With just one week left for the United Nations Human Rights Council to get over, India has been able to thwart Pakistan's attempts to rake up the Kashmir issue at the Geneva-based body.&nbsp;

The 42nd session of the Human Rights Council is underway in Geneva where the headquarters of UNHRC is located from September 9 to 27.

Behind India’s victory was the work of 9 Indian diplomats who were able to make sure Pakistan's attempts to raise Kashmir fall flat at the UN institution.&nbsp;

The 9-member team was led by secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh who was entrusted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to chalk out the detailed strategy.

Some of the key members were India’s envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, India’s permanent representative to UN, Rajiv Chander; Deputy Permanent Representative to UN, Puneet Aggarwal; first secretary in India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, Vimarsh Aryan; Animesh Choudhury, first secretary covering economic matters in the sphere of human rights; Mini Devi; Gloria Gangte and Alok Ranjan Jha.

Bisaria, who was sent back by Pakistan after the decision by New Delhi to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir, camped in Geneva and reached out to UNHRC members. Ajay Bisaria, who was the private secretary to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, met UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet on Friday and briefed about New Delhi’s rationale on revoking Article 370. The fact that Bisaria was sent as part of the team is considered a masterstroke by EAM Jaishankar.

Vimarsh Aryan, who slammed Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, hails from Jammu and Kashmir and is the only Indian diplomat who has served there for 3 years. The fact that the MEA chose a diplomat who from J&amp;K to reply to Pak's foreign minister is a message in itself which will be noticed across the world, especially in Islamabad. His right of reply went viral, and on the day of the reply, he became one of the Twitter trends in India. Vimarsh had, in the past, served as the private secretary to former minister of state in the Ministry of External Affairs General VK Singh. Vimarsh, who speaks Arabic fluently, reached out to Arab diplomats.

Animesh has reached out to several countries in the neighbourhood and Latin America. Because of his fluency in Spanish, his outreach to the Latin American countries was significant and effective. Given his experience in handling high-pressure assignments, as private secretary to former Minister of State for External Affairs, he was roped in to deal with the important assignment.

MEA had deputed Gloria Gangte and Alok Ranjan Jha from New Delhi specially for the human rights session. They were chosen since they had previous experience in the field of human rights. Both officers had previously served in the Indian Mission in Geneva. Mini Devi, first secretary in India’s permanent mission in Geneva, covers Human Rights and was actively involved in the entire exercise. 
&nbsp; 
Islamabad could not muster any support to bring a resolution on Kashmir - something the country was aiming for and failed despite claiming to have the support of 50 countries. The list of 50 countries backing Pakistan was never released by Islamabad.

With just one week left for the United Nations Human Rights Council to get over, India has been able to thwart Pakistan's attempts to rake up the Kashmir issue at the Geneva-based body.

With just one week left for the United Nations Human Rights Council to get over, India has been able to thwart Pakistan's attempts to rake up the Kashmir issue at the Geneva-based body. The 42nd session of the Human Rights Council is underway in Geneva where the headquarters of UNHRC is located from September 9 to 27. Behind India’s victory was the work of 9 Indian diplomats who were able to make sure Pakistan's attempts to raise Kashmir fall flat at the UN institution. The 9-member team was led by secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh who was entrusted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to chalk out the detailed strategy. Some of the key members were India’s envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, India’s permanent representative to UN, Rajiv Chander; Deputy Permanent Representative to UN, Puneet Aggarwal; first secretary in India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, Vimarsh Aryan; Animesh Choudhury, first secretary covering economic matters in the sphere of human rights; Mini Devi; Gloria Gangte and Alok Ranjan Jha. Bisaria, who was sent back by Pakistan after the decision by New Delhi to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir, camped in Geneva and reached out to UNHRC members. Ajay Bisaria, who was the private secretary to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, met UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet on Friday and briefed about New Delhi’s rationale on revoking Article 370. The fact that Bisaria was sent as part of the team is considered a masterstroke by EAM Jaishankar. Vimarsh Aryan, who slammed Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, hails from Jammu and Kashmir and is the only Indian diplomat who has served there for 3 years. The fact that the MEA chose a diplomat who from J&K to reply to Pak's foreign minister is a message in itself which will be noticed across the world, especially in Islamabad. His right of reply went viral, and on the day of the reply, he became one of the Twitter trends in India. Vimarsh had, in the past, served as the private secretary to former minister of state in the Ministry of External Affairs General VK Singh. Vimarsh, who speaks Arabic fluently, reached out to Arab diplomats. Animesh has reached out to several countries in the neighbourhood and Latin America. Because of his fluency in Spanish, his outreach to the Latin American countries was significant and effective. Given his experience in handling high-pressure assignments, as private secretary to former Minister of State for External Affairs, he was roped in to deal with the important assignment. MEA had deputed Gloria Gangte and Alok Ranjan Jha from New Delhi specially for the human rights session. They were chosen since they had previous experience in the field of human rights. Both officers had previously served in the Indian Mission in Geneva. Mini Devi, first secretary in India’s permanent mission in Geneva, covers Human Rights and was actively involved in the entire exercise. Islamabad could not muster any support to bring a resolution on Kashmir - something the country was aiming for and failed despite claiming to have the support of 50 countries. The list of 50 countries backing Pakistan was never released by Islamabad.

Meet 9 Indian diplomats behind India's masterstroke at UNHRC, Geneva

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-houston-kickstarts-his-week-long-packed-us-visit-251087">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will inaugurate a 50kW&nbsp;'Gandhi Solar Park' at the United Nations&nbsp;on September 24.

India has gifted $1&nbsp;million for a Solar Panel and Green Roof Project under which solar panels will be installed on the rooftop of the headquarters of United Nations headquarters.

The energy that will be generated in the park is equivalent to energy that would have been created through the use of 30,000 kilograms of coal.

It also has carbon sequestration of 1000 seedlings which will grow into trees over 10 years.

The plant's annual system output will be 86,244 kWh which is equal to Co2 emissions from 30,246 Kg of coal burnt.

In total 193 photovoltaic panels have been set up with each panel having a size of 71.41kw.

Alongside the solar panels, there is also a green roof which has vegetation.

It is the first time that solar energy will be produced at the UN headquarters in New York.

PM Modi arrived at Houston, US for 'Howdy Modi' show today

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport at Houston, Texas on Saturday on a week-long visit to the United States.

PM Modi is scheduled to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/howdy-modi-prime-minister-to-address-his-biggest-ever-us-rally-this-weekend-250911">address&nbsp;50,000 Indian diaspora</a> today in Houston in an event called ''Howdy Modi''.

The event at Houston on September 22 will be the largest gathering for an elected foreign leader other than the Pope and it will be a celebration of the cultures of India and the US.&nbsp;

The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity.

Ahead of the big event — US President Donald Trump has said that he could announce something from the stage. Howdy Modi is an opportunity for US President Trump to win some support from the Indian community. The next presidential election in America is scheduled for 2020 in which the influential Indian-American community is expected to play a big role. Trump, a Republican, has already announced his candidature.

According to a 2018 survey, Indian Americas are much more disapproving of Trump — than the average Asian Americans.

This will be the third meeting between Modi and Trump this year. The previous two were on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Japan in June and the G7 Summit in France in July.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 50kW 'Gandhi Solar Park' at the United Nations on September 24. India has gifted $1 million for a Solar Panel and Green Roof Project under which solar panels will be installed on the rooftop of the headquarters of United Nations headquarters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 50kW 'Gandhi Solar Park' at the United Nations on September 24. India has gifted $1 million for a Solar Panel and Green Roof Project under which solar panels will be installed on the rooftop of the headquarters of United Nations headquarters. The energy that will be generated in the park is equivalent to energy that would have been created through the use of 30,000 kilograms of coal. It also has carbon sequestration of 1000 seedlings which will grow into trees over 10 years. The plant's annual system output will be 86,244 kWh which is equal to Co2 emissions from 30,246 Kg of coal burnt. In total 193 photovoltaic panels have been set up with each panel having a size of 71.41kw. Alongside the solar panels, there is also a green roof which has vegetation. It is the first time that solar energy will be produced at the UN headquarters in New York. PM Modi arrived at Houston, US for 'Howdy Modi' show today Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport at Houston, Texas on Saturday on a week-long visit to the United States. PM Modi is scheduled to address 50,000 Indian diaspora today in Houston in an event called ''Howdy Modi''. The event at Houston on September 22 will be the largest gathering for an elected foreign leader other than the Pope and it will be a celebration of the cultures of India and the US. The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity. Ahead of the big event — US President Donald Trump has said that he could announce something from the stage. Howdy Modi is an opportunity for US President Trump to win some support from the Indian community. The next presidential election in America is scheduled for 2020 in which the influential Indian-American community is expected to play a big role. Trump, a Republican, has already announced his candidature. According to a 2018 survey, Indian Americas are much more disapproving of Trump — than the average Asian Americans. This will be the third meeting between Modi and Trump this year. The previous two were on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Japan in June and the G7 Summit in France in July.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate 'Gandhi Solar Park' at United Nations on September 24

The United Nations envoy for Yemen welcomed Saturday an offer from the country's Houthi rebels to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-aramco-plants-still-a-target-report-249938">halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia</a>, saying it could bring an end to years of bloody conflict.

Implementation of the initiative by the Houthis "in good faith could send a powerful message of the will to end the war," Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths said.&nbsp;

The Iran-backed Houthis, which control the capital Sanaa and other parts of Yemen, have been fighting against a Saudi-led coalition which supports the country's internationally recognized government in a devastating five-year war.

Griffiths hailed "the desire for a political solution to end the conflict" in a statement issued from UN headquarters in New York.

On Friday, the Houthis proposed halting attacks on Saudi Arabia as part of a peace initiative.

Saudi Arabia gave a cautious response, with the minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir saying on Saturday, "We judge other parties by their deeds, actions and not by their words, so we will see (whether) they actually do this or not."

Griffiths stressed "the importance of taking advantage of this opportunity and moving forward with all necessary steps to reduce violence, military escalation and unhelpful rhetoric."

The Houthis' announcement comes after a wave of drone strikes last weekend on Saudi oil installations, which knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's production and sent shock waves through energy markets.&nbsp;

The attacks were claimed by Yemen's Houthis, but the United States says it has concluded the strikes involved cruise missiles from Iran.

Yemen's conflict has killed tens of thousands of people -- most of them civilians -- and driven millions more to the brink of famine in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations envoy for Yemen welcomed Saturday an offer from the country's Houthi rebels to halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying it could bring an end to years of bloody conflict.

The United Nations envoy for Yemen welcomed Saturday an offer from the country's Houthi rebels to halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying it could bring an end to years of bloody conflict. Implementation of the initiative by the Houthis "in good faith could send a powerful message of the will to end the war," Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths said. The Iran-backed Houthis, which control the capital Sanaa and other parts of Yemen, have been fighting against a Saudi-led coalition which supports the country's internationally recognized government in a devastating five-year war. Griffiths hailed "the desire for a political solution to end the conflict" in a statement issued from UN headquarters in New York. On Friday, the Houthis proposed halting attacks on Saudi Arabia as part of a peace initiative. Saudi Arabia gave a cautious response, with the minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir saying on Saturday, "We judge other parties by their deeds, actions and not by their words, so we will see (whether) they actually do this or not." Griffiths stressed "the importance of taking advantage of this opportunity and moving forward with all necessary steps to reduce violence, military escalation and unhelpful rhetoric." The Houthis' announcement comes after a wave of drone strikes last weekend on Saudi oil installations, which knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's production and sent shock waves through energy markets. The attacks were claimed by Yemen's Houthis, but the United States says it has concluded the strikes involved cruise missiles from Iran. Yemen's conflict has killed tens of thousands of people -- most of them civilians -- and driven millions more to the brink of famine in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

United Nations welcomes Houthi offer to halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia

Almost 90 big companies in sectors from food to cement to telecommunications are pledging to slash their greenhouse gas emissions in a new campaign to steer multi-nationals towards a low-carbon future, organizers said on Sunday.

We Mean Business, a coalition of advocacy groups, said dozens of companies had joined the initiative in the two months leading up to a United Nations summit taking place on Monday, which aims to spur faster action on climate change.

“Now we need many more companies to join the movement, sending a clear signal that markets are shifting,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

The coalition was launched in June with a call to action by the United Nations, business and civil society leaders. The first 28 companies to join announced the following month. We Mean Business said 87 companies are now involved, with a total market capitalization of more than $2.3 trillion.

Some companies in the coalition have agreed to slash their carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, including Swiss food company Nestle, French building materials company Saint-Gobain, and French cosmetics maker L'Oreal.

Others have stopped short of committing to go carbon neutral but say they will align their operations with a goal of limiting the increase in average global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius enshrined in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

This group includes Finnish telecoms company Nokia, French food group Danone and British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc, We Mean Business said.

As accelerating climate impacts from melting ice caps to sea-level rise and extreme weather outpace climate models, scientists say the world needs to halve its greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade to avoid catastrophic warming.

With fossil fuel companies still developing new oil and gas fields and many developing countries expanding coal-fired power, the coalition's pledges are minuscule relative to rising global emissions.

Some experts have questioned whether publicly traded companies committed to maximizing shareholder returns will be able to make the sweeping investments required to fight climate change. Yet many investors have been pressuring companies to act on climate risks, and chief executives also face pressure from an upsurge in youth-led activism, which mobilized millions around the world to protest on Friday.

We Mean Business believes pledges by a core of mostly European, and some North American and Asian companies, to commit to independently-verified emissions targets will prompt others to follow suit.

“These bold companies are leading the way towards a positive tipping point where 1.5°C-aligned corporate strategies are the new normal for businesses and their supply chains around the world," said Lise Kingo, chief executive of the UN Global Compact, which promotes responsible business practices.

UN chief Guterres sees the private sector as crucial to securing more ambitious pledges at Monday's Climate Action Summit in New York, which aims to boost the Paris deal before it enters a crucial implementation phase next year.

Companies such as Danish power group Orsted, Spanish energy company Iberdrola and German insurer Allianz are due to speak alongside governments at the one-day gathering, according to a draft agenda.

Almost 90 big companies in sectors from food to cement to telecommunications are pledging to slash their greenhouse gas emissions in a new campaign to steer multi-nationals towards a low-carbon future, organizers said on Sunday.

Almost 90 big companies in sectors from food to cement to telecommunications are pledging to slash their greenhouse gas emissions in a new campaign to steer multi-nationals towards a low-carbon future, organizers said on Sunday. We Mean Business, a coalition of advocacy groups, said dozens of companies had joined the initiative in the two months leading up to a United Nations summit taking place on Monday, which aims to spur faster action on climate change. “Now we need many more companies to join the movement, sending a clear signal that markets are shifting,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. The coalition was launched in June with a call to action by the United Nations, business and civil society leaders. The first 28 companies to join announced the following month. We Mean Business said 87 companies are now involved, with a total market capitalization of more than $2.3 trillion. Some companies in the coalition have agreed to slash their carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, including Swiss food company Nestle, French building materials company Saint-Gobain, and French cosmetics maker L'Oreal. Others have stopped short of committing to go carbon neutral but say they will align their operations with a goal of limiting the increase in average global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius enshrined in the 2015 Paris Agreement. This group includes Finnish telecoms company Nokia, French food group Danone and British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc, We Mean Business said. As accelerating climate impacts from melting ice caps to sea-level rise and extreme weather outpace climate models, scientists say the world needs to halve its greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade to avoid catastrophic warming. With fossil fuel companies still developing new oil and gas fields and many developing countries expanding coal-fired power, the coalition's pledges are minuscule relative to rising global emissions. Some experts have questioned whether publicly traded companies committed to maximizing shareholder returns will be able to make the sweeping investments required to fight climate change. Yet many investors have been pressuring companies to act on climate risks, and chief executives also face pressure from an upsurge in youth-led activism, which mobilized millions around the world to protest on Friday. We Mean Business believes pledges by a core of mostly European, and some North American and Asian companies, to commit to independently-verified emissions targets will prompt others to follow suit. “These bold companies are leading the way towards a positive tipping point where 1.5°C-aligned corporate strategies are the new normal for businesses and their supply chains around the world," said Lise Kingo, chief executive of the UN Global Compact, which promotes responsible business practices. UN chief Guterres sees the private sector as crucial to securing more ambitious pledges at Monday's Climate Action Summit in New York, which aims to boost the Paris deal before it enters a crucial implementation phase next year. Companies such as Danish power group Orsted, Spanish energy company Iberdrola and German insurer Allianz are due to speak alongside governments at the one-day gathering, according to a draft agenda.

90 big companies commit to slash greenhouse gas emissions ahead of UN climate summit

Ahead of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week, India's envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin has slammed Pakistan who plans to use the world stage to rake up Kashmir.&nbsp;

In response to a question on how India plans to counter Islamabad's Kashmir rant, Akbaruddin said, "It is for every country to determine its trajectory how it wants to approach global issues. There may be some who stoop low, response to them is we soar high."&nbsp;

Explaining further Akbaruddin said, "We have seen them, mainstream terrorism in the past&nbsp;and they may now want to mainstream hate speech. It is their&nbsp;call."

"Poison&nbsp;pens don't work for too long. We are confident that we will soar. We will soar when they stoop low," Akbaruddin added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has made it clear that he will be using his UNGA speech to raise Kashmir, which the Pakistani leadership has been doing for the last 70 years.

Meanwhile talking about India's engagement at UNGA, Akbaruddin said, "Extent&nbsp;of outreach is unprecedented this time" and "expect concrete tangible action-oriented visible outcomes."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of State in MEA V Muraleedharan will be reaching out in substantive meetings to 75 plus countries at heads of state/ foreign ministers for at least 30 minutes or more.

PM Modi will be speaking at 10 events that will be broadcast live. The events include--Howdy Modi in Houston, UN Climate Action summit, UN High-level meeting on universal health coverage, Leaders dialogue on strategic responses to terrorist, Third India-Pacific Island Summit, 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi event, Third annual goalkeeper's event, Bloomberg global business forum, First India-Caribbean summit and UNGA address in New York.

Ahead of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week, India's envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin has slammed Pakistan who plans to use the world stage to rake up Kashmir.

Ahead of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week, India's envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin has slammed Pakistan who plans to use the world stage to rake up Kashmir. In response to a question on how India plans to counter Islamabad's Kashmir rant, Akbaruddin said, "It is for every country to determine its trajectory how it wants to approach global issues. There may be some who stoop low, response to them is we soar high." Explaining further Akbaruddin said, "We have seen them, mainstream terrorism in the past and they may now want to mainstream hate speech. It is their call." "Poison pens don't work for too long. We are confident that we will soar. We will soar when they stoop low," Akbaruddin added. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has made it clear that he will be using his UNGA speech to raise Kashmir, which the Pakistani leadership has been doing for the last 70 years. Meanwhile talking about India's engagement at UNGA, Akbaruddin said, "Extent of outreach is unprecedented this time" and "expect concrete tangible action-oriented visible outcomes." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of State in MEA V Muraleedharan will be reaching out in substantive meetings to 75 plus countries at heads of state/ foreign ministers for at least 30 minutes or more. PM Modi will be speaking at 10 events that will be broadcast live. The events include--Howdy Modi in Houston, UN Climate Action summit, UN High-level meeting on universal health coverage, Leaders dialogue on strategic responses to terrorist, Third India-Pacific Island Summit, 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi event, Third annual goalkeeper's event, Bloomberg global business forum, First India-Caribbean summit and UNGA address in New York.

Poison pens don't work for too long: India's envoy to UN Syed Akbaruddin slams Pakistan

Ahead of General debate in United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan as an essential element to resolve any problem in the region. &nbsp;

Responding to a question on the situation on developments in Kashmir, Guterres said, "I go on with a clear opinion that human rights must be fully respected in the territory. And I go on with a clear opinion that dialogue between India and Pakistan is an essential element for the solution of the problem."

The Secretary-General also explained that the UN's "capacity is only related to good offices and good offices can only be implemented when parties accept it."

New Delhi has rejected any third party mediation&nbsp;and reminded that under Lahore declaration and Shimla Agreement both India and Pakistan will resolve all issues bilaterally.

On the situation of Uighurs Muslims in China, Guterres said, "I don't think anyone has been more persistent and more clear in talking to Chinese authorities about this issue than myself."

Adding further he said, "I have been doing publically much more than many world leaders."

Many western governments have been saying Uighurs are been systemically targeted by China and being sent to re-education camps while countries such as Pakistan have been silent.&nbsp;

The 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) opened on September 17 and the first day of high-level General Debate will be on September 24.

On Monday, UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit, and the UNGA will hold a one-day high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

Ahead of General debate in United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan as an essential element to resolve any problem in the region.

Ahead of General debate in United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan as an essential element to resolve any problem in the region. Responding to a question on the situation on developments in Kashmir, Guterres said, "I go on with a clear opinion that human rights must be fully respected in the territory. And I go on with a clear opinion that dialogue between India and Pakistan is an essential element for the solution of the problem." The Secretary-General also explained that the UN's "capacity is only related to good offices and good offices can only be implemented when parties accept it." New Delhi has rejected any third party mediation and reminded that under Lahore declaration and Shimla Agreement both India and Pakistan will resolve all issues bilaterally. On the situation of Uighurs Muslims in China, Guterres said, "I don't think anyone has been more persistent and more clear in talking to Chinese authorities about this issue than myself." Adding further he said, "I have been doing publically much more than many world leaders." Many western governments have been saying Uighurs are been systemically targeted by China and being sent to re-education camps while countries such as Pakistan have been silent. The 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) opened on September 17 and the first day of high-level General Debate will be on September 24. On Monday, UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit, and the UNGA will hold a one-day high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

Dialogue between India, Pakistan essential element: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly due to the "political context" in Israel, sources in his office told AFP Wednesday.

Initial results from Tuesday's general election show Netanyahu's Likud party tied with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/route-to-61-forming-a-coalition-after-israels-election-250385">Blue and White alliance</a> of his main challenger, former army chief Benny Gantz.

According to Israeli media, with more than 90 per cent of ballots counted, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 places in Israel's 120-member parliament.

If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current administration as he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead.

The election was Israel's second in five months, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must appoint someone to form the next government, has stressed the "need to avoid a third".

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous poll.

Likud and its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk Rivlin picking someone else to try.

Netanyahu had been due to meet US President Donald Trump on the fringes of the General Assembly next week.

Trump said Saturday that he Netanyahu were&nbsp;to discuss the possibility of moving forward on a "mutual defence" treaty between the allies.

Netanyahu went further.

"I look forward to our meeting at the UN to advance a historic defence treaty between the United States and Israel," he said.

Netanyahu has in the past used speeches at the podium to accuse arch-foe Iran of working secretly to develop nuclear arms and denounce its support for militant groups against Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly due to the "political context" in Israel, sources in his office told AFP Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly due to the "political context" in Israel, sources in his office told AFP Wednesday. Initial results from Tuesday's general election show Netanyahu's Likud party tied with the Blue and White alliance of his main challenger, former army chief Benny Gantz. According to Israeli media, with more than 90 per cent of ballots counted, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 places in Israel's 120-member parliament. If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current administration as he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead. The election was Israel's second in five months, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must appoint someone to form the next government, has stressed the "need to avoid a third". Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous poll. Likud and its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk Rivlin picking someone else to try. Netanyahu had been due to meet US President Donald Trump on the fringes of the General Assembly next week. Trump said Saturday that he Netanyahu were to discuss the possibility of moving forward on a "mutual defence" treaty between the allies. Netanyahu went further. "I look forward to our meeting at the UN to advance a historic defence treaty between the United States and Israel," he said. Netanyahu has in the past used speeches at the podium to accuse arch-foe Iran of working secretly to develop nuclear arms and denounce its support for militant groups against Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu cancels UN visit over post-poll 'political context'

Iran's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erdogan-hosts-putin-and-rouhani-for-new-round-of-syria-talks-250181">Hassan Rouhani</a> and his delegation could be forced into skipping next week's UN General Assembly because the United States has yet to issue them visas, state media said Wednesday.

Rouhani and his delegation had been scheduled to travel to New York for the annual UN gathering on Monday, but that was now looking unlikely given the lack of visas, state news agency IRNA said.

"If the visas aren't issued in a few hours, this trip will probably be cancelled," IRNA reported.

The delegation includes Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif, who the United States imposed sanctions against on July 31.

The foreign minister had been due to travel to New York on Friday morning, according to IRNA.

The absence of Rouhani would ruin France's bid to arrange a meeting between him and US President Donald Trump as part of European efforts to de-escalate tensions between the arch-foes.

"Iran's absence will show that in contrast with its commitments to the United Nations and international organisations within the framework of agreements, diplomacy has no value for the United States," IRNA said.

"Although the Islamic Republic of Iran has not left the scene and it continues its active diplomacy, the US government must answer for its behaviour," it added.

The UN General Assembly debate is due to begin on Tuesday.

As the host government, the United States generally is obliged to issue visas to diplomats who serve at UN headquarters.

But Iran and the United States have been at loggerheads since May last year when Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal and began reimposing sanctions in its campaign of "maximum pressure".

Iran responded by scaling back its commitments under the landmark accord, which gave it the promise of sanctions relief in return for limiting the scope of its nuclear programme.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and his delegation could be forced into skipping next week's UN General Assembly because the United States has yet to issue them visas, state media said Wednesday.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and his delegation could be forced into skipping next week's UN General Assembly because the United States has yet to issue them visas, state media said Wednesday. Rouhani and his delegation had been scheduled to travel to New York for the annual UN gathering on Monday, but that was now looking unlikely given the lack of visas, state news agency IRNA said. "If the visas aren't issued in a few hours, this trip will probably be cancelled," IRNA reported. The delegation includes Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif, who the United States imposed sanctions against on July 31. The foreign minister had been due to travel to New York on Friday morning, according to IRNA. The absence of Rouhani would ruin France's bid to arrange a meeting between him and US President Donald Trump as part of European efforts to de-escalate tensions between the arch-foes. "Iran's absence will show that in contrast with its commitments to the United Nations and international organisations within the framework of agreements, diplomacy has no value for the United States," IRNA said. "Although the Islamic Republic of Iran has not left the scene and it continues its active diplomacy, the US government must answer for its behaviour," it added. The UN General Assembly debate is due to begin on Tuesday. As the host government, the United States generally is obliged to issue visas to diplomats who serve at UN headquarters. But Iran and the United States have been at loggerheads since May last year when Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal and began reimposing sanctions in its campaign of "maximum pressure". Iran responded by scaling back its commitments under the landmark accord, which gave it the promise of sanctions relief in return for limiting the scope of its nuclear programme.

Iran's Hassan Rouhani may skip United Nations meet over US visa delay: Report

The Baloch Voice Association (BVA) has organised a protest at Broken Chair, in front of the United Nations office here, demanding its intervention to stop human rights violations in Balochistan.

The activists shouted slogans against the Pakistan Army and its spy agency, the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI), for kidnappings, torturing and killing of human rights activists and intellectuals from Balochistan.

Munir Mengal, president of the BVA, said: "The main aim of today's protest was to raise the voices of the people who are being victimised back at home by the Pakistani army. What crime have they committed that the state is inflicting such brutalities and they have to pay that by their blood."

"We have asked the United Nations to intervene. It is not only restricted to any particular region. Instead, the Baloch, Pashtuns, and everybody is crying. They have joined hands with China and each day the incidents of human rights violations are rising," added Munir.

Thousands of Balochs are disappearing and the families are unable to trace their whereabouts. They are kidnapped by Pakistan's security agencies, the activists alleged.

Another Baloch activist, Abdul Wajid Baloch, told ANI, "We want to expose Pakistan over the atrocities and barbarism it has committed since the past 72 years. We want the UN to raise its voice against Pakistan and pressurise Pakistan to stop its systematic genocide against our people.

"India is a big democracy. We have a lot of expectations from India that it will help us in achieving our demands. If India wants regional peace, it has to support the Baloch Freedom Movement," he stressed.

The protesters also noted that the Baloch demand independence from Pakistan as it was an independent nation before 1947 and was forcibly occupied.

"On one hand, they say that India is doing atrocities in Kashmir while on the other, Pakistan is curbing the media from reporting in Ghotki, Sindh, Waziristan. If they are so correct with their agenda, then why don't they allow the media to report from its minority areas," Mir Saleem, organiser of the event, told ANI.

Pakistan is not only blamed for human rights violations in its own country, but its engagement of promoting 'jihad'&nbsp;in neighbouring Afghanistan is also condemned.

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) who took part in the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva also condemned Pakistan's duplicity over handling of the Kashmir issue.

The Baloch Voice Association (BVA) has organised a protest at Broken Chair, in front of the United Nations office here, demanding its intervention to stop human rights violations in Balochistan.

The Baloch Voice Association (BVA) has organised a protest at Broken Chair, in front of the United Nations office here, demanding its intervention to stop human rights violations in Balochistan. The activists shouted slogans against the Pakistan Army and its spy agency, the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI), for kidnappings, torturing and killing of human rights activists and intellectuals from Balochistan. Munir Mengal, president of the BVA, said: "The main aim of today's protest was to raise the voices of the people who are being victimised back at home by the Pakistani army. What crime have they committed that the state is inflicting such brutalities and they have to pay that by their blood." "We have asked the United Nations to intervene. It is not only restricted to any particular region. Instead, the Baloch, Pashtuns, and everybody is crying. They have joined hands with China and each day the incidents of human rights violations are rising," added Munir. Thousands of Balochs are disappearing and the families are unable to trace their whereabouts. They are kidnapped by Pakistan's security agencies, the activists alleged. Another Baloch activist, Abdul Wajid Baloch, told ANI, "We want to expose Pakistan over the atrocities and barbarism it has committed since the past 72 years. We want the UN to raise its voice against Pakistan and pressurise Pakistan to stop its systematic genocide against our people. "India is a big democracy. We have a lot of expectations from India that it will help us in achieving our demands. If India wants regional peace, it has to support the Baloch Freedom Movement," he stressed. The protesters also noted that the Baloch demand independence from Pakistan as it was an independent nation before 1947 and was forcibly occupied. "On one hand, they say that India is doing atrocities in Kashmir while on the other, Pakistan is curbing the media from reporting in Ghotki, Sindh, Waziristan. If they are so correct with their agenda, then why don't they allow the media to report from its minority areas," Mir Saleem, organiser of the event, told ANI. Pakistan is not only blamed for human rights violations in its own country, but its engagement of promoting 'jihad' in neighbouring Afghanistan is also condemned. Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) who took part in the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva also condemned Pakistan's duplicity over handling of the Kashmir issue.

Baloch activists hold anti-Pakistan protest outside UN office; seek intervention

UN investigators called Tuesday for an expert evaluation of whether Myanmar's civilian leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-in-bangladesh-face-tide-of-hostility-as-welcome-turns-to-fear-250157">Aung San Suu Kyi </a>can be legally implicated in the abuses committed against the country's Rohingya minority.

The fact-finding mission to Myanmar, set up by the UN Human Rights Council, said they were not equipped to determine what level of responsibility Suu Kyi should shoulder for the Rohingya crisis.

"It will become a legal issue whether or not there is an element of culpability here," fact-finding mission chair Marzuki Darusman told reporters in Geneva.

Watch: Bangladesh Feels ISI Could recruit from Rohingya Camps

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The Human Rights Council recently created a panel to prepare criminal indictments over atrocities committed in the country -- the so-called Independent International Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) -- which could have the expertise to determine what responsibility Suu Kyi bears in the crisis.

"It is still an open-ended question to what extent she might be implicated," Darusman said.&nbsp;

When asked if the Nobel laureate might be implicated, he said "that is for the judicial process to address," referring to the IIMM.

The fact-finding mission last year branded the army operation in August 2017 as "genocide" and called for the prosecution of top generals, including army chief Min Aung Hlaing.

Some 740,000 Rohingya fled burning villages, bringing accounts of murder, rape and torture over the border to sprawling refugee camps in Bangladesh, where survivors of previous waves of persecution already languished.

And in a damning report published Monday, the investigators warned that the 600,000 Rohingya still inside Myanmar's Rakhine state remain in deteriorating and "deplorable" conditions and continue to face a "serious risk of genocide".

The experts told the rights council on Tuesday that they had a confidential list of some 150 names, including officials, suspected of being involved in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

'Criminal responsibility'?

Darusman said that the investigators initially shied away from laying blame on Suu Kyi, who spent years in house arrest before her party in 2015 won Myanmar's first fully free vote for generations.

He said that the fact-finding team had taken into account that Myanmar was "going through a transition, a democratic transition, and therefore in our first report we absolved Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi from any direct responsibility."

But while it was likely that Suu Kyi was not aware in August 2017 of the army's activities, "the issue now is that subsequently, there was no further addressing of this issue on her part," Darusman said.

Another member of the fact-finding mission, Christopher Sidoti, acknowledged that "it is clear that the civilian side of the government does not control the military side of the government."

But "the civilian side of the government has very substantial constitutional responsibilities," he said.

"The longer this goes on, the more impossible it is for the civilian side of the government to escape international criminal responsibility for the human rights situation in Myanmar."

The fact-finding mission, which was never granted access to Myanmar, is expected to wrap up its work during the ongoing session of the Human Rights Council, due to end next week.

But the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights situation in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, should continue monitoring the situation.

UN investigators called Tuesday for an expert evaluation of whether Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi can be legally implicated in the abuses committed against the country's Rohingya minority.

UN investigators called Tuesday for an expert evaluation of whether Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi can be legally implicated in the abuses committed against the country's Rohingya minority. The fact-finding mission to Myanmar, set up by the UN Human Rights Council, said they were not equipped to determine what level of responsibility Suu Kyi should shoulder for the Rohingya crisis. "It will become a legal issue whether or not there is an element of culpability here," fact-finding mission chair Marzuki Darusman told reporters in Geneva. Watch: Bangladesh Feels ISI Could recruit from Rohingya Camps × The Human Rights Council recently created a panel to prepare criminal indictments over atrocities committed in the country -- the so-called Independent International Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) -- which could have the expertise to determine what responsibility Suu Kyi bears in the crisis. "It is still an open-ended question to what extent she might be implicated," Darusman said. When asked if the Nobel laureate might be implicated, he said "that is for the judicial process to address," referring to the IIMM. The fact-finding mission last year branded the army operation in August 2017 as "genocide" and called for the prosecution of top generals, including army chief Min Aung Hlaing. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled burning villages, bringing accounts of murder, rape and torture over the border to sprawling refugee camps in Bangladesh, where survivors of previous waves of persecution already languished. And in a damning report published Monday, the investigators warned that the 600,000 Rohingya still inside Myanmar's Rakhine state remain in deteriorating and "deplorable" conditions and continue to face a "serious risk of genocide". The experts told the rights council on Tuesday that they had a confidential list of some 150 names, including officials, suspected of being involved in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. 'Criminal responsibility'? Darusman said that the investigators initially shied away from laying blame on Suu Kyi, who spent years in house arrest before her party in 2015 won Myanmar's first fully free vote for generations. He said that the fact-finding team had taken into account that Myanmar was "going through a transition, a democratic transition, and therefore in our first report we absolved Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi from any direct responsibility." But while it was likely that Suu Kyi was not aware in August 2017 of the army's activities, "the issue now is that subsequently, there was no further addressing of this issue on her part," Darusman said. Another member of the fact-finding mission, Christopher Sidoti, acknowledged that "it is clear that the civilian side of the government does not control the military side of the government." But "the civilian side of the government has very substantial constitutional responsibilities," he said. "The longer this goes on, the more impossible it is for the civilian side of the government to escape international criminal responsibility for the human rights situation in Myanmar." The fact-finding mission, which was never granted access to Myanmar, is expected to wrap up its work during the ongoing session of the Human Rights Council, due to end next week. But the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights situation in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, should continue monitoring the situation.

Suu Kyi 'culpability' in Rohingya abuses an 'open-ended question': UN investigator

When more than 730,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/600000-rohingyas-in-myanmar-still-at-serious-risk-of-genocide-united-nations-249971">Rohingya fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar </a>in 2017, Bangladeshi journalist Sharif Azad was sympathetic to the plight of his fellow Muslims, survivors of a military-led crackdown the United Nations has branded genocide.

The reporter, from the southern corner of Bangladesh that has become home to the world’s largest refugee settlement, said he wrote accounts of the traumatized, exhausted Rohingya and did what he could to help. 
“All the people did it,” said Azad, in his office near a bustling market outside the town of Cox`s Bazar.

"We provided the food. We provided land.”

Two years on, Azad runs a campaign against the Rohingya, aiming to see them confined to their camps behind barbed wire until they can be sent back to Myanmar.

“We will continue our movement until repatriation happens,” said Azad, who said his group now has 1,000 members, and is one of several that have sprung up with the same aims.

Most Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are regarded as interlopers, illegal immigrants from South Asia.

Rohingya were driven from their villages in Myanmar into Bangladesh in the 1970s and again in the 1990s, fleeing what they said was persecution at the hands of the Myanmar military.

But the latest influx has been the biggest.

Myanmar denies accusations of genocide. It says its armed forces have carried out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants who attacked security forces.

In Bangladesh, the deterioration of relations between the "host" community and the newcomers has been so precipitous some now fear serious violence.

"I`ve lived to see three influxes and this is the worst,” said Bangladeshi labourer Khadir Hussein, 60, in a tea shop in the border town of Teknaf. 
“We feel if they attack us, how will we survive? We`re a minority in our land.”

'Taking measures'

Many Bangladeshis accuse the Rohingya of crime, taking jobs and pushing down wages.

Once-lush forests have been cleared for the camps and the road to Cox`s Bazar, the nearest major town, is clogged with aid trucks. A trip that used to take an hour can now take four on rutted, broken roads.

Recently, a hundreds-strong mob blocked roads and destroyed shops frequented by Rohingya as well as some UN offices, in a protest against the killing of a Bangladeshi ruling party youth leader.

Several Rohingya accused of involvement in the murder were later shot dead in what the police said were gunfights.

Senior Cox’s Bazar police official Iqbal Hossain said there had been a rise in crime, though the rate among refugees was no higher than that among Bangladeshis.

He acknowledged the growing animosity towards the refugees. 
"This is going to be tough to control so many people,” he said. “The government is taking measures to prevent any untoward situation.”

In a bamboo camp shelter, four refugees who asked not to be identified said they had fled from their homes after the recent mob attack, scrambling to gather children and belongings, in a state of terror they likened to their panicked flight from Myanmar.

"When we came here, we came to save our lives,” said one refugee, his voice shaking,

"But here, we`re not safe. We`re very afraid.”

Bangladesh has said all of the Rohingya must go home but not one agreed to last month in a second bid to get a repatriation process going.&nbsp; 
Refugees cite fears of violence and persecution back in Myanmar.

'Bad elements'

With tension between the communities rising, authorities have clamped down, cutting the internet in the camps and trying to confiscate phones, citing security concerns.

The sale of phone SIM cards to refugees has been forbidden.

H.T. Imam, an adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accused "foreign forces" of mobilising the Rohingya against Bangladesh`s interests. He called the role of international aid agencies "mysterious".

"It is becoming clear there are unwanted people and bad elements among the Rohingyas, and they have been used by foreign forces,” he said.

"The camps should be surrounded by barbed wire to stop all ... criminal activities.”

UNHCR spokeswoman Caroline Gluck said in an email the agency "would recommend the adoption of security measures that do not impact upon the ability of refugees to access basic services and rights and live safely".

Regarding the communication restrictions, she said: "Technology has been an important way for the refugees to communicate with family and friends, and humanitarian agencies to disseminate and access information.”

But technology has also been used to fuel fear and suspicion. 
A flurry of rumours about Rohingya and international aid groups has appeared on Facebook and in newspapers.

In August, Azad posted a photo on Facebook showing piles of sharp objects and accused a non-governmental group of hiring the shop making them to arm refugees. The post was shared hundreds of times.

But staff at the shop told Reuters the tools were not weapons and the Bangladeshi NGO caught up in the affair said they were weeding tools for villagers.

The febrile atmosphere is contributing to a sense of despair. 
“They have the pen, they have the gun, they have a country. I have nothing,” one Rohingya man told Reuters.

“Please pray for us,” he said.

When more than 730,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar in 2017, Bangladeshi journalist Sharif Azad was sympathetic to the plight of his fellow Muslims, survivors of a military-led crackdown the United Nations has branded genocide.

When more than 730,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar in 2017, Bangladeshi journalist Sharif Azad was sympathetic to the plight of his fellow Muslims, survivors of a military-led crackdown the United Nations has branded genocide. The reporter, from the southern corner of Bangladesh that has become home to the world’s largest refugee settlement, said he wrote accounts of the traumatized, exhausted Rohingya and did what he could to help. “All the people did it,” said Azad, in his office near a bustling market outside the town of Cox`s Bazar. "We provided the food. We provided land.” Two years on, Azad runs a campaign against the Rohingya, aiming to see them confined to their camps behind barbed wire until they can be sent back to Myanmar. “We will continue our movement until repatriation happens,” said Azad, who said his group now has 1,000 members, and is one of several that have sprung up with the same aims. Most Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are regarded as interlopers, illegal immigrants from South Asia. Rohingya were driven from their villages in Myanmar into Bangladesh in the 1970s and again in the 1990s, fleeing what they said was persecution at the hands of the Myanmar military. But the latest influx has been the biggest. Myanmar denies accusations of genocide. It says its armed forces have carried out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants who attacked security forces. In Bangladesh, the deterioration of relations between the "host" community and the newcomers has been so precipitous some now fear serious violence. "I`ve lived to see three influxes and this is the worst,” said Bangladeshi labourer Khadir Hussein, 60, in a tea shop in the border town of Teknaf. “We feel if they attack us, how will we survive? We`re a minority in our land.” 'Taking measures' Many Bangladeshis accuse the Rohingya of crime, taking jobs and pushing down wages. Once-lush forests have been cleared for the camps and the road to Cox`s Bazar, the nearest major town, is clogged with aid trucks. A trip that used to take an hour can now take four on rutted, broken roads. Recently, a hundreds-strong mob blocked roads and destroyed shops frequented by Rohingya as well as some UN offices, in a protest against the killing of a Bangladeshi ruling party youth leader. Several Rohingya accused of involvement in the murder were later shot dead in what the police said were gunfights. Senior Cox’s Bazar police official Iqbal Hossain said there had been a rise in crime, though the rate among refugees was no higher than that among Bangladeshis. He acknowledged the growing animosity towards the refugees. "This is going to be tough to control so many people,” he said. “The government is taking measures to prevent any untoward situation.” In a bamboo camp shelter, four refugees who asked not to be identified said they had fled from their homes after the recent mob attack, scrambling to gather children and belongings, in a state of terror they likened to their panicked flight from Myanmar. "When we came here, we came to save our lives,” said one refugee, his voice shaking, "But here, we`re not safe. We`re very afraid.” Bangladesh has said all of the Rohingya must go home but not one agreed to last month in a second bid to get a repatriation process going. Refugees cite fears of violence and persecution back in Myanmar. 'Bad elements' With tension between the communities rising, authorities have clamped down, cutting the internet in the camps and trying to confiscate phones, citing security concerns. The sale of phone SIM cards to refugees has been forbidden. H.T. Imam, an adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accused "foreign forces" of mobilising the Rohingya against Bangladesh`s interests. He called the role of international aid agencies "mysterious". "It is becoming clear there are unwanted people and bad elements among the Rohingyas, and they have been used by foreign forces,” he said. "The camps should be surrounded by barbed wire to stop all ... criminal activities.” UNHCR spokeswoman Caroline Gluck said in an email the agency "would recommend the adoption of security measures that do not impact upon the ability of refugees to access basic services and rights and live safely". Regarding the communication restrictions, she said: "Technology has been an important way for the refugees to communicate with family and friends, and humanitarian agencies to disseminate and access information.” But technology has also been used to fuel fear and suspicion. A flurry of rumours about Rohingya and international aid groups has appeared on Facebook and in newspapers. In August, Azad posted a photo on Facebook showing piles of sharp objects and accused a non-governmental group of hiring the shop making them to arm refugees. The post was shared hundreds of times. But staff at the shop told Reuters the tools were not weapons and the Bangladeshi NGO caught up in the affair said they were weeding tools for villagers. The febrile atmosphere is contributing to a sense of despair. “They have the pen, they have the gun, they have a country. I have nothing,” one Rohingya man told Reuters. “Please pray for us,” he said.

Rohingya in Bangladesh face tide of hostility as welcome turns to fear

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-blames-myanmar-for-rohingya-repatriation-failure-249197">Rohingyas remaining in Myanmar</a> still face a "serious risk of genocide", UN investigators said on Monday, warning the repatriation of a million already driven from the country by the army remains "impossible".

The fact-finding mission to Myanmar, set up by the Human Rights Council, last year branded the army operations in 2017 as "genocide" and called for the prosecution of top generals, including army chief Min Aung Hlaing.

Some 740,000 Rohingya fled burning villages, bringing accounts of murder, rape and torture over the border to sprawling refugee camps in Bangladesh, where survivors of previous waves of persecution already languish.

But in a damning report, the UN team said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-halts-new-sim-card-sale-in-rohingya-camps-248751">600,000 Rohingya</a> still inside Myanmar's Rakhine state remain in deteriorating and "deplorable" conditions.

"Myanmar continues to harbour genocidal intent and the Rohingya remain under serious risk of genocide," the investigators said in their final report on Myanmar, due to be presented Tuesday in Geneva.

The country is "denying wrongdoing, destroying evidence, refusing to conduct effective investigations and clearing, razing, confiscating and building on land from which it displaced Rohingya," it said.

Myanmar military spokesman Zaw Min Tun rejected the team's findings, calling them "one-sided".

"Instead of making biased accusations, they should go onto the ground to see the reality," Zaw Min Tun said.

Rohingyas remaining in Myanmar still face a "serious risk of genocide", UN investigators said on Monday, warning the repatriation of a million already driven from the country by the army remains "impossible".

Rohingyas remaining in Myanmar still face a "serious risk of genocide", UN investigators said on Monday, warning the repatriation of a million already driven from the country by the army remains "impossible". The fact-finding mission to Myanmar, set up by the Human Rights Council, last year branded the army operations in 2017 as "genocide" and called for the prosecution of top generals, including army chief Min Aung Hlaing. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled burning villages, bringing accounts of murder, rape and torture over the border to sprawling refugee camps in Bangladesh, where survivors of previous waves of persecution already languish. But in a damning report, the UN team said the 600,000 Rohingya still inside Myanmar's Rakhine state remain in deteriorating and "deplorable" conditions. "Myanmar continues to harbour genocidal intent and the Rohingya remain under serious risk of genocide," the investigators said in their final report on Myanmar, due to be presented Tuesday in Geneva. The country is "denying wrongdoing, destroying evidence, refusing to conduct effective investigations and clearing, razing, confiscating and building on land from which it displaced Rohingya," it said. Myanmar military spokesman Zaw Min Tun rejected the team's findings, calling them "one-sided". "Instead of making biased accusations, they should go onto the ground to see the reality," Zaw Min Tun said.

600,000 Rohingyas in Myanmar still at 'serious risk of genocide': United Nations

Iran said on Monday President Hassan Rouhani will not meet with US President Donald Trump at the United Nations, a day after the White House left open the possibility of talks between them.

Iran said on Monday President Hassan Rouhani will not meet with US President Donald Trump at the United Nations, a day after the White House left open the possibility of talks between them. "Neither is such an event on our agenda, nor will it happen. Such a meeting will not take place," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in remarks carried by state TV. Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected a meeting and any talks with Washington while Iran is subject to sanctions, which Trump re-imposed after withdrawing last year from Tehran's 2015 nuclear accords with world powers. Iran earlier condemned as "unacceptable" US accusations it was behind an attack on Saudi oil plants, after the United States said it was "locked and loaded" for a potential response. The strikes were claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. "Stopping all sanctions is an indispensable precondition for constructive diplomacy. We hold meetings when we are sure that our people's problems can be solved," government spokesman Ali Rabiei said, according to the semi-official news agency Tasnim. "Sanctions must be lifted, and the United States must respect the Iranian nation," Rabiei said. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said on Sunday the previous day's attacks "did not help" prospects for a meeting between the two leaders during the United Nations General Assembly this month, but she left open the possibility a meeting could take place.

Iran says Rouhani and Trump won't be meeting at United Nations

On August 5, by revoking the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) by Article 370, India scored a major victory against cross-border terrorism as well as separatism in the Valley. Hailed by many as a constitutional coup, the move paves the way to for the full integration of J&amp;K into the Union of India. This should have happened way back in 1947, after the signing of the instrument of accession on October 26. However, better late than never. Even if turning the former state into two union territories is unprecedented in the history of independent India, national interest as well as the good of the people of the region, is paramount.

Ladakh, which is also a separate Union Territory, will now have a much better chance to protect its unique religious and cultural heritage. The fragile Himalayan ecology of one of India’s most beautiful, rugged, and inaccessible parts must be preserved by regulating the pace and quantum of both development and access to the region. What is more the overt and covert Islamisation of the largely Buddhist area will also be checked. In a few more decades, the entire state, not just the Valley, faced the very real danger of not just being alienated, but lost to India, both culturally and politically. That most Indians understood this instinctively and emotionally even if not intellectually or rationally, is evident in the overwhelming public support for the government surgical strike on Article 370.

But what we might have perhaps failed fully to grasp is that though the constitutional battle has been won, the war over Kashmir is still being waged, but on other fronts. We have very carefully to monitor as well as manage the global narrative on Kashmir. This has been stacked, by and large, against India in the past. Both in the media and only marginally less so in international multilateral or bilateral fora, the United Nations (UN) being the key example of the former, as the United States is of the latter. Luckily, Pakistan has not made much headway in either so far. After getting US President Trump to offer to mediate, Pakistan’s Imran Khan had to eat humble pie after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi got Trump to retract. While US meddling, given their own troubles in Afghanistan, cannot be ruled out, India has managed to make its position loud and clear.

As to the UN, it has several platforms where Pakistan is likely to mount its Kashmir offensive. The latest skirmish, at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC), is only one instance. India came out on top. On Tuesday, Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, denounced Pakistan’s “state sponsored terrorism” and underscored India’s right to revoke J&amp;K’s special status. Highlighting Pakistan’s shoddy and shameful human rights record, she sarcastically questioned our neighbour right to point fingers at us when “trampling upon them [human rights] at will in their own country.” She accused Pakistan’s of pushing a “malicious political agenda under the garb of human rights.”

Projecting India as a law-abiding, sovereign power, Singh said, “These decisions were taken by our Parliament after a full debate that was televised and enjoyed widespread support. We wish to reiterate that this sovereign decision, like other legislations passed by Parliament, is entirely internal to India. No country can accept interference in its internal affairs, certainly not India.” On Wednesday, first secretary to India’s permanent mission at the UNHRC, Geneva, Vimarsh Aryan, followed up by exposing “Pakistan’s hysterical statements with false, fabricated narratives aimed to politicise and polarize this forum.” Himself from J&amp;K, Aryan excoriated Pakistan for being “the epicentre of global terrorism,” encouraging violence by calling for jihad in J&amp;K and elsewhere.&nbsp;

In addition to trying to foment trouble in the Valley and mounting international pressure on India, Pakistan will also encourage its friends and proxies in foreign media houses to push its case. The leading newspapers and TV channels, not to mention national broadcasters, have often fallen for its victimhood narratives. In India, too, the last vestiges of Lutyens Delhi will also scream day in and day out that things are not normal in Kashmir. But when were they normal, we might ask them. Normalcy is only now returning to the region with the anomalous 370 and 35A being altered. Both India and the world need to accept the new normal in Kashmir. For this the narrative and diplomatic war must supplement the battle-ready formations on the border and the internal law and order machinery in the new Union Territory. Coming back to the UNHRC, let’s be fully prepared for Imran Khan’s tirade on 27th September. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-kashmir-the-new-battlefront-2789583">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

On August 5, by revoking the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) by Article 370, India scored a major victory against cross-border terrorism as well as separatism in the Valley.

On August 5, by revoking the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) by Article 370, India scored a major victory against cross-border terrorism as well as separatism in the Valley. Hailed by many as a constitutional coup, the move paves the way to for the full integration of J&K into the Union of India. This should have happened way back in 1947, after the signing of the instrument of accession on October 26. However, better late than never. Even if turning the former state into two union territories is unprecedented in the history of independent India, national interest as well as the good of the people of the region, is paramount. Ladakh, which is also a separate Union Territory, will now have a much better chance to protect its unique religious and cultural heritage. The fragile Himalayan ecology of one of India’s most beautiful, rugged, and inaccessible parts must be preserved by regulating the pace and quantum of both development and access to the region. What is more the overt and covert Islamisation of the largely Buddhist area will also be checked. In a few more decades, the entire state, not just the Valley, faced the very real danger of not just being alienated, but lost to India, both culturally and politically. That most Indians understood this instinctively and emotionally even if not intellectually or rationally, is evident in the overwhelming public support for the government surgical strike on Article 370. But what we might have perhaps failed fully to grasp is that though the constitutional battle has been won, the war over Kashmir is still being waged, but on other fronts. We have very carefully to monitor as well as manage the global narrative on Kashmir. This has been stacked, by and large, against India in the past. Both in the media and only marginally less so in international multilateral or bilateral fora, the United Nations (UN) being the key example of the former, as the United States is of the latter. Luckily, Pakistan has not made much headway in either so far. After getting US President Trump to offer to mediate, Pakistan’s Imran Khan had to eat humble pie after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi got Trump to retract. While US meddling, given their own troubles in Afghanistan, cannot be ruled out, India has managed to make its position loud and clear. As to the UN, it has several platforms where Pakistan is likely to mount its Kashmir offensive. The latest skirmish, at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC), is only one instance. India came out on top. On Tuesday, Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, denounced Pakistan’s “state sponsored terrorism” and underscored India’s right to revoke J&K’s special status. Highlighting Pakistan’s shoddy and shameful human rights record, she sarcastically questioned our neighbour right to point fingers at us when “trampling upon them [human rights] at will in their own country.” She accused Pakistan’s of pushing a “malicious political agenda under the garb of human rights.” Projecting India as a law-abiding, sovereign power, Singh said, “These decisions were taken by our Parliament after a full debate that was televised and enjoyed widespread support. We wish to reiterate that this sovereign decision, like other legislations passed by Parliament, is entirely internal to India. No country can accept interference in its internal affairs, certainly not India.” On Wednesday, first secretary to India’s permanent mission at the UNHRC, Geneva, Vimarsh Aryan, followed up by exposing “Pakistan’s hysterical statements with false, fabricated narratives aimed to politicise and polarize this forum.” Himself from J&K, Aryan excoriated Pakistan for being “the epicentre of global terrorism,” encouraging violence by calling for jihad in J&K and elsewhere. In addition to trying to foment trouble in the Valley and mounting international pressure on India, Pakistan will also encourage its friends and proxies in foreign media houses to push its case. The leading newspapers and TV channels, not to mention national broadcasters, have often fallen for its victimhood narratives. In India, too, the last vestiges of Lutyens Delhi will also scream day in and day out that things are not normal in Kashmir. But when were they normal, we might ask them. Normalcy is only now returning to the region with the anomalous 370 and 35A being altered. Both India and the world need to accept the new normal in Kashmir. For this the narrative and diplomatic war must supplement the battle-ready formations on the border and the internal law and order machinery in the new Union Territory. Coming back to the UNHRC, let’s be fully prepared for Imran Khan’s tirade on 27th September. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kashmir: The New Battlefront

Climate change activist Greta Thunberg led a student rally outside the White House on Friday, demanding more action on climate change. The Swedish teenager - who began her activism by skipping school to lobby her government - has inspired a similar movement in the U.S. They're demanding more action on climate change as world leaders prepare to gather at the United Nations.

Swedish student activist leads rally on climate change outside White House

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-says-us-north-korea-will-restart-dialogue-soon-244718">South Korean</a> President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-ready-for-dialogue-or-confrontation-with-us-244911">North Korea</a>'s nuclear weapons programme.

Seoul and Washington are working to fix a date for the meeting during Moon's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly from September 22-26, Moon's spokeswoman Ko Min-jung told a briefing.

The announcement came days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-could-warm-up-to-talks-after-removal-of-war-maniac-bolton-248959">North Korea</a> said it was willing to reopen denuclearisation talks with the United States within the month.

The negotiations stalled after a failed summit in February between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the two agreed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-be-glad-to-see-north-korea-us-resuming-talks-on-schedule-china-249155">revive talks </a>when they met in June at the inter-Korean border.

Watch: US-North Korea relations back on track ?

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Trump said on Thursday he would be willing to have another meeting with Kim at some point later this year which would be their fourth since an unprecedented summit in June 2018.

Trump's removal of John Bolton, his hard-line national security adviser, earlier this week could facilitate the revival of the talks though it will hardly make the US goal of persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons any easier, analysts say.

Pyongyang has also repeatedly called for US concessions on sanctions, warning that dealings between both sides could end unless Washington takes a fresh approach.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme. Seoul and Washington are working to fix a date for the meeting during Moon's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly from September 22-26, Moon's spokeswoman Ko Min-jung told a briefing. The announcement came days after North Korea said it was willing to reopen denuclearisation talks with the United States within the month. The negotiations stalled after a failed summit in February between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the two agreed to revive talks when they met in June at the inter-Korean border. Watch: US-North Korea relations back on track ? × Trump said on Thursday he would be willing to have another meeting with Kim at some point later this year which would be their fourth since an unprecedented summit in June 2018. Trump's removal of John Bolton, his hard-line national security adviser, earlier this week could facilitate the revival of the talks though it will hardly make the US goal of persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons any easier, analysts say. Pyongyang has also repeatedly called for US concessions on sanctions, warning that dealings between both sides could end unless Washington takes a fresh approach.

Trump, South Korea's Moon, expected to meet at UN amid hopes for new North Korea talks

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation.

Maduro said Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza would attend the meeting and present the UN secretary-general with a petition signed by 12 million Venezuelans criticizing the sanctions, part of the Trump administration's effort to pressure Maduro to leave the office.

"Here is the immense majority of the Venezuelan people saying no more blockade, no more sanctions," Maduro said in a speech to the youth wing of the ruling socialist party.

"This year I will stay with you all working in Venezuela, safely and calmly."

Maduro, who Washington accuses of corruption and human rights violations, travelled at the last minute to New York last year after saying he may not because of an alleged assassination plot.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation. Maduro said Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza would attend the meeting and present the UN secretary-general with a petition signed by 12 million Venezuelans criticizing the sanctions, part of the Trump administration's effort to pressure Maduro to leave the office. "Here is the immense majority of the Venezuelan people saying no more blockade, no more sanctions," Maduro said in a speech to the youth wing of the ruling socialist party. "This year I will stay with you all working in Venezuela, safely and calmly." Maduro, who Washington accuses of corruption and human rights violations, travelled at the last minute to New York last year after saying he may not because of an alleged assassination plot.

Venezuela's Maduro says he will skip UN, but envoys will slam US sanctions

Yet again, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations for raking up the Kashmir issue. Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nation, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the Kashmir issue on Thursday during a discussion on "Report of the Security Council for 2018". Lodhi said that the UN Security Council has failed to implement its resolutions on Kashmir.

Indian diplomat Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, while giving out the country's statement in the debate said, "There has been yet another attempt by one delegation to misuse this forum to spread baseless and deceitful narratives about my country".

Calling Islamabad's attempts as unsuccessful, the first secretary at the Indian mission in UN, Bayyapu said, "truth is that the delegation represents a geographical space that is now widely known as the hub of terrorism that has jeopardized innocent lives in our region and beyond."

Earlier in the week, Pakistan and India clashed at the United Nations Human Rights Council where Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called New Delhi's decision to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir as illegal.

The Indian delegation, led by secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh, called the decision as a sovereign one taken by the Indian parliament and slammed Islamabad for interfering in India's internal matter. India has also highlighted the plight of minorities in the South Asian country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be heading to New York by the end of this month for the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. Both will be speaking on September 27. This will be the second time when PM Modi will be addressing the UNGA since 2014. &nbsp;

Yet again, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations for raking up the Kashmir issue. Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nation, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the Kashmir issue on Thursday during a discussion on "Report of the Security Council for 2018".

Yet again, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations for raking up the Kashmir issue. Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nation, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the Kashmir issue on Thursday during a discussion on "Report of the Security Council for 2018". Lodhi said that the UN Security Council has failed to implement its resolutions on Kashmir. Indian diplomat Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, while giving out the country's statement in the debate said, "There has been yet another attempt by one delegation to misuse this forum to spread baseless and deceitful narratives about my country". Calling Islamabad's attempts as unsuccessful, the first secretary at the Indian mission in UN, Bayyapu said, "truth is that the delegation represents a geographical space that is now widely known as the hub of terrorism that has jeopardized innocent lives in our region and beyond." Earlier in the week, Pakistan and India clashed at the United Nations Human Rights Council where Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called New Delhi's decision to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir as illegal. The Indian delegation, led by secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh, called the decision as a sovereign one taken by the Indian parliament and slammed Islamabad for interfering in India's internal matter. India has also highlighted the plight of minorities in the South Asian country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be heading to New York by the end of this month for the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. Both will be speaking on September 27. This will be the second time when PM Modi will be addressing the UNGA since 2014.

India slams Pakistan at United Nations for raking up Kashmir issue 

In another effort to internationalise the strictly internal Indian matter of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has ramped up its rhetoric against New Delhi at UNHRC in Geneva.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Kashmir is not a country-specific situation and India altering status of Kashmir is illegal.

Qureshi also said that all political leaders of the region are under arrest. 
&nbsp; 
Giving a communal angle to India's move of revoking Article 370 in J&amp;K &nbsp;Qureshi said that India plans to reduce Jammu &amp; Kashmir's Muslim majority into a minority.

On August 5 India made constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir and the entire structure of Pakistan's nationalism built around Kashmir over the past seven decades came crashing down.&nbsp;

Ever since Islamabad has been scampering around to find a narrative that could resonate both domestically and internationally.

India is set to take on Pakistan at the council with a high powered delegation led by Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria.

The Indian government has consistently maintained that abrogation of Article 370 is an internal matter, however, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken up the matter with several world leaders, but hasn't received any support.

In another effort to internationalise the strictly internal Indian matter of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has ramped up its rhetoric against New Delhi at UNHRC in Geneva.

In another effort to internationalise the strictly internal Indian matter of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has ramped up its rhetoric against New Delhi at UNHRC in Geneva. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Kashmir is not a country-specific situation and India altering status of Kashmir is illegal. Qureshi also said that all political leaders of the region are under arrest. Giving a communal angle to India's move of revoking Article 370 in J&K Qureshi said that India plans to reduce Jammu & Kashmir's Muslim majority into a minority. On August 5 India made constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir and the entire structure of Pakistan's nationalism built around Kashmir over the past seven decades came crashing down. Ever since Islamabad has been scampering around to find a narrative that could resonate both domestically and internationally. India is set to take on Pakistan at the council with a high powered delegation led by Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria. The Indian government has consistently maintained that abrogation of Article 370 is an internal matter, however, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken up the matter with several world leaders, but hasn't received any support.

India altering status of Kashmir is illegal, says Pakistan Foreign Minister in UNHRC

What is dengue, and why is it so widespread this year?

India must highlight how <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-abrogation-india-pakistan-clash-likely-at-unhrc-meet-in-geneva-248505">Article 370</a> was about special discrimination against the people of Jammu and Kashmir to win support at the 42nd session of United Nations Human Rights Convention (UNHRC) that is scheduled to begin today, said former UN diplomat Mukul Sanwal.

The former diplomat also said that Pakistan has been trying its best to internationalise the issue of Kashmir, especially after India's historic move of revoking Article 370 and Article 35 (A).

"I am sure that Pakistan will raise the Kashmir issue at the UNHRC meeting in Geneva. It has also sent its foreign minister there along with a delegation. They had also said that they will go to any extent on the issue," Sanwal told ANI.

"Now the question is when the UN Security Council had earlier said that there`s no role of international mediation for peace as it is an internal issue of India, then why is Pakistan now raising the issue of human rights violations there?" the former diplomat added.

Agreeing with the words of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Sanwal further stressed that the restrictions are temporary measures due to the rise of infiltrators in the Valley.

New Delhi had time and again reiterated that there was no development in the region prior to the abrogation of the special status, the diplomat stated.

"We need to adhere to our stand that 'human rights'&nbsp;is not only related to political or procedural rights but also social-economic rights (which were earlier not there)," he stressed."If there are no social-economic rights then the political rights will also become hollow. Only a few families had been ruling the Valley so far," Sanwal said.

"India has to prove this point in order to win support," he added.

Meanwhile, voicing similar sentiments over the issue, another diplomat Suresh Goel, told ANI, "This is nothing new. Pakistan has always tried to raise the Kashmir issue to the world community and attacked India over it."

"But the world has changed. People's perspectives have also undergone changes. The United Nations has a fair idea about India's record regarding human rights. They know the real situation in the Valley. They (world community) will be successful in quashing the fake claims made by Pakistan at the session," he added.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi left for Geneva to attend the UNHRC meeting with an aim to "fight for the cause of innocent Kashmiris", according to reports by Pakistan media.

&nbsp;

India must highlight how Article 370 was about special discrimination against the people of Jammu and Kashmir to win support at the 42nd session of United Nations Human Rights Convention (UNHRC) that is scheduled to begin today, said former UN diplomat Mukul Sanwal.

India must highlight how Article 370 was about special discrimination against the people of Jammu and Kashmir to win support at the 42nd session of United Nations Human Rights Convention (UNHRC) that is scheduled to begin today, said former UN diplomat Mukul Sanwal. The former diplomat also said that Pakistan has been trying its best to internationalise the issue of Kashmir, especially after India's historic move of revoking Article 370 and Article 35 (A). "I am sure that Pakistan will raise the Kashmir issue at the UNHRC meeting in Geneva. It has also sent its foreign minister there along with a delegation. They had also said that they will go to any extent on the issue," Sanwal told ANI. "Now the question is when the UN Security Council had earlier said that there`s no role of international mediation for peace as it is an internal issue of India, then why is Pakistan now raising the issue of human rights violations there?" the former diplomat added. Agreeing with the words of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Sanwal further stressed that the restrictions are temporary measures due to the rise of infiltrators in the Valley. New Delhi had time and again reiterated that there was no development in the region prior to the abrogation of the special status, the diplomat stated. "We need to adhere to our stand that 'human rights' is not only related to political or procedural rights but also social-economic rights (which were earlier not there)," he stressed."If there are no social-economic rights then the political rights will also become hollow. Only a few families had been ruling the Valley so far," Sanwal said. "India has to prove this point in order to win support," he added. Meanwhile, voicing similar sentiments over the issue, another diplomat Suresh Goel, told ANI, "This is nothing new. Pakistan has always tried to raise the Kashmir issue to the world community and attacked India over it." "But the world has changed. People's perspectives have also undergone changes. The United Nations has a fair idea about India's record regarding human rights. They know the real situation in the Valley. They (world community) will be successful in quashing the fake claims made by Pakistan at the session," he added. Earlier in the day, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi left for Geneva to attend the UNHRC meeting with an aim to "fight for the cause of innocent Kashmiris", according to reports by Pakistan media.

'To counter Pakistan at UNHRC, India must tell Article 370 was about special discrimination,' former UN diplomat

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-hits-out-at-mike-pompeo-warns-hopes-for-us-talks-disappearing-246829">United States</a> would use the United Nations General Assembly this month to persuade countries to help "call out" China over treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority.

Asked after a speech at Kansas State University how Washington had been promoting an end to the oppression of Uighurs in China, Pompeo told an audience there: "Insufficiently, because it's still going on."

"We are going to have this UN General Assembly in the third week in September. We'll do a number of gatherings, where our efforts will be to get other countries to sign up to help us call out this activity," Pompeo said.

"We want freedom for those folks. We have lots of challenges with China, but this is about their fundamental unalienable rights for those particular individuals."

Pompeo, an evangelical Christian who has portrayed himself as a champion of religious rights, reiterated past comments, saying that the treatment of the Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in China "may well end up being one of the worst stains on the world this century."

"It's of that magnitude," he said, adding that the challenge was to "rally the world" against it.

"We have done so today with some success, but not nearly enough, to call this out and work with the Chinese government, to convince them - to convince the Chinese Communist Party - that this isn't in their best interests ... that it's not the right way to treat ... other human beings," Pompeo said.

In his speech, Pompeo charged that over the past two years in its western region of Xinjiang, China had "tried to brainwash coming on one million Uighur Muslims in internment camps ... to renounce their culture and their faith."

He dismissed Chinese claims that the camps were meant to "educate and to save" people influenced by religious extremism.

China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China defends record

China has consistently denied any mistreatment of Uighurs in what it calls vocational training centres, which it says have been extremely successful in combating extremism and violence.

Hundreds have died in unrest in Xinjiang in recent years, blamed by Beijing on Islamists and extremists. Rights groups and exiles say the violence is more a reaction against China's suppression of the Uighur people.

In a speech on tackling extremism in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi on Friday, China's deputy propaganda minister Jiang Jianguo said the world had a responsibility to come together to counter terrorism, state news agency Xinhua reported.

The international community should "clearly oppose 'double standards' in countering terrorism and extremism, and further form a consensus and cooperate against terrorism and extremism," Xinhua cited Jiang as saying.

Though the United States has ramped up criticism of China's measures in Xinjiang, it has refrained from responding with sanctions over the issue, amid on-again-off-again talks to resolve a bitter and costly trade war.

The Trump administration has been considering sanctions against Chinese officials, including Xinjiang's Communist Party chief Chen Quanguo, a member of the Chinese leadership's powerful politburo, since last year, but has held off amid Chinese threats of retaliation.

Some in the US Congress and other critics have been dismayed by Trump's apparent tendency to place efforts to resolve the trade dispute above human rights concerns.

A White House official said on Friday that a major speech by Vice President Mike Pence that had been scheduled for June and expected to take a tough line on Beijing had been rescheduled for the fall.

The official, who did not want to be identified, said the tone of the speech would be dictated by the needs of the moment.

Last October, Pence shocked some China watchers with a speech in which he laid out a litany of complaints against Beijing, chastising China for building "an unparalleled surveillance state" and its treatment of the Uighurs.

China said on Tuesday it had lodged stern representations with the United States about previous comments by Pompeo about Xinjiang.

China's Foreign Ministry said Pompeo was just repeating his old narratives to accuse China, which China firmly opposed.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday the United States would use the United Nations General Assembly this month to persuade countries to help "call out" China over treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday the United States would use the United Nations General Assembly this month to persuade countries to help "call out" China over treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority. Asked after a speech at Kansas State University how Washington had been promoting an end to the oppression of Uighurs in China, Pompeo told an audience there: "Insufficiently, because it's still going on." "We are going to have this UN General Assembly in the third week in September. We'll do a number of gatherings, where our efforts will be to get other countries to sign up to help us call out this activity," Pompeo said. "We want freedom for those folks. We have lots of challenges with China, but this is about their fundamental unalienable rights for those particular individuals." Pompeo, an evangelical Christian who has portrayed himself as a champion of religious rights, reiterated past comments, saying that the treatment of the Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in China "may well end up being one of the worst stains on the world this century." "It's of that magnitude," he said, adding that the challenge was to "rally the world" against it. "We have done so today with some success, but not nearly enough, to call this out and work with the Chinese government, to convince them - to convince the Chinese Communist Party - that this isn't in their best interests ... that it's not the right way to treat ... other human beings," Pompeo said. In his speech, Pompeo charged that over the past two years in its western region of Xinjiang, China had "tried to brainwash coming on one million Uighur Muslims in internment camps ... to renounce their culture and their faith." He dismissed Chinese claims that the camps were meant to "educate and to save" people influenced by religious extremism. China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China defends record China has consistently denied any mistreatment of Uighurs in what it calls vocational training centres, which it says have been extremely successful in combating extremism and violence. Hundreds have died in unrest in Xinjiang in recent years, blamed by Beijing on Islamists and extremists. Rights groups and exiles say the violence is more a reaction against China's suppression of the Uighur people. In a speech on tackling extremism in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi on Friday, China's deputy propaganda minister Jiang Jianguo said the world had a responsibility to come together to counter terrorism, state news agency Xinhua reported. The international community should "clearly oppose 'double standards' in countering terrorism and extremism, and further form a consensus and cooperate against terrorism and extremism," Xinhua cited Jiang as saying. Though the United States has ramped up criticism of China's measures in Xinjiang, it has refrained from responding with sanctions over the issue, amid on-again-off-again talks to resolve a bitter and costly trade war. The Trump administration has been considering sanctions against Chinese officials, including Xinjiang's Communist Party chief Chen Quanguo, a member of the Chinese leadership's powerful politburo, since last year, but has held off amid Chinese threats of retaliation. Some in the US Congress and other critics have been dismayed by Trump's apparent tendency to place efforts to resolve the trade dispute above human rights concerns. A White House official said on Friday that a major speech by Vice President Mike Pence that had been scheduled for June and expected to take a tough line on Beijing had been rescheduled for the fall. The official, who did not want to be identified, said the tone of the speech would be dictated by the needs of the moment. Last October, Pence shocked some China watchers with a speech in which he laid out a litany of complaints against Beijing, chastising China for building "an unparalleled surveillance state" and its treatment of the Uighurs. China said on Tuesday it had lodged stern representations with the United States about previous comments by Pompeo about Xinjiang. China's Foreign Ministry said Pompeo was just repeating his old narratives to accuse China, which China firmly opposed.

US will aim to persuade others to 'call out' China over Uighurs at UN: Mike Pompeo

Christmas may still be a long way off, but Frankeiber Hernandez can barely wait for his parents to return from Peru in December.&nbsp;

They are among 3.6 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's economic meltdown since 2016, according to the UN. And he is one of the thousands of kids left behind -- growing up back home without parents.

Frankeiber was 16 when his mother left for Peru to earn money for the family. His father joined her the following year.

Since they've been gone, birthdays and other family occasions often end in tears.

"It's always very bad," says Frankeiber, now 18.

"Sometimes, I get depressed, but I keep hoping that they come back."

One in four Venezuelan migrants leaves at least one child behind, amid acute shortages of basic foods and medicines, according to NGO Cecodap.

"About 846,000 children could be in this situation," Cecodap director Abel Saraiba told AFP.

Raised on remittances

Grandmother Estelita is raising the teenager and his brother Fraiber, eight, with her husband in the rundown western Caracas suburb of Catia.&nbsp;

They survive on the dollars that the couple send back from Peru, where they work in a restaurant.

The dollar acts as a shield against crippling hyperinflation. Remittances from Venezuelans living abroad were worth around $3 billion over the past year, according to analysts Econanalitica.

Estelita, 58, says she is thankful to her daughter for the money, "but I'd rather have her here because she keeps telling me 'I'm losing my son's love.'"&nbsp;

Over time, Fraiber's conversations with his mother have diminished, and he's spending more and more time with his video games.

Children growing up without parents in the home experience irritability, depression and anger, says Saraiba.

'Miss you Mama'

There's Xavier, an 11-year-old who cries every night since his mother left a year ago, says his grandmother, Carmen Lugo.&nbsp;

"Mama I miss you," he writes in letters that he never sends.

Lugo has taken care of Xavier -- along with his two brothers and a cousin -- since her two daughters left for Madrid.

Lugo cooks and cleans for her grandchildren, and takes them to school every morning. At night, they sleep in the same bed because there's no other space.

The brutal force of Venezuela's meltdown is creating "transnational families" whose only links are WhatsApp conversations and remittances, says sociologist Claudia Vargas.

Child psychologists warn parents to avoid traumatising their children by promising them a hypothetical return that may never materialize.

Andreina, 15, has come to accept that she is not about to see her father come back from Costa Rica anytime soon.

She lives hoping to join her mother on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao, just north of Venezuela.

"I would really like her to leave, not because she's a burden, but for her own wellbeing," says her grandmother Minu, her guardian for the past three years.

But it's not clear whether Andreina would be able to leave. Venezuelan law prohibits minors from travelling without at least one parent.

"I would be happy if I was with my mom. But I would be so sad because it would mean leaving my grandmother," says Andreina, who adds that her 64-year-old grandmother has become her "best friend."

Christmas may still be a long way off, but Frankeiber Hernandez can barely wait for his parents to return from Peru in December. They are among 3.6 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's economic meltdown since 2016, according to the UN.

Christmas may still be a long way off, but Frankeiber Hernandez can barely wait for his parents to return from Peru in December. They are among 3.6 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's economic meltdown since 2016, according to the UN. And he is one of the thousands of kids left behind -- growing up back home without parents. Frankeiber was 16 when his mother left for Peru to earn money for the family. His father joined her the following year. Since they've been gone, birthdays and other family occasions often end in tears. "It's always very bad," says Frankeiber, now 18. "Sometimes, I get depressed, but I keep hoping that they come back." One in four Venezuelan migrants leaves at least one child behind, amid acute shortages of basic foods and medicines, according to NGO Cecodap. "About 846,000 children could be in this situation," Cecodap director Abel Saraiba told AFP. Raised on remittances Grandmother Estelita is raising the teenager and his brother Fraiber, eight, with her husband in the rundown western Caracas suburb of Catia. They survive on the dollars that the couple send back from Peru, where they work in a restaurant. The dollar acts as a shield against crippling hyperinflation. Remittances from Venezuelans living abroad were worth around $3 billion over the past year, according to analysts Econanalitica. Estelita, 58, says she is thankful to her daughter for the money, "but I'd rather have her here because she keeps telling me 'I'm losing my son's love.'" Over time, Fraiber's conversations with his mother have diminished, and he's spending more and more time with his video games. Children growing up without parents in the home experience irritability, depression and anger, says Saraiba. 'Miss you Mama' There's Xavier, an 11-year-old who cries every night since his mother left a year ago, says his grandmother, Carmen Lugo. "Mama I miss you," he writes in letters that he never sends. Lugo has taken care of Xavier -- along with his two brothers and a cousin -- since her two daughters left for Madrid. Lugo cooks and cleans for her grandchildren, and takes them to school every morning. At night, they sleep in the same bed because there's no other space. The brutal force of Venezuela's meltdown is creating "transnational families" whose only links are WhatsApp conversations and remittances, says sociologist Claudia Vargas. Child psychologists warn parents to avoid traumatising their children by promising them a hypothetical return that may never materialize. Andreina, 15, has come to accept that she is not about to see her father come back from Costa Rica anytime soon. She lives hoping to join her mother on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao, just north of Venezuela. "I would really like her to leave, not because she's a burden, but for her own wellbeing," says her grandmother Minu, her guardian for the past three years. But it's not clear whether Andreina would be able to leave. Venezuelan law prohibits minors from travelling without at least one parent. "I would be happy if I was with my mom. But I would be so sad because it would mean leaving my grandmother," says Andreina, who adds that her 64-year-old grandmother has become her "best friend."

Left behind: Venezuela's kids growing up without parents

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Wednesday lamented the "generational devastation" wrought by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahamas-toll-rises-to-seven-as-hurricane-dorian-crawls-along-us-coast-247483">Hurricane Dorian</a>, as he confirmed the storm's death toll had risen to at least 20.

The US Coast Guard and Britain's Royal Navy airlifted survivors and ferried in emergency supplies as floodwaters receded in the Bahamas, while the weakened but still dangerous storm was "lashing" the coasts of the American states of Georgia and South Carolina.

The United Nations said 70,000 people on Grand Bahama and Abaco islands were in "immediate need" of aid while the prime minister confirmed the grim new victim count.

"There have been 20 confirmed deaths on Abaco. We expect that this number will increase," Minnis told a news conference.

He also issued a warning to looters, saying they will be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law" and announced the deployment of additional police and defence force officers.

Watch: Hurricane Dorian slams hard on the Bahamas, dramatic images from Space

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Shelter, safe drinking water, food and medicine were urgently needed for some 50,000 people on Grand Bahama and between 15,000 and 20,000 on Abaco, UN emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock said after a meeting with Minnis.

"Speed is of the essence," Red Cross official Stephen McAndrew said of rescue operations on the two northernmost islands in the Bahamas archipelago which were pummeled by one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record.

People on Grand Bahama island were using jet skis and boats to pluck victims from homes flooded and pulverized by heavy rain and lashing winds from the monster storm.

US Coast Guard and Royal Navy helicopters were conducting medical evacuations, aerial assessments to help coordinate relief efforts, and reconnaissance flights to assess the damage.

President Donald Trump spoke by telephone to the Bahamian leader and pledged US assistance, the White House said.&nbsp;

"A big section of the Bahamas was hit like few people have seen before," Trump said. "They need a big hand."&nbsp;

Aerial footage showed scenes of catastrophic damage in Abaco with hundreds of homes missing roofs, cars submerged or overturned, widespread flooding and boats reduced to matchwood.

'Lucky in Florida'

As rescue efforts ramped up, Dorian remained a strong Category 2 hurricane threatening the US east coast states of Georgia and South and North Carolina but leaving Florida largely unscathed.

"We got lucky in Florida, very, very lucky indeed," Trump said.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center predicted the Carolinas could be hit with a dangerous storm surge of up to eight feet (2.4 meters) and six to 12 inches of rain.

"We are very well prepared," Trump said.

Larry Lewis, who runs Paradise Watersports in the city of Freeport on Grand Bahama, said most of the floodwaters had receded but some roads remained impassable.

"Everybody is trying to do their best," Lewis told AFP by telephone.

He said very few stores were open. "I saw a lot of people scrapping for something to eat," he said.

Roberto Smith, who was born in Abaco but now lives in Florida, said he was worried about his family.

"I spoke to my dad on the night of the hurricane, on Sunday night, and his roof blew up," Smith told AFP. "I haven't spoken to him since then. I am really worried. I can't even eat."

"The island is devastated," he added. "There is no power, no running water, no electricity."

'Truly shocking'

The US Coast Guard said it had rescued 61 people including 19 injured patients from the Marsh Harbour clinic on Abaco island who were flown to Nassau on Tuesday.

USAID, the US relief agency, said meanwhile it was airlifting supplies such as plastic sheeting for shelter, hygiene kits and water from Miami.

A British landing ship, the RFA Mounts Bay, launched boats carrying supplies for Marsh Harbour on Abaco and Britain's Department for International Development said it had deployed a team of three humanitarian experts.

"The clock is now ticking to get help to those in need," British International Development Secretary Alok Sharma said.

The Bahamas, a former British colony, gained its independence in 1973 and is a member of the Commonwealth.

Dorian, which dumped as much as 30 inches of rain on the islands, was downgraded Tuesday morning to a Category 2 hurricane on the five-level wind scale.

At 8:00 pm (0000 GMT), Dorian was packing winds of 110 miles (175 kilometres) and was located 130 miles (210 kilometres) south of Charleston, South Carolina, according to the NHC.

It was moving in a north-northwest direction at eight miles per hour and was "lashing the Georgia and South Carolina coast," the NHC added. 
&nbsp;

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Wednesday lamented the "generational devastation" wrought by Hurricane Dorian, as he confirmed the storm's death toll had risen to at least 20.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Wednesday lamented the "generational devastation" wrought by Hurricane Dorian, as he confirmed the storm's death toll had risen to at least 20. The US Coast Guard and Britain's Royal Navy airlifted survivors and ferried in emergency supplies as floodwaters receded in the Bahamas, while the weakened but still dangerous storm was "lashing" the coasts of the American states of Georgia and South Carolina. The United Nations said 70,000 people on Grand Bahama and Abaco islands were in "immediate need" of aid while the prime minister confirmed the grim new victim count. "There have been 20 confirmed deaths on Abaco. We expect that this number will increase," Minnis told a news conference. He also issued a warning to looters, saying they will be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law" and announced the deployment of additional police and defence force officers. Watch: Hurricane Dorian slams hard on the Bahamas, dramatic images from Space × Shelter, safe drinking water, food and medicine were urgently needed for some 50,000 people on Grand Bahama and between 15,000 and 20,000 on Abaco, UN emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock said after a meeting with Minnis. "Speed is of the essence," Red Cross official Stephen McAndrew said of rescue operations on the two northernmost islands in the Bahamas archipelago which were pummeled by one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record. People on Grand Bahama island were using jet skis and boats to pluck victims from homes flooded and pulverized by heavy rain and lashing winds from the monster storm. US Coast Guard and Royal Navy helicopters were conducting medical evacuations, aerial assessments to help coordinate relief efforts, and reconnaissance flights to assess the damage. President Donald Trump spoke by telephone to the Bahamian leader and pledged US assistance, the White House said. "A big section of the Bahamas was hit like few people have seen before," Trump said. "They need a big hand." Aerial footage showed scenes of catastrophic damage in Abaco with hundreds of homes missing roofs, cars submerged or overturned, widespread flooding and boats reduced to matchwood. 'Lucky in Florida' As rescue efforts ramped up, Dorian remained a strong Category 2 hurricane threatening the US east coast states of Georgia and South and North Carolina but leaving Florida largely unscathed. "We got lucky in Florida, very, very lucky indeed," Trump said. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center predicted the Carolinas could be hit with a dangerous storm surge of up to eight feet (2.4 meters) and six to 12 inches of rain. "We are very well prepared," Trump said. Larry Lewis, who runs Paradise Watersports in the city of Freeport on Grand Bahama, said most of the floodwaters had receded but some roads remained impassable. "Everybody is trying to do their best," Lewis told AFP by telephone. He said very few stores were open. "I saw a lot of people scrapping for something to eat," he said. Roberto Smith, who was born in Abaco but now lives in Florida, said he was worried about his family. "I spoke to my dad on the night of the hurricane, on Sunday night, and his roof blew up," Smith told AFP. "I haven't spoken to him since then. I am really worried. I can't even eat." "The island is devastated," he added. "There is no power, no running water, no electricity." 'Truly shocking' The US Coast Guard said it had rescued 61 people including 19 injured patients from the Marsh Harbour clinic on Abaco island who were flown to Nassau on Tuesday. USAID, the US relief agency, said meanwhile it was airlifting supplies such as plastic sheeting for shelter, hygiene kits and water from Miami. A British landing ship, the RFA Mounts Bay, launched boats carrying supplies for Marsh Harbour on Abaco and Britain's Department for International Development said it had deployed a team of three humanitarian experts. "The clock is now ticking to get help to those in need," British International Development Secretary Alok Sharma said. The Bahamas, a former British colony, gained its independence in 1973 and is a member of the Commonwealth. Dorian, which dumped as much as 30 inches of rain on the islands, was downgraded Tuesday morning to a Category 2 hurricane on the five-level wind scale. At 8:00 pm (0000 GMT), Dorian was packing winds of 110 miles (175 kilometres) and was located 130 miles (210 kilometres) south of Charleston, South Carolina, according to the NHC. It was moving in a north-northwest direction at eight miles per hour and was "lashing the Georgia and South Carolina coast," the NHC added.

Hurricane Dorian: At least 20 dead in Bahamas; UN says 70,000 in need of immediate aid

North Korea has told the United Nations to cut the number of international staff it deploys in the country because the world body's programs have failed "due to the politicisation of UN assistance by hostile forces," according to a letter seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

The United Nations estimates 10.3 million people - almost half the country's population - are in need and some 41 per cent of North Koreans are undernourished, while Pyongyang said in February it was facing a food shortfall this year and had to halve rations, blaming drought, floods and sanctions.

"UN supported programs failed to bring the results as desired due to the politicization of UN assistance by hostile forces," Kim Chang Min, secretary-general for North Korea's National Coordinating Committee for the United Nations, wrote to the top UN official posted in the country.

In the Aug. 21 letter, Kim said the number of international staff should be cut by the end of the year.

North Korea wants the number of international staff with the UN Development Programme to be cut to one or two from six, the World Health Organization to four from six and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) to cut its 13 staff by one or two.

Kim said the number of international staff with the World Food Programme should be reduced "according to the amount of food aid to be provided" once the agency and North Korean agree how to implement a plan for 2019 to 2021.

There was also no need for a humanitarian aid coordination officer, Kim wrote, adding that UN aid officials could instead "visit as and when required."

The United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Historically there's been a critical lack of international expertise and oversight and capacity to monitor the use of the assistance that is provided," said a UN diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"We're deeply surprised by this turn of events in part because this is when the needs have grown and the UN has been trying to mobilise support to scale up assistance in-country," the diplomat said.

The move comes amid stalled talks between the United States and North Korea aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. The UN Security Council has unanimously ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for those programs.

"The North Korean government's decisions are only hurting the North Korean people," said a second UN diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"This is coming at a time where both Russia and China are pushing a false narrative that sanctions are causing the humanitarian problems in North Korea and the only way to solve that is to give North Korea sanctions relief," the diplomat said.

Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told reporters on Tuesday that unilateral sanctions imposed on North Korea by other countries and some strict interpretations of UN sanctions were hindering humanitarian work.

"The population of North Korea should not suffer under those sanctions that have been imposed illegitimately," he said.

North Korea has told the United Nations to cut the number of international staff it deploys in the country because the world body's programs have failed "due to the politicisation of UN assistance by hostile forces," according to a letter seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

North Korea has told the United Nations to cut the number of international staff it deploys in the country because the world body's programs have failed "due to the politicisation of UN assistance by hostile forces," according to a letter seen by Reuters on Wednesday. The United Nations estimates 10.3 million people - almost half the country's population - are in need and some 41 per cent of North Koreans are undernourished, while Pyongyang said in February it was facing a food shortfall this year and had to halve rations, blaming drought, floods and sanctions. "UN supported programs failed to bring the results as desired due to the politicization of UN assistance by hostile forces," Kim Chang Min, secretary-general for North Korea's National Coordinating Committee for the United Nations, wrote to the top UN official posted in the country. In the Aug. 21 letter, Kim said the number of international staff should be cut by the end of the year. North Korea wants the number of international staff with the UN Development Programme to be cut to one or two from six, the World Health Organization to four from six and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) to cut its 13 staff by one or two. Kim said the number of international staff with the World Food Programme should be reduced "according to the amount of food aid to be provided" once the agency and North Korean agree how to implement a plan for 2019 to 2021. There was also no need for a humanitarian aid coordination officer, Kim wrote, adding that UN aid officials could instead "visit as and when required." The United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "Historically there's been a critical lack of international expertise and oversight and capacity to monitor the use of the assistance that is provided," said a UN diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We're deeply surprised by this turn of events in part because this is when the needs have grown and the UN has been trying to mobilise support to scale up assistance in-country," the diplomat said. The move comes amid stalled talks between the United States and North Korea aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. The UN Security Council has unanimously ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for those programs. "The North Korean government's decisions are only hurting the North Korean people," said a second UN diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This is coming at a time where both Russia and China are pushing a false narrative that sanctions are causing the humanitarian problems in North Korea and the only way to solve that is to give North Korea sanctions relief," the diplomat said. Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told reporters on Tuesday that unilateral sanctions imposed on North Korea by other countries and some strict interpretations of UN sanctions were hindering humanitarian work. "The population of North Korea should not suffer under those sanctions that have been imposed illegitimately," he said.

North Korea tells United Nations to cut international aid staff: Letter

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to rule out meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani even as his administration piled more sanctions on Tehran.

Asked at the White House whether he might meet with the Iranian leader at the United Nations, Trump responded: "Sure, anything is possible."

Rouhani had announced earlier Wednesday that Tehran was poised to take another step back from its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew from in May.

A short time after Rouhani's statement, US officials announced new sanctions on Iran, this time targeting a shipping network it said was run by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to smuggle oil.

Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, also ruled out a French-proposed credit line that Tehran said could bring it back into full compliance with the 2015 deal curbing its nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to rule out meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani even as his administration piled more sanctions on Tehran.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to rule out meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani even as his administration piled more sanctions on Tehran. Asked at the White House whether he might meet with the Iranian leader at the United Nations, Trump responded: "Sure, anything is possible." Rouhani had announced earlier Wednesday that Tehran was poised to take another step back from its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew from in May. A short time after Rouhani's statement, US officials announced new sanctions on Iran, this time targeting a shipping network it said was run by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to smuggle oil. Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, also ruled out a French-proposed credit line that Tehran said could bring it back into full compliance with the 2015 deal curbing its nuclear program.

Trump on a meeting with Iran's Rouhani: 'Anything is possible'

Air strikes on Syria's northwestern Idlib region stopped on Saturday, a war monitor said, after the government agreed to a &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-announces-government-ceasefire-in-syrias-idlib-from-saturday-246696">Russian-backed ceasefire</a> following four months of deadly bombardment.

"There are no warplanes in the sky and airstrikes have stopped," said Rami Abdul Rahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.&nbsp;

Clashes between regime loyalists and insurgents on the edges of the anti-government bastion have also ceased after a unilateral ceasefire by Syrian regime forces went into effect at 6:00 am (0300 GMT), he said.

Artillery and rocket attacks continued however despite the deal, he added.

Syrian regime ally Russia on Friday announced that Damascus government forces would observe a new ceasefire from Saturday morning in Idlib.

It said the truce aimed "to stabilise the situation" in Idlib, one of the last holdout of opposition to forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian government agreed to the deal, state news agency SANA said.

But the army "reserves the right to respond to violations" by jihadists and allied rebel groups, it added, citing a Syrian military source.

The truce is the latest Russian-led effort to avert what the United Nations has described as one of the worst humanitarian "nightmares" in Syria's eight-year conflict.

Only a few hours before it went into effect, the Observatory reported a Russian airstrike on a health facility in Aleppo's western countryside.&nbsp;

It said the attack after midnight wounded several health workers and put the medical centre out of service.

The UN has said that 43 health facilities and 87 educational facilities have been impacted by fighting since April.

The Idlib region is home to some three million people.

Most of the province and parts of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.&nbsp;

Russia-backed regime forces have been pressing an offensive against the region despite a deal with rebel backer Turkey in September last year to protect the area.&nbsp;

Stepped up bombardment by Damascus and Moscow since the end of April has displaced 400,000, the UN says, and killed more than 950 civilians, according to the Observatory.

The flare-up has emptied entire towns and villages in northern Hama and southern Idlib of their residents, according to the UN.&nbsp;

Almost half of the displaced are living in camps, reception centres or in the open air, it added.

Earlier this month, Damascus scrapped a similar truce agreement only three days after it went into effect, accusing rebels and jihadists of targeting a Russian airbase.

Assad, who now controls around 60 per cent of the country, has vowed to reclaim the rest, including Idlib.

The Syrian conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and driven millions from their homes since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Air strikes on Syria's northwestern Idlib region stopped on Saturday, a war monitor said, after the government agreed to a Russian-backed ceasefire following four months of deadly bombardment.

Air strikes on Syria's northwestern Idlib region stopped on Saturday, a war monitor said, after the government agreed to a Russian-backed ceasefire following four months of deadly bombardment. "There are no warplanes in the sky and airstrikes have stopped," said Rami Abdul Rahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Clashes between regime loyalists and insurgents on the edges of the anti-government bastion have also ceased after a unilateral ceasefire by Syrian regime forces went into effect at 6:00 am (0300 GMT), he said. Artillery and rocket attacks continued however despite the deal, he added. Syrian regime ally Russia on Friday announced that Damascus government forces would observe a new ceasefire from Saturday morning in Idlib. It said the truce aimed "to stabilise the situation" in Idlib, one of the last holdout of opposition to forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian government agreed to the deal, state news agency SANA said. But the army "reserves the right to respond to violations" by jihadists and allied rebel groups, it added, citing a Syrian military source. The truce is the latest Russian-led effort to avert what the United Nations has described as one of the worst humanitarian "nightmares" in Syria's eight-year conflict. Only a few hours before it went into effect, the Observatory reported a Russian airstrike on a health facility in Aleppo's western countryside. It said the attack after midnight wounded several health workers and put the medical centre out of service. The UN has said that 43 health facilities and 87 educational facilities have been impacted by fighting since April. The Idlib region is home to some three million people. Most of the province and parts of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Russia-backed regime forces have been pressing an offensive against the region despite a deal with rebel backer Turkey in September last year to protect the area. Stepped up bombardment by Damascus and Moscow since the end of April has displaced 400,000, the UN says, and killed more than 950 civilians, according to the Observatory. The flare-up has emptied entire towns and villages in northern Hama and southern Idlib of their residents, according to the UN. Almost half of the displaced are living in camps, reception centres or in the open air, it added. Earlier this month, Damascus scrapped a similar truce agreement only three days after it went into effect, accusing rebels and jihadists of targeting a Russian airbase. Assad, who now controls around 60 per cent of the country, has vowed to reclaim the rest, including Idlib. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and driven millions from their homes since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Air strikes stop in Syria's Idlib after truce announced

Australian High Commissioner to New Delhi Harinder Sidhu said on Friday that the Indian government's decision to abrogate Article 370 is country's internal matter, and stressed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally by New Delhi and Islamabad.

"The Indian government said this is its internal matter. We respect the Indian position on that. Australia's long-held view on Kashmir has been that it should be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan," Sidhu told ANI.

Sidhu expressed hope the region would become stable and peaceful and the economic development would eventuate.

"We do hope as situation proceeds in Kashmir that it will be stable, peaceful and that economic development eventuate. We do hope that both countries act in restraint and consider the safety and security of the people in the process," she added.

Earlier this month, India had announced its decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganise it into two union territories.

Pakistan, with the help of China, approached the United Nations over the issue.

However, the China-Pakistan axis failed at the UNSC closed-door meeting when a majority of the Council members, including Russia, refused to take up the Kashmir matter and rejected the Chinese position.

China and Pakistan stood isolated after the other members refused to endorse their position.

Australian High Commissioner to New Delhi Harinder Sidhu said on Friday that the Indian government's decision to abrogate Article 370 is country's internal matter, and stressed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally by New Delhi and Islamabad.

Australian High Commissioner to New Delhi Harinder Sidhu said on Friday that the Indian government's decision to abrogate Article 370 is country's internal matter, and stressed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally by New Delhi and Islamabad. "The Indian government said this is its internal matter. We respect the Indian position on that. Australia's long-held view on Kashmir has been that it should be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan," Sidhu told ANI. Sidhu expressed hope the region would become stable and peaceful and the economic development would eventuate. "We do hope as situation proceeds in Kashmir that it will be stable, peaceful and that economic development eventuate. We do hope that both countries act in restraint and consider the safety and security of the people in the process," she added. Earlier this month, India had announced its decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganise it into two union territories. Pakistan, with the help of China, approached the United Nations over the issue. However, the China-Pakistan axis failed at the UNSC closed-door meeting when a majority of the Council members, including Russia, refused to take up the Kashmir matter and rejected the Chinese position. China and Pakistan stood isolated after the other members refused to endorse their position.

Abrogation of Article-370 is India's internal matter: Aussie envoy Harinder Sidhu

The US Treasury on Friday announced penalties against Taiwanese and Hong Kong shipping firms it says are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-changes-constitution-to-solidify-kim-jong-uns-rule-246503">helping North Korea circumvent United Nations sanctions</a> on Pyongyang's oil exports and imports.

The companies are helping North Korea with "illicit ship-to-ship (STS) transfers to circumvent United Nations (UN) sanctions that restrict the import of petroleum products," Treasury said.

The firms "engaged in at least one significant importation from or exportation to North Korea of any goods, services, or technology."

The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control blocked the assets of Taiwan-based Jui Pang Shipping Co Ltd (Jui Pang) and Jui Zong Ship Management Co Ltd (Jui Zong), as well as the Hong Kong-based Jui Cheng Shipping Company Limited (Jui Cheng).

"Shipping companies trading with North Korea are exposing themselves to significant sanctions risk, despite the deceptive practices they try to employ," Treasury Under Secretary Sigal Mandelker said in a statement.

The agency also targeted two Taiwan-based individuals Huang Wang Ken and Chen Mei Hsiang, as well as a vessel in which the two have an interest.

The Treasury said the attempts to secure refined petroleum through the ship-to-ship transfers evade UN sanctions aimed at preventing North Korea from obtaining resources that would support its weapons of mass destruction and missile programs.

The US Treasury on Friday announced penalties against Taiwanese and Hong Kong shipping firms it says are helping North Korea circumvent United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang's oil exports and imports.

The US Treasury on Friday announced penalties against Taiwanese and Hong Kong shipping firms it says are helping North Korea circumvent United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang's oil exports and imports. The companies are helping North Korea with "illicit ship-to-ship (STS) transfers to circumvent United Nations (UN) sanctions that restrict the import of petroleum products," Treasury said. The firms "engaged in at least one significant importation from or exportation to North Korea of any goods, services, or technology." The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control blocked the assets of Taiwan-based Jui Pang Shipping Co Ltd (Jui Pang) and Jui Zong Ship Management Co Ltd (Jui Zong), as well as the Hong Kong-based Jui Cheng Shipping Company Limited (Jui Cheng). "Shipping companies trading with North Korea are exposing themselves to significant sanctions risk, despite the deceptive practices they try to employ," Treasury Under Secretary Sigal Mandelker said in a statement. The agency also targeted two Taiwan-based individuals Huang Wang Ken and Chen Mei Hsiang, as well as a vessel in which the two have an interest. The Treasury said the attempts to secure refined petroleum through the ship-to-ship transfers evade UN sanctions aimed at preventing North Korea from obtaining resources that would support its weapons of mass destruction and missile programs.

US penalises shipping firms said to help North Korea circumvent UN sanctions

A UN committee has ordered Nepal to compensate a man blocked from seeking justice after suffering years of forced labour, as well as alleged torture in custody as a child.

In a decision published Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Committee also called on Nepal to remove all existing obstacles hindering victims of forced labour and torture from filing complaints.

The ruling came in response to an individual case brought by a Nepali man, using the pseudonym Bholi Pharaka, who from the age of nine had worked as a domestic worker in Kathmandu to help provide for his impoverished, indigenous family.

When he was around 12, he moved to a new family, headed by an officer in the Nepali army, where he says he was forced to work from 4:00 am until 10:00 pm each day.

He maintains he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse and never received compensation for his labour.

After two years, he escaped back to his home village in 2012, but was soon arrested, after his employer filed a police complaint accusing him of theft.&nbsp;

While in custody, Pharaka, who was 14 at the time, says he suffered beatings and other torture to force him to confess.

With his family unable to pay bail or legal fees, he was held in a severely overcrowded adult jail for months, where he says the torture continued, before being transferred to a juvenile facility.

The UN committee faulted Nepal's judiciary for failing to investigate the boy's claims in court that he had been tortured, and for failing to protect him as a minor and a member of a recognised vulnerable minority.

It also decried that authorities had ignored multiple complaints filed by the boy's family regarding his treatment in custody and the forced labour he was subjected to.

The committee called on Nepal to provide Pharaka with an "effective remedy", including "adequate compensation, proportional to the violations suffered."

It also urged the country to remove "legal, practical and administrative obstacles" blocking victims of torture and child and forced labour from accessing justice.

"It is our hope that Nepal will take all necessary measures to protect and help victims of such acts regain their lives," committee member Helene Trigroudja said in a statement.&nbsp;

The committee has given Nepal six months to report back on measures it is taking to rectify the situation.

The team of 18 independent experts monitors whether countries adhere to their human rights commitments, but does not have enforcement powers.

A UN committee has ordered Nepal to compensate a man blocked from seeking justice after suffering years of forced labour, as well as alleged torture in custody as a child.

A UN committee has ordered Nepal to compensate a man blocked from seeking justice after suffering years of forced labour, as well as alleged torture in custody as a child. In a decision published Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Committee also called on Nepal to remove all existing obstacles hindering victims of forced labour and torture from filing complaints. The ruling came in response to an individual case brought by a Nepali man, using the pseudonym Bholi Pharaka, who from the age of nine had worked as a domestic worker in Kathmandu to help provide for his impoverished, indigenous family. When he was around 12, he moved to a new family, headed by an officer in the Nepali army, where he says he was forced to work from 4:00 am until 10:00 pm each day. He maintains he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse and never received compensation for his labour. After two years, he escaped back to his home village in 2012, but was soon arrested, after his employer filed a police complaint accusing him of theft. While in custody, Pharaka, who was 14 at the time, says he suffered beatings and other torture to force him to confess. With his family unable to pay bail or legal fees, he was held in a severely overcrowded adult jail for months, where he says the torture continued, before being transferred to a juvenile facility. The UN committee faulted Nepal's judiciary for failing to investigate the boy's claims in court that he had been tortured, and for failing to protect him as a minor and a member of a recognised vulnerable minority. It also decried that authorities had ignored multiple complaints filed by the boy's family regarding his treatment in custody and the forced labour he was subjected to. The committee called on Nepal to provide Pharaka with an "effective remedy", including "adequate compensation, proportional to the violations suffered." It also urged the country to remove "legal, practical and administrative obstacles" blocking victims of torture and child and forced labour from accessing justice. "It is our hope that Nepal will take all necessary measures to protect and help victims of such acts regain their lives," committee member Helene Trigroudja said in a statement. The committee has given Nepal six months to report back on measures it is taking to rectify the situation. The team of 18 independent experts monitors whether countries adhere to their human rights commitments, but does not have enforcement powers.

UN committee faults Nepal in child labour, abuse case

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