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<p>The United Nations (UN) said on Monday (June 19) that donors at a UN conference pledged close to $1.5 billion to combat the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and help its neighbouring countries host refugees fleeing the conflict. "Today, donors have announced close to $1.5 billion for the humanitarian response to Sudan and the region," the UN's humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said following the conference in Geneva, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Griffiths said the ongoing crisis would require sustained financial support, and hoped that the UN could keep Sudan at the top of its priorities.</p>

<p>UN refugees chief Filippo Grandi, meanwhile said, "It is very important these contributions be clearly allocated and disbursed as quickly as possible because we're really short of funds."</p>

<p>Monday's conference comes amid <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-conflict-warring-sides-agree-new-truce-after-fighting-intensifies-605656">a new three-day ceasefire between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)</a></strong>, who have been fighting since April 15. The death toll has topped 2,000, and 25 million people need aid.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Without global support, Sudan could become...': UN chief</strong></h2>

<p>During Monday's conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that without international support, Sudan could quickly become a locus of lawlessness, radiating insecurity across the region.</p>

<p>"The scale and speed of Sudan's descent into death and destruction is unprecedented," Secretary-General Guterres added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Monday's donation less than half of what is needed'</strong></h2>

<p><strong>UN's humanitarian chief&nbsp;</strong>Martin Griffiths pointed out on Monday that the amount pledged was less than half of what humanitarians said was needed this year to respond to the needs. AFP reported that the UN has two appeals for combating the crisis- the humanitarian response within Sudan which requires $2.6 billion and the regional refugee response which is set at $470 million.</p>

<p>Both these were less than 17 per cent funded going into the conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the UN, the United States pledged the highest donation at $550 million, followed by Germany with $162 million and the European Commission with $151 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qatar pledged $50 million with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani telling the conference that there was no military solution to the conflict, and urged the warring factions to "put the aspirations of the Sudanese people in the forefront".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United Nations (UN) said on Monday (June 19) that donors at a UN conference pledged close to $1.5 billion to combat the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and help its neighbouring countries host refugees fleeing the conflict.

The United Nations (UN) said on Monday (June 19) that donors at a UN conference pledged close to $1.5 billion to combat the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and help its neighbouring countries host refugees fleeing the conflict. "Today, donors have announced close to $1.5 billion for the humanitarian response to Sudan and the region," the UN's humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said following the conference in Geneva, the news agency AFP reported. Griffiths said the ongoing crisis would require sustained financial support, and hoped that the UN could keep Sudan at the top of its priorities. UN refugees chief Filippo Grandi, meanwhile said, "It is very important these contributions be clearly allocated and disbursed as quickly as possible because we're really short of funds." Monday's conference comes amid a new three-day ceasefire between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been fighting since April 15. The death toll has topped 2,000, and 25 million people need aid. 'Without global support, Sudan could become...': UN chief During Monday's conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that without international support, Sudan could quickly become a locus of lawlessness, radiating insecurity across the region. "The scale and speed of Sudan's descent into death and destruction is unprecedented," Secretary-General Guterres added. 'Monday's donation less than half of what is needed' UN's humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths pointed out on Monday that the amount pledged was less than half of what humanitarians said was needed this year to respond to the needs. AFP reported that the UN has two appeals for combating the crisis- the humanitarian response within Sudan which requires $2.6 billion and the regional refugee response which is set at $470 million. Both these were less than 17 per cent funded going into the conference. As per the UN, the United States pledged the highest donation at $550 million, followed by Germany with $162 million and the European Commission with $151 million. Qatar pledged $50 million with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani telling the conference that there was no military solution to the conflict, and urged the warring factions to "put the aspirations of the Sudanese people in the forefront". (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.

Sudan conflict: UN says $1.5 billion pledged to combat humanitarian crisis

<p>United Nations on Monday (June 19) adopted the world's first international treaty to protect the high seas. The adoption of the treaty represented the formation of a landmark accord designed to protect remote ecosystems that are vital to humanity.</p>

<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the adoption of the treaty as a "historic achievement".</p>

<p>The treaty will establish a legal framework to extend environmental protection to international waters, which form more than 60 per cent of the world's oceans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet and today you have pumped new life and hope to give the ocean a fighting chance," he told delegates. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The treaty was a result of more than 15 years of discussions, including four years of formal negotiations. The UN member states agreed to text for the treaty in March.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Climate change can trigger deadly tsunamis: Study</strong></p>

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<p>The text, since frozen, has been pored over by the UN's lawyers and translators to make sure it matches in the body's six official languages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Countries must now ratify it as quickly as possible to bring it into force so that we can protect our ocean, build our resilience to climate change and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of billions of people," said Rebecca Hubbard of the High Seas Alliance. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists have increasingly come to realise the importance of oceans, which produce most of the oxygen we breathe, limit climate change by absorbing CO2, and host rich areas of biodiversity, often at the microscopic level.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Life-sustaining oceans</strong></h2>

<p>Oceans produce most of the oxygen we breathe. They limit climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Besides this, oceans are rich areas or biodiversity from the largest creatures to microscopic life forms.</p>

<p>But with so much of the world's oceans lying outside of individual countries' exclusive economic zones, and thus the jurisdiction of any single state, providing protection for the so-called "high seas" requires international cooperation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-labels-afghanistan-pakistan-early-warning-hotspots-predicts-worsening-food-insecurity-600868">United Nations labels Afghanistan, Pakistan 'early warning hotspots', predicts worsening food insecurity</a></strong><br />
<br />
Because of this, high seas have long been ignored in many environmental fights since the spotlight has been on coastal areas.</p>

<p>A key tool in the treaty will be the ability to create protected marine areas in international waters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, only about one percent of the high seas are protected by any sort of conservation measures.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A crucial treaty</strong></h2>

<p>This treaty is seen to be crucial to countries protecting 30 per cent of global oceans and land by 2030. The world governments agreed on this in a separate historic accord that was reached in Montreal in December.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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United Nations on Monday (June 19) adopted the world's first international treaty to protect the high seas. The adoption of the treaty represented the formation of a landmark accord designed to protect remote ecosystems that are vital to humanity.

United Nations on Monday (June 19) adopted the world's first international treaty to protect the high seas. The adoption of the treaty represented the formation of a landmark accord designed to protect remote ecosystems that are vital to humanity. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the adoption of the treaty as a "historic achievement". The treaty will establish a legal framework to extend environmental protection to international waters, which form more than 60 per cent of the world's oceans. "The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet and today you have pumped new life and hope to give the ocean a fighting chance," he told delegates.  The treaty was a result of more than 15 years of discussions, including four years of formal negotiations. The UN member states agreed to text for the treaty in March. Watch | Climate change can trigger deadly tsunamis: Study × The text, since frozen, has been pored over by the UN's lawyers and translators to make sure it matches in the body's six official languages. "Countries must now ratify it as quickly as possible to bring it into force so that we can protect our ocean, build our resilience to climate change and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of billions of people," said Rebecca Hubbard of the High Seas Alliance.  Scientists have increasingly come to realise the importance of oceans, which produce most of the oxygen we breathe, limit climate change by absorbing CO2, and host rich areas of biodiversity, often at the microscopic level. Life-sustaining oceans Oceans produce most of the oxygen we breathe. They limit climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Besides this, oceans are rich areas or biodiversity from the largest creatures to microscopic life forms. But with so much of the world's oceans lying outside of individual countries' exclusive economic zones, and thus the jurisdiction of any single state, providing protection for the so-called "high seas" requires international cooperation. Also Read | United Nations labels Afghanistan, Pakistan 'early warning hotspots', predicts worsening food insecurity Because of this, high seas have long been ignored in many environmental fights since the spotlight has been on coastal areas. A key tool in the treaty will be the ability to create protected marine areas in international waters. Currently, only about one percent of the high seas are protected by any sort of conservation measures. A crucial treaty This treaty is seen to be crucial to countries protecting 30 per cent of global oceans and land by 2030. The world governments agreed on this in a separate historic accord that was reached in Montreal in December. (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 ×

Historic high seas treaty adopted at the UN

<p>United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday (June 12) that he had concerns that Russia will quit the Black Sea grain deal on July 17. The deal allows the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports.</p>

<p>The deal, called Black Sea Grain Initiative, was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year. Russia has been threatening to walk away from the deal if obstacles to its own grain and fertiliser shipments are not removed.</p>

<p>"I am concerned and we are working hard in order to make sure that it will be possible to maintain the Black Sea initiative and at the same time that we are able to go on in our work to facilitate Russian exports," Guterres told reporters.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Ukraine secures first victory in counter-offensive</strong></p>

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<p>To convince Russia to agree to the Black Sea grain deal, a three-year memorandum of understanding was struck at the same time under which UN&nbsp;officials agreed to help Russia with its own food and fertiliser exports.</p>

<p>Russian food and fertiliser exports are not subject to Western sanctions which were imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. However, Moscow says payment restrictions, logistics and insurance have created obstacles.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said that Russia "cannot be satisfied with how this memorandum is being implemented," TASS news agency reported. Vershinin was speaking after his meeting with Rebeca Grynspan, the top UN trade official. The meeting took place in Geneva on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the demands made by Russia are the resumption of its ammonia exports via a pipeline to Ukraine's port of Pivdennyi and the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT international payment system.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read &nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-swap-nearly-200-prisoners-kyiv-says-it-recaptured-two-villages-in-offensive-603241">Kyiv recaptures four villages in Donetsk as Ukraine's counter-offensive begins</a></strong></p>

<p>The United Nations has helped boost Russian exports of food and fertilisers, facilitating a steady flow of ships to its ports and lower freight and insurance rates, a UN&nbsp;spokesman said on Friday.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. Due to its grain exports, Ukraine is often regarded as the "breadbasket of the world". Russian invasion made it difficult for grain export to continue and this raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The existence of a safe passage for grain shipments was thus deemed important. The United Nations and Turkey brokered the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine. The deal, even after being struck, has almost always faced uncertainty.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday (June 12) that he had concerns that Russia will quit the Black Sea grain deal on July 17. The deal allows the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday (June 12) that he had concerns that Russia will quit the Black Sea grain deal on July 17. The deal allows the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The deal, called Black Sea Grain Initiative, was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year. Russia has been threatening to walk away from the deal if obstacles to its own grain and fertiliser shipments are not removed. "I am concerned and we are working hard in order to make sure that it will be possible to maintain the Black Sea initiative and at the same time that we are able to go on in our work to facilitate Russian exports," Guterres told reporters. Gravitas: Ukraine secures first victory in counter-offensive × To convince Russia to agree to the Black Sea grain deal, a three-year memorandum of understanding was struck at the same time under which UN officials agreed to help Russia with its own food and fertiliser exports. Russian food and fertiliser exports are not subject to Western sanctions which were imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. However, Moscow says payment restrictions, logistics and insurance have created obstacles. On Saturday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said that Russia "cannot be satisfied with how this memorandum is being implemented," TASS news agency reported. Vershinin was speaking after his meeting with Rebeca Grynspan, the top UN trade official. The meeting took place in Geneva on Friday. Among the demands made by Russia are the resumption of its ammonia exports via a pipeline to Ukraine's port of Pivdennyi and the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT international payment system. Also Read | Kyiv recaptures four villages in Donetsk as Ukraine's counter-offensive begins The United Nations has helped boost Russian exports of food and fertilisers, facilitating a steady flow of ships to its ports and lower freight and insurance rates, a UN spokesman said on Friday. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. Due to its grain exports, Ukraine is often regarded as the "breadbasket of the world". Russian invasion made it difficult for grain export to continue and this raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The existence of a safe passage for grain shipments was thus deemed important. The United Nations and Turkey brokered the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine. The deal, even after being struck, has almost always faced uncertainty. (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 chief worried over Russia possibly quitting grain deal in July

<p>The spokesperson for the United States UN mission said on Thursday (June 1) that the US has called for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Friday (June 2) over North Korea's attempted satellite launch this week. Wednesday's attempt from North Korea was its latest to put its first spy satellite into space. However, the attempt was a failure. The booster and the payload crashed into the sea.</p>

<p>The launch was condemned by the US, saying that ballistic missile technology was used which in itself was a violation of multiple UNSC resolutions. The US also said that the attempted launch risked destabilising the security situation in the Korean Peninsula and beyond.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | North Korea's spy satellite mission fails as rocket plunges into sea</strong></p>

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<p>The US has called for an open meeting on the launch, said Nate Evans, spokesperson for the US mission to the UN. An open meeting would mean that the proceedings would be streamed live.</p>

<p>Another UN diplomat said the call was made jointly with Albania, Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta and Britain.</p>

<p>Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said after the failed launch that the country will soon put a spy satellite into orbit. She vowed that North Korea would boost its military surveillance capabilities.</p>

<p>She also said global criticism of the launch was "self-contradiction" as the US and other countries across the world had already launched "thousands of satellites."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-kim-jon-uns-sister-promises-more-spy-satellite-launches-598968">North Korea: Kim Jong Un's sister promises ‘successful’ spy satellite launch after failure</a></strong></p>

<p>"North Korea's dangerous and destabilising nuclear and missile programmes threaten peace and stability in the region," said US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. He was speaking in Tokyo.</p>

<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said any launch by Pyongyang using ballistic missile technology breaches Security Council resolutions.</p>

<h2><strong>The mayhem after N Korea satellite launch</strong></h2>

<p>The attempted satellite launch from North Korea caused quite a flurry in the region. Air raid sirens began blaring in South Korean capital of Seoul. The citizens were sent a text message by the authorities to prepare for evacuation.</p>

<p>The Japanese government's official Twitter handles said that a 'ballistic missile' had been launched. The government also said that the missiles is likely to 'possibly land in the area around Okinawa'.</p>

<p>The alerts were taken back afterwards. The authorities in Seoul subsequently said that the warning for evacuation was incorrectly issued.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The spokesperson for the United States UN mission said on Thursday (June 1) that the US has called for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Friday (June 2) over North Korea's attempted satellite launch this week.

The spokesperson for the United States UN mission said on Thursday (June 1) that the US has called for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Friday (June 2) over North Korea's attempted satellite launch this week. Wednesday's attempt from North Korea was its latest to put its first spy satellite into space. However, the attempt was a failure. The booster and the payload crashed into the sea. The launch was condemned by the US, saying that ballistic missile technology was used which in itself was a violation of multiple UNSC resolutions. The US also said that the attempted launch risked destabilising the security situation in the Korean Peninsula and beyond. Watch | North Korea's spy satellite mission fails as rocket plunges into sea × The US has called for an open meeting on the launch, said Nate Evans, spokesperson for the US mission to the UN. An open meeting would mean that the proceedings would be streamed live. Another UN diplomat said the call was made jointly with Albania, Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta and Britain. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said after the failed launch that the country will soon put a spy satellite into orbit. She vowed that North Korea would boost its military surveillance capabilities. She also said global criticism of the launch was "self-contradiction" as the US and other countries across the world had already launched "thousands of satellites." Also Read | North Korea: Kim Jong Un's sister promises ‘successful’ spy satellite launch after failure "North Korea's dangerous and destabilising nuclear and missile programmes threaten peace and stability in the region," said US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. He was speaking in Tokyo. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said any launch by Pyongyang using ballistic missile technology breaches Security Council resolutions. The mayhem after N Korea satellite launch The attempted satellite launch from North Korea caused quite a flurry in the region. Air raid sirens began blaring in South Korean capital of Seoul. The citizens were sent a text message by the authorities to prepare for evacuation. The Japanese government's official Twitter handles said that a 'ballistic missile' had been launched. The government also said that the missiles is likely to 'possibly land in the area around Okinawa'. The alerts were taken back afterwards. The authorities in Seoul subsequently said that the warning for evacuation was incorrectly issued. (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 ×

US calls for open UNSC meet over North Korean spy satellite launch attempt

<p>The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar is going to step down this month, reported AFP citing spokesman for the UN chief. The special envoy will step down after 18-month tenure. During this time, she was criticised by Myanmar's military junta and its opponents. In Myanmar, the military had toppled civilian government and seized power in February 2021. The country has been in turmoil ever since. The military coup ended a brief democratic experiment and sparked clashes with ethnic rebel groups and anti-coup fighters.</p>

<p>Noeleen Heyzer, who was named envoy by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in October 2021, "will conclude her assignment on 12 June" when her contract ends, Stephane Dujarric said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guterres "is thankful to Ms. Heyzer for her tireless efforts on behalf of peace and the people of Myanmar," the spokesman said, adding a new envoy would be appointed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heyzer is a Singaporean sociologist, she was tasked with urging the military junta to enter into dialogue with its opponents and for ending a bloody crackdown it launched after coming to power.</p>

<p>In August last year, she visited Myanmar and met military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and other top officials. This was criticised by rights group as they said that such visits lent legitimacy to the generals.</p>

<p>But she was denied a meeting with detained democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi and later irked junta officials who accused her of issuing a "one-sided statement" of what had been discussed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, she vowed not to visit the country unless she was allowed to meet Suu Kyi.</p>

<p>Aung San Suu Kyi has now been jailed for a total of 33 years by a closed-door junta court.</p>

<p>The military junta finds support from major allies like Russia and China. The strong support has emboldened the generals to rebuff attempts to start a dialogue with their opponents.</p>

<p>The junta blocked a visit by former UN special envoy Schraner Burgener, a Swiss diplomat. Myanmar's state-backed media made Burgener target of their criticism.</p>

<p>Cambodian Foreign Minister and ASEAN envoy for Myanmar Prak Sokhonn visited Myanmar twice but both times the military denied him visits with Suu Kyi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 3,500 people have been killed in the military's crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than one million people have been displaced by the violence, according to the United Nations.  &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar is going to step down this month, reported AFP citing spokesman for the UN chief. The special envoy will step down after 18-month tenure.

The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar is going to step down this month, reported AFP citing spokesman for the UN chief. The special envoy will step down after 18-month tenure. During this time, she was criticised by Myanmar's military junta and its opponents. In Myanmar, the military had toppled civilian government and seized power in February 2021. The country has been in turmoil ever since. The military coup ended a brief democratic experiment and sparked clashes with ethnic rebel groups and anti-coup fighters. Noeleen Heyzer, who was named envoy by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in October 2021, "will conclude her assignment on 12 June" when her contract ends, Stephane Dujarric said. Guterres "is thankful to Ms. Heyzer for her tireless efforts on behalf of peace and the people of Myanmar," the spokesman said, adding a new envoy would be appointed. Heyzer is a Singaporean sociologist, she was tasked with urging the military junta to enter into dialogue with its opponents and for ending a bloody crackdown it launched after coming to power. In August last year, she visited Myanmar and met military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and other top officials. This was criticised by rights group as they said that such visits lent legitimacy to the generals. But she was denied a meeting with detained democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi and later irked junta officials who accused her of issuing a "one-sided statement" of what had been discussed. Later, she vowed not to visit the country unless she was allowed to meet Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi has now been jailed for a total of 33 years by a closed-door junta court. The military junta finds support from major allies like Russia and China. The strong support has emboldened the generals to rebuff attempts to start a dialogue with their opponents. The junta blocked a visit by former UN special envoy Schraner Burgener, a Swiss diplomat. Myanmar's state-backed media made Burgener target of their criticism. Cambodian Foreign Minister and ASEAN envoy for Myanmar Prak Sokhonn visited Myanmar twice but both times the military denied him visits with Suu Kyi. More than 3,500 people have been killed in the military's crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group. More than one million people have been displaced by the violence, according to the United Nations.   (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 ×

United Nations special envoy for Myanmar to resign, says UN chief spokesman 

India stands solidly committed to assisting the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. The world's largest democracy boasts of a proud history of UN peacekeeping, dating back to its inception in the 1950s. As per the Stockholm international peace research institute, India is among the top contributors of military personnel to UN and non-UN multilateral peace operations.

India's proud history of UN peacekeeping: Contribution of more than 253,000 troops

<p>The United Nations warned on Monday that the Sudan conflict can turn into an ethnically driven conflict if warring parties didn't respect and extend the ceasefire beginning Monday (May 22).</p>

<p>"The growing ethnicization of the conflict risks to expand and prolong it with implications for the region," UN special envoy to Sudan Volker Perthes told the UN Security Council.</p>

<p>Perthes was speaking just hours before a one-week ceasefire was to begin between the two factions. He said that there were already signs that the fighting was threatening to split Sudan along ethnic and communal lines.</p>

<p>Those have only grown recently, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In parts of the country, fighting between the two armies or the two armed formations has sharpened into communal tensions, or triggered conflict between communities," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Warning signs of tribal mobilisation are also reported in other parts of the country, particularly in South Kordofan," he said.</p>

<p>He said that after establishing a ceasefire that holds, the UN's number two priority is "preventing the escalation or ethnicisation of the conflict."</p>

<p>Perthes called the ceasefire, agreed on Saturday and set to begin at 9:45 pm (1945 GMT) on Monday, a "welcome development," even though fighting continued through the day on Monday.</p>

<p>"I continue to urge the parties to honour this agreement which they signed two days ago. They must stop the fighting. They must allow access for humanitarian relief, protect humanitarian workers and assets," he said.</p>

<p>The United States and Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced that the ceasefire agreed between the rival camps would take effect at 9:45 pm (1945 GMT) Monday to enable humanitarian assistance to civilians.</p>

<p>Unlike truces previously announced, the US and Saudi said this one is different because it was "signed by the parties" and will be supported by a "ceasefire monitoring mechanism".</p>

<p>Desperate residents voiced hope that the new agreement would stem the brutal warfare that has shaken the capital Khartoum and other parts of the impoverished country, particularly the western Darfur region.</p>

<p>Fighting erupted on April 15 between the army, led by Sudan's de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by Burhan's former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United Nations warned on Monday that the Sudan conflict can turn into an ethnically driven conflict if warring parties didn't respect and extend the ceasefire beginning Monday (May 22).

The United Nations warned on Monday that the Sudan conflict can turn into an ethnically driven conflict if warring parties didn't respect and extend the ceasefire beginning Monday (May 22). "The growing ethnicization of the conflict risks to expand and prolong it with implications for the region," UN special envoy to Sudan Volker Perthes told the UN Security Council. Perthes was speaking just hours before a one-week ceasefire was to begin between the two factions. He said that there were already signs that the fighting was threatening to split Sudan along ethnic and communal lines. Those have only grown recently, he said. "In parts of the country, fighting between the two armies or the two armed formations has sharpened into communal tensions, or triggered conflict between communities," he said. "Warning signs of tribal mobilisation are also reported in other parts of the country, particularly in South Kordofan," he said. He said that after establishing a ceasefire that holds, the UN's number two priority is "preventing the escalation or ethnicisation of the conflict." Perthes called the ceasefire, agreed on Saturday and set to begin at 9:45 pm (1945 GMT) on Monday, a "welcome development," even though fighting continued through the day on Monday. "I continue to urge the parties to honour this agreement which they signed two days ago. They must stop the fighting. They must allow access for humanitarian relief, protect humanitarian workers and assets," he said. The United States and Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced that the ceasefire agreed between the rival camps would take effect at 9:45 pm (1945 GMT) Monday to enable humanitarian assistance to civilians. Unlike truces previously announced, the US and Saudi said this one is different because it was "signed by the parties" and will be supported by a "ceasefire monitoring mechanism". Desperate residents voiced hope that the new agreement would stem the brutal warfare that has shaken the capital Khartoum and other parts of the impoverished country, particularly the western Darfur region. Fighting erupted on April 15 between the army, led by Sudan's de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by Burhan's former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. (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 ×

Sudan conflict can turn ethnic, warns UN

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<p>Sudan's warring factions — the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) —&nbsp; agreed late Saturday (May 20) for a week-long ceasefire. In a statement, the United States and Saudi Arabia said that the ceasefire would take effect at 9.45 pm&nbsp;Khartoum time (1945 GMT) on Monday (May 22). The statement added that representatives from both army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy-turned-rival Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo vowed not to seek any military advantage before the truce goes into effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ceasefire "shall remain in effect for seven days and may be extended with the agreement of both parties," the statement added.</p>

<p>Since the beginning of the fighting on April 15, numerous ceasefire violations have been reported. Saturday's agreement would be enforced by US-Saudi and international-supported monitoring mechanism.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwaiti-jordanian-embassies-attacked-in-sudan-saudi-arabia-condemns-the-act-593122">Kuwaiti, Jordanian embassies attacked in Sudan; Saudi Arabia condemns the act</a></strong></p>

<p>The above statement also said the agreement (for the ceasefire) called for distributing humanitarian assistance, restoring essential services and withdrawing forces from hospitals and essential public facilities.</p>

<h2><strong>Ceasefire comes as airstrikes shook Khartoum</strong></h2>

<p>The fresh week-long ceasefire agreement came as Sudan's capital city Khartoum reported fresh airstrikes and artillery shelling on Saturday, and armed men ransacked the Qatari embassy, according to a report by the news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qatar's embassy was the latest diplomatic mission to be attacked. Condemning the incident, Doha said, "The embassy staff had previously been evacuated and... none of the diplomats or embassy staff were subjected to any harm," and renewed calls for an immediate end to the fighting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH | More than 1 million people displaced by Sudan crisis, UN says</strong></p>

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<p>Qatar did not specifically identify RSF as responsible (for the attack), but a statement from the pro-Burhan authorities put the blame squarely on the paramilitaries, AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Over 700 people killed, and almost 1.1mn displaced</strong></h2>

<p>The conflict in Sudan has killed 705 people and injured at least 5,287, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Almost 1.1 million people have been displaced internally and into neighbouring countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, the United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths said that he was allocating $22 million in emergency funds to help Sudanese fleeing the violence. These funds would help relief efforts in Chad, the Central African Republic, Egypt and South Sudan where Sudanese have sought refuge, Griffiths added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Sudan's warring factions — the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — agreed late Saturday (May 20) for a week-long ceasefire. In a statement, the United States and Saudi Arabia said that the ceasefire would take effect at 9.

Sudan's warring factions — the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — agreed late Saturday (May 20) for a week-long ceasefire. In a statement, the United States and Saudi Arabia said that the ceasefire would take effect at 9.45 pm Khartoum time (1945 GMT) on Monday (May 22). The statement added that representatives from both army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy-turned-rival Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo vowed not to seek any military advantage before the truce goes into effect. The ceasefire "shall remain in effect for seven days and may be extended with the agreement of both parties," the statement added. Since the beginning of the fighting on April 15, numerous ceasefire violations have been reported. Saturday's agreement would be enforced by US-Saudi and international-supported monitoring mechanism. ALSO READ| Kuwaiti, Jordanian embassies attacked in Sudan; Saudi Arabia condemns the act The above statement also said the agreement (for the ceasefire) called for distributing humanitarian assistance, restoring essential services and withdrawing forces from hospitals and essential public facilities. Ceasefire comes as airstrikes shook Khartoum The fresh week-long ceasefire agreement came as Sudan's capital city Khartoum reported fresh airstrikes and artillery shelling on Saturday, and armed men ransacked the Qatari embassy, according to a report by the news agency AFP. Qatar's embassy was the latest diplomatic mission to be attacked. Condemning the incident, Doha said, "The embassy staff had previously been evacuated and... none of the diplomats or embassy staff were subjected to any harm," and renewed calls for an immediate end to the fighting. ALSO WATCH | More than 1 million people displaced by Sudan crisis, UN says × Qatar did not specifically identify RSF as responsible (for the attack), but a statement from the pro-Burhan authorities put the blame squarely on the paramilitaries, AFP reported. Over 700 people killed, and almost 1.1mn displaced The conflict in Sudan has killed 705 people and injured at least 5,287, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Almost 1.1 million people have been displaced internally and into neighbouring countries. On Friday, the United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths said that he was allocating $22 million in emergency funds to help Sudanese fleeing the violence. These funds would help relief efforts in Chad, the Central African Republic, Egypt and South Sudan where Sudanese have sought refuge, Griffiths 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.

Sudan conflict: Warring factions agree for 7-day ceasefire from May 22

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<p>A senior United Nations (UN) official said on Wednesday (May 17) that the agency's humanitarian response plan is seeking USD 2.56 billion to help people affected by the crisis in Sudan. The UN refugee agency is also seeking more funding to assist those who were forced to run away from their homes.</p>

<p>"The funding requirements of nearly $2.6 billion is also the highest for any humanitarian appeal for Sudan," said Ramesh Rajasingham, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva and director of the Coordination Division.</p>

<p>"Today, 25 million people, more than half the population of Sudan, need humanitarian aid and protection. This is the highest number we have ever seen in the country," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Sudan Conflict: Army carries out fresh strikes in Khartoum</strong></p>

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<p>The plan is a revised version of the annual humanitarian plan for 2023. It designed to target 18 million people in need.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sudan is currently experiencing a military and humanitarian crisis that is threatening to destabilise the region. The crisis has been caused by fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has displaced more than 700,000 people inside Sudan and has forced about 200,000 to flee into neighbouring countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), making a joint appeal with the aid agency on Wednesday, said it was seeking $472 million to assist more than 1 million people over the next six months.</p>

<p>"Sadly, we need once again to call on countries and individuals with the means to step up for innocent people who have lost everything through no fault of their own," said Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR.</p>

<p>Sudanese capital Khartoum and its sister cities of Bahri and Omdurman are experiencing intense battles despite Saudi and US-brokered talks between the two sides.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwaiti-jordanian-embassies-attacked-in-sudan-saudi-arabia-condemns-the-act-593122">Kuwaiti, Jordanian embassies attacked in Sudan; Saudi Arabia condemns the act</a></strong></p>

<p>The fighting has spread to the western region of Darfur, but has been concentrated in the capital, where RSF fighters have taken up positions across neighborhoods and the army has used air strikes and heavy artillery fire to target them.</p>

<p>The unrest has killed at least 676 people and injured 5,576, according to official figures, though with many reports of people missing and bodies left unburied, the real toll is expected to be much higher.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A senior United Nations (UN) official said on Wednesday (May 17) that the agency's humanitarian response plan is seeking USD 2.56 billion to help people affected by the crisis in Sudan.

A senior United Nations (UN) official said on Wednesday (May 17) that the agency's humanitarian response plan is seeking USD 2.56 billion to help people affected by the crisis in Sudan. The UN refugee agency is also seeking more funding to assist those who were forced to run away from their homes. "The funding requirements of nearly $2.6 billion is also the highest for any humanitarian appeal for Sudan," said Ramesh Rajasingham, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva and director of the Coordination Division. "Today, 25 million people, more than half the population of Sudan, need humanitarian aid and protection. This is the highest number we have ever seen in the country," he added. Watch | Sudan Conflict: Army carries out fresh strikes in Khartoum × The plan is a revised version of the annual humanitarian plan for 2023. It designed to target 18 million people in need. Sudan is currently experiencing a military and humanitarian crisis that is threatening to destabilise the region. The crisis has been caused by fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has displaced more than 700,000 people inside Sudan and has forced about 200,000 to flee into neighbouring countries. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), making a joint appeal with the aid agency on Wednesday, said it was seeking $472 million to assist more than 1 million people over the next six months. "Sadly, we need once again to call on countries and individuals with the means to step up for innocent people who have lost everything through no fault of their own," said Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR. Sudanese capital Khartoum and its sister cities of Bahri and Omdurman are experiencing intense battles despite Saudi and US-brokered talks between the two sides. Also Read | Kuwaiti, Jordanian embassies attacked in Sudan; Saudi Arabia condemns the act The fighting has spread to the western region of Darfur, but has been concentrated in the capital, where RSF fighters have taken up positions across neighborhoods and the army has used air strikes and heavy artillery fire to target them. The unrest has killed at least 676 people and injured 5,576, according to official figures, though with many reports of people missing and bodies left unburied, the real toll is expected to be much higher. (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 ×

About $2.6 billion required in Sudan for humanitarian needs: UN

<p>Global temperatures will rise to record levels in the next five years and at least one of those years will be the warmest on record, said a report by the United Nation’s weather agency, on Wednesday (May 17).</p>

<p>It also noted that there is a 66 per cent chance that the annual average near-surface global temperature between the years 2023 and 2027, will be more than 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels for at least one year, crossing the key threshold.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the UN agency say?</strong></h2>

<p>The report has attributed this record rise in temperatures to a combination of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and naturally occurring El Niño weather pattern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the weather pattern is expected to develop in the coming months and will combine with human-induced climate change effectively pushing global temperatures into an “uncharted territory”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “This will have far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management and the environment. We need to be prepared.” The report also noted that there is a 98 per cent chance that at least one in the next five years will beat the temperature record set in 2016. The rise in temperature noted seven years ago was also due to an exceptionally strong El Niño.</p>

<h2><strong>The 1.5 degree Celsius limit</strong></h2>

<p>The update issued by the WMO also said that there is a 66 per cent likelihood that the annual average near-surface global temperature between this year and 2027 will cross the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, warmer than the mid-19th century.</p>

<p>However, the temperature might not stay over the key threshold which remains critical because of the 2015 Paris climate agreement which set the number to guide all nations to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions while countries pledging to try to prevent that in the long run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lead author of the report, a climate scientist at the United Kingdom’s Met Office,&nbsp;Leon Hermanson, said, “It won’t be this year probably. Maybe it’ll be next year or the year after,” referring to the 1.5 degree Celsius average. Hermanson also said that “a single year doesn’t really mean anything.” Scientists usually use 30-year averages.</p>

<p>However, he warned that “Nobody is going to be untouched by these changes and it’s already leading to floods across the world, droughts and big movements of people.” Meanwhile, Taalas said that this report does not indicate that the temperature will “permanently exceed” the 1.5-degree Celsius level.<br />
<br />
He added, “However, WMO is sounding the alarm that we will breach the 1.5 C level on a temporary basis with increasing frequency.” In a press conference, on Wednesday, the WMO chief also said, “We haven’t been able to limit the warming so far and we are still moving in the wrong, wrong direction.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>El Niño&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>According to the UN, the weather pattern, El Niño, typically increases global temperatures in the year after it develops. In this case, that means 2024, when we could witness large-scale warming of surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. As of now, the world was coming off a record-tying triple dip La Nina for three years straight which is the opposite of the El Niño weather pattern.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Global temperatures will rise to record levels in the next five years and at least one of those years will be the warmest on record, said a report by the United Nation’s weather agency, on Wednesday (May 17).

Global temperatures will rise to record levels in the next five years and at least one of those years will be the warmest on record, said a report by the United Nation’s weather agency, on Wednesday (May 17). It also noted that there is a 66 per cent chance that the annual average near-surface global temperature between the years 2023 and 2027, will be more than 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels for at least one year, crossing the key threshold. What did the UN agency say? The report has attributed this record rise in temperatures to a combination of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and naturally occurring El Niño weather pattern. According to Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the weather pattern is expected to develop in the coming months and will combine with human-induced climate change effectively pushing global temperatures into an “uncharted territory”. He added, “This will have far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management and the environment. We need to be prepared.” The report also noted that there is a 98 per cent chance that at least one in the next five years will beat the temperature record set in 2016. The rise in temperature noted seven years ago was also due to an exceptionally strong El Niño. The 1.5 degree Celsius limit The update issued by the WMO also said that there is a 66 per cent likelihood that the annual average near-surface global temperature between this year and 2027 will cross the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, warmer than the mid-19th century. However, the temperature might not stay over the key threshold which remains critical because of the 2015 Paris climate agreement which set the number to guide all nations to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions while countries pledging to try to prevent that in the long run. The lead author of the report, a climate scientist at the United Kingdom’s Met Office, Leon Hermanson, said, “It won’t be this year probably. Maybe it’ll be next year or the year after,” referring to the 1.5 degree Celsius average. Hermanson also said that “a single year doesn’t really mean anything.” Scientists usually use 30-year averages. However, he warned that “Nobody is going to be untouched by these changes and it’s already leading to floods across the world, droughts and big movements of people.” Meanwhile, Taalas said that this report does not indicate that the temperature will “permanently exceed” the 1.5-degree Celsius level. He added, “However, WMO is sounding the alarm that we will breach the 1.5 C level on a temporary basis with increasing frequency.” In a press conference, on Wednesday, the WMO chief also said, “We haven’t been able to limit the warming so far and we are still moving in the wrong, wrong direction.” El Niño According to the UN, the weather pattern, El Niño, typically increases global temperatures in the year after it develops. In this case, that means 2024, when we could witness large-scale warming of surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. As of now, the world was coming off a record-tying triple dip La Nina for three years straight which is the opposite of the El Niño weather pattern. (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.

Global temperatures set to break records in next five years, might hit key warming threshold: UN

<p>International tourism is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, as twice as many people travelled during the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period last year, according to the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The latest data showed that approximately 235 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of this year, reaching 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.</p>

<h2><strong>960 million people travelled abroad</strong></h2>

<p>The UNWTO acknowledged the resilience of the tourism sector, citing that 960 million people had travelled abroad last year, representing a recovery to 66 per cent of pre-pandemic figures.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Middle East saw the strongest recovery</strong></h2>

<p>The Middle East saw the strongest recovery, exceeding its 2019 arrivals by 15 per cent and recovering to pre-pandemic numbers in a full quarter. Europe reached 90 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels, driven by strong intra-regional demand. Meanwhile, Africa and the Americas were at 88 per cent and 85 per cent of their 2019 levels, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asia and the Pacific have accelerated their recovery to 54 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with the UN agency writing that the upward trend is set to accelerate now that most destinations, including China, have reopened.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commented, “The start of the year has shown again tourism’s unique ability to bounce back. In many places, we are close to or even above pre-pandemic levels of arrivals… However, we must remain alert to challenges ranging from geopolitical insecurity, staffing shortages, and the potential impact of the cost-of-living crisis on tourism, and we must ensure tourism’s return delivers on its responsibilities as a solution to the climate emergency and as a driver of inclusive development.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-italy-singapore-egypt--more-worst-tourism-campaigns-of-all-time-587717">Italy, Hong Kong, Egypt &amp; more: Worst tourism campaigns of all time</a></strong></p>

<p>The report also highlighted that international tourism receipts hit the $1 trillion mark in 2022, growing 50 per cent in real terms compared to 2021, driven by the rebound in international travel. Global visitor spending reached 64 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, it added.</p>

<h2><strong>COVID-19 no longer a health emergency</strong></h2>

<p>According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Covid-19 is no longer a "global health emergency". The announcement, which comes three years after it initially raised its highest level of warning over the virus, came as a significant step towards putting an end to the pandemic.</p>

<p>As of 24 April, slightly over 3,500 people had died from the illness, down from a peak of more than 100,000 per week in January 2021, according to officials. According to the WHO director, the epidemic claimed at least seven million lives worldwide.</p>

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International tourism is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, as twice as many people travelled during the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period last year, according to the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

International tourism is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, as twice as many people travelled during the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period last year, according to the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The latest data showed that approximately 235 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of this year, reaching 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. 960 million people travelled abroad The UNWTO acknowledged the resilience of the tourism sector, citing that 960 million people had travelled abroad last year, representing a recovery to 66 per cent of pre-pandemic figures. Middle East saw the strongest recovery The Middle East saw the strongest recovery, exceeding its 2019 arrivals by 15 per cent and recovering to pre-pandemic numbers in a full quarter. Europe reached 90 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels, driven by strong intra-regional demand. Meanwhile, Africa and the Americas were at 88 per cent and 85 per cent of their 2019 levels, respectively. Asia and the Pacific have accelerated their recovery to 54 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with the UN agency writing that the upward trend is set to accelerate now that most destinations, including China, have reopened. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commented, “The start of the year has shown again tourism’s unique ability to bounce back. In many places, we are close to or even above pre-pandemic levels of arrivals… However, we must remain alert to challenges ranging from geopolitical insecurity, staffing shortages, and the potential impact of the cost-of-living crisis on tourism, and we must ensure tourism’s return delivers on its responsibilities as a solution to the climate emergency and as a driver of inclusive development.” Also Read | Italy, Hong Kong, Egypt & more: Worst tourism campaigns of all time The report also highlighted that international tourism receipts hit the $1 trillion mark in 2022, growing 50 per cent in real terms compared to 2021, driven by the rebound in international travel. Global visitor spending reached 64 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, it added. COVID-19 no longer a health emergency According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Covid-19 is no longer a "global health emergency". The announcement, which comes three years after it initially raised its highest level of warning over the virus, came as a significant step towards putting an end to the pandemic. As of 24 April, slightly over 3,500 people had died from the illness, down from a peak of more than 100,000 per week in January 2021, according to officials. According to the WHO director, the epidemic claimed at least seven million lives worldwide. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

International tourism to soon reach pre-pandemic levels: UNWTO

<p>A much-awaited report released by the United Nations (UN)&nbsp;on Friday claimed that at least 500 people were executed by foreign fighters and the Malian army during an anti-militant operation carried out in March 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released the figures which revealed the worst atrocity the Sahel country has gone through since militant insurgency flared up in 2012.</p>

<p>The report is also the most damning document released till now against the armed forces of Mali and their foreign allies.</p>

<p>In the report, the&nbsp;nationality of foreign fighters has not been explicitly identified, although Mali has brought in Russians who are claimed to be Wagner mercenaries.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-9-killed-over-60-injured-after-triple-suicide-bombing-in-mali-585183"><strong> </strong>At least nine killed, over 60 injured after triple suicide bombing in Mali</a></p>

<p>Explaining the events that unfolded in Mali's central town of Moura between March 27 and March 31 last year, the OHCHR said that it had "reasonable grounds to believe that at least 500 people were killed in violation of norms, standards, rules and/or principles of international law."</p>

<p>The victims were "executed by the Malian Armed Forces&nbsp;and foreign military personnel" who were completely controlling the area, it said.</p>

<p>The UN peacekeeping mission's human rights division in Mali, MINUSMA published the report after a lengthy investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the report, around 20 women and seven children were killed, while evidence indicated that 58 women and girls were victims of rape and sexual violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People who had been detained were tortured, it stated.</p>

<p>UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk termed the findings "extremely disturbing".</p>

<p>"Summary executions, rape and torture during armed conflict amount to war crimes and could, depending on the circumstances, amount to crimes against humanity," he said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Africa insurgency: Security experts say situation may get worse</strong></p>

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<p>Mali's ruling junta did not react to the report on Friday. A military junta rules Mali after it toppled the elected president of the country in 2020 amid protests over the failure to counter the militants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After taking over Mali, the junta brought in Russian operatives and warplanes to assist its beleaguered armed forces and broke ties with France, which was the traditional ally of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The junta claims that Russians are providing military training and denies the accusations of them being Wagner mercenaries.<br />
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A much-awaited report released by the United Nations (UN) on Friday claimed that at least 500 people were executed by foreign fighters and the Malian army during an anti-militant operation carried out in March 2022.

A much-awaited report released by the United Nations (UN) on Friday claimed that at least 500 people were executed by foreign fighters and the Malian army during an anti-militant operation carried out in March 2022. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released the figures which revealed the worst atrocity the Sahel country has gone through since militant insurgency flared up in 2012. The report is also the most damning document released till now against the armed forces of Mali and their foreign allies. In the report, the nationality of foreign fighters has not been explicitly identified, although Mali has brought in Russians who are claimed to be Wagner mercenaries. ALSO READ | At least nine killed, over 60 injured after triple suicide bombing in Mali Explaining the events that unfolded in Mali's central town of Moura between March 27 and March 31 last year, the OHCHR said that it had "reasonable grounds to believe that at least 500 people were killed in violation of norms, standards, rules and/or principles of international law." The victims were "executed by the Malian Armed Forces and foreign military personnel" who were completely controlling the area, it said. The UN peacekeeping mission's human rights division in Mali, MINUSMA published the report after a lengthy investigation. According to the report, around 20 women and seven children were killed, while evidence indicated that 58 women and girls were victims of rape and sexual violence. People who had been detained were tortured, it stated. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk termed the findings "extremely disturbing". "Summary executions, rape and torture during armed conflict amount to war crimes and could, depending on the circumstances, amount to crimes against humanity," he said in a statement. WATCH | Africa insurgency: Security experts say situation may get worse Mali's ruling junta did not react to the report on Friday. A military junta rules Mali after it toppled the elected president of the country in 2020 amid protests over the failure to counter the militants. After taking over Mali, the junta brought in Russian operatives and warplanes to assist its beleaguered armed forces and broke ties with France, which was the traditional ally of the country. The junta claims that Russians are providing military training and denies the accusations of them being Wagner mercenaries. 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.

500 killed by Mali army, ‘foreign’ fighters in March 2022 anti-militant operation, says UN report

<p>The United Nations said on Friday that about 200,000 people have by now fled Sudan to escape the violence. The agency also warned that a factory producing life-saving treatments for malnourished children had burned down.</p>

<p>"As violence in Sudan continues for a fourth week, nearly 200,000 refugees and returnees have been forced to flee the country, with more crossing borders daily seeking safety," UN refugee agency spokeswoman Olga Sarrado told reporters in Geneva.</p>

<p>Violence erupted in Sudan in mid-April.</p>

<p>The UN's migration agency said earlier this week that 700,000 more people have also been displaced within the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 750 people have been killed in violence which has gone on for nearly a month. Two sides have signed the agreement on Thursday during talks in Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Sudan's rival forces agree to protect civilians, no deal on ceasefire</strong></p>

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<p>They have not yet agreed to a ceasefire in the thorny talks, but they did vow to protect civilians and committed to let in badly needed humanitarian assistance.</p>

<p>UN's Sudan envoy, Volker Perthes, said the agreement was important since it marked "a mutual commitment", even if it was only to adhere to international laws they should have been following anyway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think it is a first step, it is an important first step," he told reporters in Geneva via video link from Port Sudan, hailing in particular that the sides had committed "continue talks" under US and Saudi mediation.</p>

<p>"We expect these talks on ceasefire to start off again from today or from tomorrow."</p>

<p>Immediate improvement in situation appears unlikely however. Two forces exchanged fire in Sudan's capital Khartoum on Friday.</p>

<p>UNICEF has warned that a factory in the Sudanese capital, which was producing therapeutic food to combat malnourishment had burned down. The agency has said that this has destroyed life-saving treatment for 14,500 children.</p>

<p>"This is the darkest, most distinct illustration to date of how this conflict threatens the lives of children through multiple means," UNICEF spokesman James Elder told reporters in Geneva.</p>

<p>Children are also heavily represented among those who are fleeing Sudan.</p>

<p>Olga Sarrado said that for neighbouring Chad, some 30,000 refugees had arrived in recent days. This has brought total number to 60,000. This represents those who have arrived in Sudan in just recent weeks.</p>

<p>"Almost 90 per cent of refugees are children and women, including many pregnant women," she said.</p>

<p>A full 20 per cent of children between the ages of six months and five years had been found to be acutely malnourished.</p>

<p>In all the countries people are fleeing to, "the humanitarian response is challenging and costly," Sarrado said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United Nations said on Friday that about 200,000 people have by now fled Sudan to escape the violence. The agency also warned that a factory producing life-saving treatments for malnourished children had burned down.

The United Nations said on Friday that about 200,000 people have by now fled Sudan to escape the violence. The agency also warned that a factory producing life-saving treatments for malnourished children had burned down. "As violence in Sudan continues for a fourth week, nearly 200,000 refugees and returnees have been forced to flee the country, with more crossing borders daily seeking safety," UN refugee agency spokeswoman Olga Sarrado told reporters in Geneva. Violence erupted in Sudan in mid-April. The UN's migration agency said earlier this week that 700,000 more people have also been displaced within the country. More than 750 people have been killed in violence which has gone on for nearly a month. Two sides have signed the agreement on Thursday during talks in Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. Watch | Sudan's rival forces agree to protect civilians, no deal on ceasefire × They have not yet agreed to a ceasefire in the thorny talks, but they did vow to protect civilians and committed to let in badly needed humanitarian assistance. UN's Sudan envoy, Volker Perthes, said the agreement was important since it marked "a mutual commitment", even if it was only to adhere to international laws they should have been following anyway. "I think it is a first step, it is an important first step," he told reporters in Geneva via video link from Port Sudan, hailing in particular that the sides had committed "continue talks" under US and Saudi mediation. "We expect these talks on ceasefire to start off again from today or from tomorrow." Immediate improvement in situation appears unlikely however. Two forces exchanged fire in Sudan's capital Khartoum on Friday. UNICEF has warned that a factory in the Sudanese capital, which was producing therapeutic food to combat malnourishment had burned down. The agency has said that this has destroyed life-saving treatment for 14,500 children. "This is the darkest, most distinct illustration to date of how this conflict threatens the lives of children through multiple means," UNICEF spokesman James Elder told reporters in Geneva. Children are also heavily represented among those who are fleeing Sudan. Olga Sarrado said that for neighbouring Chad, some 30,000 refugees had arrived in recent days. This has brought total number to 60,000. This represents those who have arrived in Sudan in just recent weeks. "Almost 90 per cent of refugees are children and women, including many pregnant women," she said. A full 20 per cent of children between the ages of six months and five years had been found to be acutely malnourished. In all the countries people are fleeing to, "the humanitarian response is challenging and costly," Sarrado 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 ×

Around 200,000 people have fled Sudan till now, says UN

<p>In the last six months, the Taliban have carried out hundreds of flogging incidents, stonings and public executions in Afghanistan, which has been slammed by the United Nations (UN) in its latest report.</p>

<p>Ever since the hardline Islamist regime took over Afghanistan in 2021, it has asked fighters, judges and leaders to implement the stringent Sharia law as per their interpretation, a pattern which they have followed from the early days of their previous rule in the 1990s.</p>

<p>And in reaction to the report of the UN, which called the methods of the Taliban “archaic corporal punishment”, the militant group stated that it is obliged to follow Islamic law's strict interpretation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UN report on corporal punishment and death penalty released today:<br />
274 men, 58 women and two boys publicly flogged in last six months in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>.<br />
Read full report: <a href="https://t.co/hUvWzrn0lx">https://t.co/hUvWzrn0lx</a><br />
1/3 <a href="https://t.co/eDrZ395pZ8">pic.twitter.com/eDrZ395pZ8</a></p>
— UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNAMAnews/status/1655430606124138498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per the report, 274 men, 58 women and two boys have been publicly flogged by the Taliban leaders in the last six months in at least 43 instances.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-school-taliban-on-culture-leadership-and-economics-572083">India to give crash course to Taliban on culture, leadership and economics</a></p>

<p>The report appealed to the interim regime to halt such practices.</p>

<p>“In the event of a conflict between international human rights law and Islamic law, the government is obliged to follow the Islamic law,” said the Taliban foreign ministry in response to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan's (UNAMA) detailed report released on Monday.</p>

<p>The majority of people were punished after they were convicted of adultery and “running away from home,” said the report, while some were also flogged for other crimes like theft, homosexuality, consuming alcohol, fraud and drug trafficking.</p>

<p>In its report, the UNAMA pointed to a statement given by a Taliban official who stated that “cutting off of hands is very necessary for security” for its “deterrent effect, but that the cabinet was still assessing whether punishments would be conducted in public”.</p>

<p>Under the incumbent Taliban regime, the first corporal punishment was recorded on October 20, 2021, when the de facto district court convicted a man and woman of adultery and both of them were publicly lashed 100 times each.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | UN threatens to pull out of Afghanistan after Taliban bans women from working for UN | WION</strong></p>

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<p>UNAMA human rights chief Fiona Frazer, decrying the violations, said, “Corporal punishment is a violation of the Convention against Torture and must cease. The UN is strongly opposed to the death penalty and encourages the DFA to establish an immediate moratorium on executions”.</p>

<p>Frazer, in his comments, was referring to the Department of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Separately, the UN agency had documented at least 182 instances the sentences were given directly by the Taliban during the height of insurgency between 2010 and August 2021, which led to 213 deaths and 64 injuries.</p>

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In the last six months, the Taliban have carried out hundreds of flogging incidents, stonings and public executions in Afghanistan, which has been slammed by the United Nations (UN) in its latest report.

In the last six months, the Taliban have carried out hundreds of flogging incidents, stonings and public executions in Afghanistan, which has been slammed by the United Nations (UN) in its latest report. Ever since the hardline Islamist regime took over Afghanistan in 2021, it has asked fighters, judges and leaders to implement the stringent Sharia law as per their interpretation, a pattern which they have followed from the early days of their previous rule in the 1990s. And in reaction to the report of the UN, which called the methods of the Taliban “archaic corporal punishment”, the militant group stated that it is obliged to follow Islamic law's strict interpretation. UN report on corporal punishment and death penalty released today: 274 men, 58 women and two boys publicly flogged in last six months in #Afghanistan. Read full report: https://t.co/hUvWzrn0lx 1/3 pic.twitter.com/eDrZ395pZ8 — UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) May 8, 2023 × As per the report, 274 men, 58 women and two boys have been publicly flogged by the Taliban leaders in the last six months in at least 43 instances. ALSO READ | India to give crash course to Taliban on culture, leadership and economics The report appealed to the interim regime to halt such practices. “In the event of a conflict between international human rights law and Islamic law, the government is obliged to follow the Islamic law,” said the Taliban foreign ministry in response to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan's (UNAMA) detailed report released on Monday. The majority of people were punished after they were convicted of adultery and “running away from home,” said the report, while some were also flogged for other crimes like theft, homosexuality, consuming alcohol, fraud and drug trafficking. In its report, the UNAMA pointed to a statement given by a Taliban official who stated that “cutting off of hands is very necessary for security” for its “deterrent effect, but that the cabinet was still assessing whether punishments would be conducted in public”. Under the incumbent Taliban regime, the first corporal punishment was recorded on October 20, 2021, when the de facto district court convicted a man and woman of adultery and both of them were publicly lashed 100 times each. WATCH | UN threatens to pull out of Afghanistan after Taliban bans women from working for UN | WION UNAMA human rights chief Fiona Frazer, decrying the violations, said, “Corporal punishment is a violation of the Convention against Torture and must cease. The UN is strongly opposed to the death penalty and encourages the DFA to establish an immediate moratorium on executions”. Frazer, in his comments, was referring to the Department of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan. Separately, the UN agency had documented at least 182 instances the sentences were given directly by the Taliban during the height of insurgency between 2010 and August 2021, which led to 213 deaths and 64 injuries. 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

Taliban pledge to continue executions, public floggings as UN raises alarm

India is among top five countries in the world where pre-term births take place. A UN report mentioned that every two seconds pre-term baby is born in the country and every 40 seconds one of those babies dies. Take a look.

India among top five countries with highest rate of pre-term births: Report

<p>The United Nations said on Tuesday (May 9) that heavy fighting in Sudan has displaced more than 700,000 people in the country since mid-April, adding the figure doubled in a week. Addressing a press conference in Geneva, Paul Dillon, a spokesperson for the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said, "There are now more than 700,000 internally displaced by the fighting which began on April 15. Last Tuesday, the figure stood at 340,000."</p>

<p>Dillon pointed out that even before the conflict started on April 15, 3.7 million people were registered as internally displaced in Sudan. He said that many internally displaced persons (IDPs) are sheltering with relatives, while others are gathering in schools, mosques and public buildings.</p>

<p>The IOM spokesperson further said that the agency was conscious of the enormous pressures placed on host communities already suffering from the effects of over three weeks of fighting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-people-trapped-in-conflict-torn-sudan-say-relatives-not-allowed-on-flights-report-589002">British people trapped in conflict-torn Sudan say relatives not allowed on flights: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) said that another 150,000 people fled Sudan since the fighting started between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN has estimated that five million additional people would need emergency assistance inside Sudan, while 860,000 people are expected to flee to neighbouring states.</p>

<p>During Tuesday's briefing, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that 604 people have been killed and over 5,000 injured so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conflict in the North African country rages on as&nbsp;negotiations between the warring factions have yielded no major progress. Despite several ceasefires, tensions and deadly fighting persist in Khartoum and other areas.</p>

<p>Last Saturday (May 6), both factions sent their envoys to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for peace talks. But there has been no word on the progress of these talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, Sudanese Special Envoy Dafallah al-Haj met South Sudan President Salva Kiir. The talks with President Kiir were aimed at fostering a lasting ceasefire and granting safe passage to humanitarian support as well as providing&nbsp;an escape corridor for fleeing civilians.</p>

<p>Following the meeting, Dafallah al-Haj told reporters that Sudan's army was in full control. "The elements of the Rapid Deployment Force, the rebellion, have infiltrated inside the civilian quarters and they are now taking, considering, or actually occupying hospitals. That is why the army does not want to go aggressively because of the safety of the civilians," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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The United Nations said on Tuesday (May 9) that heavy fighting in Sudan has displaced more than 700,000 people in the country since mid-April, adding the figure doubled in a week.

The United Nations said on Tuesday (May 9) that heavy fighting in Sudan has displaced more than 700,000 people in the country since mid-April, adding the figure doubled in a week. Addressing a press conference in Geneva, Paul Dillon, a spokesperson for the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said, "There are now more than 700,000 internally displaced by the fighting which began on April 15. Last Tuesday, the figure stood at 340,000." Dillon pointed out that even before the conflict started on April 15, 3.7 million people were registered as internally displaced in Sudan. He said that many internally displaced persons (IDPs) are sheltering with relatives, while others are gathering in schools, mosques and public buildings. The IOM spokesperson further said that the agency was conscious of the enormous pressures placed on host communities already suffering from the effects of over three weeks of fighting. ALSO READ | British people trapped in conflict-torn Sudan say relatives not allowed on flights: Report The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) said that another 150,000 people fled Sudan since the fighting started between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UN has estimated that five million additional people would need emergency assistance inside Sudan, while 860,000 people are expected to flee to neighbouring states. During Tuesday's briefing, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that 604 people have been killed and over 5,000 injured so far. The conflict in the North African country rages on as negotiations between the warring factions have yielded no major progress. Despite several ceasefires, tensions and deadly fighting persist in Khartoum and other areas. Last Saturday (May 6), both factions sent their envoys to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for peace talks. But there has been no word on the progress of these talks. On Monday, Sudanese Special Envoy Dafallah al-Haj met South Sudan President Salva Kiir. The talks with President Kiir were aimed at fostering a lasting ceasefire and granting safe passage to humanitarian support as well as providing an escape corridor for fleeing civilians. Following the meeting, Dafallah al-Haj told reporters that Sudan's army was in full control. "The elements of the Rapid Deployment Force, the rebellion, have infiltrated inside the civilian quarters and they are now taking, considering, or actually occupying hospitals. That is why the army does not want to go aggressively because of the safety of the civilians," he said. (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.

Sudan conflict: More than 700,000 displaced since mid-April, says UN

<p>The United Nations said on Thursday (May 4) that it was preparing for an exodus of 860,000 people from conflict-torn Sudan. UN said that $445 million would be needed to support these people just through October.</p>

<p>The agency said in a statement that it had appealed to donor countries. It said that incoming funds will be utilised for people fleeing to Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia and the Central African Republic. People are escaping Sudan after violence erupted in the country on April 15.</p>

<p>Fighting in Sudan continues and the truce efforts are in tatters. In the capital city of Khartoum, gunfire and explosions could be heard for the 20th straight day on Thursday. The latest ceasefire expired at midnight on Wednesday. Though the regular army said it was ready to abide by a new seven-day truce there was no immediate word from the opposing paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).</p>

<p>AFP said that loud explosions and exchanges of fire could be heard on the streets till dawn on Thursday.</p>

<p>Sudan spiralled into violence on April 15 as the country's regular army, led by Sudan's de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo began fighting.</p>

<p>According to figures from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, the fighting has killed some 700 people, most of them in Khartoum and Darfur.</p>

<p>"The UN was taken by surprise" by the conflict because the world body and others were hopeful that negotiations towards a civilian transition would be successful, the UN chief Antonio Guterres told reporters in Nairobi Wednesday.</p>

<p>"To the extent that we and many others were not expecting this to happen, we can say we failed to avoid it to happen," Guterres said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A country like Sudan, which has suffered so much... cannot afford a struggle for power between two people."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the day that fighting broke out, the two generals had been due to meet with international mediators to discuss the RSF's integration into the regular army -- a key condition for the transition to democratic rule.</p>

<p>Instead, Khartoum awoke to the sound of gunfire ringing through the streets.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United Nations said on Thursday (May 4) that it was preparing for an exodus of 860,000 people from conflict-torn Sudan. UN said that $445 million would be needed to support these people just through October.

The United Nations said on Thursday (May 4) that it was preparing for an exodus of 860,000 people from conflict-torn Sudan. UN said that $445 million would be needed to support these people just through October. The agency said in a statement that it had appealed to donor countries. It said that incoming funds will be utilised for people fleeing to Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia and the Central African Republic. People are escaping Sudan after violence erupted in the country on April 15. Fighting in Sudan continues and the truce efforts are in tatters. In the capital city of Khartoum, gunfire and explosions could be heard for the 20th straight day on Thursday. The latest ceasefire expired at midnight on Wednesday. Though the regular army said it was ready to abide by a new seven-day truce there was no immediate word from the opposing paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). AFP said that loud explosions and exchanges of fire could be heard on the streets till dawn on Thursday. Sudan spiralled into violence on April 15 as the country's regular army, led by Sudan's de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo began fighting. According to figures from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, the fighting has killed some 700 people, most of them in Khartoum and Darfur. "The UN was taken by surprise" by the conflict because the world body and others were hopeful that negotiations towards a civilian transition would be successful, the UN chief Antonio Guterres told reporters in Nairobi Wednesday. "To the extent that we and many others were not expecting this to happen, we can say we failed to avoid it to happen," Guterres said. "A country like Sudan, which has suffered so much... cannot afford a struggle for power between two people." On the day that fighting broke out, the two generals had been due to meet with international mediators to discuss the RSF's integration into the regular army -- a key condition for the transition to democratic rule. Instead, Khartoum awoke to the sound of gunfire ringing through the streets. (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 ×

$445 million required by October to help 860,000 people fleeing Sudan: UN

<p>Child marriage is detrimental to the welfare of both, the boy and the girl. In spite of various rules and laws prohibiting the practice in countries across the world, thousands of underage individuals are forced to marry. Now, the United Nations has said that though the rate of child marriage is showing a decline, it is not enough and at this rate, the practice will continue to exist for 300 more years. UNICEF, in a report published on Tuesday (May 2), said that about 640 million girls, teens and women were victims of the practice of child marriage. The report,&nbsp;titled 'Is an End to Child Marriage Within Reach?' added that 12 million girls and teens the world over are becoming brides each year.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the definition of child marriage?</strong></h2>

<p>United Nations deems marriage under the age of 18 to be child marriage. The UN clearly says that child marriage is a "fundamental violation of human rights". It notes that though the practice of child marriage is more common among girls than it is among boys, it is a violation of rights "regardless of sex".</p>

<h2><strong>Problems caused by child marriage</strong></h2>

<p>When a girl is married off at a young age, it may result in early pregnancy. This and other issues may interrupt her schooling, limit her opportunities as well as bring her face-to-face with other problems, such as domestic violence.</p>

<p>In the case of a boy, child marriage may place him in adult roles for which he is unprepared. He will be overburdened with economic pressure which may come in the way of his progress in life.</p>

<p>Child marriage places both, boys and girls, in a position that's disadvantageous to them and one that keeps them from fulfilling their aspirations in life or even&nbsp;leading a normal life in a healthy and capable manner. This definitely does not bode well for the overall wellbeing of the global population.</p>

<h2><strong>Where is the practice most prevalent?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the data from the UN, child marriages are most prevalent in West and Central Africa. One in three women was married when she was under the age of 18 in these parts of the continent.</p>

<p>Child marriage levels are somewhat lower in eastern and southern Africa (32 per cent). In South Asia, the levels are at 26 per cent. When it comes to Latin America and the Caribbean, child marriages stand at&nbsp;the figure of 21 per cent, while in the Middle East and North Africa, it is 16 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is estimated that globally, 115 million boys and girls were married under the age of 18.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is the UN pessimistic about the abolition of child marriage?</strong></h2>

<p>The report released by UNICEF says that in the last 25 years, the rate of child marriages slowed down. The report mentions that in 1999, 25 per cent of young women between the ages of 20 and 24 were married before they were 18 years old.</p>

<p>The rate dropped to 23 per cent 15 years later. By 2022, the rate was at 19 per cent.</p>

<p>“In the last decade alone, a girl’s likelihood of marrying in childhood dropped by nearly half, from 46 per cent to 26 per cent,” the report said.</p>

<p>“Of all child marriages averted in the past 25 years, 78 per cent were in South Asia. This progress is driven largely by India, although notable declines have also been seen in Bangladesh, Maldives and Pakistan.”</p>

<p>However, in spite of the good signs, the UN says that the rate of decline is not enough and at this rate, the practice of child marriage would take 300 years for its complete abolition.</p>

<h2><strong>How is the future looking?</strong></h2>

<p>UNICEF has expressed fears that reverse trends might eliminate hard-won gains in the field of child marriage. The UN agency has mentioned issues like Covid pandemic, global conflicts and climate change as some of the reasons.</p>

<p>"The world is engulfed by crisis on top of crisis that are crushing the hopes and dreams of vulnerable children, especially girls who should be students, not brides,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in a statement.</p>

<p>“Health and economic crises, escalating armed conflicts, and the ravaging effects of climate change are forcing families to seek a false sense of refuge in child marriage. We need to do everything in our power to ensure that their rights to an education and empowered lives are secured.”</p>

<p>UNICEF report said that the Covid pandemic alone could be responsible for more than 10 million child marriages between 2020 and 2030.</p>

<h2><strong>Concerns about Africa</strong></h2>

<p>UNICEF report on the end of child marriage mentions special concern about sub-Saharan Africa. The rate of child marriages is rising in the region. It is expected to show an increase of 10 per cent by 2030. The report says that girls in the region face the highest risk of child marriage globally.&nbsp;</p>

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Child marriage is detrimental to the welfare of both, the boy and the girl. In spite of various rules and laws prohibiting the practice in countries across the world, thousands of underage individuals are forced to marry.

Child marriage is detrimental to the welfare of both, the boy and the girl. In spite of various rules and laws prohibiting the practice in countries across the world, thousands of underage individuals are forced to marry. Now, the United Nations has said that though the rate of child marriage is showing a decline, it is not enough and at this rate, the practice will continue to exist for 300 more years. UNICEF, in a report published on Tuesday (May 2), said that about 640 million girls, teens and women were victims of the practice of child marriage. The report, titled 'Is an End to Child Marriage Within Reach?' added that 12 million girls and teens the world over are becoming brides each year. What is the definition of child marriage? United Nations deems marriage under the age of 18 to be child marriage. The UN clearly says that child marriage is a "fundamental violation of human rights". It notes that though the practice of child marriage is more common among girls than it is among boys, it is a violation of rights "regardless of sex". Problems caused by child marriage When a girl is married off at a young age, it may result in early pregnancy. This and other issues may interrupt her schooling, limit her opportunities as well as bring her face-to-face with other problems, such as domestic violence. In the case of a boy, child marriage may place him in adult roles for which he is unprepared. He will be overburdened with economic pressure which may come in the way of his progress in life. Child marriage places both, boys and girls, in a position that's disadvantageous to them and one that keeps them from fulfilling their aspirations in life or even leading a normal life in a healthy and capable manner. This definitely does not bode well for the overall wellbeing of the global population. Where is the practice most prevalent? According to the data from the UN, child marriages are most prevalent in West and Central Africa. One in three women was married when she was under the age of 18 in these parts of the continent. Child marriage levels are somewhat lower in eastern and southern Africa (32 per cent). In South Asia, the levels are at 26 per cent. When it comes to Latin America and the Caribbean, child marriages stand at the figure of 21 per cent, while in the Middle East and North Africa, it is 16 per cent. It is estimated that globally, 115 million boys and girls were married under the age of 18. Why is the UN pessimistic about the abolition of child marriage? The report released by UNICEF says that in the last 25 years, the rate of child marriages slowed down. The report mentions that in 1999, 25 per cent of young women between the ages of 20 and 24 were married before they were 18 years old. The rate dropped to 23 per cent 15 years later. By 2022, the rate was at 19 per cent. “In the last decade alone, a girl’s likelihood of marrying in childhood dropped by nearly half, from 46 per cent to 26 per cent,” the report said. “Of all child marriages averted in the past 25 years, 78 per cent were in South Asia. This progress is driven largely by India, although notable declines have also been seen in Bangladesh, Maldives and Pakistan.” However, in spite of the good signs, the UN says that the rate of decline is not enough and at this rate, the practice of child marriage would take 300 years for its complete abolition. How is the future looking? UNICEF has expressed fears that reverse trends might eliminate hard-won gains in the field of child marriage. The UN agency has mentioned issues like Covid pandemic, global conflicts and climate change as some of the reasons. "The world is engulfed by crisis on top of crisis that are crushing the hopes and dreams of vulnerable children, especially girls who should be students, not brides,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in a statement. “Health and economic crises, escalating armed conflicts, and the ravaging effects of climate change are forcing families to seek a false sense of refuge in child marriage. We need to do everything in our power to ensure that their rights to an education and empowered lives are secured.” UNICEF report said that the Covid pandemic alone could be responsible for more than 10 million child marriages between 2020 and 2030. Concerns about Africa UNICEF report on the end of child marriage mentions special concern about sub-Saharan Africa. The rate of child marriages is rising in the region. It is expected to show an increase of 10 per cent by 2030. The report says that girls in the region face the highest risk of child marriage globally. 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 ×

Explained | UN fears end of child marriage is still 300 years away. Here’s why

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<p>Almost 258 million people across 58 countries, or 22.7 per cent of the analysed population, faced severe hunger last year due to conflicts, climate change and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a United Nations report. The data released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization stated it was the fourth consecutive year in which the number of people facing food crises increased substantially - a “stinging indictment of humanity’s failure”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report is presented by the Global Report on Food Crises, an alliance of humanitarian organisations founded by the UN and the European Union. It shows that the number of countries where food insecurity had increased due to economic shocks had increased from 21 to 27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Nearly 258 million people in 58 countries/territories were in Crisis or worse acute food insecurity (IPC/CH Phase 3 or above, or equivalent) in 2022 – up from 193&nbsp;million in 53 countries/territories in 2021," reads the report.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Top 10 hungriest countries</strong></h2>

<p>According to the report, the top 10 hungriest countries in the world are -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Yemen, Myanmar, the Syrian Arab Republic, Sudan, Ukraine and Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"More than half of the 376,400 people in the catastrophe were in Somalia (214,100), but these extreme conditions also affected populations in South&nbsp;Sudan (87,000), Yemen (31,000), Afghanistan (20,300), Haiti for the first time in GRFC history (19,200), Nigeria (3,000) and Burkina Faso (1,800)," added the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reflecting on the findings of the report, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was a failure to implement UN goals to end world hunger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Rising poverty, deepening inequalities, rampant underdevelopment, the climate crisis and natural disasters also contribute to food insecurity,” said Guterres.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-food-crisis-looms-over-flood-hit-nigeria-528334" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Food crisis looms over flood hit Nigeria</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Interplay of causes driving hunger</strong></h2>

<p>Rein Paulsen, director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said an interplay of causes was driving global hunger. Climate shocks, conflicts, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine which had a drastic effect on the global trade of fertilisers, wheat, maize and sunflower oil were a few of the reasons that contributed to the problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The latest figures on the global acute food insecurity situation paint a very concerning picture. They tell us that now for four consecutive reports, four consecutive years, we have a situation that’s getting worse: the prevalence of populations facing acute food insecurity at crisis levels or worse have increased for the fourth consecutive year," said Paulsen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This report is vitally important because it tells decision makers, it tells donors, it informs operational agencies and governments about the need for urgent action, scaled-up action, and the right type of action to address the situation,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-un-report-sounds-alarm-bells-over-lack-of-clean-drinking-water-574712" target="_blank"><strong>IN PICS | UN report sounds alarm bells over lack of clean drinking water</strong></a></p>

<p>Globally, only four per cent of all funding goes to food security interventions. The report and its damning findings should propel the countries and global bodies to pledge more money to ensure food reaches the tables of the most marginalised, the experts said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Almost 258 million people across 58 countries, or 22.7 per cent of the analysed population, faced severe hunger last year due to conflicts, climate change and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a United Nations report.

Almost 258 million people across 58 countries, or 22.7 per cent of the analysed population, faced severe hunger last year due to conflicts, climate change and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a United Nations report. The data released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization stated it was the fourth consecutive year in which the number of people facing food crises increased substantially - a “stinging indictment of humanity’s failure”. The report is presented by the Global Report on Food Crises, an alliance of humanitarian organisations founded by the UN and the European Union. It shows that the number of countries where food insecurity had increased due to economic shocks had increased from 21 to 27. "Nearly 258 million people in 58 countries/territories were in Crisis or worse acute food insecurity (IPC/CH Phase 3 or above, or equivalent) in 2022 – up from 193 million in 53 countries/territories in 2021," reads the report. Top 10 hungriest countries According to the report, the top 10 hungriest countries in the world are -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Yemen, Myanmar, the Syrian Arab Republic, Sudan, Ukraine and Pakistan. "More than half of the 376,400 people in the catastrophe were in Somalia (214,100), but these extreme conditions also affected populations in South Sudan (87,000), Yemen (31,000), Afghanistan (20,300), Haiti for the first time in GRFC history (19,200), Nigeria (3,000) and Burkina Faso (1,800)," added the report. Reflecting on the findings of the report, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was a failure to implement UN goals to end world hunger. “Rising poverty, deepening inequalities, rampant underdevelopment, the climate crisis and natural disasters also contribute to food insecurity,” said Guterres. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Food crisis looms over flood hit Nigeria × Interplay of causes driving hunger Rein Paulsen, director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said an interplay of causes was driving global hunger. Climate shocks, conflicts, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine which had a drastic effect on the global trade of fertilisers, wheat, maize and sunflower oil were a few of the reasons that contributed to the problem. “The latest figures on the global acute food insecurity situation paint a very concerning picture. They tell us that now for four consecutive reports, four consecutive years, we have a situation that’s getting worse: the prevalence of populations facing acute food insecurity at crisis levels or worse have increased for the fourth consecutive year," said Paulsen. “This report is vitally important because it tells decision makers, it tells donors, it informs operational agencies and governments about the need for urgent action, scaled-up action, and the right type of action to address the situation,” he added. IN PICS | UN report sounds alarm bells over lack of clean drinking water Globally, only four per cent of all funding goes to food security interventions. The report and its damning findings should propel the countries and global bodies to pledge more money to ensure food reaches the tables of the most marginalised, the experts said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 258 million people faced food insecurity in 2022: UN report

The civil war in Sudan has brought life to a standstill. While the focus of the foreign media has been on diplomats and foreign nationals who got caught in the violence that suddenly exploded in this head-butting contest between the two generals, few have focused their attention on the common people of Sudan. Remember, civil wars, ethnic conflicts and social strife is not new to the people of Sudan. But even then, this is a conflict like no other that has gripped the country in the last few decades. Be it in the ethnic violence of Darfur, or Blue Nile and the Southern Kardofan crisis.

United Nations estimates over 800,000 could flee Sudan if fighting continues | World At War

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<p>China has called for constructive reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying there should be representation for developing countries, especially the small and medium countries, but remained mum on India's inclusion at the high table of the permanent members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee recently met Tareq MAM Albanai and Alexander Marschik, the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on UNSC reforms and discussed the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The reform of the Security Council should uphold fairness and justice, increase the representation and voice of developing countries, allowing more small and medium-sized countries to have more opportunities to participate in the decision-making of the council," said the Chinese diplomat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/india-at-unsc-how-long-it-has-to-wait-for-the-permanent-seat-354198"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;India at UNSC: How long it has to wait for the permanent seat?</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, China is one of the five permanent members alongside France, Russia, the UK and the US of the 15-member UNSC. The other 10 members are elected as non-permanent members for two-year terms and do not have veto powers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UNSC has been criticised for being a closed grouping, often out of touch with the ground reality and using the platform to serve selfish interests. For several years, India has been at the forefront, demanding reforms to the Security Council and a place at the table. New Delhi's rotating non-permanent membership in the council ended on December 31, 2022, and thus it becomes all the more important that India is included.</p>

<h2><strong>UNSC's credibility at stake</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has questioned the relevance of the UNSC by stating, “The credibility and effectiveness of global institutions is being questioned. The reason for this is that there has been no change in these institutions despite the passage of time. These institutions reflect the mindset and realities of the world 75 years ago."</p>

<p>India with the world's largest population and tag of the fastest-growing economy is rightly deserving of a place in the council, especially if the body wants to restore its credibility, according to experts. Last year, France and UK reaffirmed their support for India as a permanent member during the annual debate on UNSC reforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-never-changing-unsc-why-no-permanent-unsc-seat-for-india-world-news-wion-584197"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;The never-changing UNSC: Why no permanent UNSC seat for India? | World News | WION</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“France endorses the candidacy of Germany, Brazil, India and Japan as permanent members for permanent seats,” said Nathalie Broadhurst Estival, France's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the UK’s Ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, also extended her country’s support for the membership bid of the&nbsp;G4 countries (India, Germany, Japan and Brazil) as well as permanent African representation on the Council.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-uk-back-g4-countries-bid-for-permanent-seat-on-un-security-council-535594" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | France, UK back India's bid for a permanent seat on UN Security Council</strong></a></p>

<p>However, despite batting for reforms, China has been blocking negotiations on UNSC expansion. The global economy and population needle is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific and if an inadequate Asian representation and no African representation remains, UNSC might be writing itself into irrelevancy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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China has called for constructive reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying there should be representation for developing countries, especially the small and medium countries, but remained mum on India's inclusion at the high table of the permanent members.

China has called for constructive reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying there should be representation for developing countries, especially the small and medium countries, but remained mum on India's inclusion at the high table of the permanent members. Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee recently met Tareq MAM Albanai and Alexander Marschik, the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on UNSC reforms and discussed the issue. “The reform of the Security Council should uphold fairness and justice, increase the representation and voice of developing countries, allowing more small and medium-sized countries to have more opportunities to participate in the decision-making of the council," said the Chinese diplomat. ALSO READ | India at UNSC: How long it has to wait for the permanent seat? Notably, China is one of the five permanent members alongside France, Russia, the UK and the US of the 15-member UNSC. The other 10 members are elected as non-permanent members for two-year terms and do not have veto powers. The UNSC has been criticised for being a closed grouping, often out of touch with the ground reality and using the platform to serve selfish interests. For several years, India has been at the forefront, demanding reforms to the Security Council and a place at the table. New Delhi's rotating non-permanent membership in the council ended on December 31, 2022, and thus it becomes all the more important that India is included. UNSC's credibility at stake Prime Minister Narendra Modi has questioned the relevance of the UNSC by stating, “The credibility and effectiveness of global institutions is being questioned. The reason for this is that there has been no change in these institutions despite the passage of time. These institutions reflect the mindset and realities of the world 75 years ago." India with the world's largest population and tag of the fastest-growing economy is rightly deserving of a place in the council, especially if the body wants to restore its credibility, according to experts. Last year, France and UK reaffirmed their support for India as a permanent member during the annual debate on UNSC reforms. WATCH | The never-changing UNSC: Why no permanent UNSC seat for India? | World News | WION × “France endorses the candidacy of Germany, Brazil, India and Japan as permanent members for permanent seats,” said Nathalie Broadhurst Estival, France's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN. Meanwhile, the UK’s Ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, also extended her country’s support for the membership bid of the G4 countries (India, Germany, Japan and Brazil) as well as permanent African representation on the Council. ALSO READ | France, UK back India's bid for a permanent seat on UN Security Council However, despite batting for reforms, China has been blocking negotiations on UNSC expansion. The global economy and population needle is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific and if an inadequate Asian representation and no African representation remains, UNSC might be writing itself into irrelevancy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China bats for UNSC reforms but remains mum on India's inclusion

India is demanding a 'Major Course Correction' in the functioning of the UNSC. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj highlighted the inadequacies of the current system. She spoke during a meeting on "Effective Multilateralism through the Defence of the Principles of the UN Charter". Ruchira Kamboj questioned the effectiveness of practising "effective multilateralism".

Highlighting India's exclusion from global decision-making, Ruchira Kamboj calls for UNSC reforms

<p dir="ltr">Indian Ambassador to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, has called for a "major course correction" in the functioning of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that "India, the world's largest democracy, along with entire continents of Africa and Latin America, are being kept out of global decision-making."</p>

<p>Speaking at a UNSC meeting organised by Russia on the topic of "Effective Multilateralism through the Defense of the Principles of the UN Charter," Kamboj emphasised the need to reform the UNSC and widen its representation to more developing countries for its effectiveness and credibility.</p>

<p>"Our starting premise has to be widening the representation of this core institution, the Security Council, to more developing countries for its effectiveness and credibility," said Kamboj. "If we continue to perpetuate the 1945 anachronistic mindset, we will continue to lose the faith our people have in the United Nations."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-indias-first-water-metro-in-kochi-585944">PM Modi inaugurates India's first water metro in Kochi</a></p>

<p>Kamboj questioned the effectiveness of practising "effective multilateralism" by defending a Charter that makes "five nations more equal than others and provides each of those five the power to ignore the collective will of the remaining 188 member states". China, Russia, UK, France, and the US are the five permanent members of the UNSC and can veto any issue.</p>

<p>"Can we practise 'multilateralism effectively' in the 21st century through a body that celebrates the principle 'to the victor belong the spoils' privileged more than three generations ago?" asked Kamboj. Last September, at the annual UNGA session, 70 world leaders called for the reforms of the UN.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Lithuania's Ambassador Diana Mickeviciene speaks to WION on ties with India, China</strong></p>

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<p>India has been long calling for reforms of the UNSC, being the 5th largest economy and set to be the most populated country by mid-year. When it comes to the 5-veto holding permanent members, all countries—Russia, US, UK and France have supported India's bid to be permanent members barring one-China.</p>

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Indian Ambassador to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, has called for a "major course correction" in the functioning of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that "India, the world's largest democracy, along with entire continents of Africa and Latin America, are being kept out of global decision-making.

Indian Ambassador to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, has called for a "major course correction" in the functioning of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that "India, the world's largest democracy, along with entire continents of Africa and Latin America, are being kept out of global decision-making." Speaking at a UNSC meeting organised by Russia on the topic of "Effective Multilateralism through the Defense of the Principles of the UN Charter," Kamboj emphasised the need to reform the UNSC and widen its representation to more developing countries for its effectiveness and credibility. "Our starting premise has to be widening the representation of this core institution, the Security Council, to more developing countries for its effectiveness and credibility," said Kamboj. "If we continue to perpetuate the 1945 anachronistic mindset, we will continue to lose the faith our people have in the United Nations." ALSO READ | PM Modi inaugurates India's first water metro in Kochi Kamboj questioned the effectiveness of practising "effective multilateralism" by defending a Charter that makes "five nations more equal than others and provides each of those five the power to ignore the collective will of the remaining 188 member states". China, Russia, UK, France, and the US are the five permanent members of the UNSC and can veto any issue. "Can we practise 'multilateralism effectively' in the 21st century through a body that celebrates the principle 'to the victor belong the spoils' privileged more than three generations ago?" asked Kamboj. Last September, at the annual UNGA session, 70 world leaders called for the reforms of the UN. ALSO WATCH | Lithuania's Ambassador Diana Mickeviciene speaks to WION on ties with India, China India has been long calling for reforms of the UNSC, being the 5th largest economy and set to be the most populated country by mid-year. When it comes to the 5-veto holding permanent members, all countries—Russia, US, UK and France have supported India's bid to be permanent members barring one-China. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian ambassador to UN highlights India's exclusion from global decision-making, calls for UNSC reforms

<p>The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), in its report, said that temperatures have increased across Europe in the last few years and the heatwaves have resulted in 15,700 deaths across the continent in 2022.</p>

<p>The report emphasised that Europe was affected by record-breaking heat waves in the summer and extreme heat was accompanied by dry conditions in some areas. The death toll due to heatwave exceeded 15,000 across the UK, Portugal, France, Spain and Germany.</p>

<p>The WMO report titled “State of the Global Climate in 2022” was released on World Earth Day which is marked on April 22 every year. WMO is the United Nations (UN) agency for climate, water and weather.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-zealands-southern-waters-witnessing-marine-heatwave-four-degrees-above-average-say-scientists-553119">New Zealand's southern waters witnessing marine heatwave, say scientists</a></p>

<h2><strong>Past eight years hottest in history: report</strong></h2>

<p>In the report, the UN noted that the past eight years were the hottest in record history. It added that one million species are currently facing the risk of extinction as the world's biodiversity is threatened by climate change.</p>

<p>The WMO report further emphasised that increasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are causing damaging environmental changes.</p>

<p>"WMO latest State of the Global Climate report shows that the last eight years were the eight warmest on record, and that sea level rise and ocean warming hit new highs. Record levels of greenhouse gases caused 'planetary scale changes on land, in the ocean and in the atmosphere'," stated the UN in a release.</p>

<h2><strong>Glaciers melting at dramatic speed</strong></h2>

<p>Emphasising the melting glaciers, the WMO stated, “Antarctic sea ice fell to its lowest extent on record and the melting of some European glaciers was, literally, off the charts.”</p>

<p>The glaciers of the world lost their thickness by more than 1.3 metres between October 2021 and October 2022, which is much larger compared to the average decrease over the last decade. Since 1970, the cumulative thickness of glaciers lost is around 30 metres.</p>

<p>The report stated that there has been a record increase in sea levels by an average of 4.62 millimetres every year between 2013 and 2022, which is double the speed at which it was increasing between 1993 and 2002.</p>

<p>The UN said that record high temperatures were also recorded in the oceans where almost 90 per cent of the heat, which remains trapped on Earth due to the greenhouse gases, finally ends up.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Argentina roasts in record heat wave</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Climate change impacting people's health</strong></h2>

<p>Due to climate change, the report stated that the health of European people has been impacted in several ways, including illness and death due to the increased frequency of extreme weather conditions.</p>

<p>The report has suggested that there can be an increase in zoonoses, where the transmission of disease takes place from animals to humans, along with water, food and vector-borne diseases, as well a rise in cases of mental health disorders.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, while speaking on World Earth Day, said, "In his message on Earth Day, UN chief Guterres warned that 'biodiversity is collapsing as one million species teeter on the brink of extinction', and called on the world to end its 'relentless and senseless wars on nature', insisting that 'we have the tools, the knowledge, and the solutions' to address climate change.”</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), in its report, said that temperatures have increased across Europe in the last few years and the heatwaves have resulted in 15,700 deaths across the continent in 2022.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), in its report, said that temperatures have increased across Europe in the last few years and the heatwaves have resulted in 15,700 deaths across the continent in 2022. The report emphasised that Europe was affected by record-breaking heat waves in the summer and extreme heat was accompanied by dry conditions in some areas. The death toll due to heatwave exceeded 15,000 across the UK, Portugal, France, Spain and Germany. The WMO report titled “State of the Global Climate in 2022” was released on World Earth Day which is marked on April 22 every year. WMO is the United Nations (UN) agency for climate, water and weather. ALSO READ | New Zealand's southern waters witnessing marine heatwave, say scientists Past eight years hottest in history: report In the report, the UN noted that the past eight years were the hottest in record history. It added that one million species are currently facing the risk of extinction as the world's biodiversity is threatened by climate change. The WMO report further emphasised that increasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are causing damaging environmental changes. "WMO latest State of the Global Climate report shows that the last eight years were the eight warmest on record, and that sea level rise and ocean warming hit new highs. Record levels of greenhouse gases caused 'planetary scale changes on land, in the ocean and in the atmosphere'," stated the UN in a release. Glaciers melting at dramatic speed Emphasising the melting glaciers, the WMO stated, “Antarctic sea ice fell to its lowest extent on record and the melting of some European glaciers was, literally, off the charts.” The glaciers of the world lost their thickness by more than 1.3 metres between October 2021 and October 2022, which is much larger compared to the average decrease over the last decade. Since 1970, the cumulative thickness of glaciers lost is around 30 metres. The report stated that there has been a record increase in sea levels by an average of 4.62 millimetres every year between 2013 and 2022, which is double the speed at which it was increasing between 1993 and 2002. The UN said that record high temperatures were also recorded in the oceans where almost 90 per cent of the heat, which remains trapped on Earth due to the greenhouse gases, finally ends up. WATCH | Argentina roasts in record heat wave Climate change impacting people's health Due to climate change, the report stated that the health of European people has been impacted in several ways, including illness and death due to the increased frequency of extreme weather conditions. The report has suggested that there can be an increase in zoonoses, where the transmission of disease takes place from animals to humans, along with water, food and vector-borne diseases, as well a rise in cases of mental health disorders. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, while speaking on World Earth Day, said, "In his message on Earth Day, UN chief Guterres warned that 'biodiversity is collapsing as one million species teeter on the brink of extinction', and called on the world to end its 'relentless and senseless wars on nature', insisting that 'we have the tools, the knowledge, and the solutions' to address climate change.” (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

World Earth Day | Temperature rising in Europe, 15,700 deaths due to heatwave in 2022, says UN

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<p>The US will not be exploring any possibility of recognising the Taliban as Afghanistan's ruler at a UN-hosted meeting in Doha next week. US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spoke­sperson Vedant Patel said the meeting's agenda was never to discuss such a situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The intent and the purpose of this meeting was never to discuss recognition of the Taliban, and any discussion at this meeting about recognition would be unacceptable to us,” said Patel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His statement was echoed by Senator Jim Risch, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee who also slammed the UN for even thinking about such a proposal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The UN needs a wake-up call. Any talk of recognition of the Taliban is absolutely absurd. This murderous regime continues to deny women the ability to work or go to school while millions of Afghans are in dire humanitarian need," he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-fighters-enforce-university-ban-afghan-women-deprived-of-basic-human-rights-545290"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Taliban fighters enforce university ban; Afghan women deprived of basic human rights</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>UN says it is ready to take baby steps</strong></h2>

<p>The statements by the White House and the lawmakers comes in the backdrop of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stating that the UN was ready to take baby steps towards recognising the Taliban.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’ll gather them now in another two weeks in the region, (at a) meeting of envoys across the board - the region and internationally - with the secretary-general for the first time,” said Amina, adding, “And out of that, we hope that we will find those baby steps to put us back on the pathway to recognition.”</p>

<p>When quizzed if the Taliban was seeking recognition, Mohammed replied in the affirmative, “Yes. The Taliban clearly want recognition. And that’s the leverage we have."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-education-taliban-prohibits-women-from-attending-eid-celebrations-585116" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | After education, Taliban prohibits women from attending Eid celebratio</strong></a>ns</p>

<p>Ever since the Taliban gained control over Afghanistan after the USA's abject surrender and subsequent pullout, human rights in the country have gone for a toss. The women students have been barred from attending schools and universities and it looks highly unlikely that they will be allowed back anytime soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, the Taliban issued another regressive order, forbidding women to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in two provinces. Apart from banning celebrations and dining, the Taliban has also passed orders stating that male doctors cannot diagnose or treat women. Hospitals have been directed to keep a close eye on proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The US will not be exploring any possibility of recognising the Taliban as Afghanistan's ruler at a UN-hosted meeting in Doha next week. US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the meeting's agenda was never to discuss such a situation.

The US will not be exploring any possibility of recognising the Taliban as Afghanistan's ruler at a UN-hosted meeting in Doha next week. US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the meeting's agenda was never to discuss such a situation. “The intent and the purpose of this meeting was never to discuss recognition of the Taliban, and any discussion at this meeting about recognition would be unacceptable to us,” said Patel. His statement was echoed by Senator Jim Risch, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee who also slammed the UN for even thinking about such a proposal. “The UN needs a wake-up call. Any talk of recognition of the Taliban is absolutely absurd. This murderous regime continues to deny women the ability to work or go to school while millions of Afghans are in dire humanitarian need," he tweeted. WATCH | Afghanistan: Taliban fighters enforce university ban; Afghan women deprived of basic human rights × UN says it is ready to take baby steps The statements by the White House and the lawmakers comes in the backdrop of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stating that the UN was ready to take baby steps towards recognising the Taliban. “We’ll gather them now in another two weeks in the region, (at a) meeting of envoys across the board - the region and internationally - with the secretary-general for the first time,” said Amina, adding, “And out of that, we hope that we will find those baby steps to put us back on the pathway to recognition.” When quizzed if the Taliban was seeking recognition, Mohammed replied in the affirmative, “Yes. The Taliban clearly want recognition. And that’s the leverage we have." ALSO READ | After education, Taliban prohibits women from attending Eid celebrations Ever since the Taliban gained control over Afghanistan after the USA's abject surrender and subsequent pullout, human rights in the country have gone for a toss. The women students have been barred from attending schools and universities and it looks highly unlikely that they will be allowed back anytime soon. On Friday, the Taliban issued another regressive order, forbidding women to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in two provinces. Apart from banning celebrations and dining, the Taliban has also passed orders stating that male doctors cannot diagnose or treat women. Hospitals have been directed to keep a close eye on proceedings. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US rejects talks of recognising Taliban after UN bats for it

<p>The United Nations may soon abandon millions of Afghan nationals living under Taliban rule if it fails to convince Afghanistan's hardline rulers&nbsp;to let local women work for the organisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN officials are negotiating with the Afghan government, hoping that Taliban will make an exception to its anti-women diktat that bans&nbsp;local women from working for the organisation.</p>

<p>"It is fair to say that where we are right now is the entire United Nations system having to take a step back and re-evaluating its ability to operate there,"&nbsp;the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) administrator Achim Steiner told The Associated Press.&nbsp;"But it’s not about negotiating fundamental principles, human rights."</p>

<p>The Taliban have allowed Afghan women to engage in some work, Steiner said. A report released by the United Nations itself showed&nbsp;that the country desperately needs more women working.</p>

<p>Afghanistan's Gross Domestic Product, the sum of all goods and services produced within Afghanistan’s borders, is expected to be outstripped by population growth, meaning that per capita income will decline from $359 in 2022 to $345 in 2024, the UN report says.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>Some of Afghanistan's&nbsp;economic problems are due to Taliban policies keeping most women out of the workplace, Steiner said.</p>

<p>The UN has decided that it will leave Afghanistan in May if the Taliban do not relent to its demands of letting women work.</p>

<p>"I think there is no other way of putting it than heartbreaking," Steiner said. "I mean, if I were to imagine the UN family not being in Afghanistan today, I have before me these images of millions of young girls, young boys, fathers, mothers, who essentially will not have enough to eat."</p>

<h2><strong>Dim hopes of Taliban allowing women to work for the UN</strong></h2>

<p>Taliban&nbsp;has officially allowed women to work in specific circumstances in health, education and some small businesses. But reports from Afghanistan show otherwise.</p>

<p>In January 2023, shortly after Taliban banned women from attending universities, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">WION reported exclusively</a> how Afghanistan's women doctors were denied jobs in Kabul's private clinics due to fear of Taliban's tyranny.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In one sense, the de facto authorities have enabled the UN to roll out a significant humanitarian and also emergency development assistance set of activities,"&nbsp;Steiner said. "But they also continuously are shifting the goalposts, issuing new edicts."</p>

<p>Since replacing the democratically-elected President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul's corridors on power, Taliban have imposed harsh measures to restrict women's rights to study and work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This month the Taliban took a step further in the restrictive measures they have imposed on women and said that female Afghan staff employed with the UN mission can no longer report for work.</p>

<p>"This is a very fundamental moment that we’re approaching,"&nbsp;Steiner said. "And obviously our hope and expectation is that there will be some common sense prevailing."</p>

<p>Aid agencies have been providing food, education and healthcare support to Afghans since the Taliban takeover and the economic collapse that followed it.</p>

<p>The 3,300 Afghans employed by the UN – 2,700 men and 600 women – have stayed at home since 12 April but continue to work and will be paid, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric has said.</p>

<p>The UN’s 600 international workers, including 200 women, are not affected by the Taliban ban.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United Nations may soon abandon millions of Afghan nationals living under Taliban rule if it fails to convince Afghanistan's hardline rulers to let local women work for the organisation.

The United Nations may soon abandon millions of Afghan nationals living under Taliban rule if it fails to convince Afghanistan's hardline rulers to let local women work for the organisation. The UN officials are negotiating with the Afghan government, hoping that Taliban will make an exception to its anti-women diktat that bans local women from working for the organisation. "It is fair to say that where we are right now is the entire United Nations system having to take a step back and re-evaluating its ability to operate there," the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) administrator Achim Steiner told The Associated Press. "But it’s not about negotiating fundamental principles, human rights." The Taliban have allowed Afghan women to engage in some work, Steiner said. A report released by the United Nations itself showed that the country desperately needs more women working. Afghanistan's Gross Domestic Product, the sum of all goods and services produced within Afghanistan’s borders, is expected to be outstripped by population growth, meaning that per capita income will decline from $359 in 2022 to $345 in 2024, the UN report says. ALSO WATCH | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Some of Afghanistan's economic problems are due to Taliban policies keeping most women out of the workplace, Steiner said. The UN has decided that it will leave Afghanistan in May if the Taliban do not relent to its demands of letting women work. "I think there is no other way of putting it than heartbreaking," Steiner said. "I mean, if I were to imagine the UN family not being in Afghanistan today, I have before me these images of millions of young girls, young boys, fathers, mothers, who essentially will not have enough to eat." Dim hopes of Taliban allowing women to work for the UN Taliban has officially allowed women to work in specific circumstances in health, education and some small businesses. But reports from Afghanistan show otherwise. In January 2023, shortly after Taliban banned women from attending universities, WION reported exclusively how Afghanistan's women doctors were denied jobs in Kabul's private clinics due to fear of Taliban's tyranny. "In one sense, the de facto authorities have enabled the UN to roll out a significant humanitarian and also emergency development assistance set of activities," Steiner said. "But they also continuously are shifting the goalposts, issuing new edicts." Since replacing the democratically-elected President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul's corridors on power, Taliban have imposed harsh measures to restrict women's rights to study and work. This month the Taliban took a step further in the restrictive measures they have imposed on women and said that female Afghan staff employed with the UN mission can no longer report for work. "This is a very fundamental moment that we’re approaching," Steiner said. "And obviously our hope and expectation is that there will be some common sense prevailing." Aid agencies have been providing food, education and healthcare support to Afghans since the Taliban takeover and the economic collapse that followed it. The 3,300 Afghans employed by the UN – 2,700 men and 600 women – have stayed at home since 12 April but continue to work and will be paid, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric has said. The UN’s 600 international workers, including 200 women, are not affected by the Taliban ban. (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.

Soon, like United States, UN too may abandon Afghanistan

<p>In a historic triumph, India was swiftly elected to the United Nations Statistical Commission for a four-year term in a "competitive" election in which China and South Korea are still battling for the final Asia Pacific seat.</p>

<p>India received 46 out of 53 votes. A second candidate has yet to be determined between South Korea and China, and voting will resume later in the day for the remaining Asia Pacific States member.</p>

<p>Argentina, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Ukraine, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the United States of America were elected by acclamation for a four-year term beginning January 1, 2024.</p>

<p>“India elected to the highest UN statistical body for a 4-year term beginning on 1 January 2024! Congrats Team @IndiaUNNewYork for coming through so strongly in a competitive election,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a tweet on Wednesday.</p>

<p>He went on to say that India's "expertise in statistics, diversity, and demography has earned it a seat on the UN Statistical Commission."</p>

<p>The current Asia-Pacific States members are Japan (2024), Samoa (2024), Kuwait, and the Republic of Korea, whose terms expire this year.</p>

<p>The United Nations statistics Commission, founded in 1947, is the highest organisation of the global statistics system, bringing together Chief Statisticians from all member countries.</p>

<p>It is the top decision-making organisation for international statistical activity, responsible for creating statistical standards and developing concepts and methodologies, as well as implementing them at the national and international levels.</p>

<p>The Commission is made up of 24 United Nations member countries chosen by the UN Economic and Social Council based on an equitable geographical distribution.</p>

<p>Five members are from African countries, four from Asia-Pacific countries, four from Eastern European countries, four from Latin American and Caribbean countries, and seven from Western European and other countries.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a historic triumph, India was swiftly elected to the United Nations Statistical Commission for a four-year term in a "competitive" election in which China and South Korea are still battling for the final Asia Pacific seat.

In a historic triumph, India was swiftly elected to the United Nations Statistical Commission for a four-year term in a "competitive" election in which China and South Korea are still battling for the final Asia Pacific seat. India received 46 out of 53 votes. A second candidate has yet to be determined between South Korea and China, and voting will resume later in the day for the remaining Asia Pacific States member. Argentina, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Ukraine, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the United States of America were elected by acclamation for a four-year term beginning January 1, 2024. “India elected to the highest UN statistical body for a 4-year term beginning on 1 January 2024! Congrats Team @IndiaUNNewYork for coming through so strongly in a competitive election,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a tweet on Wednesday. He went on to say that India's "expertise in statistics, diversity, and demography has earned it a seat on the UN Statistical Commission." The current Asia-Pacific States members are Japan (2024), Samoa (2024), Kuwait, and the Republic of Korea, whose terms expire this year. The United Nations statistics Commission, founded in 1947, is the highest organisation of the global statistics system, bringing together Chief Statisticians from all member countries. It is the top decision-making organisation for international statistical activity, responsible for creating statistical standards and developing concepts and methodologies, as well as implementing them at the national and international levels. The Commission is made up of 24 United Nations member countries chosen by the UN Economic and Social Council based on an equitable geographical distribution. Five members are from African countries, four from Asia-Pacific countries, four from Eastern European countries, four from Latin American and Caribbean countries, and seven from Western European and other countries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India elected to ‘highest’ UN statistical body for four-year term: Foreign minister

The United Nations security council will convene an emergency session on Thursday. The meeting is to discuss the recent violence in Al-aqsa mosque. The emergency session is being held at the request of the United Arab Emirates. This comes after clashes broke out at the Al-aqsa mosque in Jerusalem for the second time within a day. Until now, the UNSC has had three emergency sessions over the Israel-Palestine conflict. This will be the 4th since the Netanyahu government came to power.

Al-Aqsa mosque clashes-UN Security Council calls emergency session

The United Nations stated on Friday that it was "deeply concerned" by reports of both Russian and Ukrainian forces carrying out summary killings of prisoners of war on the battlefield.

United Nations 'deeply concerned' about summary executions of prisoners of war

<p>It was only a few years back that Cape Town, South Africa, was headed towards what local officials labelled as “Day Zero” for drinking water, in an area that has 97 per cent salt water. The crisis would have appeared analogous to the helpless situation described by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner - “Water, water, everywhere, and not&nbsp;a&nbsp;drop to drink”. Even though the city survived the scare with the help of its contingency plan, the threat of “Day Zero” still looms not only over Cape Town but many regions and cities across South Africa.</p>

<p>Numerous discussions and debates have been held on how important is water for human survival and that it is the quintessential element needed for life on planet Earth. Today to find signs of life on other planets, scientists look out for water, as its mere existence increases the chances of finding alien life. However, as the world, which has only 2 per cent frozen freshwater and 1 per cent liquid freshwater, battles water scarcity, it is high time we must ask ourselves where are we headed.</p>

<h2><strong>Survive or perish – the question that the past holds for us</strong></h2>

<p>Open a tap and water gushes out – availability of water has been made so easy that we take it for granted, in most parts of the human-inhabited world. It is this casual availability of water which blinds us from seeing the depleting groundwater levels, soil compression due to which Mexico City is reportedly sinking, and rain and snow failing to fill in surface water like lakes and rivers we rely on.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-un-report-sounds-alarm-bells-over-lack-of-clean-drinking-water-574712">IN PICS | UN report sounds alarm bells over lack of clean drinking water</a></p>

<p>It also makes us forget the quest for water, which has been one of the defining struggles etched in human history. Past always holds lessons for the future to learn and save humanity from the calamity which may befall us someday. With respect to the water crisis, we must remember how many strong and established civilisations perished due to drought and water scarcity. Civilisations which were successful in harnessing water thrived and those that failed disappeared in the dust of time.</p>

<p>One of the greatest civilisations of all time, the Mayan civilisation, despite surviving 100 years of drought with the help of its rainwater collection systems and rivers, finally collapsed. The great Akkadian Empire also met with a similar fate due to the arid conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What lies ahead?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the United Nations, around five billion people are likely to face water shortages by 2050 as freshwater sources continue to drain faster. Out of 37 major aquifers in the world, 21 are receding in the United States, India, France and China. With an increase in population and irrigation demands, India's mighty river, the Ganges is depleting every year by an estimated 6.31cm.</p>

<p>With the water table dropping all over the world, countries receiving irregular rainfall and global warming disturbing the ecosystem, the world doesn't seem a happier place. The realities can turn even harsher compared to the crisis the world is witnessing at the present. The earth is parched, dying with receding water levels as scientists scramble to find water on the moon in their quest to make the satellite a habitable place. The time calls for adaptation of better saves to save water and save the earth.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: A clean water crisis!</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-a-clean-water-crisis-574680/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>A sobering warning</strong></h2>

<p>In a report published on Wednesday, the United Nations (UN) warned that the 'vampiric' overconsumption of water by humans is putting the resource at risk. According to the report, about 10 per cent of the "world's population lives in a country where water stress has reached a high or critical level".</p>

<p>The report further warned that "scarcity is becoming endemic" because of pollution and overconsumption. It added that seasonal water shortages will be further increased in areas with strained as well as abundant water. In the report's foreword, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the world is "blindly travelling a dangerous path" as "unsustainable water use, pollution and unchecked global warming are draining humanity's lifeblood”.</p>

<p>"If nothing is done, it will be a business-as-usual scenario — it will keep on being between 40 per cent and 50 per cent of the population of the world that does not have access to sanitation and roughly 20-25 per cent of the world will not have access to safe water supply," Richard Connor, lead author of the report, said.</p>

<p>This, if nothing, sounds like a warning bell for the world to wake up and recognise the calamity that stands ahead of us.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em></strong></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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It was only a few years back that Cape Town, South Africa, was headed towards what local officials labelled as “Day Zero” for drinking water, in an area that has 97 per cent salt water.

It was only a few years back that Cape Town, South Africa, was headed towards what local officials labelled as “Day Zero” for drinking water, in an area that has 97 per cent salt water. The crisis would have appeared analogous to the helpless situation described by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner - “Water, water, everywhere, and not a drop to drink”. Even though the city survived the scare with the help of its contingency plan, the threat of “Day Zero” still looms not only over Cape Town but many regions and cities across South Africa. Numerous discussions and debates have been held on how important is water for human survival and that it is the quintessential element needed for life on planet Earth. Today to find signs of life on other planets, scientists look out for water, as its mere existence increases the chances of finding alien life. However, as the world, which has only 2 per cent frozen freshwater and 1 per cent liquid freshwater, battles water scarcity, it is high time we must ask ourselves where are we headed. Survive or perish – the question that the past holds for us Open a tap and water gushes out – availability of water has been made so easy that we take it for granted, in most parts of the human-inhabited world. It is this casual availability of water which blinds us from seeing the depleting groundwater levels, soil compression due to which Mexico City is reportedly sinking, and rain and snow failing to fill in surface water like lakes and rivers we rely on. ALSO READ | IN PICS | UN report sounds alarm bells over lack of clean drinking water It also makes us forget the quest for water, which has been one of the defining struggles etched in human history. Past always holds lessons for the future to learn and save humanity from the calamity which may befall us someday. With respect to the water crisis, we must remember how many strong and established civilisations perished due to drought and water scarcity. Civilisations which were successful in harnessing water thrived and those that failed disappeared in the dust of time. One of the greatest civilisations of all time, the Mayan civilisation, despite surviving 100 years of drought with the help of its rainwater collection systems and rivers, finally collapsed. The great Akkadian Empire also met with a similar fate due to the arid conditions. What lies ahead? According to the United Nations, around five billion people are likely to face water shortages by 2050 as freshwater sources continue to drain faster. Out of 37 major aquifers in the world, 21 are receding in the United States, India, France and China. With an increase in population and irrigation demands, India's mighty river, the Ganges is depleting every year by an estimated 6.31cm. With the water table dropping all over the world, countries receiving irregular rainfall and global warming disturbing the ecosystem, the world doesn't seem a happier place. The realities can turn even harsher compared to the crisis the world is witnessing at the present. The earth is parched, dying with receding water levels as scientists scramble to find water on the moon in their quest to make the satellite a habitable place. The time calls for adaptation of better saves to save water and save the earth. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: A clean water crisis! A sobering warning In a report published on Wednesday, the United Nations (UN) warned that the 'vampiric' overconsumption of water by humans is putting the resource at risk. According to the report, about 10 per cent of the "world's population lives in a country where water stress has reached a high or critical level". The report further warned that "scarcity is becoming endemic" because of pollution and overconsumption. It added that seasonal water shortages will be further increased in areas with strained as well as abundant water. In the report's foreword, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the world is "blindly travelling a dangerous path" as "unsustainable water use, pollution and unchecked global warming are draining humanity's lifeblood”. "If nothing is done, it will be a business-as-usual scenario — it will keep on being between 40 per cent and 50 per cent of the population of the world that does not have access to sanitation and roughly 20-25 per cent of the world will not have access to safe water supply," Richard Connor, lead author of the report, said. This, if nothing, sounds like a warning bell for the world to wake up and recognise the calamity that stands ahead of us. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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

World Water Day 2023: Parched! The drying future of water

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