of the report.

"Especially, they're under immediate threat from climate change and from commercial marketing, which has grown hugely in the last decade," said Costello&nbsp;former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-warns-overseas-virus-spread-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-279719">WHO</a> Director of Mother, Child and Adolescent health.

Norway leads the table for survival, health, education and nutrition rates followed by South Korea and the Netherlands. Central African Republic, Chad and Somalia come at the bottom.

However, when taking into account per capita CO2 emissions, these top countries trail behind, with Norway 156th, the Republic of Korea 166th and the Netherlands 160th.

Each of the three emits 210 per cent more CO2 per capita than their 2030 target, the data shows, while the US, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are among the 10 worst emitters. The lowest emitters are Burundi, Chad and Somalia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-will-affect-half-of-south-asia-reduce-economic-growth-world-bank-147749">Climate change will affect half of South Asia, India to be worst-hit: World Bank</a>

According to the report, the only countries on track to beat CO2 emission per capita targets by 2030, while also performing fairly ? within the top 70 ? on child flourishing measures are: Albania, Armenia, Grenada, Jordan, Moldova, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uruguay and Vietnam.

"More than 2 billion people live in countries where development is hampered by humanitarian crises, conflicts, and natural disasters, problems increasingly linked with climate change," said Minister Awa Coll-Seck from Senegal, Co-Chair of the commission.

The report also highlights the distinct threat posed to children from harmful marketing.

Evidence suggests that children in some countries see as many as 30,000 advertisements on television alone in a single year, while youth exposure to vaping (e-cigarettes) advertisements increased by more than 250 per cent in the US over two years, reaching more than 24 million young people.

Studies in Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the US&nbsp;among many others&nbsp;have shown that self-regulation has not hampered commercial ability to advertise to children.

Children's exposure to commercial marketing of junk food and sugary beverages is associated with purchase of unhealthy foods and overweight and obesity, linking predatory marketing to the alarming rise in childhood obesity, it said.

The number of obese children and adolescents increased from 11 million in 1975 to 124 million in 2016 ? an 11-fold increase, with dire individual and societal costs, the report said.

To protect children, the authors call for a new global movement driven by and for children.

Specific recommendations include stopping CO2 emissions with the utmost urgency, to ensure children have a future on this planet; placing children and adolescents at the centre of global efforts to achieve sustainable development, the report said.

New policies and investment in all sectors to work towards child health and rights; incorporating children's voices into policy decisions and tightening national regulation of harmful commercial marketing, supported by a new Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it said.

India ranked 77th on a sustainability index that takes into account per capita carbon emissions and ability of children in a nation to live healthy lives and was placed 131st on a ranking that measures the best chance at survival and well-being for children, according to a UN-backed report.

India ranked 77th on a sustainability index that takes into account per capita carbon emissions and ability of children in a nation to live healthy lives and was placed 131st on a ranking that measures the best chance at survival and well-being for children, according to a UN-backed report. The report was released on Wednesday by a commission of over 40 child and adolescent health experts from around the world. It was commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Lancet medical journal. Also read: WEF ranks India at 62nd place on Inclusive Development Index behind Pakistan In the report assessing the capacity of 180 countries to ensure that their youngsters can survive and thrive, India ranks 77th on the Sustainability Index and 131 on the Flourishing Index, it said. Flourishing is the geometric mean of Surviving and Thriving. For Surviving, the authors selected maternal survival, survival in children younger than 5 years old, suicide, access to maternal and child health services, basic hygiene and sanitation, and lack of extreme poverty. For Thriving, the domains were educational achievement, growth and nutrition, reproductive freedom, and protection from violence. Under the Sustainability Index, the authors noted that promoting today's national conditions for children to survive and thrive must not come at the cost of eroding future global conditions for children's ability to flourish. The Sustainability Index ranks countries on excess carbon emissions compared with the 2030 target. This provides a convenient and available proxy for a country's contribution to sustainability in future. The report noted that under realistic assumptions about possible trajectories towards sustainable greenhouse gas emissions, models predict that global carbon emissions need to be reduced from 397 gigatonnes to 228 gigatonnes per year by 2030 to maintain even a 66 per cent chance of keeping global warming below 15C. It said that the world's survival depended on children being able to flourish, but no country is doing enough to give them a sustainable future. Also read: In landmark assessment, UN body suggests ways to avoid food insecurity, worst impacts of climate change "No country in the world is currently providing the conditions we need to support every child to grow up and have a healthy future," said Anthony Costello, Professor of Global Health and Sustainability at University College London, one of the lead authors of the report. "Especially, they're under immediate threat from climate change and from commercial marketing, which has grown hugely in the last decade," said Costello former WHO Director of Mother, Child and Adolescent health. Norway leads the table for survival, health, education and nutrition rates followed by South Korea and the Netherlands. Central African Republic, Chad and Somalia come at the bottom. However, when taking into account per capita CO2 emissions, these top countries trail behind, with Norway 156th, the Republic of Korea 166th and the Netherlands 160th. Each of the three emits 210 per cent more CO2 per capita than their 2030 target, the data shows, while the US, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are among the 10 worst emitters. The lowest emitters are Burundi, Chad and Somalia. Also read: Climate change will affect half of South Asia, India to be worst-hit: World Bank According to the report, the only countries on track to beat CO2 emission per capita targets by 2030, while also performing fairly ? within the top 70 ? on child flourishing measures are: Albania, Armenia, Grenada, Jordan, Moldova, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uruguay and Vietnam. "More than 2 billion people live in countries where development is hampered by humanitarian crises, conflicts, and natural disasters, problems increasingly linked with climate change," said Minister Awa Coll-Seck from Senegal, Co-Chair of the commission. The report also highlights the distinct threat posed to children from harmful marketing. Evidence suggests that children in some countries see as many as 30,000 advertisements on television alone in a single year, while youth exposure to vaping (e-cigarettes) advertisements increased by more than 250 per cent in the US over two years, reaching more than 24 million young people. Studies in Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the US among many others have shown that self-regulation has not hampered commercial ability to advertise to children. Children's exposure to commercial marketing of junk food and sugary beverages is associated with purchase of unhealthy foods and overweight and obesity, linking predatory marketing to the alarming rise in childhood obesity, it said. The number of obese children and adolescents increased from 11 million in 1975 to 124 million in 2016 ? an 11-fold increase, with dire individual and societal costs, the report said. To protect children, the authors call for a new global movement driven by and for children. Specific recommendations include stopping CO2 emissions with the utmost urgency, to ensure children have a future on this planet; placing children and adolescents at the centre of global efforts to achieve sustainable development, the report said. New policies and investment in all sectors to work towards child health and rights; incorporating children's voices into policy decisions and tightening national regulation of harmful commercial marketing, supported by a new Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it said.

India ranks 77th on sustainability, 131st in child flourishing index rankings: UN report

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">Mike Pompeo</a> on Wednesday closed a three-nation Africa tour with a thinly-veiled swipe at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">China </a>as he talked up Washington's ability to stimulate growth and entrepreneurship on the continent.

"Countries should be wary of authoritarian regimes with empty promises. They breed corruption, dependency," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">Pompeo </a>said in a speech to diplomats and business leaders at the United Nation's Economic Commission for Africa in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

"They run the risk that the prosperity and sovereignty and progress that Africa so needs and desperately wants won't happen."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">Pompeo&nbsp;calls China's treatment of Uighurs 'stain of the century'</a>

Pompeo in his remarks did not explicitly mention <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">China </a>Africa's largest trading partner&nbsp;but analysts predicted ahead of his trip that he would attempt to pitch the US as an alternative source of investment. &nbsp;

On Wednesday Pompeo name-checked US companies operating in all three countries on his Africa tour, the first by a US cabinet-level official in 19 months: Bechtel in Senegal, Chevron in Angola and Coca-Cola in Ethiopia.

He also hailed the free market generally, blasting "failed socialist experiments of years past" in places like Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

And he criticised a proposed constitutional amendment in South Africa that would allow private property to be expropriated without compensation -- a plan that seeks to overcome inequalities set down in the apartheid era.

The amendment would be "disastrous for that economy and most importantly for the South African people," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-us-must-confront-chinas-communist-party-259032">Pompeo says US must confront China's Communist Party</a>

Pompeo left later for Riyadh.

Pompeo's attempt to lay out a positive vision for US cooperation with Africa has been undermined by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">Donald Trump</a>'s Africa policy so far, analysts say.

Critics are quick to cite Trump's widely-reported remarks in 2018 when he used a profanity to describe African and poorer Western Hemisphere nations whose citizens migrate to the United States.

Washington is currently discussing military cuts in Africa, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">US </a>recently announced tightened visa rules targeting Africa's most populous country, Nigeria, as well as Tanzania, Sudan and Eritrea.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-west-is-winning-us-tells-china-france-wary-280845">'The West is winning,' US tells China</a>

"Pompeo is unlikely to undo the damage from the Trump administration's travel bans, the proposed budget cuts, or the president's disparaging comments about the region," said Judd Devermont, Africa director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tank in Washington.

But African leaders would nonetheless "welcome his long-overdue engagement and focus on the positives as much as possible," Devermont said.

Even so, countries like Ethiopia have benefitted from Chinese engagement, rendering Pompeo's message less effective, said Abel Abate Demissie, an Ethiopian political analyst.

''It is undeniable that Chinese investment was quite crucial in keeping Ethiopia on track as one of the world's fastest-growing economies for many years," Abel said.

He added that much Chinese money has gone toward tangible projects like roads and buildings, while American money is more often funnelled to "less visible" fields like education and health.

"The fact that Chinese loans and sometimes grants have less bureaucracy also makes it quite convenient for Ethiopia and Africa at large," Abel said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">China </a>has funnelled cash and loans into infrastructure projects across the continent.

However, Beijing has faced accusations, which it denies, of saddling poor nations with debt, siphoning off mineral resources and leaving environmental damage. &nbsp;

Pompeo insisted Wednesday that Trump was eager to play a bigger role on the continent.

"If there's one thing you should know about our president my boss you should know that he loves deals," he said, drawing laughs from the audience.

"He wants more to happen between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-west-is-winning-us-tells-china-france-wary-280845">United States</a> and nations all across Africa."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday closed a three-nation Africa tour with a thinly-veiled swipe at China as he talked up Washington's ability to stimulate growth and entrepreneurship on the continent.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday closed a three-nation Africa tour with a thinly-veiled swipe at China as he talked up Washington's ability to stimulate growth and entrepreneurship on the continent. "Countries should be wary of authoritarian regimes with empty promises. They breed corruption, dependency," Pompeo said in a speech to diplomats and business leaders at the United Nation's Economic Commission for Africa in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. "They run the risk that the prosperity and sovereignty and progress that Africa so needs and desperately wants won't happen." Also read: Pompeo calls China's treatment of Uighurs 'stain of the century' Pompeo in his remarks did not explicitly mention China Africa's largest trading partner but analysts predicted ahead of his trip that he would attempt to pitch the US as an alternative source of investment. On Wednesday Pompeo name-checked US companies operating in all three countries on his Africa tour, the first by a US cabinet-level official in 19 months: Bechtel in Senegal, Chevron in Angola and Coca-Cola in Ethiopia. He also hailed the free market generally, blasting "failed socialist experiments of years past" in places like Zimbabwe and Tanzania. And he criticised a proposed constitutional amendment in South Africa that would allow private property to be expropriated without compensation -- a plan that seeks to overcome inequalities set down in the apartheid era. The amendment would be "disastrous for that economy and most importantly for the South African people," he said. Also read: Pompeo says US must confront China's Communist Party Pompeo left later for Riyadh. Pompeo's attempt to lay out a positive vision for US cooperation with Africa has been undermined by President Donald Trump's Africa policy so far, analysts say. Critics are quick to cite Trump's widely-reported remarks in 2018 when he used a profanity to describe African and poorer Western Hemisphere nations whose citizens migrate to the United States. Washington is currently discussing military cuts in Africa, and the US recently announced tightened visa rules targeting Africa's most populous country, Nigeria, as well as Tanzania, Sudan and Eritrea. Also read: 'The West is winning,' US tells China "Pompeo is unlikely to undo the damage from the Trump administration's travel bans, the proposed budget cuts, or the president's disparaging comments about the region," said Judd Devermont, Africa director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tank in Washington. But African leaders would nonetheless "welcome his long-overdue engagement and focus on the positives as much as possible," Devermont said. Even so, countries like Ethiopia have benefitted from Chinese engagement, rendering Pompeo's message less effective, said Abel Abate Demissie, an Ethiopian political analyst. ''It is undeniable that Chinese investment was quite crucial in keeping Ethiopia on track as one of the world's fastest-growing economies for many years," Abel said. He added that much Chinese money has gone toward tangible projects like roads and buildings, while American money is more often funnelled to "less visible" fields like education and health. "The fact that Chinese loans and sometimes grants have less bureaucracy also makes it quite convenient for Ethiopia and Africa at large," Abel said. China has funnelled cash and loans into infrastructure projects across the continent. However, Beijing has faced accusations, which it denies, of saddling poor nations with debt, siphoning off mineral resources and leaving environmental damage. Pompeo insisted Wednesday that Trump was eager to play a bigger role on the continent. "If there's one thing you should know about our president my boss you should know that he loves deals," he said, drawing laughs from the audience. "He wants more to happen between the United States and nations all across Africa."

Mike Pompeo closes Africa tour with warning about China's 'empty promises'

Nearly three million people in Niger, over half of whom are children, are suffering at the hands of various natural and man-made crises and are in need of humanitarian aid, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

In a statement, UNICEF cited "the risks posed by insecurity, malnutrition, recurrent disease epidemics and outbreaks, cyclical floods, droughts and displacement" as the causes behind a crisis threatening 2.9 million people, including 1.6 million children.

"Insecurity is spreading at a rapid pace in the central Sahel region," said Felicite Tchibindat, UNICEF's regional nutrition advisor, following a visit to the conflict-affected region of Diffa.

"Women and children are bearing the brunt of the violence.&nbsp;

"In already fragile host communities, the burden of forced displacement increases the vulnerability of children and communities and significantly affects their health, protection, nutrition and education."

Since 2015, Niger has struggled against a wave of jihadist attacks near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso in the west, exacerbating needs in Tillaberi and Tahoua regions, where nearly 78,000 people have been displaced.

"Attacks against civilians in the Lake Chad region prevented 263,000 people in Diffa from returning to their homes," said the statement, adding that deteriorating security on the border with Nigeria has also resulted in the movement of tens of thousands of people.

Niger is home to nearly 450,000 refugees &nbsp;-- Nigerians, Malians and Burkinabe -- and internally displaced people, trying to escape jihadist violence or armed gangs, according to the UN.&nbsp;

Some refugees and displaced persons live in the midst of an already very poor population.

"In a context of constrained resources and limited social services, the communities that host displaced populations are showing extraordinary resilience and sharing the little they have," said Tchibindat.

"This truly is a great example that Nigeriens are showing to world."

On Monday, 15 women and five children were trampled to death in a stampede for food and money for refugees in the southeast of the country.

According to UN figures, jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger left around 4,000 dead last year.

Nearly three million people in Niger, over half of whom are children, are suffering at the hands of various natural and man-made crises and are in need of humanitarian aid, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

Nearly three million people in Niger, over half of whom are children, are suffering at the hands of various natural and man-made crises and are in need of humanitarian aid, the United Nations said on Wednesday. In a statement, UNICEF cited "the risks posed by insecurity, malnutrition, recurrent disease epidemics and outbreaks, cyclical floods, droughts and displacement" as the causes behind a crisis threatening 2.9 million people, including 1.6 million children. "Insecurity is spreading at a rapid pace in the central Sahel region," said Felicite Tchibindat, UNICEF's regional nutrition advisor, following a visit to the conflict-affected region of Diffa. "Women and children are bearing the brunt of the violence. "In already fragile host communities, the burden of forced displacement increases the vulnerability of children and communities and significantly affects their health, protection, nutrition and education." Since 2015, Niger has struggled against a wave of jihadist attacks near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso in the west, exacerbating needs in Tillaberi and Tahoua regions, where nearly 78,000 people have been displaced. "Attacks against civilians in the Lake Chad region prevented 263,000 people in Diffa from returning to their homes," said the statement, adding that deteriorating security on the border with Nigeria has also resulted in the movement of tens of thousands of people. Niger is home to nearly 450,000 refugees -- Nigerians, Malians and Burkinabe -- and internally displaced people, trying to escape jihadist violence or armed gangs, according to the UN. Some refugees and displaced persons live in the midst of an already very poor population. "In a context of constrained resources and limited social services, the communities that host displaced populations are showing extraordinary resilience and sharing the little they have," said Tchibindat. "This truly is a great example that Nigeriens are showing to world." On Monday, 15 women and five children were trampled to death in a stampede for food and money for refugees in the southeast of the country. According to UN figures, jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger left around 4,000 dead last year.

Nearly three million in need of aid in Niger, UN says

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who oversaw a brutal end to a decades-long conflict with Tamil separatists, said Wednesday the country was withdrawing from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged war crimes.

Rajapaksa was president when Sri Lankan troops defeated Tamil Tiger guerrillas in 2009, but rights groups accused the army of killing at least 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the conflict.

His brother Gotabaya, who is now president, was defence secretary at the time.

Premier Mahinda said the government would no longer abide by a 2015 resolution calling for accountability for alleged excesses carried out by Sri Lankan troops and reparations for victims.

That agreement was only accepted by the government that took over after the Rajapaksas' first stint in power.

Rajapaksa said Washington's recent decision to ban current Sri Lanka army chief Shavendra Silva from visiting the US was because Colombo had signed up to the resolution.

"It is because of the historic betrayal... in co-sponsoring UN Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1 in 2015 that other countries are able to name members of our armed forces as violators of human rights," he said in a statement.

Before winning the presidency, Gotabaya had pledged he would not honour the previous government's commitments to the UN.

Mahinda Rajapaksa's administration was on the verge of international sanctions because of its refusal to investigate the alleged war crimes when he was defeated at the January 2015 elections.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who oversaw a brutal end to a decades-long conflict with Tamil separatists, said Wednesday the country was withdrawing from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged war crimes.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who oversaw a brutal end to a decades-long conflict with Tamil separatists, said Wednesday the country was withdrawing from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged war crimes. Rajapaksa was president when Sri Lankan troops defeated Tamil Tiger guerrillas in 2009, but rights groups accused the army of killing at least 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the conflict. His brother Gotabaya, who is now president, was defence secretary at the time. Premier Mahinda said the government would no longer abide by a 2015 resolution calling for accountability for alleged excesses carried out by Sri Lankan troops and reparations for victims. That agreement was only accepted by the government that took over after the Rajapaksas' first stint in power. Rajapaksa said Washington's recent decision to ban current Sri Lanka army chief Shavendra Silva from visiting the US was because Colombo had signed up to the resolution. "It is because of the historic betrayal... in co-sponsoring UN Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1 in 2015 that other countries are able to name members of our armed forces as violators of human rights," he said in a statement. Before winning the presidency, Gotabaya had pledged he would not honour the previous government's commitments to the UN. Mahinda Rajapaksa's administration was on the verge of international sanctions because of its refusal to investigate the alleged war crimes when he was defeated at the January 2015 elections.

Sri Lanka says will not honour UN pledge on war probe

Bangladesh on Wednesday kicked off a drive to vaccinate more than a million people against cholera, which infects tens of thousands a year, as part of an international campaign to eliminate transmission by 2030.

The delta nation has sought to reduce the impact of the disease which causes acute diarrhoea and spreads through contaminated food and water through vaccines and by setting up a dedicated treatment hospital.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-100-drug-godfathers-surrender-to-bangladesh-police-197777">Over 100 drug 'godfathers' surrender to Bangladesh police</a>

"We have brought down the mortality rate in cholera to almost zero in Bangladesh," said senior scientist Firdausi Qadri at the Dhaka-based International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research.

But she admitted that the number of infections was still very high.

According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-be-kidnapped-by-china-taiwan-tells-who-in-bid-for-separate-virus-tally-281370">World Health Organisation</a>, cholera infects about 1.3 to five million people every year and kills an estimated 21,000 to 143,000.

Bangladesh has an estimated 100,000 cases a year, according to authorities, but plans to immunise half its 168 million people in the next decade.

Daisy Akter, who lost two sisters and a brother to cholera in the 1970s, was one of the first recipients of the oral vaccine at a Dhaka neighbourhood on Wednesday.

"No villager came to offer funeral prayers for them fearing they might get the disease," she said.

"We had to bury them in the front yard of our home."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-becomes-fourth-nation-to-pay-un-dues-on-time-world-body-thanks-new-delhi-273780">UN</a> agencies and Bangladesh authorities have already carried out a massive cholera vaccination drive in the country's southeast, where nearly one million Rohingya refugees have lived in overcrowded camps since 2017.

Some 800,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fourth-rohingya-refugee-shot-dead-over-bangladesh-murder-247016">Rohingya</a>&nbsp;and 600,000 locals were vaccinated in that campaign.

Bangladesh on Wednesday kicked off a drive to vaccinate more than a million people against cholera, which infects tens of thousands a year, as part of an international campaign to eliminate transmission by 2030.

Bangladesh on Wednesday kicked off a drive to vaccinate more than a million people against cholera, which infects tens of thousands a year, as part of an international campaign to eliminate transmission by 2030. The delta nation has sought to reduce the impact of the disease which causes acute diarrhoea and spreads through contaminated food and water through vaccines and by setting up a dedicated treatment hospital. Also read: Over 100 drug 'godfathers' surrender to Bangladesh police "We have brought down the mortality rate in cholera to almost zero in Bangladesh," said senior scientist Firdausi Qadri at the Dhaka-based International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research. But she admitted that the number of infections was still very high. According to the World Health Organisation, cholera infects about 1.3 to five million people every year and kills an estimated 21,000 to 143,000. Bangladesh has an estimated 100,000 cases a year, according to authorities, but plans to immunise half its 168 million people in the next decade. Daisy Akter, who lost two sisters and a brother to cholera in the 1970s, was one of the first recipients of the oral vaccine at a Dhaka neighbourhood on Wednesday. "No villager came to offer funeral prayers for them fearing they might get the disease," she said. "We had to bury them in the front yard of our home." UN agencies and Bangladesh authorities have already carried out a massive cholera vaccination drive in the country's southeast, where nearly one million Rohingya refugees have lived in overcrowded camps since 2017. Some 800,000 Rohingya and 600,000 locals were vaccinated in that campaign.

Bangladesh kicks off vaccination blitz to eliminate cholera

Kartarpur is a corridor of "hope", said United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres as he visited Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan on Tuesday. 
&nbsp; 
"Was honoured to visit Pakistan's newly opened Kartarpur Corridor, &nbsp;a corridor of hope, connecting two key Sikh pilgrimage sites, " said UN General Secretary on Twitter.

"This is a welcome symbol of interfaith harmony."

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I was honoured to visit Pakistan’s newly opened Kartarpur Corridor - a corridor of hope, connecting two key Sikh pilgrimage sites. 
 
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— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1229730148964012034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On November 9, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor to facilitate the visa-free entry of Indian Sikh pilgrims to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev.

The, 4.7-kilometre-long passage, connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur.&nbsp;

The UN chief is on a three-day visit to Pakistan during which he held talks with country's Prime Minister Imran Khan and various other leaders including foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

On Monday, during the UN conference for Afghan refugees, Guterres credited the nation for supporting Afghan refugees.

He also praised the "remarkable transformation" of Pakistan's security situation.

Kartarpur is a corridor of "hope", said United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres as he visited Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan on Tuesday. "Was honoured to visit Pakistan's newly opened Kartarpur Corridor, a corridor of hope, connecting two key Sikh pilgrimage sites, " said UN General Secretary on Twitter.

Kartarpur is a corridor of "hope", said United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres as he visited Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan on Tuesday. "Was honoured to visit Pakistan's newly opened Kartarpur Corridor, a corridor of hope, connecting two key Sikh pilgrimage sites, " said UN General Secretary on Twitter. "This is a welcome symbol of interfaith harmony." I was honoured to visit Pakistan’s newly opened Kartarpur Corridor - a corridor of hope, connecting two key Sikh pilgrimage sites. This is a welcome symbol of interfaith harmony. pic.twitter.com/zqQa1Prnv3 — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 18, 2020 × On November 9, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor to facilitate the visa-free entry of Indian Sikh pilgrims to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev. The, 4.7-kilometre-long passage, connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur. The UN chief is on a three-day visit to Pakistan during which he held talks with country's Prime Minister Imran Khan and various other leaders including foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. On Monday, during the UN conference for Afghan refugees, Guterres credited the nation for supporting Afghan refugees. He also praised the "remarkable transformation" of Pakistan's security situation.

United Nations chief visits Kartarpur corridor; says it's symbol of interfaith harmony

Pakistan is likely to import insecticides from&nbsp;India to brace itself for any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">locust attacks</a> this summer, bypassing a ban on trade between the neighbouring nations.

A copy of Cabinet agenda for a Tuesday meeting seen by Reuters has the import option on it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">Pakistan </a>severed all diplomatic and trade ties with New Delhi in August after India revoked the special status of Kashmir, a disputed territory between the two rivals, who have fought two of their three wars over the Himalayan region.

Also read:&nbsp;<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>

"Yes definitely, there is a fear of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">locust attack</a> in June- July, this is the reason we are planning and preparing in advance," Dr Falak Naz, Director General Department of Plant Protection, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, told Reuters.

China, currently battling the coronavirus outbreak, is the other place from where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">Pakistan </a>can import the insecticides.

Pakistan declared a national emergency over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">locust</a> swarms early this month after the food ministry gave a briefing to parliament, warning that the country was facing the worst locust infestation in two decades.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-spray-planes-can-counter-worst-locust-outbreak-in-eastern-africa-united-nations-278328">Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations</a>

Desert locusts, large herbivores which resemble grasshoppers, are said to have arrived in Pakistan from Iran, and have already damaged maze, cotton, wheat and other crops.

Khusro Bakhtiar, the national food security minister, said in the briefing that the locust swarm was currently on the Pakistan-India border.

"Action has been taken against the insect over 0.3 million acres&nbsp;and aerial spray was done on 20,000 hectares," he said.

Swarms of desert <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">locusts </a>have invaded eastern Africa, ravaging crops, decimating pasture and deepening a hunger crisis. United Nations says hundreds of millions of the insects have swept over the Horn of Africa in the worst outbreak in a quarter of a century.

Pakistan is likely to import insecticides from India to brace itself for any locust attacks this summer, bypassing a ban on trade between the neighbouring nations.

Pakistan is likely to import insecticides from India to brace itself for any locust attacks this summer, bypassing a ban on trade between the neighbouring nations. A copy of Cabinet agenda for a Tuesday meeting seen by Reuters has the import option on it. Pakistan severed all diplomatic and trade ties with New Delhi in August after India revoked the special status of Kashmir, a disputed territory between the two rivals, who have fought two of their three wars over the Himalayan region. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts "Yes definitely, there is a fear of locust attack in June- July, this is the reason we are planning and preparing in advance," Dr Falak Naz, Director General Department of Plant Protection, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, told Reuters. China, currently battling the coronavirus outbreak, is the other place from where Pakistan can import the insecticides. Pakistan declared a national emergency over locust swarms early this month after the food ministry gave a briefing to parliament, warning that the country was facing the worst locust infestation in two decades. Also read: Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations Desert locusts, large herbivores which resemble grasshoppers, are said to have arrived in Pakistan from Iran, and have already damaged maze, cotton, wheat and other crops. Khusro Bakhtiar, the national food security minister, said in the briefing that the locust swarm was currently on the Pakistan-India border. "Action has been taken against the insect over 0.3 million acres and aerial spray was done on 20,000 hectares," he said. Swarms of desert locusts have invaded eastern Africa, ravaging crops, decimating pasture and deepening a hunger crisis. United Nations says hundreds of millions of the insects have swept over the Horn of Africa in the worst outbreak in a quarter of a century.

Pakistan to consider importing insecticides from India to fight locusts

A Russian-backed regime offensive in northwest Syria has displaced 900,000 people since the start of December, and babies are dying of cold because aid camps are full, the UN said Monday.

That figure is 100,000 more than the United Nations had previously recorded.

"The crisis in northwest Syria has reached a horrifying new level," said Mark Lowcock, the UN head of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief.&nbsp;

He said the displaced were overwhelmingly women and children who are "traumatized and forced to sleep outside in freezing temperatures because camps are full. Mothers burn plastic to keep children warm. Babies and small children are dying because of the cold."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turkey-call-for-russia-to-stop-backing-syrian-atrocities-281103">President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'</a>

The Idlib region, including parts of neighboring Aleppo province, is home to some three million people, half of them already displaced from other parts of the country.

The offensive that began late last year has caused the biggest single displacement of people since the conflict began in 2011. The war has killed more than 380,000 people since it erupted almost nine years ago, following the brutal repression of popular demonstrations demanding regime change.

Lowcock warned Monday that the violence in the northwest was "indiscriminate."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">More than 235,000 flee northwest Syria flare-up - United Nation</a>

"Health facilities, schools, residential areas, mosques and markets have been hit. Schools are suspended, many health facilities have closed. There is a serious risk of disease outbreaks. Basic infrastructure is falling apart," he said in a statement.

"We are now receiving reports that settlements for displaced people are being hit, resulting in deaths, injuries and further displacement."

He said that a massive relief operation underway from the Turkish border is has been "overwhelmed. The equipment and facilities being used by aid workers are being damaged. Humanitarian workers themselves are being displaced and killed."

US President Donald Trump on Sunday called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" in the Idlib region, the White House said.

A Russian-backed regime offensive in northwest Syria has displaced 900,000 people since the start of December, and babies are dying of cold because aid camps are full, the UN said Monday.

A Russian-backed regime offensive in northwest Syria has displaced 900,000 people since the start of December, and babies are dying of cold because aid camps are full, the UN said Monday. That figure is 100,000 more than the United Nations had previously recorded. "The crisis in northwest Syria has reached a horrifying new level," said Mark Lowcock, the UN head of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief. He said the displaced were overwhelmingly women and children who are "traumatized and forced to sleep outside in freezing temperatures because camps are full. Mothers burn plastic to keep children warm. Babies and small children are dying because of the cold." Also read: President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities' The Idlib region, including parts of neighboring Aleppo province, is home to some three million people, half of them already displaced from other parts of the country. The offensive that began late last year has caused the biggest single displacement of people since the conflict began in 2011. The war has killed more than 380,000 people since it erupted almost nine years ago, following the brutal repression of popular demonstrations demanding regime change. Lowcock warned Monday that the violence in the northwest was "indiscriminate." Also read: More than 235,000 flee northwest Syria flare-up - United Nation "Health facilities, schools, residential areas, mosques and markets have been hit. Schools are suspended, many health facilities have closed. There is a serious risk of disease outbreaks. Basic infrastructure is falling apart," he said in a statement. "We are now receiving reports that settlements for displaced people are being hit, resulting in deaths, injuries and further displacement." He said that a massive relief operation underway from the Turkish border is has been "overwhelmed. The equipment and facilities being used by aid workers are being damaged. Humanitarian workers themselves are being displaced and killed." US President Donald Trump on Sunday called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" in the Idlib region, the White House said.

900,000 people displaced by fighting in northwest Syria since December: UN

Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/35-civilians-87-terrorists-killed-in-militant-attack-in-burkina-faso-270276">Burkina Faso</a>, officials said Monday.

In a separate incident, five Burkinabe soldiers in the troubled region were killed by a roadside, security sources said.

A group of "armed terrorists" raided the village of Pansi, in Yagha province "and attacked the peaceful local population after having identified them and separated them from non-residents", the governor, Colonel Salfo Kabore, said in a statement sent to AFP. &nbsp;

Watch: 35 civilians, 87 terrorists killed in militant attack in Burkina Faso

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The assault occurred on Sunday during a weekly service at a Protestant church, security officials said.

"The provisional toll is 24 killed, including the pastor... 18 wounded and individuals who were kidnapped," Kabore said.

A resident of the nearby town of Sebba said Pansi villagers had fled there for safety.

Christians and churches in northern provinces have become frequent targets by armed Islamists.

On February 10, suspected jihadists in Sebba seized seven people at the home of a pastor. Five bodies were found three days later, including the pastor, according to the local governor.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/40-killed-in-attacks-in-restive-central-mali-280847">40 killed in attacks in restive central Mali</a>

One of the poorest countries in the world, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/35-civilians-87-terrorists-killed-in-militant-attack-in-burkina-faso-270276">Burkina Faso</a> is on the front line of a jihadist insurgency advancing in the Sahel.

Since 2015, around 750 people have been killed in Burkina and around 600,000 people have fled their homes.

Also in the north of the country, five soldiers were killed on Sunday when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Banh, in Loroum province, security sources said.

"Three of the five were killed instantly and the two others died later from serious injuries," one of the sources said.

Thirty people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/35-civilians-87-terrorists-killed-in-militant-attack-in-burkina-faso-270276">Burkina Faso</a> have died in four attacks by highway bombs since the start of the year, according to an AFP toll.

They include seven schoolchildren in the northwest of the country who were among 14 killed aboard a bus that had taken a road that had been banned because of the security risk.

According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-children-among-up-to-22-dead-in-cameroon-massacre-united-nations-281151">UN</a> figures, jihadist attacks in Burkina and neighbouring Mali and Niger left nearly 4,000 people dead last year.

Their armed forces are weak, struggling with poor equipment and lack of training and funding.

In Niger, a policeman was killed on Sunday at a police post near Ayorou, in the western region of Tillaberi, in the second attack in the area in a week, a security official said.

Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern Burkina Faso, officials said Monday. In a separate incident, five Burkinabe soldiers in the troubled region were killed by a roadside, security sources said.

Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern Burkina Faso, officials said Monday. In a separate incident, five Burkinabe soldiers in the troubled region were killed by a roadside, security sources said. A group of "armed terrorists" raided the village of Pansi, in Yagha province "and attacked the peaceful local population after having identified them and separated them from non-residents", the governor, Colonel Salfo Kabore, said in a statement sent to AFP. Watch: 35 civilians, 87 terrorists killed in militant attack in Burkina Faso The assault occurred on Sunday during a weekly service at a Protestant church, security officials said. "The provisional toll is 24 killed, including the pastor... 18 wounded and individuals who were kidnapped," Kabore said. A resident of the nearby town of Sebba said Pansi villagers had fled there for safety. Christians and churches in northern provinces have become frequent targets by armed Islamists. On February 10, suspected jihadists in Sebba seized seven people at the home of a pastor. Five bodies were found three days later, including the pastor, according to the local governor. Also read: 40 killed in attacks in restive central Mali One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina Faso is on the front line of a jihadist insurgency advancing in the Sahel. Since 2015, around 750 people have been killed in Burkina and around 600,000 people have fled their homes. Also in the north of the country, five soldiers were killed on Sunday when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Banh, in Loroum province, security sources said. "Three of the five were killed instantly and the two others died later from serious injuries," one of the sources said. Thirty people in Burkina Faso have died in four attacks by highway bombs since the start of the year, according to an AFP toll. They include seven schoolchildren in the northwest of the country who were among 14 killed aboard a bus that had taken a road that had been banned because of the security risk. According to UN figures, jihadist attacks in Burkina and neighbouring Mali and Niger left nearly 4,000 people dead last year. Their armed forces are weak, struggling with poor equipment and lack of training and funding. In Niger, a policeman was killed on Sunday at a police post near Ayorou, in the western region of Tillaberi, in the second attack in the area in a week, a security official said.

Twenty-four killed in Burkina Faso church attack: Governor

Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-children-including-school-principal-abducted-in-cameroon-175673">Cameroon</a>, according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-recommendations-to-be-taken-seriously-maduro-229391">United Nations</a>, with the opposition blaming the killings on government troops.

The bloodshed occurred on Friday in the Northwest region of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-42-people-killed-in-cameroon-landslide-258850">Cameroon</a>, James Nunan, a local official with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">UN </a>humanitarian coordination agency OCHA, told AFP on Sunday.

The central government has been battling separatists in the minority English-speaking regions for three years, a conflict that has left 3,000 people dead and forced more than 700,000 to flee their homes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-suicide-bomber-kills-11-in-cameroon-1520">Boko Haram suicide bomber kills 11 in Cameroon</a>

Nunan said the massacre took place in the village of Ntumbo on Friday, with his team receiving numerous witness testimonies about the incident.

The army has denied any involvement.

"Up to 22 civilians were killed, including a pregnant woman and several children," Nunan said, adding that 14 children including nine under age five were among the dead.

Eleven of the children were girls, said Nunan, head of OCHA's office for the Northwest and Southwest regions, which are home to the West African country's large English-speaking minority.

The Movement for the Rebirth of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-suicide-bomber-kills-11-in-cameroon-1520">Cameroon</a>, one of the country's two main opposition parties, issued a statement condemning the attacks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">Thousands flee renewed central Africa violence: UN</a>

"The dictatorial regime (and) the supreme head of the security and defence forces are chiefly responsible for these crimes," it charged.

A key figure in the separatist movement, lawyer Felix Agbor Mballa, in a Facebook post also accused "state defence forces" of carrying out the killings.

An army official contacted by AFP denied the allegations, saying simply: "False". No other official response was immediately available.

Years of grievances at perceived discrimination by the francophone majority snowballed into a declaration of independence by anglophone forces in October 2017, to which the government responded with a crackdown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-children-including-school-principal-abducted-in-cameroon-175673">Several children including school principal abducted in Cameroon</a>

The declaration of independence has not been recognised internationally, although the government has lately responded to the crisis by decentralising some of its powers.

Friday's killings followed elections on February 9 that were marred by violence in the regions blamed both on separatists and security forces.

Armed separatists prevented people from voting, threatening reprisals, while government soldiers were a heavy presence.

Separatists kidnapped more than 100 people and torched property in the run-up to the elections, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said.

The government has not yet announced the results of the elections or turnout figures.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">UN </a>refugee agency said Thursday that almost 8,000 people had fled into Nigeria from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-suicide-bomber-kills-11-in-cameroon-1520">Cameroon </a>in the previous two weeks to escape fighting between security forces and armed separatists.

The latest arrivals brought the number of refugees to almost 60,000, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">UN High Commissioner for Refugees</a> (UNHCR) said in a statement.

"Refugees reported fleeing violence and some even arrived across the border with gunshot wounds," it said.

Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of Cameroon, according to the United Nations, with the opposition blaming the killings on government troops.

Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of Cameroon, according to the United Nations, with the opposition blaming the killings on government troops. The bloodshed occurred on Friday in the Northwest region of Cameroon, James Nunan, a local official with UN humanitarian coordination agency OCHA, told AFP on Sunday. The central government has been battling separatists in the minority English-speaking regions for three years, a conflict that has left 3,000 people dead and forced more than 700,000 to flee their homes. Also read: Boko Haram suicide bomber kills 11 in Cameroon Nunan said the massacre took place in the village of Ntumbo on Friday, with his team receiving numerous witness testimonies about the incident. The army has denied any involvement. "Up to 22 civilians were killed, including a pregnant woman and several children," Nunan said, adding that 14 children including nine under age five were among the dead. Eleven of the children were girls, said Nunan, head of OCHA's office for the Northwest and Southwest regions, which are home to the West African country's large English-speaking minority. The Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon, one of the country's two main opposition parties, issued a statement condemning the attacks. Also read: Thousands flee renewed central Africa violence: UN "The dictatorial regime (and) the supreme head of the security and defence forces are chiefly responsible for these crimes," it charged. A key figure in the separatist movement, lawyer Felix Agbor Mballa, in a Facebook post also accused "state defence forces" of carrying out the killings. An army official contacted by AFP denied the allegations, saying simply: "False". No other official response was immediately available. Years of grievances at perceived discrimination by the francophone majority snowballed into a declaration of independence by anglophone forces in October 2017, to which the government responded with a crackdown. Also read: Several children including school principal abducted in Cameroon The declaration of independence has not been recognised internationally, although the government has lately responded to the crisis by decentralising some of its powers. Friday's killings followed elections on February 9 that were marred by violence in the regions blamed both on separatists and security forces. Armed separatists prevented people from voting, threatening reprisals, while government soldiers were a heavy presence. Separatists kidnapped more than 100 people and torched property in the run-up to the elections, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said. The government has not yet announced the results of the elections or turnout figures. The UN refugee agency said Thursday that almost 8,000 people had fled into Nigeria from Cameroon in the previous two weeks to escape fighting between security forces and armed separatists. The latest arrivals brought the number of refugees to almost 60,000, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement. "Refugees reported fleeing violence and some even arrived across the border with gunshot wounds," it said.

14 children among up to 22 dead in Cameroon massacre: United Nations

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday rejected an offer of mediation proposed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-arrives-in-pakistan-for-three-day-visit-280900">UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Kashmir</a>, saying the focus instead should be on getting vacated the territories that are "illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan".

"India's position has not changed. Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will continue to be an integral part of India. The issue that needs to be addressed is that of vacation of the territories illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan. Further issues, if any, would be discussed bilaterally. There is no role or scope for third party mediation," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to a media query regarding comments made by Guterres in Islamabad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-position-is-consistent-no-role-for-any-third-party-mediation-in-kashmir-matter-india-276136">Also read: Our position is consistent; no role for any third party mediation in Kashmir: India</a>

"We hope the UN Secretary-General would emphasise on the imperative for Pakistan to take a credible, sustained and irreversible action to put an end to cross-border terrorism against India, which threatens the most fundamental human right - the right to life, of the people of India, including in J&amp;K," he added.

The UN chief, who arrived in Pakistan on a four-day visit, addressed a press conference along with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, wherein he also expressed his "deep concern" over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).

Guterres also said that it was important for India and Pakistan to de-escalate "militarily and verbally" and exercise "maximum restraint", amidst tense relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

"I have offered my good offices in relation to the dispute. He further noted that he exchanged thoughts with Qureshi on the security situation in South Asia and that mediation, as well as talks, were the only solution to regional conflicts," the Secretary-General said.

Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after New Delhi abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year. India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded its diplomatic ties with India.

However, India has defended its move, saying that the special status provisions were revoked in order to bring development in the region and reduce cross-border terrorism.

A proposal of mediation was also offered last year by US President Donald Trump in the presence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediation-only-if-both-india-pakistan-agree-trump-after-meeting-pm-imran-khan-251588">Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan</a> at a joint press conference during the latter`s visit to Washington in July.

Meanwhile, during his meeting with the president, a day after Trump held bilateral talks with Khan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is not shying away from talks with Pakistan and has urged it to take concrete steps to tackle terrorism but they have not made any efforts to combat the menace.

New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that dialogue with Pakistan will not initiate until it takes concrete action against terror emanating from its soil.

Putting forward his perspective on terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had further conveyed to President Trump that 42,000 lives have been lost in terror attacks in the last 30 years and that it is imperative for the international community to join the fight against terror.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday rejected an offer of mediation proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Kashmir, saying the focus instead should be on getting vacated the territories that are "illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan".

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday rejected an offer of mediation proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Kashmir, saying the focus instead should be on getting vacated the territories that are "illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan". "India's position has not changed. Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will continue to be an integral part of India. The issue that needs to be addressed is that of vacation of the territories illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan. Further issues, if any, would be discussed bilaterally. There is no role or scope for third party mediation," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to a media query regarding comments made by Guterres in Islamabad. Also read: Our position is consistent; no role for any third party mediation in Kashmir: India "We hope the UN Secretary-General would emphasise on the imperative for Pakistan to take a credible, sustained and irreversible action to put an end to cross-border terrorism against India, which threatens the most fundamental human right - the right to life, of the people of India, including in J&K," he added. The UN chief, who arrived in Pakistan on a four-day visit, addressed a press conference along with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, wherein he also expressed his "deep concern" over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). Guterres also said that it was important for India and Pakistan to de-escalate "militarily and verbally" and exercise "maximum restraint", amidst tense relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. "I have offered my good offices in relation to the dispute. He further noted that he exchanged thoughts with Qureshi on the security situation in South Asia and that mediation, as well as talks, were the only solution to regional conflicts," the Secretary-General said. Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after New Delhi abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year. India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded its diplomatic ties with India. However, India has defended its move, saying that the special status provisions were revoked in order to bring development in the region and reduce cross-border terrorism. A proposal of mediation was also offered last year by US President Donald Trump in the presence of Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan at a joint press conference during the latter`s visit to Washington in July. Meanwhile, during his meeting with the president, a day after Trump held bilateral talks with Khan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is not shying away from talks with Pakistan and has urged it to take concrete steps to tackle terrorism but they have not made any efforts to combat the menace. New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that dialogue with Pakistan will not initiate until it takes concrete action against terror emanating from its soil. Putting forward his perspective on terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had further conveyed to President Trump that 42,000 lives have been lost in terror attacks in the last 30 years and that it is imperative for the international community to join the fight against terror.

'India's position has not changed': MEA rejects mediation offer by UN Secretary-General on Kashmir

The UN Security Council endorsed a 55-point road map for ending the war in Libya on February 12 and condemned the recent increase in violence in the oil-rich North African country. The vote on the British-drafted resolution was 14-0, with Russia abstaining even though Russian President Vladimir Putin was one of the 12 leaders who agreed to the plan at a conference in Berlin on January 19. Watch report

UN votes to endorse road map to end war in Libya

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bigger-challenges-lie-ahead-as-un-completes-73-years-173140">United Nations</a> has identified <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bigger-challenges-lie-ahead-as-un-completes-73-years-173140">US </a>companies such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airbnb-bans-party-houses-after-halloween-shooting-in-california-259567">Airbnb</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/expedia-chief-dara-khosrowshahi-set-to-be-new-uber-ceo-reports-19571">Expedia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-launches-appeal-against-24-billion-euro-eu-fine-20088">TripAdvisor </a>among 112 firms linked to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297">Israeli </a>settlements which are considered illegal under international law.

The UN report comes in response to a 2016 UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for a "database for all businesses engaged in specific activities related to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory".

Watch: Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UN rights office said that listing companies in the database was "not, and does not purport to be, a judicial or quasi-judicial process".

Among the businesses on the list are a range of large international companies, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airbnb-bans-party-houses-after-halloween-shooting-in-california-259567">Airbnb</a>, Alstom, Booking.com and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/motorola-dynatac-meet-the-worlds-first-cellphone-11061">Motorola </a>Solutions.

"I am conscious this issue has been, and will continue to be, highly contentious," UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-policy-shift-united-states-backs-israeli-settlements-on-west-bank-263029">In policy shift, United States backs Israeli settlements in West Bank</a>

But she added that the findings had been subject to an "extensive and meticulous review process" and the report "reflects the serious consideration that has been given to this unprecedented and highly complex mandate".

The move was cheered by the Palestinians but slammed as "shameful" by Israel, where officials fear the list could be used to boycott firms with ties to the settlements.

Israel's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-warns-hamas-after-deadly-west-bank-attacks-184607">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> rejected the list and called it a ''contemptible effort."

"Whoever boycotts us will be boycotted," he added.

Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-foreign-minister-israel-katz-postpones-dubai-visit-over-security-reasons-273798">Israel Katz</a> labelled the move "a shameful surrender to pressure from countries and organisations who want to harm Israel."

His Palestinian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-say-us-ambassador-helps-israel-to-annex-part-of-west-bank-226063">Riyad al-Maliki </a>meanwhile described the publication as "a victory for international law and diplomatic efforts."

Israeli settlements established in occupied Palestinian territory are considered to violate international law, and have long been seen as a major obstacle to peace, since they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

The United Nations has identified US companies such as Airbnb, Expedia and TripAdvisor among 112 firms linked to Israeli settlements which are considered illegal under international law.

The United Nations has identified US companies such as Airbnb, Expedia and TripAdvisor among 112 firms linked to Israeli settlements which are considered illegal under international law. The UN report comes in response to a 2016 UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for a "database for all businesses engaged in specific activities related to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory". Watch: Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel The UN rights office said that listing companies in the database was "not, and does not purport to be, a judicial or quasi-judicial process". Among the businesses on the list are a range of large international companies, including Airbnb, Alstom, Booking.com and Motorola Solutions. "I am conscious this issue has been, and will continue to be, highly contentious," UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said. Also read: In policy shift, United States backs Israeli settlements in West Bank But she added that the findings had been subject to an "extensive and meticulous review process" and the report "reflects the serious consideration that has been given to this unprecedented and highly complex mandate". The move was cheered by the Palestinians but slammed as "shameful" by Israel, where officials fear the list could be used to boycott firms with ties to the settlements. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the list and called it a ''contemptible effort." "Whoever boycotts us will be boycotted," he added. Foreign Minister Israel Katz labelled the move "a shameful surrender to pressure from countries and organisations who want to harm Israel." His Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki meanwhile described the publication as "a victory for international law and diplomatic efforts." Israeli settlements established in occupied Palestinian territory are considered to violate international law, and have long been seen as a major obstacle to peace, since they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

UN report identifies 112 firms linked to Israeli settlements

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-recommendations-to-be-taken-seriously-maduro-229391">United Nations</a> general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-cannot-afford-another-gulf-war-says-un-chief-after-us-kills-iran-general-271986">Antonio Guterres</a> will visit Pakistan on Sunday.

The UN&nbsp;chief will hold talks with the Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dialogue-between-india-pakistan-is-an-essential-element-united-nations-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-250473">Imran Khan </a>as well as foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dialogue-between-india-pakistan-is-an-essential-element-united-nations-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-250473">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> and President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dialogue-between-india-pakistan-is-an-essential-element-united-nations-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-250473">Arif Alvi</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dialogue-between-india-pakistan-is-an-essential-element-united-nations-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-250473">Dialogue between India, Pakistan essential element: UN&nbsp;Secretary-General António Guterres</a>

His talks will mostly revolve around climate and development issues.&nbsp;The two-day conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dialogue-between-india-pakistan-is-an-essential-element-united-nations-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-250473">Imran Khan</a>.

On Monday, Guterres will attend a conference on Afghan refugees in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dialogue-between-india-pakistan-is-an-essential-element-united-nations-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-250473">Pakistan</a>.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Guterres will visit the holy Sikh shrine of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-cleric-threatens-sikh-pilgrims-from-visiting-kartarpur-gurdwara-265922">Kartarpur Sahib</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-cleric-threatens-sikh-pilgrims-from-visiting-kartarpur-gurdwara-265922">Pakistani cleric threatens Sikh pilgrims from visiting Kartarpur Gurdwara</a>

Kartarpur was a major peace initiative between Pakistan and India.&nbsp;When the peace corridor was opened by both sides, Guterres had welcomed the move calling it a move aimed at inter-faith harmony.

Guterres will be joined by 14-member delegation and&nbsp;the attention of the entire&nbsp;world's media will be on him.&nbsp;Reports indicate that Islamabad will try to internationalise Kashmir once again during Guterres' visit something the world body has refused to do multiple times.

The United Nations general secretary Antonio Guterres will visit Pakistan on Sunday. The UN chief will hold talks with the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and President Arif Alvi.

The United Nations general secretary Antonio Guterres will visit Pakistan on Sunday. The UN chief will hold talks with the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and President Arif Alvi. Also read: Dialogue between India, Pakistan essential element: UN Secretary-General António Guterres His talks will mostly revolve around climate and development issues. The two-day conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan. On Monday, Guterres will attend a conference on Afghan refugees in Pakistan. On Tuesday, Guterres will visit the holy Sikh shrine of Kartarpur Sahib. Also read: Pakistani cleric threatens Sikh pilgrims from visiting Kartarpur Gurdwara Kartarpur was a major peace initiative between Pakistan and India. When the peace corridor was opened by both sides, Guterres had welcomed the move calling it a move aimed at inter-faith harmony. Guterres will be joined by 14-member delegation and the attention of the entire world's media will be on him. Reports indicate that Islamabad will try to internationalise Kashmir once again during Guterres' visit something the world body has refused to do multiple times.

UN general secretary Antonio Guterres to visit Pakistan; set to visit Kartarpur

The verdict against UN-designated global terrorist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Hafiz Saeed</a>&nbsp;in the terror financing case is expected to come today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Anti-Terrorism Court</a> (ATC) judge Arshad Hussain Bhatta is expected to announce the judgement, according to reports.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-accords-vip-treatment-to-un-designated-global-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-279475">Pakistan accords VIP treatment to UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed&nbsp;</a>

A Lahore court had earlier delayed the verdict of two terror-financing cases against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

Pakistan has arrested Saeed over a dozen time but hasn't&nbsp;convicted the UN-designated terrorist.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-to-announce-verdict-against-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-on-february-8-279249">Pakistan court to announce verdict against terrorist Hafiz Saeed on February 8</a>

In July last year, the top 13 members of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Jamaat-ud-Dawa</a> (JuD) were allegedly financing terrorism from the massive funds collected through non-profit organisations and trusts including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, Muaz Bin Jabal Trust including Saeed who was&nbsp;booked in nearly two dozen cases for terror financing and money laundering under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997.

Subsequently, Saeed was arrested by the Punjab counter-terrorism department on charges of terror financing while he was travelling from Lahore to Gujranwala.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Hafiz Saeed pleads not guilty on terrorism financing charges</a>

A total of 23 FIRs&nbsp;were filed against 13 individuals belonging to the JuD, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Lashker-e-Taiba</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Falah-i-Insaniyat</a> foundation. Eleven&nbsp;of these 23 FIRs&nbsp;directly named Hafiz Saeed as the culprit.

In August last year,&nbsp;chargesheet in the cases were filed while the anti-terror court in Lahore commenced the hearing on November 30 last year.

Acting swiftly the anti-terror court&nbsp;Lahore had indicted Saeed on December 11 and the cases were heard on a daily bases from December 16.

In December, twenty of&nbsp;the ATC&nbsp;at Gujranwala too indicted Saeed under the charges of funding terror groups through shell organisations.

Both the cases were later clubbed together and heard at the Lahore ATC.

The defence completed its argument on January 30, 2020 while the prosecution carried on with its argument.

The hearings had concluded on February 6.&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;Saeed remains in the central jail in Lahore.

Saeed is&nbsp;the mastermind of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">26/11 Mumbai</a> attacks and was&nbsp;arrested 16 times in the past and released every time.&nbsp;

The verdict against UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed in the terror financing case is expected to come today. Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) judge Arshad Hussain Bhatta is expected to announce the judgement, according to reports.

The verdict against UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed in the terror financing case is expected to come today. Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) judge Arshad Hussain Bhatta is expected to announce the judgement, according to reports. Also read: Pakistan accords VIP treatment to UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed A Lahore court had earlier delayed the verdict of two terror-financing cases against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Pakistan has arrested Saeed over a dozen time but hasn't convicted the UN-designated terrorist. Also read: Pakistan court to announce verdict against terrorist Hafiz Saeed on February 8 In July last year, the top 13 members of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) were allegedly financing terrorism from the massive funds collected through non-profit organisations and trusts including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, Muaz Bin Jabal Trust including Saeed who was booked in nearly two dozen cases for terror financing and money laundering under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. Subsequently, Saeed was arrested by the Punjab counter-terrorism department on charges of terror financing while he was travelling from Lahore to Gujranwala. Also read: Hafiz Saeed pleads not guilty on terrorism financing charges A total of 23 FIRs were filed against 13 individuals belonging to the JuD, Lashker-e-Taiba and Falah-i-Insaniyat foundation. Eleven of these 23 FIRs directly named Hafiz Saeed as the culprit. In August last year, chargesheet in the cases were filed while the anti-terror court in Lahore commenced the hearing on November 30 last year. Acting swiftly the anti-terror court Lahore had indicted Saeed on December 11 and the cases were heard on a daily bases from December 16. In December, twenty of the ATC at Gujranwala too indicted Saeed under the charges of funding terror groups through shell organisations. Both the cases were later clubbed together and heard at the Lahore ATC. The defence completed its argument on January 30, 2020 while the prosecution carried on with its argument. The hearings had concluded on February 6. Meanwhile, Saeed remains in the central jail in Lahore. Saeed is the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and was arrested 16 times in the past and released every time.

Pakistan court verdict on Hafiz Saeed's terror financing case today

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Syria </a>has killed 29 civilians in a day, a monitor said Monday, as the regime's inexorable northward push raises tensions with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Turkey</a>.

Six children were among nine civilians killed early Monday in raids on the village of Abin Semaan, in Aleppo province where Russian-backed regime forces have been waging a fierce offensive to retake a key highway, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive</a>

At the site of the raids, a rescue worker carried out the body of a little girl in a thick woollen blanket, while one of her relatives pleaded to take the body, said an AFP correspondent.&nbsp;

Volunteers shivering in near-freezing temperatures hacked away at mounds of rubble, rescuing a dust-covered man and a little child who had been trapped beneath.

Watch: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-attack-in-idlib-kills-4-turkish-soldiers-278296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The latest airstrikes follow a night of heavy bombardment by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Russia </a>and the regime that had already killed at least 20 civilians in the neighbouring provinces of Idlib and Aleppo, according to the Observatory.

Since December, Syrian government forces backed by Moscow have pressed a blistering assault against the Idlib region in Syria's northwest.

The violence has killed more than 350 civilians and sent some 586,000 fleeings towards relative safety near the Turkish border.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">United Nations </a>and aid groups have appealed for an end to hostilities, warning that the exodus risks creating one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the nearly nine-year war.

But heightened bombardment has continued.&nbsp;

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in Syria has killed 29 civilians in a day, a monitor said Monday, as the regime's inexorable northward push raises tensions with Turkey.

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in Syria has killed 29 civilians in a day, a monitor said Monday, as the regime's inexorable northward push raises tensions with Turkey. Six children were among nine civilians killed early Monday in raids on the village of Abin Semaan, in Aleppo province where Russian-backed regime forces have been waging a fierce offensive to retake a key highway, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Also read: Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive At the site of the raids, a rescue worker carried out the body of a little girl in a thick woollen blanket, while one of her relatives pleaded to take the body, said an AFP correspondent. Volunteers shivering in near-freezing temperatures hacked away at mounds of rubble, rescuing a dust-covered man and a little child who had been trapped beneath. Watch: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers The latest airstrikes follow a night of heavy bombardment by Russia and the regime that had already killed at least 20 civilians in the neighbouring provinces of Idlib and Aleppo, according to the Observatory. Since December, Syrian government forces backed by Moscow have pressed a blistering assault against the Idlib region in Syria's northwest. The violence has killed more than 350 civilians and sent some 586,000 fleeings towards relative safety near the Turkish border. The United Nations and aid groups have appealed for an end to hostilities, warning that the exodus risks creating one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the nearly nine-year war. But heightened bombardment has continued.

Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Kenya,&nbsp;</a>according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gita-sabharwal-appointed-as-un-resident-coordinator-in-thailand-277450">United Nations </a>(UN).

According to the UN, $76million is immediately needed to widen such efforts across e<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">ast Africa</a>.

Experts have warned that a quick response to the problem is vital as if it is left unchecked, the number of locusts can grow up to 500 times by June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa</a>

Billions of locusts have descended in several parts of Africa.&nbsp;Currently, only five planes are spraying pesticides in the country&nbsp;to counter the problem.

As per UN reports, the normally bouncing locusts became dozy, slow and die&nbsp;just hours after the spraying, they lay scattered on the ground, crunching underfoot.

Also read:&nbsp;<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>

Additional aid will be consequential in providing assistance to combat the problem.

The authorities of the country are trying to restraint the locusts from spreading to neighbouring countries like Uganda and South Sudan.

The locusts had swept into the country&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Somalia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Ethiopia </a>after unusually heavy rains in the past few months.

Watch:&nbsp;Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/somalia-hit-by-worst-locust-invasion-in-25-years-269582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It led to the decimation of crops in some areas and it threatened the lives of vulnerable people hit by&nbsp;a hunger crisis.

Parts of Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea were also adversely affected the swarms of locusts.

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations (UN).

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations (UN). According to the UN, $76million is immediately needed to widen such efforts across east Africa. Experts have warned that a quick response to the problem is vital as if it is left unchecked, the number of locusts can grow up to 500 times by June. Also read: Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa Billions of locusts have descended in several parts of Africa. Currently, only five planes are spraying pesticides in the country to counter the problem. As per UN reports, the normally bouncing locusts became dozy, slow and die just hours after the spraying, they lay scattered on the ground, crunching underfoot. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts Additional aid will be consequential in providing assistance to combat the problem. The authorities of the country are trying to restraint the locusts from spreading to neighbouring countries like Uganda and South Sudan. The locusts had swept into the country from Somalia and Ethiopia after unusually heavy rains in the past few months. Watch: Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years It led to the decimation of crops in some areas and it threatened the lives of vulnerable people hit by a hunger crisis. Parts of Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea were also adversely affected the swarms of locusts.

Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations

Packages used for eatables act as a major pollutant for water bodies as they take centuries to decompose.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-allows-centre-to-bring-african-cheetah-to-suitable-wildlife-habitat-in-india-277010">South African</a> startup called Munch Bowls has come up with a tasty solution to cut down the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-in-oceans-to-outweigh-fish-china-to-ban-single-use-plastic-bags-and-straws-275644">plastic</a> dishware.

The company claims to have created a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/video-analysis-converting-biodegradable-waste-into-compost-can-help-boost-the-green-cover-270664">biodegradable</a> bowl which is made up of wheat and&nbsp;can be eaten as a part of our meal.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-in-oceans-to-outweigh-fish-china-to-ban-single-use-plastic-bags-and-straws-275644">Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish</a>

The bowls are vegan and can hold hot soup for up to five hours.

They have a shelf life of 15 months.

They can be used at all sorts of occasions such as picnics, parties and corporate events.&nbsp;

Bowls have been sold by the startup says to hotels and companies in the hospitality industry in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-allows-centre-to-bring-african-cheetah-to-suitable-wildlife-habitat-in-india-277010">South Africa</a>, Belgium, Singapore and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dubais-burj-khalifa-gets-struck-by-lightning-273835">Dubai</a>.

Although the bowls were originally handmade, the company has recently commissioned a machine that can produce 500 bowls per hour to keep up with the increasing demand.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-single-use-plastic-is-killing-the-earth-248688">How single-use plastic is killing the Earth</a>

According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-recommendations-to-be-taken-seriously-maduro-229391">United Nations</a>, 300 million tons of plastic waste every year is produced every year which is nearly the equivalent to the weight of the entire human population but only 14 percent&nbsp;of that is recycled.

Munch Bowls was launched in 2014 by Georgina de Kock, an artist and entrepreneur.

She had worked at food markets and becoming dismayed at the amount of packaging used to serve street food.

"I was looking around and just noticing all the rubble that is created by us humans, and it really started irritating me," she said.

The bowls eliminate the waste generated from disposable containers, or the products and time needed to clean reusable ones, the company claims.

A price of a&nbsp;large bowl is approximately 33 cents.

Georgina&nbsp;argues that although this is more expensive than traditional plastic packaging, the bowls have nutritional value and can be integrated into a healthy diet.

Natural ingredients are used to make the bowls.

These include rooibos extract, a South African plant and natural preservative that is high in antioxidants.

Plain flavor bowls can be purchased by consumers as savory food and whereas, sweet flavour bowls can be purchased for desserts.

The company is&nbsp;scaling&nbsp;up its operations.

By the end of 2020, the startup hopes to install six production lines and to make other products such as spoons, coffee cups and containers for meals on flights.

An Indian company called Bakeys also manufactures edible cutlery.

It was invented by Narayana Peespaty in 2011.

They make different types of spoons in a variety of flavours which&nbsp;do not dissolve or crack in hot water.

Packages used for eatables act as a major pollutant for water bodies as they take centuries to decompose. A South African startup called Munch Bowls has come up with a tasty solution to cut down the plastic dishware.

Packages used for eatables act as a major pollutant for water bodies as they take centuries to decompose. A South African startup called Munch Bowls has come up with a tasty solution to cut down the plastic dishware. The company claims to have created a biodegradable bowl which is made up of wheat and can be eaten as a part of our meal. Also read: Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish The bowls are vegan and can hold hot soup for up to five hours. They have a shelf life of 15 months. They can be used at all sorts of occasions such as picnics, parties and corporate events. Bowls have been sold by the startup says to hotels and companies in the hospitality industry in South Africa, Belgium, Singapore and Dubai. Although the bowls were originally handmade, the company has recently commissioned a machine that can produce 500 bowls per hour to keep up with the increasing demand. Also see: How single-use plastic is killing the Earth According to the United Nations, 300 million tons of plastic waste every year is produced every year which is nearly the equivalent to the weight of the entire human population but only 14 percent of that is recycled. Munch Bowls was launched in 2014 by Georgina de Kock, an artist and entrepreneur. She had worked at food markets and becoming dismayed at the amount of packaging used to serve street food. "I was looking around and just noticing all the rubble that is created by us humans, and it really started irritating me," she said. The bowls eliminate the waste generated from disposable containers, or the products and time needed to clean reusable ones, the company claims. A price of a large bowl is approximately 33 cents. Georgina argues that although this is more expensive than traditional plastic packaging, the bowls have nutritional value and can be integrated into a healthy diet. Natural ingredients are used to make the bowls. These include rooibos extract, a South African plant and natural preservative that is high in antioxidants. Plain flavor bowls can be purchased by consumers as savory food and whereas, sweet flavour bowls can be purchased for desserts. The company is scaling up its operations. By the end of 2020, the startup hopes to install six production lines and to make other products such as spoons, coffee cups and containers for meals on flights. An Indian company called Bakeys also manufactures edible cutlery. It was invented by Narayana Peespaty in 2011. They make different types of spoons in a variety of flavours which do not dissolve or crack in hot water.

Edible and biodegradable bowls, tasty solution to cut down plastic waste

The United Nations is seeking $730 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan this year, an increase on 2019 as poverty surges in a country worn down by war and drought, the U.N.`s deputy special representative for Afghanistan said on Monday.

Some 9.4 million Afghans are in need of basic food and housing this year, up from 6.5 million in 2019, when the U.N. sought more than $600 million from governments and other donors, as the economy stalls and the Taliban insurgency intensifies.

"Afghanistan remains the world`s deadliest conflict, and on top of the lingering effects of the drought in 2018, coupled with growing poverty, the need is up," Toby Lanzer, the U.N.'s deputy special representative for Afghanistan, told Reuters.

Lanzer is in Brussels and London this week after travelling to Ottawa, New York and Washington to urge donors to pledge cash for emergency support, which is separate from the billions of dollars of development aid for Afghanistan pledged in October 2016 at an international conference in Brussels.

That development aid runs out at the end of this year and the country will need billions of dollars more, Lanzer said. He said the U.N hopes to hold another donors` conference later this year to raise money for the 2021-2024 period.

The dependence on aid underscores the challenges facing the Western-backed government in Kabul, which needs economic growth to help replace foreign money and to provide jobs for the 450,000 people entering the labour market every year.

Lanzer said international financial support for Afghanistan was still strong but that a ceasefire, or at least a fall in violence, would have a significant impact on improving farming, water sources and education across the country.

"We would be available to work with the government in districts where the government isn`t present," he said.

Peace talks between the United States and the Taliban began last year but have been interrupted at least twice after Taliban attacks on U.S. military personnel in September and December.

Earlier this month, another round of talks kicked off with U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, meeting repeatedly with the Taliban`s chief negotiator. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations is seeking $730 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan this year, an increase on 2019 as poverty surges in a country worn down by war and drought, the U.

The United Nations is seeking $730 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan this year, an increase on 2019 as poverty surges in a country worn down by war and drought, the U.N.`s deputy special representative for Afghanistan said on Monday. Some 9.4 million Afghans are in need of basic food and housing this year, up from 6.5 million in 2019, when the U.N. sought more than $600 million from governments and other donors, as the economy stalls and the Taliban insurgency intensifies. "Afghanistan remains the world`s deadliest conflict, and on top of the lingering effects of the drought in 2018, coupled with growing poverty, the need is up," Toby Lanzer, the U.N.'s deputy special representative for Afghanistan, told Reuters. Lanzer is in Brussels and London this week after travelling to Ottawa, New York and Washington to urge donors to pledge cash for emergency support, which is separate from the billions of dollars of development aid for Afghanistan pledged in October 2016 at an international conference in Brussels. That development aid runs out at the end of this year and the country will need billions of dollars more, Lanzer said. He said the U.N hopes to hold another donors` conference later this year to raise money for the 2021-2024 period. The dependence on aid underscores the challenges facing the Western-backed government in Kabul, which needs economic growth to help replace foreign money and to provide jobs for the 450,000 people entering the labour market every year. Lanzer said international financial support for Afghanistan was still strong but that a ceasefire, or at least a fall in violence, would have a significant impact on improving farming, water sources and education across the country. "We would be available to work with the government in districts where the government isn`t present," he said. Peace talks between the United States and the Taliban began last year but have been interrupted at least twice after Taliban attacks on U.S. military personnel in September and December. Earlier this month, another round of talks kicked off with U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, meeting repeatedly with the Taliban`s chief negotiator.

U.N. seeks more emergency aid for Afghanistan as poverty grows

At least six civilians were killed in an airstrike in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">Afghanistan</a> over the weekend, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-instructs-officials-not-to-use-whatsapp-not-supported-as-a-secure-mechanism-says-spokesman-276367">UN</a> confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage across the country despite hopes the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-driver-disguises-skeleton-to-drive-in-car-sharing-lane-276870">US </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">Taliban</a> were hammering out a ceasefire.

The UN's findings come days after reports first surfaced that several civilians had been killed in an airstrike in Boka village in northern Balkh province.

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UN gravely concerned as its initial findings indicate at least four children and two women killed Saturday by pro-government forces airstrike in Boka village, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balkh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balkh</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>. UNAMA urges victim support and earliest publication of ANA and USFOR-A investigations. <a href="https://t.co/1cmBlCfqyo">pic.twitter.com/1cmBlCfqyo</a>
— UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNAMAnews/status/1221772484493697024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The US and Afghan militaries are the only forces in Afghanistan that have the capability to carry out airstrikes in the country.

Balkh governor's spokesman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-11-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-253019">Munir Farhad</a> confirmed that civilians had been killed in Boka, but said officials were still investigating the incident.

The statement comes as Washington has for weeks been calling for the violence to be reduced in the country, amid talks with the Taliban over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">Plane crashes in Afghanistan's Ghazni province</a>

Taliban sources told AFP earlier this month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days, but there was no announcement of the proposal by either party.

The Taliban are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said earlier this month.

The two sides had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">Trump</a> abruptly declared the process "dead", citing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-briefed-by-us-officials-on-peace-talks-with-taliban-276713">Taliban</a> violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">Also read:&nbsp;Trump wants 'significant' drop in Taliban violence for Afghan talks</a>

Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. It would ultimately have to win final approval from Trump.

Last month, UNAMA reported that more than 100,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured over the past decade -- a grim milestone after more than 18 years of war since US and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">NATO</a> allies invaded the country following the September 11 attacks in 2001

At least six civilians were killed in an airstrike in northern Afghanistan over the weekend, the UN confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage across the country despite hopes the US and Taliban were hammering out a ceasefire.

At least six civilians were killed in an airstrike in northern Afghanistan over the weekend, the UN confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage across the country despite hopes the US and Taliban were hammering out a ceasefire. The UN's findings come days after reports first surfaced that several civilians had been killed in an airstrike in Boka village in northern Balkh province. UN gravely concerned as its initial findings indicate at least four children and two women killed Saturday by pro-government forces airstrike in Boka village, #Balkh, #Afghanistan. UNAMA urges victim support and earliest publication of ANA and USFOR-A investigations. pic.twitter.com/1cmBlCfqyo — UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) January 27, 2020 × The US and Afghan militaries are the only forces in Afghanistan that have the capability to carry out airstrikes in the country. Balkh governor's spokesman Munir Farhad confirmed that civilians had been killed in Boka, but said officials were still investigating the incident. The statement comes as Washington has for weeks been calling for the violence to be reduced in the country, amid talks with the Taliban over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. Also read: Plane crashes in Afghanistan's Ghazni province Taliban sources told AFP earlier this month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days, but there was no announcement of the proposal by either party. The Taliban are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said earlier this month. The two sides had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Also read: Trump wants 'significant' drop in Taliban violence for Afghan talks Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. It would ultimately have to win final approval from Trump. Last month, UNAMA reported that more than 100,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured over the past decade -- a grim milestone after more than 18 years of war since US and NATO allies invaded the country following the September 11 attacks in 2001

Six civilians killed in Afghanistan airstrike: United Nations

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