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Tag: Geneva

  • UN factors out ‘massive’ rights violations in Ukraine as Russia fights to seize Bakhmut | Top factors

    Russian forces additional pressed their offensive round Bakhmut as rain and an early spring thaw turned japanese Ukraine’s battlefields to mud. Meanwhile, the UN highlighted large human rights violations triggered by the invasion.

    New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 28, 2023 13:52 IST

    Ukrainian service members are seen subsequent an infantry combating car close to the frontline city of Bakhmut. (Image: Reuters)

    By India Today World Desk: Russian forces additional pressed their offensive in japanese Ukraine as they tried to encircle the small mining metropolis of Bakhmut, even because the UN chief highlighted that the invasion of Ukraine has triggered “the most massive violations of human rights” on the earth.

    The Russia-Ukraine battle has pushed into its second yr endlessly and tens of hundreds useless.

    Russia is making an attempt to chop the Ukrainian defenders’ provide strains to Bakhmut and drive them to give up or withdraw. That would give Russia its first main prize in additional than half a yr and open the way in which to the seize of the final remaining city centres within the Donetsk area.

    ALSO READ | In Russia-Ukraine battle, extra disastrous path may lie forward

    Here are the most recent developments.

    Here are the highest developments

    Russian forces pressed their offensive round Bakhmut, making an attempt to encircle the small mining metropolis, as rain and an early spring thaw flip japanese Ukraine’s battlefields to mud, probably leaving either side hamstring as they attempt to safe an edge within the battle, Reuters reported.

    In the Donetsk area close to the entrance, Ukrainian troopers hunkered down in muddy trenches after abruptly hotter climate softened the frozen floor.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered “the most massive violations of human rights” on the earth at the moment, the top of the United Nations stated on Monday.

    The Russian invasion “has unleashed widespread death, destruction and displacement,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated in a speech to the UN-backed Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen paid a shock go to to Kyiv on Monday to reaffirm US help for Ukraine in its battle towards Russia’s invasion and promote US financial support that’s bolstering Ukraine’s battle effort, AP reported.

    The world has seen the heroic power of the Ukrainian individuals. They are standing resolute of their combat for freedom amid a horrible battle.

    And let me be clear – our help for Ukraine might be lasting. pic.twitter.com/iLlV8eFdCs
    — Secretary Janet Yellen (@SecYellen) February 27, 2023

    “America will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes,” Yellen, flanked by sandbags on the cabinet ministers’ workplace, advised Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, in a visit additionally geared toward shoring up help at dwelling for continued support.

    A Russian assault with Iranian-made drones early on Monday killed two individuals and wounded three within the western Ukrainian metropolis of Khmelnytskyi, its mayor stated, as reported by Reuters.

    The Russian military stated it hit a particular operations command centre close to town of Khmelnytskyi.

    At the opening of the close by Conference on Disarmament, British minister for Europe Leo Docherty delivered a press release on behalf of 44 international locations slamming Russia’s actions.

    “Russia is once again showing the world that it is not a responsible nuclear power,” she stated, warning that “we now face a dramatically unstable security environment”.

    Published On:

    Feb 28, 2023

  • Harry Styles and different stars elevating money for WHO in Ukraine

    By AFP

    GENEVA: British music stars Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, US basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal and different celebrities will donate private objects for a marketing campaign launched on Saturday to help healthcare in Ukraine.

    Seven months into Russia’s warfare, the WHO Foundation — an impartial organisation that works to boost funds to help the UN well being company’s work addressing world well being crises — launched the “Human Kind” e-store, the place followers can attempt to win objects donated by their favorite celebrities.

    The funds raised will go in direction of supporting WHO’s actions in war-ravaged Ukraine and neighbouring nations, the muse stated, including that it aimed to boost USD 53.7 million.

    Harry Styles has donated a signed vinyl, whereas Shaquille O’Neal, Ukrainian footballer Vitaliy Mykolenko and different sports activities legends have donated signed shirts and jerseys.

    Wladimir Klitschko, a former heavyweight boxing champion and brother of Kyiv’s mayor, has donated a boxing glove.

    The star-studded line-up additionally consists of British singer Ellie Goulding and American artist Shepard Fairey.

    A mixture of images made accessible on September 23, 2022 in Geneva exhibits clockwise: a signed vinyl by British singer and actor Harry Styles, a signed glove by Ukrainian former boxing world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, a signed print by US avenue artist Obey aka Sherpard Fairey and a signed jersey by US basket legend Shaquille O’Neal. (Photo | AFP)

    British pop legend Annie Lennox, who donated a pair of iconic sun shades, stated photos from Ukraine, together with of ladies giving beginning in basements, had been “profoundly shocking.”

    “I encourage everyone to do what they can to support the people of Ukraine through this crisis,” she stated within the basis’s assertion, insisting that “healthcare is a human right that all deserve access to.”

    Raffle tickets for the objects value between £5-10 ($5.40-10.90) on the humankind.who.basis web site from September 24 to October 24, with winners set to be drawn on October 31, the muse stated.

    “Seven months into this tragic war, people are ever more in need of urgent medical care across the country,” basis chief Anil Soni stated within the assertion.

    “We must address the immediate and long-term health needs of those affected.”

    Since Moscow invaded its western neighbour on February 24, the WHO has verified 550 assaults on healthcare in Ukraine. More than 5,900 civilians have died, and greater than 8,600 have been injured, whereas over 12 million Ukrainian refugees are presently in Europe because of the warfare, the WHO stated.

    Meanwhile, some 17.7 million folks — over a 3rd of Ukraine’s inhabitants — want humanitarian help.

    The WHO stated it has thus far helped ship 1,300 metric tonnes of medical provides to Ukraine, together with kits for blood transfusions, important medicines, ambulances, oxygen, and surgical tools.

    GENEVA: British music stars Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, US basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal and different celebrities will donate private objects for a marketing campaign launched on Saturday to help healthcare in Ukraine.

    Seven months into Russia’s warfare, the WHO Foundation — an impartial organisation that works to boost funds to help the UN well being company’s work addressing world well being crises — launched the “Human Kind” e-store, the place followers can attempt to win objects donated by their favorite celebrities.

    The funds raised will go in direction of supporting WHO’s actions in war-ravaged Ukraine and neighbouring nations, the muse stated, including that it aimed to boost USD 53.7 million.

    Harry Styles has donated a signed vinyl, whereas Shaquille O’Neal, Ukrainian footballer Vitaliy Mykolenko and different sports activities legends have donated signed shirts and jerseys.

    Wladimir Klitschko, a former heavyweight boxing champion and brother of Kyiv’s mayor, has donated a boxing glove.

    The star-studded line-up additionally consists of British singer Ellie Goulding and American artist Shepard Fairey.

    A mixture of images made accessible on September 23, 2022 in Geneva exhibits clockwise: a signed vinyl by British singer and actor Harry Styles, a signed glove by Ukrainian former boxing world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, a signed print by US avenue artist Obey aka Sherpard Fairey and a signed jersey by US basket legend Shaquille O’Neal. (Photo | AFP)

    British pop legend Annie Lennox, who donated a pair of iconic sun shades, stated photos from Ukraine, together with of ladies giving beginning in basements, had been “profoundly shocking.”

    “I encourage everyone to do what they can to support the people of Ukraine through this crisis,” she stated within the basis’s assertion, insisting that “healthcare is a human right that all deserve access to.”

    Raffle tickets for the objects value between £5-10 ($5.40-10.90) on the humankind.who.basis web site from September 24 to October 24, with winners set to be drawn on October 31, the muse stated.

    “Seven months into this tragic war, people are ever more in need of urgent medical care across the country,” basis chief Anil Soni stated within the assertion.

    “We must address the immediate and long-term health needs of those affected.”

    Since Moscow invaded its western neighbour on February 24, the WHO has verified 550 assaults on healthcare in Ukraine. More than 5,900 civilians have died, and greater than 8,600 have been injured, whereas over 12 million Ukrainian refugees are presently in Europe because of the warfare, the WHO stated.

    Meanwhile, some 17.7 million folks — over a 3rd of Ukraine’s inhabitants — want humanitarian help.

    The WHO stated it has thus far helped ship 1,300 metric tonnes of medical provides to Ukraine, together with kits for blood transfusions, important medicines, ambulances, oxygen, and surgical tools.

  • WHO: Covid-19 instances rising almost in every single place on this planet

    The variety of new coronavirus instances rose by 18 per cent within the final week, with greater than 4.1 million instances reported globally, based on the World Health Organisation.

    The UN well being company mentioned in its newest weekly report on the pandemic that the worldwide variety of deaths remained comparatively much like the week earlier than, at about 8,500.

    Covid-related deaths elevated in three areas: the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Americas.

    The greatest weekly rise in new Covid-19 instances was seen within the Middle East, the place they elevated by 47 per cent, based on the report launched late Wednesday.

    Infections rose by about 32 per cent in Europe and Southeast Asia, and by about 14 per cent within the Americas, WHO mentioned.

    WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus mentioned instances have been on the rise in 110 nations, principally pushed by the omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.

    “This pandemic is changing, but it’s not over,” Tedros mentioned this week throughout a press briefing. He mentioned the flexibility to trace Covid-19’s genetic evolution was “under threat” as nations relaxed surveillance and genetic sequencing efforts, warning that may make it harder to catch rising and doubtlessly harmful new variants.

    He referred to as for nations to immunise their most weak populations, together with well being employees and other people over 60, saying that a whole lot of thousands and thousands stay unvaccinated and prone to extreme illness and demise.

    Tedros mentioned that whereas greater than 1.2 billion Covid-19 vaccines have been administered globally, the common immunisation fee in poor nations is about 13 per cent.

    “If rich countries are vaccinating children from as young as six months old and planning to do further rounds of vaccination, it is incomprehensible to suggest that lower-income countries should not vaccinate and boost their most at risk (people),” he mentioned.

    According to figures compiled by Oxfam and the People’s Vaccine Alliance, fewer than half of the two.1 billion vaccines promised to poorer nations by the Group of Seven massive economies have been delivered.

    Earlier this month, the US authorised Covid-19 vaccines for infants and preschoolers, rolling out a nationwide immunisation plan concentrating on 18 million of the youngest kids.

    American regulators additionally really useful that some adults get up to date boosters within the fall that match the newest coronavirus variants.

  • At UNHRC, India requires quick cessation of violence and finish to hostilities in Ukraine

    India on Thursday sought a right away cessation of violence and finish to hostilities in Ukraine because it known as for the respect and safety of human rights of individuals within the war-torn European nation and secure humanitarian entry to battle zones.

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    “We are greatly concerned over the steadily worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine,” India mentioned on the Urgent Debate Thursday concerning the human rights scenario in Ukraine on the forty ninth Human Rights Council Session in Geneva.

    India known as for a right away cessation of violence and an finish to hostilities.

    “No solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution for settling differences and disputes,” India mentioned.

    India known as for respect and safety of human rights of individuals in Ukraine and secure humanitarian entry to battle zones.

    “We are also deeply concerned over the safety and security of thousands of Indian nationals, including young Indian students, who are still stranded in Ukraine. We are working together with neighbouring States for their evacuation,” it mentioned.

    India informed the session that it has already dispatched humanitarian help to Ukraine, together with medicines, medical tools and different aid materials and extra such help might be despatched within the coming days.

    “This is an urgent necessity that must be effectively addressed,” it mentioned.

    The debate in Geneva got here a day after the 193-member UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to sentence Russian aggression towards Ukraine and demanded that Moscow “completely and unconditionally” withdraw all of its army forces from the territory of Ukraine. India abstained on the decision, which obtained 141 votes in favour, 5 towards and a complete of 35 abstentions.

  • Antony Blinken says US engaged on Havana Syndrome after diplomats’ sicknesses in Paris, Geneva

    The United States nonetheless doesn’t know what the sickness often called Havana Syndrome is or who’s accountable for it, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in an interview on Thursday after extra American diplomats had been reported sick in Paris and Geneva.
    Blinken stated your complete federal authorities is working to unravel the sickness, which has troubled about 200 US diplomats, officers and relations abroad.
    “To date, we don’t know exactly what’s happened and we don’t know exactly who is responsible,” Blinken stated in an interview with MSNBC.

    The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported extra sicknesses amongst officers serving in US diplomatic missions in Paris and Geneva, the place the United States and Russia held safety talks on Monday over Moscow’s troop buildup close to the Ukraine border.
    Blinken stated the United States has raised the sicknesses with the Russians however nonetheless can’t make a dedication about who was accountable. The mysterious ailment carries signs together with migraines, nausea, reminiscence lapses and dizziness. It was first reported amongst US officers within the Cuban capital in 2016.

    Blinken stated he has met with State Department staff around the globe who described the sicknesses and the way these incidents disrupted their lives.

    “There is no doubt in my mind that people have been directly and powerfully affected,” he stated.
    “We are working overtime across the entire government to get to the bottom of what happened, who’s responsible. And in the meantime to make sure that we’re caring for anyone who’s been affected and to protect all of our people to the best of our ability.”

  • Afghans face ‘their most perilous hour’, warns UN boss

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday referred to as for donors to pledge a whole lot of thousands and thousands of {dollars} for Afghanistan, saying that poverty was spiralling and many individuals may run out of meals by the tip of the month.
    “After decades of war, suffering and insecurity, they face perhaps their most perilous hour,” he mentioned in opening remarks at a Geneva convention the place $606 million is being sought.
    “The people of Afghanistan are facing the collapse of an entire country — all at once.”

  • Violence in identify of farmers’ rights, apparently, left her unmoved: India on UN Human Rights chief oral replace

    Image Source : PTI Farmers throughout their protest towards the brand new farm legal guidelines, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi.
    Responding to UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet statements on ongoing farmers’ protest in India, Permanent Representative of India, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey on Friday mentioned that the Government of India has set a aim of doubling the earnings of farmers by 2024.

    UN human rights chief Bachelet at the moment expressed hope that the continued dialogue efforts between the Indian authorities and the farmers protesting towards the brand new farm legal guidelines will result in an “equitable solution” to the “crisis” that respects the rights of all.

    Updating the UN Human Rights Council on current human rights points in additional than 50 international locations, together with China, Pakistan and Russia, Bachelet additionally criticised the motion taken towards journalists and activists masking the protests by farmers and efforts to curb freedom of expression on social media.

    Responding to Human Rights Council chief, Permanent Representative of India mentioned, “The purpose of enacting three Farm Acts is to enable farmers to realise better price for their produce and enhance their income. It will particularly benefit small farmers and offer more choices to those farmers who opt for them.”

    “Unprovoked violence on our Republic Day in name of farmers’ rights, apparently, left her unmoved. Her indifference to terrorism is, of course not new,” mentioned Permanent Representative of India, Geneva throughout General Debate on Oral Update of High Commissioner.

    “Objectivity & impartiality have to be hallmarks of any Human Rights assessment. We are sorry to see that the High Commissioner’s oral update is lacking in both,” Permanent Representative of India added.

    ALSO READ | After tractor march, now farmers’ to carry cycle rally from Kanyakumari to Kashmir on March 12

    “The Government has shown utmost respect for protests by farmers and has remained engaged in dialogue with them to address their concerns,” Pandey mentioned in his National Statement.

    In her assertion, Bachelet mentioned, “In India, continued protests by hundreds of thousands of farmers highlight the importance of ensuring laws and policies are based on meaningful consultations with those concerned.”

    “I trust that ongoing dialogue efforts by both sides will lead to an equitable solution to this crisis that respects the rights of all,” she mentioned.

    Thousands of farmers have been tenting at a number of Delhi border factors since November final 12 months, demanding the federal government to repeal three farm legal guidelines and supply them authorized assure of minimal assist worth (MSP) for his or her crops. Multiple rounds of talks between the federal government and farmer unions haven’t been in a position to resolve the impasse.

    India has emphasised that the protests by farmers have to be seen within the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity and the Ministry of External Affairs mentioned that some vested curiosity teams have tried to mobilise worldwide assist towards the nation.

    “Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken,” it mentioned earlier this month.

    In her speech, Bachelet mentioned, “Charges of sedition against journalists and activists for reporting or commenting on the protests, and attempts to curb freedom of expression on social media, are disturbing departures from essential human rights principles.”

    She additionally mentioned the UNHRC was monitoring the scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, the place restrictions on communications continued to be a priority.

    Ambassador Pandey mentioned that the constitutional modifications within the standing of Jammu and Kashmir made by Parliament in August 2019 had been a historic resolution.

    “It has been welcomed by the folks of India, together with folks of Jammu and Kashmir. It has given impetus to socio-economic growth, finish many years of discrimination and fight cross border terrorism, which has been the important thing hindrance in full enjoyment of human rights by the folks,” Pandey mentioned.

    “We have restored grassroots democracy, through District Development Council (DDC) elections, and provided good governance through the ‘Back to Village’ initiative. There has been a significant decline in terrorist attacks and progressive national laws have been extended to Jammu & Kashmir to enable the people there to enjoy the same rights as the people in rest of India,” he mentioned.

    “Given these developments, we were perplexed to note some of the comments by the High Commissioner. She appeared as oblivious of the enormous efforts made by my Government to address the challenges, as indeed of many of the factors driving these challenges,” the senior diplomat mentioned.

    Pandey mentioned the “unprovoked violence on our Republic Day within the identify of farmers’ rights, apparently, left her (Bachelet) unmoved.

    “Her indifference to terrorism is, of course, not new. Objectivity and impartiality have to be the hallmarks of any Human Rights assessment. We are sorry to see that the High Commissioner’s oral update is lacking in both.”

    In her handle, Bachelet additionally mentioned that with regard to inclusion and participation, she was inspired by the current expertise of her workplace in a pilot programme in Kerala, the place officers, civil society organisations and group leaders used revolutionary expertise to make sure that the voices of marginalised and poor persons are heard, and their wants addressed, within the pandemic response.

    ALSO READ | Ready to speak to farmers anytime: Agri minister Narendra Singh Tomar as farm protest proceed
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  • WHO grants ‘emergency validation’ to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

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    The World Health Organization on Thursday granted emergency validation to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, paving the best way for nations worldwide to rapidly approve its import and distribution. Britain launched its inoculation drive with the US-German vaccine on December 8, with the United States, Canada and EU nations following swimsuit.Also Read: Covid-19: No knowledge to again UK’s new vaccination plan, says PfizerWHO stated the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was the primary to obtain its “emergency validation” for the reason that novel coronavirus first broke out in China a yr in the past.“This is a very positive step towards ensuring global access to Covid-19 vaccines,” stated Mariangela Simao, a high WHO official tasked with guaranteeing entry to medicines.“But I want to emphasise the need for an even greater global effort to achieve enough vaccine supply to meet the needs of priority populations everywhere,” she stated in a press release.WHO stated its emergency use itemizing opens the best way for regulators in several nations to approve the import and distribution of the vaccine.Also Read: California nurse checks constructive per week after receiving Pfizer Covid-19 vaccineIt stated it additionally permits UNICEF, which performs a key logistical function in distributing anti-Covid vaccines, and the Pan-American Health Organization to acquire the vaccine for nations that want it.WHO convened its personal specialists and people from around the globe to assessment the info on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine’s “safety, efficacy and quality,” weighing the advantages towards the dangers.“The review found that the vaccine met the must-have criteria for safety and efficacy set out by WHO, and that the benefits of using the vaccine to address Covid-19 offset potential risks,” it stated.

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  • Coronavirus pandemic extreme, however ‘not necessarily the big one’: WHO

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    The novel coronavirus has had a devastating impression across the globe, however the World Health Organization warned Monday that worse pandemics might lie forward, urging the world to get “serious” about preparedness.“This is a wakeup call,” WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan informed reporters at a briefing marking a 12 months because the UN company first discovered of the brand new virus spreading in China.Since then, Covid-19 has killed almost 1.8 million individuals all over the world, out of over 80 million contaminated.Also Read: United States dealing with 4 historic crises directly, says Joe Biden“This pandemic has been very severe,” Ryan acknowledged.“It has spread around the world extremely quickly and it has affected every corner of this planet, but this is not necessarily the big one.”He confused that whereas the virus is “very transmissible, and it kills people… its current case fatality (rate) is reasonably low in comparison to other emerging diseases.”“We need to get ready for something that may even be more severe in the future.”WHO senior advisor Bruce Aylward additionally cautioned that whereas the world had made large scientific progress to handle the coronavirus disaster, together with growing vaccines at report velocity, it remained removed from ready to beat back future pandemics.“We are into second and third waves of this virus and we are still not prepared to deal with and manage those,” he informed the briefing.“So while we are better prepared… we are not fully prepared for this one, let alone the next one.”‘More ambition’ WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in the meantime voiced hope that the Covid-19 pandemic had helped the world turn into extra ready to deal with future threats.“In terms of awareness, I think we are now getting it,” he mentioned.But he confused that it was “time now to be really serious.”Also Read: Covid-19: December deadliest month in US, January projections extra worrisome“More ambition will be necessary.”But Tedros additionally hailed how scientists all over the world have been working intently collectively to assist carry the pandemic to an finish.He particularly talked about the 2 new strains of the virus which have emerged in Britain and South Africa, which look like extra infectious that earlier strains.“We are working with scientists in the UK and South Africa who are carrying out epidemiologic and laboratory studies, which will guide next steps,” he mentioned.He hailed the 2 nations for testing and monitoring the brand new variants.And with greater than 50 nations now imposing journey restrictions on Britain, he additionally warned towards taking punishing measures towards nations that transparently share such outcomes.“Only if countries are looking and testing effectively will you be able to pick up variants and adjust strategies to cope,” he mentioned.“We should be sure that nations aren’t punished for transparently sharing new scientific findings.

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