Syria: Forces battling ISIL 'lose sight of ultimate aim' to free civilians from terror – UN rights chief

New York, Aug 31(Just Earth News): Forces fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorist group in Syria are losing sight of the obligation to protect civilians as the battle to retake Raqqa from ISIL is being waged at the cost of their lives, the top United Nations human rights official warned on Thursday.

Benazir Bhutto assassination verdict : Five acquitted, two sentenced, Musharraf declared absconder

Islamabad, Aug 31 (IBNS) : Five accused persons in the Benazfir Bhutto murder case were acquitted and two sentenced to imprisonment on as the Anti-Terrorism Court hearing the case for over nine years announced its verdict on Thursday, Geo News reported.

11,000 US soldiers currently stationed in Afghanistan: Pentagon

Washington/Kabul, Aug 31 (IBNS): The US defence headquarters, Pentagon, has confirmed that there are at least 11 thousand American soldiers currently stationed in Afghanistan.

Harvey Floods: Houston chemical plant to explode in coming days

Houston, Aug 31 (IBNS): A chemical plant is expected to explode or catch fire in the flood hit city of Houston, reports said.

UN agriculture chief says Uganda 'leading example' of sustainable refugee response

New York, Aug 31(Just Earth News): The head of the United Nations agriculture agency on Wednesday called for greater funding for a sustainable response to the refugee crisis in Uganda, as he concluded a visit to the country's north hosting those crossing the border for safety.

'Time to shift from logic of war,' put interests of Syrian people first, UN Security Council told

New York, Aug 31(Just Earth News): Calling for creative ways to work towards peace in Syria, the United Nations Special Envoy on Wednesday outlined the political path forward, which includes holding another round of the so-named Astana talks and behind-the-scenes efforts by the international community.

Security Council extends African-led mission in Somalia, targets handover to national security forces

New York, Aug 31(Just Earth News): The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday extended its authorization of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until 31 May 2018, approving a reduction of its uniformed personnel to a maximum 21,626 by 31 December 2017, with an eye towards the gradual handover over of responsibilities to Somali security forces.

Security Council renews mandate of UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon

New York, Aug 31(Just Earth News): The Security Council on Wednesday extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon for one year.

Quebec to distribute welfare cheques to refugees staying only in temporary shelters

Montreal, Aug 30 (IBNS): Quebec has planned to distribute welfare cheques to only those refugees who are staying in temporary shelters, media reports said.

Google to venture into household with range of appliances

Ottawa, Aug 30 (IBNS): Google has decided to venture into the household by providing services through a range of appliances, media reports said.

In the Gaza Strip, UN chief appeals for Palestinian unity; reveals dream of two-state solution

New York, Aug 30(Just Earth News): Visiting Gaza for the first time since taking office as United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres on Wednesday called for Palestinian unity, saying division “only undermines the cause of the Palestinian people.”

Syria: UN adviser warns trapped civilians face greater risks as Raqqa fighting intensifies

New York, Aug 30(Just Earth News): The United Nations adviser on the prevention of genocide on Wednesday expressed deep concern at the deteriorating situation of up to 25,000 civilians trapped in Syria's Raqqa, noting that civilians are used as human shields in this de facto capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorist group under intense bombardment.

Human rights violations indicate 'repressive policy' of Venezuelan authorities – UN report

New York, Aug 30(Just Earth News): Extensive human rights violations and abuses have been committed in the wake of anti-Government protests in Venezuela and point to “the existence of a policy to repress political dissent and instill fear in the population to curb demonstrations,” a report by the United Nations human rights office has found.

In conflict-affected Nigeria, UN agency teams with health workers to help the displaced

New York, Aug 30(Just Earth News): Skilled health personnel are desperately needed in north-eastern Nigeria, the United Nations population agency on Wednesday said, after training hundreds of health providers in Borno State on the basics of reproductive health needs.

Nawaz Sharif leaves for London to meet ailing wife

Islamabad, Aug 30 (IBNS): Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday left for London city in the UK, media reports said.