The UN Human Rights Council on Thursday approved giving Sri Lanka two more years to set up a credible war crimes investigation into the island nation's brutal civil war.

The UN's top rights body approved without a vote a resolution to postpone discussing the implementation of an official probe into crimes committed during the 37-year guerilla war, which ended in May 2009.

Sri Lankan government troops were accused of killing at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the final months of the war.

A 2015 UN Human Rights Council resolution gave Sri Lanka 18 months to establish a credible investigation. Colombo secured a two-year extension in 2017 that expires this month.

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet warned earlier this week that Sri Lanka could slip back into conflict unless it addressed the "worst crimes" during the final stages of its ethnic war.

She told the Human Rights Council that Sri Lanka was yet to set up the special judicial mechanism as promised four years ago to try war criminals.

"Continuing impunity risks fuelling communal or interethnic violence, and instability," she said. "Resolving these cases, and bringing the perpetrators of past crimes to justice, is necessary to restore the confidence of victims from all communities."

She noted a "lack of progress in setting up a special judicial mechanism to deal with the worst crimes committed during the 2009 conflict".

Speaking to the council Thursday, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana hailed the resolution, describing it as "a mark of recognition of Sri Lanka's political commitment and progressive steps already taken by the government since 2015."

British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country was one of the main sponsors of Thursday's resolution, agreed the text recognised "some very real achievements against (its) commitments in the past two years."

But, he added, "it also recognises that in a number of important areas, implementation remains a work in progress."

He hailed Sri Lanka's affirmation that it remains determined to deliver on its commitments, and said the co-sponsors of the resolution, which also included Canada, Germany, North Macedonia and Montenegro, stood ready to provide support in the process.

The UN Human Rights Council on Thursday approved giving Sri Lanka two more years to set up a credible war crimes investigation into the island nation's brutal civil war.

The UN Human Rights Council on Thursday approved giving Sri Lanka two more years to set up a credible war crimes investigation into the island nation's brutal civil war. The UN's top rights body approved without a vote a resolution to postpone discussing the implementation of an official probe into crimes committed during the 37-year guerilla war, which ended in May 2009. Sri Lankan government troops were accused of killing at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the final months of the war. A 2015 UN Human Rights Council resolution gave Sri Lanka 18 months to establish a credible investigation. Colombo secured a two-year extension in 2017 that expires this month. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet warned earlier this week that Sri Lanka could slip back into conflict unless it addressed the "worst crimes" during the final stages of its ethnic war. She told the Human Rights Council that Sri Lanka was yet to set up the special judicial mechanism as promised four years ago to try war criminals. "Continuing impunity risks fuelling communal or interethnic violence, and instability," she said. "Resolving these cases, and bringing the perpetrators of past crimes to justice, is necessary to restore the confidence of victims from all communities." She noted a "lack of progress in setting up a special judicial mechanism to deal with the worst crimes committed during the 2009 conflict". Speaking to the council Thursday, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana hailed the resolution, describing it as "a mark of recognition of Sri Lanka's political commitment and progressive steps already taken by the government since 2015." British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country was one of the main sponsors of Thursday's resolution, agreed the text recognised "some very real achievements against (its) commitments in the past two years." But, he added, "it also recognises that in a number of important areas, implementation remains a work in progress." He hailed Sri Lanka's affirmation that it remains determined to deliver on its commitments, and said the co-sponsors of the resolution, which also included Canada, Germany, North Macedonia and Montenegro, stood ready to provide support in the process.

United Nations rights body grants Sri Lanka war crimes probe extension

Cyclone Idai is one of the worst disasters to hit southern Africa in living memory, according to the United Nations.

The UN also confirmed that at least 360 people have lost their lives due to the calamity.

"What we want to do is underscore the sheer level of this crisis.This may be one of the worst national disasters to hit southern Africa in living memory and we will need to do quite a lot," Xinhua quoted Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, as saying.

"Our humanitarian colleagues report that the UN's humanitarian chief, Mark Lowcock, allocated US $20 million from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund to complement the efforts of the governments of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi to provide assistance to communities affected," he added.

"Lowcock noted that the allocation would be insufficient to respond to the expected rise in the level of need, and urged donors to contribute to the response," the spokesman said.

In Malawi, nearly 1 million people have been affected while 56 deaths and 577 injuries have been recorded so far.

At least 202 people are confirmed dead in Mozambique, according to the government. Furthermore, more than 2,50,000 children alone have been affected in the country due to the cyclone.&nbsp;Around 82,700 people, meanwhile, are estimated to be displaced.

"In Zimbabwe, at least 102 deaths and over 200 injuries have been reported, and more than 200 people are reportedly still missing," Haq said, adding that relief had reached the affected areas.

The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations are underway across the states.

Meanwhile, Mozambique`s President Filipe Nyusi, on Wednesday, declared three days of national mourning after days of torrential rain and flooding left a trail of destruction across southeast Africa.

The cyclone made landfall in the country last week, with wind speeds touching 200 kilometres.

Amongst other nations, India has become one of the first international responders to the Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.

The first batch of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material including food, medicines and clothing reached Port Beira of Mozambique on March 20.

Cyclone Idai is one of the worst disasters to hit southern Africa in living memory, according to the United Nations. The UN also confirmed that at least 360 people have lost their lives due to the calamity.

Cyclone Idai is one of the worst disasters to hit southern Africa in living memory, according to the United Nations. The UN also confirmed that at least 360 people have lost their lives due to the calamity. "What we want to do is underscore the sheer level of this crisis.This may be one of the worst national disasters to hit southern Africa in living memory and we will need to do quite a lot," Xinhua quoted Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, as saying. "Our humanitarian colleagues report that the UN's humanitarian chief, Mark Lowcock, allocated US $20 million from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund to complement the efforts of the governments of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi to provide assistance to communities affected," he added. "Lowcock noted that the allocation would be insufficient to respond to the expected rise in the level of need, and urged donors to contribute to the response," the spokesman said. In Malawi, nearly 1 million people have been affected while 56 deaths and 577 injuries have been recorded so far. At least 202 people are confirmed dead in Mozambique, according to the government. Furthermore, more than 2,50,000 children alone have been affected in the country due to the cyclone. Around 82,700 people, meanwhile, are estimated to be displaced. "In Zimbabwe, at least 102 deaths and over 200 injuries have been reported, and more than 200 people are reportedly still missing," Haq said, adding that relief had reached the affected areas. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations are underway across the states. Meanwhile, Mozambique`s President Filipe Nyusi, on Wednesday, declared three days of national mourning after days of torrential rain and flooding left a trail of destruction across southeast Africa. The cyclone made landfall in the country last week, with wind speeds touching 200 kilometres. Amongst other nations, India has become one of the first international responders to the Cyclone Idai in Mozambique. The first batch of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material including food, medicines and clothing reached Port Beira of Mozambique on March 20.

Cyclone Idai one of Africa's worst disasters: United Nations

The number of people in Zimbabwe affected by a devastating cyclone and flooding has jumped to 200,000, with most of the damage occurring near the Mozambique border, the UN said Thursday.

The initial estimate of those hit in Zimbabwe was 15,000 but World Food Programme (WFP) spokesman Herve Verhoosel told reporters in Geneva that the numbers had surged following an overnight assessment.&nbsp;

The situation in Zimbabwe's eastern district of Chimanimani on the Mozambique border "is very bad," Verhoosel said.&nbsp;

"Some 90 per cent of the district has been significantly damaged," he added.&nbsp;

Zimbabwe's state broadcaster ZBC has also raised the death toll to 139, up from 100 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Five days after tropical cyclone Idai cut a swathe through Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, the full extent of the devastation is not yet clear.&nbsp;

In hardest-hit Mozambique, an estimated 400,000 people have been displaced, according to the UN.&nbsp;

As of now, the number of people in Mozambique affected by the storm and floods is 600,000, Verhoosel said, citing government figures.&nbsp;

But "that number will definitely go up," he told reporters.&nbsp;

The WFP believes it is possible that a total of 1.7 million people in Mozambique will need assistance as a result of the weather-related disasters, Verhoosel added.&nbsp;

Aid workers are racing to locate survivors, some of whom may still be stranded on rooftops or in trees.&nbsp;

The number of people in Zimbabwe affected by a devastating cyclone and flooding has jumped to 200,000, with most of the damage occurring near the Mozambique border, the UN said Thursday.

The number of people in Zimbabwe affected by a devastating cyclone and flooding has jumped to 200,000, with most of the damage occurring near the Mozambique border, the UN said Thursday. The initial estimate of those hit in Zimbabwe was 15,000 but World Food Programme (WFP) spokesman Herve Verhoosel told reporters in Geneva that the numbers had surged following an overnight assessment. The situation in Zimbabwe's eastern district of Chimanimani on the Mozambique border "is very bad," Verhoosel said. "Some 90 per cent of the district has been significantly damaged," he added. Zimbabwe's state broadcaster ZBC has also raised the death toll to 139, up from 100 on Wednesday. Five days after tropical cyclone Idai cut a swathe through Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, the full extent of the devastation is not yet clear. In hardest-hit Mozambique, an estimated 400,000 people have been displaced, according to the UN. As of now, the number of people in Mozambique affected by the storm and floods is 600,000, Verhoosel said, citing government figures. But "that number will definitely go up," he told reporters. The WFP believes it is possible that a total of 1.7 million people in Mozambique will need assistance as a result of the weather-related disasters, Verhoosel added. Aid workers are racing to locate survivors, some of whom may still be stranded on rooftops or in trees.

200,000 people in Zimbabwe affected by floods, cyclone: United Nations

The UN human rights chief warned Wednesday that children in Yemen continued to be killed and maimed at an alarming rate, despite a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-trump-senate-votes-to-end-us-support-for-yemen-war-203188"> three-month-old truce in a vital port</a>.

"Since the Stockholm agreement on December 13, it is estimated that eight children have been killed or injured in Yemen every day," Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Yemen's beleaguered Saudi-backed government and Iranian-linked Huthi rebels agreed in Sweden on a truce that included a ceasefire in Hodeida, the lifeline port on the Red Sea.

But Bachelet said children were currently living in 31 active conflict zones across the country, and witnessing "heavy, war-related violence", including in Taez, Hajjah and Saada.

The Norwegian Refugee Council said earlier this week that 348 civilians had been killed in Hajjah and Taez alone since the Stockholm accord was signed.&nbsp;

The UN rights chief voiced particular concern at the recent escalation in the northern province of Hajjah, where 22 people -- 12 children and 10 women -- were killed, and another 30, nearly half of them children, were hurt in strikes earlier this month.

An estimated 10,000 people have been killed since March 2015, when Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- with the logistical and political backing of the United States -- unleashed air power against the Huthi rebels.

Rights groups say the death toll could be far higher. Save the Children has estimated that 85,000 Yemenis under five years old may have died of starvation.

Bachelet said it was unclear how many children had starved to death in Yemen but warned that "Yemeni civilians, including children, are now more vulnerable and hungrier than at any time since March 2015".

She said more than two million children were suffering from acute malnutrition, including 360,000 with severe, acute malnutrition, meaning they are wasting away and risk starvation.

Bachelet also voiced deep concern at reports that both the government-backed forces and the Huthis were continuing to enlist children as fighters.

"In most cases, the children are between 11 and 17 years old, but there have been consistent reports of the recruitment or use of children as young as eight," she said.&nbsp;

The UN human rights chief warned Wednesday that children in Yemen continued to be killed and maimed at an alarming rate, despite a three-month-old truce in a vital port.

The UN human rights chief warned Wednesday that children in Yemen continued to be killed and maimed at an alarming rate, despite a three-month-old truce in a vital port. "Since the Stockholm agreement on December 13, it is estimated that eight children have been killed or injured in Yemen every day," Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Yemen's beleaguered Saudi-backed government and Iranian-linked Huthi rebels agreed in Sweden on a truce that included a ceasefire in Hodeida, the lifeline port on the Red Sea. But Bachelet said children were currently living in 31 active conflict zones across the country, and witnessing "heavy, war-related violence", including in Taez, Hajjah and Saada. The Norwegian Refugee Council said earlier this week that 348 civilians had been killed in Hajjah and Taez alone since the Stockholm accord was signed. The UN rights chief voiced particular concern at the recent escalation in the northern province of Hajjah, where 22 people -- 12 children and 10 women -- were killed, and another 30, nearly half of them children, were hurt in strikes earlier this month. An estimated 10,000 people have been killed since March 2015, when Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- with the logistical and political backing of the United States -- unleashed air power against the Huthi rebels. Rights groups say the death toll could be far higher. Save the Children has estimated that 85,000 Yemenis under five years old may have died of starvation. Bachelet said it was unclear how many children had starved to death in Yemen but warned that "Yemeni civilians, including children, are now more vulnerable and hungrier than at any time since March 2015". She said more than two million children were suffering from acute malnutrition, including 360,000 with severe, acute malnutrition, meaning they are wasting away and risk starvation. Bachelet also voiced deep concern at reports that both the government-backed forces and the Huthis were continuing to enlist children as fighters. "In most cases, the children are between 11 and 17 years old, but there have been consistent reports of the recruitment or use of children as young as eight," she said.

Eight children killed or hurt every day, despite Yemen truce: United Nations

The UN human rights chief on Wednesday stepped up her criticism of US sanctions against Venezuela's government, a day after President Donald Trump warned Washington could still impose "tougher" measures.&nbsp;

Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, also renewed her tough criticism of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, accusing it of a violent crackdown on dissent.&nbsp;

But a day after the US announced new sanctions on a Venezuelan state mining company and Trump said he was ready "to go a lot tougher," Bachelet cautioned that Washington's moves could hurt ordinary Venezuelans.&nbsp;

"I am concerned that the recent sanctions on financial transfers related to the sale of Venezuelan oil within the United States may contribute to aggravating the economic crisis, with possible repercussions on people's basic rights and wellbeing," she told the Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

Bachelet had previously warned that sanctions have "exacerbated" the crisis.

In addition to the measures announced Tuesday against mining company Minerven, the US has cut Maduro's regime off from the revenue generated by its state oil company, which counts on the US as a key market through operator Citgo.

Speaking in Geneva as the Minerven sanctions were being announced, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Carrie Filipetti told reporters that the US was not trying to harm Venezuela's population.&nbsp;

"We have tried to target our sanctions as much as possible so that it can affect the regime but leave the individual Venezuelans as untouched as possible," she said.&nbsp;

The US and more than 50 other countries recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as the country's rightful president.

- Reprisals? - 
A rights office team is currently in Venezuela to assess the crisis.&nbsp;

Civil society groups have said that doctors are coming under pressure from Maduro's government for trying to alert the UN mission about the severe lack of hospital medicine and equipment.

"It is important that the team have completely unhindered access, with no reprisals against any person who has met, or sought to meet, with them," Bachelet told the rights council.

It was not immediately clear if she was referring to the reported pressure facing her staff.&nbsp;

Nearly three million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 and about 5,000 are leaving each day amid a devastating political crisis and economic collapse.&nbsp;

The UN human rights chief on Wednesday stepped up her criticism of US sanctions against Venezuela's government, a day after President Donald Trump warned Washington could still impose "tougher" measures.

The UN human rights chief on Wednesday stepped up her criticism of US sanctions against Venezuela's government, a day after President Donald Trump warned Washington could still impose "tougher" measures. Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, also renewed her tough criticism of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, accusing it of a violent crackdown on dissent. But a day after the US announced new sanctions on a Venezuelan state mining company and Trump said he was ready "to go a lot tougher," Bachelet cautioned that Washington's moves could hurt ordinary Venezuelans. "I am concerned that the recent sanctions on financial transfers related to the sale of Venezuelan oil within the United States may contribute to aggravating the economic crisis, with possible repercussions on people's basic rights and wellbeing," she told the Human Rights Council. Bachelet had previously warned that sanctions have "exacerbated" the crisis. In addition to the measures announced Tuesday against mining company Minerven, the US has cut Maduro's regime off from the revenue generated by its state oil company, which counts on the US as a key market through operator Citgo. Speaking in Geneva as the Minerven sanctions were being announced, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Carrie Filipetti told reporters that the US was not trying to harm Venezuela's population. "We have tried to target our sanctions as much as possible so that it can affect the regime but leave the individual Venezuelans as untouched as possible," she said. The US and more than 50 other countries recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as the country's rightful president. - Reprisals? - A rights office team is currently in Venezuela to assess the crisis. Civil society groups have said that doctors are coming under pressure from Maduro's government for trying to alert the UN mission about the severe lack of hospital medicine and equipment. "It is important that the team have completely unhindered access, with no reprisals against any person who has met, or sought to meet, with them," Bachelet told the rights council. It was not immediately clear if she was referring to the reported pressure facing her staff. Nearly three million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 and about 5,000 are leaving each day amid a devastating political crisis and economic collapse.

United Nations rights chief steps up criticism of Trump's Venezuela sanctions

Finland ranked as the world's happiest country for the second year running while war-torn South Sudan sank to the least contented in a United Nations report released on Wednesday.

The Nordic nation of 5.5 million people, known for their love of forests, lakes and saunas, topped the study which used survey data asking citizens in 156 countries how happy they perceive themselves to be, as well as measures such as life expectancy, income and social support.

The other Nordic countries, as well as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand and Austria also made the top ten.

As well as performing well on all the indicators, the most content countries all tended to have very stable societies, with happiness levels changing comparatively little since 2005.

Despite the political turmoil brought by Brexit, Britain rose four places in the rankings to 15th.

The United States, meanwhile, continued its slide of recent years, dropping one spot to 19th place.&nbsp;

"This year's report provides sobering evidence of how addictions are causing considerable unhappiness and depression in the US," said professor Jeffrey Sachs, one of the report's authors.

The unhappiest nation was South Sudan, where the UN recently said 60 per cent of people face food insecurity following a bloody civil war which has claimed the lives of an estimated 400,000 people.&nbsp;

Other conflict-ridden countries, such as Yemen, Afghanistan and the Central African Republic, also featured at the bottom of the table.

Released on the International Day of Happiness on March 20, the report warned that world happiness has declined in recent years, driven by a sustained fall in India, which this year ranked in 140th place.

This has coincided with a rise in negative feelings, "comprising worry, sadness and anger, especially marked in Asia and Africa, and more recently elsewhere," it said.

This year's publication also looked at how countries have performed in the happiness rankings since 2005.&nbsp;

Of the 20 largest gainers, half are in Central and Eastern Europe, five are in sub-Saharan Africa, and three in Latin America.&nbsp;

The five largest declines since 2005 were in Yemen, India, Syria, Botswana and Venezuela.&nbsp;

Finland ranked as the world's happiest country for the second year running while war-torn South Sudan sank to the least contented in a United Nations report released on Wednesday.

Finland ranked as the world's happiest country for the second year running while war-torn South Sudan sank to the least contented in a United Nations report released on Wednesday. The Nordic nation of 5.5 million people, known for their love of forests, lakes and saunas, topped the study which used survey data asking citizens in 156 countries how happy they perceive themselves to be, as well as measures such as life expectancy, income and social support. The other Nordic countries, as well as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand and Austria also made the top ten. As well as performing well on all the indicators, the most content countries all tended to have very stable societies, with happiness levels changing comparatively little since 2005. Despite the political turmoil brought by Brexit, Britain rose four places in the rankings to 15th. The United States, meanwhile, continued its slide of recent years, dropping one spot to 19th place. "This year's report provides sobering evidence of how addictions are causing considerable unhappiness and depression in the US," said professor Jeffrey Sachs, one of the report's authors. The unhappiest nation was South Sudan, where the UN recently said 60 per cent of people face food insecurity following a bloody civil war which has claimed the lives of an estimated 400,000 people. Other conflict-ridden countries, such as Yemen, Afghanistan and the Central African Republic, also featured at the bottom of the table. Released on the International Day of Happiness on March 20, the report warned that world happiness has declined in recent years, driven by a sustained fall in India, which this year ranked in 140th place. This has coincided with a rise in negative feelings, "comprising worry, sadness and anger, especially marked in Asia and Africa, and more recently elsewhere," it said. This year's publication also looked at how countries have performed in the happiness rankings since 2005. Of the 20 largest gainers, half are in Central and Eastern Europe, five are in sub-Saharan Africa, and three in Latin America. The five largest declines since 2005 were in Yemen, India, Syria, Botswana and Venezuela.

Finland tops world happiness rankings, South Sudan bottom: United Nations

Cyclone winds and floods that swept across southeastern Africa affected more than 2.6 million people and could rank as one of the worst weather-related disaster recorded in the southern hemisphere, UN officials said on Tuesday.

Rescue crews are still struggling to reach victims five days after Cyclone Idai raced in at speeds of up to 170 kph (105 mph) from the Indian Ocean into Mozambique, then its inland neighbours Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Aid groups said many survivors were trapped in remote areas, surrounded by wrecked roads, flattened buildings and submerged villages.

“There's a sense from people on the ground that the world still really hasn't caught on to how severe this disaster is,” Matthew Cochrane, spokesman for International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, told a UN briefing in Geneva.

“The full horror, the full impact is only going to emerge over coming days,” he added.

The official death count in Mozambique stands at 84 - but its president Filipe Nyusi said on Monday he had flown over some of the worst-hit zones, seen bodies floating in rivers and now estimated more than 1,000 people may have died there.

The cyclone hit land near Mozambique's port of Beira on Thursday and moved inland throughout the weekend, leaving heavy rains in its wake on Tuesday.

Studies of satellite images suggested 1.7 million people were in the path of the cyclone in Mozambique and another 920,000 affected in Malawi, Herve Verhoosel, senior spokesman at the UN World Food Programme said. It gave no figures for Zimbabwe.

Worst fears

Several rivers had broken their banks, or were about to, leaving a huge area covered by the waters, and only accessible by air and water, Lola Castro, WFP regional director for Southern Africa, told the UN briefing by phone from Johannesburg.

Heavy rains preceded the cyclone, compounding the problems, said Clare Nullis of the UN World Meteorological Organization said .

“It the worst fears are realised ... then we can say that it is one of the worst weather-related disasters, tropical-cyclone-related disasters in the southern hemisphere.” Droughts are classed as climate-related not weather-related.

In Beira, a low-lying coastal city of 500,000 people, Nullis said the water had nowhere to drain. "This is not going to go away quickly," she said.

Beira is also home to Mozambique's second largest port, which serves as a gateway to landlocked countries in the region.

The control room of a pipeline that runs from Beira to Zimbabwe and supplies the majority of that country's fuel had been damaged, Zimbabwe's Energy Minister Jorum Gumbo told state-owned Herald newspaper on Tuesday.

"We, however, have enough stocks in the country and I am told the repairs at Beira may take a week," he was quoted as saying.

Cyclone winds and floods that swept across southeastern Africa affected more than 2.6 million people and could rank as one of the worst weather-related disaster recorded in the southern hemisphere, UN officials said on Tuesday.

Cyclone winds and floods that swept across southeastern Africa affected more than 2.6 million people and could rank as one of the worst weather-related disaster recorded in the southern hemisphere, UN officials said on Tuesday. Rescue crews are still struggling to reach victims five days after Cyclone Idai raced in at speeds of up to 170 kph (105 mph) from the Indian Ocean into Mozambique, then its inland neighbours Zimbabwe and Malawi. Aid groups said many survivors were trapped in remote areas, surrounded by wrecked roads, flattened buildings and submerged villages. “There's a sense from people on the ground that the world still really hasn't caught on to how severe this disaster is,” Matthew Cochrane, spokesman for International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, told a UN briefing in Geneva. “The full horror, the full impact is only going to emerge over coming days,” he added. The official death count in Mozambique stands at 84 - but its president Filipe Nyusi said on Monday he had flown over some of the worst-hit zones, seen bodies floating in rivers and now estimated more than 1,000 people may have died there. The cyclone hit land near Mozambique's port of Beira on Thursday and moved inland throughout the weekend, leaving heavy rains in its wake on Tuesday. Studies of satellite images suggested 1.7 million people were in the path of the cyclone in Mozambique and another 920,000 affected in Malawi, Herve Verhoosel, senior spokesman at the UN World Food Programme said. It gave no figures for Zimbabwe. Worst fears Several rivers had broken their banks, or were about to, leaving a huge area covered by the waters, and only accessible by air and water, Lola Castro, WFP regional director for Southern Africa, told the UN briefing by phone from Johannesburg. Heavy rains preceded the cyclone, compounding the problems, said Clare Nullis of the UN World Meteorological Organization said . “It the worst fears are realised ... then we can say that it is one of the worst weather-related disasters, tropical-cyclone-related disasters in the southern hemisphere.” Droughts are classed as climate-related not weather-related. In Beira, a low-lying coastal city of 500,000 people, Nullis said the water had nowhere to drain. "This is not going to go away quickly," she said. Beira is also home to Mozambique's second largest port, which serves as a gateway to landlocked countries in the region. The control room of a pipeline that runs from Beira to Zimbabwe and supplies the majority of that country's fuel had been damaged, Zimbabwe's Energy Minister Jorum Gumbo told state-owned Herald newspaper on Tuesday. "We, however, have enough stocks in the country and I am told the repairs at Beira may take a week," he was quoted as saying.

1.7 million people affected by cyclone in Mozambique, 920,000 in Malawi: United Nations

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is visiting China to participate in strategic dialogue and hold talks with the top Chinese leadership on a range of issues, including the multi-billion CPEC project, to strengthen the bilateral ties, the Foreign Office said Sunday.

The announcement of the four-day visit comes days after China for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Wednesday to designate chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after the Pulwama terror attack which killed forty Indian soldiers.

The Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that "Qureshi is visiting China from March 17 to 20 for the first Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue".

Apart from the talks on other issues, "both sides shall also discuss the regional situation and cooperation at multilateral fora," the Foreign Office said.

They will specifically hold comprehensive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations including the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it said.

The Foreign Minister will also address Political Parties Forum on the CPEC and participate in the ruling parties' dialogue between his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Communist Party of China (CPC) during the visit.

The Foreign Office said that Qureshi will also call on the Chinese leadership.

The Foreign Minister's visit will add momentum to close and broad-based bilateral ties and will reinforce efforts to deepen economic engagement under the CPEC, it said.

The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is visiting China to participate in strategic dialogue and hold talks with the top Chinese leadership on a range of issues, including the multi-billion CPEC project, to strengthen the bilateral ties, the Foreign Office said Sunday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is visiting China to participate in strategic dialogue and hold talks with the top Chinese leadership on a range of issues, including the multi-billion CPEC project, to strengthen the bilateral ties, the Foreign Office said Sunday. The announcement of the four-day visit comes days after China for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Wednesday to designate chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after the Pulwama terror attack which killed forty Indian soldiers. The Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that "Qureshi is visiting China from March 17 to 20 for the first Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue". Apart from the talks on other issues, "both sides shall also discuss the regional situation and cooperation at multilateral fora," the Foreign Office said. They will specifically hold comprehensive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations including the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it said. The Foreign Minister will also address Political Parties Forum on the CPEC and participate in the ruling parties' dialogue between his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Communist Party of China (CPC) during the visit. The Foreign Office said that Qureshi will also call on the Chinese leadership. The Foreign Minister's visit will add momentum to close and broad-based bilateral ties and will reinforce efforts to deepen economic engagement under the CPEC, it said. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Pakistan's Qureshi visits China to boost bilateral ties: Foreign Office 

The US, France and the UK are believed to be in intense "good faith" discussions with China to arrive at a "compromise", including on the language on the UN designation of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-show-patience-with-china-as-long-as-it-takes-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-203687">Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>, according to people familiar with the matter.

On Wednesday, China blocked for the fourth consecutive time a resolution at the UN Security Council Committee on designating Azhar, head of the JeM terror group, as a global terrorist.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the JeM killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

If the fresh efforts by the US, France and the UK does not end up in the formal designation of Azhar, the three permanent members are planning to soon move a resolution for his listing in the most powerful wing of the UN which would be preceded by an open debate on the issue, according to people familiar with the matter.

India had expressed disappointment over the Chinese stance and the original co-sponsors of the resolution had warned they will consider "other actions" to achieve their goal.

While the internal consultations of the Security Council committee remain private, this time several Council members, frustrated at China's unreasonable stance to protect a terrorist, privately spoke to the media the negative role being played by Beijing.

"If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI on Wednesday in an unusual tough warning to Beijing.

In the last 50 hours, it is believed that the original sponsors of the Azhar resolution are having intense "good faith" consultations with China on what many familiar with the matter describe as a "compromise". This probably means Azhar would be designated as a global terrorist by the UN body, but the language of designation would include a language acceptable to China.

China is believed to have suggested "certain changes" in the language of the terrorist designation. The US, Britain and France are believed to be currently looking at the suggestions. It is understood that there is back-and-forth exchange of texts on the matter.&nbsp;

The three countries have indicated that they are willing to accommodate Chinese request for changes in the language as long as it does not change the substance of the resolution and it ends up designating Azhar as a UN global terrorist.

But unlike in the past, the US, France, Britain and other members of the Security Council are not willing to wait for long to conclude their discussion with China.

It is learnt that China has been informed by these countries that they are seriously looking for other options, in particular an open debate followed by a vote on a resolution to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, pretty soon.

Not months, not weeks but days. This is what Beijing has been conveyed.

At the same time, officials of these countries believe that China this time has been much more co-operative than in the past. But in case at any point the three countries get a feeling that China is not doing a good faith negotiation on the "compromise formula" that is being negotiated, they are ready with the other move.

China, after its decision to put a technical hold on the resolution, has invited criticism and its stance has also resulted in an outrage in India.

Beijing would have to calculate the risk of being isolate globally on the issue of fight against terrorism or signing off to a compromised language that would designate Azhar as a global terrorist, since except China, all other UNSC members supported the resolution.

Getting Chinese support to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, at the UN, in any format, would be considered as a terrific accomplishment. The very fact that there has been discussions going on between China and the US, Britain and France, is considered as a positive development.

Those familiar with China's working pattern are still not confident and that's the reason why they are seriously working on other options including an open debate in the Security Council, where Beijing might find it difficult to defend a terrorist in public.&nbsp;

The US, France and the UK are believed to be in intense "good faith" discussions with China to arrive at a "compromise", including on the language on the UN designation of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, according to people familiar with the matter.

The US, France and the UK are believed to be in intense "good faith" discussions with China to arrive at a "compromise", including on the language on the UN designation of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, according to people familiar with the matter. On Wednesday, China blocked for the fourth consecutive time a resolution at the UN Security Council Committee on designating Azhar, head of the JeM terror group, as a global terrorist. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the JeM killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. If the fresh efforts by the US, France and the UK does not end up in the formal designation of Azhar, the three permanent members are planning to soon move a resolution for his listing in the most powerful wing of the UN which would be preceded by an open debate on the issue, according to people familiar with the matter. India had expressed disappointment over the Chinese stance and the original co-sponsors of the resolution had warned they will consider "other actions" to achieve their goal. While the internal consultations of the Security Council committee remain private, this time several Council members, frustrated at China's unreasonable stance to protect a terrorist, privately spoke to the media the negative role being played by Beijing. "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI on Wednesday in an unusual tough warning to Beijing. In the last 50 hours, it is believed that the original sponsors of the Azhar resolution are having intense "good faith" consultations with China on what many familiar with the matter describe as a "compromise". This probably means Azhar would be designated as a global terrorist by the UN body, but the language of designation would include a language acceptable to China. China is believed to have suggested "certain changes" in the language of the terrorist designation. The US, Britain and France are believed to be currently looking at the suggestions. It is understood that there is back-and-forth exchange of texts on the matter. The three countries have indicated that they are willing to accommodate Chinese request for changes in the language as long as it does not change the substance of the resolution and it ends up designating Azhar as a UN global terrorist. But unlike in the past, the US, France, Britain and other members of the Security Council are not willing to wait for long to conclude their discussion with China. It is learnt that China has been informed by these countries that they are seriously looking for other options, in particular an open debate followed by a vote on a resolution to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, pretty soon. Not months, not weeks but days. This is what Beijing has been conveyed. At the same time, officials of these countries believe that China this time has been much more co-operative than in the past. But in case at any point the three countries get a feeling that China is not doing a good faith negotiation on the "compromise formula" that is being negotiated, they are ready with the other move. China, after its decision to put a technical hold on the resolution, has invited criticism and its stance has also resulted in an outrage in India. Beijing would have to calculate the risk of being isolate globally on the issue of fight against terrorism or signing off to a compromised language that would designate Azhar as a global terrorist, since except China, all other UNSC members supported the resolution. Getting Chinese support to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, at the UN, in any format, would be considered as a terrific accomplishment. The very fact that there has been discussions going on between China and the US, Britain and France, is considered as a positive development. Those familiar with China's working pattern are still not confident and that's the reason why they are seriously working on other options including an open debate in the Security Council, where Beijing might find it difficult to defend a terrorist in public.

US, France and UK in intense discussions with China on Azhar listing at United Nations

Nations on Friday committed to "significantly reduce" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seatle-becomes-first-major-american-city-to-ban-plastic-straws-148348">single-use plastics</a> over the next decade, in a series of voluntary pledges that green groups warned fell short of tackling Earth's pollution crisis.

After marathon talks in Nairobi, countries appeared to have reached a deal over throwaway plastic items such as bags, cups and cutlery to reduce the more than eight million tonnes of plastics entering oceans each year.&nbsp;

The final ministerial statement -- issued on a day of youth protests against climate change -- made only two references to man-made global warming and none to the fossil fuels that drive it.

It said countries would "address the damage to our ecosystems caused by the unsustainable use and disposal of plastic products, including by significantly reducing single-use plastic products by 2030."

Sources close to the talks told AFP that several rich nations, led by the United States, were influential in watering down the pledge.&nbsp;

An initial ministerial statement at the beginning of the UN environment assembly this week had proposed a commitment to "phase out single-use plastics... by 2025" -- a far stronger promise than the compromise nations appear to have reached.&nbsp;

"It's hard to find one solution for all member states," said Siim Kiisler, UN assembly president, told journalists before the final decision.&nbsp;

"The environment is at a turning point. We don't need verbose documents, we need concrete commitments."&nbsp;

The world currently produces more than 300 million tonnes of plastics annually, and there are at least five trillion plastic pieces floating in our oceans, scientists have estimated.

When asked specifically whether the US had played a spoiler role during the week's negotiations, Kiisler told journalists: "I will not answer that question."

Nations on Friday committed to "significantly reduce" single-use plastics over the next decade, in a series of voluntary pledges that green groups warned fell short of tackling Earth's pollution crisis.

Nations on Friday committed to "significantly reduce" single-use plastics over the next decade, in a series of voluntary pledges that green groups warned fell short of tackling Earth's pollution crisis. After marathon talks in Nairobi, countries appeared to have reached a deal over throwaway plastic items such as bags, cups and cutlery to reduce the more than eight million tonnes of plastics entering oceans each year. The final ministerial statement -- issued on a day of youth protests against climate change -- made only two references to man-made global warming and none to the fossil fuels that drive it. It said countries would "address the damage to our ecosystems caused by the unsustainable use and disposal of plastic products, including by significantly reducing single-use plastic products by 2030." Sources close to the talks told AFP that several rich nations, led by the United States, were influential in watering down the pledge. An initial ministerial statement at the beginning of the UN environment assembly this week had proposed a commitment to "phase out single-use plastics... by 2025" -- a far stronger promise than the compromise nations appear to have reached. "It's hard to find one solution for all member states," said Siim Kiisler, UN assembly president, told journalists before the final decision. "The environment is at a turning point. We don't need verbose documents, we need concrete commitments." The world currently produces more than 300 million tonnes of plastics annually, and there are at least five trillion plastic pieces floating in our oceans, scientists have estimated. When asked specifically whether the US had played a spoiler role during the week's negotiations, Kiisler told journalists: "I will not answer that question."

Nations agree 'significant' plastic cuts by 2030: UN

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case.

Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council."

Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region."

India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing.

The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal."

The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations.&nbsp;

JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack.

During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership &amp; our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism."

A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks."

NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism.

Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.”

“Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added.

The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit. 
&nbsp;

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project. Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case. Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council." Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region." India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing. The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal." The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations. JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack. During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed. In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership & our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism." A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks." NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism. Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.” “Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added. The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit.

Day After China played chequers in UN, Beijing says need more time, US fumes

A senior New Zealand government minister was assaulted in an early-morning street attack Thursday that left him with a black eye and shook up Wellington's normally laid-back political atmosphere.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw was walking to the parliament building known as the Beehive when a man punched him in the face in what his office described as an unprovoked attack.

While Shaw's office played down any political aspect to the assault, Trade Minister David Parker told reporters the attacker "was said to be shouting things out about the United Nations".

Shaw, who is Climate Change Minister and whose party is part of the ruling centre-left coalition, was not seriously injured.

His office said two members of the public helped him and he continued to parliament, attending a meeting before going to hospital for a precautionary check-up.

He suffered a black eye, telling stuff.co.nz "it looks worse than it is".

Police said a 47-year-old man was arrested and would appear in court Friday charged with injuring with intent.

Political violence is practically unheard of in New Zealand, a nation of about 4.5 million where most government ministers do not have a regular security detail.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that "in New Zealand, you just don't expect these things to happen".

"We have an environment in New Zealand where politicians are accessible, and that's something we should feel proud of," she told reporters.&nbsp;

"We are after all, here to serve people. But today's events really show we cannot take that for granted."

Wellington mayor Justin Lester said it was "a sad day for democracy".

"This is outrageous behaviour and if undertaken by a Wellingtonian, shameful," he tweeted.

"Elected representatives of all hues show courage to represent New Zealanders and we are lucky to have unparalleled access to them."

There was condemnation from across the political spectrum, with the leader of the conservative National Party Simon Bridges tweeting: "Violence is never OK."&nbsp;

Ardern said Shaw had told her he was doing fine" and she had told him to take whatever time off he needed to recover.

A senior New Zealand government minister was assaulted in an early-morning street attack Thursday that left him with a black eye and shook up Wellington's normally laid-back political atmosphere.

A senior New Zealand government minister was assaulted in an early-morning street attack Thursday that left him with a black eye and shook up Wellington's normally laid-back political atmosphere. Green Party co-leader James Shaw was walking to the parliament building known as the Beehive when a man punched him in the face in what his office described as an unprovoked attack. While Shaw's office played down any political aspect to the assault, Trade Minister David Parker told reporters the attacker "was said to be shouting things out about the United Nations". Shaw, who is Climate Change Minister and whose party is part of the ruling centre-left coalition, was not seriously injured. His office said two members of the public helped him and he continued to parliament, attending a meeting before going to hospital for a precautionary check-up. He suffered a black eye, telling stuff.co.nz "it looks worse than it is". Police said a 47-year-old man was arrested and would appear in court Friday charged with injuring with intent. Political violence is practically unheard of in New Zealand, a nation of about 4.5 million where most government ministers do not have a regular security detail. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that "in New Zealand, you just don't expect these things to happen". "We have an environment in New Zealand where politicians are accessible, and that's something we should feel proud of," she told reporters. "We are after all, here to serve people. But today's events really show we cannot take that for granted." Wellington mayor Justin Lester said it was "a sad day for democracy". "This is outrageous behaviour and if undertaken by a Wellingtonian, shameful," he tweeted. "Elected representatives of all hues show courage to represent New Zealanders and we are lucky to have unparalleled access to them." There was condemnation from across the political spectrum, with the leader of the conservative National Party Simon Bridges tweeting: "Violence is never OK." Ardern said Shaw had told her he was doing fine" and she had told him to take whatever time off he needed to recover.

New Zealand climate minister punched in the face

United Nations experts said in Kenya on Monday that the use of chemicals in industry and agriculture has doubled in recent years, generating annual profits of $5 trillion along with negative impacts on the environment and human health that are concentrated in Asia and Africa.

The first day of the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi was devoted to a presentation of findings from Global Chemicals Outlook II - From Legacies to Innovative Solutions.

One key conclusion of the report was that efforts to reduce the harmful effects of chemicals could become a $10 billion-a-year business in its own right.

"Whether the growth in chemicals becomes a net positive or a net negative for humanity depends on how we manage the chemicals challenge," UN Environment acting Executive Director Joyce Msuya said. "What is clear is that we must do much more, together."

While chemicals enhance human well-being in many ways, notably in health, nutrition and food security, the side effects of their use aggravate climate change and help drive the loss of biodiversity, according to the report.

The use of chemicals has doubled despite policies aimed at reducing their role in industrial processes, the UN's Achi Halpaap said.

And the presence of chemical residues in the environment has increased correspondingly, he said.

The increases have been most dramatic in Africa, which is the source of coltan and other raw materials used in electronic devices; and in Asia, due to Chinese manufacturing, according to Halpaap.

Illicit trafficking in chemicals is also boosting their presence in the environment worldwide, he said.

Fernando Lugris, a Uruguayan diplomat who took part in the negotiations leading that produced the 2013 Minamata Convention on Mercury, called the Global Chemicals Outlook II "historic" for the light it shed upon unnoticed realities.

The report cites data from the European Environmental Agency showing that 345 million tons of chemicals were utilised in 2016 in the 28 European Union member-states, 62 per cent of them toxic.

The World Health Organisation said that 1.6 million people died in 2016 as a result of the use of toxic chemicals, above all in the agricultural sector.

United Nations experts said in Kenya on Monday that the use of chemicals in industry and agriculture has doubled in recent years, generating annual profits of $5 trillion along with negative impacts on the environment and human health that are concentrated in Asia and Africa.

United Nations experts said in Kenya on Monday that the use of chemicals in industry and agriculture has doubled in recent years, generating annual profits of $5 trillion along with negative impacts on the environment and human health that are concentrated in Asia and Africa. The first day of the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi was devoted to a presentation of findings from Global Chemicals Outlook II - From Legacies to Innovative Solutions. One key conclusion of the report was that efforts to reduce the harmful effects of chemicals could become a $10 billion-a-year business in its own right. "Whether the growth in chemicals becomes a net positive or a net negative for humanity depends on how we manage the chemicals challenge," UN Environment acting Executive Director Joyce Msuya said. "What is clear is that we must do much more, together." While chemicals enhance human well-being in many ways, notably in health, nutrition and food security, the side effects of their use aggravate climate change and help drive the loss of biodiversity, according to the report. The use of chemicals has doubled despite policies aimed at reducing their role in industrial processes, the UN's Achi Halpaap said. And the presence of chemical residues in the environment has increased correspondingly, he said. The increases have been most dramatic in Africa, which is the source of coltan and other raw materials used in electronic devices; and in Asia, due to Chinese manufacturing, according to Halpaap. Illicit trafficking in chemicals is also boosting their presence in the environment worldwide, he said. Fernando Lugris, a Uruguayan diplomat who took part in the negotiations leading that produced the 2013 Minamata Convention on Mercury, called the Global Chemicals Outlook II "historic" for the light it shed upon unnoticed realities. The report cites data from the European Environmental Agency showing that 345 million tons of chemicals were utilised in 2016 in the 28 European Union member-states, 62 per cent of them toxic. The World Health Organisation said that 1.6 million people died in 2016 as a result of the use of toxic chemicals, above all in the agricultural sector.

Asia, Africa bear brunt of damage from chemicals: UN experts

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, 12th March, 2019

Extracting and processing materials, fuel and food contributes as much as half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, the UN said Tuesday, as experts gathered in Kenya to find ways to rein in exploding global consumption.

Using dozens of data sources, the authors of a major new report presented lawmakers and businesses with a stark choice, drastically reform the global economy to get more from less, or risk the collapse of global infrastructure.&nbsp;

With countries already committed under the Paris climate deal to curb emissions to fend off the worst impacts of global warming, experts said there was little hope of meeting that goal without an "urgent and systemic transformation" in how we use Earth's resources.

The Global Resources Outlook 2019 said that worldwide consumption of basic commodities such as water, minerals and fossil fuels had tripled since 1970.

With high-population nations such as China and India rapidly expanding their economies, the team behind the report called for a drastic overhaul in how that growth is fed.

"Nobody is claiming that the countries which are on the lower level of development should not have the right to develop," said Janez Potocnik, co-chair of the International Resource Panel.

"The question is, is it possible to do it differently to how we have done it, with fewer consequences than we see today?"

The report paints a grim picture of relentless demand for resources as the global population ticks towards eight billion people.&nbsp;

The use of climate-warming fossil fuels has increased worldwide from 6 billion tonnes in 1970 to 15 billion tonnes in 2017 despite decades of efforts to steer nations towards greener energy.

Water use for agriculture and industry outstripped population growth in the second half of the 20th Century. In 2017, 3,900 km3 of water was withdrawn for commercial purposes -- 70 per cent of which went to farming.&nbsp;

"The bad use of natural resources has a big impact on our quality of life and environment," said Bruno Orbele, Swiss former environment minister and one of the report's co-authors.

In line with most economic measurements, the study found that per capita consumption of raw materials in high-income nations was more than double the global average.

Richer nations use 27.1 tonnes of raw material per person per year, compared to just two tonnes ahead in low-income countries.

The "Towards Sustainability" scenario boosts policy measures to slow the growth of resource use, leading to reduced pressure on food and water supplies and boosting global economic growth by 8 per cent.&nbsp;

Conversely, the "Historical Trends" projection -- which assumes a business-as-usual approach to resource use -- would see greenhouse gas emissions shoot up 43 per cent by 2060.

The corresponding agricultural pressure to feed a global population expected to tip 10 billion by mid-century would see land given over to agriculture increase by 20 per cent, reducing forest cover by 10 per cent and other habitats such as grasslands and Savannah by a fifth.

Such a trajectory would shatter any remaining chance mankind has of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit), as countries committed to achieving in the landmark 2015 Paris accord.&nbsp;

"The way we are currently organised, it isn't simply enough," said Potocnik.

In a message to lawmakers and heads of state due in Nairobi for Thursday's One Planet Summit, Potocnik said the time for vague political commitments on the environment had passed.

"If you are in public office, defend the public interest. And it's clear what is public interest today, we have to survive."

Extracting and processing materials, fuel and food contributes as much as half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, the UN said Tuesday, as experts gathered in Kenya to find ways to rein in exploding global consumption.

Extracting and processing materials, fuel and food contributes as much as half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, the UN said Tuesday, as experts gathered in Kenya to find ways to rein in exploding global consumption. Using dozens of data sources, the authors of a major new report presented lawmakers and businesses with a stark choice, drastically reform the global economy to get more from less, or risk the collapse of global infrastructure. With countries already committed under the Paris climate deal to curb emissions to fend off the worst impacts of global warming, experts said there was little hope of meeting that goal without an "urgent and systemic transformation" in how we use Earth's resources. The Global Resources Outlook 2019 said that worldwide consumption of basic commodities such as water, minerals and fossil fuels had tripled since 1970. With high-population nations such as China and India rapidly expanding their economies, the team behind the report called for a drastic overhaul in how that growth is fed. "Nobody is claiming that the countries which are on the lower level of development should not have the right to develop," said Janez Potocnik, co-chair of the International Resource Panel. "The question is, is it possible to do it differently to how we have done it, with fewer consequences than we see today?" The report paints a grim picture of relentless demand for resources as the global population ticks towards eight billion people. The use of climate-warming fossil fuels has increased worldwide from 6 billion tonnes in 1970 to 15 billion tonnes in 2017 despite decades of efforts to steer nations towards greener energy. Water use for agriculture and industry outstripped population growth in the second half of the 20th Century. In 2017, 3,900 km3 of water was withdrawn for commercial purposes -- 70 per cent of which went to farming. "The bad use of natural resources has a big impact on our quality of life and environment," said Bruno Orbele, Swiss former environment minister and one of the report's co-authors. In line with most economic measurements, the study found that per capita consumption of raw materials in high-income nations was more than double the global average. Richer nations use 27.1 tonnes of raw material per person per year, compared to just two tonnes ahead in low-income countries. The "Towards Sustainability" scenario boosts policy measures to slow the growth of resource use, leading to reduced pressure on food and water supplies and boosting global economic growth by 8 per cent. Conversely, the "Historical Trends" projection -- which assumes a business-as-usual approach to resource use -- would see greenhouse gas emissions shoot up 43 per cent by 2060. The corresponding agricultural pressure to feed a global population expected to tip 10 billion by mid-century would see land given over to agriculture increase by 20 per cent, reducing forest cover by 10 per cent and other habitats such as grasslands and Savannah by a fifth. Such a trajectory would shatter any remaining chance mankind has of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit), as countries committed to achieving in the landmark 2015 Paris accord. "The way we are currently organised, it isn't simply enough," said Potocnik. In a message to lawmakers and heads of state due in Nairobi for Thursday's One Planet Summit, Potocnik said the time for vague political commitments on the environment had passed. "If you are in public office, defend the public interest. And it's clear what is public interest today, we have to survive."

Raw materials behind half of global emissions: United Nations

At least 19 affiliated with the United Nations were among those killed in the crash Sunday of an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/greek-man-saved-from-ethiopian-airlines-crash-by-being-two-minutes-late-calls-it-my-lucky-day-202437">Ethiopian Airlines jet</a> near Addis Ababa, according to the UN migration agency chief.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/four-indians-among-those-dead-in-ethiopian-airlines-plane-crash-202378">Authorities said all 157 people</a> on board were killed when the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-plane-crashes-with-157-on-board-no-survivors-says-state-media-202350">Boeing 737 crashed</a> shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa on a flight to Nairobi, where the UN conference was being held.

"Early indications are that 19 staff members of UN-affiliated organizations perished," said International Organization for Migration head Antonio Vitorino.

"Numerous other staff members from at least five UN and affiliated organizations are understood to have also perished," he said. Along with the IOM, the World Food Program, UN Refugee Agency, World Bank, UN Environment Agency and others lost colleagues, he said.

Among the IOM staff on the plane was Anne Feigl, who worked for the agency's mission in Sudan.&nbsp;

Mission chief Catherine Northing remembered Feigl as "an extremely valued colleague and popular staff member, committed and professional."

Meanwhile, World Food Program director David Beasley, who confirmed seven of his staff had died, said: "As we mourn, let us reflect that each of these WFP colleagues was willing to travel and work far from their homes and loved ones to help make the world a better place to live."

In a statement, Geneva-based UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, did not confirm the number of colleagues among the dead -- but said his agency had suffered a "huge loss."

A UN source had earlier added that that freelance interpreter travelling to a UN conference on the environment might also be among the dead.

Establishing the exact number of UN personnel on the flight was complicated by the fact that some had informed the United Nations of their travel plans while others had not, and not all were using their UN passports to travel, the source said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply saddened at the tragic loss of lives."

"He conveys his heartfelt sympathies and solidarity to the victims' families and loved ones, including those of United Nations staff members, as well as sincere condolences to the government and people of Ethiopia," the statement said.

"The United Nations is in contact with the Ethiopian authorities and working closely with them to establish the details of United Nations personnel who lost their lives in this tragedy."

At least 19 affiliated with the United Nations were among those killed in the crash Sunday of an Ethiopian Airlines jet near Addis Ababa, according to the UN migration agency chief.

At least 19 affiliated with the United Nations were among those killed in the crash Sunday of an Ethiopian Airlines jet near Addis Ababa, according to the UN migration agency chief. Authorities said all 157 people on board were killed when the Boeing 737 crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa on a flight to Nairobi, where the UN conference was being held. "Early indications are that 19 staff members of UN-affiliated organizations perished," said International Organization for Migration head Antonio Vitorino. "Numerous other staff members from at least five UN and affiliated organizations are understood to have also perished," he said. Along with the IOM, the World Food Program, UN Refugee Agency, World Bank, UN Environment Agency and others lost colleagues, he said. Among the IOM staff on the plane was Anne Feigl, who worked for the agency's mission in Sudan. Mission chief Catherine Northing remembered Feigl as "an extremely valued colleague and popular staff member, committed and professional." Meanwhile, World Food Program director David Beasley, who confirmed seven of his staff had died, said: "As we mourn, let us reflect that each of these WFP colleagues was willing to travel and work far from their homes and loved ones to help make the world a better place to live." In a statement, Geneva-based UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, did not confirm the number of colleagues among the dead -- but said his agency had suffered a "huge loss." A UN source had earlier added that that freelance interpreter travelling to a UN conference on the environment might also be among the dead. Establishing the exact number of UN personnel on the flight was complicated by the fact that some had informed the United Nations of their travel plans while others had not, and not all were using their UN passports to travel, the source said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply saddened at the tragic loss of lives." "He conveys his heartfelt sympathies and solidarity to the victims' families and loved ones, including those of United Nations staff members, as well as sincere condolences to the government and people of Ethiopia," the statement said. "The United Nations is in contact with the Ethiopian authorities and working closely with them to establish the details of United Nations personnel who lost their lives in this tragedy."

Ethiopian Airlines crash: At least 19 UN-affiliated personnel among 157 dead

A United Nations human rights investigator on Myanmar voiced deep concern on Monday at Bangladesh's plan to relocate 23,000 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dozens-of-rohingya-found-on-malaysian-beach-officials-200586">Rohingya refugees</a> to a remote island in April, saying that it may not be habitable, creating a potential "new crisis".

Bangladesh says moving the refugees to Bhasan Char — which means "floating island" — will ease chronic overcrowding in its camps at Cox's Bazar, which hold some 730,000 Rohingya. The UN&nbsp;says the Muslim minority fled mass killings and rapes committed during an army crackdown in western Rakhine state since August 2017.

Some humanitarian groups have criticised the relocation plan, saying the island is vulnerable to frequent cyclones and cannot provide a livelihood for thousands of people.

"There are a number of things that remain unknown to me even following my visit, chief among them being whether the island is truly habitable," said Yanghee Lee, UN&nbsp;special rapporteur on Myanmar, who visited the island in the Bay of Bengal in January.

"Ill-planned relocation, and relocations without the consent of the refugees concerned, have the potential to create a new crisis. It is incumbent on the government of Bangladesh to ensure that this is not brought about," she told the UN&nbsp;Human Rights Council.

There was no immediate reaction from the Dhaka government.

Lee, who is banned by Myanmar's government from visiting, also told the Geneva forum that up to 10,000 civilians are reported to have fled their homes in Myanmar's Rakhine state since November due to violence and a lack of humanitarian aid.

She urged the UN&nbsp;Security Council to refer alleged atrocities against Rohingya and other ethnic groups in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and encouraged Yangon to accept its jurisdiction.

But Myanmar's ambassador, Kyaw Moe Tun, promptly rejected this, saying the Hague-based court had "no jurisdiction over Myanmar whatsoever".

"Whilst the governrnent is unable to accept this legally dubious intervention by the ICC, Myanmar is fully committed to ensuring accountability where there is credible evidence of human rights violations committed in Rakhine State," he said.

The most pressing task is to focus on a speedy start to repatriating the refugees, he said, without using the word 'Rohingya' - who are mostly stateless in Myanmar. 
&nbsp;

A United Nations human rights investigator on Myanmar voiced deep concern on Monday at Bangladesh's plan to relocate 23,000 Rohingya refugees to a remote island in April, saying that it may not be habitable, creating a potential "new crisis".

A United Nations human rights investigator on Myanmar voiced deep concern on Monday at Bangladesh's plan to relocate 23,000 Rohingya refugees to a remote island in April, saying that it may not be habitable, creating a potential "new crisis". Bangladesh says moving the refugees to Bhasan Char — which means "floating island" — will ease chronic overcrowding in its camps at Cox's Bazar, which hold some 730,000 Rohingya. The UN says the Muslim minority fled mass killings and rapes committed during an army crackdown in western Rakhine state since August 2017. Some humanitarian groups have criticised the relocation plan, saying the island is vulnerable to frequent cyclones and cannot provide a livelihood for thousands of people. "There are a number of things that remain unknown to me even following my visit, chief among them being whether the island is truly habitable," said Yanghee Lee, UN special rapporteur on Myanmar, who visited the island in the Bay of Bengal in January. "Ill-planned relocation, and relocations without the consent of the refugees concerned, have the potential to create a new crisis. It is incumbent on the government of Bangladesh to ensure that this is not brought about," she told the UN Human Rights Council. There was no immediate reaction from the Dhaka government. Lee, who is banned by Myanmar's government from visiting, also told the Geneva forum that up to 10,000 civilians are reported to have fled their homes in Myanmar's Rakhine state since November due to violence and a lack of humanitarian aid. She urged the UN Security Council to refer alleged atrocities against Rohingya and other ethnic groups in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and encouraged Yangon to accept its jurisdiction. But Myanmar's ambassador, Kyaw Moe Tun, promptly rejected this, saying the Hague-based court had "no jurisdiction over Myanmar whatsoever". "Whilst the governrnent is unable to accept this legally dubious intervention by the ICC, Myanmar is fully committed to ensuring accountability where there is credible evidence of human rights violations committed in Rakhine State," he said. The most pressing task is to focus on a speedy start to repatriating the refugees, he said, without using the word 'Rohingya' - who are mostly stateless in Myanmar.

United Nations envoy fears 'new crisis' for Rohingya if moved to Bangladesh island

UNICEF on Sunday warned that 1,106 children died during fighting in Syria in 2018, the deadliest year for children since the war began eight years ago and called on the parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of children.

The Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund, Henrietta Fore, said in a statement dated Monday that these are the verified figures and the real ones are "likely much higher," and called for support for the donors' conference in Brussels which starts on March 12.

"Today, there exists an alarming misconception that the conflict in Syria is drawing quickly to a close - it is not. Children in parts of the country remain in as much danger as at any other time during the eight-year conflict," she said in the statement.

UNICEF points out that mine contamination is the leading cause of child casualties in Syria and unexploded ordnance accounted for 434 deaths and injuries last year, while there were a record number of attacks on education and health institutions, 262 in total.

Fore said she was "particularly concerned about the situation in Idlib in northwestern Syria where intensification of violence has reportedly killed 59 children in the past few weeks alone."

She noted that children and families "in no man's lands continue to live in limbo" and in Rukban, near the Jordanian border, their situation "continues to be desperate, with limited access to food, water, shelter, health care and education."

She also warned of worsening conditions in the Al Hol camp in the north-east of Syria, which is home to more than 65,000 people, of whom some 240 are unaccompanied or separated children.

"Since January this year, nearly 60 children reportedly died while making the 300-kilometre trek from Baghouz to the camp," UNICEF said.

The UN agency also draws attention to the future of children of foreign fighters in Syria, which "remains unclear", and calls on member states to take responsibility for those children who are their citizens or descendants of their nationals and to take measures to prevent them from becoming stateless.

The neighbouring countries of the region, meanwhile, are home to 2.6 million Syrian refugee children, many of whose families, despite the help of host governments and the UN, cannot send them to school and resort to child labour or child marriage due to lack of income.

As Syria faces its ninth year of the war, UNICEF "again reminds parties to the conflict and the global community that it is the country's children who have suffered most and have the most to lose. Each day the conflict continues is another day stolen from their childhood."

Fore, therefore asks to prioritize "the protection of all children, no matter who controls which area" and regardless of the affiliations of their families, promoting access to families in need of support and solutions for those who voluntarily choose not to return and maintaining stable funding.

On the eve of the donors' conference in Brussels, Fore urged them "to maintain their generosity towards the children of Syria and neighbouring countries. Predictable, unrestricted, multi-year funding is required to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of children and their families inside Syria and across the region."

UNICEF on Sunday warned that 1,106 children died during fighting in Syria in 2018, the deadliest year for children since the war began eight years ago and called on the parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of children.

UNICEF on Sunday warned that 1,106 children died during fighting in Syria in 2018, the deadliest year for children since the war began eight years ago and called on the parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of children. The Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund, Henrietta Fore, said in a statement dated Monday that these are the verified figures and the real ones are "likely much higher," and called for support for the donors' conference in Brussels which starts on March 12. "Today, there exists an alarming misconception that the conflict in Syria is drawing quickly to a close - it is not. Children in parts of the country remain in as much danger as at any other time during the eight-year conflict," she said in the statement. UNICEF points out that mine contamination is the leading cause of child casualties in Syria and unexploded ordnance accounted for 434 deaths and injuries last year, while there were a record number of attacks on education and health institutions, 262 in total. Fore said she was "particularly concerned about the situation in Idlib in northwestern Syria where intensification of violence has reportedly killed 59 children in the past few weeks alone." She noted that children and families "in no man's lands continue to live in limbo" and in Rukban, near the Jordanian border, their situation "continues to be desperate, with limited access to food, water, shelter, health care and education." She also warned of worsening conditions in the Al Hol camp in the north-east of Syria, which is home to more than 65,000 people, of whom some 240 are unaccompanied or separated children. "Since January this year, nearly 60 children reportedly died while making the 300-kilometre trek from Baghouz to the camp," UNICEF said. The UN agency also draws attention to the future of children of foreign fighters in Syria, which "remains unclear", and calls on member states to take responsibility for those children who are their citizens or descendants of their nationals and to take measures to prevent them from becoming stateless. The neighbouring countries of the region, meanwhile, are home to 2.6 million Syrian refugee children, many of whose families, despite the help of host governments and the UN, cannot send them to school and resort to child labour or child marriage due to lack of income. As Syria faces its ninth year of the war, UNICEF "again reminds parties to the conflict and the global community that it is the country's children who have suffered most and have the most to lose. Each day the conflict continues is another day stolen from their childhood." Fore, therefore asks to prioritize "the protection of all children, no matter who controls which area" and regardless of the affiliations of their families, promoting access to families in need of support and solutions for those who voluntarily choose not to return and maintaining stable funding. On the eve of the donors' conference in Brussels, Fore urged them "to maintain their generosity towards the children of Syria and neighbouring countries. Predictable, unrestricted, multi-year funding is required to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of children and their families inside Syria and across the region."

Over 1,100 children were killed in the Syrian war in 2018, deadliest year

Methamphetamine production has reached "unprecedented levels" in Southeast Asia and has expanded its market in the eastern part of the continent, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said on Monday.

The experts pointed out to the Golden Triangle region - where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet - as the main origin of methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs and said that they are trafficked to neighbouring countries in the region and beyond.

In the year 2018, at least 116 tons of methamphetamine was seized in the region, which was 30 per cent more than the year before.

"Volumes of methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs originating from the Golden Triangle to Thailand have reached unprecedented levels", said Niyom Termsrisuk, Secretary-General of the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) of Thailand.

"Large amounts of synthetic drugs have been trafficked to neighbouring countries in the region, but also further," Niyom added.

The increase in the production of methamphetamine is leading to a decline in the price of the drug on the black market and an increase has been registered in the confiscations by the authorities.

"The challenge is growing, and it is critical we work with UNODC and the region to curtail flows of precursor chemicals that are being used to produce methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs," Niyom said in a statement released by UNODC.

The organization explained the growing trend of expansion of methamphetamine in East Asia - China registered a record number of seizures last year - and other substances produced in the laboratories situated in the Golden Triangle region.

"Aside from methamphetamine which is getting most of the attention because of the surge in seizures and street price drops, synthetic opioids and other drugs have also been found across the region", said Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

“National leadership and authorities are starting to come to terms with how profoundly synthetics are changing the drug market, and we hope they use the coming Mekong Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok and ASEAN leadership meetings to reflect on the situation and their strategy – this is not business as usual, and it is past time to change the response," Douglas added.&nbsp;

Methamphetamine production has reached "unprecedented levels" in Southeast Asia and has expanded its market in the eastern part of the continent, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said on Monday.

Methamphetamine production has reached "unprecedented levels" in Southeast Asia and has expanded its market in the eastern part of the continent, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said on Monday. The experts pointed out to the Golden Triangle region - where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet - as the main origin of methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs and said that they are trafficked to neighbouring countries in the region and beyond. In the year 2018, at least 116 tons of methamphetamine was seized in the region, which was 30 per cent more than the year before. "Volumes of methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs originating from the Golden Triangle to Thailand have reached unprecedented levels", said Niyom Termsrisuk, Secretary-General of the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) of Thailand. "Large amounts of synthetic drugs have been trafficked to neighbouring countries in the region, but also further," Niyom added. The increase in the production of methamphetamine is leading to a decline in the price of the drug on the black market and an increase has been registered in the confiscations by the authorities. "The challenge is growing, and it is critical we work with UNODC and the region to curtail flows of precursor chemicals that are being used to produce methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs," Niyom said in a statement released by UNODC. The organization explained the growing trend of expansion of methamphetamine in East Asia - China registered a record number of seizures last year - and other substances produced in the laboratories situated in the Golden Triangle region. "Aside from methamphetamine which is getting most of the attention because of the surge in seizures and street price drops, synthetic opioids and other drugs have also been found across the region", said Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. “National leadership and authorities are starting to come to terms with how profoundly synthetics are changing the drug market, and we hope they use the coming Mekong Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok and ASEAN leadership meetings to reflect on the situation and their strategy – this is not business as usual, and it is past time to change the response," Douglas added.

Methamphetamine production sees record surge in Southeast Asia: UN

UN chief Antonio Guterres is "continually" monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan and his office is available to both parties, his spokesperson said.

A spokesman for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric was asked if the UN chief had spoken with the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

"The Secretary-General and members of his staff are in touch"&nbsp;have been in touch with the parties at various levels. We continually monitor the situation and [are] available to the parties," Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Thursday.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Dujarric had said that the Secretary General had not spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan over the situation between the two nations but had expressed his concern to officials on both sides on the need to de-escalate tensions.&nbsp;

"We're fully aware of the situation. The Secretary General has had no calls with those two Heads of Government as far as I'm aware, but he's had contacts with both sides to express, I think, his concern and the need to do as much as anyone can to de-escalate the tensions," Dujarric had said at the daily press briefing Tuesday.&nbsp;

When asked if the Secretary-General is planning to get involved to try and mediate a de-escalation, Dujarric had said last week that "as always", the Secretary General's good offices are always "available should both parties or all parties, depending on the situation, agree to do that".&nbsp;

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.&nbsp;

UN chief Antonio Guterres is "continually" monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan and his office is available to both parties, his spokesperson said.

UN chief Antonio Guterres is "continually" monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan and his office is available to both parties, his spokesperson said. A spokesman for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric was asked if the UN chief had spoken with the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours. "The Secretary-General and members of his staff are in touch" have been in touch with the parties at various levels. We continually monitor the situation and [are] available to the parties," Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Thursday. Earlier this week, Dujarric had said that the Secretary General had not spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan over the situation between the two nations but had expressed his concern to officials on both sides on the need to de-escalate tensions. "We're fully aware of the situation. The Secretary General has had no calls with those two Heads of Government as far as I'm aware, but he's had contacts with both sides to express, I think, his concern and the need to do as much as anyone can to de-escalate the tensions," Dujarric had said at the daily press briefing Tuesday. When asked if the Secretary-General is planning to get involved to try and mediate a de-escalation, Dujarric had said last week that "as always", the Secretary General's good offices are always "available should both parties or all parties, depending on the situation, agree to do that". Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

United Nations chief continually monitoring situation between India, Pakistan: Spokesperson

The United States is working with the United Nations sanctions committee to ensure the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-push-for-designation-of-jaish-chief-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-france-201668">Masood Azhar in the list of terrorist organisations</a> and leaders by the UN security council.

Responding to a question on Azhar's listing in United Nations terror list, Deputy Spokesperson of the state department, Robert Palladino said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it is accurate."

Palladino was addressing his biweekly news conference in Washington.

Palladino also called Masood Azhar "a threat to regional stability" and urged Pakistan to take "sustained and irreversible" actions against terrorist groups operating from its territory.&nbsp;

"We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council obligations to deny terrorists safe haven and block their entry to funds."

"Jaish-e-Mohammed is a United Nations-designated terrorist group that has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability," he said.

March 13 is the deadline for the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the UNSC terror list if no other country raises an issue and block it.&nbsp;

The US, UK and France have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and all eyes are now on China, given its track record of blocking proposals to put Azhar on the list since 2010.&nbsp;

Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory.

Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14.

The responsibility of the attack was claimed Jaish-e-Mohammed group.

The United States is working with the United Nations sanctions committee to ensure the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in the list of terrorist organisations and leaders by the UN security council.

The United States is working with the United Nations sanctions committee to ensure the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in the list of terrorist organisations and leaders by the UN security council. Responding to a question on Azhar's listing in United Nations terror list, Deputy Spokesperson of the state department, Robert Palladino said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it is accurate." Palladino was addressing his biweekly news conference in Washington. Palladino also called Masood Azhar "a threat to regional stability" and urged Pakistan to take "sustained and irreversible" actions against terrorist groups operating from its territory. "We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council obligations to deny terrorists safe haven and block their entry to funds." "Jaish-e-Mohammed is a United Nations-designated terrorist group that has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability," he said. March 13 is the deadline for the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the UNSC terror list if no other country raises an issue and block it. The US, UK and France have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and all eyes are now on China, given its track record of blocking proposals to put Azhar on the list since 2010. Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory. Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. The responsibility of the attack was claimed Jaish-e-Mohammed group.

Working with UN sanctions committee to ensure Masood Azhar listing: US

The United Nations has asked foreign investors and social media firms to ensure that they support human rights in Myanmar. The country, as is well known, is in the midst of a brutal conflict with its Rohingya Muslims. 730000 of these hapless people have fled Myanmar. The United Nation’s suggestion is a prudent one and can be an effective tool to ensure that human rights are not abrogated by states, not only with respect to Myanmar but also in general terms.

Human rights accrue to people by virtue of being human. These are an intrinsic good which must not only be protected but also promoted. But, in practice, what is observed is that there is tension between human rights, states and sovereignty thereof. &nbsp;Overlaying these countervailing forces to human rights is geopolitics which does not attach much import and significance to these. Often times, states, even in the developed world, are in breach of human rights in one form or the other. Consider the United States whose self-perception is that of a liberal democracy wherein the individual rules the roost, so to speak. But, in practice, besides obvious structural and institutional issues with African Americans, access to justice is prohibitively expensive making, in the process, a mockery of individual and human rights. 
 
In the less developed world, especially in conflict zones, there is a deep and visceral tension between human rights and state(s). Owing to the precedence of state interests or raison d’etat, and other prosaic matters, states abrogating and violating human rights do so almost with impunity, usually behind the shield of state sovereignty. 
 
This is a reality that can be observed with empirical precision as far as the killing fields of Syria, Myanmar, and other places. The international state system and the foreign policies of states, oriented as they are toward state interests have proven to be woefully inadequate in protecting and promoting human rights. Where then can relief be found?

In markets. Perhaps. 
&nbsp; 
While much has been made of “de-globalisation” and allied trends, the fact is that even though the large megatrend of globalisation might have slowed down, but it has not disappeared. Globalisation is real and while its momentum might have dissipated, it is a historical reality that can neither be wished away nor be made to disappear. The relevance of globalisation to human rights and to the thematic issue dwelt upon in this essay is that counterintuitively perhaps, the propelling forces of the idea and its practice can be used to protect human rights. The reference here is to markets. 
 
In a globalised world where autarky or self-sufficiency is passé and where interdependence is the norm, markets can be employed to discipline states. Capital flows, both portfolio and foreign direct investment, the quest for the Rate of Return and yield, among other things, constitute the sine qua non of economic growth, in this day and age. And, economic growth not only is essential for obvious reasons but it also accords legitimacy to regimes and governments. Stop the tap, so to speak, a given nation-state can be brought to its knees. Obiter dictum, while financial economists can debate the extent of the correlation between financial markets and the real economy, that there is a link is almost indubitable. If markets take a tumble, the real economy is impinged upon, pretty drastically at times, as was demonstrated all too eloquently in and during the 2008 financial crisis.

The key here lies with investors who, as an assorted and a diverse class, can choose to punish and discipline a given state that is killing, maiming, and persecuting its own people. Minds of the policy and political elite of the “target country” can then be concentrated with such poignancy and alacrity that no sanctions or reproach by other states or non-state organisations can do. The United Nations, as an international body, is hamstrung by issues of a structural nature, the most potent of which is state sovereignty and the shield it accords to states who can do whatever they live within their respective jurisdictions. The states constituting the international system are too caught up by raison d’etat to do anything substantive about human rights. It might, however, be markets that can constitute a robust disciplinary force that not only protect but promote human rights.

It is here that the United Nations’ suggestion to investors, with respect to Myanmar, becomes relevant. Let foreign investors see Myanmar as a test case and let it be the starting point for and of markets to be used for good.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The United Nations has asked foreign investors and social media firms to ensure that they support human rights in Myanmar. The country, as is well known, is in the midst of a brutal conflict with its Rohingya Muslims.

The United Nations has asked foreign investors and social media firms to ensure that they support human rights in Myanmar. The country, as is well known, is in the midst of a brutal conflict with its Rohingya Muslims. 730000 of these hapless people have fled Myanmar. The United Nation’s suggestion is a prudent one and can be an effective tool to ensure that human rights are not abrogated by states, not only with respect to Myanmar but also in general terms. Human rights accrue to people by virtue of being human. These are an intrinsic good which must not only be protected but also promoted. But, in practice, what is observed is that there is tension between human rights, states and sovereignty thereof. Overlaying these countervailing forces to human rights is geopolitics which does not attach much import and significance to these. Often times, states, even in the developed world, are in breach of human rights in one form or the other. Consider the United States whose self-perception is that of a liberal democracy wherein the individual rules the roost, so to speak. But, in practice, besides obvious structural and institutional issues with African Americans, access to justice is prohibitively expensive making, in the process, a mockery of individual and human rights. In the less developed world, especially in conflict zones, there is a deep and visceral tension between human rights and state(s). Owing to the precedence of state interests or raison d’etat, and other prosaic matters, states abrogating and violating human rights do so almost with impunity, usually behind the shield of state sovereignty. This is a reality that can be observed with empirical precision as far as the killing fields of Syria, Myanmar, and other places. The international state system and the foreign policies of states, oriented as they are toward state interests have proven to be woefully inadequate in protecting and promoting human rights. Where then can relief be found? In markets. Perhaps. While much has been made of “de-globalisation” and allied trends, the fact is that even though the large megatrend of globalisation might have slowed down, but it has not disappeared. Globalisation is real and while its momentum might have dissipated, it is a historical reality that can neither be wished away nor be made to disappear. The relevance of globalisation to human rights and to the thematic issue dwelt upon in this essay is that counterintuitively perhaps, the propelling forces of the idea and its practice can be used to protect human rights. The reference here is to markets. In a globalised world where autarky or self-sufficiency is passé and where interdependence is the norm, markets can be employed to discipline states. Capital flows, both portfolio and foreign direct investment, the quest for the Rate of Return and yield, among other things, constitute the sine qua non of economic growth, in this day and age. And, economic growth not only is essential for obvious reasons but it also accords legitimacy to regimes and governments. Stop the tap, so to speak, a given nation-state can be brought to its knees. Obiter dictum, while financial economists can debate the extent of the correlation between financial markets and the real economy, that there is a link is almost indubitable. If markets take a tumble, the real economy is impinged upon, pretty drastically at times, as was demonstrated all too eloquently in and during the 2008 financial crisis. The key here lies with investors who, as an assorted and a diverse class, can choose to punish and discipline a given state that is killing, maiming, and persecuting its own people. Minds of the policy and political elite of the “target country” can then be concentrated with such poignancy and alacrity that no sanctions or reproach by other states or non-state organisations can do. The United Nations, as an international body, is hamstrung by issues of a structural nature, the most potent of which is state sovereignty and the shield it accords to states who can do whatever they live within their respective jurisdictions. The states constituting the international system are too caught up by raison d’etat to do anything substantive about human rights. It might, however, be markets that can constitute a robust disciplinary force that not only protect but promote human rights. It is here that the United Nations’ suggestion to investors, with respect to Myanmar, becomes relevant. Let foreign investors see Myanmar as a test case and let it be the starting point for and of markets to be used for good. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Myanmar crisis: In conflict zones, there exists a deep conflict between human rights and states

A team of United Nations and&nbsp; World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change&nbsp;told WION.

Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/radar-satellite-images-of-iaf-strikes-in-balakot-show-significant-damage-sources-201636">Radar, satellite images of IAF strike on Pakistan's Balakot show 'significant damage'</a>

In retaliation, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilots-werent-supposed-to-land-and-count-number-of-terrorists-killed-in-balakot-rajnath-singh-201634">Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes</a> at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Following the IAF strikes, Pakistan was planning to lodge a complaint against India at the United Nations, accusing it of "eco-terrorism".

Climate Change Minister Malik Amin Aslam had said Indian jets bombed a "forest reserve" and the government was undertaking an environmental impact assessment, which will be the basis of a complaint at the United Nations and other forums.

Today, officials from the&nbsp;Pakistani ministry of climate change told WION&nbsp;that&nbsp;"a total of 19 trees were severely damaged due to the Balakot air strikes last week".

The United Nations states that "destruction of the environment, not justified by military necessity and carried out wantonly, is clearly contrary to existing international law", according to the UN&nbsp;General Assembly resolution 47/37.

In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, there is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits.

(With inputs from news agencies)

A team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change told WION.

A team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change told WION. Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Also read: Radar, satellite images of IAF strike on Pakistan's Balakot show 'significant damage' In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Following the IAF strikes, Pakistan was planning to lodge a complaint against India at the United Nations, accusing it of "eco-terrorism". Climate Change Minister Malik Amin Aslam had said Indian jets bombed a "forest reserve" and the government was undertaking an environmental impact assessment, which will be the basis of a complaint at the United Nations and other forums. Today, officials from the Pakistani ministry of climate change told WION that "a total of 19 trees were severely damaged due to the Balakot air strikes last week". The United Nations states that "destruction of the environment, not justified by military necessity and carried out wantonly, is clearly contrary to existing international law", according to the UN General Assembly resolution 47/37. In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, there is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits. (With inputs from news agencies)

Pakistan: UN, WWF team to visit Balakot to account 'loss' of trees due to IAF strikes

Despite Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's request to remove his name, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-rejects-hafiz-saeeds-plea-for-removal-from-list-of-banned-terrorists-govt-sources-201780">United Nations has continued the listing</a> of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind as an international terrorist.

But what stands out is that Islamabad is blocking UN officials to visit Pakistan to "interview" Saeed regarding the delisting process.

Excerpts were seen by WION in a UN document on his delisting process clearly mentions UN ombudsman holding Pakistan responsible for blocking visa.&nbsp;

The UN Ombudsman said, "On October 11, I was informed by a representative from the permanent mission of Pakistan to the UN that no visa would be issued for the planned travel to Pakistan".

For delisting Saeed, he has to be personally interviewed by UN ombudsman for which they wanted to travel to Pakistan.

The UN official had to settle for a video interview with JuD chief. Saeed was informed about the UN decision on March 6.

A government source told WION, "The first attempt at re-engineering was rejected by the international community."

Asked about Pakistan blocking the visit of UN officials, the source with a bit of sarcasm said," It is Imran Khan's Naya Pakistan after all.''

It is important to note Pakistan did not oppose the appeal of Hafiz Saeed to remove him from the UN terror list.

Hafiz Saeed chief of Pakistan based terror group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) was banned on December 10, 2008, after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

The development comes days before March 13, which is a deadline to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations.&nbsp;

France, UK, US have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises an issue, he will be blocked around 3 pm by New York time.

Despite Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's request to remove his name, the United Nations has continued the listing of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind as an international terrorist.

Despite Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's request to remove his name, the United Nations has continued the listing of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind as an international terrorist. But what stands out is that Islamabad is blocking UN officials to visit Pakistan to "interview" Saeed regarding the delisting process. Excerpts were seen by WION in a UN document on his delisting process clearly mentions UN ombudsman holding Pakistan responsible for blocking visa. The UN Ombudsman said, "On October 11, I was informed by a representative from the permanent mission of Pakistan to the UN that no visa would be issued for the planned travel to Pakistan". For delisting Saeed, he has to be personally interviewed by UN ombudsman for which they wanted to travel to Pakistan. The UN official had to settle for a video interview with JuD chief. Saeed was informed about the UN decision on March 6. A government source told WION, "The first attempt at re-engineering was rejected by the international community." Asked about Pakistan blocking the visit of UN officials, the source with a bit of sarcasm said," It is Imran Khan's Naya Pakistan after all.'' It is important to note Pakistan did not oppose the appeal of Hafiz Saeed to remove him from the UN terror list. Hafiz Saeed chief of Pakistan based terror group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) was banned on December 10, 2008, after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The development comes days before March 13, which is a deadline to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. France, UK, US have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises an issue, he will be blocked around 3 pm by New York time.

Pakistan blocks UN team from interviewing JuD chief Hafiz Saeed

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-rejects-hafiz-saeeds-plea-for-removal-from-list-of-banned-terrorists-govt-sources-201780">UN rejects Hafiz Saeed's plea for removal from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-rejects-hafiz-saeeds-plea-for-removal-from-list-of-banned-terrorists-govt-sources-201780">list</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-rejects-hafiz-saeeds-plea-for-removal-from-list-of-banned-terrorists-govt-sources-201780"> of banned terrorists</a>

In a significant development, the United Nations has rejected an appeal of Jammat--ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, to remove his name from its list of banned terrorists, government sources said on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-police-arrest-suspect-in-bus-stand-grenade-attack-201771">Jammu and Kashmir: Police arrest suspect in bus stand grenade attack</a>

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said the suspected perpetrator of the grenade blast at a bus stand has been arrested. DGP Dilbagh Singh shared the information with news agency ANI.

According to reports, the suspect hails from Kulgam; more details are awaited.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-did-he-disclose-about-pulwama-and-balakot-strikes-ravi-shankar-prasad-asks-rahul-gandhi-to-clarify-on-meeting-with-g20-envoys-201803">'What did he disclose on Pulwama, Balakot strikes?' BJP asks Rahul to clarify on meeting with G20 envoys</a>

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday stepped-up its attack on the opposition and asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify on the meeting he had with the G20 envoys on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-backed-force-in-syria-hopes-to-complete-evacuation-of-islamic-state-enclave-on-thursday-201764">US-backed force in Syria hopes to complete evacuation of Islamic State enclave today</a>

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) hopes the evacuation of people wishing to leave Islamic State's last enclave in eastern Syria will be completed on Thursday, an SDF commander said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-says-in-high-state-of-preparedness-to-tackle-any-threat-to-countrys-security-201798">IAF says in 'high state of preparedness' to tackle any threat to national security</a>

The Indian Air Force on Thursday released a statement maintaining the force's "high state of preparedness" to tackle any threat posed to nation's security.&nbsp;

In the statement, the IAF noted that it is ready to "proactively engage any perceived threat in the present security scenario".&nbsp;

UN rejects Hafiz Saeed's plea for removal from list of banned terrorists In a significant development, the United Nations has rejected an appeal of Jammat--ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, to remove his name from its list of banned terrorists, government sources said on Thursday.

UN rejects Hafiz Saeed's plea for removal from list of banned terrorists In a significant development, the United Nations has rejected an appeal of Jammat--ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, to remove his name from its list of banned terrorists, government sources said on Thursday. Jammu and Kashmir: Police arrest suspect in bus stand grenade attack Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said the suspected perpetrator of the grenade blast at a bus stand has been arrested. DGP Dilbagh Singh shared the information with news agency ANI. According to reports, the suspect hails from Kulgam; more details are awaited. 'What did he disclose on Pulwama, Balakot strikes?' BJP asks Rahul to clarify on meeting with G20 envoys The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday stepped-up its attack on the opposition and asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify on the meeting he had with the G20 envoys on Wednesday. US-backed force in Syria hopes to complete evacuation of Islamic State enclave today The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) hopes the evacuation of people wishing to leave Islamic State's last enclave in eastern Syria will be completed on Thursday, an SDF commander said. IAF says in 'high state of preparedness' to tackle any threat to national security The Indian Air Force on Thursday released a statement maintaining the force's "high state of preparedness" to tackle any threat posed to nation's security. In the statement, the IAF noted that it is ready to "proactively engage any perceived threat in the present security scenario".

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a significant move by Pakistan, visa requests of a United Nations team to interview 26/11 Mumbai terror attack <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-rejects-hafiz-saeeds-plea-for-removal-from-list-of-banned-terrorists-govt-sources-201780">mastermind Hafiz Saeed</a> residing in Pakistan were rejected by the country's consulate in New York.&nbsp;

A fresh proposal had been moved by Hafiz Saeed to remove his name from the UNSC 1267 sanctions list which is a list of UN recognized terrorists.

As is the norm, before removing an individual’s name from this list, the United Nations conducts in-person interviews of the individuals being considered for delisting. However, they were unable to do this in the case of Hafiz Saeed due to Pakistan’s visa refusal.

According to sources that confirmed Pakistan's latest duplicity in the Hafiz Saeed case, Pakistan was fearful that Saeed would voluntarily reveal more incriminating evidence against it and their support to various terror organisations operating from its soil, therefore, Pakistan blocked a face-to-face interview of Hafiz Saeed by the UN officials.&nbsp;

Subsequent to their visa requests getting rejected the UN ombudsman&nbsp;Daniel Kipfer Fasciati had to settle for a video interview of Saeed after which a report critical of Pakistan's behaviour was generated in which the UN officially recommended against the de-listing of Hafiz Saeed in the UNSC 1267 sanctions list, thereby dealing a blow to diplomatic efforts waged by Pakistan to protect the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Hectic diplomatic parleys by India post-Pulwama terror attack have resulted in support from all but one permanent United Nations Security Council member over sanctioning Pakistan based terror heads Maulana Masood Azhar and Syed Salahudeen.

The United States, Russia, United Kingdom and France have been vocal in their support to India's fight against terrorism and proposal to include these men in the UN sanctions list. However, China remains non-committal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in Beijing on Thursday: “Security Council has explicit standards and rules on listing.&nbsp;China is participating in consultations in strict compliance with these rules. China's attitude shows its strong sense of responsibility and is conducive to real and lasting resolution of relevant issues.”

In a significant move by Pakistan, visa requests of a United Nations team to interview 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed residing in Pakistan were rejected by the country's consulate in New York.

In a significant move by Pakistan, visa requests of a United Nations team to interview 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed residing in Pakistan were rejected by the country's consulate in New York. A fresh proposal had been moved by Hafiz Saeed to remove his name from the UNSC 1267 sanctions list which is a list of UN recognized terrorists. As is the norm, before removing an individual’s name from this list, the United Nations conducts in-person interviews of the individuals being considered for delisting. However, they were unable to do this in the case of Hafiz Saeed due to Pakistan’s visa refusal. According to sources that confirmed Pakistan's latest duplicity in the Hafiz Saeed case, Pakistan was fearful that Saeed would voluntarily reveal more incriminating evidence against it and their support to various terror organisations operating from its soil, therefore, Pakistan blocked a face-to-face interview of Hafiz Saeed by the UN officials. Subsequent to their visa requests getting rejected the UN ombudsman Daniel Kipfer Fasciati had to settle for a video interview of Saeed after which a report critical of Pakistan's behaviour was generated in which the UN officially recommended against the de-listing of Hafiz Saeed in the UNSC 1267 sanctions list, thereby dealing a blow to diplomatic efforts waged by Pakistan to protect the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Hectic diplomatic parleys by India post-Pulwama terror attack have resulted in support from all but one permanent United Nations Security Council member over sanctioning Pakistan based terror heads Maulana Masood Azhar and Syed Salahudeen. The United States, Russia, United Kingdom and France have been vocal in their support to India's fight against terrorism and proposal to include these men in the UN sanctions list. However, China remains non-committal. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in Beijing on Thursday: “Security Council has explicit standards and rules on listing. China is participating in consultations in strict compliance with these rules. China's attitude shows its strong sense of responsibility and is conducive to real and lasting resolution of relevant issues.”

Pakistan blocks UN team from interviewing Hafiz Saeed

In a significant development, the United Nations has rejected an appeal of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">Jammat--</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">ud</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed</a>, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, to remove his name from its list of banned terrorists, government sources said on Thursday.

Notably, the decision comes at a time when UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee has received a new request to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Pakistan-based JeM has claimed responsibility for the strike.

The UN decision to reject appeal of Saeed, also a co-founder of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), came after India provided detailed evidence including "highly confidential information" about his activities, sources told PTI, adding that the verdict of the global body was conveyed to his lawyer Haider Rasul Mirza earlier this week.

Saeed, chief of UN-designated terrorist organisation Jammat--ud-Dawa (JuD), was banned on December 10, 2008, by the United Nations Security Council after the horrific Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed.

Saeed had filed an appeal with the UN through Lahore-based law firm&nbsp;Mirza and Mirza in 2017, while he was still under house arrest in Pakistan, for removal of the ban.

Independent Ombudsperson Daniel Kipfer Fasciati, appointed by the UN to examine all such requests, has informed Saeed's lawyer that it has been decided following examination of his request that he will "continue as a listed individual", sources said.

The Ombudsperson recommended that after gathering all information, it has been decided to continue with the ban as "there was sufficient information to provide a reasonable and credible basis for continuing the listing," sources said, adding the recommendation was endorsed by the UN's Sanctions Committee.

The 1267 Committee measures include three major areas of sanctions --assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo, which need to be mandatorily applied by all UN member states.

The Committee oversees implementation of these three sanctions measures, besides considering the names submitted for listing and de-listing, as well as any additional information on the listed individuals and entities.

Saeed's request was opposed by India as well as other countries that had originally listed him - US, UK and France, sources said.

Significantly, Pakistan did not oppose the appeal despite claims by the new Imran Khan-led government there that it was taking action against the banned terrorists and their organisations in what they call a 'Naya Pakistan' (new Pakistan).

Last month, the US, the UK and France made a fresh bid at the UN to ban JeM head Masood Azhar, who is also residing in Pakistan as per Pakistani foreign minister's admission. JeM is already a UN-designated terrorist organisation.

Asked about the delay in deciding on Saeed's appeal, which normally takes six months from the time it is registered with the UN, sources said the delay happened because the Ombudsperson got changed before completion of the time period and then some time was taken to appoint a new one.&nbsp;

Under the 1267 committee rules, the UN member states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities as also required to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by designated individuals.

All states are also required to prevent any direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related material of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.&nbsp;

In a significant development, the United Nations has rejected an appeal of Jammat--ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, to remove his name from its list of banned terrorists, government sources said on Thursday.

In a significant development, the United Nations has rejected an appeal of Jammat--ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, to remove his name from its list of banned terrorists, government sources said on Thursday. Notably, the decision comes at a time when UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee has received a new request to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Pakistan-based JeM has claimed responsibility for the strike. The UN decision to reject appeal of Saeed, also a co-founder of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), came after India provided detailed evidence including "highly confidential information" about his activities, sources told PTI, adding that the verdict of the global body was conveyed to his lawyer Haider Rasul Mirza earlier this week. Saeed, chief of UN-designated terrorist organisation Jammat--ud-Dawa (JuD), was banned on December 10, 2008, by the United Nations Security Council after the horrific Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed. Saeed had filed an appeal with the UN through Lahore-based law firm Mirza and Mirza in 2017, while he was still under house arrest in Pakistan, for removal of the ban. Independent Ombudsperson Daniel Kipfer Fasciati, appointed by the UN to examine all such requests, has informed Saeed's lawyer that it has been decided following examination of his request that he will "continue as a listed individual", sources said. The Ombudsperson recommended that after gathering all information, it has been decided to continue with the ban as "there was sufficient information to provide a reasonable and credible basis for continuing the listing," sources said, adding the recommendation was endorsed by the UN's Sanctions Committee. The 1267 Committee measures include three major areas of sanctions --assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo, which need to be mandatorily applied by all UN member states. The Committee oversees implementation of these three sanctions measures, besides considering the names submitted for listing and de-listing, as well as any additional information on the listed individuals and entities. Saeed's request was opposed by India as well as other countries that had originally listed him - US, UK and France, sources said. Significantly, Pakistan did not oppose the appeal despite claims by the new Imran Khan-led government there that it was taking action against the banned terrorists and their organisations in what they call a 'Naya Pakistan' (new Pakistan). Last month, the US, the UK and France made a fresh bid at the UN to ban JeM head Masood Azhar, who is also residing in Pakistan as per Pakistani foreign minister's admission. JeM is already a UN-designated terrorist organisation. Asked about the delay in deciding on Saeed's appeal, which normally takes six months from the time it is registered with the UN, sources said the delay happened because the Ombudsperson got changed before completion of the time period and then some time was taken to appoint a new one. Under the 1267 committee rules, the UN member states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities as also required to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by designated individuals. All states are also required to prevent any direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related material of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

UN rejects Hafiz Saeed's plea for removal from list of banned terrorists

North Korea's food production last year fell to its lowest level in more than a decade as natural disasters hit the country already under crippling international sanctions over its weapons programme, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

North Korea has for decades been grappling with chronic food shortages in the face of a dysfunctional state ration system and international sanctions imposed over its nuclear and missile programmes.

Last year, Pyongyang called for an "all-out battle" against "an unprecedented heat wave" and its mission to the United Nations in New York last month warned of a food crisis.

A prolonged heat wave, along with typhoon and floods has taken a toll on food harvest, which posted a 9 per cent drop from 2017 to the lowest level in more than a decade, the United Nations said.

Margareta Wahlstrom, president of Swedish Red Cross, told Reuters after her visit to the North late last year that maze yields fell more than 30 per cent from average levels in some areas and rice prices would likely rise this year, aggravating food security.

That has resulted in a "significant food gap," leaving some 3.8 million, or 6.6 per cent of its 25 million population, in urgent need of humanitarian assistance worth $120 million, according to Tapan Mishra, the U.N. Resident Coordinator in the North.

The United Nations has been struggling to rally donors behind its North Korea programmes and said its 2018 "Needs and Priorities Plan" for the isolated nation was only funded at 24 per cent.

Mishra cited international sanctions as a major challenge which has caused delays in aid deliveries and forced other relief groups to scale back their operations in the North.

"Without adequate funding this year, the only option left for some agencies will be to close projects that serve as a lifeline for millions of people," Mishra said in a statement.

Sanctions

UN sanctions technically exempt humanitarian activities. But humanitarian aid for the North nearly ground to a halt last year due to strict interpretations of bans on banking and shipping transactions with Pyongyang, as well as a travel ban for US citizens, according to a dozen officials at UN and US civilian organisations.

Last August, the United Nations adopted a US proposal to streamline approval for aid shipments. After meeting with relief groups in January, the US State Department promised to facilitate their North Korea operations in a move partly aimed at expediting nuclear talks with Pyongyang.

But there is no clear sign of improvement yet, with the complex, one-off approval procedures continuing to slow deliveries of basic food packages, medical equipment and other supplies, according to Mishra and at least four other organisations.

"We would like to see stronger, codified humanitarian protections has written into existing regulations rather than each aid delivery and humanitarian delegation being considered on a case-by-case basis," said Daniel Jasper of the American Friends Service Committee, which has run farming projects in North Korea for 20 years.

The Philadelphia-based group, which joined the meeting with US officials, pointed to the current rules limiting shipments to twice a year as "not practical" especially for health programmes requires round-the-clock support.

"While unintended consequences of sanctions persist, these delays have a real and tangible impact on the aid that we are able to provide to people who desperately need it," Mishra said.

North Korea's food production last year fell to its lowest level in more than a decade as natural disasters hit the country already under crippling international sanctions over its weapons programme, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

North Korea's food production last year fell to its lowest level in more than a decade as natural disasters hit the country already under crippling international sanctions over its weapons programme, the United Nations said on Wednesday. North Korea has for decades been grappling with chronic food shortages in the face of a dysfunctional state ration system and international sanctions imposed over its nuclear and missile programmes. Last year, Pyongyang called for an "all-out battle" against "an unprecedented heat wave" and its mission to the United Nations in New York last month warned of a food crisis. A prolonged heat wave, along with typhoon and floods has taken a toll on food harvest, which posted a 9 per cent drop from 2017 to the lowest level in more than a decade, the United Nations said. Margareta Wahlstrom, president of Swedish Red Cross, told Reuters after her visit to the North late last year that maze yields fell more than 30 per cent from average levels in some areas and rice prices would likely rise this year, aggravating food security. That has resulted in a "significant food gap," leaving some 3.8 million, or 6.6 per cent of its 25 million population, in urgent need of humanitarian assistance worth $120 million, according to Tapan Mishra, the U.N. Resident Coordinator in the North. The United Nations has been struggling to rally donors behind its North Korea programmes and said its 2018 "Needs and Priorities Plan" for the isolated nation was only funded at 24 per cent. Mishra cited international sanctions as a major challenge which has caused delays in aid deliveries and forced other relief groups to scale back their operations in the North. "Without adequate funding this year, the only option left for some agencies will be to close projects that serve as a lifeline for millions of people," Mishra said in a statement. Sanctions UN sanctions technically exempt humanitarian activities. But humanitarian aid for the North nearly ground to a halt last year due to strict interpretations of bans on banking and shipping transactions with Pyongyang, as well as a travel ban for US citizens, according to a dozen officials at UN and US civilian organisations. Last August, the United Nations adopted a US proposal to streamline approval for aid shipments. After meeting with relief groups in January, the US State Department promised to facilitate their North Korea operations in a move partly aimed at expediting nuclear talks with Pyongyang. But there is no clear sign of improvement yet, with the complex, one-off approval procedures continuing to slow deliveries of basic food packages, medical equipment and other supplies, according to Mishra and at least four other organisations. "We would like to see stronger, codified humanitarian protections has written into existing regulations rather than each aid delivery and humanitarian delegation being considered on a case-by-case basis," said Daniel Jasper of the American Friends Service Committee, which has run farming projects in North Korea for 20 years. The Philadelphia-based group, which joined the meeting with US officials, pointed to the current rules limiting shipments to twice a year as "not practical" especially for health programmes requires round-the-clock support. "While unintended consequences of sanctions persist, these delays have a real and tangible impact on the aid that we are able to provide to people who desperately need it," Mishra said.

United Nations warns of worst food harvest in North Korea in a decade

UN investigator seeks visit to China's Xinjiang region

Social media firms and foreign investors must do more to ensure they support human rights in Myanmar, UN Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Tuesday, suggesting Facebook was failing to treat parties to the country's conflict even-handedly.

Myanmar has been trying to attract foreign investors and divert attention from 730,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled the country since 2017. A UN inquiry blamed the exodus on a military campaign with "genocidal intent", which the government denies.

Facebook said this month it had banned four insurgent groups fighting Myanmar's military after it was criticised for not doing enough to block content fuelling the conflict. Lee said she was concerned that Facebook had not banned Myanmar's army and allied armed groups as well.

"Contrary to achieving the stated aim of decreasing tensions, this selective banning may contribute to feelings of inequality by ethnic minorities," Lee said in a report she will present to the UN Human Rights Council on March 11.

"Public institutions linked to the military, its supporters, extremist religious groups and members of the government continue to proliferate hate speech and misinformation on Facebook."

Investigations

The company said it had taken steps to ban "hate figures, hate organisations and military officials" from Facebook in Myanmar. Its investigations were ongoing and not limited to the four groups it had blacklisted.

"We don't want anyone to use Facebook to incite or promote violence, no matter who they are," it said in a statement.

Lee's report did not detail the steps taken by other social media firms. But it aims to ensure platforms "including Facebook and Twitter" respect human rights and do due diligence to "fully understand the Myanmar context and act responsibly".

Twitter, which prohibits account holders from expressing hate or making threats of violence towards a person or group, declined to comment specifically on Myanmar.

Myanmar denies allegations of mass killings and rape and says its military offensive was a legitimate response to an insurgent threat and that it is welcoming the refugees back.

The government has refused to let Lee in and rejected a request to visit in January, saying her reports invariably lacked impartiality.

Last week Kyaw Tin, Myanmar's Minister for International Cooperation, told the council human rights must be understood in historical and cultural contexts and regretted the world's focus on Rakhine State, from where the Rohingya fled.

Lee's report also examined Myanmar's mining industry.

"Unchecked extraction" of resources brought militarisation and associated abuses such as rape and forced labour, it said.

Fresh sanctions should be considered on two military-run conglomerates, the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (UMEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), Lee said.

Social media firms and foreign investors must do more to ensure they support human rights in Myanmar, UN Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Tuesday, suggesting Facebook was failing to treat parties to the country's conflict even-handedly.

Social media firms and foreign investors must do more to ensure they support human rights in Myanmar, UN Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Tuesday, suggesting Facebook was failing to treat parties to the country's conflict even-handedly. Myanmar has been trying to attract foreign investors and divert attention from 730,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled the country since 2017. A UN inquiry blamed the exodus on a military campaign with "genocidal intent", which the government denies. Facebook said this month it had banned four insurgent groups fighting Myanmar's military after it was criticised for not doing enough to block content fuelling the conflict. Lee said she was concerned that Facebook had not banned Myanmar's army and allied armed groups as well. "Contrary to achieving the stated aim of decreasing tensions, this selective banning may contribute to feelings of inequality by ethnic minorities," Lee said in a report she will present to the UN Human Rights Council on March 11. "Public institutions linked to the military, its supporters, extremist religious groups and members of the government continue to proliferate hate speech and misinformation on Facebook." Investigations The company said it had taken steps to ban "hate figures, hate organisations and military officials" from Facebook in Myanmar. Its investigations were ongoing and not limited to the four groups it had blacklisted. "We don't want anyone to use Facebook to incite or promote violence, no matter who they are," it said in a statement. Lee's report did not detail the steps taken by other social media firms. But it aims to ensure platforms "including Facebook and Twitter" respect human rights and do due diligence to "fully understand the Myanmar context and act responsibly". Twitter, which prohibits account holders from expressing hate or making threats of violence towards a person or group, declined to comment specifically on Myanmar. Myanmar denies allegations of mass killings and rape and says its military offensive was a legitimate response to an insurgent threat and that it is welcoming the refugees back. The government has refused to let Lee in and rejected a request to visit in January, saying her reports invariably lacked impartiality. Last week Kyaw Tin, Myanmar's Minister for International Cooperation, told the council human rights must be understood in historical and cultural contexts and regretted the world's focus on Rakhine State, from where the Rohingya fled. Lee's report also examined Myanmar's mining industry. "Unchecked extraction" of resources brought militarisation and associated abuses such as rape and forced labour, it said. Fresh sanctions should be considered on two military-run conglomerates, the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (UMEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), Lee said.

United Nations urges social media, investors to promote human rights in Myanmar

Sanctions have "exacerbated," the crisis in Venezuela, the UN human rights chief said Wednesday after the United States warned it may expand the measures it has imposed targeting President Nicolas Maduro's government.&nbsp;

In her annual report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, rights chief Michelle Bachelet also levelled tough criticism at Maduro.

"Venezuela clearly illustrates the way violations of civil and political rights – including failure to uphold fundamental freedoms, and the independence of key institutions – can accentuate a decline of economic and social rights," said Bachelet, the former president of Chile.&nbsp;

Venezuelans, battered by an economic meltdown and a major political crisis, are struggling to access basic goods including food and medicine.&nbsp;

"This situation has been exacerbated by sanctions," Bachelet said.&nbsp;

Washington, which has recognized Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as the country's leader, imposed sanctions on Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA last month.&nbsp;

It has also handed Guaido control of Venezuela's bank accounts in the United States.

The US envoy for the crisis in Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, said Tuesday that Washington was weighing more punitive measures to increase the pressure on Maduro.&nbsp;

Washington has not ruled out so-called "secondary sanctions" that could target foreign companies or other states that do business with Maduro's government.

Venezuela is wracked by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar, with an estimated 2.7 million people leaving the country since 2015.

Sanctions have "exacerbated," the crisis in Venezuela, the UN human rights chief said Wednesday after the United States warned it may expand the measures it has imposed targeting President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Sanctions have "exacerbated," the crisis in Venezuela, the UN human rights chief said Wednesday after the United States warned it may expand the measures it has imposed targeting President Nicolas Maduro's government. In her annual report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, rights chief Michelle Bachelet also levelled tough criticism at Maduro. "Venezuela clearly illustrates the way violations of civil and political rights – including failure to uphold fundamental freedoms, and the independence of key institutions – can accentuate a decline of economic and social rights," said Bachelet, the former president of Chile. Venezuelans, battered by an economic meltdown and a major political crisis, are struggling to access basic goods including food and medicine. "This situation has been exacerbated by sanctions," Bachelet said. Washington, which has recognized Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as the country's leader, imposed sanctions on Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA last month. It has also handed Guaido control of Venezuela's bank accounts in the United States. The US envoy for the crisis in Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, said Tuesday that Washington was weighing more punitive measures to increase the pressure on Maduro. Washington has not ruled out so-called "secondary sanctions" that could target foreign companies or other states that do business with Maduro's government. Venezuela is wracked by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar, with an estimated 2.7 million people leaving the country since 2015.

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet says sanctions have worsened Venezuela crisis

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