World food prices rose for the first time in five months in October, boosted by jumps in quotations for sugar and cereals, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) food price index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 172.7 points in October, up 1.7 per cent&nbsp;on the previous month and 6.0 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year.

FAO also predicted that cereal production would be 2.704 billion tonnes in 2019, slightly lower than its last forecast.

The FAO sugar price index jumped 5.8 per cent&nbsp;from September levels, largely because of expectations of lower supplies in the year ahead following forecasts of large reductions in sugar output in India and Thailand.

The cereal price index rose 4.2 per cent, with wheat and maize export prices climbing on the back of reduced crop prospects in several major producing countries and "robust trade activity". By contrast, rice prices fell, hit by subdued demand and expectations of an abundant basmati harvest.

The vegetable oil price index increased 0.5 per cent&nbsp;to reach its highest level in more than a year, while the meat price index rose 0.9 per cent, driven by higher import demand, especially from China.

By contrast, the dairy price index dropped 0.7per cent&nbsp;in October, as lower quotations for cheese offset increases in those for skimmed and whole milk powders, FAO said.

FAO lowered its forecast for global cereal production in 2019 by some 2 million tonnes, pegging world cereal output at 2.704 billion tonnes, but still up 1.8 per cent&nbsp;from 2018 levels.

The U.N. agency said worldwide coarse grain production in 2019 was seen at 1.425 billion tonnes, down 1.3 million on the previous forecast.

Wheat output was seen at 765 million tonnes, down nearly 1 million tonnes on the last outlook, but still on course to set a new record and up 4.5 per cent&nbsp;on 2018 levels.

The forecast for global rice production was put at 513.4 million tonnes, little changed on the previous forecast and slightly below 2018 levels.

World food prices rose for the first time in five months in October, boosted by jumps in quotations for sugar and cereals, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.

World food prices rose for the first time in five months in October, boosted by jumps in quotations for sugar and cereals, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) food price index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 172.7 points in October, up 1.7 per cent on the previous month and 6.0 per cent year-on-year. FAO also predicted that cereal production would be 2.704 billion tonnes in 2019, slightly lower than its last forecast. The FAO sugar price index jumped 5.8 per cent from September levels, largely because of expectations of lower supplies in the year ahead following forecasts of large reductions in sugar output in India and Thailand. The cereal price index rose 4.2 per cent, with wheat and maize export prices climbing on the back of reduced crop prospects in several major producing countries and "robust trade activity". By contrast, rice prices fell, hit by subdued demand and expectations of an abundant basmati harvest. The vegetable oil price index increased 0.5 per cent to reach its highest level in more than a year, while the meat price index rose 0.9 per cent, driven by higher import demand, especially from China. By contrast, the dairy price index dropped 0.7per cent in October, as lower quotations for cheese offset increases in those for skimmed and whole milk powders, FAO said. FAO lowered its forecast for global cereal production in 2019 by some 2 million tonnes, pegging world cereal output at 2.704 billion tonnes, but still up 1.8 per cent from 2018 levels. The U.N. agency said worldwide coarse grain production in 2019 was seen at 1.425 billion tonnes, down 1.3 million on the previous forecast. Wheat output was seen at 765 million tonnes, down nearly 1 million tonnes on the last outlook, but still on course to set a new record and up 4.5 per cent on 2018 levels. The forecast for global rice production was put at 513.4 million tonnes, little changed on the previous forecast and slightly below 2018 levels.

World food prices rise for first time in five months: United Nations Food Agency

New Zealand has placed itself on the right side of history in the battle against climate change, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday (November 7), after lawmakers adopted a measure to cut carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050.

"Our world is warming, and so, therefore, the question for all of us is, 'what side of history will we choose to sit on in that moment in time?' I absolutely believe and continue to stand by this statement that Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time. And for us in Aotearoa, New Zealand, that means for this generation this is our nuclear moment.&nbsp;We have made a choice that I am proud of, that will leave a legacy and that I hope means the next generation will see that we, in New Zealand, were on the right side of history," she said on the floor of the parliament.

Thursday's framework enshrines in law the new 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target and makes it a legally binding objective to keep global warming below a rise of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/limiting-global-warming-to-15-will-require-a-social-transformation-170375">1.5 degrees</a> Celsius forecast by the United Nations.

The bill, spearheaded by her centre-left Labour-led coalition government, was passed with cross-party support from the main opposition National Party, despite changes promised by the latter if it wins the next election in 2020.

The bill accords different treatment to methane emissions from animals versus other greenhouse gases, but still targets a cut of 10 percent&nbsp;in biological methane by 2030 and up to 47 percent&nbsp;by 2050.

New Zealand has placed itself on the right side of history in the battle against climate change, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday (November 7), after lawmakers adopted a measure to cut carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050.

New Zealand has placed itself on the right side of history in the battle against climate change, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday (November 7), after lawmakers adopted a measure to cut carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050. "Our world is warming, and so, therefore, the question for all of us is, 'what side of history will we choose to sit on in that moment in time?' I absolutely believe and continue to stand by this statement that Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time. And for us in Aotearoa, New Zealand, that means for this generation this is our nuclear moment. We have made a choice that I am proud of, that will leave a legacy and that I hope means the next generation will see that we, in New Zealand, were on the right side of history," she said on the floor of the parliament. Thursday's framework enshrines in law the new 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target and makes it a legally binding objective to keep global warming below a rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius forecast by the United Nations. The bill, spearheaded by her centre-left Labour-led coalition government, was passed with cross-party support from the main opposition National Party, despite changes promised by the latter if it wins the next election in 2020. The bill accords different treatment to methane emissions from animals versus other greenhouse gases, but still targets a cut of 10 percent in biological methane by 2030 and up to 47 percent by 2050.

New Zealand passes law aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has appealed for citizens to unite behind the country's army after the latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attack-on-mali-military-post-kills-53-soldiers-259378">deadly militant strike</a> killed more than 40 soldiers.

The president has declared three days of mourning after Friday's attack on an army base in Indelimane, the northeast of the country near the border with Niger.

"In these particularly serious circumstances where the stability and existence of our country are at stake, our only response must be national unity, the sacred union around our national army," he said in a statement Monday night.

He added that the support of foreign forces, including from France, Africa and the United Nations, is "necessary more than ever".

Friday's assault was the latest to target Mali's military, which is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that began in the north and spread to the centre of the country. At least 40 troops were killed a month ago in a double attack near the Burkina Faso border.

Islamic State-allied militants claimed responsibility for the Indelimane strike during which gunmen on motorbikes attacked the base in three different groups, according to Malian army sources and a UN document seen by AFP.

Authorities say at least 49 soldiers were killed.

Over the weekend two more Malian soldiers were also killed by a roadside bomb and a French soldier was also killed when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.

Northern Mali fell into the hands of jihadists in 2012 before the militants were forced out by a French-led military intervention. But the jihadists have regrouped to carry out hit-and-run strikes in violence that has spread to central Mali.

France still has around 4,500 troops in the country as part of its Barkhane operation and is looking to hand more responsibility to local forces.

French Armed Forces Minister, Florence Parly, on an official visit to the Sahel called for "patience" in the battle against the militants.

"This is a fight where we have to have patience," she said on a visit to Barkhane operations in the Chad capital N'Djamena. "We still need time for the local forces to build up their resilience."

Neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger have also been infiltrated by insurgents, at the cost of hundreds of lives.

The G5 Sahel, a five-nation joint taskforce set up in 2014 to tackle the jihadist threat, is also active in the region. It comprises troops from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.

Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has appealed for citizens to unite behind the country's army after the latest deadly militant strike killed more than 40 soldiers.

Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has appealed for citizens to unite behind the country's army after the latest deadly militant strike killed more than 40 soldiers. The president has declared three days of mourning after Friday's attack on an army base in Indelimane, the northeast of the country near the border with Niger. "In these particularly serious circumstances where the stability and existence of our country are at stake, our only response must be national unity, the sacred union around our national army," he said in a statement Monday night. He added that the support of foreign forces, including from France, Africa and the United Nations, is "necessary more than ever". Friday's assault was the latest to target Mali's military, which is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that began in the north and spread to the centre of the country. At least 40 troops were killed a month ago in a double attack near the Burkina Faso border. Islamic State-allied militants claimed responsibility for the Indelimane strike during which gunmen on motorbikes attacked the base in three different groups, according to Malian army sources and a UN document seen by AFP. Authorities say at least 49 soldiers were killed. Over the weekend two more Malian soldiers were also killed by a roadside bomb and a French soldier was also killed when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Northern Mali fell into the hands of jihadists in 2012 before the militants were forced out by a French-led military intervention. But the jihadists have regrouped to carry out hit-and-run strikes in violence that has spread to central Mali. France still has around 4,500 troops in the country as part of its Barkhane operation and is looking to hand more responsibility to local forces. French Armed Forces Minister, Florence Parly, on an official visit to the Sahel called for "patience" in the battle against the militants. "This is a fight where we have to have patience," she said on a visit to Barkhane operations in the Chad capital N'Djamena. "We still need time for the local forces to build up their resilience." Neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger have also been infiltrated by insurgents, at the cost of hundreds of lives. The G5 Sahel, a five-nation joint taskforce set up in 2014 to tackle the jihadist threat, is also active in the region. It comprises troops from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.

Mali president says stability at stake after deadly army base attack

An Indian construction worker died while being taken hostage with several compatriots by insurgents in Myanmar's conflict-scarred Rakhine state, rebels and the government said Monday.

The Arakan Army (AA) have changed tactics in recent weeks in their increasingly vicious battle with Myanmar troops,&nbsp;taking mass hostages along rivers and roads in the large western state.

But it is the first time they have captured foreign workers in the resource-rich area, which hosts a series of infrastructure projects linking India and Myanmar.

Ten people,&nbsp;including five Indians and a lawmaker from leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy,&nbsp;were seized by AA fighters on Sunday in the northern part of the state.

The rebels confirmed the 60-year-old worker's death as the group were marched up a hill.

"Unfortunately he suddenly died from exhaustion... we did not do anything to him," AA spokesman Khaing Thukha told AFP.

"We did not target the Indians," he said, but rather the MP.

The rest of the group were released but the MP was held for questioning, said Soe Htet, a government official from the lawmaker's constituency in nearby Chin state, adding the body of the dead man was also sent back.

The AA, which is fighting for greater autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, has previously carried out ambushes, assassinations, and bomb attacks.

But it has resorted to daring abductions of security forces in recent weeks.

A number of hostages seized by ethnic Rakhine rebels in a raid on a ferry packed with scores of police and soldiers were killed last month.

The rebels said they were killed by the military while in pursuit, but the army denied they were responsible and blamed the AA.

Rakhine is the same area where the military drove out more than 740,000 Rohingya Muslims in a 2017 campaign U.N. investigators have called genocide.

An Indian construction worker died while being taken hostage with several compatriots by insurgents in Myanmar's conflict-scarred Rakhine state, rebels and the government said Monday.

An Indian construction worker died while being taken hostage with several compatriots by insurgents in Myanmar's conflict-scarred Rakhine state, rebels and the government said Monday. The Arakan Army (AA) have changed tactics in recent weeks in their increasingly vicious battle with Myanmar troops, taking mass hostages along rivers and roads in the large western state. But it is the first time they have captured foreign workers in the resource-rich area, which hosts a series of infrastructure projects linking India and Myanmar. Ten people, including five Indians and a lawmaker from leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, were seized by AA fighters on Sunday in the northern part of the state. The rebels confirmed the 60-year-old worker's death as the group were marched up a hill. "Unfortunately he suddenly died from exhaustion... we did not do anything to him," AA spokesman Khaing Thukha told AFP. "We did not target the Indians," he said, but rather the MP. The rest of the group were released but the MP was held for questioning, said Soe Htet, a government official from the lawmaker's constituency in nearby Chin state, adding the body of the dead man was also sent back. The AA, which is fighting for greater autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, has previously carried out ambushes, assassinations, and bomb attacks. But it has resorted to daring abductions of security forces in recent weeks. A number of hostages seized by ethnic Rakhine rebels in a raid on a ferry packed with scores of police and soldiers were killed last month. The rebels said they were killed by the military while in pursuit, but the army denied they were responsible and blamed the AA. Rakhine is the same area where the military drove out more than 740,000 Rohingya Muslims in a 2017 campaign U.N. investigators have called genocide.

Indian worker dies in Myanmar rebel operation

Thousands of employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees went on strike in Jordan on Sunday, shutting schools and health centres that provide services for more than two million people.

The strike demanding pay rises are being observed by around 7,000 workers, UNRWA spokesman Sami Mshamsha said, and comes as the agency faces an unprecedented financial crisis.

It has brought to a standstill work at UNRWA schools, clinics and centres providing social welfare to refugees across Jordan, Mshamsha said.

"We deplore this strike and we are worried about the impact it will have on the services provided to the refugees," he said.

A union of UNRWA workers said the action that began Sunday morning was "open-ended" and all staff members were observing it.

Pupils and students should stay at home as UNRWA-run schools and universities would remain closed, it said.

More than two million Palestinians are registered as refugees with UNRWA in Jordan.

The agency runs 169 schools in the kingdom,&nbsp;where some 120,000 students are enrolled,&nbsp;as well as a faculty of science and educational arts, 25 primary healthcare centres and other services.

UNRWA was set up in 1949 after more than 750,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled during the war surrounding Israel's creation the previous year.

It provides vital schooling and medical services to some five million Palestinians in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem.

In 2018, the United States suspended and later cut all funding for UNRWA, causing a financial crisis that threatened to see its schools and hospitals closed.

Those woes were compounded by the allegations of abuse by the agency's management, leading other key donors,&nbsp;the Netherlands and Switzerland,&nbsp;to snap shut their purses.

In June UNRWA commissioner-general Pierre Krahenbuhl told a news conference in Amman that the agency faced an expected $211 million shortfall in funding for 2019, calling on donors to fill the gap.

Mshamsha said the union has demanded a salary increase of 200 Jordanian dinars (around $280) but agreed to ask for half that amount following negotiations with UNRWA.

UNRWA, however, said it could only agree to a salary increase of 70 dinars per month, he said.

"Unfortunately the union rejected the offer and decided to go ahead with the strike," Mshamsha said, calling on the union to return to negotiations.

Thousands of employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees went on strike in Jordan on Sunday, shutting schools and health centres that provide services for more than two million people.

Thousands of employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees went on strike in Jordan on Sunday, shutting schools and health centres that provide services for more than two million people. The strike demanding pay rises are being observed by around 7,000 workers, UNRWA spokesman Sami Mshamsha said, and comes as the agency faces an unprecedented financial crisis. It has brought to a standstill work at UNRWA schools, clinics and centres providing social welfare to refugees across Jordan, Mshamsha said. "We deplore this strike and we are worried about the impact it will have on the services provided to the refugees," he said. A union of UNRWA workers said the action that began Sunday morning was "open-ended" and all staff members were observing it. Pupils and students should stay at home as UNRWA-run schools and universities would remain closed, it said. More than two million Palestinians are registered as refugees with UNRWA in Jordan. The agency runs 169 schools in the kingdom, where some 120,000 students are enrolled, as well as a faculty of science and educational arts, 25 primary healthcare centres and other services. UNRWA was set up in 1949 after more than 750,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled during the war surrounding Israel's creation the previous year. It provides vital schooling and medical services to some five million Palestinians in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem. In 2018, the United States suspended and later cut all funding for UNRWA, causing a financial crisis that threatened to see its schools and hospitals closed. Those woes were compounded by the allegations of abuse by the agency's management, leading other key donors, the Netherlands and Switzerland, to snap shut their purses. In June UNRWA commissioner-general Pierre Krahenbuhl told a news conference in Amman that the agency faced an expected $211 million shortfall in funding for 2019, calling on donors to fill the gap. Mshamsha said the union has demanded a salary increase of 200 Jordanian dinars (around $280) but agreed to ask for half that amount following negotiations with UNRWA. UNRWA, however, said it could only agree to a salary increase of 70 dinars per month, he said. "Unfortunately the union rejected the offer and decided to go ahead with the strike," Mshamsha said, calling on the union to return to negotiations.

Schools, clinics shut as strike hits United Nations Palestinian agency in Jordan

Bangladesh said Sunday plans to relocate thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-chief-urges-myanmar-to-ensure-safe-return-of-rohingya-259659">Rohingya living in overcrowded refugee camps</a> to a remote island were "uncertain" after authorities failed to gain support from UN agencies.

Dhaka had wanted to begin its long-held plan this month to move 100,000 people to the mud-silt island of Bhashan Char, amid growing frustration with the presence of the squalid tent settlements in its southeastern border towns.

Bangladesh has said thousands of Rohingya families have volunteered to relocate, with some 3,500 of the Muslim minority due to be moved between mid-November to February during calm seas.

But the plan was&nbsp;in doubt as the U.N. has not supported the relocation so far, Bangladesh disaster management and relief minister Enamur Rahman told AFP.

"This has become uncertain," Rahman said of the relocation to the island, which takes around three hours to reach by boat.

"They (U.N. agencies) still haven't agreed to the relocation plan."

Aid agencies including the UN refugee agency UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Program (WFP), which held meetings with the government, told him the island was "isolated" and "flood-prone".

The agencies set out a list of conditions that had to be met, including a regular shipping service between the islet in the Bay of Bengal and the mainland, Rahman added.

The organisations provide humanitarian aid to the nearly one million Rohingya in the vast camps, including 740,000 who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar in August 2017.

"We won't do anything forcefully," he said, adding that at least two ships were set to ply the waters between the site and the mainland.

A U.N. official told AFP on Sunday that "U.N. agencies cannot support a move for which (they) have no technical information".

Dhaka is due to hold another round of talks with the agencies on Wednesday, Rahman said.

Global activist group Fortify Rights said last month it interviewed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-400-rohingya-return-to-myanmar-from-bangladesh-embassy-says-259097">14 Rohingya at three camps</a>, including some who appeared on lists of refugees allegedly willing to go, and found none had been consulted "and all opposed it".

Other groups have also expressed misgivings about moving people to the island, which is regularly hit by devastating cyclones.

Bangladesh said Sunday plans to relocate thousands of Rohingya living in overcrowded refugee camps to a remote island were "uncertain" after authorities failed to gain support from UN agencies.

Bangladesh said Sunday plans to relocate thousands of Rohingya living in overcrowded refugee camps to a remote island were "uncertain" after authorities failed to gain support from UN agencies. Dhaka had wanted to begin its long-held plan this month to move 100,000 people to the mud-silt island of Bhashan Char, amid growing frustration with the presence of the squalid tent settlements in its southeastern border towns. Bangladesh has said thousands of Rohingya families have volunteered to relocate, with some 3,500 of the Muslim minority due to be moved between mid-November to February during calm seas. But the plan was in doubt as the U.N. has not supported the relocation so far, Bangladesh disaster management and relief minister Enamur Rahman told AFP. "This has become uncertain," Rahman said of the relocation to the island, which takes around three hours to reach by boat. "They (U.N. agencies) still haven't agreed to the relocation plan." Aid agencies including the UN refugee agency UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Program (WFP), which held meetings with the government, told him the island was "isolated" and "flood-prone". The agencies set out a list of conditions that had to be met, including a regular shipping service between the islet in the Bay of Bengal and the mainland, Rahman added. The organisations provide humanitarian aid to the nearly one million Rohingya in the vast camps, including 740,000 who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar in August 2017. "We won't do anything forcefully," he said, adding that at least two ships were set to ply the waters between the site and the mainland. A U.N. official told AFP on Sunday that "U.N. agencies cannot support a move for which (they) have no technical information". Dhaka is due to hold another round of talks with the agencies on Wednesday, Rahman said. Global activist group Fortify Rights said last month it interviewed 14 Rohingya at three camps, including some who appeared on lists of refugees allegedly willing to go, and found none had been consulted "and all opposed it". Other groups have also expressed misgivings about moving people to the island, which is regularly hit by devastating cyclones.

Bangladesh Rohingya island relocation 'uncertain' after United Nations doubts

The UN chief on Sunday urged Myanmar to ensure the "safe" return of Rohingya refugees driven out by army operations, a plea made in front of Aung San Suu Kyi more than two years since her country cracked down on the Muslim minority.

Speaking at a summit of Southeast Asian leaders in Bangkok -- with Myanmar's de facto head Suu Kyi in the room -- Antonio Guterres said he remains "deeply concerned" about the plight of the Rohingya.

Violence in Rakhine state in 2017 forced more than 740,000 Rohingya to flee, most seeking refuge in overcrowded camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, in what UN investigators say amounted to genocide.

Myanmar does not recognise the Rohingya as citizens.

The country says it welcomes back those who agree to a bureaucratic status below full citizenship, and if they agree to live under tight guard after their villages were incinerated.

Guterres said Myanmar is responsible to "ensure a conducive environment for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of refugees".

Suu Kyi sat in the room expressionless as Guterres spoke.

Only a few hundred Rohingya have returned to Myanmar so far, with many fearing further persecution in the Buddhist-majority country.

The secretary-general also called on Myanmar "to ensure humanitarian actors have full and unfettered access to areas of return".

Despite repeated entreaties by the UN and endless criticism by rights groups and world leaders, Myanmar has refused to bend in its approach to the Rohingya.

Much of Rakhine remains largely closed to aid workers and journalists, who can only visit on tightly controlled, military-chaperoned trips.

It has launched an extensive and increasingly bloody campaign against Rakhine Buddhists, who are also fighting the central state for greater autonomy.

Suu Kyi has come under fire for failing to use her moral force to defend Rohingya after the 2017 unrest.

The treatment of the minority has shredded her image as an upholder of human rights in the eyes of the Western world.

Myanmar's army has come under fire for covering up the crackdown, which it blamed on Rohingya "terrorists".

A leaked ASEAN report earlier this year said the repatriation effort could take a further two years.

Suu Kyi has faced pressure over her country's treatment of the Rohingya from fellow ASEAN members Malaysia and Indonesia, which are both Muslim-majority.

The UN chief on Sunday urged Myanmar to ensure the "safe" return of Rohingya refugees driven out by army operations, a plea made in front of Aung San Suu Kyi more than two years since her country cracked down on the Muslim minority.

The UN chief on Sunday urged Myanmar to ensure the "safe" return of Rohingya refugees driven out by army operations, a plea made in front of Aung San Suu Kyi more than two years since her country cracked down on the Muslim minority. Speaking at a summit of Southeast Asian leaders in Bangkok -- with Myanmar's de facto head Suu Kyi in the room -- Antonio Guterres said he remains "deeply concerned" about the plight of the Rohingya. Violence in Rakhine state in 2017 forced more than 740,000 Rohingya to flee, most seeking refuge in overcrowded camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, in what UN investigators say amounted to genocide. Myanmar does not recognise the Rohingya as citizens. The country says it welcomes back those who agree to a bureaucratic status below full citizenship, and if they agree to live under tight guard after their villages were incinerated. Guterres said Myanmar is responsible to "ensure a conducive environment for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of refugees". Suu Kyi sat in the room expressionless as Guterres spoke. Only a few hundred Rohingya have returned to Myanmar so far, with many fearing further persecution in the Buddhist-majority country. The secretary-general also called on Myanmar "to ensure humanitarian actors have full and unfettered access to areas of return". Despite repeated entreaties by the UN and endless criticism by rights groups and world leaders, Myanmar has refused to bend in its approach to the Rohingya. Much of Rakhine remains largely closed to aid workers and journalists, who can only visit on tightly controlled, military-chaperoned trips. It has launched an extensive and increasingly bloody campaign against Rakhine Buddhists, who are also fighting the central state for greater autonomy. Suu Kyi has come under fire for failing to use her moral force to defend Rohingya after the 2017 unrest. The treatment of the minority has shredded her image as an upholder of human rights in the eyes of the Western world. Myanmar's army has come under fire for covering up the crackdown, which it blamed on Rohingya "terrorists". A leaked ASEAN report earlier this year said the repatriation effort could take a further two years. Suu Kyi has faced pressure over her country's treatment of the Rohingya from fellow ASEAN members Malaysia and Indonesia, which are both Muslim-majority.

United Nations chief urges Myanmar to ensure 'safe' return of Rohingya

Pakistan's diplomat Munir Akram took charge as the country's new permanent representative to the United Nations here on Friday.

Akram, 74, replaces outgoing envoy Maleeha Lodhi, who had been serving the post since February 2015."I am coming back to the UN post at a time when Pakistan faces imposing challenges in the East and the West. But challenges are always accompanied by opportunities," Akram was quoted by Geo News as saying.

The development came after a plea was filed on Thursday by the Women`s Action Forum (WAF) at the Sindh High Court in Pakistan, which sought Akram`s removal from the post, calling his re-appointment as "illegal and unlawful".

This came after several women's rights bodies had protested over Akram's appointment as the country`s envoy to the UN.

The plea mentioned allegations of domestic abuse against Akram. Citing reports from international media, the WAF alleged that the Pakistani diplomat was involved in assaulting a woman in a domestic violence incident.

Akram, a known hawk on India, had previously served as Pakistan`s permanent representative to the UN for six years from 2002 to 2008. He is said to be anti-India and sharp-tongued.

His appointment came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had returned to the US where he went to participate in the 74th session of United Nations General Assembly session.

As expected, he sought to internationalize India's internal decision to repeal Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir but Pakistan`s stance did not find takers.

On the other hand, Lodhi's exit was being linked to her "failure" to muster international support at the UN on Pakistan`s position on Kashmir.

However, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal refuted reports that Lodhi was "removed" from the post, in a bid to douse the controversy which had erupted after Akram was announced as Lodhi's successor.&nbsp;

Pakistan's diplomat Munir Akram took charge as the country's new permanent representative to the United Nations here on Friday. Akram, 74, replaces outgoing envoy Maleeha Lodhi, who had been serving the post since February 2015.

Pakistan's diplomat Munir Akram took charge as the country's new permanent representative to the United Nations here on Friday. Akram, 74, replaces outgoing envoy Maleeha Lodhi, who had been serving the post since February 2015."I am coming back to the UN post at a time when Pakistan faces imposing challenges in the East and the West. But challenges are always accompanied by opportunities," Akram was quoted by Geo News as saying. The development came after a plea was filed on Thursday by the Women`s Action Forum (WAF) at the Sindh High Court in Pakistan, which sought Akram`s removal from the post, calling his re-appointment as "illegal and unlawful". This came after several women's rights bodies had protested over Akram's appointment as the country`s envoy to the UN. The plea mentioned allegations of domestic abuse against Akram. Citing reports from international media, the WAF alleged that the Pakistani diplomat was involved in assaulting a woman in a domestic violence incident. Akram, a known hawk on India, had previously served as Pakistan`s permanent representative to the UN for six years from 2002 to 2008. He is said to be anti-India and sharp-tongued. His appointment came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had returned to the US where he went to participate in the 74th session of United Nations General Assembly session. As expected, he sought to internationalize India's internal decision to repeal Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir but Pakistan`s stance did not find takers. On the other hand, Lodhi's exit was being linked to her "failure" to muster international support at the UN on Pakistan`s position on Kashmir. However, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal refuted reports that Lodhi was "removed" from the post, in a bid to douse the controversy which had erupted after Akram was announced as Lodhi's successor.

Munir Akram takes charge as Pakistan's envoy to United Nations

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced that the state government will soon implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel.

She made the announcement on the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists'&nbsp;which is being observed today.

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Today is the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Apart from the health insurance scheme ‘Mabhoi’ for accredited journalists, our Govt in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangla</a> is soon going to implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel
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November 2 is marked as the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists'&nbsp;after a resolution condemning attacks and violence against journalists and media workers was passed in the General Assembly Resolution in 2013.

According to the UN, the resolution urged the Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced that the state government will soon implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced that the state government will soon implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel. She made the announcement on the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists' which is being observed today. Today is the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Apart from the health insurance scheme ‘Mabhoi’ for accredited journalists, our Govt in #Bangla is soon going to implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 2, 2019 × November 2 is marked as the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists' after a resolution condemning attacks and violence against journalists and media workers was passed in the General Assembly Resolution in 2013. According to the UN, the resolution urged the Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity.

Mamata announces to roll out social security scheme for media personnel soon

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise.

"We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement.

It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers.

Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots.

At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected.

After analyzing videos of the violence, rights group Amnesty International said security forces directly under Moise's command had committed some of the abuses.

"The security forces under the command of President Jovenel Moise have used excessive force. Such incidents must be investigated promptly, thoroughly and effectively," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, head of Amnesty's Americas department.

The group added that it had "verified instances in which police armed with semi-automatic rifles fired live ammunition during protests, in violation of international human rights law and standards on the use of force." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Amnesty added that they had also seen footage of police "launching tear gas out of a moving police vehicle amidst peaceful protesters, firing on protesters with less-lethal ammunition at extremely close-range, and beating a protester."

On Friday, a video emerged on social media that appeared to show a police vehicle ramming a barricade where an unidentified man had taken cover last Monday. A few minutes later the clip showed an inanimate body being retrieved from the debris and carried away by locals who had tried in vain to rescue him.

At the time and date shown on the video, police had said they were carrying out operations to clear barricades in the neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince. Less than two hours after the unnamed man's alleged death, clashes broke out between locals and police.

"Two police officers were wounded by gunshots to the foot and ankle while trying to clear barricades in the Torcel area on Monday, October 28 at around 1810 in the evening," police said on Monday.

Another police statement later said that local residents had "opened fire and thrown rocks at police, who responded."&nbsp;

Angry opposition

Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious.

Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent.

But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption.

An auditors' court probing $2 billion in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme."

The protests are spreading: In recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police.

OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel."

There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already weak economy is starting to suffer.

Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis. The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise. "We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement. It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers. Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots. At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected. After analyzing videos of the violence, rights group Amnesty International said security forces directly under Moise's command had committed some of the abuses. "The security forces under the command of President Jovenel Moise have used excessive force. Such incidents must be investigated promptly, thoroughly and effectively," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, head of Amnesty's Americas department. The group added that it had "verified instances in which police armed with semi-automatic rifles fired live ammunition during protests, in violation of international human rights law and standards on the use of force." Amnesty added that they had also seen footage of police "launching tear gas out of a moving police vehicle amidst peaceful protesters, firing on protesters with less-lethal ammunition at extremely close-range, and beating a protester." On Friday, a video emerged on social media that appeared to show a police vehicle ramming a barricade where an unidentified man had taken cover last Monday. A few minutes later the clip showed an inanimate body being retrieved from the debris and carried away by locals who had tried in vain to rescue him. At the time and date shown on the video, police had said they were carrying out operations to clear barricades in the neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince. Less than two hours after the unnamed man's alleged death, clashes broke out between locals and police. "Two police officers were wounded by gunshots to the foot and ankle while trying to clear barricades in the Torcel area on Monday, October 28 at around 1810 in the evening," police said on Monday. Another police statement later said that local residents had "opened fire and thrown rocks at police, who responded." Angry opposition Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious. Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent. But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption. An auditors' court probing $2 billion in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme." The protests are spreading: In recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police. OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel." There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already weak economy is starting to suffer. Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 killed in Haiti protest violence: United Nations

The United Nations chief on Saturday warned Asia to quit its "addiction" to coal, as climate change threatens hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to rising sea levels across the region.

The warning follows fresh research this week predicting that several Asian megacities, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai, are at risk of extreme flooding linked to global warming.

Antonio Guterres said Asian countries need to cut reliance on coal to tackle the climate crisis, which he called the "defining issue of our time".

"There is an addiction to coal that we need to overcome because it remains a major threat in relation to climate change," he told reporters ahead of a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bangkok on Saturday.

He said countries in the region need to be on "the front line" of the fight by introducing carbon pricing and reforming energy policies.

"We are lagging behind," he said, adding that the rollback of coal could help curb rising global temperatures.

Coal remains a major source of power across Southeast Asia, where breakneck economic development has spurred soaring energy demands -- but at a cost to the environment.

About one-third of Vietnam's energy comes from coal power with a slew of new plants set to come online by 2050, while Thailand is investing in fossil fuels.&nbsp;

Coastal areas across Southeast Asia have already seen major floods and seawater incursion linked to climate change.

New research this week showed that at least 300 million people worldwide are living in places at risk of inundation by 2050, a much bleaker picture than previous data predicted.

Destructive storm surges fuelled by increasingly powerful cyclones and rising seas will hit Asia hardest, according to the study in the journal Nature Communications.

The UN chief also spoke on Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya Muslims, nearly three-quarters of a million of whom were driven into Bangladesh in 2017.

He urged Myanmar's government to "address the root causes of displacement and allowing of the return, voluntary and in safety and dignity" to Myanmar.&nbsp;

"Some steps have been done but they are too small. We need to do much more," he said.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is also in Bangkok for the summit and is likely to face pressure over her country's treatment of the Rohingya, particularly from Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia.

Myanmar has rebuffed all international pressure so far while only hundreds of Rohingya have returned to Myanmar, due to fear of further repression.

The United Nations chief on Saturday warned Asia to quit its "addiction" to coal, as climate change threatens hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to rising sea levels across the region.

The United Nations chief on Saturday warned Asia to quit its "addiction" to coal, as climate change threatens hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to rising sea levels across the region. The warning follows fresh research this week predicting that several Asian megacities, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai, are at risk of extreme flooding linked to global warming. Antonio Guterres said Asian countries need to cut reliance on coal to tackle the climate crisis, which he called the "defining issue of our time". "There is an addiction to coal that we need to overcome because it remains a major threat in relation to climate change," he told reporters ahead of a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bangkok on Saturday. He said countries in the region need to be on "the front line" of the fight by introducing carbon pricing and reforming energy policies. "We are lagging behind," he said, adding that the rollback of coal could help curb rising global temperatures. Coal remains a major source of power across Southeast Asia, where breakneck economic development has spurred soaring energy demands -- but at a cost to the environment. About one-third of Vietnam's energy comes from coal power with a slew of new plants set to come online by 2050, while Thailand is investing in fossil fuels. Coastal areas across Southeast Asia have already seen major floods and seawater incursion linked to climate change. New research this week showed that at least 300 million people worldwide are living in places at risk of inundation by 2050, a much bleaker picture than previous data predicted. Destructive storm surges fuelled by increasingly powerful cyclones and rising seas will hit Asia hardest, according to the study in the journal Nature Communications. The UN chief also spoke on Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya Muslims, nearly three-quarters of a million of whom were driven into Bangladesh in 2017. He urged Myanmar's government to "address the root causes of displacement and allowing of the return, voluntary and in safety and dignity" to Myanmar. "Some steps have been done but they are too small. We need to do much more," he said. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is also in Bangkok for the summit and is likely to face pressure over her country's treatment of the Rohingya, particularly from Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia. Myanmar has rebuffed all international pressure so far while only hundreds of Rohingya have returned to Myanmar, due to fear of further repression.

Asia must quit 'coal addiction': United Nations chief

A young Afghan mother of seven sits on a red woollen rug alongside four other women who are slicing huge slabs of handmade, flowery soap into smaller bars.&nbsp;

She is one of about 20 female employees -- many of them recovering drug addicts -- working part-time on an organic farm in Kabul, where they grow flowers and plants to turn into sweet-smelling soaps and creams.

The venture can be a lifeline in a patriarchal country that grows roughly 90 per cent of the world's illicit opium. Millions of Afghans struggle with drug addiction, and women addicts face particular discrimination.

"I am happy that I am working here because it's all women. There are no men here," said the mother, who requested anonymity, as she sat on the mini production line, tying ribbons around newly bagged soaps made from a type of charcoal that supposedly has special health benefits.

The business is the creation of local entrepreneur Marghuba Safi, who started making soaps and creams in her kitchen in 2016. Friends and family reacted so well to the products that she launched a full-time business with the help of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The agency paid for Safi to visit India, where women-owned ventures are commonplace, to seek inspiration from small businesses.

"A lot of women over there are working from their homes, and I visited women making their own businesses," said Safi, 40.&nbsp;

"When I came back I decided to make my business a little wider," she added.&nbsp;

Her large farm -- which grows corn, peppers, aloe, marigolds and other plants -- is hidden behind a non-descript metal gate on the outskirts of Kabul.

The only condition for UNODC's support was that Safi hired recovering women drug addicts.&nbsp;

"When I became sad, I went to my neighbour's home and then we ate something," explains the young mother on how she got hooked.

"I did not know what it was but it made me relaxed. After that they took me to the hospital then Marghuba (Safi) came and taught us how to make soaps and helped us."

According to data from 2015 -- the last year a comprehensive national survey was carried out -- Afghanistan had about three million drug addicts, a huge proportion of the country's estimated 35 million people.

About 20 per cent are women, and the rate of addiction has only gone up over the past four years, said Anubha Sood, a senior officer with UNODC's "Alternative Livelihoods and Counter Narcotics" programme.

"The rate (of addiction) is increasing much, much more among women and children in the past few years," Sood said.&nbsp;

A big moral boost

The go-to drug is opium -- whether in smoked or in tablet form -- and women are sometimes kicked out of the home as a punishment for seeking help.

"A lot of women who we work with, once they undergo treatment in the drug treatment centre there is a stigma attached and a lot of families do not accept them back," Sood said.

If a woman "is able to stand on her own feet and is able to support herself and her children, this is a big moral boost for herself and she can earn a living in a very dignified manner".

The mother on the production line, aged 30, said she was paid about $2 for a half day's work -- a small but meaningful sum in a country where more than half the population lives below the poverty line of $1.90 a day.

"When I am bringing money to the house, I feel proud that I am also taking part in the economy of my family," she said.

Sood said the UNODC was helping other Afghan women in the provinces through "alternative development" projects such as small-scale vegetable or poultry farms that are easy to manage in a country where women were systematically denied an education under the Taliban and where girls' access to schooling is still limited.&nbsp;

Such projects are "simpler and easier for women to handle. They don’t have to venture out that much, it can be run from the household itself and they can sell the product at the (local) market," Sood said.

A young Afghan mother of seven sits on a red woollen rug alongside four other women who are slicing huge slabs of handmade, flowery soap into smaller bars. She is one of about 20 female employees -- many of them recovering drug addicts -- working part-time on an organic farm in Kabul, where they grow flowers and plants to turn into sweet-smelling soaps and creams.

A young Afghan mother of seven sits on a red woollen rug alongside four other women who are slicing huge slabs of handmade, flowery soap into smaller bars. She is one of about 20 female employees -- many of them recovering drug addicts -- working part-time on an organic farm in Kabul, where they grow flowers and plants to turn into sweet-smelling soaps and creams. The venture can be a lifeline in a patriarchal country that grows roughly 90 per cent of the world's illicit opium. Millions of Afghans struggle with drug addiction, and women addicts face particular discrimination. "I am happy that I am working here because it's all women. There are no men here," said the mother, who requested anonymity, as she sat on the mini production line, tying ribbons around newly bagged soaps made from a type of charcoal that supposedly has special health benefits. The business is the creation of local entrepreneur Marghuba Safi, who started making soaps and creams in her kitchen in 2016. Friends and family reacted so well to the products that she launched a full-time business with the help of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The agency paid for Safi to visit India, where women-owned ventures are commonplace, to seek inspiration from small businesses. "A lot of women over there are working from their homes, and I visited women making their own businesses," said Safi, 40. "When I came back I decided to make my business a little wider," she added. Her large farm -- which grows corn, peppers, aloe, marigolds and other plants -- is hidden behind a non-descript metal gate on the outskirts of Kabul. The only condition for UNODC's support was that Safi hired recovering women drug addicts. "When I became sad, I went to my neighbour's home and then we ate something," explains the young mother on how she got hooked. "I did not know what it was but it made me relaxed. After that they took me to the hospital then Marghuba (Safi) came and taught us how to make soaps and helped us." According to data from 2015 -- the last year a comprehensive national survey was carried out -- Afghanistan had about three million drug addicts, a huge proportion of the country's estimated 35 million people. About 20 per cent are women, and the rate of addiction has only gone up over the past four years, said Anubha Sood, a senior officer with UNODC's "Alternative Livelihoods and Counter Narcotics" programme. "The rate (of addiction) is increasing much, much more among women and children in the past few years," Sood said. A big moral boost The go-to drug is opium -- whether in smoked or in tablet form -- and women are sometimes kicked out of the home as a punishment for seeking help. "A lot of women who we work with, once they undergo treatment in the drug treatment centre there is a stigma attached and a lot of families do not accept them back," Sood said. If a woman "is able to stand on her own feet and is able to support herself and her children, this is a big moral boost for herself and she can earn a living in a very dignified manner". The mother on the production line, aged 30, said she was paid about $2 for a half day's work -- a small but meaningful sum in a country where more than half the population lives below the poverty line of $1.90 a day. "When I am bringing money to the house, I feel proud that I am also taking part in the economy of my family," she said. Sood said the UNODC was helping other Afghan women in the provinces through "alternative development" projects such as small-scale vegetable or poultry farms that are easy to manage in a country where women were systematically denied an education under the Taliban and where girls' access to schooling is still limited. Such projects are "simpler and easier for women to handle. They don’t have to venture out that much, it can be run from the household itself and they can sell the product at the (local) market," Sood said.

Afghanistan: Kabul soap factory helps former addicts stay clean

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-haitis-president-moise-257138">Haiti since mid-September</a>, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise.

"We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement.

It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers.

Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots.

At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected.

Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious.

Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent.

But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption.

An auditors' court probing two billion dollars in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme."

The protests are spreading: in recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police.

OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel".

There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-haitis-president-moise-257138">weak economy</a> is starting to suffer.

Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis. The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise. "We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement. It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers. Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots. At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected. Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious. Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent. But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption. An auditors' court probing two billion dollars in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme." The protests are spreading: in recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police. OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel". There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already weak economy is starting to suffer. Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

The treatment of WikiLeaks founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-denied-delay-to-extradition-hearing-by-london-judge-257361">Julian Assange</a>, who is facing the threat of extradition from Britain to the US on espionage charges, is putting his life "at risk", an independent UN rights expert said Friday.

"Unless the UK urgently changes course and alleviates his inhumane situation, Mr. Assange's continued exposure to arbitrariness and abuse may soon end up costing his life," the UN special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, Nils Melzer, said in a statement.

Melzer, who visited the 48-year-old Australian whistleblower in a London prison on May 9, nearly a month after his arrest at Ecuador's embassy where he had been holed up for seven years, has previously warned he was being subjected to drawn-out "psychological torture".

A spokesperson told AFP that the independent expert, who does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, had not met Assange since then but had received "updates" about his condition.

Friday's statement warned that Assange's health had continued to deteriorate since his arrest, stressing that "his life was now at risk."

In the statement, Melzer pointed out that in May he had demanded immediate measures to protect the WikiLeaks founder's health and dignity.

"However, what we have seen from the UK Government is outright contempt for Mr Assange’s rights and integrity," he said.

"Despite the medical urgency of my appeal, and the seriousness of the alleged violations, the UK has not undertaken any measures of investigation, prevention and redress required under international law," he charged.

Assange "continues to be detained under oppressive conditions of isolation and surveillance, not justified by his detention status," he said.

His statement pointed out that Assange had completed his prison sentence for violating his British bail terms in 2012 and was now "being held exclusively in relation to the pending extradition request from the United States."

Assange is facing the extradition request by the US over charges he violated the US Espionage Act by publishing a huge cache of military and diplomatic files in 2010.&nbsp;

"While the US Government prosecutes Mr. Assange for publishing information about serious human rights violations, including torture and murder, the officials responsible for these crimes continue to enjoy impunity," Melzer said.

He also decried that "despite the complexity of the proceedings against him led by the world’s most powerful Government, Mr. Assange's access to legal counsel and documents has been severely obstructed."

This, he said, had effectively undermined "his most fundamental right to prepare his defence."

In his appeal, Melzer urged London to bar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-founder-assange-remanded-in-jail-after-brief-uk-court-hearing-255303">Assange's</a> extradition to the US, and demanded that "he be promptly released and allowed to recover his health and rebuild his personal and professional life."

The treatment of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is facing the threat of extradition from Britain to the US on espionage charges, is putting his life "at risk", an independent UN rights expert said Friday.

The treatment of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is facing the threat of extradition from Britain to the US on espionage charges, is putting his life "at risk", an independent UN rights expert said Friday. "Unless the UK urgently changes course and alleviates his inhumane situation, Mr. Assange's continued exposure to arbitrariness and abuse may soon end up costing his life," the UN special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, Nils Melzer, said in a statement. Melzer, who visited the 48-year-old Australian whistleblower in a London prison on May 9, nearly a month after his arrest at Ecuador's embassy where he had been holed up for seven years, has previously warned he was being subjected to drawn-out "psychological torture". A spokesperson told AFP that the independent expert, who does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, had not met Assange since then but had received "updates" about his condition. Friday's statement warned that Assange's health had continued to deteriorate since his arrest, stressing that "his life was now at risk." In the statement, Melzer pointed out that in May he had demanded immediate measures to protect the WikiLeaks founder's health and dignity. "However, what we have seen from the UK Government is outright contempt for Mr Assange’s rights and integrity," he said. "Despite the medical urgency of my appeal, and the seriousness of the alleged violations, the UK has not undertaken any measures of investigation, prevention and redress required under international law," he charged. Assange "continues to be detained under oppressive conditions of isolation and surveillance, not justified by his detention status," he said. His statement pointed out that Assange had completed his prison sentence for violating his British bail terms in 2012 and was now "being held exclusively in relation to the pending extradition request from the United States." Assange is facing the extradition request by the US over charges he violated the US Espionage Act by publishing a huge cache of military and diplomatic files in 2010. "While the US Government prosecutes Mr. Assange for publishing information about serious human rights violations, including torture and murder, the officials responsible for these crimes continue to enjoy impunity," Melzer said. He also decried that "despite the complexity of the proceedings against him led by the world’s most powerful Government, Mr. Assange's access to legal counsel and documents has been severely obstructed." This, he said, had effectively undermined "his most fundamental right to prepare his defence." In his appeal, Melzer urged London to bar Assange's extradition to the US, and demanded that "he be promptly released and allowed to recover his health and rebuild his personal and professional life."

Treatment of Assange putting his life 'at risk': United Nations expert

US-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday.

The secretive militias, whose support from America's Central Intelligence Agency is originally rooted in the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s, have long hunted the Taliban across Afghanistan and have seen increasing activity as the war against the insurgents intensifies.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented 14 cases from late 2017 to mid-2019 in which it said CIA-backed "strike groups" committed serious abuses during night raids, such as one in the southeastern province of Paktia in which a paramilitary unit killed 11 men, including eight who were home for the Eid holidays.

In many cases, the raids, usually in Taliban-controlled areas, were accompanied by airstrikes that "indiscriminately or disproportionately" killed civilians, HRW said in a report.

Sometimes, troops detained men and didn't tell families where they were being held.

Night raids, where special forces troops blast doors and rush a building under the cover of darkness, are a popular tactic that combines surprise, overwhelming firepower and night-vision equipment to stun occupants.

"In ramping up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/11-taliban-terrorists-killed-9-wounded-in-afghanistans-jawzjan-province-258383">operations against the Taliban</a>, the CIA has enabled abusive Afghan forces to commit atrocities including extrajudicial executions and disappearances," said Patricia Gossman, the report author and HRW's associate Asia director.

"In case after case, these forces have simply shot people in their custody and consigned entire communities to the terror of abusive night raids and indiscriminate airstrikes."

Afghan authorities and US forces have increased the use of paramilitary groups to combat a resurgent Taliban that has been hammering Afghanistan's beleaguered national security forces.

Part of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), paramilitary forces do not fall under normal command chains and therefore, have less oversight.

Speaking to HRW, one diplomat referred to them as "death squads."

Afghan militias have largely been recruited, trained, equipped, and overseen by the CIA, according to the rights watchdog.

Ties date back to the 1980s, when the CIA was funnelling money and equipment to Afghan rebels and mujahideen fighting Soviet troops.

After a lull during the Taliban regime in the 1990s, the CIA re-established ties with warlords and militias fighting the insurgency following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The CIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US government watchdog, Afghan special forces conducted 2,531 ground operations from January–September this year, more than the total of 2,365 for all of 2018.

A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-3000-afghan-civilians-killed-or-wounded-this-year-un-report-239373"> UN report </a>earlier this month found an unprecedented number of civilians was killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September this year.

The tally,1,174 deaths and 3,139 injured from July 1 until September 30, represents a 42 per cent increase over the same period last year.

US-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday.

US-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday. The secretive militias, whose support from America's Central Intelligence Agency is originally rooted in the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s, have long hunted the Taliban across Afghanistan and have seen increasing activity as the war against the insurgents intensifies. Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented 14 cases from late 2017 to mid-2019 in which it said CIA-backed "strike groups" committed serious abuses during night raids, such as one in the southeastern province of Paktia in which a paramilitary unit killed 11 men, including eight who were home for the Eid holidays. In many cases, the raids, usually in Taliban-controlled areas, were accompanied by airstrikes that "indiscriminately or disproportionately" killed civilians, HRW said in a report. Sometimes, troops detained men and didn't tell families where they were being held. Night raids, where special forces troops blast doors and rush a building under the cover of darkness, are a popular tactic that combines surprise, overwhelming firepower and night-vision equipment to stun occupants. "In ramping up operations against the Taliban, the CIA has enabled abusive Afghan forces to commit atrocities including extrajudicial executions and disappearances," said Patricia Gossman, the report author and HRW's associate Asia director. "In case after case, these forces have simply shot people in their custody and consigned entire communities to the terror of abusive night raids and indiscriminate airstrikes." Afghan authorities and US forces have increased the use of paramilitary groups to combat a resurgent Taliban that has been hammering Afghanistan's beleaguered national security forces. Part of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), paramilitary forces do not fall under normal command chains and therefore, have less oversight. Speaking to HRW, one diplomat referred to them as "death squads." Afghan militias have largely been recruited, trained, equipped, and overseen by the CIA, according to the rights watchdog. Ties date back to the 1980s, when the CIA was funnelling money and equipment to Afghan rebels and mujahideen fighting Soviet troops. After a lull during the Taliban regime in the 1990s, the CIA re-established ties with warlords and militias fighting the insurgency following the September 11, 2001 attacks. The CIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US government watchdog, Afghan special forces conducted 2,531 ground operations from January–September this year, more than the total of 2,365 for all of 2018. A UN report earlier this month found an unprecedented number of civilians was killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September this year. The tally,1,174 deaths and 3,139 injured from July 1 until September 30, represents a 42 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Afghan militias killing civilians with impunity: Human Rights Watch

China's mass detention and surveillance of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-this-the-proof-of-chinas-atrocities-on-uighur-muslims-254842">ethnic Uighurs</a> in Xinjiang province came under fire at the United Nations Tuesday, with 23 nations, mostly western,&nbsp;backing a British statement condemning Beijing's human rights record.

But China's allies countered with a statement of their own that won even broader support, with some 54 nations backing a Belarus text that heaped effusive praise on Beijing's "remarkable achievements in the field of human rights."

They included Pakistan, Russia, Egypt, Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Serbia,&nbsp;which have all been criticised for their own rights records.

The duelling statements at the UN General Assembly are non-binding, but highlight the global divide on China's human rights record,&nbsp;&nbsp;particularly as Beijing moves to flex its diplomatic and economic clout abroad.

Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been rounded up in internment camps in Xinjiang.

After initially denying their existence, Beijing now defends the Xinjiang camps as "vocational education centres" that are necessary to counter religious extremism and terrorism.

China has embarked on a global public relations campaign to win support for its Xinjiang policies,&nbsp;even convincing Muslim-majority nations such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to voice support.

Britain's UN statement Tuesday expressed concerns "regarding credible reports of mass detention; efforts to restrict cultural and religious practices; mass surveillance disproportionately targeting ethnic Uighurs; and other human rights violations and abuses".

"The Chinese government should urgently... (refrain) from the arbitrary detention of Uighurs and members of other Muslim communities," it said.

Countries backing it included the United States, Germany, France, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

But that statement was swiftly countered by the one from Belarus,&nbsp;where China is building a massive industrial park,&nbsp;which praised Beijing's rights record.

"We commend China's remarkable achievements in the field of human rights by adhering to the people-centred development philosophy and protecting and promoting human rights through development," the statement said.

"We also appreciate China's contributions to the international human rights cause," it added while criticizing the "politicization" of the issue of human rights at the UN.

Uighurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group, make up the largest portion of the population of Xinjiang, a vast region in northwestern China.

China's mass detention and surveillance of ethnic Uighurs in Xinjiang province came under fire at the United Nations Tuesday, with 23 nations, mostly western, backing a British statement condemning Beijing's human rights record.

China's mass detention and surveillance of ethnic Uighurs in Xinjiang province came under fire at the United Nations Tuesday, with 23 nations, mostly western, backing a British statement condemning Beijing's human rights record. But China's allies countered with a statement of their own that won even broader support, with some 54 nations backing a Belarus text that heaped effusive praise on Beijing's "remarkable achievements in the field of human rights." They included Pakistan, Russia, Egypt, Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Serbia, which have all been criticised for their own rights records. The duelling statements at the UN General Assembly are non-binding, but highlight the global divide on China's human rights record, particularly as Beijing moves to flex its diplomatic and economic clout abroad. Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been rounded up in internment camps in Xinjiang. After initially denying their existence, Beijing now defends the Xinjiang camps as "vocational education centres" that are necessary to counter religious extremism and terrorism. China has embarked on a global public relations campaign to win support for its Xinjiang policies, even convincing Muslim-majority nations such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to voice support. Britain's UN statement Tuesday expressed concerns "regarding credible reports of mass detention; efforts to restrict cultural and religious practices; mass surveillance disproportionately targeting ethnic Uighurs; and other human rights violations and abuses". "The Chinese government should urgently... (refrain) from the arbitrary detention of Uighurs and members of other Muslim communities," it said. Countries backing it included the United States, Germany, France, Canada, Japan and New Zealand. But that statement was swiftly countered by the one from Belarus, where China is building a massive industrial park, which praised Beijing's rights record. "We commend China's remarkable achievements in the field of human rights by adhering to the people-centred development philosophy and protecting and promoting human rights through development," the statement said. "We also appreciate China's contributions to the international human rights cause," it added while criticizing the "politicization" of the issue of human rights at the UN. Uighurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group, make up the largest portion of the population of Xinjiang, a vast region in northwestern China.

U.N. members split on China's Uighur rights record

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has raised the issue of cross-border terror and reforms at the United Nations Security Council at the ministerial meet of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) meet in Baku, Azerbaijan. &nbsp;

Calling UN reforms as "essential", the EAM said, "early and meaningful reform of the United Nations, and in particular its principal organ of global peace and security, the Security Council."

Jaishankar reiterated India's support for Africa’s Common Position on Security Council Reforms which calls for two permanent seats for Africa at a reformed UNSC.

On terror, New Delhi highlighted the "growing linkages" between terrorist groups and cross-border operations such as "terror financing networks, and the spread of hateful ideologies through modern communication technologies" which Jaishankar said, "have left no country untouched by this scourge."

He said, "the international community cannot afford selective approaches or double standards on this issue" and "our fight against terrorism has to be fought collectively and across all fronts.

He urged, NAM countries to finalise Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations which calls for a common definition of terror. CCIT was proposed by India in 1996 but even after two decades, little progress has been made on it.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will lead the Indian delegation at the 18th Non-Aligned Movement Summit from 25-26 October. The theme for this year's summit is "Upholding the Bandung Principles to ensure concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world”.

India is a founding member of the NAM, which is one of the largest gatherings of world leaders. In 2021, the 60th anniversary of the grouping will be celebrated.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has raised the issue of cross-border terror and reforms at the United Nations Security Council at the ministerial meet of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) meet in Baku, Azerbaijan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has raised the issue of cross-border terror and reforms at the United Nations Security Council at the ministerial meet of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) meet in Baku, Azerbaijan. Calling UN reforms as "essential", the EAM said, "early and meaningful reform of the United Nations, and in particular its principal organ of global peace and security, the Security Council." Jaishankar reiterated India's support for Africa’s Common Position on Security Council Reforms which calls for two permanent seats for Africa at a reformed UNSC. On terror, New Delhi highlighted the "growing linkages" between terrorist groups and cross-border operations such as "terror financing networks, and the spread of hateful ideologies through modern communication technologies" which Jaishankar said, "have left no country untouched by this scourge." He said, "the international community cannot afford selective approaches or double standards on this issue" and "our fight against terrorism has to be fought collectively and across all fronts. He urged, NAM countries to finalise Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations which calls for a common definition of terror. CCIT was proposed by India in 1996 but even after two decades, little progress has been made on it. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will lead the Indian delegation at the 18th Non-Aligned Movement Summit from 25-26 October. The theme for this year's summit is "Upholding the Bandung Principles to ensure concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world”. India is a founding member of the NAM, which is one of the largest gatherings of world leaders. In 2021, the 60th anniversary of the grouping will be celebrated.

At Non-Aligned Movement meet, India raises terror and UN reforms

A Syrian Kurdish man set himself on fire Wednesday outside the headquarters of the United Nations refugee agency and was receiving treatment for his injuries, police said.

The 31-year-old German resident did not provide any explanation for his actions, Geneva police spokesman Silvain Guillaume-Gentil said.

"We can imagine his reasons, but we do not have anything concrete," Guillaume-Gentil said. "He had a hard time expressing himself when help arrived."

Kurds have organised a series of demonstrations to protest the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-pushes-offensive-in-syria-despite-sanctions-and-calls-to-stop-256184">assault that Turkey</a> launched on October 9 against Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria.

The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 am (0600 GMT) outside UNHCR, which is across the street from the Palais des Nations, the U.N.'s European headquarters.

Responders arrived quickly and the injured man was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Lausanne, where he was being treated for his injuries, police said.

A Syrian Kurdish man set himself on fire Wednesday outside the headquarters of the United Nations refugee agency and was receiving treatment for his injuries, police said.

A Syrian Kurdish man set himself on fire Wednesday outside the headquarters of the United Nations refugee agency and was receiving treatment for his injuries, police said. The 31-year-old German resident did not provide any explanation for his actions, Geneva police spokesman Silvain Guillaume-Gentil said. "We can imagine his reasons, but we do not have anything concrete," Guillaume-Gentil said. "He had a hard time expressing himself when help arrived." Kurds have organised a series of demonstrations to protest the assault that Turkey launched on October 9 against Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria. The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 am (0600 GMT) outside UNHCR, which is across the street from the Palais des Nations, the U.N.'s European headquarters. Responders arrived quickly and the injured man was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Lausanne, where he was being treated for his injuries, police said.

Syrian man sets himself on fire outside U.N. building: Police

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; text-align: justify;">The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched its cinema ad campaign 'Feed Our Future'&nbsp;in India. Based on last year’s success, WFP is again collaborating with UFO Moviez - India's largest in-cinema advertising platform and SAWA -the Global Cinema Advertising Association, for the second time to raise awareness on hunger and malnutrition, a reality facing millions of people around the world.

<p style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin-bottom: 17.4pt; text-align: justify; background: white;">The campaign launch event included a panel discussion hosted by TV host Mini Mathur, featuring actress and director Nandita Das and filmmakers Neeraj Ghaywan and Anubhav Sinha, all of whom shared their perspectives over cinema and social change. Through a partnership with Facebook, the event took place via a live broadcast from the social network's Mumbai office. The campaign is also being supported by Showbox Music TV Channel, LF (Living Foodz TV Channel) and Red FM 93.5.

<p style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin-bottom: 17.4pt; text-align: justify; background: white;"><a name="m_4700947342058851984_m_-6805868577164424772__Hlk21964702">Cinema does not create revolutions but has the power to inform, create empathy, challenge prejudices and ask uncomfortable questions. Films hold a special place for Indians as it's one of the primary sources of entertainment, traversing through time and space. It crosses borders and speaks to a variety of audiences.</a> 
<a name="m_4700947342058851984_m_-6805868577164424772__Hlk21964702" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> 
Feed Our Future campaign has a much needed and powerful message that will connect with the audiences and garner the support it deserves. the critical issue of hunger and malnutrition in India needs urgent attention”, said Nandita Das.</a> 
 
The creative force behind the new advertisement is Sir John Hegarty, of The Garage SOHO. The advert highlights the potential loss to the world when children's voices are silenced due to hunger. The poignant narrative of the ad sees a group of Syrian refugee children who were selected from the local community playing in rubble and gazing out of bombed-out buildings in an apparent war zone. 
 
''We think that this year's campaign is even more emotionally engaging, and we expect more people will respond to our call. In a world full of noise, cinema has proven incredibly effective for us at cutting through to not only establish our brand but also to convert cinema-goers into active supporters and donors'', said&nbsp;Corinne Woods, Chief Marketing Officer at WFP. 
&nbsp; 
Last year's global results showed the advertisement helped to double awareness of WFP among those who saw it and raised more than half a million dollars through online giving and through a 38% increase in downloads of WFP's Share the Meal donation App. 
 
''UFO was the India partner for UNWFP's 2018 campaign and it was a very successful campaign for WFP, learning of the successes of last year, we are pleased to extend our UNWFP partnership into 2019. We are very confident that the partnership will help drive the message of zero hunger deeper into the hearts &amp; minds of India,''&nbsp;said Mr. Siddharth Bhardwaj, Chief Marketing Officer, UFO Moviez, India's largest in-cinema advertising platform.&nbsp; 
 
''We strongly believe that Big Ideas need the Big screen to make an impact. UNWFP's campaign will run across UFO Moviez network of 3500+ screens, the campaign is packaged in an emotionally stirring 70-sec ad film and is scheduled to run for a period of eight weeks. We are certain that our network of cinema screens coupled with the powerful message crafted by Sir John Hegarty will help UNWFP engage with the Indian audience and inspire people to support an important cause of eliminating hunger from our planet”, he added. 
 
Celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija, who just released her book 'N for Nourish', spoke about the importance of nutrition during the first 1000 days of a child's life. Celebrities including actors Gul Panag and Minissha Lamba and director Mira Nair also lent their support to the campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched its cinema ad campaign 'Feed Our Future' in India. Based on last year’s success, WFP is again collaborating with UFO Moviez - India's largest in-cinema advertising platform and SAWA -the Global Cinema Advertising Association, for the second time to raise awareness on hunger and malnutrition, a reality facing millions of people around the world.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched its cinema ad campaign 'Feed Our Future' in India. Based on last year’s success, WFP is again collaborating with UFO Moviez - India's largest in-cinema advertising platform and SAWA -the Global Cinema Advertising Association, for the second time to raise awareness on hunger and malnutrition, a reality facing millions of people around the world. The campaign launch event included a panel discussion hosted by TV host Mini Mathur, featuring actress and director Nandita Das and filmmakers Neeraj Ghaywan and Anubhav Sinha, all of whom shared their perspectives over cinema and social change. Through a partnership with Facebook, the event took place via a live broadcast from the social network's Mumbai office. The campaign is also being supported by Showbox Music TV Channel, LF (Living Foodz TV Channel) and Red FM 93.5. Cinema does not create revolutions but has the power to inform, create empathy, challenge prejudices and ask uncomfortable questions. Films hold a special place for Indians as it's one of the primary sources of entertainment, traversing through time and space. It crosses borders and speaks to a variety of audiences. Feed Our Future campaign has a much needed and powerful message that will connect with the audiences and garner the support it deserves. the critical issue of hunger and malnutrition in India needs urgent attention”, said Nandita Das. The creative force behind the new advertisement is Sir John Hegarty, of The Garage SOHO. The advert highlights the potential loss to the world when children's voices are silenced due to hunger. The poignant narrative of the ad sees a group of Syrian refugee children who were selected from the local community playing in rubble and gazing out of bombed-out buildings in an apparent war zone. ''We think that this year's campaign is even more emotionally engaging, and we expect more people will respond to our call. In a world full of noise, cinema has proven incredibly effective for us at cutting through to not only establish our brand but also to convert cinema-goers into active supporters and donors'', said Corinne Woods, Chief Marketing Officer at WFP. Last year's global results showed the advertisement helped to double awareness of WFP among those who saw it and raised more than half a million dollars through online giving and through a 38% increase in downloads of WFP's Share the Meal donation App. ''UFO was the India partner for UNWFP's 2018 campaign and it was a very successful campaign for WFP, learning of the successes of last year, we are pleased to extend our UNWFP partnership into 2019. We are very confident that the partnership will help drive the message of zero hunger deeper into the hearts & minds of India,'' said Mr. Siddharth Bhardwaj, Chief Marketing Officer, UFO Moviez, India's largest in-cinema advertising platform. ''We strongly believe that Big Ideas need the Big screen to make an impact. UNWFP's campaign will run across UFO Moviez network of 3500+ screens, the campaign is packaged in an emotionally stirring 70-sec ad film and is scheduled to run for a period of eight weeks. We are certain that our network of cinema screens coupled with the powerful message crafted by Sir John Hegarty will help UNWFP engage with the Indian audience and inspire people to support an important cause of eliminating hunger from our planet”, he added. Celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija, who just released her book 'N for Nourish', spoke about the importance of nutrition during the first 1000 days of a child's life. Celebrities including actors Gul Panag and Minissha Lamba and director Mira Nair also lent their support to the campaign.

United Nations launches 'Feed Our Future' cinema ad campaign in India

Turkey will continue its offensive into northeast Syria more rapidly than before if an agreement with the United States to pause the operation and allow the withdrawal of Kurdish forces is not fully implemented, President Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan vows to 'Crush Heads' of Kurdish Fighters

The United Nations Headquarters in New York City will be closed on weekends&nbsp;owing to the ongoing cash crisis.

On October 8<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-may-run-out-of-money-by-end-of-the-month-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-254359"> Secretary-General Antonio Guterres</a> had said that the United Nations is running a deficit of $230 million and may run out of money by the end of October.

As of October 10 2019, 131 Member States have paid their regular budget assessments in full.

The 34 member states which paid their regular budget assessments in full before January 31, 2019, include India, Australia, and Canada.

Additional 97 states paid their dues in full by in the period after January 31 and leading up to October 10 2019. These include the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

In a letter sent out earlier this month intended for the 37,000 employees at the U.N. secretariat and obtained by AFP, Guterres said unspecified "additional stop-gap measures" would have to be taken to ensure salaries and entitlements are paid.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The UNHQ buildings in NYC will be closed on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) due to the ongoing cash crisis. 
 
Has your country made its contribution to this year's regular UN budget yet? 
 
See which countries are on the honour roll: <a href="https://t.co/vyLe4dEHjb">https://t.co/vyLe4dEHjb</a> <a href="https://t.co/VG3jSXIi4O">pic.twitter.com/VG3jSXIi4O</a>
— United Nations (@UN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN/status/1185270571988176896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Majority of the member countries (127) paid their dues in the month of September with the least number of payments (37) coming in the month of January.

"Member States have paid only 70 per cent of the total amount needed for our regular budget operations in 2019. This translates into a cash shortage of $230 million at the end of September. We run the risk of depleting our backup liquidity reserves by the end of the month," he wrote.

To cut costs, Guterres mentioned postponing conferences and meetings and reducing services, while also restricting official travel to only essential activities and taking measures to save energy.

Guterres had asked member states earlier this year to up contributions to the world body to head off cash flow problems, but they refused, a U.N. official said on condition of anonymity.

"The ultimate responsibility for our financial health lies with the Member States," Guterres said.

Not including what it pays for peacekeeping operations, the U.N.'s operating budget for 2018-2019 is close to $5.4 billion, with the United States contributing 22 per cent.

(With inputs from AFP)

The United Nations Headquarters in New York City will be closed on weekends owing to the ongoing cash crisis. On October 8 Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had said that the United Nations is running a deficit of $230 million and may run out of money by the end of October.

The United Nations Headquarters in New York City will be closed on weekends owing to the ongoing cash crisis. On October 8 Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had said that the United Nations is running a deficit of $230 million and may run out of money by the end of October. As of October 10 2019, 131 Member States have paid their regular budget assessments in full. The 34 member states which paid their regular budget assessments in full before January 31, 2019, include India, Australia, and Canada. Additional 97 states paid their dues in full by in the period after January 31 and leading up to October 10 2019. These include the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In a letter sent out earlier this month intended for the 37,000 employees at the U.N. secretariat and obtained by AFP, Guterres said unspecified "additional stop-gap measures" would have to be taken to ensure salaries and entitlements are paid. The UNHQ buildings in NYC will be closed on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) due to the ongoing cash crisis. Has your country made its contribution to this year's regular UN budget yet? See which countries are on the honour roll: https://t.co/vyLe4dEHjb pic.twitter.com/VG3jSXIi4O — United Nations (@UN) October 18, 2019 × Majority of the member countries (127) paid their dues in the month of September with the least number of payments (37) coming in the month of January. "Member States have paid only 70 per cent of the total amount needed for our regular budget operations in 2019. This translates into a cash shortage of $230 million at the end of September. We run the risk of depleting our backup liquidity reserves by the end of the month," he wrote. To cut costs, Guterres mentioned postponing conferences and meetings and reducing services, while also restricting official travel to only essential activities and taking measures to save energy. Guterres had asked member states earlier this year to up contributions to the world body to head off cash flow problems, but they refused, a U.N. official said on condition of anonymity. "The ultimate responsibility for our financial health lies with the Member States," Guterres said. Not including what it pays for peacekeeping operations, the U.N.'s operating budget for 2018-2019 is close to $5.4 billion, with the United States contributing 22 per cent. (With inputs from AFP)

United Nations headquarters to stay shut on weekends due to cash crisis

The UN said Friday that it would send a team of investigators to Ecuador, following an invitation from the government, to investigate alleged violations committed during recent deadly protests.

The United Nations rights office said that three of its staff members would visit from October 20 through November 8 to look into allegations of abuses, including by state security forces.

The announcement came after President Lenin Moreno and indigenous leaders reached an agreement Sunday to end nearly two weeks of violent protests against austerity measures adopted to obtain a multi-billion-dollar loan from the IMF.

The demonstrations, which left eight people dead and some 1,300 injured, were sparked when Moreno scrapped fuel subsidies to obtain a $4.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, causing prices to double.

"Our Office has received allegations of human rights violations committed by state security forces, as well as reports of crimes committed by third parties," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

She also voiced concern about reports of arrests, including of political actors and elected officials, in connection with the protests that erupted on October 3.

Shamdasani said the UN welcomed Ecuador’s willingness to engage with the rights office.&nbsp;

She said UN investigators would seek to meet with government officials, indigenous leaders, representatives of civil society, journalists and others to gather first-hand information on the violence.

The UN, she said, was calling "on the authorities to conduct a prompt, effective, transparent, independent, and impartial investigations into all human rights violations and abuses committed in the context of the protests."

The UN said Friday that it would send a team of investigators to Ecuador, following an invitation from the government, to investigate alleged violations committed during recent deadly protests.

The UN said Friday that it would send a team of investigators to Ecuador, following an invitation from the government, to investigate alleged violations committed during recent deadly protests. The United Nations rights office said that three of its staff members would visit from October 20 through November 8 to look into allegations of abuses, including by state security forces. The announcement came after President Lenin Moreno and indigenous leaders reached an agreement Sunday to end nearly two weeks of violent protests against austerity measures adopted to obtain a multi-billion-dollar loan from the IMF. The demonstrations, which left eight people dead and some 1,300 injured, were sparked when Moreno scrapped fuel subsidies to obtain a $4.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, causing prices to double. "Our Office has received allegations of human rights violations committed by state security forces, as well as reports of crimes committed by third parties," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva. She also voiced concern about reports of arrests, including of political actors and elected officials, in connection with the protests that erupted on October 3. Shamdasani said the UN welcomed Ecuador’s willingness to engage with the rights office. She said UN investigators would seek to meet with government officials, indigenous leaders, representatives of civil society, journalists and others to gather first-hand information on the violence. The UN, she said, was calling "on the authorities to conduct a prompt, effective, transparent, independent, and impartial investigations into all human rights violations and abuses committed in the context of the protests."

UN to probe rights abuses in Ecuador after deadly protests

Preliminary results in Afghanistan's presidential election will be delayed beyond Saturday's deadline, two officials from the independent election commission told Reuters, probably for more than a week, fuelling chances of political uncertainty.

War-torn Afghanistan has battled poll-related violence that killed dozens, low voter turnout and fraud accusations in September`s election. Hundreds of thousands of voters have still to be added to an electronic database used to tally votes.

"The data entry of the voters to the main database of the commission has not been completed yet," said Abdul Aziz Ibrahimi, a spokesman of the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC).

"Transparency is important: we don`t want to sacrifice transparency for the sake of speed. The data entry has taken longer than was expected."

Nearly 1.8 million voters have been added to the database, he added. This compares with a figure of 2.6 million Afghans who voted, or about a quarter of the electorate.

"Due to slow work on the data entry, the result will be announced with a delay of one week to ten days," said the second official, who sought anonymity as he was not authorised to discuss the precise length of the delay.

It was not immediately clear why the database had not been updated during voting preparations ahead of the election.

Violence linked to polling last month left 85 civilians dead and more than 370 wounded, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

The two presidential front-runners, Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, both claimed victory before ballots were tallied and signalled they would not accept defeat, factors that had already pointed to political uncertainty.

Taliban insurgents rule more of the country than at any time since being ousted from power nearly two decades ago.

They have refused to accept the legitimacy of Ghani`s administration, which they call a puppet government backed by the United States, itself trying to end its longest war.

Preliminary results in Afghanistan's presidential election will be delayed beyond Saturday's deadline, two officials from the independent election commission told Reuters, probably for more than a week, fuelling chances of political uncertainty.

Preliminary results in Afghanistan's presidential election will be delayed beyond Saturday's deadline, two officials from the independent election commission told Reuters, probably for more than a week, fuelling chances of political uncertainty. War-torn Afghanistan has battled poll-related violence that killed dozens, low voter turnout and fraud accusations in September`s election. Hundreds of thousands of voters have still to be added to an electronic database used to tally votes. "The data entry of the voters to the main database of the commission has not been completed yet," said Abdul Aziz Ibrahimi, a spokesman of the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC). "Transparency is important: we don`t want to sacrifice transparency for the sake of speed. The data entry has taken longer than was expected." Nearly 1.8 million voters have been added to the database, he added. This compares with a figure of 2.6 million Afghans who voted, or about a quarter of the electorate. "Due to slow work on the data entry, the result will be announced with a delay of one week to ten days," said the second official, who sought anonymity as he was not authorised to discuss the precise length of the delay. It was not immediately clear why the database had not been updated during voting preparations ahead of the election. Violence linked to polling last month left 85 civilians dead and more than 370 wounded, the United Nations said on Tuesday. The two presidential front-runners, Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, both claimed victory before ballots were tallied and signalled they would not accept defeat, factors that had already pointed to political uncertainty. Taliban insurgents rule more of the country than at any time since being ousted from power nearly two decades ago. They have refused to accept the legitimacy of Ghani`s administration, which they call a puppet government backed by the United States, itself trying to end its longest war.

Afghanistan to miss October 19 deadline for presidential poll results: Report

Nutritious foods for a healthy diet are not available or affordable to many across the globe; those with access to it choose calorie-rich, nutritionally empty foods instead - what a dichotomy! &nbsp;

Today is World Food Day, a day to call for action from the global community to ensure that no one goes to sleep on a hungry stomach; a day for us to pledge to adopt a lifestyle that ensures reducing food wastage and adopting sustainable eating habits.&nbsp;

This World Food Day, the theme revolves around achieving 'Zero Hunger' through 'Healthy Diets'.&nbsp;

'Zero Hunger' is among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) laid down by the United Nations in its mission to attain sustainable global development by the year 2030.&nbsp;

But how is feeding the world's hungry related to pushing people to choose healthy, sustainable diets? The link here is an obvious one, something that has come to light very recently. This calls for a closer look at the lopsidedness, the dichotomy that plagues the world. While over 800 million people across the globe suffer from hunger, the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations estimates "even more people suffer from obesity" and its side effects.

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<h5>While over 800 million people across the globe suffer from hunger, more suffer from obesity and its side effects</h5>
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When more than 800 million people across the globe have no food to meet their nutritional needs, parallelly runs a scenario where people are suffering because of the over-abundance of food. The FAO states that nearly 670 million adults, across the globe, are obese and the world spends close to $2 trillion annually on health problems tied to obesity.

The challenge now is to bridge the gap which has hunger and obesity stationed at its extreme ends. The only two ways to start taking baby steps towards solving this gigantic problem is by ensuring, personally, that no food goes wasted; and, by being mindful of what we consume by making healthy and sustainable food choices.&nbsp;

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Think about what you ate today 🌱💦🌾🍚 
 
Where did your food come from? This <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldFoodDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldFoodDay</a>, we challenge you to think about the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FoodJourney?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FoodJourney</a> that brings food to your plate day after day &amp; do your part to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopTheWaste?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopTheWaste</a> <a href="https://t.co/kFqSQLn3An">pic.twitter.com/kFqSQLn3An</a>
— World Food Programme (@WFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/WFP/status/1184364098881908736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Making healthy eating choices assumes greater significance when the concept of 'hidden hunger' hits us hard in the face. The fact that our daily diets are calorie-rich and nutritionally hollow, points to the fact that we are all deficient in some essential nutrient or the other - therefore, hidden hunger.

We can even pass nutritional deficiencies and different forms of malnutrition down to generations. The FAO states that the "environmental damage caused by the food system could increase 50-90 per cent due to the increased consumption of processed food items, meat and other animal-source products in low and middle-income countries".&nbsp;

This year, India slipped&nbsp;from the 55th spot in 2014 to come 102nd in the Global Hunger Index. Facts and data similar to this will continue to pour in and inundate us; figures will change and statistics will paint a more alarming picture of global hunger and the rising incident of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases. In the end, it all boils to just one thing - how can we start about a revolution within ourselves? It is all about getting rid of our eating styles, consumption pattern and being mindful, more watchful of what we eat and how we prepare, or even store, our food.&nbsp;

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It’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldFoodDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldFoodDay</a>. 
Our nutrition provides life to every cell in our body, from hair to skin, from bones to muscles. 
We are what we eat, but also what we waste. 
Europeans waste 88 million tonnes of food each year, see what we are doing to tackle this: <a href="https://t.co/JhPzbN04Lz">https://t.co/JhPzbN04Lz</a> <a href="https://t.co/x95paYt48W">pic.twitter.com/x95paYt48W</a>
— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission/status/1184366379299790848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The following points should initiate you to the world of sustainable eating. Take these as your baby steps towards ensuring the planet's healthier, hunger-free future.&nbsp;

1. Add vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and whole grains to your diet

2. Cut back on refined starches, sugar, fats, meat, processed items, packaged foods and salt

3. Swap refined ‘white’ foods for more nutritious ‘brown’ options

4. Choose foods with unsaturated fats over saturated and trans-fats

5. Eat traditional diet, local, seasonal and organic

6. Eat sustainably sourced fish

7. Consume fresh food, avoid stale food, reduce waste

8. Eat more home-cooked meals

9. Try healthier cooking options like pressure-cooking, steaming, boiling, stir-frying, slow-cooking

10. Read your labels

11. Exercise daily

12. Grow your own greens and veggies

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

Nutritious foods for a healthy diet are not available or affordable to many across the globe; those with access to it choose calorie-rich, nutritionally empty foods instead - what a dichotomy!

Nutritious foods for a healthy diet are not available or affordable to many across the globe; those with access to it choose calorie-rich, nutritionally empty foods instead - what a dichotomy! Today is World Food Day, a day to call for action from the global community to ensure that no one goes to sleep on a hungry stomach; a day for us to pledge to adopt a lifestyle that ensures reducing food wastage and adopting sustainable eating habits. This World Food Day, the theme revolves around achieving 'Zero Hunger' through 'Healthy Diets'. 'Zero Hunger' is among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) laid down by the United Nations in its mission to attain sustainable global development by the year 2030. But how is feeding the world's hungry related to pushing people to choose healthy, sustainable diets? The link here is an obvious one, something that has come to light very recently. This calls for a closer look at the lopsidedness, the dichotomy that plagues the world. While over 800 million people across the globe suffer from hunger, the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations estimates "even more people suffer from obesity" and its side effects. While over 800 million people across the globe suffer from hunger, more suffer from obesity and its side effects × When more than 800 million people across the globe have no food to meet their nutritional needs, parallelly runs a scenario where people are suffering because of the over-abundance of food. The FAO states that nearly 670 million adults, across the globe, are obese and the world spends close to $2 trillion annually on health problems tied to obesity. The challenge now is to bridge the gap which has hunger and obesity stationed at its extreme ends. The only two ways to start taking baby steps towards solving this gigantic problem is by ensuring, personally, that no food goes wasted; and, by being mindful of what we consume by making healthy and sustainable food choices. Think about what you ate today 🌱💦🌾🍚 Where did your food come from? This #WorldFoodDay, we challenge you to think about the #FoodJourney that brings food to your plate day after day & do your part to #StopTheWaste pic.twitter.com/kFqSQLn3An — World Food Programme (@WFP) October 16, 2019 × Making healthy eating choices assumes greater significance when the concept of 'hidden hunger' hits us hard in the face. The fact that our daily diets are calorie-rich and nutritionally hollow, points to the fact that we are all deficient in some essential nutrient or the other - therefore, hidden hunger. We can even pass nutritional deficiencies and different forms of malnutrition down to generations. The FAO states that the "environmental damage caused by the food system could increase 50-90 per cent due to the increased consumption of processed food items, meat and other animal-source products in low and middle-income countries". This year, India slipped from the 55th spot in 2014 to come 102nd in the Global Hunger Index. Facts and data similar to this will continue to pour in and inundate us; figures will change and statistics will paint a more alarming picture of global hunger and the rising incident of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases. In the end, it all boils to just one thing - how can we start about a revolution within ourselves? It is all about getting rid of our eating styles, consumption pattern and being mindful, more watchful of what we eat and how we prepare, or even store, our food. It’s #WorldFoodDay. Our nutrition provides life to every cell in our body, from hair to skin, from bones to muscles. We are what we eat, but also what we waste. Europeans waste 88 million tonnes of food each year, see what we are doing to tackle this: https://t.co/JhPzbN04Lz pic.twitter.com/x95paYt48W — European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) October 16, 2019 × The following points should initiate you to the world of sustainable eating. Take these as your baby steps towards ensuring the planet's healthier, hunger-free future. 1. Add vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and whole grains to your diet 2. Cut back on refined starches, sugar, fats, meat, processed items, packaged foods and salt 3. Swap refined ‘white’ foods for more nutritious ‘brown’ options 4. Choose foods with unsaturated fats over saturated and trans-fats 5. Eat traditional diet, local, seasonal and organic 6. Eat sustainably sourced fish 7. Consume fresh food, avoid stale food, reduce waste 8. Eat more home-cooked meals 9. Try healthier cooking options like pressure-cooking, steaming, boiling, stir-frying, slow-cooking 10. Read your labels 11. Exercise daily 12. Grow your own greens and veggies (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

World Food Day: Mindful eating, sustainable food choices are important to achieve 'zero hunger'

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria called on Wednesday for an immediate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arrests-extortion-detention-syrians-warned-against-heading-home-256255">end to hostilities along its border with Turkey</a>, where Ankara has launched an assault and Damascus advanced its forces after United States&nbsp;troops pulled out.

Geir Pedersen raised Turkey's week-old incursion into northeastern Syria in talks in Damascus Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem.

Pedersen told Reuters TV the U.N. was extremely concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the crisis and called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities".

Moualem was quoted by state news agency SANA as saying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-syria-kurds-seek-refuge-in-iraq-256251">Turkey's aggression was prolonging the crisis in Syria</a> and undermining efforts to secure a political settlement.

Pedersen's trip had been planned to discuss preparations for the first meeting of Syria's Constitutional Committee, due to take place in Geneva on October&nbsp;30.

A congress convened by Russia, a leading ally of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, has asked the United Nations to form the 150-member committee to draft a new constitution after many rounds of talks to end the war had failed.

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria called on Wednesday for an immediate end to hostilities along its border with Turkey, where Ankara has launched an assault and Damascus advanced its forces after United States troops pulled out.

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria called on Wednesday for an immediate end to hostilities along its border with Turkey, where Ankara has launched an assault and Damascus advanced its forces after United States troops pulled out. Geir Pedersen raised Turkey's week-old incursion into northeastern Syria in talks in Damascus Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem. Pedersen told Reuters TV the U.N. was extremely concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the crisis and called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities". Moualem was quoted by state news agency SANA as saying Turkey's aggression was prolonging the crisis in Syria and undermining efforts to secure a political settlement. Pedersen's trip had been planned to discuss preparations for the first meeting of Syria's Constitutional Committee, due to take place in Geneva on October 30. A congress convened by Russia, a leading ally of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, has asked the United Nations to form the 150-member committee to draft a new constitution after many rounds of talks to end the war had failed.

United Nations Syria envoy calls for ceasefire in northeast border area

The United Nations Security Council will convene on Wednesday to discuss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-weapon-exports-to-turkey-over-syria-offensive-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-256092">Turkey's military incursion in northeast Syria</a>, diplomats said, with Ankara showing no sign of relenting in its assault on the Kurds.

This session was requested by European countries with seats on the 15-member council, the diplomats said Tuesday.

At a first meeting last Thursday, the council was divided, and only the European members issued a statement calling for an end to the Turkish offensive.

On Friday, Russia and China blocked a United States-sponsored text that also called for an end to the assault.

A diplomat said there may not be consensus this time either as the council meets on the incursion, with Russia possibly preventing members from showing a unified front.

There will likely be another statement issued by the European countries on the council, the diplomat said.

Russia risks becoming increasingly isolated on the council. It has already used its veto power as a permanent member 13 times since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-slaps-punitive-sanctions-on-turkeys-defence-minister-255960">war in Syria broke out</a> in 2011.

The United States is calling in increasingly firm language for an end to the incursion and announced sanctions against Turkey on Monday.

China on Tuesday also called on Turkey to halt its military operation and "return to the correct way of political resolution."

The United Nations Security Council will convene on Wednesday to discuss Turkey's military incursion in northeast Syria, diplomats said, with Ankara showing no sign of relenting in its assault on the Kurds.

The United Nations Security Council will convene on Wednesday to discuss Turkey's military incursion in northeast Syria, diplomats said, with Ankara showing no sign of relenting in its assault on the Kurds. This session was requested by European countries with seats on the 15-member council, the diplomats said Tuesday. At a first meeting last Thursday, the council was divided, and only the European members issued a statement calling for an end to the Turkish offensive. On Friday, Russia and China blocked a United States-sponsored text that also called for an end to the assault. A diplomat said there may not be consensus this time either as the council meets on the incursion, with Russia possibly preventing members from showing a unified front. There will likely be another statement issued by the European countries on the council, the diplomat said. Russia risks becoming increasingly isolated on the council. It has already used its veto power as a permanent member 13 times since the war in Syria broke out in 2011. The United States is calling in increasingly firm language for an end to the incursion and announced sanctions against Turkey on Monday. China on Tuesday also called on Turkey to halt its military operation and "return to the correct way of political resolution."

United Nations Security Council to meet on Turkish Syria assault

A third of the world's nearly 700 million children under five years old are undernourished or overweight and face lifelong health problems as a consequence, according to a grim UN assessment of childhood nutrition released Tuesday.

"If children eat poorly, they live poorly," said United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore, unveiling the Fund's first State of the World's Children report since 1999.&nbsp;

"We are losing ground in the fight for healthy diets."

Problems that once existed at opposite ends of the wealth spectrum have today converged in poor and middle-income countries, the report showed.

Despite a nearly 40 per cent drop from 1990 to 2015 of stunting in poor countries, 149 million children four or younger are today still too short for their age, a clinical condition that impairs both brain and body development.&nbsp;

Another 50 million are afflicted by wasting, chronic and debilitating thinness also born of poverty.&nbsp;

At the same time, half of the youngsters across the globe under five are not getting essential vitamins and minerals, a long-standing problem UNICEF has dubbed "hidden hunger."

Over the last three decades, however, another form of child malnutrition has surged across the developing world: excess weight. &nbsp;

"This triple burden -- undernutrition, a lack of crucial micronutrients, obesity -- is increasingly found in the same country, sometimes in the same neighbourhood, and often in the same household," Victor Aguayo, head of UNICEF's nutrition programme, told AFP.

"A mother who is overweight or obese can have children who are stunted or wasted."

Across all age groups, more than 800 million people in the world are constantly hungry and another two billion are eating too much of the wrong foods, driving epidemics of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

'Hidden hunger'

Among children under five, diet during first 1,000 days after conception is the foundation for physical health and mental development.&nbsp;

And yet, only two-in-five infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, as recommended. Sales of milk-based formula have risen worldwide by 40 per cent and in upper-middle-income countries such as Brazil, China and Turkey by nearly three-quarters.

Missing vitamins and minerals, meanwhile, can lead to compromised immune systems, poor sight and hearing defects. A lack of iron can cause anaemia and reduced IQ.

"It's 'hidden' because you don't notice the impact until it is too late," Brian Keeley, editor-in-chief of report, told AFP.

"You don't notice that the child is running a little slower than everyone else, struggling a bit in school."

The rise of obesity, however, is plain to see.

The problem was virtually non-existent in poor countries 30 years ago, but today at least 10 per cent of under-five-year-olds are overweight or obese in three-quarters of low-income nations.

"There needs to be a focus on obesity before it is too late," said Keeley. "Unless you deal with it in a preventative way, you're going to struggle to fix it later on."

Cheap, readily available junk food, often marketed directly to kids, has made the problem much worse.

"Children are eating too much of what they don't need -- salt, sugar and fat," Keeley added.

Progress in fighting undernourishment will also be hampered by climate change, the report warned.&nbsp;

Tax sugary drinks

A single degree Celsius of warming since the late-19th century has amplified droughts responsible for more than 80 per cent of damage and losses in agriculture.&nbsp;

Earth's average surface temperature is set to rise another two or three degrees by 2100.

Research by scientists at Harvard University, meanwhile, have shown that the increased concentration of CO2 in the air is sapping staple food crops of those essential nutrients and vitamins, including zinc, iron and vitamin B.&nbsp;

"The impacts of climate change are completely transforming the food that is available and that can be consumed," Aguayo said.

Making sure every child has access to a healthy diet must become a "political priority" if widespread malnutrition is to be conquered, especially in developing countries, the report said.

Taxes on sugary foods and beverages; clear, front-of-package labelling; regulating the sale of breast milk substitutes; limiting the advertising and sale of 'junk food' near schools -- these and other measures could make a difference, it concluded. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"The way we understand and respond to malnutrition needs to change," said Fore.&nbsp;

"It is not just about getting children enough to eat. It is above all about getting them to eat the right food."

The recent rise of awareness about the danger of global warming is instructive, the authors said.

"Just as we have organised a movement around climate change, we need to mobilise civil society," said Aguayo. "If our children are not fed healthy diets, we are putting a huge question mark on the future of our societies."

A third of the world's nearly 700 million children under five years old are undernourished or overweight and face lifelong health problems as a consequence, according to a grim UN assessment of childhood nutrition released Tuesday.

A third of the world's nearly 700 million children under five years old are undernourished or overweight and face lifelong health problems as a consequence, according to a grim UN assessment of childhood nutrition released Tuesday. "If children eat poorly, they live poorly," said United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore, unveiling the Fund's first State of the World's Children report since 1999. "We are losing ground in the fight for healthy diets." Problems that once existed at opposite ends of the wealth spectrum have today converged in poor and middle-income countries, the report showed. Despite a nearly 40 per cent drop from 1990 to 2015 of stunting in poor countries, 149 million children four or younger are today still too short for their age, a clinical condition that impairs both brain and body development. Another 50 million are afflicted by wasting, chronic and debilitating thinness also born of poverty. At the same time, half of the youngsters across the globe under five are not getting essential vitamins and minerals, a long-standing problem UNICEF has dubbed "hidden hunger." Over the last three decades, however, another form of child malnutrition has surged across the developing world: excess weight. "This triple burden -- undernutrition, a lack of crucial micronutrients, obesity -- is increasingly found in the same country, sometimes in the same neighbourhood, and often in the same household," Victor Aguayo, head of UNICEF's nutrition programme, told AFP. "A mother who is overweight or obese can have children who are stunted or wasted." Across all age groups, more than 800 million people in the world are constantly hungry and another two billion are eating too much of the wrong foods, driving epidemics of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. 'Hidden hunger' Among children under five, diet during first 1,000 days after conception is the foundation for physical health and mental development. And yet, only two-in-five infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, as recommended. Sales of milk-based formula have risen worldwide by 40 per cent and in upper-middle-income countries such as Brazil, China and Turkey by nearly three-quarters. Missing vitamins and minerals, meanwhile, can lead to compromised immune systems, poor sight and hearing defects. A lack of iron can cause anaemia and reduced IQ. "It's 'hidden' because you don't notice the impact until it is too late," Brian Keeley, editor-in-chief of report, told AFP. "You don't notice that the child is running a little slower than everyone else, struggling a bit in school." The rise of obesity, however, is plain to see. The problem was virtually non-existent in poor countries 30 years ago, but today at least 10 per cent of under-five-year-olds are overweight or obese in three-quarters of low-income nations. "There needs to be a focus on obesity before it is too late," said Keeley. "Unless you deal with it in a preventative way, you're going to struggle to fix it later on." Cheap, readily available junk food, often marketed directly to kids, has made the problem much worse. "Children are eating too much of what they don't need -- salt, sugar and fat," Keeley added. Progress in fighting undernourishment will also be hampered by climate change, the report warned. Tax sugary drinks A single degree Celsius of warming since the late-19th century has amplified droughts responsible for more than 80 per cent of damage and losses in agriculture. Earth's average surface temperature is set to rise another two or three degrees by 2100. Research by scientists at Harvard University, meanwhile, have shown that the increased concentration of CO2 in the air is sapping staple food crops of those essential nutrients and vitamins, including zinc, iron and vitamin B. "The impacts of climate change are completely transforming the food that is available and that can be consumed," Aguayo said. Making sure every child has access to a healthy diet must become a "political priority" if widespread malnutrition is to be conquered, especially in developing countries, the report said. Taxes on sugary foods and beverages; clear, front-of-package labelling; regulating the sale of breast milk substitutes; limiting the advertising and sale of 'junk food' near schools -- these and other measures could make a difference, it concluded. "The way we understand and respond to malnutrition needs to change," said Fore. "It is not just about getting children enough to eat. It is above all about getting them to eat the right food." The recent rise of awareness about the danger of global warming is instructive, the authors said. "Just as we have organised a movement around climate change, we need to mobilise civil society," said Aguayo. "If our children are not fed healthy diets, we are putting a huge question mark on the future of our societies."

One-in-three young children undernourished or overweight: UNICEF

Hundreds of people were killed or wounded in violence related to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/unidentified-gunmen-kill-prosecutor-in-ghor-province-255800">Afghanistan's recent presidential election</a> season as the Taliban sought to undermine the democratic process, a United Nations agency said Tuesday.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that 85 people were killed and another 373 wounded in election violence during the period from June 8 to September 30.

On polling day alone, 28 civilians were killed and 249 injured. Children accounted for more than one-third of the victims.

Despite the high toll, Afghan security forces said election day was a success because the Taliban failed to pull off any large-scale attacks that stole the headlines.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/policeman-killed-4-others-injured-in-bomb-blast-in-southern-afghanistan-255057">The majority of Taliban attacks</a> involved the use of rockets, grenades and mortars, as well as homemade bombs planted near polling centres, including schools, the report found.

On July 28, the same day as the election campaign started, militants targeted the office of Ghani's running mate Amrullah Saleh in Kabul, killing 21 people and wounding another 50.

"These attacks, along with public statements made by the Taliban, revealed a deliberate campaign intended to undermine the electoral process and deprive Afghan citizens of their right to participate in this important political process, freely and without fear," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the U.N. secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement.

The casualty figures are actually a substantial improvement in the run-up to parliamentary elections held a year ago, when UNAMA tallied 226 deaths and 781 injuries.

Final election turnout figures have yet to be released but it appears participation in this year's first-round presidential vote is at record low levels.

Voters stayed away, wary of repeated Taliban threats to attack polling stations and also despondent about the chances of their ballots being fairly counted in a country that has seen systemic and large-scale electoral fraud.

The Independent Election Commission, however, insists multiple safeguards including biometric verification will make this year's vote the cleanest yet.

Preliminary results are due Saturday, though officials have suggested this date will be pushed back a few days.

The race is seen as a two-horse steeplechase between President Ashraf Ghani and his top rival Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

If no one wins a majority of more than 50 per cent, the elections will go to a second round.

Hundreds of people were killed or wounded in violence related to Afghanistan's recent presidential election season as the Taliban sought to undermine the democratic process, a United Nations agency said Tuesday.

Hundreds of people were killed or wounded in violence related to Afghanistan's recent presidential election season as the Taliban sought to undermine the democratic process, a United Nations agency said Tuesday. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that 85 people were killed and another 373 wounded in election violence during the period from June 8 to September 30. On polling day alone, 28 civilians were killed and 249 injured. Children accounted for more than one-third of the victims. Despite the high toll, Afghan security forces said election day was a success because the Taliban failed to pull off any large-scale attacks that stole the headlines. The majority of Taliban attacks involved the use of rockets, grenades and mortars, as well as homemade bombs planted near polling centres, including schools, the report found. On July 28, the same day as the election campaign started, militants targeted the office of Ghani's running mate Amrullah Saleh in Kabul, killing 21 people and wounding another 50. "These attacks, along with public statements made by the Taliban, revealed a deliberate campaign intended to undermine the electoral process and deprive Afghan citizens of their right to participate in this important political process, freely and without fear," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the U.N. secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement. The casualty figures are actually a substantial improvement in the run-up to parliamentary elections held a year ago, when UNAMA tallied 226 deaths and 781 injuries. Final election turnout figures have yet to be released but it appears participation in this year's first-round presidential vote is at record low levels. Voters stayed away, wary of repeated Taliban threats to attack polling stations and also despondent about the chances of their ballots being fairly counted in a country that has seen systemic and large-scale electoral fraud. The Independent Election Commission, however, insists multiple safeguards including biometric verification will make this year's vote the cleanest yet. Preliminary results are due Saturday, though officials have suggested this date will be pushed back a few days. The race is seen as a two-horse steeplechase between President Ashraf Ghani and his top rival Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. If no one wins a majority of more than 50 per cent, the elections will go to a second round.

Afghanistan election campaign witnessed 85 deaths, 373 injured civilians: United Nations

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday&nbsp;termed terrorism as one of the major challenges confronting the world today and said nations which aid and abet terror should be isolated.

"Terrorism is one of the major challenges confronting the world today. All the nations must intensify their collective efforts and strive to eliminate the menace of terrorism and also isolate nations which aid and abet terrorism. India has borne the brunt of cross border terrorism over decades," the Vice President said in a press statement during his visit to Sierra Leone.

The Vice President made the remarks after his delegation-level meeting with President of Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio.

Naidu while thanking President Bio for Sierra Leone's support to India's candidatures in various International organisations, also called for reform in UNSC saying, "We agreed that both sides need to continue pushing for these reforms so that one-third of mankind residing in Africa and India occupy their rightful place at the high table in decision making bodies of the United Nations."

The Vice President also expressed his happiness at Sierra Leone joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in order to enable rapid deployment of solar energy globally and to facilitate the transfer of technology.

Terming the vibrant Indian community in Sierra Leone as an organic bridge between the two nations, Naidu thanked President Bio for 'taking care of their welfare'.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday termed terrorism as one of the major challenges confronting the world today and said nations which aid and abet terror should be isolated.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday termed terrorism as one of the major challenges confronting the world today and said nations which aid and abet terror should be isolated. "Terrorism is one of the major challenges confronting the world today. All the nations must intensify their collective efforts and strive to eliminate the menace of terrorism and also isolate nations which aid and abet terrorism. India has borne the brunt of cross border terrorism over decades," the Vice President said in a press statement during his visit to Sierra Leone. The Vice President made the remarks after his delegation-level meeting with President of Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio. Naidu while thanking President Bio for Sierra Leone's support to India's candidatures in various International organisations, also called for reform in UNSC saying, "We agreed that both sides need to continue pushing for these reforms so that one-third of mankind residing in Africa and India occupy their rightful place at the high table in decision making bodies of the United Nations." The Vice President also expressed his happiness at Sierra Leone joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in order to enable rapid deployment of solar energy globally and to facilitate the transfer of technology. Terming the vibrant Indian community in Sierra Leone as an organic bridge between the two nations, Naidu thanked President Bio for 'taking care of their welfare'.

Isolate nations which aid, abet terrorism: VP Venkaiah Naidu in Sierra Leone

India is among 34 United Nations member states which paid their regular annual dues within the stipulated time.

In a document shared by the United Nations, as of 27 October 2019, 129 member states have paid their regular budget assessments in full.

Out of 129, only 34 members have paid their regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day due period specified in the U.N.'s Financial Regulation.

The UN's operating budget for 2018-2019 is close to $5.4 billion excluding the money for peacekeeping operations. Meanwhile, India has contributed $23,253,808 this year.

Although 129 States out of 193 have now paid their regular annual dues, only 70 per cent of the total assessment for the year till September had been paid, versus 78 per cent this time last year.

The United Nations is facing the worst cash crisis in nearly a decade and it might not be able to pay the salaries to its officials next month, said the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres said he had written to the Member States, "about the worst cash crisis facing the United Nations in nearly a decade. The organisation runs the risk of depleting its liquidity reserves by the end of the month and defaulting on payments to staff and vendors."

The United Nations is facing the deepest deficit of the decade.

Addressing the budget-setting Fifth Committee of the General Assembly on Tuesday morning, the Secretary-General said, "this month, we will reach the deepest deficit of the decade."

He said that the Organisation risks "exhausting the closed peacekeeping cash reserves and entering November without enough cash to cover payrolls."

Dujarric, while talking to reporters said, other states needed to pay "urgently and in full".

India is among 34 United Nations member states which paid their regular annual dues within the stipulated time. In a document shared by the United Nations, as of 27 October 2019, 129 member states have paid their regular budget assessments in full.

India is among 34 United Nations member states which paid their regular annual dues within the stipulated time. In a document shared by the United Nations, as of 27 October 2019, 129 member states have paid their regular budget assessments in full. Out of 129, only 34 members have paid their regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day due period specified in the U.N.'s Financial Regulation. The UN's operating budget for 2018-2019 is close to $5.4 billion excluding the money for peacekeeping operations. Meanwhile, India has contributed $23,253,808 this year. Although 129 States out of 193 have now paid their regular annual dues, only 70 per cent of the total assessment for the year till September had been paid, versus 78 per cent this time last year. The United Nations is facing the worst cash crisis in nearly a decade and it might not be able to pay the salaries to its officials next month, said the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In a statement issued by his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres said he had written to the Member States, "about the worst cash crisis facing the United Nations in nearly a decade. The organisation runs the risk of depleting its liquidity reserves by the end of the month and defaulting on payments to staff and vendors." The United Nations is facing the deepest deficit of the decade. Addressing the budget-setting Fifth Committee of the General Assembly on Tuesday morning, the Secretary-General said, "this month, we will reach the deepest deficit of the decade." He said that the Organisation risks "exhausting the closed peacekeeping cash reserves and entering November without enough cash to cover payrolls." Dujarric, while talking to reporters said, other states needed to pay "urgently and in full".

India among 34 U.N. nations to pay regular annual dues within stipulated time

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-may-run-out-of-money-by-end-of-the-month-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-254359">The United Nations</a> Security Council's president, South African ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila, appealed to Turkey Wednesday to "protect civilians" and exercise "maximum restraint" in its military operations in Syria.

Matjila expressed hope the council could meet quickly on the situation but stressed it was up to drafters of resolutions on Syria to convene such a session.

Belgium, Germany and Kuwait are the council members designated to follow the humanitarian situation in Syria, so it would fall to them to convene a council session.

The South African diplomat, who holds the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-says-this-must-stop-after-iraqi-protest-violence-kills-nearly-100-253995">council presidency</a> for the month of October, spoke before the start of a meeting devoted to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier announced the start of a military operation against a western-backed Kurdish militia in Syria that Ankara has long regarded as a foe.

The United Nations Security Council's president, South African ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila, appealed to Turkey Wednesday to "protect civilians" and exercise "maximum restraint" in its military operations in Syria.

The United Nations Security Council's president, South African ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila, appealed to Turkey Wednesday to "protect civilians" and exercise "maximum restraint" in its military operations in Syria. Matjila expressed hope the council could meet quickly on the situation but stressed it was up to drafters of resolutions on Syria to convene such a session. Belgium, Germany and Kuwait are the council members designated to follow the humanitarian situation in Syria, so it would fall to them to convene a council session. The South African diplomat, who holds the council presidency for the month of October, spoke before the start of a meeting devoted to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier announced the start of a military operation against a western-backed Kurdish militia in Syria that Ankara has long regarded as a foe.

United Nations Security Council head appeals to Turkey for restraint in Syria

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