The United Nations Security Council on Monday authorised a foreign security mission to&nbsp;Haiti, a year after the Caribbean country asked for help to fight violent gangs that have largely overrun its capital Port-au-Prince.

"More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress,"&nbsp;Haiti's Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus told the council. "It's a glimmer of hope for the people that have for too long been suffering."

The 15-member council adopted a resolution, drafted by the United States and Ecuador, that authorizes the so-called Multinational Security Support mission "to take all necessary measures" - code for use of force.

China and Russia abstained from the vote, wary of authorizing the blanket use of force under Chapter 7 of the founding U.N. Charter. The remaining 13 members voted in favour.

"We have stepped up to create a new way of preserving global peace and security, answering the repeated calls of a member state facing a multi-dimensional crisis amid alarming spiralling gang violence," said senior U.S. diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis.

The Security Council also expanded a U.N. arms embargo to include all gangs - a measure China wanted.&nbsp;Haitian officials have said guns used by gangs are believed to be mostly imported from the United States. The embargo previously only applied to specific individuals.

"This is a very important decision. If the council had taken this step at an earlier time, the security situation in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;might not have deteriorated to what it is today," China's U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun told the council after the vote.

The response to&nbsp;Haiti's request for help was delayed due to a struggle to find a country willing to lead a security assistance mission. Kenya stepped forward in July with a pledge of 1,000 police. The Bahamas then committed 150 people, while Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda are also willing to help.

<h2>Elections</h2>

Following the council's approval on Monday, it was not immediately clear how quickly a force could be deployed.

"Today's vote is only the first step. Now, the work of getting the mission off the ground begins," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement.

While not sending any troops, the U.S. government hopes to provide $100 million to back the multinational mission with logistical and financial assistance, which could include intelligence, airlift, communications and medical support.

Countries have been cautious of supporting the unelected administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has said fair elections cannot be held with current insecurity.&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;has been without any elected representatives since January.

The Security Council stressed an "urgent need" for&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;to make progress toward "transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral processes and free and fair elections."

The security assistance mission, while approved by the U.N. Security Council, is not a United Nations operation.

U.N. peacekeepers were deployed to&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;in 2004 after a rebellion led to the ouster and exile of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Peacekeeping troops left in 2017 and were replaced by U.N. police, who left in 2019.

Haitians are wary of an armed U.N. presence. The Caribbean country was free of cholera until 2010, when U.N. peacekeepers dumped infected sewage into a river. More than 9,000 people died of the disease, and some 800,000 fell ill.

The council resolution adopted on Monday asks the countries taking part in the security mission "to adopt appropriate wastewater management and other environmental controls to guard against the introduction and spread of water-borne diseases."

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The United Nations Security Council on Monday authorised a foreign security mission to Haiti, a year after the Caribbean country asked for help to fight violent gangs that have largely overrun its capital Port-au-Prince.

The United Nations Security Council on Monday authorised a foreign security mission to Haiti, a year after the Caribbean country asked for help to fight violent gangs that have largely overrun its capital Port-au-Prince. "More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress," Haiti's Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus told the council. "It's a glimmer of hope for the people that have for too long been suffering." The 15-member council adopted a resolution, drafted by the United States and Ecuador, that authorizes the so-called Multinational Security Support mission "to take all necessary measures" - code for use of force. China and Russia abstained from the vote, wary of authorizing the blanket use of force under Chapter 7 of the founding U.N. Charter. The remaining 13 members voted in favour. "We have stepped up to create a new way of preserving global peace and security, answering the repeated calls of a member state facing a multi-dimensional crisis amid alarming spiralling gang violence," said senior U.S. diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis. The Security Council also expanded a U.N. arms embargo to include all gangs - a measure China wanted. Haitian officials have said guns used by gangs are believed to be mostly imported from the United States. The embargo previously only applied to specific individuals. "This is a very important decision. If the council had taken this step at an earlier time, the security situation in Haiti might not have deteriorated to what it is today," China's U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun told the council after the vote. The response to Haiti's request for help was delayed due to a struggle to find a country willing to lead a security assistance mission. Kenya stepped forward in July with a pledge of 1,000 police. The Bahamas then committed 150 people, while Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda are also willing to help. Elections Following the council's approval on Monday, it was not immediately clear how quickly a force could be deployed. "Today's vote is only the first step. Now, the work of getting the mission off the ground begins," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement. While not sending any troops, the U.S. government hopes to provide $100 million to back the multinational mission with logistical and financial assistance, which could include intelligence, airlift, communications and medical support. Countries have been cautious of supporting the unelected administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has said fair elections cannot be held with current insecurity. Haiti has been without any elected representatives since January. The Security Council stressed an "urgent need" for Haiti to make progress toward "transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral processes and free and fair elections." The security assistance mission, while approved by the U.N. Security Council, is not a United Nations operation. U.N. peacekeepers were deployed to Haiti in 2004 after a rebellion led to the ouster and exile of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Peacekeeping troops left in 2017 and were replaced by U.N. police, who left in 2019. Haitians are wary of an armed U.N. presence. The Caribbean country was free of cholera until 2010, when U.N. peacekeepers dumped infected sewage into a river. More than 9,000 people died of the disease, and some 800,000 fell ill. The council resolution adopted on Monday asks the countries taking part in the security mission "to adopt appropriate wastewater management and other environmental controls to guard against the introduction and spread of water-borne diseases." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UN authorises Haiti security mission to fight gangs

Gain green skills to remain job-ready in the 21st century that's what LinkedIn's Global Green Skills Report 2023 tells us. What are green skills? The United Nations defines green skills as technical knowledge and abilities that "enable the effective use of green technologies and processes in professional settings"

'Green Skills' are key to remain job ready in 21st century

UN&nbsp;human rights experts have called for major reforms of the US&nbsp;criminal justice system to combat systemic racism, citing testimonies that jailed Black women had been shackled during childbirth while male inmates were forced to work in "plantation-style" conditions.

In a report published on Thursday (Sep 28), three UN-appointed experts said they had found practices in US&nbsp;prisons that amounted to "an affront to human dignity" in visits in April and May.

The US&nbsp;diplomatic mission in Geneva declined to comment. The Federal Bureau of Prisons said it was committed to ensuring the safety and security of incarcerated individuals as well as employees and the public.

One such practice is restraining and shackling women prisoners during childbirth, the report said.

The experts "heard, first hand, unbearable direct testimonies of pregnant women shackled during labour, who due to the chaining, lost their babies", it said. Asked to give details, a U.N. rights spokesperson referred to "several" cases and confirmed they all involved Black women.

The experts also collected direct testimonies of conditions at a Louisiana prison where it said thousands of mostly Black male prisoners were "forced to labour in the fields (even picking cotton) under the watch of white 'freemen' on horseback, in conditions very similar to those of 150 years ago".

It described the stories from the so-called 'Angola' facility as "shocking" and said they amounted to "contemporary forms of slavery". It also voiced alarm at the widespread use of solitary confinement, which it said appeared to be applied disproportionately to inmates of African descent.

One Black man told the experts he had been kept in isolation for 11 years without interruption, the report said. "Our findings point to the critical need for comprehensive reform," said one of the experts, Juan Mendez.

US&nbsp;prison conditions have been a concern for decades and rights groups have long called for facilities with the worst records to be reformed or shut down.

The investigation was set up by the U.N. Human Rights Council, of which the United States is a voting member, in 2021 after the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died after his neck was pinned to the ground by a police officer.

The report was based on testimonies from 133 individuals in five U.S. cities as well as those collected from five detention centres. It contained a list of 30 recommendations for US&nbsp;authorities, including a call for a new commission on reparations for people of African descent.

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UN human rights experts have called for major reforms of the US criminal justice system to combat systemic racism, citing testimonies that jailed Black women had been shackled during childbirth while male inmates were forced to work in "plantation-style" conditions.

UN human rights experts have called for major reforms of the US criminal justice system to combat systemic racism, citing testimonies that jailed Black women had been shackled during childbirth while male inmates were forced to work in "plantation-style" conditions. In a report published on Thursday (Sep 28), three UN-appointed experts said they had found practices in US prisons that amounted to "an affront to human dignity" in visits in April and May. The US diplomatic mission in Geneva declined to comment. The Federal Bureau of Prisons said it was committed to ensuring the safety and security of incarcerated individuals as well as employees and the public. One such practice is restraining and shackling women prisoners during childbirth, the report said. The experts "heard, first hand, unbearable direct testimonies of pregnant women shackled during labour, who due to the chaining, lost their babies", it said. Asked to give details, a U.N. rights spokesperson referred to "several" cases and confirmed they all involved Black women. The experts also collected direct testimonies of conditions at a Louisiana prison where it said thousands of mostly Black male prisoners were "forced to labour in the fields (even picking cotton) under the watch of white 'freemen' on horseback, in conditions very similar to those of 150 years ago". It described the stories from the so-called 'Angola' facility as "shocking" and said they amounted to "contemporary forms of slavery". It also voiced alarm at the widespread use of solitary confinement, which it said appeared to be applied disproportionately to inmates of African descent. One Black man told the experts he had been kept in isolation for 11 years without interruption, the report said. "Our findings point to the critical need for comprehensive reform," said one of the experts, Juan Mendez. US prison conditions have been a concern for decades and rights groups have long called for facilities with the worst records to be reformed or shut down. The investigation was set up by the U.N. Human Rights Council, of which the United States is a voting member, in 2021 after the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died after his neck was pinned to the ground by a police officer. The report was based on testimonies from 133 individuals in five U.S. cities as well as those collected from five detention centres. It contained a list of 30 recommendations for US authorities, including a call for a new commission on reparations for people of African descent. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Black women inmates chained': US jail practices slammed by UN experts as racist, affront to dignity

In Pics | Israelis stage massive protests outside UN against PM Netanyahu's judicial overhaul

About 11,000 km away from Kabul, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2023-what-is-stalling-the-progress-of-sustainable-development-goals-explained-637192">United Nations has convened for its 78th General Assembly</a> where the world leaders will also&nbsp;discuss the rights of Afghan women and children. In Kabul, Ghazala (22) misses the time she spent at her university.

It was during that typically dreadful exam season in Afghanistan in December 2022 that the Taliban ordered universities to shut their doors for millions of girls of her age and beyond.&nbsp;

But Ghazala, who was top of her class, and her classmates were excited for the new beginnings of a new semester that appeared just a few weeks away. Only to witness Taliban extremists turn the clock in opposite direction.&nbsp;

"They snatched away our smiles. Our abilities are now locked at home," Ghazala told WION in Dari language from Kabul over a phone interview.

Ghazala wondered the rights of Afghan women have become the bargaining chip for Taliban to legitimise their authority on international landscape.

"Our current government is not recognising that we have rights but at least the rest of the world should," said the&nbsp;former Political Science student.

Also read |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

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Unicef, the United Nations children’s agency, says more than one million girls are affected by the ban on education, but local non-profits put the number at several million.

"Please ensure that our right to study is restored," Ghazala said, as her throat went&nbsp;heavy.

Controlling her tears, she gave this message for the world's leaders: "We just want access to our schools and universities. Please restore our right to study, and freedom to dream for a better future."&nbsp;

Officially, Taliban has banned girls beyond sixth grade from attending schools.

But Afghanistan's extremist rulers&nbsp;have instructed schools and educational institutes to not permit girls to attend primary school, even if they are above the age of 10.&nbsp;

<h2>'Taliban think women&nbsp;are good at kitchen or better dead'</h2>

Gulnoor (28), a school administrator at a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, is deeply disappointed with the United Nations.&nbsp;

"Agendas are taken up, discussions take place, but no decisions are made in Afghan women's favour," Gulnoor told WION.&nbsp;

She asks of United Nations: "Since two years, the education is banned in this country. They [Taliban] have banned us from most of the jobs. Talibs think we are either good at kitchen or better dead.&nbsp;Don't they [United Nations] know all of this?"

"Nobody is serious about restoring our rights. I swear we are tired of this," Gulnoor said.&nbsp;

The Taliban, however, have allowed women to pursue nursing courses but the hardliner rulers have banned virtually every vocation that may involve a potential intermingling between men and women.&nbsp;

Dr Sona, a medical professional, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">denied a job at a Kabul clinic last year</a>. A few months ago, she was allowed to begin her practice&nbsp;at a Comprehensive Health Center (CHC). When WION spoke to her in December, Dr Sona was distraught.&nbsp;

This time around, she is willing to believe in a hope for change.&nbsp;

"We want nothing but restoration of education rights. Please reopen our schools and universities. We just want freedom to study. This is all we want if they [UN] are listening," Dr Sona said.

(The names in the story have been changed to protect identities.)

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About 11,000 km away from Kabul, the United Nations has convened for its 78th General Assembly where the world leaders will also discuss the rights of Afghan women and children.

About 11,000 km away from Kabul, the United Nations has convened for its 78th General Assembly where the world leaders will also discuss the rights of Afghan women and children. In Kabul, Ghazala (22) misses the time she spent at her university. It was during that typically dreadful exam season in Afghanistan in December 2022 that the Taliban ordered universities to shut their doors for millions of girls of her age and beyond. But Ghazala, who was top of her class, and her classmates were excited for the new beginnings of a new semester that appeared just a few weeks away. Only to witness Taliban extremists turn the clock in opposite direction. "They snatched away our smiles. Our abilities are now locked at home," Ghazala told WION in Dari language from Kabul over a phone interview. Ghazala wondered the rights of Afghan women have become the bargaining chip for Taliban to legitimise their authority on international landscape. "Our current government is not recognising that we have rights but at least the rest of the world should," said the former Political Science student. Also read | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Unicef, the United Nations children’s agency, says more than one million girls are affected by the ban on education, but local non-profits put the number at several million. "Please ensure that our right to study is restored," Ghazala said, as her throat went heavy. Controlling her tears, she gave this message for the world's leaders: "We just want access to our schools and universities. Please restore our right to study, and freedom to dream for a better future." Officially, Taliban has banned girls beyond sixth grade from attending schools. But Afghanistan's extremist rulers have instructed schools and educational institutes to not permit girls to attend primary school, even if they are above the age of 10. 'Taliban think women are good at kitchen or better dead' Gulnoor (28), a school administrator at a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, is deeply disappointed with the United Nations. "Agendas are taken up, discussions take place, but no decisions are made in Afghan women's favour," Gulnoor told WION. She asks of United Nations: "Since two years, the education is banned in this country. They [Taliban] have banned us from most of the jobs. Talibs think we are either good at kitchen or better dead. Don't they [United Nations] know all of this?" "Nobody is serious about restoring our rights. I swear we are tired of this," Gulnoor said. The Taliban, however, have allowed women to pursue nursing courses but the hardliner rulers have banned virtually every vocation that may involve a potential intermingling between men and women. Dr Sona, a medical professional, was denied a job at a Kabul clinic last year. A few months ago, she was allowed to begin her practice at a Comprehensive Health Center (CHC). When WION spoke to her in December, Dr Sona was distraught. This time around, she is willing to believe in a hope for change. "We want nothing but restoration of education rights. Please reopen our schools and universities. We just want freedom to study. This is all we want if they [UN] are listening," Dr Sona said. (The names in the story have been changed to protect identities.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive: Afghan women ask United Nations to restore right to education under Taliban rule

The Libyan Red Crescent released a statement on Sunday (September 17), denying that last week's catastrophic flooding in Derna claimed the lives of 11,300 people after the United Nations shared the death toll in an update citing the rescue group.

"We are shocked to see our name mixed up with these figures," Libyan Red Crescent spokesman Tawfik Shoukri told AFP from Benghazi, adding that "they add to the confusion and distress of the families of the missing".

On Saturday, the United Nations, citing Red Crescent figures, said that the flooding had resulted in 11,300 deaths and added that another 10,100 people were missing in the city.

"These figures are expected to rise as search-and-rescue crews work tirelessly to find survivors," the UN update said.

Nearly a week after Storm Daniel hit northeastern Libya, "the humanitarian situation remains particularly grim in Derna," the update said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-asian-community-members-demand-justice-for-jaahnavi-kandula-meet-mayor-636889">South Asian community members demand justice for Jaahnavi Kandula, meet Seattle mayor</a>

<h2>UN says most casualties in Derna could have been averted</h2>

The United Nations (UN) said on Thursday (September 14) that most of the deaths due to floods in Libya's Derna could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had functioned properly.&nbsp;

During a press briefing in Geneva, Petteri Taalas, head of the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said, "With better functioning coordination in the crisis-wracked country, "they could have issued the warnings and the emergency management forces would have been able to carry out the evacuation of the people, and we could have avoided most of the human casualties."

Taalas said that the lack of weather forecasting and dissemination and action on early warnings was a large contributor to the size of the disaster. He also said that the years-long internal conflict in the country meant its meteorological "observing network has been very much destroyed, the IT systems have been destroyed."

"The flooding events came and there was no evacuation taking place because there was not the proper early warning systems in place," the WMO chief further told reporters. "Of course, we cannot fully avoid economic losses, but we could have also minimised those losses by having proper services in place," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The Libyan Red Crescent released a statement on Sunday (September 17), denying that last week's catastrophic flooding in Derna claimed the lives of 11,300 people after the United Nations shared the death toll in an update citing the rescue group.

The Libyan Red Crescent released a statement on Sunday (September 17), denying that last week's catastrophic flooding in Derna claimed the lives of 11,300 people after the United Nations shared the death toll in an update citing the rescue group. "We are shocked to see our name mixed up with these figures," Libyan Red Crescent spokesman Tawfik Shoukri told AFP from Benghazi, adding that "they add to the confusion and distress of the families of the missing". On Saturday, the United Nations, citing Red Crescent figures, said that the flooding had resulted in 11,300 deaths and added that another 10,100 people were missing in the city. "These figures are expected to rise as search-and-rescue crews work tirelessly to find survivors," the UN update said. Nearly a week after Storm Daniel hit northeastern Libya, "the humanitarian situation remains particularly grim in Derna," the update said. Also read: South Asian community members demand justice for Jaahnavi Kandula, meet Seattle mayor UN says most casualties in Derna could have been averted The United Nations (UN) said on Thursday (September 14) that most of the deaths due to floods in Libya's Derna could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had functioned properly. During a press briefing in Geneva, Petteri Taalas, head of the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said, "With better functioning coordination in the crisis-wracked country, "they could have issued the warnings and the emergency management forces would have been able to carry out the evacuation of the people, and we could have avoided most of the human casualties." Taalas said that the lack of weather forecasting and dissemination and action on early warnings was a large contributor to the size of the disaster. He also said that the years-long internal conflict in the country meant its meteorological "observing network has been very much destroyed, the IT systems have been destroyed." "The flooding events came and there was no evacuation taking place because there was not the proper early warning systems in place," the WMO chief further told reporters. "Of course, we cannot fully avoid economic losses, but we could have also minimised those losses by having proper services in place," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Libyan Red Crescent denies death toll of 11,300 cited by United Nations

The United Nations food agency's head warned that more than 700 million people have been affected by the severe global hunger crisis and they continue to face uncertainty regarding their next meal. 
 
The demand for food has increased continuously while the humanitarian fund continues to diminish, as reported by AP. 
 
According to estimates of the World Food Programme from 79 countries where the Rome-based agency has been operational, around 783 million people, one in 10 of the world’s population, have to go to bed hungry every night. 
 
This year, more than 345 million people are being forced to face high levels of food insecurity, which is an increase from around 200 million people from early 2021 before the occurrence of the pandemic, according to the agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-stealing-our-chickens-and-wheat-asks-pakistan-senator-amid-ongoing-food-crisis-552621">‘Who is stealing our chickens and wheat,’ asks Pakistan senator amid ongoing food crisis</a>

“We are now living with a series of concurrent and long-term crises that will continue to fuel global humanitarian needs. This is the humanitarian community’s new reality — our new normal — and we will be dealing with the fallout for years to come,” she stated. 
 
The World Food Programme (WFP) head, who is also late US senator John McCain's widow, revealed that the estimates of the agency indicate that around 47 million individuals in more than 50 countries are on the verge of facing famine.

<h2>45 million children facing acute malnutrition</h2>

The alarming report also includes around 45 million children under the age of five, who are battling acute malnutrition currently. 
 
“Our collective challenge is to ramp up the ambitious, multi-sectoral partnerships that will enable us to tackle hunger and poverty effectively, and reduce humanitarian needs over the long term," said McCain, appealing to business leaders to focus on humanitarian public-private partnerships at the council meeting. 
 
As per AP, CEO of Mastercard Michael Miebach, speaking to the council, said that “humanitarian relief has long been the domain of government" and the private sector and development institutions are considered as a source of financial donations for supplies.

WATCH |&nbsp;Libya's calamity-induced humanitarian crisis

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“Money is still important, but companies can offer so much more. The private sector stands ready to tackle the challenges at hand in partnership with the public sector," he said. 
 
Miebach emphasised that “business cannot succeed in a failing world" and fellow citizens are impacted by humanitarian crises in the world. 
 
He said that a business needs to use its expertise to strengthen its infrastructure so as to “innovate new approaches and deliver solutions at scale" to improve humanitarian operations. 
 
You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The United Nations food agency's head warned that more than 700 million people have been affected by the severe global hunger crisis and they continue to face uncertainty regarding their next meal.

The United Nations food agency's head warned that more than 700 million people have been affected by the severe global hunger crisis and they continue to face uncertainty regarding their next meal. The demand for food has increased continuously while the humanitarian fund continues to diminish, as reported by AP. According to estimates of the World Food Programme from 79 countries where the Rome-based agency has been operational, around 783 million people, one in 10 of the world’s population, have to go to bed hungry every night. This year, more than 345 million people are being forced to face high levels of food insecurity, which is an increase from around 200 million people from early 2021 before the occurrence of the pandemic, according to the agency. ALSO READ | ‘Who is stealing our chickens and wheat,’ asks Pakistan senator amid ongoing food crisis “We are now living with a series of concurrent and long-term crises that will continue to fuel global humanitarian needs. This is the humanitarian community’s new reality — our new normal — and we will be dealing with the fallout for years to come,” she stated. The World Food Programme (WFP) head, who is also late US senator John McCain's widow, revealed that the estimates of the agency indicate that around 47 million individuals in more than 50 countries are on the verge of facing famine. 45 million children facing acute malnutrition The alarming report also includes around 45 million children under the age of five, who are battling acute malnutrition currently. “Our collective challenge is to ramp up the ambitious, multi-sectoral partnerships that will enable us to tackle hunger and poverty effectively, and reduce humanitarian needs over the long term," said McCain, appealing to business leaders to focus on humanitarian public-private partnerships at the council meeting. As per AP, CEO of Mastercard Michael Miebach, speaking to the council, said that “humanitarian relief has long been the domain of government" and the private sector and development institutions are considered as a source of financial donations for supplies. WATCH | Libya's calamity-induced humanitarian crisis “Money is still important, but companies can offer so much more. The private sector stands ready to tackle the challenges at hand in partnership with the public sector," he said. Miebach emphasised that “business cannot succeed in a failing world" and fellow citizens are impacted by humanitarian crises in the world. He said that a business needs to use its expertise to strengthen its infrastructure so as to “innovate new approaches and deliver solutions at scale" to improve humanitarian operations. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

One in 10 people in world sleeps hungry every night: UN food programme chief

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), an agency of the United Nations (UN), said on Wednesday (September 13) that at least 30,000 people have been left homeless due to the catastrophic floods in Libya's Derna. "At least 30,000 individuals displaced in Derna," the IOM said, adding that thousands more had been left homeless in nearby towns.

The floods were caused by a huge&nbsp;Mediterranean storm that burst dams, swept away buildings and wiped out as much as a quarter of the city. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, officials in eastern Libya said the death toll so far stands at more than 5,000, and fatalities are expected to climb. A report by The Guardian, meanwhile, said that the number of fatalities may climb to 20,000.&nbsp;

Around 10,000 people are estimated to be missing, and many are believed to have been swept out to sea. Derna was home to around 100,000 people, and many of its multi-storey buildings on the banks of the riverbed collapsed, with people, their homes and cars vanishing in the raging waters.

Earlier, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that emergency teams had been mobilised to help on the ground. Amid&nbsp;rising global concern, several countries, including Qatar and Turkey, rushed aid to Libya.

Citing authorities, the news agency AFP reported on Wednesday that rescue teams from Turkey arrived in eastern Libya. France, meanwhile, said it was sending a field hospital and around 50 military and civilian personnel able to treat 500 people a day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The International Organization for Migration (IOM), an agency of the United Nations (UN), said on Wednesday (September 13) that at least 30,000 people have been left homeless due to the catastrophic floods in Libya's Derna.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), an agency of the United Nations (UN), said on Wednesday (September 13) that at least 30,000 people have been left homeless due to the catastrophic floods in Libya's Derna. "At least 30,000 individuals displaced in Derna," the IOM said, adding that thousands more had been left homeless in nearby towns. The floods were caused by a huge Mediterranean storm that burst dams, swept away buildings and wiped out as much as a quarter of the city. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, officials in eastern Libya said the death toll so far stands at more than 5,000, and fatalities are expected to climb. A report by The Guardian, meanwhile, said that the number of fatalities may climb to 20,000. Around 10,000 people are estimated to be missing, and many are believed to have been swept out to sea. Derna was home to around 100,000 people, and many of its multi-storey buildings on the banks of the riverbed collapsed, with people, their homes and cars vanishing in the raging waters. Earlier, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that emergency teams had been mobilised to help on the ground. Amid rising global concern, several countries, including Qatar and Turkey, rushed aid to Libya. Citing authorities, the news agency AFP reported on Wednesday that rescue teams from Turkey arrived in eastern Libya. France, meanwhile, said it was sending a field hospital and around 50 military and civilian personnel able to treat 500 people a day. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Libya floods: UN agency says at least 30,000 left homeless in Derna; death toll crosses 5,000

From the fight against poverty to education access, from political representation to economic opportunity, the world is "failing women and girls," the United Nations warned in a report on gender equality released Thursday.&nbsp;

The report from UN Women reviewed the progress made on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), adopted by the body's members in 2015, which were meant to create a better world for all by 2030.

The results of the review are grim.

"When we look at the data, it does look like the world is failing to advance and achieve gender equality," deputy executive director of UN Women Sarah Hendriks told AFP.

"And it is becoming, I'd say, an increasingly distant goal," she added.&nbsp;

The goal focused on gender equality aims by the end of the decade to eliminate gender discrimination, violence against women, forced marriages and genital mutilation, to make domestic work more equal, to guarantee access to reproductive health care and to ensure women's participation in political and economic life.

But "halfway to 2030, the world is failing women and girls," the report warns, with most of the goal's targets falling behind.&nbsp;

Every year, 245 million women over age 15 are victims of physical violence by their partners, one in five women are married before age 18, women spend 2.8 more hours per day doing unpaid housework than their male counterparts and women represent only 26.7 per cent of all lawmakers worldwide.

To change those trends, it would cost some $360 billion in additional investments per year in 50 developing countries, representing some 70 per cent of the world's population, the agency estimates.&nbsp;

That money would "enable the lifting of the entire SDG agenda," Hendriks said.&nbsp;

"We know what needs to be done and the world needs to pay for it," she said.&nbsp;

"And if we make gender equality that specific objective of development, the trajectory can change," she said, by "strengthening mutual accountability to place women and girls at the centre."

In July, the UN rang the alarm on the SDGs overall, saying they are "in peril" and calling for a "rescue plan" ahead of a summit set for September 18 and 19.&nbsp;

According to the UN Women report, the outcomes for many global development goals are worse for women than they are for humanity overall.&nbsp;

For example, at the current rate, 575 million people will still live in extreme poverty by 2030, a far cry from the eradication the UN hoped for. And of those, 342 million of them will be women, or about 8 per cent of the women in the world, according to the report.

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From the fight against poverty to education access, from political representation to economic opportunity, the world is "failing women and girls," the United Nations warned in a report on gender equality released Thursday.

From the fight against poverty to education access, from political representation to economic opportunity, the world is "failing women and girls," the United Nations warned in a report on gender equality released Thursday. The report from UN Women reviewed the progress made on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), adopted by the body's members in 2015, which were meant to create a better world for all by 2030. The results of the review are grim. "When we look at the data, it does look like the world is failing to advance and achieve gender equality," deputy executive director of UN Women Sarah Hendriks told AFP. "And it is becoming, I'd say, an increasingly distant goal," she added. The goal focused on gender equality aims by the end of the decade to eliminate gender discrimination, violence against women, forced marriages and genital mutilation, to make domestic work more equal, to guarantee access to reproductive health care and to ensure women's participation in political and economic life. But "halfway to 2030, the world is failing women and girls," the report warns, with most of the goal's targets falling behind. Every year, 245 million women over age 15 are victims of physical violence by their partners, one in five women are married before age 18, women spend 2.8 more hours per day doing unpaid housework than their male counterparts and women represent only 26.7 per cent of all lawmakers worldwide. To change those trends, it would cost some $360 billion in additional investments per year in 50 developing countries, representing some 70 per cent of the world's population, the agency estimates. That money would "enable the lifting of the entire SDG agenda," Hendriks said. "We know what needs to be done and the world needs to pay for it," she said. "And if we make gender equality that specific objective of development, the trajectory can change," she said, by "strengthening mutual accountability to place women and girls at the centre." In July, the UN rang the alarm on the SDGs overall, saying they are "in peril" and calling for a "rescue plan" ahead of a summit set for September 18 and 19. According to the UN Women report, the outcomes for many global development goals are worse for women than they are for humanity overall. For example, at the current rate, 575 million people will still live in extreme poverty by 2030, a far cry from the eradication the UN hoped for. And of those, 342 million of them will be women, or about 8 per cent of the women in the world, according to the report. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World is failing women and girls, warns United Nations in gender equality report

An 11-year-old child was found pregnant earlier this month she'd been repeatedly raped by her stepfather and the incident only came to light after the girl started showing a pregnant tummy at 4.5 months of pregnancy. She knocked on hospital door after hospital but all of them denied her an abortion because abortion is illegal in Peru and it's considered a crime that deserves to be punished. Rights groups in fact took the matter into their hands only after immense pressure from the United Nations the girl child was finally operated upon.

11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather

The 'Repairing and Borrowing or Buying,' has become a rallying call for several organizations in the United Kingdom, the country which is said to be one of the largest contributors to the increasing problem of electronic waste. A menace that has been highlighted by the United Nations is the world's fastest-growing stream of waste our next report gets you details on how the United Kingdom is tackling this issue. Take a look.

UK battles the menace of electronic waste

The military leaders in Niger who came to power last month after a coup, in their latest display of resistance against international pressure, formed a new government, as per a decree read out on national television on Thursday (August 10).&nbsp;

The 21-member administration will be led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine with new military governing council's generals heading the defence and interior ministries.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-sanctions-is-niger-facing-following-the-july-26-coup-623756">Explained: What are the sanctions Niger is facing following the July 26 coup?</a>

<h2>West African bloc to attend key summit on Niger coup</h2>

West African bloc ECOWAS leaders will be meeting for an emergency summit on the coup in Niger on Thursday (August 10), after the military chiefs of the country defied an ultimatum to restore the elected president.

Two weeks after the coup which removed Mohamed Bazoum from his position, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stated that it is looking at a diplomatic solution but the use of force has not been ruled out by them to resolve the crisis.

Important decisions are likely to be made in the gathering in Nigeria's capital Abuja, &nbsp;as per the statement issued by the 15-nation organisation on Tuesday.

The bloc, which is struggling to stem a cascade of coups among its members, had given the troops an ultimatum to either reinstate Bazoum till last Sunday or face the potential use of force.

However, the coup leaders remained defiant and no action was taken against them.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Niger coup: West is supporting ECOWAS. Will Russia make a move in Niger like it did in Mali?

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<h2>UN chief expresses concern over 'deplorable' detention conditions of Niger's president</h2>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concerns over reports of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum and his family's &nbsp;"deplorable living conditions" in arbitrary detention and called for his release, said a UN spokesperson in a statement on Wednesday (August 9).

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticised "the deplorable living conditions that President Bazoum and his family are reported to be living under," as per a UN statement.

On Wednesday, CNN reported that Bazoum was kept isolated and was forced to consume dry rice and pasta by the rebels after he was overthrown by them in a coup late last month.

In a series of text messages which were sent to a friend by Bazoum, the president said he had been "deprived of all human contact since Friday", with no one supplying him medicine or food, reported the network.&nbsp;

Guterres "reiterates his concern over the health and safety of the President and his family and once again calls for his immediate, unconditional release and his reinstatement as Head of State," said the UN chief's spokesman in a statement.

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The military leaders in Niger who came to power last month after a coup, in their latest display of resistance against international pressure, formed a new government, as per a decree read out on national television on Thursday (August 10).

The military leaders in Niger who came to power last month after a coup, in their latest display of resistance against international pressure, formed a new government, as per a decree read out on national television on Thursday (August 10). The 21-member administration will be led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine with new military governing council's generals heading the defence and interior ministries. ALSO READ | Explained: What are the sanctions Niger is facing following the July 26 coup? West African bloc to attend key summit on Niger coup West African bloc ECOWAS leaders will be meeting for an emergency summit on the coup in Niger on Thursday (August 10), after the military chiefs of the country defied an ultimatum to restore the elected president. Two weeks after the coup which removed Mohamed Bazoum from his position, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stated that it is looking at a diplomatic solution but the use of force has not been ruled out by them to resolve the crisis. Important decisions are likely to be made in the gathering in Nigeria's capital Abuja, as per the statement issued by the 15-nation organisation on Tuesday. The bloc, which is struggling to stem a cascade of coups among its members, had given the troops an ultimatum to either reinstate Bazoum till last Sunday or face the potential use of force. However, the coup leaders remained defiant and no action was taken against them. WATCH | Niger coup: West is supporting ECOWAS. Will Russia make a move in Niger like it did in Mali? UN chief expresses concern over 'deplorable' detention conditions of Niger's president UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concerns over reports of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum and his family's "deplorable living conditions" in arbitrary detention and called for his release, said a UN spokesperson in a statement on Wednesday (August 9). Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticised "the deplorable living conditions that President Bazoum and his family are reported to be living under," as per a UN statement. On Wednesday, CNN reported that Bazoum was kept isolated and was forced to consume dry rice and pasta by the rebels after he was overthrown by them in a coup late last month. In a series of text messages which were sent to a friend by Bazoum, the president said he had been "deprived of all human contact since Friday", with no one supplying him medicine or food, reported the network. Guterres "reiterates his concern over the health and safety of the President and his family and once again calls for his immediate, unconditional release and his reinstatement as Head of State," said the UN chief's spokesman in a statement. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Niger coup military leaders form new government by decree

Niger's military junta defied a Sunday (August 6) deadline from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinstate ousted president Mohamed Bazoum or face a possible military intervention.

Niger's military junta defied a Sunday (August 6) deadline from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinstate ousted president Mohamed Bazoum or face a possible military intervention. Last week, defence chiefs of the ECOWAS drew up a plan for the possible use of force to reverse the July 26 coup in Niger, including how and when to deploy forces. With the junta defying the deadline, Niger's regional and Western allies have announced a series of sanctions against the country. The junta denied a joint delegation from West African states, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) permission to enter Niger, resisting pressure from the United States and the UN to come to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, ECOWAS heads of state are preparing for a summit to discuss their standoff with the junta. What sanctions have been imposed? According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the sanctions could lead to a default on Niger's debt repayments. ECOWAS and UEMOA impose stringent sanctions The report said that the ECOWAS and the West African Monetary and Economic Union (UEMOA) have imposed some of the most stringent sanctions on the country. The bloc suspended all commercial transactions with Niger, froze its state assets in the regional central bank, froze assets of the state and state enterprises in commercial banks, and suspended all financial assistance with regional development banks. The report added a planned $51 million bond issuance by Niger in the West African regional debt market was cancelled by the regional central bank following the imposition of sanctions. The government had planned to raise $834 million from the regional debt market this year. West Africa's regional central bank, the BCEAO, shut down its branches in the country, citing risks to operations. European Union The European Union (EU), which is one of Niger's biggest contributors, suspended its financial support and cooperation on security. The EU had allocated $554 million from its budget to improve governance, education and sustainable growth in Niger over 2021-2024. France suspends development aid, budget support France, which is another major partner of Niger, suspended development aid and budget support. The Reuters report said the development aid for the country was around $130 million in 2022 and expected to be slightly higher this year. US pauses assistance programmes, presses junta to reinstate govt The United States has paused assistance programmes to Niger valued at more than $100 million following the coup, pressing the junta to reinstate the military government. The US had previously warned the coup could lead to the suspension of all cooperation. As per the Reuters report, Washington has provided nearly $138 million in humanitarian assistance so far this year. World Bank The World Bank suspended disbursements until further notice, except for private-sector partnerships which it said will continue with caution. Niger has one of the largest World Bank portfolios in Africa, amounting to $4.5 billion, and it also received $600 million in direct budget support from the lender between 2022 and 2023. Canada and Netherlands Canada suspended direct development assistance to Niger. The Netherlands, on the other hand, temporarily suspended its direct cooperation with the government following the coup. The Dutch government had been supporting development and security programmes in Niger. Military coup hampering UN's humanitarian efforts A UN official said on Tuesday that the military coup is hampering the UN's humanitarian efforts in Niger as border and airspace closures have cut off supplies of medicine and food. Louise Aubin, the UN humanitarian chief in Niger, warned that aid agencies have been scrambling to eke out depleting stocks just as regional sanctions potentially increase the number of people in need. "The risk is that we start running out of assistance materials to be able to help out people - I'm talking about simple things that are so life-saving," Aubin told Reuters and listed food, vaccines, and cash as areas of concern. "Some people will soon be feeling the pinch of this ... More than the 4.3 million people we had planned on supporting through emergency humanitarian assistance, we might see that number growing and growing fast," Aubin added. The UN official further said flights operated within Niger by the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) were disrupted but not suspended by the junta's decision to close its airspace. But that and the closure of land borders under sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS meant the outlook for replenishing stocks in Niger was uncertain, she said. "The risk is that we start running out of assistance materials to be able to help out people. I'm talking about simple things that are so life-saving, I'm talking about vaccines, I'm talking about food but I'm also talking about cash. This is one way for us to be able to empower people to be able to access what they really need, but without cash flows in the country, some people will soon be feeling the pinch of this," the UN also said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: What are the sanctions Niger is facing following the July 26 coup?

Thirty people are set to get tattoos of one letter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made on them as part of an international art project which is coming to the UK for the first time. 
 
The project is aimed at making the tattoo of the 1948 document onto the body of 6,773 people, one letter at a time. The tattoos are 1cm squared, and people between the age of 18 and 30 in the United Kingdom were sent invitations to submit applications to participate, The Guardian reported. 
 
Dutch artist Sander van Bussel started the project in 2012 for raising awareness of the declaration. His work started with the opening phrase of the declaration, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/800-tattoos-and-counting-mother-of-two-barred-from-tattoo-shops-pubs-and-school-due-to-extreme-appearance-612676">800 tattoos and counting: Mother of two barred from tattoo shops, pubs, and school due to extreme appearance</a>

Van Bussel, who is set to document the personal stories of participants on the day, said: “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was written by the United Nations in 1948, wishing to protect humanity from the nightmares of world war two. Now, well over 70 years later, little seems to be left of that hope and the global divide is still growing.” 
 
“Our mission is to use the power of the idea, the imagination and individual decisiveness as a weapon against division and indifference. In today’s world where polarisation on all levels is on the rise, emphasising these fundamental human rights is particularly relevant. Everybody gets one letter. Everybody has their own unique story,” he said, while speaking to The Guardian.&nbsp;

<h2>Project to get completed by Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day</h2>

The event is being managed and hosted by Manchester Arts venue Contact with Human Rights Tattoo on September 9, and an experienced local tattoo artist will be applying the letters during the day. 
 
Applicants have been asked to speak about what the human rights movement means to them and why they wish to get the declaration tattooed on them, which will be made by Dax, a Manchester-based tattoo artist who is from India and specialises in fine line, single-needle tattoos, and to whom a fee of their choice can be donated by the participants.

WATCH |&nbsp;UN report blows lid off Al-Qaeda's plot to target India

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The first 23 articles can be read in tattoos made by over 4,601 participants from 77 countries. Van Bussel is aiming to complete the work on December 10, the day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrates its 75th anniversary, although he intends to build further on his work with events and lectures. 
 
He is hoping that the ink designs will become a conversation starter and will encourage people to reflect on the UN document and its global relevance. 
 
Artistic director and chief executive of Contact Keisha Thompson said that it was an “extraordinary, global project uniting around human rights and connection”, and that the organisation was “over the moon” to host the event.&nbsp;

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Thirty people are set to get tattoos of one letter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made on them as part of an international art project which is coming to the UK for the first time.

Thirty people are set to get tattoos of one letter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made on them as part of an international art project which is coming to the UK for the first time. The project is aimed at making the tattoo of the 1948 document onto the body of 6,773 people, one letter at a time. The tattoos are 1cm squared, and people between the age of 18 and 30 in the United Kingdom were sent invitations to submit applications to participate, The Guardian reported. Dutch artist Sander van Bussel started the project in 2012 for raising awareness of the declaration. His work started with the opening phrase of the declaration, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. ALSO READ | 800 tattoos and counting: Mother of two barred from tattoo shops, pubs, and school due to extreme appearance Van Bussel, who is set to document the personal stories of participants on the day, said: “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was written by the United Nations in 1948, wishing to protect humanity from the nightmares of world war two. Now, well over 70 years later, little seems to be left of that hope and the global divide is still growing.” “Our mission is to use the power of the idea, the imagination and individual decisiveness as a weapon against division and indifference. In today’s world where polarisation on all levels is on the rise, emphasising these fundamental human rights is particularly relevant. Everybody gets one letter. Everybody has their own unique story,” he said, while speaking to The Guardian. Project to get completed by Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day The event is being managed and hosted by Manchester Arts venue Contact with Human Rights Tattoo on September 9, and an experienced local tattoo artist will be applying the letters during the day. Applicants have been asked to speak about what the human rights movement means to them and why they wish to get the declaration tattooed on them, which will be made by Dax, a Manchester-based tattoo artist who is from India and specialises in fine line, single-needle tattoos, and to whom a fee of their choice can be donated by the participants. WATCH | UN report blows lid off Al-Qaeda's plot to target India The first 23 articles can be read in tattoos made by over 4,601 participants from 77 countries. Van Bussel is aiming to complete the work on December 10, the day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrates its 75th anniversary, although he intends to build further on his work with events and lectures. He is hoping that the ink designs will become a conversation starter and will encourage people to reflect on the UN document and its global relevance. Artistic director and chief executive of Contact Keisha Thompson said that it was an “extraordinary, global project uniting around human rights and connection”, and that the organisation was “over the moon” to host the event. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

International art project to tattoo UN human rights declaration on 30 people in UK

India has cited its food support to countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on "Famine and Conflict-Induced Global Food Insecurity".

Speaking at the meet which took place under the US chairmanship of the body, Indian ambassador to UN Ruchira Kamboj highlighte, "even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, India provided food aid in the form of thousands of metric tonnes of wheat, rice, pulses, and lentils to several countries, including in our neighbourhood and Africa, to strengthen food security".

Highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, Ambassador Kamboj pointed to India's decision to donate 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the Afghan people. Similarly, New Delhi continued its humanitarian support to Myanmar, offering a grant of 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat. Additionally, Sri Lanka received essential food assistance from India during its difficult times.

According to UN estimates, 362 million people in 62 countries require humanitarian aid which is a record high. The Covid pandemic, followed by Russia-Ukraine conflict, has put increased the prices of food, fuel and fertiliser prices which has especially pinched the global south.

The Indian ambassador also explained that New Delhi supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in continuing the Black Sea Grain Initiative and hoped for an "early resolution to the present impasse". But expressed concerns that "recent developments in this matter have not helped in securing the larger cause of peace and stability."

Black Sea Grain Initiative allows for commercial food and fertiliser (including ammonia) exports from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea – Odesa, Chornomorsk, Yuzhny/Pivdennyi. The deal was an agreement between Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey and facilitated by the UN.

The ambassador mentioned how India will be "leveraging" its Presidency of the G20 to advocate for "greater efforts to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, including SDG 2 calling for zero hunger."

India is the chair of the G20 grouping and will hold the summit in September.

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India has cited its food support to countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on "Famine and Conflict-Induced Global Food Insecurity".

India has cited its food support to countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on "Famine and Conflict-Induced Global Food Insecurity". Speaking at the meet which took place under the US chairmanship of the body, Indian ambassador to UN Ruchira Kamboj highlighte, "even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, India provided food aid in the form of thousands of metric tonnes of wheat, rice, pulses, and lentils to several countries, including in our neighbourhood and Africa, to strengthen food security". Highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, Ambassador Kamboj pointed to India's decision to donate 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the Afghan people. Similarly, New Delhi continued its humanitarian support to Myanmar, offering a grant of 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat. Additionally, Sri Lanka received essential food assistance from India during its difficult times. According to UN estimates, 362 million people in 62 countries require humanitarian aid which is a record high. The Covid pandemic, followed by Russia-Ukraine conflict, has put increased the prices of food, fuel and fertiliser prices which has especially pinched the global south. The Indian ambassador also explained that New Delhi supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in continuing the Black Sea Grain Initiative and hoped for an "early resolution to the present impasse". But expressed concerns that "recent developments in this matter have not helped in securing the larger cause of peace and stability." Black Sea Grain Initiative allows for commercial food and fertiliser (including ammonia) exports from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea – Odesa, Chornomorsk, Yuzhny/Pivdennyi. The deal was an agreement between Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey and facilitated by the UN. The ambassador mentioned how India will be "leveraging" its Presidency of the G20 to advocate for "greater efforts to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, including SDG 2 calling for zero hunger." India is the chair of the G20 grouping and will hold the summit in September. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India cites food support to Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka at UNSC meet

North Korea has finally responded to the United Nations command of American Soldier Travis King. Travis sprinted into North Korea while on a tour to the demilitarized zone last month and there has been silence from Pyongyang since he is believed to have been detained by authorities. According to the United Nations command Pyongyang, the military responded to their efforts regarding private King. Keep watching to know more.

US investigating King's motive for defection

The United Nations has begun work on the oil tanker in the red sea. For years the crises battered country feared a ticking ecological bomb, one that was decaying off its coast. A high-stakes operation is underway to remove over a million barrels of oil from the safer tanker. Ghadi Francis gets you more.

UN begins oil transfer from Yemen tanker

A United Nations spokesman said on Thursday (July 27) that UN operations have been suspended in Niger due to a coup. The number of people who need humanitarian assistance in Niger has now dramatically risen from 1.7 million in 2017 to 4.3 million in 2023, as per numbers with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Moreover, the number of people suffering from severe food insecurity is expected to reach three million during the lean season (June to August), before the next harvest, it said.

OCHA "is telling us that humanitarian operations are currently on hold, given the situation," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Chief of Niger's armed forces on Thursday declared his support for troops who said that they had overthrown the government, in spite of President Mohamed Bazoum's defiant stand.

The 63-year-old is one of a dwindling group of elected presidents and pro-Western leaders in the Sahel, where since 2020 a rampaging jihadist insurgency has triggered coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Niger is struggling with two jihadist campaigns. One of them in the southwest that swept Mali in 2015. The other is in the southeast which involves jihadists from northeastern Nigeria.

The nation of 22 million is two-thirds desert and frequently ranks at the bottom of the UN's Human Development Index, a benchmark of prosperity.

<h2>Development in Niger hinder UN in Mali</h2>

United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday that Niger coup may have a negative impact on UN peacekeepers withdrawing their decade-long peacekeeping operation in neighbouring Mali.

The UN Security Council last month ended the mission in Mali after the West African country's military junta abruptly asked the 13,000-strong force to leave - a move the United States said was engineered by Russia's Wagner mercenary group.

Chad has contributed 1400 troops in Mali mission, most by any participating nation. But coup in Niger may now make it difficult for them to return home. he Security Council has asked the peacekeeping mission to aim to complete its withdrawal by the end of this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A United Nations spokesman said on Thursday (July 27) that UN operations have been suspended in Niger due to a coup. The number of people who need humanitarian assistance in Niger has now dramatically risen from 1.

A United Nations spokesman said on Thursday (July 27) that UN operations have been suspended in Niger due to a coup. The number of people who need humanitarian assistance in Niger has now dramatically risen from 1.7 million in 2017 to 4.3 million in 2023, as per numbers with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Moreover, the number of people suffering from severe food insecurity is expected to reach three million during the lean season (June to August), before the next harvest, it said. OCHA "is telling us that humanitarian operations are currently on hold, given the situation," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Chief of Niger's armed forces on Thursday declared his support for troops who said that they had overthrown the government, in spite of President Mohamed Bazoum's defiant stand. The 63-year-old is one of a dwindling group of elected presidents and pro-Western leaders in the Sahel, where since 2020 a rampaging jihadist insurgency has triggered coups in Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger is struggling with two jihadist campaigns. One of them in the southwest that swept Mali in 2015. The other is in the southeast which involves jihadists from northeastern Nigeria. The nation of 22 million is two-thirds desert and frequently ranks at the bottom of the UN's Human Development Index, a benchmark of prosperity. Development in Niger hinder UN in Mali United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday that Niger coup may have a negative impact on UN peacekeepers withdrawing their decade-long peacekeeping operation in neighbouring Mali. The UN Security Council last month ended the mission in Mali after the West African country's military junta abruptly asked the 13,000-strong force to leave - a move the United States said was engineered by Russia's Wagner mercenary group. Chad has contributed 1400 troops in Mali mission, most by any participating nation. But coup in Niger may now make it difficult for them to return home. he Security Council has asked the peacekeeping mission to aim to complete its withdrawal by the end of this year. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Niger: UN humanitarian operations are 'on hold', says spokesperson

In its bid to prevent a disastrous spill, the United Nations on Tuesday released a statement saying that it had commenced the process of transferring one million barrels of oil from a super-tanker, that was rusting, off the war-torn country Yemen.

"The United Nations has begun an operation to defuse what might be the world's largest ticking time bomb," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.&nbsp;

"A complex maritime salvage effort is now underway in the Red Sea off the coast of war-torn Yemen to transfer one million barrels of oil from the decaying FSO Safer to a replacement vessel."&nbsp;

Taking to social media, the United Nations resident coordinator for Yemen, David Gressly, said that the transfer of 1.14 million barrels of Marib light crude from the 47-year-old FSO Safer to the new vessel will most likely take "less than three weeks".

<h2>Success is far from certain, say experts</h2>

According to experts, factors like soaring temperatures, old pipelines and sea mines loitering in surrounding waters, pose a grave threat to the success of the operation.

"Because it is the start of the emergency phase of the project to remove the oil, we need to be very cautious," Sarah Bel, spokeswoman for the UN Development Programme, told reporters in Geneva.

The United Nations hopes that the operation, worth &nbsp;$143 million, will obliterate the risk of an environmental tragedy, that if occurs, will on an estimate cost $20 billion to clean up.&nbsp;

Considering the Safer's position in the Red Sea, a spill would also cost billions of dollars per day as it would cause shipping disruptions through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to the Suez Canal, and would also destroy ecosystems, coastal fishing communities and lifeline ports.&nbsp;

The Safer, which is a floating storage and offloading facility, has been tied up around 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the port of Hodeida since the 1980s.&nbsp;

The storage has not been serviced since the war broke out, which happened nearly eight years ago between Yemen's Huthi rebels, who regulate the capital Sanaa and the waters where the Safer is placed, and a Saudi-led alliance supporting the internationally recognised government based in the southern Yemeni city of Aden.&nbsp;

The rusting tanker is holding four times as much oil as was spilled in the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-that-killed-one-in-uae-619232">Explained | What is Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus infection detected in a UAE man?</a>

<h2>Even if the transfer succeeds, Safer will still pose a threat, warns UN</h2>

For years now, a scaffolding crew of workers on the ship, which at any given time were merely around seven or eight, were the ones who made efforts to prevent any kind of leakage or on-board detonation that would send a thin slick of oil across the Red Sea.&nbsp;

In the month of March, the United Nations bought a replacement vessel, dubbed Nautica, with an aim to get the oil out of Safer.

Experts from the private company SMIT Salvage were called two months later to analyse if the Safer could resist the transfer operation.&nbsp;

Last week, the United Nations engaged in a symbolic handover of the Nautica to "the people of Yemen", though the shipping company Euronav will continue to assist it on the UN's behalf for at least six months.&nbsp;

The United Nations also released a warning saying that even if the transfer successfully takes place, the Safer "will pose a residual environmental threat, holding viscous oil residue and remaining at risk of breaking apart."

Disputes are also expected over the ownership of the oil and the Nautica.

But as per some people, the Safer crisis is a positive sign.

"I hope it will be the beginning of the peace process," news agency AFP quotes Fathi Fahem, the Yemeni business leader who first put forward the idea of a replacement vessel for the Safer two years ago, as saying.

In what United Nations calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, thousands of people have lost their lives in the battle in Yemen or from factors such as lack of food and water.

Yet clashes between the Iran-backed Huthis and the Saudi-led coalition have reduced sharply since a UN-brokered truce began in April last year, even though it lapsed in October.&nbsp;

UN's Gressly said in a conversation with news agency AFP that the collaboration over the Safer could help pave the way for an enduring ceasefire between Yemen's clashing parties.&nbsp;

"Any time that you have an initiative, a project, where all parties need to cooperate, it's a positive sign that can be used and built upon," AFP quoted UN's Gressly as saying.&nbsp;

"But there's much work to be done to achieve peace here, many issues still outstanding. This issue by itself won't solve those."

(With inputs from agencies) 
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In its bid to prevent a disastrous spill, the United Nations on Tuesday released a statement saying that it had commenced the process of transferring one million barrels of oil from a super-tanker, that was rusting, off the war-torn country Yemen.

In its bid to prevent a disastrous spill, the United Nations on Tuesday released a statement saying that it had commenced the process of transferring one million barrels of oil from a super-tanker, that was rusting, off the war-torn country Yemen. "The United Nations has begun an operation to defuse what might be the world's largest ticking time bomb," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. "A complex maritime salvage effort is now underway in the Red Sea off the coast of war-torn Yemen to transfer one million barrels of oil from the decaying FSO Safer to a replacement vessel." Taking to social media, the United Nations resident coordinator for Yemen, David Gressly, said that the transfer of 1.14 million barrels of Marib light crude from the 47-year-old FSO Safer to the new vessel will most likely take "less than three weeks". Success is far from certain, say experts According to experts, factors like soaring temperatures, old pipelines and sea mines loitering in surrounding waters, pose a grave threat to the success of the operation. "Because it is the start of the emergency phase of the project to remove the oil, we need to be very cautious," Sarah Bel, spokeswoman for the UN Development Programme, told reporters in Geneva. The United Nations hopes that the operation, worth $143 million, will obliterate the risk of an environmental tragedy, that if occurs, will on an estimate cost $20 billion to clean up. Considering the Safer's position in the Red Sea, a spill would also cost billions of dollars per day as it would cause shipping disruptions through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to the Suez Canal, and would also destroy ecosystems, coastal fishing communities and lifeline ports. The Safer, which is a floating storage and offloading facility, has been tied up around 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the port of Hodeida since the 1980s. The storage has not been serviced since the war broke out, which happened nearly eight years ago between Yemen's Huthi rebels, who regulate the capital Sanaa and the waters where the Safer is placed, and a Saudi-led alliance supporting the internationally recognised government based in the southern Yemeni city of Aden. The rusting tanker is holding four times as much oil as was spilled in the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska. Also read: Explained | What is Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus infection detected in a UAE man? Even if the transfer succeeds, Safer will still pose a threat, warns UN For years now, a scaffolding crew of workers on the ship, which at any given time were merely around seven or eight, were the ones who made efforts to prevent any kind of leakage or on-board detonation that would send a thin slick of oil across the Red Sea. In the month of March, the United Nations bought a replacement vessel, dubbed Nautica, with an aim to get the oil out of Safer. Experts from the private company SMIT Salvage were called two months later to analyse if the Safer could resist the transfer operation. Last week, the United Nations engaged in a symbolic handover of the Nautica to "the people of Yemen", though the shipping company Euronav will continue to assist it on the UN's behalf for at least six months. The United Nations also released a warning saying that even if the transfer successfully takes place, the Safer "will pose a residual environmental threat, holding viscous oil residue and remaining at risk of breaking apart." Disputes are also expected over the ownership of the oil and the Nautica. But as per some people, the Safer crisis is a positive sign. "I hope it will be the beginning of the peace process," news agency AFP quotes Fathi Fahem, the Yemeni business leader who first put forward the idea of a replacement vessel for the Safer two years ago, as saying. In what United Nations calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, thousands of people have lost their lives in the battle in Yemen or from factors such as lack of food and water. Yet clashes between the Iran-backed Huthis and the Saudi-led coalition have reduced sharply since a UN-brokered truce began in April last year, even though it lapsed in October. UN's Gressly said in a conversation with news agency AFP that the collaboration over the Safer could help pave the way for an enduring ceasefire between Yemen's clashing parties. "Any time that you have an initiative, a project, where all parties need to cooperate, it's a positive sign that can be used and built upon," AFP quoted UN's Gressly as saying. "But there's much work to be done to achieve peace here, many issues still outstanding. This issue by itself won't solve those." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Race against time to prevent oil tanker ecological catastrophe

The devastating war in Sudan between the Army and the rapid support forces has reached its hundredth day. The mediation attempts by Regional and International Powers has failed to find a path out of an increasingly uncontrollable conflict in Sudan.

Sudan conflict enters 100th day: No end to havoc in Khartoum & ethnic violence in Darfur | WION

The United Nations Security Council held its first meeting on artificial intelligence (AI) risks on Tuesday (July 18). During the meeting, China said that artificial intelligence should not become a "runaway horse". The US meanwhile, underlined that AI should not be used to censor or repress people. The UNSC meet was chaired by Britain's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. He said that AI will "fundamentally alter every aspect of human life."

"We urgently need to shape the global governance of transformative technologies because AI knows no borders," Cleverly added after saying that AI could help address climate change and boost economies. But he also warned that the technology fuels disinformation and could aid both state and non-state actors in&nbsp;quest for weapons.

The 15-member council was briefed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres along with Jack Clark, co-founder of hi-profile AI startup Anthropic, and Professor Zeng Yi, co-director of the China-UK Research Center for AI Ethics and Governance.

Watch | The great AI threat to jobs: Artificial Intelligence versus jobs

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"Both military and non-military applications of AI could have very serious consequences for global peace and security," Guterres said.

Guterres supported calls by some countries for a United Nations body "to support collective efforts to govern this extraordinary technology," modeled on the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization, or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

<h2>China supports UN's central role</h2>

Zhang Jun, China UN Ambassador described AI as a "double-edged sword". He said that Beijing supports a central co-ordinating role of the United Nations when it comes to establishing guiding principles for AI.

"Whether it is good or bad, good or evil, depends on how mankind utilizes it, regulates it and how we balance scientific development with security," Zhang said, adding that there should be a focus on people and AI for good to regulate development and to "prevent this technology from becoming a runaway horse."

Jeffrey Deaurentis, Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, said that there was a need for countries to work together on AI and other emerging tech to curb risks threatening to undermine peace and security.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/artificial-intelligence-confronting-challenges-in-cybersecurity-614139">Artificial Intelligence: Confronting challenges in cybersecurity</a>

Artificial intelligence has long been a reality but it became a buzzword in November last year after launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT, the generative AI chatbot that can answer queries, write poetry and even write complex computer codes. ChatGPT has been a hit and brought the discussion over AI to the forefront in tech as well as political world. After ChatGPT's success, tech companies worldover have jumped the AI bandwagon and have associated themselves with the development of their own AI.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations Security Council held its first meeting on artificial intelligence (AI) risks on Tuesday (July 18). During the meeting, China said that artificial intelligence should not become a "runaway horse".

The United Nations Security Council held its first meeting on artificial intelligence (AI) risks on Tuesday (July 18). During the meeting, China said that artificial intelligence should not become a "runaway horse". The US meanwhile, underlined that AI should not be used to censor or repress people. The UNSC meet was chaired by Britain's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. He said that AI will "fundamentally alter every aspect of human life." "We urgently need to shape the global governance of transformative technologies because AI knows no borders," Cleverly added after saying that AI could help address climate change and boost economies. But he also warned that the technology fuels disinformation and could aid both state and non-state actors in quest for weapons. The 15-member council was briefed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres along with Jack Clark, co-founder of hi-profile AI startup Anthropic, and Professor Zeng Yi, co-director of the China-UK Research Center for AI Ethics and Governance. Watch | The great AI threat to jobs: Artificial Intelligence versus jobs × "Both military and non-military applications of AI could have very serious consequences for global peace and security," Guterres said. Guterres supported calls by some countries for a United Nations body "to support collective efforts to govern this extraordinary technology," modeled on the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization, or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. China supports UN's central role Zhang Jun, China UN Ambassador described AI as a "double-edged sword". He said that Beijing supports a central co-ordinating role of the United Nations when it comes to establishing guiding principles for AI. "Whether it is good or bad, good or evil, depends on how mankind utilizes it, regulates it and how we balance scientific development with security," Zhang said, adding that there should be a focus on people and AI for good to regulate development and to "prevent this technology from becoming a runaway horse." Jeffrey Deaurentis, Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, said that there was a need for countries to work together on AI and other emerging tech to curb risks threatening to undermine peace and security. Also Read | Artificial Intelligence: Confronting challenges in cybersecurity Artificial intelligence has long been a reality but it became a buzzword in November last year after launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT, the generative AI chatbot that can answer queries, write poetry and even write complex computer codes. ChatGPT has been a hit and brought the discussion over AI to the forefront in tech as well as political world. After ChatGPT's success, tech companies worldover have jumped the AI bandwagon and have associated themselves with the development of their own AI. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

At first UNSC meeting on AI, warnings issued on risks, serious consequences for peace, security

The UN agency, the World Food Programme (WFP), will not be able to feed 100,000 Haitians this month due to a lack of resources to address the country's growing humanitarian needs. The WFP declared on Monday that Haitians suffering from severe malnutrition will have to cope without essential food and financial support during the worst food crisis the nation has ever experienced.

Unable to feed 100,000 Haitians this month: United Nations

The United Nations has slammed Britain's illegal migration bill just when it got parliamentary assent on Tuesday (July 18). In a sharp reaction,&nbsp;the UN has said that the bill, which awaits formality of the 'royal assent' to become a law, is against London's obligations under international law. In a joint statement, the UN refugee and human rights chiefs said that the bill "is at variance with the country's obligations under international human rights and refugee law and will have profound consequences for people in need of international protection."

The controversial bill seeks to stop thousands of migrants arriving on British shores in small boats. The bill has cleared its last parliamentary hurdle. The members of the House of Lords, the unelected upper house defeated a string of challenges to the government's Illegal Migration Bill.

The bill is central to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to "stop the boats".

"This new legislation significantly erodes the legal framework that has protected so many, exposing refugees to grave risks in breach of international law," said&nbsp;UN refugees head Filippo Grandi.

"I urge the UK government to renew this commitment to human rights by reversing this law and ensuring that the rights of all migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers are respected, protected and fulfilled, without discrimination," said UN human rights chief Volker Turk.

The bill, when it becomes a law will mean that anyone arriving by boat will be denied the right to apply for asylum in the UK. As the parliament has passed the bill, it will now await the formality of the "royal assent" from King Charles III.

<h2>Transfer to 'safe' country Rwanda</h2>

The legislation provides for measures which are seen as a deterrent to migrants. The bill says that all irregular arrivals may be transferred to 'safe'&nbsp;third countries such as Rwanda. This means that a migrant, who may not be from Rwanda, can potentially be transferred there.

In 2022, more than 45,000 migrants arrived on the shores of southeast England in small boats. This was a 60 per cent annual increase in the influx of migrants. The sea route is perilous and has been used by more people since 2018.

Recently, three Court of Appeal judges in the UK ruled that Rwanda cannot be considered a safe third country. The UK government said last month that it would appeal the judgment.

PM Sunak has said he respects&nbsp;the court but "fundamentally" disagrees&nbsp;with the conclusions drawn by the judges.

Till now, no deportation flights to Rwanda have taken place.

Rights groups accuse Rwanda -- ruled with an iron fist by President Paul Kagame since the end of the 1994 genocide that killed around 800,000 people -- of cracking down on free speech and opposition.

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The United Nations has slammed Britain's illegal migration bill just when it got parliamentary assent on Tuesday (July 18). In a sharp reaction, the UN has said that the bill, which awaits formality of the 'royal assent' to become a law, is against London's obligations under international law.

The United Nations has slammed Britain's illegal migration bill just when it got parliamentary assent on Tuesday (July 18). In a sharp reaction, the UN has said that the bill, which awaits formality of the 'royal assent' to become a law, is against London's obligations under international law. In a joint statement, the UN refugee and human rights chiefs said that the bill "is at variance with the country's obligations under international human rights and refugee law and will have profound consequences for people in need of international protection." The controversial bill seeks to stop thousands of migrants arriving on British shores in small boats. The bill has cleared its last parliamentary hurdle. The members of the House of Lords, the unelected upper house defeated a string of challenges to the government's Illegal Migration Bill. The bill is central to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to "stop the boats". "This new legislation significantly erodes the legal framework that has protected so many, exposing refugees to grave risks in breach of international law," said UN refugees head Filippo Grandi. "I urge the UK government to renew this commitment to human rights by reversing this law and ensuring that the rights of all migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers are respected, protected and fulfilled, without discrimination," said UN human rights chief Volker Turk. The bill, when it becomes a law will mean that anyone arriving by boat will be denied the right to apply for asylum in the UK. As the parliament has passed the bill, it will now await the formality of the "royal assent" from King Charles III. Transfer to 'safe' country Rwanda The legislation provides for measures which are seen as a deterrent to migrants. The bill says that all irregular arrivals may be transferred to 'safe' third countries such as Rwanda. This means that a migrant, who may not be from Rwanda, can potentially be transferred there. In 2022, more than 45,000 migrants arrived on the shores of southeast England in small boats. This was a 60 per cent annual increase in the influx of migrants. The sea route is perilous and has been used by more people since 2018. Recently, three Court of Appeal judges in the UK ruled that Rwanda cannot be considered a safe third country. The UK government said last month that it would appeal the judgment. PM Sunak has said he respects the court but "fundamentally" disagrees with the conclusions drawn by the judges. Till now, no deportation flights to Rwanda have taken place. Rights groups accuse Rwanda -- ruled with an iron fist by President Paul Kagame since the end of the 1994 genocide that killed around 800,000 people -- of cracking down on free speech and opposition. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

As UK passes illegal migration bill, UN says it is against international law

USAID chief Samantha Power on Monday (July 17) announced more than USD 500 million in humanitarian assistance as she visited Ukraine. According to the United Nations, about 17 million people are in need of help following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Power made an announcement about the humanitarian assistance at the State Emergency Services headquarters in Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers on both sides have been killed. Millions have fled their home.

The latest aid from USAID will be provided through the United Nations and other non-governmental organisation partners. The aid will support and give relief to those who have been displaced or have been otherwise affected by the war. It will provide them with emergency food assistance, healthcare and safe drinking water.

USAID Administrator Power was shown equipment provided to Ukraine's State Emergency Services by Washington and met Ukraine's famous mine-sniffing dog, Patron.

Watch | Russia pulls out of landmark grain deal after Crimea attack | In-Depth Analysis

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Power also said that she handed over an additional USD 2.3 million worth of equipment for the repair of Ukraine's critical infrastructure damaged due to constant battering from Russia.

"We see what is happening in Ukraine. Russia continues to burn and Ukraine continues to build. It is our privilege ... to support our Ukrainian partners as they do that building," Power said.

<h2>"A reckless decision"</h2>

Power also expressed "grave dismay" with Russia's decision to suspend its participation in a pact that has allowed the&nbsp;export of grain from Ukraine for the past year in a deal that aimed to alleviate a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain blocked by the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be exported safely.

"This is a reckless decision that will have profound human consequences, and it's just another example of Russian callousness and disregard for human lives and livelihoods, not only here in Ukraine but all around the world," Power said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-will-establish-peace-in-ukraine-within-24-hours-of-coming-to-power-616620">Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power</a>

According to the United Nations, over 9,000 civilians have been killed and 16,000 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine. The agency data says that there are nearly six&nbsp;million Ukrainian refugees across Europe.

Monday's announcement took the total value of humanitarian assistance by the US in Ukraine to USD 2.6 billion. This includes more than USD 1.9 billion through USAID.

During her visit to Ukraine, Power will meet with government officials as well as farmers, energy workers and emergency response teams, among others, and will also visit USAID partners who deliver assistance, the agency said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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USAID chief Samantha Power on Monday (July 17) announced more than USD 500 million in humanitarian assistance as she visited Ukraine. According to the United Nations, about 17 million people are in need of help following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

USAID chief Samantha Power on Monday (July 17) announced more than USD 500 million in humanitarian assistance as she visited Ukraine. According to the United Nations, about 17 million people are in need of help following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Power made an announcement about the humanitarian assistance at the State Emergency Services headquarters in Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers on both sides have been killed. Millions have fled their home. The latest aid from USAID will be provided through the United Nations and other non-governmental organisation partners. The aid will support and give relief to those who have been displaced or have been otherwise affected by the war. It will provide them with emergency food assistance, healthcare and safe drinking water. USAID Administrator Power was shown equipment provided to Ukraine's State Emergency Services by Washington and met Ukraine's famous mine-sniffing dog, Patron. Watch | Russia pulls out of landmark grain deal after Crimea attack | In-Depth Analysis × Power also said that she handed over an additional USD 2.3 million worth of equipment for the repair of Ukraine's critical infrastructure damaged due to constant battering from Russia. "We see what is happening in Ukraine. Russia continues to burn and Ukraine continues to build. It is our privilege ... to support our Ukrainian partners as they do that building," Power said. "A reckless decision" Power also expressed "grave dismay" with Russia's decision to suspend its participation in a pact that has allowed the export of grain from Ukraine for the past year in a deal that aimed to alleviate a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain blocked by the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be exported safely. "This is a reckless decision that will have profound human consequences, and it's just another example of Russian callousness and disregard for human lives and livelihoods, not only here in Ukraine but all around the world," Power said. Also Read | Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power According to the United Nations, over 9,000 civilians have been killed and 16,000 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine. The agency data says that there are nearly six million Ukrainian refugees across Europe. Monday's announcement took the total value of humanitarian assistance by the US in Ukraine to USD 2.6 billion. This includes more than USD 1.9 billion through USAID. During her visit to Ukraine, Power will meet with government officials as well as farmers, energy workers and emergency response teams, among others, and will also visit USAID partners who deliver assistance, the agency said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

USAID chief unveils more than $500 million aid during Ukraine visit

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, on Monday, said that the country contributed USD 1,000,000 as a part of an initiative to promote the usage of the Hindi language in the global organisation. The move was also taken to encourage inclusive dialogue and understanding of the language.

Kamboj handed over the cheque of USD 1 million to Under Secretary General of the United Nations Department of Global Communications Melissa Fleming.

"Investing in linguistic inclusivity! PR @ruchirakamboj handed a cheque of $1,000,000 to USG @MelissaFleming towards expanding the usage of #Hindi in @UN. With the Hindi@UN project, we are breaking barriers &amp; enhancing public outreach," the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations said in a tweet.

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Investing in linguistic inclusivity! 
 
PR <a href="https://twitter.com/ruchirakamboj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ruchirakamboj</a> handed a cheque of $1,000,000 to USG <a href="https://twitter.com/MelissaFleming?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MelissaFleming</a> towards expanding the usage of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hindi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hindi</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a>. With the Hindi@UN project, we are breaking barriers &amp; enhancing public outreach. 
 
📖: <a href="https://t.co/vEiwhnPg5V">https://t.co/vEiwhnPg5V</a><a href="https://twitter.com/UNinHindi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNinHindi</a> <a href="https://t.co/yk22GS4BAn">pic.twitter.com/yk22GS4BAn</a>
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNNewYork/status/1680869868642480128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

“The Indian Government is delighted to make a substantial voluntary contribution to the @UN, with a focus on promoting the usage of Hindi. A step towards fostering inclusive dialogue and understanding,” Kamboj tweeted.

“Efforts of the United Nations to mainstream and consolidate news and multimedia content in the Hindi language have been appreciated in India and in countries where a Hindi-speaking population resides,” she said in a statement.

She further added that the Indian government will continue to promote the use of the Hindi language in the United Nations.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-man-dies-after-following-youtube-videos-suggestions-to-cure-toothache-616665">India: Man dies after following a quick fix for toothache he saw on YouTube</a>

"Government of India will continue to promote the use of the Hindi language in the United Nations and for this purpose, we are pleased to partner with the United Nations,” she said.

As per a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of India, the amount was given to the UN “towards the expansion of usage of the Hindi language in the United Nations”.

Hindi@UN project, in collaboration with the UN Department of Public Information of the UN, was launched in 2018, with the objective to enhance the public outreach of the United Nations in the Hindi language, and to spread greater awareness about global issues among millions of Hindi-speaking people around the world.

With 50,000 current followers on Twitter, 29,000 on Instagram and 15,000 on Facebook, UN Hindi social media accounts publish nearly 1,000 posts every year. The Hindi UN News website with 1.3 million annual impressions remains in the top ten in internet search engines, according to the press release.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, on Monday, said that the country contributed USD 1,000,000 as a part of an initiative to promote the usage of the Hindi language in the global organisation.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, on Monday, said that the country contributed USD 1,000,000 as a part of an initiative to promote the usage of the Hindi language in the global organisation. The move was also taken to encourage inclusive dialogue and understanding of the language. Kamboj handed over the cheque of USD 1 million to Under Secretary General of the United Nations Department of Global Communications Melissa Fleming. "Investing in linguistic inclusivity! PR @ruchirakamboj handed a cheque of $1,000,000 to USG @MelissaFleming towards expanding the usage of #Hindi in @UN. With the Hindi@UN project, we are breaking barriers & enhancing public outreach," the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations said in a tweet. Investing in linguistic inclusivity! PR @ruchirakamboj handed a cheque of $1,000,000 to USG @MelissaFleming towards expanding the usage of #Hindi in @UN. With the Hindi@UN project, we are breaking barriers & enhancing public outreach. 📖: https://t.co/vEiwhnPg5V@UNinHindi pic.twitter.com/yk22GS4BAn — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) July 17, 2023 × “The Indian Government is delighted to make a substantial voluntary contribution to the @UN, with a focus on promoting the usage of Hindi. A step towards fostering inclusive dialogue and understanding,” Kamboj tweeted. “Efforts of the United Nations to mainstream and consolidate news and multimedia content in the Hindi language have been appreciated in India and in countries where a Hindi-speaking population resides,” she said in a statement. She further added that the Indian government will continue to promote the use of the Hindi language in the United Nations. Also read: India: Man dies after following a quick fix for toothache he saw on YouTube "Government of India will continue to promote the use of the Hindi language in the United Nations and for this purpose, we are pleased to partner with the United Nations,” she said. As per a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of India, the amount was given to the UN “towards the expansion of usage of the Hindi language in the United Nations”. Hindi@UN project, in collaboration with the UN Department of Public Information of the UN, was launched in 2018, with the objective to enhance the public outreach of the United Nations in the Hindi language, and to spread greater awareness about global issues among millions of Hindi-speaking people around the world. With 50,000 current followers on Twitter, 29,000 on Instagram and 15,000 on Facebook, UN Hindi social media accounts publish nearly 1,000 posts every year. The Hindi UN News website with 1.3 million annual impressions remains in the top ten in internet search engines, according to the press release. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India makes voluntary contribution of $1 million to United Nations for promoting use of Hindi language

About 735 million people worldwide faced chronic hunger in 2022, a figure much higher than before the pandemic and which threatens progress towards a global goal to end hunger by 2030, the United Nations said. Take a look.

World off-track to meet 2030 goal of ending hunger: UN

The United Nations human rights office said on Thursday (July 13) that at least 87 people, which include ethnic Masalits, were buried in a mass grave in Sudan's West Darfur. The UN said that it had credible information that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were responsible.&nbsp;

The UN statement said that local people were forced to dispose of the bodies which included those of women and children in an open area which was close to the town of western El-Geneina between June 20-21.

The statement also said that some of the people had died from untreated injuries which were inflicted during a wave of violence by the RSF and militia allied to them. The violence had taken place following the killing of local governor Khamis Abbakar.

"I condemn in the strongest terms the killing of civilians and hors de combat individuals, and I am further appalled by the callous and disrespectful way the dead, along with their families and communities, were treated," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in the same statement.

Turk called for a prompt and thorough investigation.

Reuters said that it was not clear how many Masalits were among the dead. Sudan has seen rise in ethnically motivated bloodshed in recent weeks in step with war between rival military factions. The war started in April.

<h2>Fresh mediation from Egypt</h2>

Meanwhile, Egypt was attempting to freshly mediate between Sudan's warring factions by hosting a regional summit on Thursday. The effort is latest in international attempts to prevent outbreak of civil war.

In Sudan violence, more than 1000 civilians have been killed till now and 3 million people have been displaced according to figures from United Nations.

The fighting between the army and paramilitary forces broke out in April. It has since then spread westward to the fragile Darfur and Kordofan regions.

A series of ceasefires have been negotiated by the US and Saudi Arabia. But the talks have remained suspended after violations.&nbsp;

Egypt historically has close ties with the Sudanese army. It has invited Sudan's neighbours to the Thursday summit.

The aims of the summit are to stave off foreign interference and influence in the fighting, two Egyptian security sources said, and to ultimately launch a process to achieve a peaceful agreement to stop the fighting.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations human rights office said on Thursday (July 13) that at least 87 people, which include ethnic Masalits, were buried in a mass grave in Sudan's West Darfur.

The United Nations human rights office said on Thursday (July 13) that at least 87 people, which include ethnic Masalits, were buried in a mass grave in Sudan's West Darfur. The UN said that it had credible information that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were responsible. The UN statement said that local people were forced to dispose of the bodies which included those of women and children in an open area which was close to the town of western El-Geneina between June 20-21. The statement also said that some of the people had died from untreated injuries which were inflicted during a wave of violence by the RSF and militia allied to them. The violence had taken place following the killing of local governor Khamis Abbakar. "I condemn in the strongest terms the killing of civilians and hors de combat individuals, and I am further appalled by the callous and disrespectful way the dead, along with their families and communities, were treated," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in the same statement. Turk called for a prompt and thorough investigation. Reuters said that it was not clear how many Masalits were among the dead. Sudan has seen rise in ethnically motivated bloodshed in recent weeks in step with war between rival military factions. The war started in April. Fresh mediation from Egypt Meanwhile, Egypt was attempting to freshly mediate between Sudan's warring factions by hosting a regional summit on Thursday. The effort is latest in international attempts to prevent outbreak of civil war. In Sudan violence, more than 1000 civilians have been killed till now and 3 million people have been displaced according to figures from United Nations. The fighting between the army and paramilitary forces broke out in April. It has since then spread westward to the fragile Darfur and Kordofan regions. A series of ceasefires have been negotiated by the US and Saudi Arabia. But the talks have remained suspended after violations. Egypt historically has close ties with the Sudanese army. It has invited Sudan's neighbours to the Thursday summit. The aims of the summit are to stave off foreign interference and influence in the fighting, two Egyptian security sources said, and to ultimately launch a process to achieve a peaceful agreement to stop the fighting. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

At least 87, including ethnic Masalits, buried in mass grave in Sudan's Darfur, says UN

The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday (July 4) declared the onset of the El Nino weather phenomenon. The agency has said that El Nino, which triggers higher temperatures across the world, will continue throughout 2023. The UN has said that the phenomenon will be "at least of moderate strength". El Nino, the weather pattern, occurs naturally and is mostly associated with increased heat globally as well as drought in some parts of the world. In some other parts, it causes heavy rains.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on June 8 that El Nino had arrived. NOAA said that El Nino "could lead to new records for temperatures".

Watch | Explainer: the high cost of El Nino in 2023

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NOAA feeds information into the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The WMO, on its part, declared the onset of El Nino conditions on Tuesday. It said that there was a 90 per cent probability that the phenomenon will continue during the second half of 2023.

<h2>Record-breaking temperatures likely</h2>

"It is expected to be at least of moderate strength," the WMO said, noting that El Nino's effect on global temperatures is usually felt most strongly within a year of its onset -- in this case in 2024.

"The onset of El Nino will greatly increase the likelihood of breaking temperature records and triggering more extreme heat in many parts of the world and in the ocean," said WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas.

The world has been affected by an exceptionally long La Nina since 2020. It is El Nino's cooling opposite. La Nina ended earlier this year.

And yet, the UN has said the last eight years were the warmest ever recorded, despite La Nina's cooling effect stretching over nearly half that period.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fierce-heat-of-el-nino-may-be-carrying-risk-of-resurgent-deadly-viruses-608252">Fierce heat of El Nino may be carrying risk of resurgent deadly viruses, warns WHO</a>

Without that weather phenomenon, the warming could have been even worse.

"The declaration of an El Nino by WMO is the signal to governments around the world to mobilise preparations to limit the impacts on our health, our ecosystems and our economies," said Taalas.

"Early warnings and anticipatory action of extreme weather events associated with this major climate phenomenon are vital to save lives and livelihoods."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday (July 4) declared the onset of the El Nino weather phenomenon. The agency has said that El Nino, which triggers higher temperatures across the world, will continue throughout 2023.

The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday (July 4) declared the onset of the El Nino weather phenomenon. The agency has said that El Nino, which triggers higher temperatures across the world, will continue throughout 2023. The UN has said that the phenomenon will be "at least of moderate strength". El Nino, the weather pattern, occurs naturally and is mostly associated with increased heat globally as well as drought in some parts of the world. In some other parts, it causes heavy rains. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on June 8 that El Nino had arrived. NOAA said that El Nino "could lead to new records for temperatures". Watch | Explainer: the high cost of El Nino in 2023 × NOAA feeds information into the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO, on its part, declared the onset of El Nino conditions on Tuesday. It said that there was a 90 per cent probability that the phenomenon will continue during the second half of 2023. Record-breaking temperatures likely "It is expected to be at least of moderate strength," the WMO said, noting that El Nino's effect on global temperatures is usually felt most strongly within a year of its onset -- in this case in 2024. "The onset of El Nino will greatly increase the likelihood of breaking temperature records and triggering more extreme heat in many parts of the world and in the ocean," said WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas. The world has been affected by an exceptionally long La Nina since 2020. It is El Nino's cooling opposite. La Nina ended earlier this year. And yet, the UN has said the last eight years were the warmest ever recorded, despite La Nina's cooling effect stretching over nearly half that period. Also Read | Fierce heat of El Nino may be carrying risk of resurgent deadly viruses, warns WHO Without that weather phenomenon, the warming could have been even worse. "The declaration of an El Nino by WMO is the signal to governments around the world to mobilise preparations to limit the impacts on our health, our ecosystems and our economies," said Taalas. "Early warnings and anticipatory action of extreme weather events associated with this major climate phenomenon are vital to save lives and livelihoods." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN declares onset of El Nino, says it'll break temperature records

The United Nations (UN) said on Friday (June 30) that the humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar has plunged to 'alarming levels'. The agency blasted Myanmar's ruling military junta for actively preventing life-saving aid from getting through.&nbsp;

Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup in 2021. The military ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military regime then embarked on a crackdown on opponents. The fighting between the two sides has ravaged many parts of the country.

The military "continues to prioritise its aims over all other considerations", UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a media briefing.

"Myanmar's overall humanitarian and human rights situation has deteriorated to alarming levels, exacerbated by the military's strategy to prevent life-saving humanitarian aid from reaching those who desperately need it," added Shamdasani.

"The military has operated as if those providing aid are helping those opposed to their rule, rather than respecting their need for protection and facilitating their access and assistance to the civilian population in a time of crisis".

Shamdasani said restricting aid needed after Cyclone Mocha in May has brought "further suffering and misery".

Intentional obstruction or denial of humanitarian assistance may amount to gross violations of international human rights law, and serious violations of international humanitarian law.

A report on the Myanmar situation has been produced by UN human rights chief Volker Turk.&nbsp;

Turk is due to present the report to the Human Rights Council on Wednesday.

<h2>The situation in Myanmar</h2>

The military junta has killed and injured thousands of civilians as it destroyed goods and infrastructure necessary for survival. This included food, shelter and medical centres.

In the aftermath of the military coup in Myanmar, an estimated 1.5 million people have been internally displaced. Approximately 60,000 civilian structures have reportedly been burned or destroyed.

More than 17.6 million people are in need of some type of humanitarian assistance. This comes to one-third of the overall population.

"Between February 2021 and April 2023, credible sources verified that at least 3,452 persons have died at the hands of the military and its affiliates," the report says.

Furthermore, "21,807 individuals were arrested, and 5,839 convicted without any respect for judicial guarantees. Additionally, 154 have been sentenced to death and four known to be executed".

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The United Nations (UN) said on Friday (June 30) that the humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar has plunged to 'alarming levels'. The agency blasted Myanmar's ruling military junta for actively preventing life-saving aid from getting through.

The United Nations (UN) said on Friday (June 30) that the humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar has plunged to 'alarming levels'. The agency blasted Myanmar's ruling military junta for actively preventing life-saving aid from getting through. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup in 2021. The military ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military regime then embarked on a crackdown on opponents. The fighting between the two sides has ravaged many parts of the country. The military "continues to prioritise its aims over all other considerations", UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a media briefing. "Myanmar's overall humanitarian and human rights situation has deteriorated to alarming levels, exacerbated by the military's strategy to prevent life-saving humanitarian aid from reaching those who desperately need it," added Shamdasani. "The military has operated as if those providing aid are helping those opposed to their rule, rather than respecting their need for protection and facilitating their access and assistance to the civilian population in a time of crisis". Shamdasani said restricting aid needed after Cyclone Mocha in May has brought "further suffering and misery". Intentional obstruction or denial of humanitarian assistance may amount to gross violations of international human rights law, and serious violations of international humanitarian law. A report on the Myanmar situation has been produced by UN human rights chief Volker Turk. Turk is due to present the report to the Human Rights Council on Wednesday. The situation in Myanmar The military junta has killed and injured thousands of civilians as it destroyed goods and infrastructure necessary for survival. This included food, shelter and medical centres. In the aftermath of the military coup in Myanmar, an estimated 1.5 million people have been internally displaced. Approximately 60,000 civilian structures have reportedly been burned or destroyed. More than 17.6 million people are in need of some type of humanitarian assistance. This comes to one-third of the overall population. "Between February 2021 and April 2023, credible sources verified that at least 3,452 persons have died at the hands of the military and its affiliates," the report says. Furthermore, "21,807 individuals were arrested, and 5,839 convicted without any respect for judicial guarantees. Additionally, 154 have been sentenced to death and four known to be executed". You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Human rights situation in Myanmar is 'alarming', says UN

Canada has been dragged by Iran to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for allegedly breaching the state immunity of Tehran by designating it as a terrorism-sponsoring state, said the UN's top court on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The listing of the Islamic republic as a terror sponsor in 2012, when Canada had severed its diplomatic ties, shut down its Tehran embassy and asked the Iranian diplomats to leave the country, was challenged by Iran.&nbsp;

Iran has accused Canada of “alleged violations of its immunities” through a series of diplomatic, political and legal measures which came after the 2012 terror listing, said the Hague-based tribunal in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-talk-with-mutual-understanding-to-cool-tensions-605322">US, Iran talk with mutual 'understanding' to cool tensions</a>

&nbsp;In its case, which the International Court of Justice announced on Wednesday, Tehran argued that Canada is “obliged to respect the jurisdictional immunity which Iran enjoys under international law" and should not permit civil claims against Iran "for alleged support to, or acts of, terrorism”.

<h2>Breach of international law, alleges Iran&nbsp;</h2>

Iran stated international law has been breached by Canada by court rulings which asked Iranian assets to be given over to victims of attacks, which were blamed on Tehran-sponsored groups. &nbsp;

In a statement, the Hague-based ICJ said that the legal proceedings were launched by Iran against Canada on Tuesday "concerning alleged violations of its immunities" as a sovereign state.

"Canada has adopted and implemented a series of legislative, executive, and judicial measures against Iran and its property in breach of its international obligations," Iran stated in its filing to the court.

<h2>Compensation demanded</h2>

Compensation has been demanded by Iran from Canada for the "violation of its international obligations", and the ICJ has been asked to ask Ottawa to overrule all judgments against Tehran in Canadian courts.

"Iran respectfully requests the Court to adjudge and declare that by failing to respect the immunities of Iran and its property, Canada has violated its international obligations toward Iran," the country added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Iran-US Nuclear deal: Iran pursuing talks with honour, wisdom and good intentions: President Raisi

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Canada did not react immediately to the case filed by Iran. The case filed is similar to the long-running claim of Iran at the &nbsp;ICJ against the United States for freezing billions of dollars in assets to compensate for the terror attacks.

A Canadian judge in 2016 had ordered the non-diplomatic land and bank accounts of Iran in Canada to be given to victims of attacks carried out by Hamas and Hezbollah.

As per reports, $13 million was awarded, as per the judgement, to the families of Americans who were killed in eight bombings or hostage-takings in Buenos Aires, Israel, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia from 1983 to 2002.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Canada has been dragged by Iran to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for allegedly breaching the state immunity of Tehran by designating it as a terrorism-sponsoring state, said the UN's top court on Wednesday.

Canada has been dragged by Iran to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for allegedly breaching the state immunity of Tehran by designating it as a terrorism-sponsoring state, said the UN's top court on Wednesday. The listing of the Islamic republic as a terror sponsor in 2012, when Canada had severed its diplomatic ties, shut down its Tehran embassy and asked the Iranian diplomats to leave the country, was challenged by Iran. Iran has accused Canada of “alleged violations of its immunities” through a series of diplomatic, political and legal measures which came after the 2012 terror listing, said the Hague-based tribunal in a statement. ALSO READ | US, Iran talk with mutual 'understanding' to cool tensions In its case, which the International Court of Justice announced on Wednesday, Tehran argued that Canada is “obliged to respect the jurisdictional immunity which Iran enjoys under international law" and should not permit civil claims against Iran "for alleged support to, or acts of, terrorism”. Breach of international law, alleges Iran Iran stated international law has been breached by Canada by court rulings which asked Iranian assets to be given over to victims of attacks, which were blamed on Tehran-sponsored groups. In a statement, the Hague-based ICJ said that the legal proceedings were launched by Iran against Canada on Tuesday "concerning alleged violations of its immunities" as a sovereign state. "Canada has adopted and implemented a series of legislative, executive, and judicial measures against Iran and its property in breach of its international obligations," Iran stated in its filing to the court. Compensation demanded Compensation has been demanded by Iran from Canada for the "violation of its international obligations", and the ICJ has been asked to ask Ottawa to overrule all judgments against Tehran in Canadian courts. "Iran respectfully requests the Court to adjudge and declare that by failing to respect the immunities of Iran and its property, Canada has violated its international obligations toward Iran," the country added. WATCH | Iran-US Nuclear deal: Iran pursuing talks with honour, wisdom and good intentions: President Raisi Canada did not react immediately to the case filed by Iran. The case filed is similar to the long-running claim of Iran at the ICJ against the United States for freezing billions of dollars in assets to compensate for the terror attacks. A Canadian judge in 2016 had ordered the non-diplomatic land and bank accounts of Iran in Canada to be given to victims of attacks carried out by Hamas and Hezbollah. As per reports, $13 million was awarded, as per the judgement, to the families of Americans who were killed in eight bombings or hostage-takings in Buenos Aires, Israel, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia from 1983 to 2002. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Iran drags Canada to UN's top court over terror listing

The world must rethink its approach to solving the crisis in junta-ruled Myanmar because it was not working, a United Nations expert said Wednesday.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 2021 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 3,600 civilians killed in the military's crackdown on dissent, according to a monitoring group.

Efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) bloc, which includes Myanmar, to defuse the crisis have faltered and no progress has been made on a five-point peace plan agreed on two years ago.

Tom Andrews, a UN special rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar, called for a new course of action and leadership from its fellow ASEAN members.

"I believe that the crisis in Myanmar has reached an important inflexion point and that it is time the international community reassesses its approach to the crisis," he told a press conference in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

He said the current action by the international community and regional bloc ASEAN was "simply not working" to end the crisis.

"A change of course is imperative," he said.

"This change will require vision and leadership, and I believe that Indonesia is positioned to provide that leadership."

ASEAN has become divided over the Myanmar issue, with Thailand defending talks with the junta after inviting its foreign minister Than Shwe to an informal meeting on Monday.

Indonesia and Malaysia – among the junta's harshest critics within the regional bloc – snubbed the meeting.

Myanmar's generals have been barred from high-level ASEAN meetings and Bangkok drew criticism from Singapore over Monday's talks, which warned it was premature to engage the junta at such a high level.

The United Nations says more than one million people have been displaced by violence since the coup.

Fighting between the army and rebel groups in Myanmar has periodically sent thousands of people fleeing across the border into Thailand.

ASEAN's last leaders' summit, held in May, ended without any significant progress.

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The world must rethink its approach to solving the crisis in junta-ruled Myanmar because it was not working, a United Nations expert said Wednesday. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 2021 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 3,600 civilians killed in the military's crackdown on dissent, according to a monitoring group.

The world must rethink its approach to solving the crisis in junta-ruled Myanmar because it was not working, a United Nations expert said Wednesday. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 2021 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 3,600 civilians killed in the military's crackdown on dissent, according to a monitoring group. Efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) bloc, which includes Myanmar, to defuse the crisis have faltered and no progress has been made on a five-point peace plan agreed on two years ago. Tom Andrews, a UN special rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar, called for a new course of action and leadership from its fellow ASEAN members. "I believe that the crisis in Myanmar has reached an important inflexion point and that it is time the international community reassesses its approach to the crisis," he told a press conference in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. He said the current action by the international community and regional bloc ASEAN was "simply not working" to end the crisis. "A change of course is imperative," he said. "This change will require vision and leadership, and I believe that Indonesia is positioned to provide that leadership." ASEAN has become divided over the Myanmar issue, with Thailand defending talks with the junta after inviting its foreign minister Than Shwe to an informal meeting on Monday. Indonesia and Malaysia – among the junta's harshest critics within the regional bloc – snubbed the meeting. Myanmar's generals have been barred from high-level ASEAN meetings and Bangkok drew criticism from Singapore over Monday's talks, which warned it was premature to engage the junta at such a high level. The United Nations says more than one million people have been displaced by violence since the coup. Fighting between the army and rebel groups in Myanmar has periodically sent thousands of people fleeing across the border into Thailand. ASEAN's last leaders' summit, held in May, ended without any significant progress. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UN expert calls for new approach to Myanmar crisis

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