India has called for the UN Security Council sanctions regime to "proactively" list terrorists and terror groups involved in sexual violence in armed conflicts, underscoring that prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is critical to deliver justice to victims.

First Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Paulomi Tripathi, on Thursday said that women's role and perspectives in peace processes remain largely neglected despite the normative and operative frameworks relating to women, peace and security agenda having been considerably strengthened across the UN system over the last two decades.

She voiced concern that sexual violence, abductions and human trafficking continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations.&nbsp;

"Rapidly expanding trans-boundary criminal networks finance terror, supply arms, recruit and train of foreign fighters and destabilise whole regions which disproportionately affect women," she said during a UN Security Council debate on 'Women, Peace and Security'.

Tripathi noted that large scale movements of refugees emanating from armed conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to discrimination and exploitation. Emphasising the need for global cooperation in this front, she said no country is in a position to effectively counter these challenges alone.

"As the General Assembly focuses on gender sensitive and inclusive development to build peaceful and resilient societies, the Council must push for effective cooperation on countering terrorism that threatens peace and security," she said.

Tripathi asserted that the Council must make all efforts to realise the full potential of integrating women, peace and security considerations in sanctions regimes.&nbsp;

"The Sanctions Committees of the Security Council need to address the issue of proactively listing terrorist individuals and entities involved in sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts.&nbsp;

"International cooperation for prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is important to bring justice to the victims, large number of whom is women and girls," she said.

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Council's annual high-level debate that the participation of women in formal peace processes remains extremely limited and the international community still has "far to go" as conflict continues to have a devastating effect on women and girls.

He said between 1990 and 2017, women constituted just 2 per cent of the mediators, 8 per cent of the negotiators and 5 per cent of the witnesses and the signatories in all major peace processes.

The UN documented more than 800 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2017, a 56 per cent increase since 2016, he said.

"Women human rights defenders, political leaders, journalists and activists, who play an important role in addressing the root causes of conflict, are targeted at alarming rates," Guterres said adding that women's marginalisation, lack of access to health and education services, and economic disempowerment continue to be both a cause and an effect of conflict.

He also voiced concern that funding for programmes to promote gender equality and empowerment of women in countries affected by conflict is just 5 per cent of the total bilateral aid to such countries.

Tripathi pointed out that the importance of women's active engagement and leadership in peace and reconciliation processes and in countering spread of violent extremism is well established.

She said the issue of women peace and security has also to be seen in the wider societal context, involving gender and development issues, which are dealt with outside the Council.

Tripathi told the 15-nation UN body that India is committed to a higher representation of women in peacekeeping missions and has fulfilled the pledge to have 15 per cent of military observers as women.

India has recently partnered with the UN Women toward a capacity building initiative. Under the initiative, the New Delhi-based Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUPNK) conducted the third UN female military officers course for 40 women military officers from 26 countries.

India also fully supports UN Secretary General's zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, and strong commitment to achieving gender parity in peace operations, she said.&nbsp;

Despite greater participation of women in building and sustaining peace and the recognition from all quarters of the value they bring, the realities on the ground show that much more remains to be done, Guterres said.

"Every year, we make laudable commitments. But they are not backed with the requisite financial and political support," he said, noting lack of inclusion in mediation efforts and limited space for women to participate as peace builders.

He said it was "crippling to our credibility and protection capacity that women represent only four per cent of our military peacekeepers and ten per cent of police".&nbsp;

He added that the UN fully supports the innovative efforts launched by the member states this year to incentivise greater women representation.

India has called for the UN Security Council sanctions regime to "proactively" list terrorists and terror groups involved in sexual violence in armed conflicts, underscoring that prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is critical to deliver justice to victims.

India has called for the UN Security Council sanctions regime to "proactively" list terrorists and terror groups involved in sexual violence in armed conflicts, underscoring that prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is critical to deliver justice to victims. First Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Paulomi Tripathi, on Thursday said that women's role and perspectives in peace processes remain largely neglected despite the normative and operative frameworks relating to women, peace and security agenda having been considerably strengthened across the UN system over the last two decades. She voiced concern that sexual violence, abductions and human trafficking continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations. "Rapidly expanding trans-boundary criminal networks finance terror, supply arms, recruit and train of foreign fighters and destabilise whole regions which disproportionately affect women," she said during a UN Security Council debate on 'Women, Peace and Security'. Tripathi noted that large scale movements of refugees emanating from armed conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to discrimination and exploitation. Emphasising the need for global cooperation in this front, she said no country is in a position to effectively counter these challenges alone. "As the General Assembly focuses on gender sensitive and inclusive development to build peaceful and resilient societies, the Council must push for effective cooperation on countering terrorism that threatens peace and security," she said. Tripathi asserted that the Council must make all efforts to realise the full potential of integrating women, peace and security considerations in sanctions regimes. "The Sanctions Committees of the Security Council need to address the issue of proactively listing terrorist individuals and entities involved in sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts. "International cooperation for prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is important to bring justice to the victims, large number of whom is women and girls," she said. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Council's annual high-level debate that the participation of women in formal peace processes remains extremely limited and the international community still has "far to go" as conflict continues to have a devastating effect on women and girls. He said between 1990 and 2017, women constituted just 2 per cent of the mediators, 8 per cent of the negotiators and 5 per cent of the witnesses and the signatories in all major peace processes. The UN documented more than 800 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2017, a 56 per cent increase since 2016, he said. "Women human rights defenders, political leaders, journalists and activists, who play an important role in addressing the root causes of conflict, are targeted at alarming rates," Guterres said adding that women's marginalisation, lack of access to health and education services, and economic disempowerment continue to be both a cause and an effect of conflict. He also voiced concern that funding for programmes to promote gender equality and empowerment of women in countries affected by conflict is just 5 per cent of the total bilateral aid to such countries. Tripathi pointed out that the importance of women's active engagement and leadership in peace and reconciliation processes and in countering spread of violent extremism is well established. She said the issue of women peace and security has also to be seen in the wider societal context, involving gender and development issues, which are dealt with outside the Council. Tripathi told the 15-nation UN body that India is committed to a higher representation of women in peacekeeping missions and has fulfilled the pledge to have 15 per cent of military observers as women. India has recently partnered with the UN Women toward a capacity building initiative. Under the initiative, the New Delhi-based Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUPNK) conducted the third UN female military officers course for 40 women military officers from 26 countries. India also fully supports UN Secretary General's zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, and strong commitment to achieving gender parity in peace operations, she said. Despite greater participation of women in building and sustaining peace and the recognition from all quarters of the value they bring, the realities on the ground show that much more remains to be done, Guterres said. "Every year, we make laudable commitments. But they are not backed with the requisite financial and political support," he said, noting lack of inclusion in mediation efforts and limited space for women to participate as peace builders. He said it was "crippling to our credibility and protection capacity that women represent only four per cent of our military peacekeepers and ten per cent of police". He added that the UN fully supports the innovative efforts launched by the member states this year to incentivise greater women representation.

India calls for UN sanctions against terrorists involved in sexual violence

Pakistan's iconic human rights activist and lawyer Asma Jahangir was posthumously awarded the 2018 UN Human Rights Prize.

She was one of the four winners of the award which was announced by the United Nations on Thursday.

The announcement was made through the Twitter account of the President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, Dawn news reported.

"Today I announced the 2018 winners of the UN Human Rights Prize," Garces said, before naming Jahangir and three other recipients -- Tanzanian activist

Rebeca Gyumi, Brazil's first indigenous lawyer Joenia Wapichana and Ireland's human rights organisation Front Line Defenders -- as winners. 
"Your work is an inspiration to us," she said.

Jahangir got the prize posthumously, the report added.

The "United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights" is an honorary award given for outstanding achievement in human rights, the world body said.

The award ceremony will take place in New York on December 10 on World Human Rights Day.

Jahangir became the fourth Pakistani woman to be awarded the UN Human Rights Prize. Before her, Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan (1978), Benazir Bhutto (2008) and Malala Yousufzai (2013) were accorded the honour.

Sixty-six-year-old Jahangir, who passed away on February 11 due to cardiac arrest, was known for her outspoken nature and unrelenting pursuit of human rights as well as for remaining undaunted in the face of extreme pressure and opposition.

She was the first woman to serve as the president of Pakistan's Supreme Court Bar Association.

She fought her battles on the streets and in the courts, opposed military strongmen and steadfastly championed the rights of women, minorities and LGBTs.

From 1998-2000 Jahangir served as the Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission on Extrajudicial, Summary and Arbitrary Executions and was the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion Or Belief of the UN Commission on Human Rights since 2004.&nbsp;

Pakistan's iconic human rights activist and lawyer Asma Jahangir was posthumously awarded the 2018 UN Human Rights Prize. She was one of the four winners of the award which was announced by the United Nations on Thursday.

Pakistan's iconic human rights activist and lawyer Asma Jahangir was posthumously awarded the 2018 UN Human Rights Prize. She was one of the four winners of the award which was announced by the United Nations on Thursday. The announcement was made through the Twitter account of the President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, Dawn news reported. "Today I announced the 2018 winners of the UN Human Rights Prize," Garces said, before naming Jahangir and three other recipients -- Tanzanian activist Rebeca Gyumi, Brazil's first indigenous lawyer Joenia Wapichana and Ireland's human rights organisation Front Line Defenders -- as winners. "Your work is an inspiration to us," she said. Jahangir got the prize posthumously, the report added. The "United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights" is an honorary award given for outstanding achievement in human rights, the world body said. The award ceremony will take place in New York on December 10 on World Human Rights Day. Jahangir became the fourth Pakistani woman to be awarded the UN Human Rights Prize. Before her, Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan (1978), Benazir Bhutto (2008) and Malala Yousufzai (2013) were accorded the honour. Sixty-six-year-old Jahangir, who passed away on February 11 due to cardiac arrest, was known for her outspoken nature and unrelenting pursuit of human rights as well as for remaining undaunted in the face of extreme pressure and opposition. She was the first woman to serve as the president of Pakistan's Supreme Court Bar Association. She fought her battles on the streets and in the courts, opposed military strongmen and steadfastly championed the rights of women, minorities and LGBTs. From 1998-2000 Jahangir served as the Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission on Extrajudicial, Summary and Arbitrary Executions and was the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion Or Belief of the UN Commission on Human Rights since 2004.

Pakistan lawyer Asma Jahangir wins UN Human Rights Prize posthumously

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, Yuri Afanasiev, on Friday presented the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The report assessed the damage and loss incurred due to the devastating floods in the state in August.

This is the first time the UN has prepared such report in India.&nbsp;

According to the report, the state would need about Rs 31,000 crore for recovery and reconstruction. The highest amount would be needed for the reconstruction of roads and transportation (Rs 10,046 crore), followed by housing (Rs 5443 crore), agriculture, fisheries and livestock (Rs 4498 crore), employment and livelihood (Rs 3896 crore), other infrastructure (Rs 2446 crore), irrigation (Rs 1483 crore) and water and sanitation (Rs 1331 crore).

The report highlights the international examples and models for building back better Kerala in 16 sectors.&nbsp;

It suggests that Kerala could become the first green state in the country by building on the four pillars of integrated water resources management, eco-sensitive and risk-informed approaches to land use and planning, inclusive and people-centred approaches, and by adopting knowledge, innovation and technology.

Chief Minister Vijayan thanked the UN for providing support to the state for flood response and developing PDNA.&nbsp;

He requested for the UN technical support in developing sectoral recovery plans, bringing international models and new technologies to Kerala, and in strengthening the recovery committees with experts.&nbsp;

The chief minister also sought UN support for mobilising resources for the state within and outside the country.

Echoing the views of the Chief Minister, Dr Thomas Issac, Finance Minister, thanked the UN for its assistance in mobilising grants for reconstruction.&nbsp;

"We thank the UN for mobilizing grants. This would reduce the amount of borrowing," Issac said.

The PDNA is the global methodology developed by the UN, the World Bank and the European Union to assess damage and loss in the wake of disaster and to recommend the recovery needs and strategies.&nbsp;

In all, 76 experts from 10 UN agencies and European Union across 13 sectors collaborated to develop the report in 20 days.&nbsp;

The UN agencies included, UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, UN Women, UNFPA, UNEP, WHO, WFP, ILO and FAO and adopted reports of 3 sectors from World Bank and ADB.&nbsp;

Besides, two experts on integrated water resources management from Netherlands also provided support. The report was prepared after visiting 120 villages in 10 districts and interacting with experts, affected people, elected representatives, officials and representatives of civil society organisations.

"On behalf of the United Nations in India, I am very pleased that we are able to support the exemplary recovery efforts of the Government of Kerala. The resilience and initiative of the people of Kerala have been remarkable throughout and in the aftermath of this disaster, with valuable lessons in innovation for the world,'' said Afanasiev.

The UN-supported Post Disaster Needs Assessment builds on this and the best international models for building back better. I strongly believe that Kerala is poised to emerge stronger in a way that sets the standard for future disaster response needs in the region and beyond, and become India`s first green state. The UN team continues to support Kerala through our technical expertise and global linkages across a variety of sectors," he continued.

The PDNA was led by the Additional Chief Secretary, PH Kurian, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management and nodal officer, S Venkatespathy, the Director of Fisheries.&nbsp;

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, Yuri Afanasiev, on Friday presented the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, Yuri Afanasiev, on Friday presented the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The report assessed the damage and loss incurred due to the devastating floods in the state in August. This is the first time the UN has prepared such report in India. According to the report, the state would need about Rs 31,000 crore for recovery and reconstruction. The highest amount would be needed for the reconstruction of roads and transportation (Rs 10,046 crore), followed by housing (Rs 5443 crore), agriculture, fisheries and livestock (Rs 4498 crore), employment and livelihood (Rs 3896 crore), other infrastructure (Rs 2446 crore), irrigation (Rs 1483 crore) and water and sanitation (Rs 1331 crore). The report highlights the international examples and models for building back better Kerala in 16 sectors. It suggests that Kerala could become the first green state in the country by building on the four pillars of integrated water resources management, eco-sensitive and risk-informed approaches to land use and planning, inclusive and people-centred approaches, and by adopting knowledge, innovation and technology. Chief Minister Vijayan thanked the UN for providing support to the state for flood response and developing PDNA. He requested for the UN technical support in developing sectoral recovery plans, bringing international models and new technologies to Kerala, and in strengthening the recovery committees with experts. The chief minister also sought UN support for mobilising resources for the state within and outside the country. Echoing the views of the Chief Minister, Dr Thomas Issac, Finance Minister, thanked the UN for its assistance in mobilising grants for reconstruction. "We thank the UN for mobilizing grants. This would reduce the amount of borrowing," Issac said. The PDNA is the global methodology developed by the UN, the World Bank and the European Union to assess damage and loss in the wake of disaster and to recommend the recovery needs and strategies. In all, 76 experts from 10 UN agencies and European Union across 13 sectors collaborated to develop the report in 20 days. The UN agencies included, UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, UN Women, UNFPA, UNEP, WHO, WFP, ILO and FAO and adopted reports of 3 sectors from World Bank and ADB. Besides, two experts on integrated water resources management from Netherlands also provided support. The report was prepared after visiting 120 villages in 10 districts and interacting with experts, affected people, elected representatives, officials and representatives of civil society organisations. "On behalf of the United Nations in India, I am very pleased that we are able to support the exemplary recovery efforts of the Government of Kerala. The resilience and initiative of the people of Kerala have been remarkable throughout and in the aftermath of this disaster, with valuable lessons in innovation for the world,'' said Afanasiev. The UN-supported Post Disaster Needs Assessment builds on this and the best international models for building back better. I strongly believe that Kerala is poised to emerge stronger in a way that sets the standard for future disaster response needs in the region and beyond, and become India`s first green state. The UN team continues to support Kerala through our technical expertise and global linkages across a variety of sectors," he continued. The PDNA was led by the Additional Chief Secretary, PH Kurian, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management and nodal officer, S Venkatespathy, the Director of Fisheries.

UN presents rebuilding strategy to Kerala CM Vijayan

The United Nations has wrapped its seventy-three years of existence with more challenges to face in the coming decade.&nbsp;

Since 1991, when the US launched its moment of unilateralism, the UN is facing a serious legitimacy and credibility crisis. In the midst of series of the US-led unilateral actions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Russia’s military inaction in Syria, Israeli ’s military incursion in Palestine etc, serious questions have begun to rise in the international quarters on the political relevance of United Nations. 
&nbsp; 
Moreover, as the US is increasingly finding United Nations an obstacle to implant its unilateral vision, it has started casting doubt on the relevance of UN and has even questioned the usefulness of US's monitory contribution to the UN institutions.&nbsp;

To undermine the effectiveness of UN, the US, of late, driven by narrow US first policy, has slashed 285 million dollars to UN &nbsp;budget. Furthermore, it has withdrawn from two crucial UN body: the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Commission and UNESCO, in addition, to cut all the funds to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) for Palestinian Refugees, which led UNRWA to close down its educational and health institution in Gaza. The US cut down $200 million of economic aid to the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip.

Under the UN charter, the US was responsible for 22 per cent of the body’s annual operating budget, or around $1.2 billion in 2017-18, and 28.5 per cent of the cost of peacekeeping operations, estimated at $6.8 billion over the same period. 
 
UN General Secretary&nbsp;António Guterres has admitted that the global institution is facing severe financial crisis and has appealed the member states to contribute their dues. The US is the biggest defaulter in paying its membership due, even though it pays the largest sum.

Besides the financial woes, the UN is facing the challenges of democratisation of its governing and decision-making structure. The democratisation of UN is on agenda since the disintegration of Soviet Union. A large number of post colonial societies including India is demanding revamping the UN and other global structure of governance. In view of slow progress on this front, the emerging economies of the globe such as India, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Germany etc have started voicing their disappointment over the great power politics.

Though seventy-three years of its existence have indicated significant weaknesses and failures in fulfilling its purposes, the UN with all its specialised agencies and development funds has extended its scope of action and remains the only international organisation with the universal membership. This relative failure of UN, particularly in the political domain, is partly structural: its functioning is subject to the political imperatives of national interest of its member states.

Today, on United Nations Day, we as world citizens should determine to leave no one behind and work towards creating a more equal world as UN General Secretary is urging the men and women of the UN, and those they serve, to "never give up" tackling the world's many challenges. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The United Nations has wrapped its seventy-three years of existence with more challenges to face in the coming decade. Since 1991, when the US launched its moment of unilateralism, the UN is facing a serious legitimacy and credibility crisis.

The United Nations has wrapped its seventy-three years of existence with more challenges to face in the coming decade. Since 1991, when the US launched its moment of unilateralism, the UN is facing a serious legitimacy and credibility crisis. In the midst of series of the US-led unilateral actions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Russia’s military inaction in Syria, Israeli ’s military incursion in Palestine etc, serious questions have begun to rise in the international quarters on the political relevance of United Nations. Moreover, as the US is increasingly finding United Nations an obstacle to implant its unilateral vision, it has started casting doubt on the relevance of UN and has even questioned the usefulness of US's monitory contribution to the UN institutions. To undermine the effectiveness of UN, the US, of late, driven by narrow US first policy, has slashed 285 million dollars to UN budget. Furthermore, it has withdrawn from two crucial UN body: the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Commission and UNESCO, in addition, to cut all the funds to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) for Palestinian Refugees, which led UNRWA to close down its educational and health institution in Gaza. The US cut down $200 million of economic aid to the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip. Under the UN charter, the US was responsible for 22 per cent of the body’s annual operating budget, or around $1.2 billion in 2017-18, and 28.5 per cent of the cost of peacekeeping operations, estimated at $6.8 billion over the same period. UN General Secretary António Guterres has admitted that the global institution is facing severe financial crisis and has appealed the member states to contribute their dues. The US is the biggest defaulter in paying its membership due, even though it pays the largest sum. Besides the financial woes, the UN is facing the challenges of democratisation of its governing and decision-making structure. The democratisation of UN is on agenda since the disintegration of Soviet Union. A large number of post colonial societies including India is demanding revamping the UN and other global structure of governance. In view of slow progress on this front, the emerging economies of the globe such as India, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Germany etc have started voicing their disappointment over the great power politics. Though seventy-three years of its existence have indicated significant weaknesses and failures in fulfilling its purposes, the UN with all its specialised agencies and development funds has extended its scope of action and remains the only international organisation with the universal membership. This relative failure of UN, particularly in the political domain, is partly structural: its functioning is subject to the political imperatives of national interest of its member states. Today, on United Nations Day, we as world citizens should determine to leave no one behind and work towards creating a more equal world as UN General Secretary is urging the men and women of the UN, and those they serve, to "never give up" tackling the world's many challenges. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Bigger challenges lie ahead as UN completes 73 years

A senior UN official warned Tuesday that recent rapprochement on the Korean peninsula, as well as between North Korea and the United States had not been accompanied by an improvement in human rights in the reclusive country.

Tomas Ojea Quintana, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the North, urged Pyongyang to show willingness to start addressing the issue following key summits with both South Korea and the United States.

"The human rights situation at the moment has not changed on the ground in North Korea despite this important progress on security, peace and prosperity," the rapporteur told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

In a whirlwind of diplomacy, the leader of the isolated, nuclear-armed North Kim Jong Un held an unprecedented summit with US President Donald Trump in Singapore in June, following two meetings with the South's Moon Jae-in.

Ojea Quintana called the rapprochement between North and South "an extraordinary development" and the Kim-Trump summit "very important".

But neither the joint statement issued by Trump and Kim in Singapore, nor an earlier declaration signed by Kim and Moon, mentioned the issue of human rights.

Ojea Quintana said he understood why human rights had been put aside, given the "extremely serious" nuclear problem but said: "North Korea needs to show that they will end isolation in regards to this question."

"We haven't heard anything. We haven't seen anything coming from the summits, from the statements in this respect. I would like to see a signal to start working based on that commitment," he added.

Pyongyang remains accused by many -- including the United Nations -- of a litany of rights abuses against its population.

A UN commission of inquiry found in unequivocal terms in 2014 that "crimes against humanity had been and were being committed" in the North.

Ojea Quintana has no access to the country, so the bulk of his reporting is based on testimony of those who flee.

He raised particular concerns about the plight of those living in the countryside and the existence of political prison camps.

The rapporteur called on Michelle Bachelet, the new UN rights chief, to "initiate a process of engagement" and on Pyongyang to reach out to her office "so we start working on the human rights agenda."

Asked if he was concerned that the United States was no longer prioritizing human rights to the extent it used to, he said the US mission to the United Nations has been "very clear that human rights continues to be a priority."

He also said UN humanitarian agencies have complained about some restrictions in the face of international sanctions, but did not go into detail.

A senior UN official warned Tuesday that recent rapprochement on the Korean peninsula, as well as between North Korea and the United States had not been accompanied by an improvement in human rights in the reclusive country.

A senior UN official warned Tuesday that recent rapprochement on the Korean peninsula, as well as between North Korea and the United States had not been accompanied by an improvement in human rights in the reclusive country. Tomas Ojea Quintana, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the North, urged Pyongyang to show willingness to start addressing the issue following key summits with both South Korea and the United States. "The human rights situation at the moment has not changed on the ground in North Korea despite this important progress on security, peace and prosperity," the rapporteur told reporters at UN headquarters in New York. In a whirlwind of diplomacy, the leader of the isolated, nuclear-armed North Kim Jong Un held an unprecedented summit with US President Donald Trump in Singapore in June, following two meetings with the South's Moon Jae-in. Ojea Quintana called the rapprochement between North and South "an extraordinary development" and the Kim-Trump summit "very important". But neither the joint statement issued by Trump and Kim in Singapore, nor an earlier declaration signed by Kim and Moon, mentioned the issue of human rights. Ojea Quintana said he understood why human rights had been put aside, given the "extremely serious" nuclear problem but said: "North Korea needs to show that they will end isolation in regards to this question." "We haven't heard anything. We haven't seen anything coming from the summits, from the statements in this respect. I would like to see a signal to start working based on that commitment," he added. Pyongyang remains accused by many -- including the United Nations -- of a litany of rights abuses against its population. A UN commission of inquiry found in unequivocal terms in 2014 that "crimes against humanity had been and were being committed" in the North. Ojea Quintana has no access to the country, so the bulk of his reporting is based on testimony of those who flee. He raised particular concerns about the plight of those living in the countryside and the existence of political prison camps. The rapporteur called on Michelle Bachelet, the new UN rights chief, to "initiate a process of engagement" and on Pyongyang to reach out to her office "so we start working on the human rights agenda." Asked if he was concerned that the United States was no longer prioritizing human rights to the extent it used to, he said the US mission to the United Nations has been "very clear that human rights continues to be a priority." He also said UN humanitarian agencies have complained about some restrictions in the face of international sanctions, but did not go into detail.

North Korea rights 'not changed' despite rapprochement: United Nations

The United Nations warned Tuesday that Yemen was on the verge of widespread famine.&nbsp;

"There is now a clear and present danger of an imminent and great big famine engulfing Yemen," UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock said.

He urged a humanitarian ceasefire around facilities involved in food aid distribution, and infrastructure, at a meeting of the Security Council convened on the British initiative because of the deterioration in Yemen.

"The parties to the conflict continue to violate international humanitarian law," and while earlier UN estimates put those in danger of famine at 11 million, the real number facing it now is 14 million people.

Since the last UN warning in September, "the situation (on the ground) has gotten worse," Emergency Relief Coordinator Lowcock said.&nbsp;

Yemen's brutal conflict has since 2015 left some 10,000 people dead and has created what the UN has dubbed the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations warned Tuesday that Yemen was on the verge of widespread famine. "There is now a clear and present danger of an imminent and great big famine engulfing Yemen," UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock said.

The United Nations warned Tuesday that Yemen was on the verge of widespread famine. "There is now a clear and present danger of an imminent and great big famine engulfing Yemen," UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock said. He urged a humanitarian ceasefire around facilities involved in food aid distribution, and infrastructure, at a meeting of the Security Council convened on the British initiative because of the deterioration in Yemen. "The parties to the conflict continue to violate international humanitarian law," and while earlier UN estimates put those in danger of famine at 11 million, the real number facing it now is 14 million people. Since the last UN warning in September, "the situation (on the ground) has gotten worse," Emergency Relief Coordinator Lowcock said. Yemen's brutal conflict has since 2015 left some 10,000 people dead and has created what the UN has dubbed the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

UN warns of danger of widespread famine in Yemen

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, officials said.&nbsp;

It also asked Beijing not to give shelter to hardline ULFA leader Paresh Baruah on its soil, they said.

The two key issues were raised at the first India-China high level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, here.

"The key concerns of both the countries were flagged and both the sides assured each other full cooperation," an official, who was part of the Indian delegation, said.

The key Indian concerns are China's objection to the application to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council, frequent visit of United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah to China and smuggling of arms and narcotics to the Northeast, the official said.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked the bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as global terrorist.

The official said that Chinese concerns included insurgency in Xinjiang by Uyghur extremists.

After two rounds of meetings, restricted talks between Singh and Zhao followed by delegation-level parleys, the home ministry said in a statement that the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and welcomed increased security cooperation between India and China.

An agreement on security cooperation between the Home Ministry and China's Ministry of Public Security was also signed by the two ministers. This was first ever India-China security cooperation pact.

"The agreement will further strengthen and consolidate discussions and cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism, organised crimes, drug control and other such relevant areas," the statement said.

Even though an MoU had been signed by the two sides in the spheres of security years ago, it had lapsed a few years ago.

The Monday's pact may lead to signing of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in future, another official said.

Zhao Kezhi is on a bilateral visit to India from October 21 to 25 during which he will also travel to Mumbai.

The meeting comes just a year after a two-month-long border stand-off between the India Army and the China's People's Liberation Army at Doklam on the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal summit in Wuhan, China, in April this year which helped repair bilateral ties.&nbsp;

The Chinese delegation also visited the headquarters of the CRPF, country's largest paramilitary force, where they were given a presentation about the functions of the force.&nbsp;

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, officials said.

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, officials said. It also asked Beijing not to give shelter to hardline ULFA leader Paresh Baruah on its soil, they said. The two key issues were raised at the first India-China high level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, here. "The key concerns of both the countries were flagged and both the sides assured each other full cooperation," an official, who was part of the Indian delegation, said. The key Indian concerns are China's objection to the application to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council, frequent visit of United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah to China and smuggling of arms and narcotics to the Northeast, the official said. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked the bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as global terrorist. The official said that Chinese concerns included insurgency in Xinjiang by Uyghur extremists. After two rounds of meetings, restricted talks between Singh and Zhao followed by delegation-level parleys, the home ministry said in a statement that the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and welcomed increased security cooperation between India and China. An agreement on security cooperation between the Home Ministry and China's Ministry of Public Security was also signed by the two ministers. This was first ever India-China security cooperation pact. "The agreement will further strengthen and consolidate discussions and cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism, organised crimes, drug control and other such relevant areas," the statement said. Even though an MoU had been signed by the two sides in the spheres of security years ago, it had lapsed a few years ago. The Monday's pact may lead to signing of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in future, another official said. Zhao Kezhi is on a bilateral visit to India from October 21 to 25 during which he will also travel to Mumbai. The meeting comes just a year after a two-month-long border stand-off between the India Army and the China's People's Liberation Army at Doklam on the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal summit in Wuhan, China, in April this year which helped repair bilateral ties. The Chinese delegation also visited the headquarters of the CRPF, country's largest paramilitary force, where they were given a presentation about the functions of the force.

India asks China to support application in UN on Masood Azhar, not give shelter to ULFA chief

North and South Korea and the UN Command agreed on Monday to withdraw firearms and guard posts in the demilitarised zone village of Panmunjom this week, Seoul's defence ministry said, the latest move in a fast-improving relationship.

The three sides held their second round of talks at Panmunjom to discuss ways to demilitarise the border in line with a recent inter-Korean pact reached last month's summit in Pyongyang.

The US-led UNC, which has overseen affairs in the DMZ since the end of hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War, was not immediately available for comment, but it said on Friday it supports the two Koreas' efforts to implement their military deal.

The announcement comes amid US concerns that the inter-Korean military initiative could undermine defence readiness and comes without substantial progress on North Korea's promised denuclearisation.

The neighbours are looking to withdraw 11 guard posts within a 1-km (0.6-mile) radius of the Military Demarcation Line on their border by the end of the year.

They also plan to pull out all firearms from a Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom and cut to 35 each the numbers of personnel stationed there and share information on surveillance equipment.

At Monday's meeting, the three sides agreed to remove firearms and guard posts from the JSA by Thursday, and carry out a joint inspection over the following two days, the ministry said.

The two Koreas have been removing landmines around the area as part of the agreement and they confirmed the completion of the demining operation at the talks with the UNC.

"We discussed the timeline of the pullout of firearms and guard posts, as well as ways to adjust the number of guard personnel and conduct joint inspections," the ministry said in a statement.

The agreement also includes a halt in "all hostile acts" and a no-fly zone around the border.

North and South Korea are technically still at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, but relations have improved considerably in the last year.

After his third summit in Pyongyang, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the North was ready to invite international experts to watch the dismantling of a key missile site and would close the main Yongbyon nuclear complex if Washington took reciprocal actions.

Those actions could include putting a formal end to the 1950-53 war, opening of a US liaison office in North Korea, humanitarian aid and an exchange of economic experts, Moon said.

But Washington demands North Korea takes irreversible steps to scrap its arsenal, such as a full disclosure of nuclear facilities and material.

North and South Korea and the UN Command agreed on Monday to withdraw firearms and guard posts in the demilitarised zone village of Panmunjom this week, Seoul's defence ministry said, the latest move in a fast-improving relationship.

North and South Korea and the UN Command agreed on Monday to withdraw firearms and guard posts in the demilitarised zone village of Panmunjom this week, Seoul's defence ministry said, the latest move in a fast-improving relationship. The three sides held their second round of talks at Panmunjom to discuss ways to demilitarise the border in line with a recent inter-Korean pact reached last month's summit in Pyongyang. The US-led UNC, which has overseen affairs in the DMZ since the end of hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War, was not immediately available for comment, but it said on Friday it supports the two Koreas' efforts to implement their military deal. The announcement comes amid US concerns that the inter-Korean military initiative could undermine defence readiness and comes without substantial progress on North Korea's promised denuclearisation. The neighbours are looking to withdraw 11 guard posts within a 1-km (0.6-mile) radius of the Military Demarcation Line on their border by the end of the year. They also plan to pull out all firearms from a Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom and cut to 35 each the numbers of personnel stationed there and share information on surveillance equipment. At Monday's meeting, the three sides agreed to remove firearms and guard posts from the JSA by Thursday, and carry out a joint inspection over the following two days, the ministry said. The two Koreas have been removing landmines around the area as part of the agreement and they confirmed the completion of the demining operation at the talks with the UNC. "We discussed the timeline of the pullout of firearms and guard posts, as well as ways to adjust the number of guard personnel and conduct joint inspections," the ministry said in a statement. The agreement also includes a halt in "all hostile acts" and a no-fly zone around the border. North and South Korea are technically still at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, but relations have improved considerably in the last year. After his third summit in Pyongyang, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the North was ready to invite international experts to watch the dismantling of a key missile site and would close the main Yongbyon nuclear complex if Washington took reciprocal actions. Those actions could include putting a formal end to the 1950-53 war, opening of a US liaison office in North Korea, humanitarian aid and an exchange of economic experts, Moon said. But Washington demands North Korea takes irreversible steps to scrap its arsenal, such as a full disclosure of nuclear facilities and material.

Two Koreas, UN forces agree to remove weapons at border

Saudi Arabia admitted on Saturday that critic Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside its Istanbul consulate, but mystery surrounded the whereabouts of his body as Turkey kept up its investigation.

Amid mounting calls for an international probe into the death of the Washington Post journalist, Ankara vowed it would reveal all the details of its two-week inquiry.

Before dawn on Saturday, Riyadh announced that Khashoggi died during a "brawl" inside the consulate on October 2. Eighteen Saudis have been arrested in connection with his death and two top aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as three other intelligence agents, have been sacked.

A critic of the Gulf kingdom's powerful heir apparent, Khashoggi's disappearance had been shrouded in mystery and the growing international pressure has tipped Saudi Arabia into an international crisis.

Turkish officials have accused it of carrying out a state-sponsored killing and dismembering the body, which police have begun hunting for in an Istanbul forest.

In the latest version of events from Riyadh, Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said Khashoggi died after talks at the consulate degenerated into a physical altercation. He did not disclose the whereabouts of the journalist's body.

US President Donald Trump said he found the latest explanation credible despite continued scepticism from some US lawmakers, including Republicans.

The Saudi king also ordered the setting up of a ministerial body under the chairmanship of the crown prince to restructure the kingdom's intelligence agency and "define its powers precisely", Saudi state media said.

Key members of the crown prince's inner circle, deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and royal court media adviser Saud al-Qahtani, were sacked.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates, welcomed the moves by the king, as did Egypt.

But Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz tweeted that her heart was "full of sorrow" over the confirmation of his death. The couple had been due to marry this month.

Meanwhile, the UN chief, Britain's foreign ministry and media groups on Saturday called for the punishment of those who ordered and carried out Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing in Istanbul.

International reaction on Khashoggi's death

UN

"The Secretary-General stresses the need for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr Khashoggi's death and full accountability for those responsible," Antonio Guterres's office said in a statement.

Britain

"We send our condolences to Jamal Khashoggi’s family after this confirmation of his death. We are considering the Saudi report and our next steps. As the Foreign Secretary has said, this was a terrible act and those responsible must be held to account," the foreign ministry said.

Germany 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel&nbsp;said those behind Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death must be brought to book and called for "transparency" from Riyadh.

"Those responsible must answer for their actions," Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a joint statement. "We expect transparency from Saudi Arabia on the circumstances of his death."

Reporters Without Borders

"Any attempt to get rid of the pressure on Saudi Arabia and to accept a compromise policy would result in giving a 'license to kill' to a Kingdom that puts in jail, lashes, kidnaps and even kills journalists who dare to investigate and launch debates," Christophe Deloire, Secretary General of the Paris-based media rights watchdog tweeted.

Turk-Arab Media Association

The Istanbul-based body, of which Khashoggi was a member, said it wanted all those involved in the plot -- right up to the highest rung -- to be punished.

"We demand that not only the 18 men but those who commanded (the killing) are punished," said Turan Kislakci, the head of the association, speaking outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

UNESCO

"The killing of Jamal Khashoggi reminds us of the need to fight for press freedom, which is essential to democracy. Accountability for these crimes is non-negotiable. I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this crime and bring its perpetrators to justice," UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said.&nbsp;

Shielding crown prince

Meanwhile, the Saudi officials have roundly denied that King Salman's son, Prince Mohammed, had any involvement.

But one suspect identified by Turkey was said to be a frequent companion of the young heir to the throne, three others were linked to his security detail and a fifth is a high-level forensic specialist, according to The New York Times.

The decision to overhaul the intelligence apparatus and sack members of the crown prince's inner circle is designed to "distance the crown prince from the murder", said analysis firm Eurasia Group.

In Riyadh, preparations continued for an investment forum due to open on Tuesday despite high-profile international no-shows.

"I think that the transparency of the statement has made it clear that Saudi Arabia is a great and strong country and transparent in everything," said one Saudi citizen, Futayes Moqren, as he drank a coffee at a cafe.

In a recent off-the-record interview published posthumously by US magazine Newsweek, Khashoggi described the 33-year-old crown prince as "an old-fashioned tribal leader" but said he would have accepted an offer to work as his adviser.

"I'm not calling for the overthrow of the regime," the onetime royal insider said. "I'm just calling for reform of the regime."

Pro-government Turkish media have claimed that Khashoggi was tortured and decapitated by a Saudi hit squad, although Turkey has yet to release any official findings.

"Each successive narrative put out by the Saudis to explain what happened to Khashoggi has strained credulity," Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States, told AFP.

"Especially because the Saudis are still unable or unwilling to produce the one piece of evidence -- a body -- that could provide a definitive answer one way or the other."

Saudi Arabia admitted on Saturday that critic Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside its Istanbul consulate, but mystery surrounded the whereabouts of his body as Turkey kept up its investigation.

Saudi Arabia admitted on Saturday that critic Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside its Istanbul consulate, but mystery surrounded the whereabouts of his body as Turkey kept up its investigation. Amid mounting calls for an international probe into the death of the Washington Post journalist, Ankara vowed it would reveal all the details of its two-week inquiry. Before dawn on Saturday, Riyadh announced that Khashoggi died during a "brawl" inside the consulate on October 2. Eighteen Saudis have been arrested in connection with his death and two top aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as three other intelligence agents, have been sacked. A critic of the Gulf kingdom's powerful heir apparent, Khashoggi's disappearance had been shrouded in mystery and the growing international pressure has tipped Saudi Arabia into an international crisis. Turkish officials have accused it of carrying out a state-sponsored killing and dismembering the body, which police have begun hunting for in an Istanbul forest. In the latest version of events from Riyadh, Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said Khashoggi died after talks at the consulate degenerated into a physical altercation. He did not disclose the whereabouts of the journalist's body. US President Donald Trump said he found the latest explanation credible despite continued scepticism from some US lawmakers, including Republicans. The Saudi king also ordered the setting up of a ministerial body under the chairmanship of the crown prince to restructure the kingdom's intelligence agency and "define its powers precisely", Saudi state media said. Key members of the crown prince's inner circle, deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and royal court media adviser Saud al-Qahtani, were sacked. Saudi Arabia's Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates, welcomed the moves by the king, as did Egypt. But Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz tweeted that her heart was "full of sorrow" over the confirmation of his death. The couple had been due to marry this month. Meanwhile, the UN chief, Britain's foreign ministry and media groups on Saturday called for the punishment of those who ordered and carried out Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing in Istanbul. International reaction on Khashoggi's death UN "The Secretary-General stresses the need for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr Khashoggi's death and full accountability for those responsible," Antonio Guterres's office said in a statement. Britain "We send our condolences to Jamal Khashoggi’s family after this confirmation of his death. We are considering the Saudi report and our next steps. As the Foreign Secretary has said, this was a terrible act and those responsible must be held to account," the foreign ministry said. Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel said those behind Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death must be brought to book and called for "transparency" from Riyadh. "Those responsible must answer for their actions," Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a joint statement. "We expect transparency from Saudi Arabia on the circumstances of his death." Reporters Without Borders "Any attempt to get rid of the pressure on Saudi Arabia and to accept a compromise policy would result in giving a 'license to kill' to a Kingdom that puts in jail, lashes, kidnaps and even kills journalists who dare to investigate and launch debates," Christophe Deloire, Secretary General of the Paris-based media rights watchdog tweeted. Turk-Arab Media Association The Istanbul-based body, of which Khashoggi was a member, said it wanted all those involved in the plot -- right up to the highest rung -- to be punished. "We demand that not only the 18 men but those who commanded (the killing) are punished," said Turan Kislakci, the head of the association, speaking outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. UNESCO "The killing of Jamal Khashoggi reminds us of the need to fight for press freedom, which is essential to democracy. Accountability for these crimes is non-negotiable. I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this crime and bring its perpetrators to justice," UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said. Shielding crown prince Meanwhile, the Saudi officials have roundly denied that King Salman's son, Prince Mohammed, had any involvement. But one suspect identified by Turkey was said to be a frequent companion of the young heir to the throne, three others were linked to his security detail and a fifth is a high-level forensic specialist, according to The New York Times. The decision to overhaul the intelligence apparatus and sack members of the crown prince's inner circle is designed to "distance the crown prince from the murder", said analysis firm Eurasia Group. In Riyadh, preparations continued for an investment forum due to open on Tuesday despite high-profile international no-shows. "I think that the transparency of the statement has made it clear that Saudi Arabia is a great and strong country and transparent in everything," said one Saudi citizen, Futayes Moqren, as he drank a coffee at a cafe. In a recent off-the-record interview published posthumously by US magazine Newsweek, Khashoggi described the 33-year-old crown prince as "an old-fashioned tribal leader" but said he would have accepted an offer to work as his adviser. "I'm not calling for the overthrow of the regime," the onetime royal insider said. "I'm just calling for reform of the regime." Pro-government Turkish media have claimed that Khashoggi was tortured and decapitated by a Saudi hit squad, although Turkey has yet to release any official findings. "Each successive narrative put out by the Saudis to explain what happened to Khashoggi has strained credulity," Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States, told AFP. "Especially because the Saudis are still unable or unwilling to produce the one piece of evidence -- a body -- that could provide a definitive answer one way or the other."

Khashoggi killing: Officials deny Bin Salman's involvement as calls mount for international probe

The United Nations has asked Sri Lanka to immediately repatriate a commander serving in the peacekeeping force in Mali following allegations that he was linked to atrocities committed during Sri Lanka's war with Tamil Tigers.&nbsp;

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Friday that the request to send Lieutenant-Colonel Kalana Priyankara Lankamithra Amunupure home was made following "a review of the human rights background of the commander."

The commander of Sri Lanka's contingent in the MINUSMA peacekeeping force was screened before he was sent to Mali but "new information recently came to light," Dujarric said, without providing details.

Sri Lankan forces crushed the Tamil Tigers in a no-holds-barred military offensive that ended their long-running guerilla war in May 2009, leaving more than 100,000 people dead.&nbsp;

In the final months of the war, Sri Lankan forces are accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians.&nbsp;

The expelled commander is said to have led Sri Lankan special forces in operations against Tamil civilians during the brutal, closing chapter of the war.

The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP), a South Africa-based non-governmental organization that documents mass atrocities from Sri Lanka's war, in April sent to the United Nations a list of 56 Sri Lankans who should be barred from peacekeeping.

The ITJP charged that UN officials had failed to properly vet Sri Lankan troops for peacekeeping.

The 56 officers and other personnel were either alleged perpetrators or were involved in frontline combat in the final stages of the war, when crimes were committed by security force units.

Dujarric said UN officials were working with the Sri Lankan government and the country's human rights commission to set up an "effective domestic screening process."

The United Nations has 15,000 troops and police serving in the peace mission in Mali, which began in 2013 and is considered one of the UN's most challenging operations.

Sri Lanka has deployed about 200 troops in MINUSMA and has sent smaller contingents to UN peace operations in Lebanon and in the Central African Republic.

The United Nations has asked Sri Lanka to immediately repatriate a commander serving in the peacekeeping force in Mali following allegations that he was linked to atrocities committed during Sri Lanka's war with Tamil Tigers.

The United Nations has asked Sri Lanka to immediately repatriate a commander serving in the peacekeeping force in Mali following allegations that he was linked to atrocities committed during Sri Lanka's war with Tamil Tigers. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Friday that the request to send Lieutenant-Colonel Kalana Priyankara Lankamithra Amunupure home was made following "a review of the human rights background of the commander." The commander of Sri Lanka's contingent in the MINUSMA peacekeeping force was screened before he was sent to Mali but "new information recently came to light," Dujarric said, without providing details. Sri Lankan forces crushed the Tamil Tigers in a no-holds-barred military offensive that ended their long-running guerilla war in May 2009, leaving more than 100,000 people dead. In the final months of the war, Sri Lankan forces are accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians. The expelled commander is said to have led Sri Lankan special forces in operations against Tamil civilians during the brutal, closing chapter of the war. The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP), a South Africa-based non-governmental organization that documents mass atrocities from Sri Lanka's war, in April sent to the United Nations a list of 56 Sri Lankans who should be barred from peacekeeping. The ITJP charged that UN officials had failed to properly vet Sri Lankan troops for peacekeeping. The 56 officers and other personnel were either alleged perpetrators or were involved in frontline combat in the final stages of the war, when crimes were committed by security force units. Dujarric said UN officials were working with the Sri Lankan government and the country's human rights commission to set up an "effective domestic screening process." The United Nations has 15,000 troops and police serving in the peace mission in Mali, which began in 2013 and is considered one of the UN's most challenging operations. Sri Lanka has deployed about 200 troops in MINUSMA and has sent smaller contingents to UN peace operations in Lebanon and in the Central African Republic.

UN sends Sri Lanka peacekeeping commander home over alleged atrocities

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction caused in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli, saying the world body is ready to support the government's response to the calamity.

"The Secretary-General is saddened by reports of death and injury in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states in India due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli,? a statement issued Monday by Guterres' spokesman said.

Guterres said the UN stands in solidarity with the Government of India as it responds to this calamity and is ready to support the response.&nbsp;

The death toll in cyclone Titli, which made a landfall on October 11, and the subsequent flood in Odisha has risen to 27. A total of 3,60,353 people were evacuated and sheltered in 1,614 relief centres.&nbsp;

Millions of people have been affected in Odisha mainly in the worst-hit districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada, and thousands of houses were damaged in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Cyclone Titli also disrupted road and telecommunications networks and power supplies.

The secretary-general extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of India and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction caused in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli, saying the world body is ready to support the government's response to the calamity.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction caused in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli, saying the world body is ready to support the government's response to the calamity. "The Secretary-General is saddened by reports of death and injury in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states in India due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli,? a statement issued Monday by Guterres' spokesman said. Guterres said the UN stands in solidarity with the Government of India as it responds to this calamity and is ready to support the response. The death toll in cyclone Titli, which made a landfall on October 11, and the subsequent flood in Odisha has risen to 27. A total of 3,60,353 people were evacuated and sheltered in 1,614 relief centres. Millions of people have been affected in Odisha mainly in the worst-hit districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada, and thousands of houses were damaged in Andhra Pradesh. Cyclone Titli also disrupted road and telecommunications networks and power supplies. The secretary-general extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of India and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

UN Chief saddened over destruction caused by cyclone Titli in Odisha, Andhra

The number of Yemenis on the brink of famine could rise to 12 million - or two in five of the population - from around 8.5 million in coming months due to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/un-probe-reports-possible-war-crimes-by-all-sides-in-yemen-conflict-162092">escalating war and a deepening economic crisis</a>, the United Nations food agency said on Monday.

Yemen has been torn apart by more than three years of civil war between the internationally recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition and based in the south, and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls the north, including the capital Sanaa. The nation of some 30 million is the Arabian peninsula's poorest.

As fighting intensifies, particularly around the main port city of Hodeidah, and the economic situation deteriorates, the World Food Programme (WFP) said it feared millions struggling to make ends meet would succumb to severe hunger and disease.

"If this situation persists, we could see an additional 3.5 million severely insecure Yemenis... who urgently require regular food assistance to prevent them from slipping into famine-like conditions," WFP spokesman Herve Verhoosel said.

The agency is scaling up its emergency food and nutrition aid to reach 8 million Yemenis every month, he said.

The Saudi-led alliance, which is backed by Western countries led by Britain and the United States supplying weapons and intelligence, imposed a blockade on Hodeidah for several weeks at the end of last year, saying it was to prevent Houthis from importing weapons.

Yemen traditionally imports 90 percent of its food.

All its air, land and sea ports were currently functioning, but fighting around Hodeidah was preventing WFP workers from reaching its 51,000 tonnes of wheat stocks at the Red Sea Mills facility - enough to feed 3.7 million people in northern and central Yemen for one month, Verhoosel said.

The number of Yemenis on the brink of famine could rise to 12 million - or two in five of the population - from around 8.5 million in coming months due to escalating war and a deepening economic crisis, the United Nations food agency said on Monday.

The number of Yemenis on the brink of famine could rise to 12 million - or two in five of the population - from around 8.5 million in coming months due to escalating war and a deepening economic crisis, the United Nations food agency said on Monday. Yemen has been torn apart by more than three years of civil war between the internationally recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition and based in the south, and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls the north, including the capital Sanaa. The nation of some 30 million is the Arabian peninsula's poorest. As fighting intensifies, particularly around the main port city of Hodeidah, and the economic situation deteriorates, the World Food Programme (WFP) said it feared millions struggling to make ends meet would succumb to severe hunger and disease. "If this situation persists, we could see an additional 3.5 million severely insecure Yemenis... who urgently require regular food assistance to prevent them from slipping into famine-like conditions," WFP spokesman Herve Verhoosel said. The agency is scaling up its emergency food and nutrition aid to reach 8 million Yemenis every month, he said. The Saudi-led alliance, which is backed by Western countries led by Britain and the United States supplying weapons and intelligence, imposed a blockade on Hodeidah for several weeks at the end of last year, saying it was to prevent Houthis from importing weapons. Yemen traditionally imports 90 percent of its food. All its air, land and sea ports were currently functioning, but fighting around Hodeidah was preventing WFP workers from reaching its 51,000 tonnes of wheat stocks at the Red Sea Mills facility - enough to feed 3.7 million people in northern and central Yemen for one month, Verhoosel said.

Yemen conflict could push millions more to brink of famine: UN

An ultra-nationalist monk -- dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" -- on Sunday condemned the international community for their calls to bring Myanmar's generals to justice over the Rohingya crisis.

Firebrand monk Wirathu, known as the face of Myanmar's Buddhist nationalist movement, was speaking at a pro-military rally that attracted hundreds of supporters, his first since being barred from giving public sermons last year.

The ban, which ended in March, was issued by a council of senior monks who said Wirathu had "repeatedly delivered hate speech against religions to cause communal strife".

The hate speech he espouses -- which includes calling the Rohingya Muslim minority "Bengali" in an attempt to delegitimize their identity as being from Myanmar -- has also caused Facebook to ban him from their platform.

The hardline abbot on Sunday reverted to his signature rhetoric at the rally to protest calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Myanmar's generals for genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

"The day when the ICC comes here...Is the day that Wirathu holds a gun," he said in a speech that often referred to himself in the third person.

He lauded China and Russia in the UN Security Council as "nationalist giants who stand with the truth" in their role of preventing any firm action against Myanmar.

"Don't lie to the world saying that Bengalis are Rohingya because you want to promote Islamisation in Myanmar," Wirathu said.

"Don't destroy our country by creating a fake ethnic group."&nbsp;

The military has said their brutal crackdown -- which led to more than 720,000 Rohingya fleeing across the border carrying accounts of rape, arson and murder -- was warranted for combatting terrorism.

While much of the world has regarded the unfolding Rohingya crisis with horror, the majority of people within Myanmar side with the military as the Muslim minority group is widely detested.

The supporters showed up in force at Sunday's march, with hundreds gathering in front of downtown Yangon's iconic Sule Pagoda carrying giant portraits of army chief General Min Aung Hlaing, who UN investigators say is the most responsible.

"We can't stand the bullying of the army chief and the Tatmadaw by the international community," said protester Khine Thet Mar, 46, using the Myanmar name for the military. The UN Human

Rights Council voted last month to prepare for criminal indictments over the atrocities in Myanmar.

Min Aung Hlaing has remained defiant in the face of international pressure, saying that no country, organisation or group has the "right to interfere in" Myanmar's sovereignty.&nbsp;

An ultra-nationalist monk -- dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" -- on Sunday condemned the international community for their calls to bring Myanmar's generals to justice over the Rohingya crisis.

An ultra-nationalist monk -- dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" -- on Sunday condemned the international community for their calls to bring Myanmar's generals to justice over the Rohingya crisis. Firebrand monk Wirathu, known as the face of Myanmar's Buddhist nationalist movement, was speaking at a pro-military rally that attracted hundreds of supporters, his first since being barred from giving public sermons last year. The ban, which ended in March, was issued by a council of senior monks who said Wirathu had "repeatedly delivered hate speech against religions to cause communal strife". The hate speech he espouses -- which includes calling the Rohingya Muslim minority "Bengali" in an attempt to delegitimize their identity as being from Myanmar -- has also caused Facebook to ban him from their platform. The hardline abbot on Sunday reverted to his signature rhetoric at the rally to protest calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Myanmar's generals for genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya Muslim minority. "The day when the ICC comes here...Is the day that Wirathu holds a gun," he said in a speech that often referred to himself in the third person. He lauded China and Russia in the UN Security Council as "nationalist giants who stand with the truth" in their role of preventing any firm action against Myanmar. "Don't lie to the world saying that Bengalis are Rohingya because you want to promote Islamisation in Myanmar," Wirathu said. "Don't destroy our country by creating a fake ethnic group." The military has said their brutal crackdown -- which led to more than 720,000 Rohingya fleeing across the border carrying accounts of rape, arson and murder -- was warranted for combatting terrorism. While much of the world has regarded the unfolding Rohingya crisis with horror, the majority of people within Myanmar side with the military as the Muslim minority group is widely detested. The supporters showed up in force at Sunday's march, with hundreds gathering in front of downtown Yangon's iconic Sule Pagoda carrying giant portraits of army chief General Min Aung Hlaing, who UN investigators say is the most responsible. "We can't stand the bullying of the army chief and the Tatmadaw by the international community," said protester Khine Thet Mar, 46, using the Myanmar name for the military. The UN Human Rights Council voted last month to prepare for criminal indictments over the atrocities in Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing has remained defiant in the face of international pressure, saying that no country, organisation or group has the "right to interfere in" Myanmar's sovereignty.

Rohingya crisis: Firebrand monk Wirathu hits back at UN, international community

At least three million Afghans are in "urgent" need of food and could face famine if they do not get help, the United Nations warned Monday, as the war-torn country battles the worst drought in living memory.

A dry spell mainly across northern and western Afghanistan has devastated crops, livestock and water supplies, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

The drought comes at a terrible time for the country, which is already grappling with a 17-year conflict and preparing to hold a parliamentary election that is three years late.&nbsp;

The United Nations is spearheading international efforts to reach 2.5 million of the three million most in need of food by mid-December, UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan Toby Lanzer told AFP.

"Those people are surviving on less than one meal a day and in all likelihood that meal is bread and tea," Lanzer said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Lanzer said the three million people hardest hit were in the "emergency" phase four of a widely-used food insecurity index -- one level below famine.&nbsp;

The figure was "among the highest in the world" and required "the most urgent response".&nbsp;

"If we don't (reach them) there's a risk that these people go into level five," Lanzer said.&nbsp;

Aid groups distributed basic commodities, including wheat flour fortified with minerals, vegetable oil and lentils, to 600,000 people last month, Lanzer said.&nbsp;

They hope to reach another 600,000 by the end of October.&nbsp;

Another eight million people were in the "crisis" phase three of the food insecurity index, which includes people with "food consumption gaps with high or above usual acute malnutrition".

Lanzer said the figures were "far worse than we had anticipated" and he warned the situation could worsen as temperatures plummet during the winter months.

The drought affecting more than half of Afghanistan was triggered by a huge shortfall in snow and rain last winter.

Many of the displaced have set up makeshift tents in camps on the edge of urban areas, including the western city of Herat.&nbsp;

Afghan officials and foreign aid groups are struggling to meet demand for food, shelter and health services.&nbsp;

People at the camps told AFP in August they had been surviving on a diet of bread and tea for months because they did not have enough money to buy fruit, vegetables or meat.

At least three million Afghans are in "urgent" need of food and could face famine if they do not get help, the United Nations warned Monday, as the war-torn country battles the worst drought in living memory.

At least three million Afghans are in "urgent" need of food and could face famine if they do not get help, the United Nations warned Monday, as the war-torn country battles the worst drought in living memory. A dry spell mainly across northern and western Afghanistan has devastated crops, livestock and water supplies, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. The drought comes at a terrible time for the country, which is already grappling with a 17-year conflict and preparing to hold a parliamentary election that is three years late. The United Nations is spearheading international efforts to reach 2.5 million of the three million most in need of food by mid-December, UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan Toby Lanzer told AFP. "Those people are surviving on less than one meal a day and in all likelihood that meal is bread and tea," Lanzer said. Lanzer said the three million people hardest hit were in the "emergency" phase four of a widely-used food insecurity index -- one level below famine. The figure was "among the highest in the world" and required "the most urgent response". "If we don't (reach them) there's a risk that these people go into level five," Lanzer said. Aid groups distributed basic commodities, including wheat flour fortified with minerals, vegetable oil and lentils, to 600,000 people last month, Lanzer said. They hope to reach another 600,000 by the end of October. Another eight million people were in the "crisis" phase three of the food insecurity index, which includes people with "food consumption gaps with high or above usual acute malnutrition". Lanzer said the figures were "far worse than we had anticipated" and he warned the situation could worsen as temperatures plummet during the winter months. The drought affecting more than half of Afghanistan was triggered by a huge shortfall in snow and rain last winter. Many of the displaced have set up makeshift tents in camps on the edge of urban areas, including the western city of Herat. Afghan officials and foreign aid groups are struggling to meet demand for food, shelter and health services. People at the camps told AFP in August they had been surviving on a diet of bread and tea for months because they did not have enough money to buy fruit, vegetables or meat.

Three million Afghans in 'urgent' need of food: United Nations

The United Nations, Israel and Syria reached an agreement to reopen the Quneitra crossing in the Golan Heights on Monday, the United States announced Friday, urging the two Middle East countries to facilitate the work of peacekeepers in the zone.

"The United States welcomes the re-opening of this crossing, which will allow UN peacekeepers to step up their efforts to prevent hostilities in the Golan Heights region," US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said in a statement.

The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), with about 1,000 troops, was established in 1974 and monitors a ceasefire line separating Israeli-occupied parts of the Golan Heights from Syria.

UNDOF resumed its patrols in the area of the crossing point in August, after withdrawing in 2014 when Al-Qaeda-linked rebels overran the area, three years into Syria's civil war.

UNDOF's return was made possible after Syrian government troops retook the Syrian side of the crossing in July under a deal with rebel fighters brokered by Moscow.&nbsp;

It had been sealed completely since rebels overran it in April 2015, choking off one of the most important trade routes for the government.

"We look to both Israel and Syria to provide UN peacekeepers the access they need as well as assurances of their safety," Haley said.

"We also call on Syria to take the necessary steps so UNDOF can safely and effectively deploy and patrol without interference."

Haley added that all sides must stick to a 1974 agreement and keep any military forces other than UN peacekeepers out of the zone.

Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move not recognized by the international community.

The Quneitra crossing was used by Druze living on the Israeli side travelling to Syria for higher education or weddings. Druze farmers also exported apples to Syria through Quneitra.&nbsp;

The United Nations, Israel and Syria reached an agreement to reopen the Quneitra crossing in the Golan Heights on Monday, the United States announced Friday, urging the two Middle East countries to facilitate the work of peacekeepers in the zone.

The United Nations, Israel and Syria reached an agreement to reopen the Quneitra crossing in the Golan Heights on Monday, the United States announced Friday, urging the two Middle East countries to facilitate the work of peacekeepers in the zone. "The United States welcomes the re-opening of this crossing, which will allow UN peacekeepers to step up their efforts to prevent hostilities in the Golan Heights region," US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said in a statement. The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), with about 1,000 troops, was established in 1974 and monitors a ceasefire line separating Israeli-occupied parts of the Golan Heights from Syria. UNDOF resumed its patrols in the area of the crossing point in August, after withdrawing in 2014 when Al-Qaeda-linked rebels overran the area, three years into Syria's civil war. UNDOF's return was made possible after Syrian government troops retook the Syrian side of the crossing in July under a deal with rebel fighters brokered by Moscow. It had been sealed completely since rebels overran it in April 2015, choking off one of the most important trade routes for the government. "We look to both Israel and Syria to provide UN peacekeepers the access they need as well as assurances of their safety," Haley said. "We also call on Syria to take the necessary steps so UNDOF can safely and effectively deploy and patrol without interference." Haley added that all sides must stick to a 1974 agreement and keep any military forces other than UN peacekeepers out of the zone. Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move not recognized by the international community. The Quneitra crossing was used by Druze living on the Israeli side travelling to Syria for higher education or weddings. Druze farmers also exported apples to Syria through Quneitra.

Golan Heights crossing point to reopen Monday: US

India appears set to be elected to the United Nations's top human rights body in the Asia-Pacific category for a period of three years.&nbsp;

The 193-member UN General Assembly will elect new members on Friday to the UN Human Rights Council. The members are elected by absolute majority through a secret ballot. Countries need a minimum of 97 votes to get elected to the Council.&nbsp;

India will be vying for the seat in the Asia Pacific category. Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and the Philippines will also stake a claim in the same regional group. Given that there are five nations vying for five seats in the Asia Pacific category, India's election to the Council is all but certain.&nbsp;

Ahead of the election, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had tweeted that "Pitching together. Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji, India &amp; the Philippines stake claim to 5 seats for Asia-Pacific region at Human Rights Council elections."&nbsp;

The new members will serve a term of three years beginning January 1, 2019. India had previously been elected to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council for the 2011-2014 and 2014-2017 term. Its last tenure had ended on December 31, 2017 and in accordance with the rules, it was not eligible for immediate re-election since it had already served two consecutive terms.&nbsp;

Created by the Assembly in March 2006 as the principal United Nations body dealing with human rights, the Human Rights Council comprises 47 elected Member States.&nbsp;

On the basis of equitable geographical distribution, Council seats are allocated to the five regional groups as follows: African States, 13 seats; Asia Pacific States, 13 seats; Eastern European States, 6 seats; Latin American and Caribbean States, 8 seats; and Western European and other States, 7 seats.&nbsp;

All five of the General Assembly's regional groups submitted competition-free slates, meaning that all candidates, regardless of their rights records, are virtually assured seats on the council.&nbsp;

Since 18 nations are vying for a total of 18 seats across five geographical groups, they are expected to be elected unopposed. Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eritrea, Somalia and Togo are vying for five seats in the African States category, Bulgaria and Czech Republic for two seats in the Eastern European States group, Argentina, Bahamas and Uruguay for three seats in the Latin American &amp; Caribbean States group and Austria, Denmark and Italy for three vacant seats in the Western European &amp; other States category.&nbsp;

On the eve of the elections, rights group Human Rights Watch said UN member countries should oppose the candidacies of the Philippines and Eritrea for the Human Rights Council because of their "egregious human rights records?.

India appears set to be elected to the United Nations's top human rights body in the Asia-Pacific category for a period of three years. The 193-member UN General Assembly will elect new members on Friday to the UN Human Rights Council.

India appears set to be elected to the United Nations's top human rights body in the Asia-Pacific category for a period of three years. The 193-member UN General Assembly will elect new members on Friday to the UN Human Rights Council. The members are elected by absolute majority through a secret ballot. Countries need a minimum of 97 votes to get elected to the Council. India will be vying for the seat in the Asia Pacific category. Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and the Philippines will also stake a claim in the same regional group. Given that there are five nations vying for five seats in the Asia Pacific category, India's election to the Council is all but certain. Ahead of the election, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had tweeted that "Pitching together. Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji, India & the Philippines stake claim to 5 seats for Asia-Pacific region at Human Rights Council elections." The new members will serve a term of three years beginning January 1, 2019. India had previously been elected to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council for the 2011-2014 and 2014-2017 term. Its last tenure had ended on December 31, 2017 and in accordance with the rules, it was not eligible for immediate re-election since it had already served two consecutive terms. Created by the Assembly in March 2006 as the principal United Nations body dealing with human rights, the Human Rights Council comprises 47 elected Member States. On the basis of equitable geographical distribution, Council seats are allocated to the five regional groups as follows: African States, 13 seats; Asia Pacific States, 13 seats; Eastern European States, 6 seats; Latin American and Caribbean States, 8 seats; and Western European and other States, 7 seats. All five of the General Assembly's regional groups submitted competition-free slates, meaning that all candidates, regardless of their rights records, are virtually assured seats on the council. Since 18 nations are vying for a total of 18 seats across five geographical groups, they are expected to be elected unopposed. Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eritrea, Somalia and Togo are vying for five seats in the African States category, Bulgaria and Czech Republic for two seats in the Eastern European States group, Argentina, Bahamas and Uruguay for three seats in the Latin American & Caribbean States group and Austria, Denmark and Italy for three vacant seats in the Western European & other States category. On the eve of the elections, rights group Human Rights Watch said UN member countries should oppose the candidacies of the Philippines and Eritrea for the Human Rights Council because of their "egregious human rights records?.

India appears all set to win election to UN Human Rights Council unopposed

With the US and the EU proposing significant changes to tally each UN member state's share of peacekeeping financing, India has expressed concern over such efforts to introduce the element of maximum ceiling in paying for peacekeeping budgets.&nbsp;

During a session of the General Assembly's Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), the representatives of the US and the European Union proposed significant changes to the way in which each Member State's share of peacekeeping financing is tallied up.&nbsp;

Setting out her government's position, the representative of the United States&nbsp;which accounts for 28.47 per cent of the $ 6.7 billion peacekeeping budget for 2018/19, said no other international organisation depends on one country for more than one-quarter of its assessed resources.&nbsp;

India expressed concern at the efforts by delegations to introduce the element of the maximum ceiling in the peacekeeping scale.&nbsp;

"The peacekeeping scale must continue to clearly reflect the special responsibilities of the permanent members of the Security Council for the maintenance of peace and security. The current system of discounts applied to the peacekeeping scale for developing countries based on low per capita income must continue," First Secretary in The Permanent Mission of India to the UN Mahesh Kumar said at the session Wednesday.&nbsp;

The American delegate Cherith Norman-Chalet said that as President Donald Trump noted in his recent address to the General Assembly, the United States is calling for a 25 per cent ceiling on the peacekeeping scale of assessments, adding that such a ceiling would be in the organisation's best interests while reducing its reliance on any single member state. She said her delegation looks forward to working with all Member States to negotiate an equitable share of the burden.&nbsp;

"We recognise this will not be easy, but we believe there is a way if there is a will," she added.&nbsp;

The European Union's representation, emphasising that the bloc's member States are the largest collective financial contributors to the United Nations, said that&nbsp; "like the regular budget" peacekeeping rates of assessment should reflect Member States' capacity to pay while taking into account the special responsibility of the five permanent Security Council members. Specific additional peacekeeping discounts should be based on justifiable, objective and comparable criteria that would provide relief to countries with low per capita income, the EU delegate said.&nbsp;

Kumar further said that India calls for reform in the Security Council, and reiterated its readiness to fully assume financial responsibilities arising out from India's permanent membership of the Security Council.&nbsp;

"Our insistence on efficient utilization of resources and the entire current reform exercise would not mean much if assessments are not paid on time. All the members of the United Nations should honour financial obligations arising out of the membership in full, on time and without any conditions," he said.&nbsp;

Kumar noted that more than $ 3.3 billion assessed amount is outstanding and this is roughly one-third of the annual assessment of the organisation.&nbsp;

"This hampers efficient deployment of resources in the service of mandates given by the member states. This situation put those member states that would have benefitted from the efficient implementation of mandates, and the member states that would have paid their assessments on time to a serious disadvantage,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

He also noted that contributions of several developing countries including India are due for a significant increase, based on the current methodology. He voiced India's commitment to fulfilling its financial responsibilities. India has paid in full its regular budget assessment for the year 2019 in advance.&nbsp; 
Kumar said that despite the upcoming appreciable increase in India's assessed contribution, India believes that the current methodology has worked well and must continue.&nbsp;

The principles of "capacity to pay" and the "low per capita income adjustment" are fundamental criteria in the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations.&nbsp;

"They are not negotiable," he said adding that core elements of the current methodology of the scale of assessments, such as base period, Gross National Income, conversion rates, gradient, floor, ceiling for Least Developed Countries, and debt stock adjustment must be kept intact.&nbsp;

As the largest cumulative Troops and Police contributor to the peacekeeping operations, India is "acutely aware" of the role of adequate resources in the implementation of peacekeeping mandates.&nbsp;

"The failure to honour financial obligation in full towards the peacekeeping operations has over the years resulted in the prolonged and unacceptable situation of some closed peacekeeping missions ending in financial deficit," he said.&nbsp;

He expressed concern that Troop and Police contributing countries, who render the greatest service in maintaining international peace and security, are forced to wait endlessly for their payments.&nbsp;

"There are large amounts due to India both from the closed and active peacekeeping missions," he said.

With the US and the EU proposing significant changes to tally each UN member state's share of peacekeeping financing, India has expressed concern over such efforts to introduce the element of maximum ceiling in paying for peacekeeping budgets.

With the US and the EU proposing significant changes to tally each UN member state's share of peacekeeping financing, India has expressed concern over such efforts to introduce the element of maximum ceiling in paying for peacekeeping budgets. During a session of the General Assembly's Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), the representatives of the US and the European Union proposed significant changes to the way in which each Member State's share of peacekeeping financing is tallied up. Setting out her government's position, the representative of the United States which accounts for 28.47 per cent of the $ 6.7 billion peacekeeping budget for 2018/19, said no other international organisation depends on one country for more than one-quarter of its assessed resources. India expressed concern at the efforts by delegations to introduce the element of the maximum ceiling in the peacekeeping scale. "The peacekeeping scale must continue to clearly reflect the special responsibilities of the permanent members of the Security Council for the maintenance of peace and security. The current system of discounts applied to the peacekeeping scale for developing countries based on low per capita income must continue," First Secretary in The Permanent Mission of India to the UN Mahesh Kumar said at the session Wednesday. The American delegate Cherith Norman-Chalet said that as President Donald Trump noted in his recent address to the General Assembly, the United States is calling for a 25 per cent ceiling on the peacekeeping scale of assessments, adding that such a ceiling would be in the organisation's best interests while reducing its reliance on any single member state. She said her delegation looks forward to working with all Member States to negotiate an equitable share of the burden. "We recognise this will not be easy, but we believe there is a way if there is a will," she added. The European Union's representation, emphasising that the bloc's member States are the largest collective financial contributors to the United Nations, said that "like the regular budget" peacekeeping rates of assessment should reflect Member States' capacity to pay while taking into account the special responsibility of the five permanent Security Council members. Specific additional peacekeeping discounts should be based on justifiable, objective and comparable criteria that would provide relief to countries with low per capita income, the EU delegate said. Kumar further said that India calls for reform in the Security Council, and reiterated its readiness to fully assume financial responsibilities arising out from India's permanent membership of the Security Council. "Our insistence on efficient utilization of resources and the entire current reform exercise would not mean much if assessments are not paid on time. All the members of the United Nations should honour financial obligations arising out of the membership in full, on time and without any conditions," he said. Kumar noted that more than $ 3.3 billion assessed amount is outstanding and this is roughly one-third of the annual assessment of the organisation. "This hampers efficient deployment of resources in the service of mandates given by the member states. This situation put those member states that would have benefitted from the efficient implementation of mandates, and the member states that would have paid their assessments on time to a serious disadvantage," he said. He also noted that contributions of several developing countries including India are due for a significant increase, based on the current methodology. He voiced India's commitment to fulfilling its financial responsibilities. India has paid in full its regular budget assessment for the year 2019 in advance. Kumar said that despite the upcoming appreciable increase in India's assessed contribution, India believes that the current methodology has worked well and must continue. The principles of "capacity to pay" and the "low per capita income adjustment" are fundamental criteria in the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations. "They are not negotiable," he said adding that core elements of the current methodology of the scale of assessments, such as base period, Gross National Income, conversion rates, gradient, floor, ceiling for Least Developed Countries, and debt stock adjustment must be kept intact. As the largest cumulative Troops and Police contributor to the peacekeeping operations, India is "acutely aware" of the role of adequate resources in the implementation of peacekeeping mandates. "The failure to honour financial obligation in full towards the peacekeeping operations has over the years resulted in the prolonged and unacceptable situation of some closed peacekeeping missions ending in financial deficit," he said. He expressed concern that Troop and Police contributing countries, who render the greatest service in maintaining international peace and security, are forced to wait endlessly for their payments. "There are large amounts due to India both from the closed and active peacekeeping missions," he said.

India concerned over proposed changes to formula for dividing UN peacekeeping bill

India suffered a whopping $ 79.5 billion economic loss due to climate-related disasters in the last 20 years, according to a UN report which highlights the impact of extreme weather events on the global economy.

The report titled 'Economic Losses, Poverty and Disasters 1998-2017' was compiled by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. It states that the years between 1998 to 2017 have seen a dramatic rise of 151 per cent indirect economic losses from climate-related disasters.

In terms of the impact of disasters on the global economy between 1998 and 2017, affected countries reported direct losses of $ 2.908 trillion, more than twice of what was lost in the previous two decades.

Illustrating the growing threat from climate change, extreme weather events now account for 77 per cent of total economic losses of $ 2.245 trillion, said the report released on Wednesday.

This represents a "dramatic rise" of 151 per cent compared with losses reported between 1978 and 1997, which amounted to $ 895 billion. 
The greatest economic losses have been experienced by the US at $ 944.8 billion, followed by China at $ 492.2 billion, Japan at $ 376.3 billion,

India at $ 79.5 billion and Puerto Rico at $ 71.7 billion.

Storms, floods and earthquakes place three European countries in the top ten nations for economic losses: France, $ 48.3 billion; Germany, $ 57.9 billion and Italy $ 56.6 billion. Thailand with $ 52.4 billion and Mexico at $ 46.5 billion complete the list.

In terms of occurrences, climate-related disasters also dominate the picture, accounting for 91 per cent of all 7,255 major recorded events between 1998 and 2017.

Floods (43.4 per cent) and storms (28.2 per cent) are the two most frequently occurring disasters.

During this period, 1.3 million people lost their lives and 4.4 billion people were injured, rendered homeless, displaced or in need of emergency assistance. 
563 earthquakes, including related tsunamis, accounted for 56 per cent of the total deaths or 747,234 lives lost, the report said.

The report was released ahead of the International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13.

In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, it was clear that disasters have a steep human cost as millions of people are displaced every year, losing their homes and jobs because of extreme weather events and earthquakes.

"A better understanding of the economic losses from extreme weather events can help to generate greater action on climate change and increased ambition on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

"Measuring economic losses can also motivate Governments to do more to achieve the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which seeks a substantial reduction in disaster losses by 2030," he said.

Guterres said that reducing the economic losses from disasters has the power to transform lives and contribute greatly to the eradication of poverty.

A key target of the global plan to reduce disaster losses, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, is to reduce economic losses from disasters and the report highlights the fact that 63 per cent of disaster reports contain no economic data.

Another key highlight is the disproportionate impact of disaster events on low and middle-income countries even if high-income countries bear the brunt of absolute economic losses.

Only one high-income territory ranked among the "top ten" in terms of annual average percentage losses relative to GDP - Puerto Rico with 12.2 per cent.

UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Disaster Reduction Mami Mizutori said much needed to be done to address the high number of deaths in seismic zones.

"The death and suffering caused by this month's earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia brings home the need to raise public awareness and to apply high standards for construction in seismic zones.

"The report's analysis makes it clear that economic losses from extreme weather events are unsustainable and a major brake on eradicating poverty in hazard exposed parts of the world," Mizutori said.

Mizutori said there was a need to do a much better job of capturing economic loss data if nations are to have a fuller understanding of what works when it comes to reducing economic losses, saving lives and livelihoods, and managing disaster risk.

While high-income countries recorded losses for 53 per cent of reported disasters between 1998 and 2017, low-income countries only recorded them for 13 per cent of disasters.

The report concludes that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

It said disasters will continue to be major impediments to sustainable development so long as the economic incentives to build and develop hazard-prone locations outweigh the perceived disaster risks.

"Integrating disaster risk reduction into investment decisions is the most cost-effective way to reduce these risks; investing in disaster risk reduction is therefore a pre-condition for developing sustainable in a changing climate," the report states. &nbsp;

India suffered a whopping $ 79.5 billion economic loss due to climate-related disasters in the last 20 years, according to a UN report which highlights the impact of extreme weather events on the global economy.

India suffered a whopping $ 79.5 billion economic loss due to climate-related disasters in the last 20 years, according to a UN report which highlights the impact of extreme weather events on the global economy. The report titled 'Economic Losses, Poverty and Disasters 1998-2017' was compiled by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. It states that the years between 1998 to 2017 have seen a dramatic rise of 151 per cent indirect economic losses from climate-related disasters. In terms of the impact of disasters on the global economy between 1998 and 2017, affected countries reported direct losses of $ 2.908 trillion, more than twice of what was lost in the previous two decades. Illustrating the growing threat from climate change, extreme weather events now account for 77 per cent of total economic losses of $ 2.245 trillion, said the report released on Wednesday. This represents a "dramatic rise" of 151 per cent compared with losses reported between 1978 and 1997, which amounted to $ 895 billion. The greatest economic losses have been experienced by the US at $ 944.8 billion, followed by China at $ 492.2 billion, Japan at $ 376.3 billion, India at $ 79.5 billion and Puerto Rico at $ 71.7 billion. Storms, floods and earthquakes place three European countries in the top ten nations for economic losses: France, $ 48.3 billion; Germany, $ 57.9 billion and Italy $ 56.6 billion. Thailand with $ 52.4 billion and Mexico at $ 46.5 billion complete the list. In terms of occurrences, climate-related disasters also dominate the picture, accounting for 91 per cent of all 7,255 major recorded events between 1998 and 2017. Floods (43.4 per cent) and storms (28.2 per cent) are the two most frequently occurring disasters. During this period, 1.3 million people lost their lives and 4.4 billion people were injured, rendered homeless, displaced or in need of emergency assistance. 563 earthquakes, including related tsunamis, accounted for 56 per cent of the total deaths or 747,234 lives lost, the report said. The report was released ahead of the International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13. In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, it was clear that disasters have a steep human cost as millions of people are displaced every year, losing their homes and jobs because of extreme weather events and earthquakes. "A better understanding of the economic losses from extreme weather events can help to generate greater action on climate change and increased ambition on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. "Measuring economic losses can also motivate Governments to do more to achieve the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which seeks a substantial reduction in disaster losses by 2030," he said. Guterres said that reducing the economic losses from disasters has the power to transform lives and contribute greatly to the eradication of poverty. A key target of the global plan to reduce disaster losses, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, is to reduce economic losses from disasters and the report highlights the fact that 63 per cent of disaster reports contain no economic data. Another key highlight is the disproportionate impact of disaster events on low and middle-income countries even if high-income countries bear the brunt of absolute economic losses. Only one high-income territory ranked among the "top ten" in terms of annual average percentage losses relative to GDP - Puerto Rico with 12.2 per cent. UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Disaster Reduction Mami Mizutori said much needed to be done to address the high number of deaths in seismic zones. "The death and suffering caused by this month's earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia brings home the need to raise public awareness and to apply high standards for construction in seismic zones. "The report's analysis makes it clear that economic losses from extreme weather events are unsustainable and a major brake on eradicating poverty in hazard exposed parts of the world," Mizutori said. Mizutori said there was a need to do a much better job of capturing economic loss data if nations are to have a fuller understanding of what works when it comes to reducing economic losses, saving lives and livelihoods, and managing disaster risk. While high-income countries recorded losses for 53 per cent of reported disasters between 1998 and 2017, low-income countries only recorded them for 13 per cent of disasters. The report concludes that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. It said disasters will continue to be major impediments to sustainable development so long as the economic incentives to build and develop hazard-prone locations outweigh the perceived disaster risks. "Integrating disaster risk reduction into investment decisions is the most cost-effective way to reduce these risks; investing in disaster risk reduction is therefore a pre-condition for developing sustainable in a changing climate," the report states.

India lost $79.5 billion from climate-related disasters in 20 years: UN report

The number of Afghans killed or wounded by air strikes rose 39 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, the UN said Wednesday, as the overall number of civilian casualties remained at "extreme levels".

Air strikes killed or wounded 649 Afghans, more than any full-year period since the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) began keeping records in 2009, as US and Afghan forces stepped up aerial bombardments.

That figure accounted for eight per cent of overall civilian casualties for the January to September period, which slipped to 8,050 -- 2,798 dead and 5,252 injured -- UNAMA said.

"Every civilian death leaves a family devastated, grieving and struggling to come to terms with the loss, and each civilian injured or maimed causes untold suffering," said Danielle Bell, UNAMA's human rights chief.

International forces accounted for 51 per cent of the civilian casualties caused by air strikes, the report said. Afghan forces made up 38 per cent.

The United States is the only foreign force known to carry out air strikes in Afghanistan.

US and Afghan forces have dramatically increased air offensives against Taliban and Islamic State insurgents in the past year as they try to get the upper hand in the 17-year war. &nbsp;

US forces employed 746 weapons in July, which was the highest monthly total since November 2010, the most recent US Air Forces Central Command data shows.&nbsp;

That is more than double the 350 munitions used in July 2017, a month before US President Donald Trump announced his new strategy for Afghanistan that gave American forces greater leeway to go after militants.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's fledgling air force has also accelerated bombardments as the United States beefs up the country's aerial capability with more aircraft and better weapons.

The latest civilian casualties report follows two air strikes in recent weeks that UNAMA's initial findings show killed more than 20 people from two families.

Improvised explosive devices, including suicide bombs, remained the leading cause of civilian casualties in the first nine months, rising 21 per cent to 3,634, the report said.

UNAMA warned earlier that the increasing number of "deliberate and indiscriminate attacks" against civilians constituted "serious violations of international humanitarian law" that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The majority of civilian casualties were attributed to militants. The Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, were responsible for 35 per cent and the Islamic State group 25 per cent, UNAMA said.

While the IS has fewer fighters than the Taliban, it has carried out most of the devastating suicide attacks in urban areas in recent months.

The eastern province of Nangarhar recorded 1,494 casualties, more than double the same period last year and the highest number for any province.&nbsp;

A record number of civilians were killed in the first half of 2018, underscoring the growing violence that has been a trend since NATO combat forces withdrew from the country in 2014.

The latest figures come as Afghans brace for more violence ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20.&nbsp;

The number of Afghans killed or wounded by air strikes rose 39 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, the UN said Wednesday, as the overall number of civilian casualties remained at "extreme levels".

The number of Afghans killed or wounded by air strikes rose 39 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, the UN said Wednesday, as the overall number of civilian casualties remained at "extreme levels". Air strikes killed or wounded 649 Afghans, more than any full-year period since the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) began keeping records in 2009, as US and Afghan forces stepped up aerial bombardments. That figure accounted for eight per cent of overall civilian casualties for the January to September period, which slipped to 8,050 -- 2,798 dead and 5,252 injured -- UNAMA said. "Every civilian death leaves a family devastated, grieving and struggling to come to terms with the loss, and each civilian injured or maimed causes untold suffering," said Danielle Bell, UNAMA's human rights chief. International forces accounted for 51 per cent of the civilian casualties caused by air strikes, the report said. Afghan forces made up 38 per cent. The United States is the only foreign force known to carry out air strikes in Afghanistan. US and Afghan forces have dramatically increased air offensives against Taliban and Islamic State insurgents in the past year as they try to get the upper hand in the 17-year war. US forces employed 746 weapons in July, which was the highest monthly total since November 2010, the most recent US Air Forces Central Command data shows. That is more than double the 350 munitions used in July 2017, a month before US President Donald Trump announced his new strategy for Afghanistan that gave American forces greater leeway to go after militants. Afghanistan's fledgling air force has also accelerated bombardments as the United States beefs up the country's aerial capability with more aircraft and better weapons. The latest civilian casualties report follows two air strikes in recent weeks that UNAMA's initial findings show killed more than 20 people from two families. Improvised explosive devices, including suicide bombs, remained the leading cause of civilian casualties in the first nine months, rising 21 per cent to 3,634, the report said. UNAMA warned earlier that the increasing number of "deliberate and indiscriminate attacks" against civilians constituted "serious violations of international humanitarian law" that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The majority of civilian casualties were attributed to militants. The Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, were responsible for 35 per cent and the Islamic State group 25 per cent, UNAMA said. While the IS has fewer fighters than the Taliban, it has carried out most of the devastating suicide attacks in urban areas in recent months. The eastern province of Nangarhar recorded 1,494 casualties, more than double the same period last year and the highest number for any province. A record number of civilians were killed in the first half of 2018, underscoring the growing violence that has been a trend since NATO combat forces withdrew from the country in 2014. The latest figures come as Afghans brace for more violence ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20.

Afghan casualties from air-strikes up 39%: United Nations

US President Donald Trump said he has yet to read a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/world-temperatures-likely-to-rise-by-15-degrees-between-2030-2052-un-report-170107">UN report warning of global warming-caused chaos</a> unless drastic action is taken and added that he is sceptical.

The landmark report released Monday said that time is running out to avert climate-induced disaster. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) declared it had "high confidence" in its predictions.

At the White House, Trump said he has not read it yet.

"It was given to me and I want to look who drew it, you know -- which groups drew it, because I can give you reports that are fabulous and I can give you reports that aren't so good," he told reporters.

"But I will be reading it, absolutely."

It was Trump's first reaction to the report, which says that the Earth surface has warmed one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise.

The Trump administration has dismantled emissions reduction policies domestically, and vowed to ditch the Paris treaty on attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. However, Washington did not obstruct the report, as some had expected.

Many in Trump's Republican party are self-described climate change skeptics, questioning whether the overwhelming consensus of scientists around the world about manmade causes for ever-rising temperatures is accurate.

US President Donald Trump said he has yet to read a UN report warning of global warming-caused chaos unless drastic action is taken and added that he is sceptical.

US President Donald Trump said he has yet to read a UN report warning of global warming-caused chaos unless drastic action is taken and added that he is sceptical. The landmark report released Monday said that time is running out to avert climate-induced disaster. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) declared it had "high confidence" in its predictions. At the White House, Trump said he has not read it yet. "It was given to me and I want to look who drew it, you know -- which groups drew it, because I can give you reports that are fabulous and I can give you reports that aren't so good," he told reporters. "But I will be reading it, absolutely." It was Trump's first reaction to the report, which says that the Earth surface has warmed one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise. The Trump administration has dismantled emissions reduction policies domestically, and vowed to ditch the Paris treaty on attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. However, Washington did not obstruct the report, as some had expected. Many in Trump's Republican party are self-described climate change skeptics, questioning whether the overwhelming consensus of scientists around the world about manmade causes for ever-rising temperatures is accurate.

Trump says he has not read it but is sceptical of UN global warming report

The economic cost of climate-related disasters hit $2.25 trillion over the last two decades, an increase of more than 150 per cent compared to the previous 20 years, the UN said Wednesday.&nbsp;

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) noted that "climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events" such as floods and storms. &nbsp;

Between 1978-1997, total losses for climate-related disasters was $895 billion (780 billion euros), UNISDR said in a report based on data compiled by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) at the Universite Catholique de Louvain in Belgium.

But between 1998-2017 that figure hit $2.25 trillion, the report said, listing the United States, China, Japan and India as the countries where the financial toll has been highest.&nbsp;

The findings were released as Michael, a Category Four hurricane, rumbled towards the Gulf Coast of Florida, in the latest storm to threaten vast destruction across the eastern US.&nbsp;

"The report's analysis makes it clear that economic losses from extreme weather events are unsustainable and a major brake on eradicating poverty in hazard exposed parts of the world," the UN secretary general's special representative for disaster reduction, Mami Mizutori, said in a statement.&nbsp;

UNISDR counted the number of climate-related disasters between 1998-2017 at more than 6,600, with storms and floods the most common events.&nbsp;

The report notes gaps in data collection but says the findings clearly show investing in disaster risk reduction must become a central part of policy making in response to climate change.

The economic cost of climate-related disasters hit $2.25 trillion over the last two decades, an increase of more than 150 per cent compared to the previous 20 years, the UN said Wednesday.

The economic cost of climate-related disasters hit $2.25 trillion over the last two decades, an increase of more than 150 per cent compared to the previous 20 years, the UN said Wednesday. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) noted that "climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events" such as floods and storms. Between 1978-1997, total losses for climate-related disasters was $895 billion (780 billion euros), UNISDR said in a report based on data compiled by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) at the Universite Catholique de Louvain in Belgium. But between 1998-2017 that figure hit $2.25 trillion, the report said, listing the United States, China, Japan and India as the countries where the financial toll has been highest. The findings were released as Michael, a Category Four hurricane, rumbled towards the Gulf Coast of Florida, in the latest storm to threaten vast destruction across the eastern US. "The report's analysis makes it clear that economic losses from extreme weather events are unsustainable and a major brake on eradicating poverty in hazard exposed parts of the world," the UN secretary general's special representative for disaster reduction, Mami Mizutori, said in a statement. UNISDR counted the number of climate-related disasters between 1998-2017 at more than 6,600, with storms and floods the most common events. The report notes gaps in data collection but says the findings clearly show investing in disaster risk reduction must become a central part of policy making in response to climate change.

Cost of climate-linked disasters soars: United Nations

The United Nations called Tuesday for a "transparent investigation" into the death of Venezuelan opposition member Fernando Alban after Caracas said he killed himself in custody.

Alban had been jailed over accusations that he took part in an alleged, failed drone attack on President Nicolas Maduro on August 4.&nbsp;

Venezuela's Attorney General William Saab told state television VTV that Alban threw himself from a tenth-floor window on Monday at the headquarters of the intelligence service, where he had been in pre-trial detention.&nbsp;

A spokeswoman for the UN rights office, Ravina Shamdasani, told reporters the Caracas government had "an obligation to ensure (Alban's) safety, personal integrity and dignity".

"We are concerned about news of his death... We do indeed call for a transparent investigation to clarify the circumstances of his death," she added.&nbsp;

His First Justice party blamed Maduro's government for the death of Alban, who was arrested on Friday.

The United Nations called Tuesday for a "transparent investigation" into the death of Venezuelan opposition member Fernando Alban after Caracas said he killed himself in custody.

The United Nations called Tuesday for a "transparent investigation" into the death of Venezuelan opposition member Fernando Alban after Caracas said he killed himself in custody. Alban had been jailed over accusations that he took part in an alleged, failed drone attack on President Nicolas Maduro on August 4. Venezuela's Attorney General William Saab told state television VTV that Alban threw himself from a tenth-floor window on Monday at the headquarters of the intelligence service, where he had been in pre-trial detention. A spokeswoman for the UN rights office, Ravina Shamdasani, told reporters the Caracas government had "an obligation to ensure (Alban's) safety, personal integrity and dignity". "We are concerned about news of his death... We do indeed call for a transparent investigation to clarify the circumstances of his death," she added. His First Justice party blamed Maduro's government for the death of Alban, who was arrested on Friday.

UN calls for probe into death of Venezuela opposition member

Myanmar is "unable and unwilling" to investigate its abuses against Rohingya Muslims, a UN rights envoy has said, bolstering calls for the country's generals to be hauled before an international court.

A UN fact-finding mission has called for Myanmar's top brass to be investigated for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes over a brutal crackdown against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state that forced more than 720,000 of the beleaguered minority to flee the country to Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Myanmar has dismissed the allegations, slamming the UN body as biased, and the government has set up its own committee to investigate the crimes.&nbsp;

But UN special rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee -- who has been barred from entering the country since December -- said the government has shown little capacity for an unbiased probe into the violence, saying it has taken "limited and insufficient steps".&nbsp;

"[Myanmar] is unable and unwilling to discharge its obligation to conduct credible, prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions," Lee said in a report she published via her Twitter account on Monday.

Given Myanmar's refusal to hold itself accountable, she added, it was up to international courts to seek justice.&nbsp;

"The onus is on the international community to take action," she warned. "Any delay in instituting justice will only result in more violations."

In her conclusions, she recommended the UN should "refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court immediately".

The northern part of Rakhine has been on lockdown since the violence broke out last August, with journalists and observers only allowed to visit on short, chaperoned trips.&nbsp;

UN investigators -- who authored the explosive fact-finding report -- were not allowed into the country while Lee has been barred from entering Myanmar since December for her sharp criticisms of the government's treatment of the Rohingya.

Lee said she had asked India for permission to meet Rohingya refugees there but received no response from Delhi.

Myanmar's de facto leader Suu Kyi -- once lionised by the international community as a democracy icon -- has seen a sharp fall from grace following her refusal to speak out against the military.&nbsp;

The UN fact-finding mission has pointed out that her government's attempts to whitewash facts had worsened the situation for the embattled Rohingya.

Lee also raised alarm over declining press freedom in Myanmar after Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were jailed for seven years each after reporting on the military's role in the massacre of 10 Rohingya men in Inn Din village in northern Rakhine.

Describing their prosecution as "spurious", she called for the pair to be released immediately.&nbsp;

The military has denied almost all accusations of genocide levelled against it, insisting that "clearance operations" were necessary to fight Rohingya militants.&nbsp;

The International Criminal Court has ruled that an investigation will go ahead as Bangladesh -- which has received the Rohingya refugees fleeing across the border -- is a signatory of the Rome statute that created the court.&nbsp;

Myanmar has not signed the statute, and a minister told the UN General Assembly that his government rejected the "dubious intervention".

Myanmar is "unable and unwilling" to investigate its abuses against Rohingya Muslims, a UN rights envoy has said, bolstering calls for the country's generals to be hauled before an international court.

Myanmar is "unable and unwilling" to investigate its abuses against Rohingya Muslims, a UN rights envoy has said, bolstering calls for the country's generals to be hauled before an international court. A UN fact-finding mission has called for Myanmar's top brass to be investigated for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes over a brutal crackdown against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state that forced more than 720,000 of the beleaguered minority to flee the country to Bangladesh. Myanmar has dismissed the allegations, slamming the UN body as biased, and the government has set up its own committee to investigate the crimes. But UN special rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee -- who has been barred from entering the country since December -- said the government has shown little capacity for an unbiased probe into the violence, saying it has taken "limited and insufficient steps". "[Myanmar] is unable and unwilling to discharge its obligation to conduct credible, prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions," Lee said in a report she published via her Twitter account on Monday. Given Myanmar's refusal to hold itself accountable, she added, it was up to international courts to seek justice. "The onus is on the international community to take action," she warned. "Any delay in instituting justice will only result in more violations." In her conclusions, she recommended the UN should "refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court immediately". The northern part of Rakhine has been on lockdown since the violence broke out last August, with journalists and observers only allowed to visit on short, chaperoned trips. UN investigators -- who authored the explosive fact-finding report -- were not allowed into the country while Lee has been barred from entering Myanmar since December for her sharp criticisms of the government's treatment of the Rohingya. Lee said she had asked India for permission to meet Rohingya refugees there but received no response from Delhi. Myanmar's de facto leader Suu Kyi -- once lionised by the international community as a democracy icon -- has seen a sharp fall from grace following her refusal to speak out against the military. The UN fact-finding mission has pointed out that her government's attempts to whitewash facts had worsened the situation for the embattled Rohingya. Lee also raised alarm over declining press freedom in Myanmar after Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were jailed for seven years each after reporting on the military's role in the massacre of 10 Rohingya men in Inn Din village in northern Rakhine. Describing their prosecution as "spurious", she called for the pair to be released immediately. The military has denied almost all accusations of genocide levelled against it, insisting that "clearance operations" were necessary to fight Rohingya militants. The International Criminal Court has ruled that an investigation will go ahead as Bangladesh -- which has received the Rohingya refugees fleeing across the border -- is a signatory of the Rome statute that created the court. Myanmar has not signed the statute, and a minister told the UN General Assembly that his government rejected the "dubious intervention".

Myanmar 'unwilling' to probe Rohingya abuse, UN must act: Rights envoy

The number of Afghans killed or wounded in suicide attacks soared 46 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, the United Nations said Sunday, as militants increasingly target civilians.

Suicide bombs caused 2,343 civilian casualties, more than any other tactic, including ground fighting, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a special report on the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Afghan conflict.

Civilian casualties from all types of IEDs, including suicide bombs and pressure-plate mines, rose 21 per cent from a year earlier to 3,634.

UNAMA warned the increasing number of "deliberate and indiscriminate attacks" against civilians constituted "serious violations of international humanitarian law" that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"The unpredictable nature of these types of attacks, often away from the fighting and in civilian populated areas, has caused ordinary Afghans to live in fear of the next explosion, severely curtailing their ability to carry out normal lives," UNAMA said.

More than half of the civilian causalities caused by IEDs were attributed to the Islamic State group, while the Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, accounted for 40 per cent.

Many of the attacks "appeared to be directed specifically" at the minority Shiite community, UNAMA said.

Sunni extremists, like IS, consider Shiites apostates and have carried out deadly attacks on the sect across the region, massacring hundreds.

Other targets included sports stadiums, mosques, health clinics and voter registration centres.

The last major suicide attack was on October 2 at an election rally in the eastern province of Nangarhar that killed 13 people and wounded more than 40. IS claimed responsibility.

UNAMA is expected to release its overall civilian casualty report for the January-September period later this month.&nbsp;

Its first-half report released in July showed the number of civilians killed in the conflict at a record high of 1,692.

Another 3,430 people were wounded.

The number of Afghans killed or wounded in suicide attacks soared 46 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, the United Nations said Sunday, as militants increasingly target civilians.

The number of Afghans killed or wounded in suicide attacks soared 46 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, the United Nations said Sunday, as militants increasingly target civilians. Suicide bombs caused 2,343 civilian casualties, more than any other tactic, including ground fighting, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a special report on the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Afghan conflict. Civilian casualties from all types of IEDs, including suicide bombs and pressure-plate mines, rose 21 per cent from a year earlier to 3,634. UNAMA warned the increasing number of "deliberate and indiscriminate attacks" against civilians constituted "serious violations of international humanitarian law" that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. "The unpredictable nature of these types of attacks, often away from the fighting and in civilian populated areas, has caused ordinary Afghans to live in fear of the next explosion, severely curtailing their ability to carry out normal lives," UNAMA said. More than half of the civilian causalities caused by IEDs were attributed to the Islamic State group, while the Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, accounted for 40 per cent. Many of the attacks "appeared to be directed specifically" at the minority Shiite community, UNAMA said. Sunni extremists, like IS, consider Shiites apostates and have carried out deadly attacks on the sect across the region, massacring hundreds. Other targets included sports stadiums, mosques, health clinics and voter registration centres. The last major suicide attack was on October 2 at an election rally in the eastern province of Nangarhar that killed 13 people and wounded more than 40. IS claimed responsibility. UNAMA is expected to release its overall civilian casualty report for the January-September period later this month. Its first-half report released in July showed the number of civilians killed in the conflict at a record high of 1,692. Another 3,430 people were wounded.

Afghan civilian casualties from suicide attacks soar: United Nations 

Venezuela's migrant exodus has sparked a "monumental" humanitarian crisis, UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi said during a visit Sunday to a border area of neighbouring Colombia.

Grandi said he could better appreciate the scale of the crisis after visiting the city of Cucuta on the Colombian-Venezuelan border and he expected the United Nations will be able to provide more funds to help Colombia deal with the influx.

His visit "symbolizes the will of the international community to be close to Colombia in this very important effort to respond to a monumental crisis," Grandi told reporters.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Grandi will have talks Monday with Colombia's President Ivan Duque, who has called for more international assistance.

"Impressed by Colombia’s efforts to document, feed, shelter &amp; care for thousands of Venezuelans arriving every day," Grandi said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Many are involved: government, local authorities, NGOs, churches, civil society. This extraordinary solidarity needs more international support."

Colombia has taken around half the nearly two million people the UN says have exited Venezuela since 2015, driven by economic collapse which has led to dire shortages of food and medicine.

Grandi opened a medical center in Cucuta which can cater for 320 people a day.

The center, which will also offer protection to minors, was built with the support of the UNHCR and the Norwegian Refugee Council, Colombia's foreign ministry said.

Venezuela's migrant exodus has sparked a "monumental" humanitarian crisis, UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi said during a visit Sunday to a border area of neighbouring Colombia.

Venezuela's migrant exodus has sparked a "monumental" humanitarian crisis, UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi said during a visit Sunday to a border area of neighbouring Colombia. Grandi said he could better appreciate the scale of the crisis after visiting the city of Cucuta on the Colombian-Venezuelan border and he expected the United Nations will be able to provide more funds to help Colombia deal with the influx. His visit "symbolizes the will of the international community to be close to Colombia in this very important effort to respond to a monumental crisis," Grandi told reporters. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Grandi will have talks Monday with Colombia's President Ivan Duque, who has called for more international assistance. "Impressed by Colombia’s efforts to document, feed, shelter & care for thousands of Venezuelans arriving every day," Grandi said on Twitter. "Many are involved: government, local authorities, NGOs, churches, civil society. This extraordinary solidarity needs more international support." Colombia has taken around half the nearly two million people the UN says have exited Venezuela since 2015, driven by economic collapse which has led to dire shortages of food and medicine. Grandi opened a medical center in Cucuta which can cater for 320 people a day. The center, which will also offer protection to minors, was built with the support of the UNHCR and the Norwegian Refugee Council, Colombia's foreign ministry said.

Venezuela migrant crisis 'monumental': UN Refugee Agency chief

Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale," the UN said Monday in a landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster.

Earth's surface has warmed one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) -- enough to lift oceans and unleash a crescendo of deadly storms, floods and droughts -- and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise.

At current levels of greenhouse gas emissions, we could pass the 1.5C marker as early as 2030, and no later than mid-century, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) reported with "high confidence".

"The next few years are probably the most important in human history," Debra Roberts, head of the Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department in Durban, South Africa, and an IPCC co-chair, told AFP.

A Summary for Policymakers of the 400-page tome underscores how quickly global warming has outstripped humanity's attempt to tame it, and outlines paradigm-shift options for avoiding the worst ravages of a climate-addled future.

Before the Paris Agreement was inked in 2015, nearly a decade of scientific research rested on the assumption that 2C was the guardrail for a climate-safe world.

The IPCC report, however, shows that global warming impacts have come sooner and hit harder than predicted.

Pay now or pay later

"Things that scientists have been saying would happen further in the future are happening now," Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, told AFP.

To have at least a 50/50 chance of staying under the 1.5C cap without overshooting the mark, the world must, by 2050, become "carbon neutral," according to the report.&nbsp;

"That means every tonne of CO2 we put into the atmosphere will have to be balanced by a tonne of CO2 taken out," said lead coordinating author Myles Allen, head of the University of Oxford's Climate Research Programme.

Drawing from more than 6,000 recent scientific studies, the report laid out four "illustrative" pathways to that goal.

The most ambitious would see a radical drawdown in energy consumption coupled with a rapid shift away from fossil fuels and a swift decline in CO2 emissions starting in 2020. It would also avoid an "overshoot" of the 1.5C threshold.

A contrasting "pay later" scenario compensates for a high-consumption lifestyles and continued use of fossil fuels with a temporary breaching of the 1.5C ceiling.&nbsp;

It depends heavily on the use of biofuels. But the scheme would need to plant an area twice the size of India in biofuel crops, and assumes that some 1,200 billion tonnes of CO2 -- 30 years' worth of emissions at current rates -- can be safely socked away underground.

"Is it fair for the next generation to pay to take the CO2 out of the atmosphere that we are now putting into it?", asked Allen. "We have to start having that debate."

'Hail of silver bullets'

The stakes are especially high for small island states, developing nations in the tropics, and countries with densely-populated delta regions already suffering from rising seas.&nbsp;

"We have only the slimmest of opportunities remaining to avoid unthinkable damage to the climate system that supports life as we know it," said Amjad Abdulla, chief negotiator at UN climate talks for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

"Historians will look back at these findings as one of the defining moments in the course of human affairs."

Limiting global warming to 1.5C comes with a hefty price tag: some $2.4 trillion (2.1 trillion euros) of investments in the global energy system every year between 2016 and 2035, or about 2.5 per cent of world GDP.&nbsp;

That amount, however, must be weighed against the even steeper cost of inaction, the report says.

The path to a climate-safe world has become a tightrope, and will require an unprecedented marshalling of human ingenuity, the authors said.

"The problem isn't going to be solved with a silver bullet," Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, director of the University of Queensland's Global Change Institute, told AFP.&nbsp;

"We need a hail of silver bullets."

The IPCC report was timed to feed into the December UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, where world leaders will be under pressure to ramp up national carbon-cutting pledges which -- even if fulfilled -- would yield and 3C world.&nbsp;

The week-long meeting in Incheon, South Korea -- already deep into overtime -- deadlocked on Saturday when oil giant Saudi Arabia demanded the deletion of a passage noting the need for global CO2 emissions to decline "well before 2030".

The report was approved by consensus as soon as the Saudis backed down, participants to the meeting told AFP.

Concerns that the United States would seek to obstruct the process proved unfounded.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has dismantled emissions reduction policies domestically, and vowed to ditch the Paris treaty.

Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale," the UN said Monday in a landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster.

Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale," the UN said Monday in a landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster. Earth's surface has warmed one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) -- enough to lift oceans and unleash a crescendo of deadly storms, floods and droughts -- and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise. At current levels of greenhouse gas emissions, we could pass the 1.5C marker as early as 2030, and no later than mid-century, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) reported with "high confidence". "The next few years are probably the most important in human history," Debra Roberts, head of the Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department in Durban, South Africa, and an IPCC co-chair, told AFP. A Summary for Policymakers of the 400-page tome underscores how quickly global warming has outstripped humanity's attempt to tame it, and outlines paradigm-shift options for avoiding the worst ravages of a climate-addled future. Before the Paris Agreement was inked in 2015, nearly a decade of scientific research rested on the assumption that 2C was the guardrail for a climate-safe world. The IPCC report, however, shows that global warming impacts have come sooner and hit harder than predicted. Pay now or pay later "Things that scientists have been saying would happen further in the future are happening now," Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, told AFP. To have at least a 50/50 chance of staying under the 1.5C cap without overshooting the mark, the world must, by 2050, become "carbon neutral," according to the report. "That means every tonne of CO2 we put into the atmosphere will have to be balanced by a tonne of CO2 taken out," said lead coordinating author Myles Allen, head of the University of Oxford's Climate Research Programme. Drawing from more than 6,000 recent scientific studies, the report laid out four "illustrative" pathways to that goal. The most ambitious would see a radical drawdown in energy consumption coupled with a rapid shift away from fossil fuels and a swift decline in CO2 emissions starting in 2020. It would also avoid an "overshoot" of the 1.5C threshold. A contrasting "pay later" scenario compensates for a high-consumption lifestyles and continued use of fossil fuels with a temporary breaching of the 1.5C ceiling. It depends heavily on the use of biofuels. But the scheme would need to plant an area twice the size of India in biofuel crops, and assumes that some 1,200 billion tonnes of CO2 -- 30 years' worth of emissions at current rates -- can be safely socked away underground. "Is it fair for the next generation to pay to take the CO2 out of the atmosphere that we are now putting into it?", asked Allen. "We have to start having that debate." 'Hail of silver bullets' The stakes are especially high for small island states, developing nations in the tropics, and countries with densely-populated delta regions already suffering from rising seas. "We have only the slimmest of opportunities remaining to avoid unthinkable damage to the climate system that supports life as we know it," said Amjad Abdulla, chief negotiator at UN climate talks for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). "Historians will look back at these findings as one of the defining moments in the course of human affairs." Limiting global warming to 1.5C comes with a hefty price tag: some $2.4 trillion (2.1 trillion euros) of investments in the global energy system every year between 2016 and 2035, or about 2.5 per cent of world GDP. That amount, however, must be weighed against the even steeper cost of inaction, the report says. The path to a climate-safe world has become a tightrope, and will require an unprecedented marshalling of human ingenuity, the authors said. "The problem isn't going to be solved with a silver bullet," Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, director of the University of Queensland's Global Change Institute, told AFP. "We need a hail of silver bullets." The IPCC report was timed to feed into the December UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, where world leaders will be under pressure to ramp up national carbon-cutting pledges which -- even if fulfilled -- would yield and 3C world. The week-long meeting in Incheon, South Korea -- already deep into overtime -- deadlocked on Saturday when oil giant Saudi Arabia demanded the deletion of a passage noting the need for global CO2 emissions to decline "well before 2030". The report was approved by consensus as soon as the Saudis backed down, participants to the meeting told AFP. Concerns that the United States would seek to obstruct the process proved unfounded. The Trump administration has dismantled emissions reduction policies domestically, and vowed to ditch the Paris treaty.

UN warns paradigm shift needed to avert global climate chaos

Criticised by the White House for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-actively-trying-to-impact-and-change-our-election-us-president-donald-trump-166467">alleged interference in US politics</a>, China has quietly blazed a path at the United Nations where it is, little by little, becoming one of the most influential members.

At the Security Council, where China holds one of five permanent seats, its statements remain bland, often recalling fundamentals of the United Nations Charter such as national sovereignty and principles of non-interference.

"In their interpretation, democracy is optional, as are human rights," a European diplomat said.

Yet in peacekeeping missions or when jobs are available at the New York secretariat, Beijing increasingly makes its presence felt.

More than 2,500 Chinese military personnel wear UN blue helmets on peacekeeping mission in Libya, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

China has also "enormously increased" its voluntary financial contributions to the UN while the US administration of President Donald Trump cuts back its own financing.

"To fund reports and missions allows the buying of influence" and pushing its candidates into positions, the diplomat said, adding that to have Chinese in multiple roles "is a source of information and influence."

Another diplomat, also speaking anonymously, said: "China is taking power at the United Nations."

In 2017 and 2018, the country, which is economically expanding in Africa and elsewhere, became a key player in two major international issues: North Korea and Myanmar.

Under American pressure, Beijing imposed unprecedented economic sanctions against Pyongyang, but with the hope that an accord on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula will lead to the departure of about 30,000 US troops based in South Korea -- China's behind-the-scenes strategy in the region.

China meanwhile considers the crisis of Myanmar's Muslim minority Rohingya, 700,000 of whom fled a military crackdown to Bangladesh, as a bilateral issue between those two countries, and succeeded in preventing any firm Security Council action.

Power and erosion 
"The increase in power of China at the UN is taking place in parallel with a slow erosion of automatic reciprocal support" practiced until now with Russia, European capitals have noted.&nbsp;

While Moscow has recourse to its veto power, China sometimes relies on abstention.

At less high-profile levels of the UN, such as negotiation over texts between experts from the 15-member Security Council, China is "present on all subjects," a diplomat said, speaking anonymously.

Beijing, for example, is now seeking to become chief author on texts about Afghanistan, replacing the Netherlands, which on January 1 will leave its seat as a non-permanent Security Council member, several diplomats said.

The vast majority of UN resolutions still are written by the United States, Britain or France, a reflection of an older world order.

China, like Russia, is rarely the author, although it was in charge of the Somalia file long ago.

"For China, multipolarity is a subway stop. There will be a future station G2 -- China/US, and then one day it will be a G1 -- in their mind!" a diplomat said.

"They are long-term players. They don't want to create a commotion," another diplomatic source said.

The United States has imposed $250 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods and Trump has gone so far as alleging that China is interfering in the November midterm US elections in hopes of defeating his Republican Party due to his tough trade stance.

Speaking to a US think tank last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi dismissed fears that his country was seeking to overtake the US as the pre-eminent world power.

Concluding that China is about to seek hegemony, he said, is "a serious strategic misjudgment." 
&nbsp;

Criticised by the White House for alleged interference in US politics, China has quietly blazed a path at the United Nations where it is, little by little, becoming one of the most influential members.

Criticised by the White House for alleged interference in US politics, China has quietly blazed a path at the United Nations where it is, little by little, becoming one of the most influential members. At the Security Council, where China holds one of five permanent seats, its statements remain bland, often recalling fundamentals of the United Nations Charter such as national sovereignty and principles of non-interference. "In their interpretation, democracy is optional, as are human rights," a European diplomat said. Yet in peacekeeping missions or when jobs are available at the New York secretariat, Beijing increasingly makes its presence felt. More than 2,500 Chinese military personnel wear UN blue helmets on peacekeeping mission in Libya, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. China has also "enormously increased" its voluntary financial contributions to the UN while the US administration of President Donald Trump cuts back its own financing. "To fund reports and missions allows the buying of influence" and pushing its candidates into positions, the diplomat said, adding that to have Chinese in multiple roles "is a source of information and influence." Another diplomat, also speaking anonymously, said: "China is taking power at the United Nations." In 2017 and 2018, the country, which is economically expanding in Africa and elsewhere, became a key player in two major international issues: North Korea and Myanmar. Under American pressure, Beijing imposed unprecedented economic sanctions against Pyongyang, but with the hope that an accord on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula will lead to the departure of about 30,000 US troops based in South Korea -- China's behind-the-scenes strategy in the region. China meanwhile considers the crisis of Myanmar's Muslim minority Rohingya, 700,000 of whom fled a military crackdown to Bangladesh, as a bilateral issue between those two countries, and succeeded in preventing any firm Security Council action. Power and erosion "The increase in power of China at the UN is taking place in parallel with a slow erosion of automatic reciprocal support" practiced until now with Russia, European capitals have noted. While Moscow has recourse to its veto power, China sometimes relies on abstention. At less high-profile levels of the UN, such as negotiation over texts between experts from the 15-member Security Council, China is "present on all subjects," a diplomat said, speaking anonymously. Beijing, for example, is now seeking to become chief author on texts about Afghanistan, replacing the Netherlands, which on January 1 will leave its seat as a non-permanent Security Council member, several diplomats said. The vast majority of UN resolutions still are written by the United States, Britain or France, a reflection of an older world order. China, like Russia, is rarely the author, although it was in charge of the Somalia file long ago. "For China, multipolarity is a subway stop. There will be a future station G2 -- China/US, and then one day it will be a G1 -- in their mind!" a diplomat said. "They are long-term players. They don't want to create a commotion," another diplomatic source said. The United States has imposed $250 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods and Trump has gone so far as alleging that China is interfering in the November midterm US elections in hopes of defeating his Republican Party due to his tough trade stance. Speaking to a US think tank last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi dismissed fears that his country was seeking to overtake the US as the pre-eminent world power. Concluding that China is about to seek hegemony, he said, is "a serious strategic misjudgment."

In divided UN, China quietly blazes path to power

In a move to chip away&nbsp;at protections of the LGBTQ community, United States is reportedly denying visas to the partners of more than 100 gay diplomats unless they get married, news agency AFP reported quoting officials on Tuesday.

Around 105 families are affected by the decision, of whom 55 are posted at US-based international organizations such as the United Nations, the report added quoting a State Department official.

Under the new guidelines, diplomats regardless of sexual orientation will need to be married by the end of the year in order for their partners to receive visas.

Under the earlier policy implemented by former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, the United States issued visas to same-sex partners regardless of their marital status.

Diplomats can still obtain visas for their partners if they get married, including if they do so while in the United States.

Former US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power decried the Trump administration's move as "needlessly cruel &amp; bigoted."

She noted that only 12 per cent of UN member states allow same-sex marriage.

A UN spokesman said that about 10 staff members in New York were affected and have been asked to show marriage certificates by the end of the year.

"This is a US policy, and as with other national policies in countries where staff is based, we will have to comply with it," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

(With inputs from AFP)

In a move to chip away at protections of the LGBTQ community, United States is reportedly denying visas to the partners of more than 100 gay diplomats unless they get married, news agency AFP reported quoting officials on Tuesday.

In a move to chip away at protections of the LGBTQ community, United States is reportedly denying visas to the partners of more than 100 gay diplomats unless they get married, news agency AFP reported quoting officials on Tuesday. Around 105 families are affected by the decision, of whom 55 are posted at US-based international organizations such as the United Nations, the report added quoting a State Department official. Under the new guidelines, diplomats regardless of sexual orientation will need to be married by the end of the year in order for their partners to receive visas. Under the earlier policy implemented by former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, the United States issued visas to same-sex partners regardless of their marital status. Diplomats can still obtain visas for their partners if they get married, including if they do so while in the United States. Former US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power decried the Trump administration's move as "needlessly cruel & bigoted." She noted that only 12 per cent of UN member states allow same-sex marriage. A UN spokesman said that about 10 staff members in New York were affected and have been asked to show marriage certificates by the end of the year. "This is a US policy, and as with other national policies in countries where staff is based, we will have to comply with it," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq. (With inputs from AFP)

Trump administration to refuse visas to unmarried gay diplomats

The death toll from the powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia has crossed 1,300 people, news reports citing the&nbsp;country's disaster management agency officials said Wednesday.

The reports said&nbsp;the death toll jumped to at least 1,347 from the previously confirmed figure of 1,234.

Indonesia's Palu island was hit by a strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake on Friday and subsequent tsunami waves which destroyed roads, triggered landslides and downed bridges on the island and in surrounding areas.

The quake brought down hotels, shopping malls and countless houses in Palu, while tsunami waves as high as six metres (20 feet) scoured its beachfront shortly afterwards.

More than 65,000 homes were also damaged and more than 60,000 people have been displaced and are in need of emergency help.

Meanwhile, the United Nations on Tuesday said that almost 200,000 people are in need of urgent help, among them are tens of thousands of children.

Survivors are battling thirst and hunger, with food and clean water in short supply, and local hospitals are overwhelmed by the number of injured.

As rescue efforts were being hampered due to the lack of personnel and heavy machinery Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered the national search and rescue agency to send more police and soldiers into the affected districts as rescuers are struggling to reach some areas after some remote areas have been got cut off due to severed transport links.

The government has also said it would accept offers of international aid, after shunning outside help earlier this year when an earthquake struck Lombok island.

According to a report by AFP, along the road to Donggala -- a large town close to the epicentre of the quake -- there were more scenes of destruction. The town itself appeared relatively unscathed, but in the worst affected areas, it was difficult to find a single vertical surface.

Indonesia, one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth, straddles the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

On Tuesday as well, Indonesia was shit by another two mild quakes which struck the island of Sumba, hundreds of kilometres from Palu.

However, so far no damage or casualty has been reported from Sumba island.

(with inputs from news agencies)

The death toll from the powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia has crossed 1,300 people, news reports citing the country's disaster management agency officials said Wednesday.

The death toll from the powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia has crossed 1,300 people, news reports citing the country's disaster management agency officials said Wednesday. The reports said the death toll jumped to at least 1,347 from the previously confirmed figure of 1,234. Indonesia's Palu island was hit by a strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake on Friday and subsequent tsunami waves which destroyed roads, triggered landslides and downed bridges on the island and in surrounding areas. The quake brought down hotels, shopping malls and countless houses in Palu, while tsunami waves as high as six metres (20 feet) scoured its beachfront shortly afterwards. More than 65,000 homes were also damaged and more than 60,000 people have been displaced and are in need of emergency help. Meanwhile, the United Nations on Tuesday said that almost 200,000 people are in need of urgent help, among them are tens of thousands of children. Survivors are battling thirst and hunger, with food and clean water in short supply, and local hospitals are overwhelmed by the number of injured. As rescue efforts were being hampered due to the lack of personnel and heavy machinery Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered the national search and rescue agency to send more police and soldiers into the affected districts as rescuers are struggling to reach some areas after some remote areas have been got cut off due to severed transport links. The government has also said it would accept offers of international aid, after shunning outside help earlier this year when an earthquake struck Lombok island. According to a report by AFP, along the road to Donggala -- a large town close to the epicentre of the quake -- there were more scenes of destruction. The town itself appeared relatively unscathed, but in the worst affected areas, it was difficult to find a single vertical surface. Indonesia, one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth, straddles the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. On Tuesday as well, Indonesia was shit by another two mild quakes which struck the island of Sumba, hundreds of kilometres from Palu. However, so far no damage or casualty has been reported from Sumba island. (with inputs from news agencies)

Death toll in Indonesia earthquake, tsunami crosses 1,300: Reports

A United Nations legal expert has voiced concern over India's plan to deport on Wednesday seven Rohingyas to Myanmar where the army is accused of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority.

The men have been held in prison in Assam state on charges of illegally entering India and are due to be sent back on October 3, the UN Special Rapporteur on racism, Tendayi Achiume, said Tuesday.

"Given the ethnic identity of the men, this is a flagrant denial of their right to protection and could amount to refoulement," the law professor said in a statement.

"The Indian government has an international legal obligation to fully acknowledge the institutionalised discrimination, persecution, hate and gross human rights violations these people have faced in their country of origin and provide them the necessary protection."

Achiume said New Delhi was obliged to refer Rohingyas under its custody to the UN refugee agency to assess their protection needs.

More than 700,000 ethnic Rohingya fled an offensive by Myanmar troops launched nearly a year ago in reprisal for attacks on border posts by Rohingya rebels who took up arms against the ill-treatment of the stateless minority.

The United Nations has termed the repression "ethnic cleansing" and "genocide".

Myanmar's army has denied nearly all wrongdoing, insisting its campaign was justified to root out Rohingya insurgents.

The UN expert said she was "appalled" at the amount of time the seven men from Kyauk Daw township in central Rakhine state had been detained.

"Prolonged detention of this kind is prohibited," Achiume said. "It could be considered arbitrary, and could even fall under the category of inhuman and degrading treatment."

The scheduled deportations follow an Indian government order last year to return Rohingyas, but the Supreme Court is still considering a petition challenging the order on the grounds it was unconstitutional.

The UN expert said nearly 200 Rohingyas are known to be detained in India on charges of illegal entry.

"We urge the government of India to abide by the international norm of non-refoulement and protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees including Rohingyas," she said.

While successive waves of Rohingyas have fled into Bangladesh, small numbers have found their way to India and Nepal while a small community has also been established in Pakistan.

A United Nations legal expert has voiced concern over India's plan to deport on Wednesday seven Rohingyas to Myanmar where the army is accused of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority.

A United Nations legal expert has voiced concern over India's plan to deport on Wednesday seven Rohingyas to Myanmar where the army is accused of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority. The men have been held in prison in Assam state on charges of illegally entering India and are due to be sent back on October 3, the UN Special Rapporteur on racism, Tendayi Achiume, said Tuesday. "Given the ethnic identity of the men, this is a flagrant denial of their right to protection and could amount to refoulement," the law professor said in a statement. "The Indian government has an international legal obligation to fully acknowledge the institutionalised discrimination, persecution, hate and gross human rights violations these people have faced in their country of origin and provide them the necessary protection." Achiume said New Delhi was obliged to refer Rohingyas under its custody to the UN refugee agency to assess their protection needs. More than 700,000 ethnic Rohingya fled an offensive by Myanmar troops launched nearly a year ago in reprisal for attacks on border posts by Rohingya rebels who took up arms against the ill-treatment of the stateless minority. The United Nations has termed the repression "ethnic cleansing" and "genocide". Myanmar's army has denied nearly all wrongdoing, insisting its campaign was justified to root out Rohingya insurgents. The UN expert said she was "appalled" at the amount of time the seven men from Kyauk Daw township in central Rakhine state had been detained. "Prolonged detention of this kind is prohibited," Achiume said. "It could be considered arbitrary, and could even fall under the category of inhuman and degrading treatment." The scheduled deportations follow an Indian government order last year to return Rohingyas, but the Supreme Court is still considering a petition challenging the order on the grounds it was unconstitutional. The UN expert said nearly 200 Rohingyas are known to be detained in India on charges of illegal entry. "We urge the government of India to abide by the international norm of non-refoulement and protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees including Rohingyas," she said. While successive waves of Rohingyas have fled into Bangladesh, small numbers have found their way to India and Nepal while a small community has also been established in Pakistan.

UN expert voices fears for Rohingyas India is set to expel

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday.

He visited Raj Ghat and laid a wreath to honour Gandhi.

The UN chief will also speak at a closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will also participate in the International Solar Alliance Assembly and a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association energy ministers.

The UN Chief&nbsp;arrived in the country on Monday and formally inaugurated the UN House in the national capital.

On his visit, Guterres said that he was delighted to be back to Delhi and wished enormous success in the deepening of the cooperation between India and the United Nations.

During his three-day stay, he is expected to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism with PM Modi. He will also meet Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with other senior leaders of the country.

Guterres is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme 'Global challenges, global solutions'.

Guterres had visited the country, earlier in 2016, months before his election as the Secretary-General.

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday.

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday. He visited Raj Ghat and laid a wreath to honour Gandhi. The UN chief will also speak at a closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also participate in the International Solar Alliance Assembly and a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association energy ministers. The UN Chief arrived in the country on Monday and formally inaugurated the UN House in the national capital. On his visit, Guterres said that he was delighted to be back to Delhi and wished enormous success in the deepening of the cooperation between India and the United Nations. During his three-day stay, he is expected to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism with PM Modi. He will also meet Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with other senior leaders of the country. Guterres is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme 'Global challenges, global solutions'. Guterres had visited the country, earlier in 2016, months before his election as the Secretary-General.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary

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