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UN Human Rights chief expresses alarm over extrajudicial killings of civilians in Sudan
Geneva, April 3 (IANS) The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Thursday expressed deep concern about reports of widespread extrajudicial killings of civilians in Sudan's
capital Khartoum following its recapture by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on March 26. Calling on Sudan to launch independent, transparent and effective investigations into these incidents in line with relevant international standards, Turk urged to punish those responsible and to ensure victims' rights to truth and justice. "I am utterly appalled by the credible reports of numerous incidents of summary
WHO faces $2.5 billion funding gap after US’ withdrawal
Geneva, April 3 (IANS) The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing a budget gap of $1.9 billion for 2026 and 2027, along with a 600-million-dollar deficit through 2025, according to media reports. The 1.9-billion-dollar funding gap accounts for nearly 45 per cent of its already slashed budget
for the two-year period until 2027, Health Policy Watch, a non-profit independent global health news outlet, reported on Wednesday. The report, citing WHO officials at a Tuesday meeting, said the United States owes WHO 260 million dollars in dues for 2024 and 2025. Raul Thomas, WHO's assistant director general of business operations, revealed at the meeting that the outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden never paid the US 2024 dues of 130 million dollars owed before leaving office, reports continued on pg. 3
executions of civilians in several areas of Khartoum, on apparent suspicions that they were collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). I urge the commanders of the Sudanese Armed Forces to take immediate measures to put an end to arbitrary deprivation of life," said Turk. "Extrajudicial killings are serious violations of international human continued on pg. 3
Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) concluded on Wednesday in Bangkok, Thailand. This meeting, which precedes the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on April 3 and the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 4, finalised key documents and set the agenda for the upcoming discussions at the Ministerial and Summit levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Thailand on April 3
Jerusalem, April 3 (IANS) The Israeli military has ordered civilians in multiple areas of the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate immediately, citing intercepted rocket fire from Palestinian territory. Military spokesman Avichay Adraee on Wednesday urged residents to "move immediately west to the shelters in Gaza City," accusing "terrorist organisations" of launching attacks "from among
to attend the BIMSTEC summit. After the summit, he will visit Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6. The major outcomes of the 25th SOM include: The finalisation of the Draft Declaration of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which outlines the vision, decisions, and directives to be adopted by the heads of State/Governments during the Summit. continued on pg. 3
Bulgarian Prez urges global perspective on peace at Sofia security forum
Sofia, April 5 (IANS) World leaders should adopt a broader perspective when devising strategies to safeguard peace in their own countries and region, Bulgarian President Rumen www.mccq.org.au
Radev said in a doorstep statement ahead of an international meeting in Sofia. "The great challenge not only for the Balkans and Europe but also for the world today is to free itself from the self-deception that it is possible for peace and security to be guaranteed only for a given country and region or at the expense of someone else," Radev said on Friday. The one-day event, known as the "Aqaba Process for the Balkans," was organised under the auspices of the Aqaba Process Initiative, which is co-chaired by the Republic of Bulgaria and the
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump’s ‘reciprocal tariffs’
Washington, April 3 (IANS) As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's
obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Amid widespread opposition, Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," imposing a 10-percent "minimum baseline tariff" and higher rates on certain trading partners, reports Xinhua news agency. The Brazilian government criticised the US for imposing an additional 10 per cent tariff on continued on pg. 3
Israel orders evacuations in Gaza amid expanded military operations
BIMSTEC finalises key agreements on connectivity and security
New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) The 25th session of the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal
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April 2025 - Vol 2 Issue 2
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Launched in 2015 by Jordan's King Abdullah II, the initiative addresses pressing issues related to terrorism, illegal migration, and radicalisation, reports Xinhua news agency. Friday's event in Sofia marks the third edition of the high-level forum with a focus on the Balkan region, according to the Press Secretariat of the president. In today's world, when security is challenged on a daily basis, it is especially important for state leaders to exchange views and seek joint solutions, Radev continued on pg. 2
civilians." Earlier on Wednesday, Israel's military said its air defence systems intercepted two rockets fired from northern Gaza. Air raid sirens sounded in communities near the Palestinian enclave, police said. Israel also tightened its grip on the southern part of the enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a territorial expansion in southern Gaza, declaring troops were seizing land to establish a new security corridor. In a video statement, Netanyahu said forces had begun taking control of the area between Khan Younis and Rafah, calling it a
"second Philadelphi Corridor" akin to the buffer zone Israel occupies along Gaza's border with Egypt. "We are slicing up the enclave," he said, vowing to continue "striking militants and destroying infrastructure." Separately, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed airstrikes in Syria targeting military bases in Homs and Hama, as well as infrastructure near Damascus, reports Xinhua news agency. The IDF said the strikes hit "remaining military capabilities" at the T-4 (Tiyas) Air Base and Hama, along with sites in the Damascus area, calling the operation a response to "threats against Israeli civilians."
Pakistan begins major crackdown against Afghan nationals
Islamabad, April 3 (IANS) The government of Pakistan has started a major nationwide crackdown against Afghan nationals, arresting hundreds of "illegal foreigners", including Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, before transferring them to camps for further repatriation to Afghanistan. Hundreds of Afghan nationals have been taken into custody as law enforcement agencies began deportation process for them along with their families following the Eid holidays and March 31 deadline that was set for the voluntary return of Afghan nationals in Pakistan. Interestingly, directives issued to the security forces reveal that if any Afghan citizen is implicated in criminal activities, the entire family will face deportation as part of the country's broader punitive approach. The Afghan Taliban government in Kabul had requested Islamabad to delay the process of repatriation of Afghan nationals in Pakistan but Islamabad is in
no mood to relet and has started conducting raids and arresting Afghan nationals from major cities. "Notably, Pakistan has announced a renewed crackdown, stating that it will deport individuals without legal residence permits, even as valid cardholders face uncertainty," the Afghan government stated. "Pakistan could not be expected to shoulder the responsibility of hosting Afghan refugees indefinitely. There is a need for humanitarian aid, not just for short-term relief but also to support long-term development initiatives," said Philippa Candler, UNHCR representative in Pakistan. The decision to not extend the deadline and start a crackdown was taken during a meeting between Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which a briefing about the repatriation process of Afghan nationals was given. The government authorities had issued a stern warning that it would take action against those who failed to leave the country by March 31. As per details, at least 43 camps have been established to accommodate Afghan refugees continued on pg. 3
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