WORLD NEWS

World News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Photograph: Screenshot/ BLA video A fresh wave of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances has been documented across Balochistan this month, as Baloch rights groups recorded the recovery of several bodies of men who had earlier been forcibly taken, and appealed once more to international institutions that have largely ignored the province. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC)…

India restores some internet access in Kashmir

India has restored some internet access in Kashmir for the first time since the region had its autonomy revoked and was placed in a lockdown in August.

The measure will allow limited access to social media and may provide better reporting on what is going on in Kashmir.

Kenya accuses Somalia of “unwarranted attack”

Kenya has accused Somalia’s army of launching an unwarranted attack on Mandera, following conflict breaking out on the Somali border town of Bulohawo between the Somali government and semi-autonomous region of Jubaland on Monday.

It is believed that the violence between Somalia’s central state and regional territories crossed into Mandera which lead the Kenyan government to issue a statement maintain that this amounted to a violation of “territorial integrity and sovereignty”.

The government further stated:

India defends controversial citizenship bill despite UN complaint

India has defended its controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which is accused of being discriminatory to Muslims, from the UN Human Rights Council which have lodged an intervention application requesting that India’s Supreme Court register their opposition to the bill.

UN reports possible war crimes by Russia and Turkey in Syria

UN investigators have reported that Russia and Turkey have committed attacks in Syria which may amount to war crimes; this includes attacks on Kurdish held territories.

The UN report details that Russia has engaged in airstrikes on civilian targets including a popular market and camp for those displaced. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians in July and August.

The UN report states;

Canada opposes ICC’s investigation into Israeli war crimes

Canada has joined 6 other countries in requesting that the International Criminal Court (ICC) not continue with hearings on Israeli war crimes, claiming that the Court did not hold a right of jurisdiction as Canada does not recognise a Palestinian state.

El Salvador’s President vetoes reconciliation bill

<p><img alt src="/sites/default/files/File/Womens%20Action%20Network/79706577_2559646717454837_8322207397581946880_n.jpg"></p> <p>El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, has vetoed a national reconciliation bill on the grounds that such a bill would grant impunity to those who committed crimes against humanity during the El Salvadorian civil war, from 1980-1992.&nbsp;</p> <p>The bill fell short of the 56 required to override the President’s veto securing only 44 seats in an 84 Legislative Assembly. 11 voted against the bill and legislator abstained.&nbsp;</p>

US and Taliban sign peace agreement to end 18-year old war in Afghanistan

US officials signed a historic peace agreement with Taliban representatives yesterday in Qatar, aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Afghanistan that the US has been fighting since 2001.

The 'Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan' was signed by US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban's chief negotiator, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

42 killed during anti-Muslim riots in Delhi

During the US President, Donald J Trump’s, visit India to meet with Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, anti-Muslim mobs rioted throughout Delhi, leaving an approximate 42 dead, the majority of whom are Muslim.

The riots in Delhi are reported to be the most deadly since the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984. During the riots at least 4 mosques were set on fire as well as Muslim owned shops, homes and places of business. The New York Times notes that many of the victims had been killed by gunfire.

UN Secretary General raises concerns over CAA in India

UN Secretary General, António Guterres, recently raised concerns over the impending fate of the minorities in India, following the passing of the Citizen Amendment Act (CAA). 

During his four-day visit to Pakistan, the Secretary General said that "there is a risk of statelessness" with regards to the two million people that are now facing the danger of exclusion due to the much contested CAA.

UN Secretary General's 7 point plan for human rights

Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, raised a “call for action” to protect human rights, during the first meeting of the UN Human Rights council, which centred on 7 key points; sustainable development, crisis prevention; gender equality; civil participation; the rights of future generations; collective action; and human rights with respects to new technology.