“We strongly support Commissioner [Navi] Pillay’s recommendations, including immediate, unhindered access for humanitarian assistance and ongoing human rights monitoring as well as for an independent inquiry to hold perpetrators of violence to account. We urge all members of the UN Security Council to join us in pressing for implementation of these recommendations.”

The call for an investigation comes as a report by the Satellite Sentinel Project, has uncovered evidence of more mass graves in South Kordofan.

“The air strikes launched by Turkey against Kurdish bases across the border [in Iraq’s Kursish region] are part of a misguided strategy aimed at eliminating an entire people.

A 74 year old social activist from the western Indian state of Maharashtra has shot to global fame this week as the leader and icon of India’s anti corruption crusade.

Anna Hazare’s demand for a powerful anti-corruption ombudsman – or Lokpal – has drawn stunning popular support across India. It has also brought him into confrontation with the India’s government.

But what could the objection be?

The tussle is over the extent of the Lokpal’s reach. While the Congress government wants to keep the Prime Minister’s office and the Judiciary outside the purview of the Lokpal legislation, Hazare and an array of anti corruption activists insist that these powerful bodies must also be included.

The United States announced yesterday that it is providing up to $900,000 in aid to North Korea for emergency flood assistance.

The decision follows South Korea's decision to provide $5m in food aid.

“I know well many of the mega-rich and, by and large, they are very decent people. They love America and appreciate the opportunity this country has given them. Many have joined the Giving Pledge, promising to give most of their wealth to philanthropy. Most wouldn’t mind being told to pay more in taxes as well, particularly when so many of their fellow citizens are truly suffering.

An investigation by the UK newspaper, the Independent, revealed yesterday that British banks continue to invest in companies that manufacture cluster bombs.

The Royal Bank of Scotland, 83% owned by the tax-payer, reportedly invested over $190 million into two companies alleged to be making cluster munitions – Alliant Techsystems and Lockhead Martin.

HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds TSB are also reported to have made investments into similar companies. Although the banks have subsequently refuted such claims, anti-arms charities have pointed out that the companies concerned are yet to publicly deny the manufacturing of cluster bombs.

Britain has signed up to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, effectively banning cluster bombs. However the banks utilise a legal loop hole that permits investment in companies that manufacture cluster bombs, provided there is no direct investment into the bombs.

“This is a preliminary report produced under very challenging circumstances and with very limited access to affected areas... However what it suggests has been happening in Southern Kordofan is so serious that it is essential there is an independent, thorough and objective inquiry with the aim of holding perpetrators to account.”

Extracts from the editorial of The Guardian (see full article here):

Almost 60 years after an armistice ended the Korean war, the United States has resumed its efforts to bring home the remains of more than 2000 American soldiers.

The US has written to North Korea on the matter, the Pentagon said.

Despite the complete absence of diplomatic ties and particularly frosty ties over recent attacks on South Korea, the US has long sought cooperation with North Korea over the repatriation of soldiers’ remains.

North Korea has reportedly received several millions of dollars in exchange for cooperation.