Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Sweden, in an escalating row over Swedish criticism of the country’s human rights record, which saw the Saudis blocking a speech to the Arab League by Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom.

"We were informed yesterday [Tuesday] that Saudi Arabia had called back its ambassador," said Swedish foreign ministry spokeswoman Veronica Nordlund.

Police in Myanmar have charged a protest by students who protested against proposed legislation, which they say stifles academic freedom.

Around 100 people were arrested with the police beating students, monks and journalists, according to Reuters.

United Nations investigators have sought the postponement of a report examining allegations of war crimes committed during Israel's offensive into Gaza in 2014.

The investigation is being headed by Mary McGowan Davis, a former justice of the New York State Supreme Court, who has taken up the position after the resignation of William Schabas as chairman in February.

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko said separatist rebels have withdrawn a significant amount of heavy weapons, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement signed in February.

"Ukraine has withdrawn the lion's share of its rocket and heavy artillery systems. The Russian-backed fighters have also withdrawn a significant amount," the president said to media.

"There is a ceasefire or there isn't - it depends on how you look at it," he said regarding the truce, with both sides accusing each other of breaking it in recent weeks.

The US imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials for their suspected role in human rights abuses, as President Barack Obama declared the situation in the country an "extraordinary threat" to US national security.

At least seven high-ranking military, police and government officials will have assets frozen and will be blocked from doing business with US firms or travel to the country.

White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said the Venezuelan government had tried to distract from "its own actions by blaming the United States or other members of the international community for events inside Venezuela".

Greater collaboration and engagement between the UN Human Rights Council and The Hague could increase the effectiveness of the work of the International Criminal Court said the chief prosecutor of the ICC at a discussion panel event organised by ‘Friends of the international Criminal Court’ convened at the 28th session of the United Nations.
 
Noting that the ICC will always ensure impartiality and “complete independence” in investigations despite political situations, the chief prosecutor outlined her intention to carry out preliminary investigations in Palestinian territories.

A UN base was attacked in northern Mali, leaving three people dead and wounding at least 12.

Around 30 rockets struck the base in Kidal and killed one of the UN peacekeepers, with 2 more civilians dying in a nearby camp for Tuareg and Arab nomads.

It is not clear who carried out the attack, but Al-Qaeda linked militants and Tuareg rebels have been involved in violence in the region over the past few years.

Troops from Niger and Chad have launched a joint offensive against Boko Haram in north-eastern Nigeria.

The African Union of Friday authorised the creation of a new regional force containing over 8,000 soldiers, to tackle the militant group, but the force's remit will be to secure Nigeria's side of Lake Chad and not push further into Nigeria.

Residents told AFP there had been heavy arms fire close to Niger's border with Nigeria. Chad, Cameroon and Niger have already helped Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram.

Boko Haram militants in Nigeria pledged allegiance with Islamic State militants, according to an online video posted on Saturday.

“We announce our allegiance to the Caliph.. and will hear and obey in times of difficulty and prosperity, in hardship and ease,” said militant group in their video.

Commenting on the video and calling for international action, the Nigerian Presidential Spokesperson said, “It’s why we are appealing to the international community.. Hopefully world will wake up to the disaster unfolding here.”