The U.N. refugee agency is among the possible contenders for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

UNHCR is a possible contender for the 2019 peace prize

The United Nations is running a deficit of $230 million, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday and may run out of money by the end of October.

In a letter 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.

"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.

The United Nations is running a deficit of $230 million, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday and may run out of money by the end of October. In a letter intended for the 37,000 employees at the U.

The United Nations is running a deficit of $230 million, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday and may run out of money by the end of October. In a letter 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. "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.

United Nations may run out of money by end of the month: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

U.N. Chief Guterres shoots a letter to his employees. 37,000 employees received this letter from him. He said that member states actually have paid 70% of the budget. Cash shortage of $230 million by October end. Watch this video to know more.

'United Nations may run out of money at the end of this month'

The United Nations urged Saturday an end to violence in Iraq, after five days of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protest-death-toll-nears-100-rights-panel-253906">anti-government rallies </a>marred by the killing of nearly 100 people, mainly protesters. &nbsp;

The demonstrations -- which have evolved from initial demands for employment and better services to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/innovative-iraqis-dodge-net-blackout-to-illuminate-protest-violence-253984">fall of the government</a> -- carried on into the night in various neighbourhoods of Baghdad and southern Iraq, as authorities struggled to agree a response.

Security forces broke up a mass rally in the east of Baghdad, where protesters faced volleys of tear gas and live rounds fired in their direction, witnesses said.

"Five days of reported deaths and injuries: this must stop," said the United Nations' top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.&nbsp;

She described the violence as a "senseless loss of life" and said those behind it must be held accountable.&nbsp;

The authorities accused unidentified snipers of shooting into the crowd and said they were searching residential neighbourhoods for those responsible.&nbsp;

Watch: Iraq anti-government protest - military deployed to quell protests

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At least 99 people have died and nearly 4,000 wounded since protests began in the capital on Tuesday before spreading to the south of the country, according to the Iraqi parliament's human rights commission.

The mainly young, male protesters have insisted their movement is not linked to any party or religious establishment and have scoffed at recent overtures by politicians.&nbsp;

On Saturday, demonstrators in the southern city of Nasiriyah set fire to the headquarters of six different political parties.&nbsp;

Thousands also descended on the governorate in the southern city of Diwaniyah, where gunfire was unleashed into the air, AFP correspondents there said.&nbsp;

Parliament's human rights commission said Saturday that most of those who have died in the last five days fell in Baghdad, while 250 other people were treated in the capital for sniper wounds.

"We demand clarification from the Iraqi government on those wounded in Baghdad by sniper fire, which is ongoing today," the commission said.

Parliamentary manoeuvring

Parliament had been due to meet at 1:00 pm (1000 GMT) but could not reach quorum, after firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's bloc of 54 lawmakers and other factions boycotted the session.

The former militia leader threw his weight behind the demonstrations on Friday with a call for the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi.

Sadr's movement has the power and organisation to bring large numbers of supporters onto the streets, but at the risk of alienating many of those whose protests in recent days have been based on rejecting all of Iraq's feuding political factions.

Parliamentary speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi had extended a hand to protesters saying "your voice is being heard".

But one protester said late Friday "these men don't represent us".

"We don't want parties anymore. We don't want anyone to speak in our name."&nbsp;

Iraq has a population of just under 40 million people and is currently the fifth-largest oil producer and exporter worldwide, and the second-largest OPEC producer.&nbsp;

Youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, twice the overall rate, according to the World Bank which adds that an estimated 22.5 per cent of the population was living in poverty in 2014.

The largely spontaneous protests have presented the biggest challenge yet to the Iraqi premier, who came to power a year ago as a consensus candidate promising reforms but whose response to protesters has been seen as tepid. &nbsp;

"Abdel Mahdi should have come forward with decisive changes, like the sacking of leading politicians accused of corruption," said Iraqi analyst Sarmad al-Bayati. &nbsp;

Authorities restricted access to Facebook and Whatsapp after anti-government demonstrations began on Tuesday, before ordering a total network shutdown on Wednesday.

'Promised reforms'

Political and religious rifts run deep in Iraq, and protests are typically called for by party or sect –- making the last five days exceptional, said Fanar Haddad an expert at Singapore University’s Middle East Institute.&nbsp;

"This is the first time we hear people saying they want the downfall of the regime," Haddad said.

Sadr, a former militia leader turned nationalist politician, demanded on Friday that the government resign to clear the way for a fresh election supervised by the United Nations.&nbsp;

His bloc is the largest in parliament, and his intervention sets the scene for a possible showdown with the speaker, who has made his own bid to make political capital out of the protests.

Halbusi sought to allay protesters Saturday by announcing in a news conference a long list of promised reforms over employment and social welfare, but it was not clear he would succeed in appeasing the demonstrators.

Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani used his weekly Friday prayer sermon to urge authorities to heed the demands of demonstrators, warning the protests could escalate unless clear steps are taken immediately. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations urged Saturday an end to violence in Iraq, after five days of anti-government rallies marred by the killing of nearly 100 people, mainly protesters.

The United Nations urged Saturday an end to violence in Iraq, after five days of anti-government rallies marred by the killing of nearly 100 people, mainly protesters. The demonstrations -- which have evolved from initial demands for employment and better services to the fall of the government -- carried on into the night in various neighbourhoods of Baghdad and southern Iraq, as authorities struggled to agree a response. Security forces broke up a mass rally in the east of Baghdad, where protesters faced volleys of tear gas and live rounds fired in their direction, witnesses said. "Five days of reported deaths and injuries: this must stop," said the United Nations' top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. She described the violence as a "senseless loss of life" and said those behind it must be held accountable. The authorities accused unidentified snipers of shooting into the crowd and said they were searching residential neighbourhoods for those responsible. Watch: Iraq anti-government protest - military deployed to quell protests × At least 99 people have died and nearly 4,000 wounded since protests began in the capital on Tuesday before spreading to the south of the country, according to the Iraqi parliament's human rights commission. The mainly young, male protesters have insisted their movement is not linked to any party or religious establishment and have scoffed at recent overtures by politicians. On Saturday, demonstrators in the southern city of Nasiriyah set fire to the headquarters of six different political parties. Thousands also descended on the governorate in the southern city of Diwaniyah, where gunfire was unleashed into the air, AFP correspondents there said. Parliament's human rights commission said Saturday that most of those who have died in the last five days fell in Baghdad, while 250 other people were treated in the capital for sniper wounds. "We demand clarification from the Iraqi government on those wounded in Baghdad by sniper fire, which is ongoing today," the commission said. Parliamentary manoeuvring Parliament had been due to meet at 1:00 pm (1000 GMT) but could not reach quorum, after firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's bloc of 54 lawmakers and other factions boycotted the session. The former militia leader threw his weight behind the demonstrations on Friday with a call for the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. Sadr's movement has the power and organisation to bring large numbers of supporters onto the streets, but at the risk of alienating many of those whose protests in recent days have been based on rejecting all of Iraq's feuding political factions. Parliamentary speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi had extended a hand to protesters saying "your voice is being heard". But one protester said late Friday "these men don't represent us". "We don't want parties anymore. We don't want anyone to speak in our name." Iraq has a population of just under 40 million people and is currently the fifth-largest oil producer and exporter worldwide, and the second-largest OPEC producer. Youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, twice the overall rate, according to the World Bank which adds that an estimated 22.5 per cent of the population was living in poverty in 2014. The largely spontaneous protests have presented the biggest challenge yet to the Iraqi premier, who came to power a year ago as a consensus candidate promising reforms but whose response to protesters has been seen as tepid. "Abdel Mahdi should have come forward with decisive changes, like the sacking of leading politicians accused of corruption," said Iraqi analyst Sarmad al-Bayati. Authorities restricted access to Facebook and Whatsapp after anti-government demonstrations began on Tuesday, before ordering a total network shutdown on Wednesday. 'Promised reforms' Political and religious rifts run deep in Iraq, and protests are typically called for by party or sect –- making the last five days exceptional, said Fanar Haddad an expert at Singapore University’s Middle East Institute. "This is the first time we hear people saying they want the downfall of the regime," Haddad said. Sadr, a former militia leader turned nationalist politician, demanded on Friday that the government resign to clear the way for a fresh election supervised by the United Nations. His bloc is the largest in parliament, and his intervention sets the scene for a possible showdown with the speaker, who has made his own bid to make political capital out of the protests. Halbusi sought to allay protesters Saturday by announcing in a news conference a long list of promised reforms over employment and social welfare, but it was not clear he would succeed in appeasing the demonstrators. Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani used his weekly Friday prayer sermon to urge authorities to heed the demands of demonstrators, warning the protests could escalate unless clear steps are taken immediately.

United Nations says 'this must stop' after Iraqi protest violence kills nearly 100

The United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Friday paid a visit to a school for Rohingya refugees children in Kuala Lumpur during a visit to Malaysia.

The visit was the first by a current U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to Malaysia.

During her visit, Bachelet met with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed and other government officials to discuss efforts to protect and uphold human rights in the country.

She expressed hope for Malaysia to rectify the UN Refugee Convention saying that refugees should be given access to health care, education and given the right to work.

The United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Friday paid a visit to a school for Rohingya refugees children in Kuala Lumpur during a visit to Malaysia.

The United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Friday paid a visit to a school for Rohingya refugees children in Kuala Lumpur during a visit to Malaysia. The visit was the first by a current U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to Malaysia. During her visit, Bachelet met with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed and other government officials to discuss efforts to protect and uphold human rights in the country. She expressed hope for Malaysia to rectify the UN Refugee Convention saying that refugees should be given access to health care, education and given the right to work.

U.N. Human Rights Commissioner meets Rohingya refugees in Malaysia

United Nations Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet said Saturday she was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-gather-in-mall-to-read-out-declaration-forming-provisional-city-government-253912">"troubled" by Hong Kong's increasingly violent pro-democracy protests</a> and stressed that any measures to quell the unrest must be grounded in law.

The city endured another night of chaos Friday, after leader Carrie Lam banned face masks at demonstrations, invoking colonial-era emergency powers not used for half a century.

Hardcore protesters trashed dozens of subway stations, vandalised shops with mainland China ties, built fires and blocked fires.&nbsp;

"We are troubled by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-return-to-hong-kong-streets-as-metro-shops-shut-after-violence-253910">high levels of violence</a> associated with some demonstrations that have been taking place in the past days," Bachelet said during a visit to Malaysia.

She said she was "alarmed" by injuries to police, protesters and journalists covering the demonstrations.

"I strongly condemn all acts of violence from all sides," she added.

Asked about the ban on face coverings, she said: "We believe that any restriction must have a legitimate and formal basis in law, has to be proportionate."

"Freedom of peaceful assembly... should be enjoyed without restriction to the greatest extent possible. But on the other hand, we cannot accept people who use masks to provoke violence", she said.

Much of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-defy-mask-ban-as-city-grinds-to-halt-253888">Hong Kong ground to a halt</a> Saturday following the previous night's violence, with the subway suspended and shops shuttered, while hundreds of masked protesters took to the streets again in defiance of the face mask ban.

The financial hub has been rocked by unprecedented protests for four months, with demonstrators angered by what they see as Beijing's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.

They were sparked by opposition to a now-scrapped proposal that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China but have morphed into a wider movement calling for democratic freedoms and police accountability.

United Nations Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet said Saturday she was "troubled" by Hong Kong's increasingly violent pro-democracy protests and stressed that any measures to quell the unrest must be grounded in law.

United Nations Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet said Saturday she was "troubled" by Hong Kong's increasingly violent pro-democracy protests and stressed that any measures to quell the unrest must be grounded in law. The city endured another night of chaos Friday, after leader Carrie Lam banned face masks at demonstrations, invoking colonial-era emergency powers not used for half a century. Hardcore protesters trashed dozens of subway stations, vandalised shops with mainland China ties, built fires and blocked fires. "We are troubled by the high levels of violence associated with some demonstrations that have been taking place in the past days," Bachelet said during a visit to Malaysia. She said she was "alarmed" by injuries to police, protesters and journalists covering the demonstrations. "I strongly condemn all acts of violence from all sides," she added. Asked about the ban on face coverings, she said: "We believe that any restriction must have a legitimate and formal basis in law, has to be proportionate." "Freedom of peaceful assembly... should be enjoyed without restriction to the greatest extent possible. But on the other hand, we cannot accept people who use masks to provoke violence", she said. Much of Hong Kong ground to a halt Saturday following the previous night's violence, with the subway suspended and shops shuttered, while hundreds of masked protesters took to the streets again in defiance of the face mask ban. The financial hub has been rocked by unprecedented protests for four months, with demonstrators angered by what they see as Beijing's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. They were sparked by opposition to a now-scrapped proposal that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China but have morphed into a wider movement calling for democratic freedoms and police accountability.

United Nations Rights chief says troubled by Hong Kong violence

Violence against children in Afghanistan has risen sharply over the past four years, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-says-iran-taking-step-in-right-direction-253726">U.N.</a> report says.

From 2015 to 2018 a United Nations team studying the plight of children in war-torn <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-talks-afghanistan-slams-islamabad-india-says-closely-monitoring-development-253844">Afghanistan</a> documented 14,202 grave violations against them throughout the country, says the report published this week by the office of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"Of serious concern, the killing and maiming of 12,599 children was verified, representing almost a third of all civilian casualties and an increase of 82 per cent in child casualties compared with the previous four years," the report says.

The extent of these violations is probably even greater, adds the report

Civilians have long paid a disproportionate price in the 18 years since a US-led force invaded Afghanistan against the Taliban, and insurgency-linked violence claimed a record number of lives generally last year with more than 3,800, according to U.N. figures released previously.

The report documents 274 cases of children being recruited to fight, 17 of sexual violence committed against them, 231 child abductions, 832 attacks on schools and 249 cases of humanitarian aid being denied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-3-policemen-wounded-in-fight-at-police-headquaters-253489">Armed groups</a> are mainly responsible for grave violations, except in the case of sexual violence, which is often blamed on security forces, says the report.

"I am deeply disturbed by the scale, severity, and recurrence of grave violations endured by the children in Afghanistan and by the fact that they continue to bear the brunt of the armed conflict," Guterres said.

"I urge all parties to immediately cease all violations."

"I am extremely concerned about the significant increase in the number of child casualties, including those resulting from aerial operations conducted by government and pro-government forces," he added.

Violence against children in Afghanistan has risen sharply over the past four years, a U.N. report says. From 2015 to 2018 a United Nations team studying the plight of children in war-torn Afghanistan documented 14,202 grave violations against them throughout the country, says the report published this week by the office of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Violence against children in Afghanistan has risen sharply over the past four years, a U.N. report says. From 2015 to 2018 a United Nations team studying the plight of children in war-torn Afghanistan documented 14,202 grave violations against them throughout the country, says the report published this week by the office of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Of serious concern, the killing and maiming of 12,599 children was verified, representing almost a third of all civilian casualties and an increase of 82 per cent in child casualties compared with the previous four years," the report says. The extent of these violations is probably even greater, adds the report Civilians have long paid a disproportionate price in the 18 years since a US-led force invaded Afghanistan against the Taliban, and insurgency-linked violence claimed a record number of lives generally last year with more than 3,800, according to U.N. figures released previously. The report documents 274 cases of children being recruited to fight, 17 of sexual violence committed against them, 231 child abductions, 832 attacks on schools and 249 cases of humanitarian aid being denied. Armed groups are mainly responsible for grave violations, except in the case of sexual violence, which is often blamed on security forces, says the report. "I am deeply disturbed by the scale, severity, and recurrence of grave violations endured by the children in Afghanistan and by the fact that they continue to bear the brunt of the armed conflict," Guterres said. "I urge all parties to immediately cease all violations." "I am extremely concerned about the significant increase in the number of child casualties, including those resulting from aerial operations conducted by government and pro-government forces," he added.

United Nations: Violence against children in Afghanistan up sharply

A three-mast schooner left the port of Amsterdam on Wednesday (October 2) with 36 young Europeans on board, heading to Chile to participate in the United Nations Climate Conference.

Young Europeans start seven-week sailing boat trip to COP25

Pakistan on Friday refuted reports that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/day-after-imran-khan-returns-from-us-pakistan-removes-maleeha-lodhi-as-permanent-representative-to-un-252912">Maleeha Lodhi was "removed"</a> from the post of the country`s envoy to the UN, in a bid to douse the controversy which had erupted after Munir Akram was announced to be Lodhi`s successor.&nbsp;

"There is no truth whatsoever in insinuations that Dr Maleeha Lodhi was `removed` for any reason. She completed her tenure and as FM had said, she served Pakistan with distinction and commitment and organised the Prime Minister`s successful UNGA visit with skill and dedication," Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Mohammad Faisal said in a tweet.

On September 30, it was reported that Islamabad had appointed Akram as the country`s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, replacing Lodhi who has held the position since 2015.

Her exit was being linked to her "failure" to muster international support at the United Nations on Pakistan`s position on Kashmir.

Lodhi was known to embarrass Pakistan on the international forum, having used a fake picture to lay grave charges against India previously.

In her most recent goof-up, she erroneously referred to British PM Boris Johnson as the Foreign Minister in a tweet regarding an engagement done on the sidelines of the recently held 74th session of the UN General Assembly.&nbsp;

Khan had gone to the US to participate in the latest session of UNGA. As expected, he sought to internationalise India`s internal decision to repeal Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir but was snubbed by the global community.

However, Lodhi had, in a series of tweets after the announcement of Akram`s appointment, said that she had planned to move on after UNGA following a "successful" visit by the Prime Minister.

"It has been an honour to serve the country and I`m grateful for the opportunity to do so for over four years. Representing Pakistan at the world`s most important multilateral forum was a great privilege. I had planned to move on after UNGA following a successful visit by the PM," she had said.

Lodhi said she was humbled by the "appreciation" she received for Khan`s visit and wished her successor best of luck over his new appointment.

"I am humbled by the appreciation I have received for the PM`s visit and the support I have also received over the years. I wish my successor Munir Akram the best of luck!" she had said in another tweet.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Friday refuted reports that Maleeha Lodhi was "removed" from the post of the country`s envoy to the UN, in a bid to douse the controversy which had erupted after Munir Akram was announced to be Lodhi`s successor.

Pakistan on Friday refuted reports that Maleeha Lodhi was "removed" from the post of the country`s envoy to the UN, in a bid to douse the controversy which had erupted after Munir Akram was announced to be Lodhi`s successor. "There is no truth whatsoever in insinuations that Dr Maleeha Lodhi was `removed` for any reason. She completed her tenure and as FM had said, she served Pakistan with distinction and commitment and organised the Prime Minister`s successful UNGA visit with skill and dedication," Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Mohammad Faisal said in a tweet. On September 30, it was reported that Islamabad had appointed Akram as the country`s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, replacing Lodhi who has held the position since 2015. Her exit was being linked to her "failure" to muster international support at the United Nations on Pakistan`s position on Kashmir. Lodhi was known to embarrass Pakistan on the international forum, having used a fake picture to lay grave charges against India previously. In her most recent goof-up, she erroneously referred to British PM Boris Johnson as the Foreign Minister in a tweet regarding an engagement done on the sidelines of the recently held 74th session of the UN General Assembly. Khan had gone to the US to participate in the latest session of UNGA. As expected, he sought to internationalise India`s internal decision to repeal Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir but was snubbed by the global community. However, Lodhi had, in a series of tweets after the announcement of Akram`s appointment, said that she had planned to move on after UNGA following a "successful" visit by the Prime Minister. "It has been an honour to serve the country and I`m grateful for the opportunity to do so for over four years. Representing Pakistan at the world`s most important multilateral forum was a great privilege. I had planned to move on after UNGA following a successful visit by the PM," she had said. Lodhi said she was humbled by the "appreciation" she received for Khan`s visit and wished her successor best of luck over his new appointment. "I am humbled by the appreciation I have received for the PM`s visit and the support I have also received over the years. I wish my successor Munir Akram the best of luck!" she had said in another tweet.

No truth in insinuations that Maleeha Lodhi was 'removed': Pakistan

Venezuela's government should "immediately" cease <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-launches-probe-into-venezuela-rights-abuses-252441">labour violations</a>, including detentions of workers who do not support President Nicolas Maduro, a UN agency commission said on Friday.

The Commission of Inquiry carried out by the International Labour Organization followed a complaint in March 2018 by the Venezuelan business association Fedecamaras.

The association accused Maduro's socialist government of systematically breaching the rights of unions and trade groups seen as supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised as Venezuela's president by more than 50 countries including the US.

The commission, which went to Venezuela in July, called for "the immediate cessation of all acts of violence, threats, persecution, stigmatisation, intimidation or any other form of aggression against employers' and workers' organisations that do not support the government," an ILO statement said.

The commission also demanded "the immediate release of any employer or trade unionist who may be in prison as a result of carrying out the legitimate activities of their workers' or employers' organisation."

Maduro's government has three months to challenge the inquiry and can take the case to the UN's International Court of Justice.

The Venezuela Commission of Inquiry is only the 13th such probe in the ILO's 100-year history.

Venezuela is suffering from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-playlist-humanitarian-crisis-in-venezuela-244667">punishing economic crisis </a>and a political standoff between Maduro's government and the National Assembly led by Guaido.

The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Venezuela's government should "immediately" cease labour violations, including detentions of workers who do not support President Nicolas Maduro, a UN agency commission said on Friday.

Venezuela's government should "immediately" cease labour violations, including detentions of workers who do not support President Nicolas Maduro, a UN agency commission said on Friday. The Commission of Inquiry carried out by the International Labour Organization followed a complaint in March 2018 by the Venezuelan business association Fedecamaras. The association accused Maduro's socialist government of systematically breaching the rights of unions and trade groups seen as supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised as Venezuela's president by more than 50 countries including the US. The commission, which went to Venezuela in July, called for "the immediate cessation of all acts of violence, threats, persecution, stigmatisation, intimidation or any other form of aggression against employers' and workers' organisations that do not support the government," an ILO statement said. The commission also demanded "the immediate release of any employer or trade unionist who may be in prison as a result of carrying out the legitimate activities of their workers' or employers' organisation." Maduro's government has three months to challenge the inquiry and can take the case to the UN's International Court of Justice. The Venezuela Commission of Inquiry is only the 13th such probe in the ILO's 100-year history. Venezuela is suffering from a punishing economic crisis and a political standoff between Maduro's government and the National Assembly led by Guaido. The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Venezuela must end worker abuses: U.N. inquiry

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday that any new government measures to cope with protests in Hong Kong must be grounded in law and protect the right to freedom of assembly.

Any use of force should be exceptional and only in compliance with international standards, including the principles of necessity and proportionality, U.N. human rights spokeswoman Marta Hurtado told a Geneva briefing.

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-carrie-lam-invokes-emergency-powers-to-try-to-quell-escalating-violence-253702">colonial-era emergency powers </a>on Friday for the first time in more than 50 years, in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Lam said a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-might-ban-face-masks-in-bid-to-curb-violence-253652">ban on face masks</a> would take effect on Saturday under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest.

Hurtado, asked about the measures, said, "Any restriction must have a basis in law and be proportionate and as least intrusive as possible. Freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental right and should be enjoyed without restriction to the greatest extent possible."

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-of-live-rounds-was-lawful-and-fair-hong-kong-police-defends-use-of-live-ammunition-253181"> use of firearms</a> was only acceptable as a "last resort", and only to protect against an immediate threat, she added.

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday that any new government measures to cope with protests in Hong Kong must be grounded in law and protect the right to freedom of assembly.

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday that any new government measures to cope with protests in Hong Kong must be grounded in law and protect the right to freedom of assembly. Any use of force should be exceptional and only in compliance with international standards, including the principles of necessity and proportionality, U.N. human rights spokeswoman Marta Hurtado told a Geneva briefing. Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era emergency powers on Friday for the first time in more than 50 years, in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city. Lam said a ban on face masks would take effect on Saturday under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest. Hurtado, asked about the measures, said, "Any restriction must have a basis in law and be proportionate and as least intrusive as possible. Freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental right and should be enjoyed without restriction to the greatest extent possible." The use of firearms was only acceptable as a "last resort", and only to protect against an immediate threat, she added.

Hong Kong must protect freedom of assembly: U.N. rights office

The U.N. called on Iraq on Friday to rapidly and transparently investigate force used by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-in-bloody-protests-across-iraq-31-dead-253590">anti-riot police in clashes with protesters</a> that have left dozens dead.

"We call on the Iraqi Government to allow people to freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the U.N. rights office, told journalists in Geneva.

Her appeal came as protesters continued to clash with anti-riot police on the fourth day of mass rallies that have left 34 people dead, according to an AFP count.

Hurtado said the U.N. rights office had independently confirmed 12 of those deaths in Baghdad, adding that "hundreds of other people have reportedly been injured, including members of the security forces".

"Dozens of demonstrators have been detained, although most were subsequently released," she said.

Demonstrations over corruption, unemployment and lacking services first broke out in Baghdad on Tuesday and have since spread to the Shiite-dominated south, while the northern and western provinces have remained relatively quiet.

They are unprecedented because of their apparent spontaneity and independence in a country where rallies are typically called by politicians or religious figures.

"We are worried by reports that security forces have used live ammunition and rubber bullets in some areas, and have also fired tear gas canisters directly at protestors," Hurtado said, insisting that in dealing with demonstrations, "the use of force should be exceptional".

"Any use of force must comply with applicable international human rights norms and standards," she said, stressing that firearms should never be used "except as a last resort to protect against an imminent threat of death or serious injury."

"All incidents in which the actions of security forces have resulted in death and injury should be promptly, independently and transparently investigated," she said.

The U.N. rights office stressed that the demonstrators' demands for economic and social rights to be respected were "legitimate".

"People's grievances need to be heard," Hurtado said.

The U.N. was also deeply concerned about the detention of at least three journalists, two of whom had subsequently been released, warning that this risked "deterring other journalists from reporting on the situation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-declares-curfew-in-baghdad-until-further-notice-pm-adel-abdul-mahdi-253478">Cuts to internet service</a> across much of the country were also of concern, Hurtado said, stressing that "blanket internet shutdowns are likely to contravene freedom of expression."

The U.N. called on Iraq on Friday to rapidly and transparently investigate force used by anti-riot police in clashes with protesters that have left dozens dead. "We call on the Iraqi Government to allow people to freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the U.

The U.N. called on Iraq on Friday to rapidly and transparently investigate force used by anti-riot police in clashes with protesters that have left dozens dead. "We call on the Iraqi Government to allow people to freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the U.N. rights office, told journalists in Geneva. Her appeal came as protesters continued to clash with anti-riot police on the fourth day of mass rallies that have left 34 people dead, according to an AFP count. Hurtado said the U.N. rights office had independently confirmed 12 of those deaths in Baghdad, adding that "hundreds of other people have reportedly been injured, including members of the security forces". "Dozens of demonstrators have been detained, although most were subsequently released," she said. Demonstrations over corruption, unemployment and lacking services first broke out in Baghdad on Tuesday and have since spread to the Shiite-dominated south, while the northern and western provinces have remained relatively quiet. They are unprecedented because of their apparent spontaneity and independence in a country where rallies are typically called by politicians or religious figures. "We are worried by reports that security forces have used live ammunition and rubber bullets in some areas, and have also fired tear gas canisters directly at protestors," Hurtado said, insisting that in dealing with demonstrations, "the use of force should be exceptional". "Any use of force must comply with applicable international human rights norms and standards," she said, stressing that firearms should never be used "except as a last resort to protect against an imminent threat of death or serious injury." "All incidents in which the actions of security forces have resulted in death and injury should be promptly, independently and transparently investigated," she said. The U.N. rights office stressed that the demonstrators' demands for economic and social rights to be respected were "legitimate". "People's grievances need to be heard," Hurtado said. The U.N. was also deeply concerned about the detention of at least three journalists, two of whom had subsequently been released, warning that this risked "deterring other journalists from reporting on the situation". Cuts to internet service across much of the country were also of concern, Hurtado said, stressing that "blanket internet shutdowns are likely to contravene freedom of expression."

U.N. urges Iraq to probe protest deaths 'transparently'

Sixteen-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has made it her mission to lower greenhouse gas emissions and make the world a greener, more sustainable place. She was widely celebrated after her speech at the United Nations this September. But many critics have said she is being used. World leaders&nbsp;have criticised her and have divided views over Greta becoming face of the climate change movement.

While there are many who support Greta’s climate change movement, US President Donald Trump has already criticised Greta Thunberg for her speech at the U.N. Even, the Australian PM Scott Morrison is not far behind to take a jibe at young climate change activists, he criticised her saying that 'let kids be kids', adult should do the work.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently dismissed Greta as poorly informed teenager and said that someone is using the teenager to make money out of it. Targeting her speech and activism, Putin called her “poorly informed teenager who is telling developing countries that they should keep living in poverty. While sending a contemptuous and passionate admonishment to the UN leaders in New York, the 16-year-old climate activist accused five of the world's prime leaders of betraying younger generations through inadequate action on the deteriorating climate conditions. Greta’s complaint accuses Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, and Turkey of inaction on global warming that violates the UN convention on the rights of the child. After this accusation, French president Emmanuel Macron told that her stance is very radical and likely to "antagonize societies.”

From news commentators to world leaders and even one of the biggest fashion brand like Louis Vuitton are dismissing Greta’s activism against climate change and the number of people panning her has been piling up, one of the leading US News channel called Thunberg’s United Nations speech “chilling,” and ran segment about how climate change “hysteria” is changing American youth.

However, it's important to note that there are people who have been supporting her too and she has been an inspiration for many youths who are raising issues which matters to the world.

From Trudeau joining climate march in Montreal to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s offer to lend&nbsp;his electric car to Thunberg, Greta has gathered support from the world. Even Prince Harry thinks there's an emergency and the world's children are striking.

Detractors have dismissed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, a Nobel prize nominee as mentally ill, hysterical and a millennial individualist after she pleaded with world officials last week to address the climate crisis. Thunberg has Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder often characterised by social awkwardness, difficulty interpreting social cues, and an obsessive preoccupation with a particular interest.

But in reality, Thunberg is cutting through—rather than displaying sentiments and emotions. What certain leaders do not wish to acknowledge is that asking for action on climate change is entirely rational. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sixteen-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has made it her mission to lower greenhouse gas emissions and make the world a greener, more sustainable place. She was widely celebrated after her speech at the United Nations this September.

Sixteen-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has made it her mission to lower greenhouse gas emissions and make the world a greener, more sustainable place. She was widely celebrated after her speech at the United Nations this September. But many critics have said she is being used. World leaders have criticised her and have divided views over Greta becoming face of the climate change movement. While there are many who support Greta’s climate change movement, US President Donald Trump has already criticised Greta Thunberg for her speech at the U.N. Even, the Australian PM Scott Morrison is not far behind to take a jibe at young climate change activists, he criticised her saying that 'let kids be kids', adult should do the work. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently dismissed Greta as poorly informed teenager and said that someone is using the teenager to make money out of it. Targeting her speech and activism, Putin called her “poorly informed teenager who is telling developing countries that they should keep living in poverty. While sending a contemptuous and passionate admonishment to the UN leaders in New York, the 16-year-old climate activist accused five of the world's prime leaders of betraying younger generations through inadequate action on the deteriorating climate conditions. Greta’s complaint accuses Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, and Turkey of inaction on global warming that violates the UN convention on the rights of the child. After this accusation, French president Emmanuel Macron told that her stance is very radical and likely to "antagonize societies.” From news commentators to world leaders and even one of the biggest fashion brand like Louis Vuitton are dismissing Greta’s activism against climate change and the number of people panning her has been piling up, one of the leading US News channel called Thunberg’s United Nations speech “chilling,” and ran segment about how climate change “hysteria” is changing American youth. However, it's important to note that there are people who have been supporting her too and she has been an inspiration for many youths who are raising issues which matters to the world. From Trudeau joining climate march in Montreal to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s offer to lend his electric car to Thunberg, Greta has gathered support from the world. Even Prince Harry thinks there's an emergency and the world's children are striking. Detractors have dismissed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, a Nobel prize nominee as mentally ill, hysterical and a millennial individualist after she pleaded with world officials last week to address the climate crisis. Thunberg has Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder often characterised by social awkwardness, difficulty interpreting social cues, and an obsessive preoccupation with a particular interest. But in reality, Thunberg is cutting through—rather than displaying sentiments and emotions. What certain leaders do not wish to acknowledge is that asking for action on climate change is entirely rational. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Greta Thunberg: To be or not to be

Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos joined activists in Istanbul Wednesday for a memorial service outside the Saudi consulate where journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-should-endure-what-you-did-says-jeff-bezos-to-khashoggis-fiancee-hatice-cengiz-253320">Jamal Khashoggi </a>was murdered a year ago.

International rights groups renewed calls for a full United Nations investigation into the killing.

Saudi journalist Khashoggi, a columnist for the Post, was strangled and dismembered at Saudi Arabia's consulate on October 2, 2018, when he went to obtain documents required for his marriage to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-thought-i-would-become-jamals-wife-instead-became-last-witness-before-a-murder-khashoggis-fiancee-hatice-cengiz-253300https://www.wionews.com/world/i-thought-i-would-become-jamals-wife-instead-became-last-witness-before-a-murder-khashoggis-fiancee-hatice-cengiz-253300">Turkish citizen Hatice Cengiz</a>.

She unveiled a memorial to Khashoggi directly in front of the consulate.&nbsp;

"After the worst year of my life I stand here broken but proud," she said in a speech.

"I still seek justice. I want to know what happened to his body. I want his friends to be released from jail. I want those in power to be held accountable for their actions."&nbsp;

Watch: MBS denies killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi

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Bezos gave a short speech directed at Cengiz, saying, "You need to know that you are in our hearts. We are here and you are not alone."

The case has sorely strained the ultra-conservative Saudi kingdom's ties with the West and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The de facto ruler, who is widely known as MBS, had tried to project an image as a reformer.

"A year ago he had the great and good eating out of his hand," said David Hearst, chief editor of Middle East Eye, opening the memorial service.

"(But) Jamal's murder became a nightmare for his killer. In sealing Jamal's fate, Mohammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, sealed his own."

Eleven suspects have been put on trial in Riyadh over Khashoggi's murder, five of whom face the death penalty, but hearings are held behind closed doors and the names of the defendants have not been released.

Amnesty International's Andrew Gardner denounced the "sham" trial in Riyadh as "a mockery of justice".

'Credible evidence'

International human rights groups used the anniversary to renew calls for a UN-led investigation.&nbsp;

"Saudi authorities have obstructed meaningful accountability for Khashoggi's murder," Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

"If he's serious, the crown prince and his government should provide transparency into the ongoing trial and reveal everything they know about the planning, execution, and aftermath of Khashoggi's murder," HRW's Middle East director, Sarah Leah Whitson, said.

A June report by UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said there was "credible evidence" linking MBS to the murder and an attempted cover up.&nbsp;

So far, however, no UN nation has heeded her call to initiate a full investigation.

"We will not stop until justice is served," Callamard said at the ceremony in Istanbul. &nbsp;

The Saudi crown prince has denied any involvement but tells PBS in a forthcoming documentary that he accepts responsibility for the killing, because it happened "under my watch".

The grisly details of Khashoggi's murder, which emerged largely from Turkish sources, sparked a global outcry and turned Prince Mohammad into a virtual pariah.

Dozens of top global executives boycotted his showcase business conference, the Future Investment Initiative, last year.

But the outrage has since dissipated and the Washington Post reported that global firms including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup were planning to send top executives to this year's event later this month.

Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos joined activists in Istanbul Wednesday for a memorial service outside the Saudi consulate where journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered a year ago.

Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos joined activists in Istanbul Wednesday for a memorial service outside the Saudi consulate where journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered a year ago. International rights groups renewed calls for a full United Nations investigation into the killing. Saudi journalist Khashoggi, a columnist for the Post, was strangled and dismembered at Saudi Arabia's consulate on October 2, 2018, when he went to obtain documents required for his marriage to Turkish citizen Hatice Cengiz. She unveiled a memorial to Khashoggi directly in front of the consulate. "After the worst year of my life I stand here broken but proud," she said in a speech. "I still seek justice. I want to know what happened to his body. I want his friends to be released from jail. I want those in power to be held accountable for their actions." Watch: MBS denies killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi × Bezos gave a short speech directed at Cengiz, saying, "You need to know that you are in our hearts. We are here and you are not alone." The case has sorely strained the ultra-conservative Saudi kingdom's ties with the West and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The de facto ruler, who is widely known as MBS, had tried to project an image as a reformer. "A year ago he had the great and good eating out of his hand," said David Hearst, chief editor of Middle East Eye, opening the memorial service. "(But) Jamal's murder became a nightmare for his killer. In sealing Jamal's fate, Mohammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, sealed his own." Eleven suspects have been put on trial in Riyadh over Khashoggi's murder, five of whom face the death penalty, but hearings are held behind closed doors and the names of the defendants have not been released. Amnesty International's Andrew Gardner denounced the "sham" trial in Riyadh as "a mockery of justice". 'Credible evidence' International human rights groups used the anniversary to renew calls for a UN-led investigation. "Saudi authorities have obstructed meaningful accountability for Khashoggi's murder," Human Rights Watch said in a statement. "If he's serious, the crown prince and his government should provide transparency into the ongoing trial and reveal everything they know about the planning, execution, and aftermath of Khashoggi's murder," HRW's Middle East director, Sarah Leah Whitson, said. A June report by UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said there was "credible evidence" linking MBS to the murder and an attempted cover up. So far, however, no UN nation has heeded her call to initiate a full investigation. "We will not stop until justice is served," Callamard said at the ceremony in Istanbul. The Saudi crown prince has denied any involvement but tells PBS in a forthcoming documentary that he accepts responsibility for the killing, because it happened "under my watch". The grisly details of Khashoggi's murder, which emerged largely from Turkish sources, sparked a global outcry and turned Prince Mohammad into a virtual pariah. Dozens of top global executives boycotted his showcase business conference, the Future Investment Initiative, last year. But the outrage has since dissipated and the Washington Post reported that global firms including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup were planning to send top executives to this year's event later this month.

I want to know what happened to Khashoggi's body, says finacee Hatice Cengiz

The United Nations has called on Australia's government to release a Tamil asylum seeker family from offshore detention, weighing in on a case that has galvanized huge public support.

The family of four has been held at the Christmas Island detention facility for the past month while their fight to stay in the country is before the courts.

Kokilapathmapriya Nadesalingam and Nadesalingam Murugappan, from Sri Lanka, arrived in Australia by boat separately in 2012 and 2013 seeking asylum and have not been accepted as refugees.

Their two children, Kopika and Tharunicaa, were both born in Australia and the family's legal battle hinges on the youngest daughter as her lawyer argues her claim has never been assessed.

Lawyer Carina Ford made a submission to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-kills-seven-islamic-state-terrorists-in-libya-air-strike-252922">U.N</a>.'s Human Rights Committee last month on the toddler's behalf.

In an October 1 letter, seen by AFP, the committee says in response that it "has requested the State party to transfer (the family) within 30 days into a community setting arrangement or to find another way to end their existing situation of detention".

The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Family friend Angela Fredericks described the U.N.'s position as "a positive step forward", saying she hoped the government "would comply and take this on board".

"We do see this as confirmation of what we've always known: that detention isn't any place for children or for families," she said.

"We've seen that over the last 19 months with the emotional and physical damage that has occurred to these girls."

Australia's hardline immigration policies include turning away refugees arriving by boat and de facto offshore detention, both measures condemned by the United Nations.

The Tamil family settled in a small rural Queensland town of Biloela, where their neighbours have banded together to push for them to be allowed to remain, a campaign that has received support even from some right-wing commentators and politicians.

A Federal Court judge ruled last month there was enough evidence for the toddler's case to go to trial, though a date has not yet been set.

Both children were born in Australia but do not have citizenship. They have never been to Sri Lanka.

The United Nations has called on Australia's government to release a Tamil asylum seeker family from offshore detention, weighing in on a case that has galvanized huge public support.

The United Nations has called on Australia's government to release a Tamil asylum seeker family from offshore detention, weighing in on a case that has galvanized huge public support. The family of four has been held at the Christmas Island detention facility for the past month while their fight to stay in the country is before the courts. Kokilapathmapriya Nadesalingam and Nadesalingam Murugappan, from Sri Lanka, arrived in Australia by boat separately in 2012 and 2013 seeking asylum and have not been accepted as refugees. Their two children, Kopika and Tharunicaa, were both born in Australia and the family's legal battle hinges on the youngest daughter as her lawyer argues her claim has never been assessed. Lawyer Carina Ford made a submission to the U.N.'s Human Rights Committee last month on the toddler's behalf. In an October 1 letter, seen by AFP, the committee says in response that it "has requested the State party to transfer (the family) within 30 days into a community setting arrangement or to find another way to end their existing situation of detention". The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Family friend Angela Fredericks described the U.N.'s position as "a positive step forward", saying she hoped the government "would comply and take this on board". "We do see this as confirmation of what we've always known: that detention isn't any place for children or for families," she said. "We've seen that over the last 19 months with the emotional and physical damage that has occurred to these girls." Australia's hardline immigration policies include turning away refugees arriving by boat and de facto offshore detention, both measures condemned by the United Nations. The Tamil family settled in a small rural Queensland town of Biloela, where their neighbours have banded together to push for them to be allowed to remain, a campaign that has received support even from some right-wing commentators and politicians. A Federal Court judge ruled last month there was enough evidence for the toddler's case to go to trial, though a date has not yet been set. Both children were born in Australia but do not have citizenship. They have never been to Sri Lanka.

United Nations urges Australia to release Tamil family

A human rights lawyer who fought to end the "ghost" status of stateless people in Kyrgyzstan, was on Wednesday named the winner of the U.N. refugee agency's prestigious Nansen award.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hailed Azizbek Ashurov for helping Kyrgyzstan to become the world's first country to end statelessness, working through his organisation Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB).

He has helped more than 10,000 people gain Kyrgyz nationality after they became stateless following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the agency said in a statement.

"I cannot stand still when I see an injustice," Ashurov said in the statement. "Statelessness is injustice".

"A stateless person is not recognised by any state," he said. "They are like ghosts. They exist physically, but they don't exist on paper."

Ashurov will receive his award at a ceremony in Geneva next Monday.

Thanks to his work, around 2,000 children have been handed a right to education, and a future in which they will be free to travel, marry and work, UNHCR said.

"Azizbek Ashurov's story is one of great personal resolve and tenacity," UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said in the statement.&nbsp;

"His commitment to the cause of eradicating statelessness in Kyrgyzstan ... is a compelling example of the power of an individual to inspire and mobilise collective action," he added.&nbsp;

Ashurov was motivated by his own family's struggle to achieve Kyrgyz citizenship after arriving from Uzbekistan.

'Stranded'

During the Soviet era, there were no internal borders, and people moved across Central Asia with only internal documentation.

But after the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991, "many people became stranded across newly established borders, often with now-invalid Soviet passports or no means to prove where they were born," the UNHCR noted.

This left hundreds of thousands of people stateless throughout the region, including in Kyrgyzstan.

Statelessness, which affects millions worldwide, leaves people politically and economically marginalised, often discriminated against and particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, according to UNHCR.

In the former Soviet Union, women were disproportionately affected by the problem, since they had been more likely to move to marry. And due to hereditary citizenship laws, their statelessness was passed on to their children, UNHCR said.

Ashurov helped found Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB) in 2003 to provide free legal advice and assistance to stateless and undocumented people in the southern part of the country.

He and FVLWB formed mobile legal teams which travelled to remote areas of the south of the country, sometimes on horseback, to find vulnerable and socially marginalised groups.

The Nansen prize, awarded annually, is named for Norwegian polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who served as the first High Commissioner for refugees during the failed League of Nations.

Last year's winner was&nbsp;South Sudanese doctor Evan Atar Adaha, who runs an overcrowded hospital to service refugees from Blue Nile State.

A human rights lawyer who fought to end the "ghost" status of stateless people in Kyrgyzstan, was on Wednesday named the winner of the U.N. refugee agency's prestigious Nansen award.

A human rights lawyer who fought to end the "ghost" status of stateless people in Kyrgyzstan, was on Wednesday named the winner of the U.N. refugee agency's prestigious Nansen award. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hailed Azizbek Ashurov for helping Kyrgyzstan to become the world's first country to end statelessness, working through his organisation Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB). He has helped more than 10,000 people gain Kyrgyz nationality after they became stateless following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the agency said in a statement. "I cannot stand still when I see an injustice," Ashurov said in the statement. "Statelessness is injustice". "A stateless person is not recognised by any state," he said. "They are like ghosts. They exist physically, but they don't exist on paper." Ashurov will receive his award at a ceremony in Geneva next Monday. Thanks to his work, around 2,000 children have been handed a right to education, and a future in which they will be free to travel, marry and work, UNHCR said. "Azizbek Ashurov's story is one of great personal resolve and tenacity," UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said in the statement. "His commitment to the cause of eradicating statelessness in Kyrgyzstan ... is a compelling example of the power of an individual to inspire and mobilise collective action," he added. Ashurov was motivated by his own family's struggle to achieve Kyrgyz citizenship after arriving from Uzbekistan. 'Stranded' During the Soviet era, there were no internal borders, and people moved across Central Asia with only internal documentation. But after the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991, "many people became stranded across newly established borders, often with now-invalid Soviet passports or no means to prove where they were born," the UNHCR noted. This left hundreds of thousands of people stateless throughout the region, including in Kyrgyzstan. Statelessness, which affects millions worldwide, leaves people politically and economically marginalised, often discriminated against and particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, according to UNHCR. In the former Soviet Union, women were disproportionately affected by the problem, since they had been more likely to move to marry. And due to hereditary citizenship laws, their statelessness was passed on to their children, UNHCR said. Ashurov helped found Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB) in 2003 to provide free legal advice and assistance to stateless and undocumented people in the southern part of the country. He and FVLWB formed mobile legal teams which travelled to remote areas of the south of the country, sometimes on horseback, to find vulnerable and socially marginalised groups. The Nansen prize, awarded annually, is named for Norwegian polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who served as the first High Commissioner for refugees during the failed League of Nations. Last year's winner was South Sudanese doctor Evan Atar Adaha, who runs an overcrowded hospital to service refugees from Blue Nile State.

Kyrgyz lawyer wins United Nations prize for battling statelessness

A decision by Pakistan to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/day-after-imran-khan-returns-from-us-pakistan-removes-maleeha-lodhi-as-permanent-representative-to-un-252912">appoint a former diplomat as its ambassador to the United Nations</a> has sparked criticism over his alleged involvement in a domestic violence dispute in 2002.&nbsp;

Munir Akram "has been appointed as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York, in place of Dr. Maleeha Lodhi," the country's ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement late Monday.&nbsp;

Akram served a previous stint in the post from 2002 to 2008.

But in January 2003 the United States asked Pakistan to waive Akram's diplomatic immunity so that he could be prosecuted on assault charges.

According to press reports, New York police were called to Akram's home on December 10, 2002 by a woman who alleged the envoy had beaten her.

The woman told police dispatchers that the envoy had smashed her head into a wall, that her arm hurt and that he had hit her before, according to the newspaper accounts.

The case could have had potentially embarrassing diplomatic ramifications.&nbsp;

At the time, Pakistan was a key US ally in the war on terror, and had just taken up a seat on the UN Security Council, which was then considering whether to authorise military action against Iraq.

Akram, who enjoys full diplomatic immunity, was never charged.

Even so his return to the post ignited a swift backlash Tuesday, many from women angered over the decision.

"In the age of #MeToo, the appointment... sends absolutely the wrong message to Pakistan men AND women; being a domestic violence perpetrator will earn you not just protection from the government but also not harm your career," wrote feminist author Bina Shah in a statement posted on Twitter.&nbsp;

Others decried Akram's age -- he is in his 70s -- and his hawkishness over Pakistan's arch-rival India, with Pakistani media suggesting that his appointment hints at a new, more aggressive policy by Islamabad over the disputed region of Kashmir.

However many also praised him as a seasoned diplomat who would take up the role just as Pakistan is trying to rally the international community to challenge India over Kashmir.

The widely-respected Lodhi, who had served in the post for four years, said on Twitter that she had planned to move on after last week's UN General Assembly, and wished Akram luck in the role.

A decision by Pakistan to appoint a former diplomat as its ambassador to the United Nations has sparked criticism over his alleged involvement in a domestic violence dispute in 2002.

A decision by Pakistan to appoint a former diplomat as its ambassador to the United Nations has sparked criticism over his alleged involvement in a domestic violence dispute in 2002. Munir Akram "has been appointed as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York, in place of Dr. Maleeha Lodhi," the country's ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement late Monday. Akram served a previous stint in the post from 2002 to 2008. But in January 2003 the United States asked Pakistan to waive Akram's diplomatic immunity so that he could be prosecuted on assault charges. According to press reports, New York police were called to Akram's home on December 10, 2002 by a woman who alleged the envoy had beaten her. The woman told police dispatchers that the envoy had smashed her head into a wall, that her arm hurt and that he had hit her before, according to the newspaper accounts. The case could have had potentially embarrassing diplomatic ramifications. At the time, Pakistan was a key US ally in the war on terror, and had just taken up a seat on the UN Security Council, which was then considering whether to authorise military action against Iraq. Akram, who enjoys full diplomatic immunity, was never charged. Even so his return to the post ignited a swift backlash Tuesday, many from women angered over the decision. "In the age of #MeToo, the appointment... sends absolutely the wrong message to Pakistan men AND women; being a domestic violence perpetrator will earn you not just protection from the government but also not harm your career," wrote feminist author Bina Shah in a statement posted on Twitter. Others decried Akram's age -- he is in his 70s -- and his hawkishness over Pakistan's arch-rival India, with Pakistani media suggesting that his appointment hints at a new, more aggressive policy by Islamabad over the disputed region of Kashmir. However many also praised him as a seasoned diplomat who would take up the role just as Pakistan is trying to rally the international community to challenge India over Kashmir. The widely-respected Lodhi, who had served in the post for four years, said on Twitter that she had planned to move on after last week's UN General Assembly, and wished Akram luck in the role.

Outcry as Pakistan appoints new UN envoy Munir Akram

More than&nbsp;1,000&nbsp;migrants have died in the&nbsp;Mediterranean&nbsp;Sea this&nbsp;year, the sixth&nbsp;year&nbsp;in a row that that "bleak milestone" has been reached, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rwanda-welcomes-first-group-of-african-refugees-from-libya-252319">the United Nations refugee agency</a> said on Tuesday.

"UNHCR&nbsp;is urgently calling for an increase in search and rescue capacity, including a return of EU state vessels to search and rescue operations, and an acknowledgement of the crucial role of NGO boats in saving lives at sea,"&nbsp;UNHCR&nbsp;spokesman Charlie Yaxley said in a statement.

At least 15,000 people have lost their lives in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ocean-viking-rescue-ship-awaits-port-access-in-latest-migrant-standoff-244800">Mediterranean</a>&nbsp;crossings since 2014, the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

More than 1,000 migrants have died in the Mediterranean Sea this year, the sixth year in a row that that "bleak milestone" has been reached, the United Nations refugee agency said on Tuesday.

More than 1,000 migrants have died in the Mediterranean Sea this year, the sixth year in a row that that "bleak milestone" has been reached, the United Nations refugee agency said on Tuesday. "UNHCR is urgently calling for an increase in search and rescue capacity, including a return of EU state vessels to search and rescue operations, and an acknowledgement of the crucial role of NGO boats in saving lives at sea," UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said in a statement. At least 15,000 people have lost their lives in Mediterranean crossings since 2014, the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

Migrant death toll in Mediterranean tops 1,000 for 6th year: UNHCR

17 minutes of PM Modi speech at UNGA: Key highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi on Saturday after a week-long visit&nbsp;at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-pm-imran-khans-unga-speech-reflection-of-medieval-mindset-abuse-of-opportunity-to-reflect-india-at-un-252555">United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)</a> in New York&nbsp;where he discussed bilateral issues with prominent leaders of the world and spoke extensively about curbing terrorism and decelerating climate change.

The PM was received by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) working President JP Nadda. &nbsp;Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari was also present to receive him.

Before he showed up, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-people-gather-in-large-numbers-outside-airport-to-welcome-pm-modi-252620">people turned up in large numbers</a> outside Palam Technical Airport to welcome the Indian prime minister.

Many were seen chanting slogans "Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi" in anticipation of PM's arrival.

"We are here to receive to Modiji. We are very excited to see him," Surya Kumar, a BJP worker told ANI.

The PM arrived in an Air India flight at 8pm (IST) and deboarded thirty minutes later.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Delhi, after concluding his visit to the United States of America. <a href="https://t.co/mjqF4jspn3">pic.twitter.com/mjqF4jspn3</a>
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In the backdrop of the&nbsp;excitement surrounding his return, Delhi Police had put into place elaborate security arrangements for PM Modi's arrival.

"Nine companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the national capital. Anti-terror measures have also been taken. The security arrangements will be in order in coordination with all agencies. Snipers will be deployed on rooftops," MS Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi on Saturday after a week-long visit at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York where he discussed bilateral issues with prominent leaders of the world and spoke extensively about curbing terrorism and decelerating climate change.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi on Saturday after a week-long visit at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York where he discussed bilateral issues with prominent leaders of the world and spoke extensively about curbing terrorism and decelerating climate change. The PM was received by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) working President JP Nadda. Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari was also present to receive him. Before he showed up, people turned up in large numbers outside Palam Technical Airport to welcome the Indian prime minister. Many were seen chanting slogans "Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi" in anticipation of PM's arrival. "We are here to receive to Modiji. We are very excited to see him," Surya Kumar, a BJP worker told ANI. The PM arrived in an Air India flight at 8pm (IST) and deboarded thirty minutes later. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Delhi, after concluding his visit to the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/mjqF4jspn3 — ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2019 × In the backdrop of the excitement surrounding his return, Delhi Police had put into place elaborate security arrangements for PM Modi's arrival. "Nine companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the national capital. Anti-terror measures have also been taken. The security arrangements will be in order in coordination with all agencies. Snipers will be deployed on rooftops," MS Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi said.

Prime Minister Modi arrives in India after UNGA in New York

'Imran practised brinkmanship not statesmanship' India replies at UN. Watch video to know more.

'Imran practised brinkmanship not statesmanship' India replies at UN

Team WION analyses the big United Nations faceoff. Watch video to know more.

Team WION analyses the big United Nations faceoff

The United Nations&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR)&nbsp;urged Guinea on Saturday to "speed up" the trial for those responsible for a massacre on more than 150 opposition supporters exactly 10 years ago.

More than 100 women were also raped by troops during a massive opposition protest in a stadium in the capital Conakry on September 28, 2009, against then junta chief Moussa Dadis Camara whose security forces opened fire on the crowd.

"Impunity has prevailed for too long in Guinea and is preventing victims’ scars from healing," the U.N.'s Michelle Bachelet said in a statement.

"Sustainable peace and reconciliation will not be achieved until justice and accountability is upheld," she added.

Guinean judges completed the investigation into the massacre in 2017 but a trial date has still not been set.

On Friday, Guinea Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana said the government was "determined" to organise a trial of the alleged perpetrators of the killings "to deliver justice to the victims".&nbsp;

A U.N. Commission of Inquiry established in 2009 concluded that there was a "strong presumption that crimes against humanity were committed".

The U.N. said 156 people were killed, at least 109 girls and women were victims of sexual violence, corpses were buried in mass graves, demonstrators were tortured and authorities "modified" crime scenes.

Bachelet said despite the investigation recommending Guinean authorities prosecute those responsible and compensate victims almost a decade ago, there had been "little tangible progress so far".&nbsp;

"It is particularly worrying that a number of high-ranking indicted officials are still serving and have not yet been brought to justice," she said, urging the authorities to "speed up the organisation of the trial".

Camara, a former army officer, seized power in 2008 after the death of Guinea's longtime dictator Lansana Conte.

After surviving an assassination attempt in 2009, Camara fled the to exile in Burkina Faso, where he was indicted in July 2015 by Guinean magistrates for his alleged involvement in the massacre.

President Alpha Conde became Guinea's first democratically elected president in 2010, taking over a nation run by a succession of strongmen following independence from France.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR) urged Guinea on Saturday to "speed up" the trial for those responsible for a massacre on more than 150 opposition supporters exactly 10 years ago.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR) urged Guinea on Saturday to "speed up" the trial for those responsible for a massacre on more than 150 opposition supporters exactly 10 years ago. More than 100 women were also raped by troops during a massive opposition protest in a stadium in the capital Conakry on September 28, 2009, against then junta chief Moussa Dadis Camara whose security forces opened fire on the crowd. "Impunity has prevailed for too long in Guinea and is preventing victims’ scars from healing," the U.N.'s Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. "Sustainable peace and reconciliation will not be achieved until justice and accountability is upheld," she added. Guinean judges completed the investigation into the massacre in 2017 but a trial date has still not been set. On Friday, Guinea Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana said the government was "determined" to organise a trial of the alleged perpetrators of the killings "to deliver justice to the victims". A U.N. Commission of Inquiry established in 2009 concluded that there was a "strong presumption that crimes against humanity were committed". The U.N. said 156 people were killed, at least 109 girls and women were victims of sexual violence, corpses were buried in mass graves, demonstrators were tortured and authorities "modified" crime scenes. Bachelet said despite the investigation recommending Guinean authorities prosecute those responsible and compensate victims almost a decade ago, there had been "little tangible progress so far". "It is particularly worrying that a number of high-ranking indicted officials are still serving and have not yet been brought to justice," she said, urging the authorities to "speed up the organisation of the trial". Camara, a former army officer, seized power in 2008 after the death of Guinea's longtime dictator Lansana Conte. After surviving an assassination attempt in 2009, Camara fled the to exile in Burkina Faso, where he was indicted in July 2015 by Guinean magistrates for his alleged involvement in the massacre. President Alpha Conde became Guinea's first democratically elected president in 2010, taking over a nation run by a succession of strongmen following independence from France.

After 10 years, U.N. urges justice for Guinea stadium massacre

In a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India has said Islamabad has ventured to "upstream terrorism and downstream hate speech."

Under the Right to Reply to the statement made by Khan, New Delhi said the citizens of India do not need anyone else to speak on their behalf, least of all those who have built an industry of terrorism from the ideology of hate.

"I take the floor to exercise India`s right of reply to the statement <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-pm-modis-positive-development-driven-unga-address-differed-from-pak-pms-hate-speech-252559">made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan</a>. Every word spoken from the podium of this august Assembly, it is believed, carries the weight of history," said First Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Vidisha Maitra.

In a clear reference to Pakistan, Maitra said, "Citizens of India do not need anyone else to speak on their behalf, least of all those who have built an industry of terrorism from the ideology of hate"."Unfortunately, what we heard today from Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan was a callous portrayal of the world in binary terms. Us vs Them; Rich vs Poor; North vs South; Developed Vs Developing; Muslims vs Others. A script that fosters divisiveness at the United Nations. Attempts to sharpen differences and stir up hatred are simply put - hate speech," she continued.

Khan, in his almost 50-minute address, warned of dire "consequences" in the event of a nuclear war with India over the Kashmir issue. Maitra said that rarely has the General Assembly witnessed such a "misuse, rather abuse" of an opportunity to reflect."Words matter in diplomacy. Invocation of phrases such as "pogrom", "bloodbath", "racial superiority", "pick up the gun" and "fight to the end" reflect a medieval mindset and not a 21st-century vision," she said.

While Pakistan representative was seen carefully taking notes, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-pm-imran-khans-unga-speech-reflection-of-medieval-mindset-abuse-of-opportunity-to-reflect-india-at-un-252555">Maitra addressed Prime Minister </a>with his full name, Imran Khan Niazi to draw a connection with General A A K Niazi, who was a lieutenant-general in the Pakistan Army and the last Governor of East Pakistan. "Pogroms, Prime Minister Imran Khan Niazi, are not a phenomenon of today`s vibrant democracies. We would request you to refresh your rather sketchy understanding of history. Do not forget the gruesome genocide perpetrated by Pakistan against its own people in 1971 and the role played by Lt Gen A A K Niazi. A sordid fact that the Hon`ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh reminded this Assembly about earlier this afternoon," said Maitra.

In response to Khan`s response to U.N. Observers to Pakistan to verify that there are no militant organisations in Pakistan, Maitra said the world will hold him to that promise. She raised a few questions and asked would Khan "deny to the city of New York that he was an open defender of Osama bin Laden?" "Can Pakistan confirm the fact that it is home to 130 UN-designated terrorists and 25 terrorist entities listed by the UN, as of today?... Will Pakistan acknowledge that it is the only Government in the world that provides pension to an individual listed by the UN in the al-Qaida and Da`esh Sanctions list!" "Can Pakistan explain why here in New York, its premier bank, the Habib Bank had to shut shop after it was fined millions of dollars over terror financing?" "Will Pakistan deny that the Financial Action Task Force has put the country on notice for its violations of more than 20 of the 27 key parameters?," she asked.

Maitra also pointed out the treatment given to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-quotes-3000-year-old-tamil-poet-and-philosopher-kaniyan-poongundranar-at-unga-address-252511">minorities in Pakistan</a> and said the country has shrunk the size of its minority community from 23 per cent in 1947 to three per cent today. "This a country that has shrunk the size of its minority community from 23 per cent in 1947 to 3 per cent today and has subjected Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyas, Hindus, Shias, Pashtuns, Sindhis and Balochis to draconian blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, blatant abuse and forced conversions," she said.

Prime Minister Khan`s threat of unleashing nuclear devastation qualifies as brinksmanship, not statesmanship, she said."Even coming from the leader of a country that has monopolised the entire value chain of the industry of terrorism, Prime Minister Khan`s justification of terrorism was brazen and incendiary."

"For someone who was once a cricketer and believed in the gentleman`s game, today`s speech bordered on the crudeness of the variety that is reminiscent of the guns of Darra Adam Khel", added Maitra.

In a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India has said Islamabad has ventured to "upstream terrorism and downstream hate speech.

In a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India has said Islamabad has ventured to "upstream terrorism and downstream hate speech." Under the Right to Reply to the statement made by Khan, New Delhi said the citizens of India do not need anyone else to speak on their behalf, least of all those who have built an industry of terrorism from the ideology of hate. "I take the floor to exercise India`s right of reply to the statement made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Every word spoken from the podium of this august Assembly, it is believed, carries the weight of history," said First Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Vidisha Maitra. In a clear reference to Pakistan, Maitra said, "Citizens of India do not need anyone else to speak on their behalf, least of all those who have built an industry of terrorism from the ideology of hate"."Unfortunately, what we heard today from Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan was a callous portrayal of the world in binary terms. Us vs Them; Rich vs Poor; North vs South; Developed Vs Developing; Muslims vs Others. A script that fosters divisiveness at the United Nations. Attempts to sharpen differences and stir up hatred are simply put - hate speech," she continued. Khan, in his almost 50-minute address, warned of dire "consequences" in the event of a nuclear war with India over the Kashmir issue. Maitra said that rarely has the General Assembly witnessed such a "misuse, rather abuse" of an opportunity to reflect."Words matter in diplomacy. Invocation of phrases such as "pogrom", "bloodbath", "racial superiority", "pick up the gun" and "fight to the end" reflect a medieval mindset and not a 21st-century vision," she said. While Pakistan representative was seen carefully taking notes, Maitra addressed Prime Minister with his full name, Imran Khan Niazi to draw a connection with General A A K Niazi, who was a lieutenant-general in the Pakistan Army and the last Governor of East Pakistan. "Pogroms, Prime Minister Imran Khan Niazi, are not a phenomenon of today`s vibrant democracies. We would request you to refresh your rather sketchy understanding of history. Do not forget the gruesome genocide perpetrated by Pakistan against its own people in 1971 and the role played by Lt Gen A A K Niazi. A sordid fact that the Hon`ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh reminded this Assembly about earlier this afternoon," said Maitra. In response to Khan`s response to U.N. Observers to Pakistan to verify that there are no militant organisations in Pakistan, Maitra said the world will hold him to that promise. She raised a few questions and asked would Khan "deny to the city of New York that he was an open defender of Osama bin Laden?" "Can Pakistan confirm the fact that it is home to 130 UN-designated terrorists and 25 terrorist entities listed by the UN, as of today?... Will Pakistan acknowledge that it is the only Government in the world that provides pension to an individual listed by the UN in the al-Qaida and Da`esh Sanctions list!" "Can Pakistan explain why here in New York, its premier bank, the Habib Bank had to shut shop after it was fined millions of dollars over terror financing?" "Will Pakistan deny that the Financial Action Task Force has put the country on notice for its violations of more than 20 of the 27 key parameters?," she asked. Maitra also pointed out the treatment given to minorities in Pakistan and said the country has shrunk the size of its minority community from 23 per cent in 1947 to three per cent today. "This a country that has shrunk the size of its minority community from 23 per cent in 1947 to 3 per cent today and has subjected Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyas, Hindus, Shias, Pashtuns, Sindhis and Balochis to draconian blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, blatant abuse and forced conversions," she said. Prime Minister Khan`s threat of unleashing nuclear devastation qualifies as brinksmanship, not statesmanship, she said."Even coming from the leader of a country that has monopolised the entire value chain of the industry of terrorism, Prime Minister Khan`s justification of terrorism was brazen and incendiary." "For someone who was once a cricketer and believed in the gentleman`s game, today`s speech bordered on the crudeness of the variety that is reminiscent of the guns of Darra Adam Khel", added Maitra.

Pakistan has upstreamed terrorism, downstreamed hate speech: India at U.N.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday (local time) lauded the gradual growth in the Indian economy since liberalisation in the 1990s.

He made the statement while addressing the general debate of the 74th Session of the General Assembly.

Prime Minister Lee said, "India has grown steadily since the 1990s, with its economy gradually liberalised and becoming more enmeshed with its partners."

Prime Minister Loong was speaking on the topic of sustainable development of all countries across the globe.

"Sustainable development has become a priority for all countries," he said and added that everyone shares common challenges related to it such as creating jobs, raising standards of living, and eradicating poverty."But it is very difficult for any country to develop and progress on its own," he stressed.

Singapore Prime Minister also underlined that growth requires trade, investments and technologies.

The Prime Minister, at the same time, also referred to the overall economic development of the South Asian countries and reflected that China's accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001 "presaged two decades of dramatic economic growth which lifted more than 850 million people out of poverty in the region."

Earlier in the day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the UNGA on a range of issues including climate change, development, and forming a united stand against terrorism.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday (local time) lauded the gradual growth in the Indian economy since liberalisation in the 1990s. He made the statement while addressing the general debate of the 74th Session of the General Assembly.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday (local time) lauded the gradual growth in the Indian economy since liberalisation in the 1990s. He made the statement while addressing the general debate of the 74th Session of the General Assembly. Prime Minister Lee said, "India has grown steadily since the 1990s, with its economy gradually liberalised and becoming more enmeshed with its partners." Prime Minister Loong was speaking on the topic of sustainable development of all countries across the globe. "Sustainable development has become a priority for all countries," he said and added that everyone shares common challenges related to it such as creating jobs, raising standards of living, and eradicating poverty."But it is very difficult for any country to develop and progress on its own," he stressed. Singapore Prime Minister also underlined that growth requires trade, investments and technologies. The Prime Minister, at the same time, also referred to the overall economic development of the South Asian countries and reflected that China's accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001 "presaged two decades of dramatic economic growth which lifted more than 850 million people out of poverty in the region." Earlier in the day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the UNGA on a range of issues including climate change, development, and forming a united stand against terrorism.

Singapore PM lauds India's economic growth at United Nations

A tale of two speeches: Here's how Modi changed the tone this year at UNGA

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-bear-with-me-el-salvador-presidents-selfie-eclipses-un-speech-252416">El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele</a> on Thursday said that the United States should promote legal migration as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration, calling on President Donald Trump to continue a programme shielding some migrants from deportation.

He also defended an agreement allowing the United States to send back asylum seekers who cross the Central American country while journeying north, arguing it was part of his effort to combat irregular migration.

"If the U.S. government is serious about fighting irregular migration, it should support and encourage legal migration," he told reporters after giving a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, where the 38-year-old leader took a selfie on the podium.

He said the poor, violence-stricken country would be capable of taking in hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans who could be sent back if Trump ends the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programme, noting that most migrants with TPS had the means to support themselves and that El Salvador was their "home."

But Bukele said Trump should maintain the policy, arguing that most Salvadoran migrants with TPS were law-abiding and successful and wanted to remain with their families in the United States.

"The majority of people with TPS have means; that is not the struggle. The struggle is that if they were deported, it would break up families," he said.

TPS was granted to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bodies-of-drowned-salvadoran-migrant-and-2-year-old-child-back-in-el-salvador-231939">El Salvador</a> following two devastating 2001 earthquakes that left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. The programme offers protection from deportation to immigrants who already are in the United States, including those who entered illegally, from countries affected by natural disasters, civil conflicts and other problems.

Bukele also defended a deal with the United States, announced last Friday, which allows El Salvador to assess whether to extend refuge to migrants returned by the United States.

He pushed back on criticism that the policy turns <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-court-frees-woman-jailed-for-delivering-stillborn-197699">El Salvador</a> into an enforcer of the Trump administration's immigration policy, and also rejected suggestions it would lead to a massive influx of migrants.

"We have not put up any wall," Bukele said. "What we have done is support our largest natural ally."

Under the agreement - which will take effect only after details are hammered out - the United States will in exchange help El Salvador expand its tiny asylum system.

It is similar to "safe third country" deals the Trump administration wants with several Latin American countries traversed by U.S.-bound migrants.

Immigration advocates have criticized the deals, saying Central American countries - from which many people flee violence, poverty and corruption - lack the capacity to process more asylum claims and cannot assure migrants' safety.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele on Thursday said that the United States should promote legal migration as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration, calling on President Donald Trump to continue a programme shielding some migrants from deportation.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele on Thursday said that the United States should promote legal migration as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration, calling on President Donald Trump to continue a programme shielding some migrants from deportation. He also defended an agreement allowing the United States to send back asylum seekers who cross the Central American country while journeying north, arguing it was part of his effort to combat irregular migration. "If the U.S. government is serious about fighting irregular migration, it should support and encourage legal migration," he told reporters after giving a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, where the 38-year-old leader took a selfie on the podium. He said the poor, violence-stricken country would be capable of taking in hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans who could be sent back if Trump ends the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programme, noting that most migrants with TPS had the means to support themselves and that El Salvador was their "home." But Bukele said Trump should maintain the policy, arguing that most Salvadoran migrants with TPS were law-abiding and successful and wanted to remain with their families in the United States. "The majority of people with TPS have means; that is not the struggle. The struggle is that if they were deported, it would break up families," he said. TPS was granted to El Salvador following two devastating 2001 earthquakes that left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. The programme offers protection from deportation to immigrants who already are in the United States, including those who entered illegally, from countries affected by natural disasters, civil conflicts and other problems. Bukele also defended a deal with the United States, announced last Friday, which allows El Salvador to assess whether to extend refuge to migrants returned by the United States. He pushed back on criticism that the policy turns El Salvador into an enforcer of the Trump administration's immigration policy, and also rejected suggestions it would lead to a massive influx of migrants. "We have not put up any wall," Bukele said. "What we have done is support our largest natural ally." Under the agreement - which will take effect only after details are hammered out - the United States will in exchange help El Salvador expand its tiny asylum system. It is similar to "safe third country" deals the Trump administration wants with several Latin American countries traversed by U.S.-bound migrants. Immigration advocates have criticized the deals, saying Central American countries - from which many people flee violence, poverty and corruption - lack the capacity to process more asylum claims and cannot assure migrants' safety.

El Salvador President clicks selfie on U.N. podium, calls on Trump to rethink legal migration

The United Nations has suspended Sri Lankan troops from peacekeeping duties after Colombo ignored repeated warnings and appointed a general accused of war crimes to head its army.

The U.N. and several Western nations expressed concern over the promotion of Major General Shavendra Silva last month despite the allegations against him.

"In light of this appointment, the U.N. Department of Peace Operations is therefore suspending future Sri Lankan Army deployments...," Deputy U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told AFP in New York.

"A Sri Lankan Army unit and individual officers currently serving with U.N. Peacekeeping will thus be repatriated, beginning next month, in accordance with their rotation dates and will not be replaced by Sri Lankan personnel," Haq said.

In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-forces-lending-rate-cuts-on-all-banks-251816">Sri Lanka</a>, the Foreign Ministry said that its secretary, Ravinatha Aryasinha, will meet the Department of Peace Operations on Friday.

Aryasinha is scheduled to "discuss this matter with the Under Secretary General of the U.N. Department of Peace Operations," the ministry said in a statement.

Some 490 Sri Lankan troops are currently deployed for peacekeeping operations in Mali, Lebanon and Sudan. Two Sri Lankan soldiers were killed in a mine attack in Mali this year.

Human Rights Watch welcomed the U.N. decision, saying it "sends a strong signal to governments that sweeping suspected war crimes under the carpet will not go unnoticed by the world body."

President Maithripala Sirisena promoted Silva as the new army chief brushing aside international outrage over his appointment.

Silva has been accused by the <a href="wionews.com/india-news/at-unga-today-pm-modi-to-lead-from-the-front-252332">U.N.</a> of committing war crimes during the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist conflict, which ended in May 2009.

The 55-year-old general has dismissed the allegations against him while praising Sirisena's "courageous decision" to give him the top job despite intense foreign pressure.

The government has also rejected as "unwarranted and unacceptable" the avalanche of international criticism over Silva's ascension to the top job.

U.N. rights chief Michelle Bachelet said at the time she was "deeply troubled" by Silva's appointment.

The US embassy in Colombo described allegations of gross human rights violations against Silva as "serious and&nbsp;credible".

Sri Lanka's successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the 37-year-long conflict, in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.

The United Nations has suspended Sri Lankan troops from peacekeeping duties after Colombo ignored repeated warnings and appointed a general accused of war crimes to head its army.

The United Nations has suspended Sri Lankan troops from peacekeeping duties after Colombo ignored repeated warnings and appointed a general accused of war crimes to head its army. The U.N. and several Western nations expressed concern over the promotion of Major General Shavendra Silva last month despite the allegations against him. "In light of this appointment, the U.N. Department of Peace Operations is therefore suspending future Sri Lankan Army deployments...," Deputy U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told AFP in New York. "A Sri Lankan Army unit and individual officers currently serving with U.N. Peacekeeping will thus be repatriated, beginning next month, in accordance with their rotation dates and will not be replaced by Sri Lankan personnel," Haq said. In Sri Lanka, the Foreign Ministry said that its secretary, Ravinatha Aryasinha, will meet the Department of Peace Operations on Friday. Aryasinha is scheduled to "discuss this matter with the Under Secretary General of the U.N. Department of Peace Operations," the ministry said in a statement. Some 490 Sri Lankan troops are currently deployed for peacekeeping operations in Mali, Lebanon and Sudan. Two Sri Lankan soldiers were killed in a mine attack in Mali this year. Human Rights Watch welcomed the U.N. decision, saying it "sends a strong signal to governments that sweeping suspected war crimes under the carpet will not go unnoticed by the world body." President Maithripala Sirisena promoted Silva as the new army chief brushing aside international outrage over his appointment. Silva has been accused by the U.N. of committing war crimes during the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist conflict, which ended in May 2009. The 55-year-old general has dismissed the allegations against him while praising Sirisena's "courageous decision" to give him the top job despite intense foreign pressure. The government has also rejected as "unwarranted and unacceptable" the avalanche of international criticism over Silva's ascension to the top job. U.N. rights chief Michelle Bachelet said at the time she was "deeply troubled" by Silva's appointment. The US embassy in Colombo described allegations of gross human rights violations against Silva as "serious and credible". Sri Lanka's successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the 37-year-long conflict, in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.

United Nations suspends Sri Lanka peacekeepers over new army chief appointment

Tensions between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/resisting-us-pressure-on-iran-india-is-stuck-between-rock-and-hard-place-213848">United States and Iran</a> escalated on Thursday as Washington <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-battlefield-warning-as-us-deploys-troops-251022">deployed more troops</a> to the Gulf and Tehran, challenging&nbsp;its arch-enemy to provide evidence it attacked Saudi oil facilities.

The Pentagon announced it was sending 200 troops with Patriot missiles to bolster Saudi Arabia's defences following the strikes this month that knocked out half of the Kingdom's oil production.

After a week of diplomacy at the United Nations where European leaders unsuccessfully tried to arrange a US-Iran meeting, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani demanded that Washington back up its accusations that Iran was behind the attacks. &nbsp;

"Those who make the allegations must provide the needed proof. What is your evidence?", he told reporters.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international deal that was meant to lift sanctions in exchange for a commitment from Tehran that it would cease trying to develop nuclear weapons.

The United States, France, Germany, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have all, to varying degrees, blamed Iran for the brazen September 14 airstrikes on the kingdom's Abqaiq plant and Khurais oil field.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States shared evidence on the attacks with other countries during the UN General Assembly.

"I think now it has struck them how clear it is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not prepared to do the right thing and behave like a normal nation," Pompeo told reporters Thursday.

Iran "used their usual method of trying to obscure this through the use of a proxy force. They had to know it was the case that the world would rally against them, and yet they still chose to do it," he added.

Tehran has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-and-us-refusing-to-budge-as-tit-for-tat-ship-seizures-in-middle-east-raise-the-temperature-237920">blasted the allegations</a> as "ridiculous." It denies responsibility, and the attacks have been claimed by Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels.

"If you do have any evidence or documentation please do make them available to me," Rouhani said.

He said that Western powers should instead stop arming Saudi Arabia in its offensive in Yemen, which the United Nations calls the world's biggest humanitarian crisis.

'Vile and cowardly regime'

A senior Saudi official, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly, urged a united front against Iran.

"It is a vile and cowardly regime, which hides behind its affiliated militias, pushing them to claim responsibility," said Adel al-Jubeir, the minister of state for foreign affairs.

"This regime is only checked by a firm and unified stand and the application of maximum and sustained pressure until it desists from its terrorist behavior," he said.

The US president reimposed economic sanctions and in May his administration said it would unilaterally force all countries to stop buying Iran's oil, one of Tehran's main sources of wealth.

Tehran soon afterward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-will-respond-with-great-force-if-iran-attacks-interests-donald-trump-220247">shot down an unmanned US drone</a>. At the very last minute, Trump stepped back from striking Iran in June as the risk of all-out war in the Middle East seemed all too real.

In its latest move to ratchet up the pressure, the United States banned senior Iranian regime figures and their families from entering the United States.

It came 24 hours after Washington announced it would punish Chinese companies that bought Iranian oil, on the last official day of Trump's participation at the UN General Assembly.

The US Defense Department said the troop deployment would involve one battery of surface-to-air missiles, along with four Sentinel radars used for air and missile defense systems.

And the UN's nuclear watchdog confirmed Thursday that Iran has started using advanced models of centrifuges to enrich uranium, in a new breach of the agreement with world powers.

No meeting at UN

Speculation had been rife that Trump might meet Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN summit but the US leader returned to Washington without a rendezvous taking place.

Rouhani said Thursday that Iran would be willing to hold talks with the United States if Trump lifted sanctions and ended his policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran.

"If we reach a time when these preconditions are taken off the table, of course the possibility exists to talk with America," he said at the news conference.

French President Emmanuel Macron had shuttled between his US and Iranian counterparts over two days at the UN, trying to arrange an encounter.

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated on Thursday as Washington deployed more troops to the Gulf and Tehran, challenging its arch-enemy to provide evidence it attacked Saudi oil facilities.

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated on Thursday as Washington deployed more troops to the Gulf and Tehran, challenging its arch-enemy to provide evidence it attacked Saudi oil facilities. The Pentagon announced it was sending 200 troops with Patriot missiles to bolster Saudi Arabia's defences following the strikes this month that knocked out half of the Kingdom's oil production. After a week of diplomacy at the United Nations where European leaders unsuccessfully tried to arrange a US-Iran meeting, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani demanded that Washington back up its accusations that Iran was behind the attacks. "Those who make the allegations must provide the needed proof. What is your evidence?", he told reporters. Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international deal that was meant to lift sanctions in exchange for a commitment from Tehran that it would cease trying to develop nuclear weapons. The United States, France, Germany, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have all, to varying degrees, blamed Iran for the brazen September 14 airstrikes on the kingdom's Abqaiq plant and Khurais oil field. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States shared evidence on the attacks with other countries during the UN General Assembly. "I think now it has struck them how clear it is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not prepared to do the right thing and behave like a normal nation," Pompeo told reporters Thursday. Iran "used their usual method of trying to obscure this through the use of a proxy force. They had to know it was the case that the world would rally against them, and yet they still chose to do it," he added. Tehran has blasted the allegations as "ridiculous." It denies responsibility, and the attacks have been claimed by Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels. "If you do have any evidence or documentation please do make them available to me," Rouhani said. He said that Western powers should instead stop arming Saudi Arabia in its offensive in Yemen, which the United Nations calls the world's biggest humanitarian crisis. 'Vile and cowardly regime' A senior Saudi official, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly, urged a united front against Iran. "It is a vile and cowardly regime, which hides behind its affiliated militias, pushing them to claim responsibility," said Adel al-Jubeir, the minister of state for foreign affairs. "This regime is only checked by a firm and unified stand and the application of maximum and sustained pressure until it desists from its terrorist behavior," he said. The US president reimposed economic sanctions and in May his administration said it would unilaterally force all countries to stop buying Iran's oil, one of Tehran's main sources of wealth. Tehran soon afterward shot down an unmanned US drone. At the very last minute, Trump stepped back from striking Iran in June as the risk of all-out war in the Middle East seemed all too real. In its latest move to ratchet up the pressure, the United States banned senior Iranian regime figures and their families from entering the United States. It came 24 hours after Washington announced it would punish Chinese companies that bought Iranian oil, on the last official day of Trump's participation at the UN General Assembly. The US Defense Department said the troop deployment would involve one battery of surface-to-air missiles, along with four Sentinel radars used for air and missile defense systems. And the UN's nuclear watchdog confirmed Thursday that Iran has started using advanced models of centrifuges to enrich uranium, in a new breach of the agreement with world powers. No meeting at UN Speculation had been rife that Trump might meet Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN summit but the US leader returned to Washington without a rendezvous taking place. Rouhani said Thursday that Iran would be willing to hold talks with the United States if Trump lifted sanctions and ended his policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran. "If we reach a time when these preconditions are taken off the table, of course the possibility exists to talk with America," he said at the news conference. French President Emmanuel Macron had shuttled between his US and Iranian counterparts over two days at the UN, trying to arrange an encounter.

US-Iran tensions ratchet up further despite UN efforts

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela.

A resolution tabled by more than a dozen countries from Latin America and elsewhere was adopted by the 47-member council with 19 votes in favour, seven opposed and 21 abstaining.

It called for the U.N.'s top rights body to "dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission" to Venezuela.

The mission, the text said, should "investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment".

"Venezuelans, men and women, cannot wait any longer" for justice, said the representative of Peru, on behalf of the sponsoring nations, who also included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Israel.

The one-year mission should carry out its investigation "with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims," said the text, which also received the backing of the European Union.

Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero slammed the resolution as a "hostile initiative", and said his country had no intention of cooperating with the new probe.

"The imposition of an additional monitoring mechanism will never receive the consent of my country," he told the council.

Even when they are not granted access to a country, U.N. investigators can nonetheless carry out probes from abroad, as has been the case with investigations into abuses in Syria and Myanmar.

'Systematic abuse'&nbsp;

The investigative team will be expected to present a report to the council in a year.

Venezuela is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido.

The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Friday's resolution deplored "the systematic abuse of state institutions accelerating the erosion of the rule of law and of democratic institutions" in Venezuela.

It also urged Caracas to release all "political prisoners" and voiced "grave concern" over UN rights office findings in July suggesting that many of the more than 6,000 killings in alleged confrontations with state forces since early 2018 may, in fact, have been "executions".

"It must be clear to all at this Council that when violations of this gravity and scale are reported to us, we must respond in an equally serious manner," British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country backed the resolution, told the council.

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela.

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela. A resolution tabled by more than a dozen countries from Latin America and elsewhere was adopted by the 47-member council with 19 votes in favour, seven opposed and 21 abstaining. It called for the U.N.'s top rights body to "dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission" to Venezuela. The mission, the text said, should "investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment". "Venezuelans, men and women, cannot wait any longer" for justice, said the representative of Peru, on behalf of the sponsoring nations, who also included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Israel. The one-year mission should carry out its investigation "with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims," said the text, which also received the backing of the European Union. Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero slammed the resolution as a "hostile initiative", and said his country had no intention of cooperating with the new probe. "The imposition of an additional monitoring mechanism will never receive the consent of my country," he told the council. Even when they are not granted access to a country, U.N. investigators can nonetheless carry out probes from abroad, as has been the case with investigations into abuses in Syria and Myanmar. 'Systematic abuse' The investigative team will be expected to present a report to the council in a year. Venezuela is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido. The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016. Friday's resolution deplored "the systematic abuse of state institutions accelerating the erosion of the rule of law and of democratic institutions" in Venezuela. It also urged Caracas to release all "political prisoners" and voiced "grave concern" over UN rights office findings in July suggesting that many of the more than 6,000 killings in alleged confrontations with state forces since early 2018 may, in fact, have been "executions". "It must be clear to all at this Council that when violations of this gravity and scale are reported to us, we must respond in an equally serious manner," British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country backed the resolution, told the council.

United Nations launches probe into Venezuela rights abuses

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank.

Netanyahu, who is trying to form a new government following a deadlocked election, pledged before the vote to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea which account for one-third of the West Bank.

The promise was widely condemned, including by UN chief Antonio Guterres who warned it would violate international law.

"Our response, if any Israeli government is to proceed with this plan, is that all signed agreements with the government of the occupation and any obligations therein will be terminated," said Abbas.

"And it is our right to defend our rights by all possible means, regardless of consequences, while remaining committed to international law and combating terrorism," he warned.

Abbas made a similar vow in July, but did not follow through.

In the early 1990s, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, then headed by Yasser Arafat, signed a number of peace agreements under US sponsorship.

The agreements were supposed to be for a transitional five-year period, but a longer-term deal proved elusive and a second bloody Palestinian intifada, or uprising, broke out in 2000.

Abbas, 84, also renewed a pledge to hold fresh parliamentary elections, which last took place in 2006.

Those elections, which were surprisingly won by Islamist movement Hamas, eventually led to a dramatic split, with Hamas seizing control of Gaza in 2007.

"Upon my return to the homeland, I will call for regular local elections in the West Bank, in the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and anyone who opposes these elections will be held accountable before God and the international community," said Abbas, likely referencing Hamas.

Abbas has made similar promises before, most recently in December 2018 Abbas when he said he would hold parliamentary elections within six months.

Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz later told the assembly his country "wants peace with all its neighbors."

He added: "We call on the Palestinian Authority to stop incitement. To stop encouraging and financing terrorism. And to recognize the right of the Jewish People to its own state."

Katz also called on the Palestinians to come back to direct negotiations "without any pre-conditions."

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank. Netanyahu, who is trying to form a new government following a deadlocked election, pledged before the vote to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea which account for one-third of the West Bank. The promise was widely condemned, including by UN chief Antonio Guterres who warned it would violate international law. "Our response, if any Israeli government is to proceed with this plan, is that all signed agreements with the government of the occupation and any obligations therein will be terminated," said Abbas. "And it is our right to defend our rights by all possible means, regardless of consequences, while remaining committed to international law and combating terrorism," he warned. Abbas made a similar vow in July, but did not follow through. In the early 1990s, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, then headed by Yasser Arafat, signed a number of peace agreements under US sponsorship. The agreements were supposed to be for a transitional five-year period, but a longer-term deal proved elusive and a second bloody Palestinian intifada, or uprising, broke out in 2000. Abbas, 84, also renewed a pledge to hold fresh parliamentary elections, which last took place in 2006. Those elections, which were surprisingly won by Islamist movement Hamas, eventually led to a dramatic split, with Hamas seizing control of Gaza in 2007. "Upon my return to the homeland, I will call for regular local elections in the West Bank, in the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and anyone who opposes these elections will be held accountable before God and the international community," said Abbas, likely referencing Hamas. Abbas has made similar promises before, most recently in December 2018 Abbas when he said he would hold parliamentary elections within six months. Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz later told the assembly his country "wants peace with all its neighbors." He added: "We call on the Palestinian Authority to stop incitement. To stop encouraging and financing terrorism. And to recognize the right of the Jewish People to its own state." Katz also called on the Palestinians to come back to direct negotiations "without any pre-conditions."

All agreements off if Israel annexes territory: Palestine President Mahmud Abbas warns at United Nations

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