China, Russia join U.N. Human Rights Council
Despite criticism from the U.S. and human rights groups, China, Cuba and Russia were among 15 nations that won seats on the U.N. Human Rights Council.
Middle East
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U.N. rights chief censures virus-fueled hotspots
The U.N. human rights chief denounced violence in Belarus and systemic racism in the U.S. among hotspots of global turmoil compounded by the pandemic.
Nationalism rejected on 75th A-bomb anniversary
On the 75th anniversary of the first atomic bombing, Hiroshima's mayor called on world leaders to ban atomic weapons and boost international cooperation.
Security Council further tightens Syria aid
The U.N. Security Council, bowing to Russia, constricted aid for Syrians in areas still beyond Syrian government control to just one Turkish border crossing.
New evidence of Syrian war crimes found
U.N. experts unveiled fresh evidence of Syrian war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in opposition-held Idlib province since November.
Elders rally resistance to Israeli annexation
An independent group of global leaders appealed to European leaders to "stand firm" against Israel’s threat to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
Donors pledge €6.9 billion to help Syrians
Governments and organizations pledged €6.9 billion in humanitarian aid for people displaced inside Syria and for refugees who fled to neighboring countries.
Pandemic fueled by 'profound inequalities'
The U.N. human rights chief says the challenge of preventing abuses is rising sharply as racism and social inequalities accelerate the coronavirus pandemic.
Nations defend ICC against U.S. sanctions
The world's first permanent war crimes tribunal won support from 67 nations opposed to U.S. attempts to block a probe of alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
WHO warns pandemic keeps 'accelerating'
The world faces “a new and dangerous phase” of the COVID-19 pandemic that requires more vigilance and restraint while easing lockdowns, WHO said.
UNHCR reports 1% of humanity displaced
An unprecedented 79.5 million people, or 1% of the world's population, were recorded as forcibly displaced as of the end of 2019, UNHCR reported.
Coronavirus infections climb past 8 million
The global tally of COVID-19 cases surpassed 8 million accompanied by 437,000 deaths, as new cases surged to about 100,000 a day.
Candidates vie to become next WTO chief
The embattled WTO shifted to selecting a new director-general in an expected race between candidates from Mexico, Africa and Europe.
Coronavirus cases globally exceed 7 million
The global tally for C0VID-19 cases rose to more than 7 million with 403,000 deaths, including 45% of cases in the U.S., Brazil and Russia.
Racism flagged in reviews of U.S. rights
Dozens of nations repeatedly urged the U.S. to eradicate systemic racism and police brutality but there have been few improvements, two U.N. reviews show.
CTBTO urges no restart in nuclear testing
Members of the international watchdog monitoring nuclear testing warned any U.S. demonstration nuclear test explosion would mperil global security.