U.S. chided for 'rapid decline' in freedoms
Crackdowns on protesters and journalists landed the U.S. on a global alliance's updated watchlist of nations dogged by "serious concerns" for civic freedoms.
Asia-Pacific
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ASEAN hardens stand on China sea claims
ASEAN leaders pushed back at China, asserting a 1982 U.N. treaty should serve as the basis for resolving disputes over claims in the South China Sea.
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.
Global coronavirus cases exceed 9 million
Global coronavirus cases surged past 9 million killing 470,000 people — an increase of 1 million infections in just six days — led by the U.S. and Brazil.
Brave lone voice of youth climate activism takes on the 'emperors'
In a podcast, Greta Thunberg invokes a 183-year-old tale that captures the thinking needed to solve the climate crisis.
U.S. derides U.N. effort to counter racism
The top American diplomat rebuked the U.N. Human Rights Council a day after it commissioned a report on racism and police brutality.
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.
Kenya wins race for fifth new UNSC seat
Kenya won election to the U.N. Security Council, joining with India, Ireland, Mexico and Norway in gaining a seat on the world body's most powerful arm.
U.N. urged to probe U.S. and global racism
The world's top human rights body heard calls for it to authorize two separate U.N.-mandated Commissions of Inquiry into racism in the U.S. and worldwide.
U.N. forecasts foreign investments plunge
New business investment globally will likely drop by up to 40% this year and 10% in 2021 from the COVID-19 pandemic, UNCTAD 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.
Trump order meant to hold up ICC probe
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing sanctions against ICC officials who investigate alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan.
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.
Trump postpones 'outdated' G-7 summit
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters will delay the annual G-7 summit until fall, after German Chancellor Angela Merkel declined an invitation.
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.