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8. April 2017, 21:58

UN human rights chief criticises Trump

The United Nations human rights chief, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Speaking at a meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Hussein said Trump's rhetoric on immigration risked fuelling hate crimes. “Vilification of entire groups, such as Mexicans and Muslims, and false claims that migrants commit more crimes than US citizens, are harmful and fuel xenophobic abuses.”

New bomb threats against Jewish groups in US

There's been widespread condemnation in the United States of a new wave of bomb threats against Jewish community centres and the Jewish NGO, the Anti-Defamation League. Justice officials say they're investigating more than 120 threats made against Jewish organisations since January and vandalism at several Jewish cemeteries.

Gunmen attack military hospital in Kabul

Officials in Afghanistan say gunmen dressed as doctors have attacked a military hospital in the capital Kabul, killing at least 4 people and wounding over 60 others. Several attackers, armed with automatic weapons and hand grenades, reportedly stormed the hospital after a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gates. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility.

China proposes plan for easing Korea tensions

China has called on North Korea to suspend its nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a halt to joint military exercises between the US and South Korea. Pyongyang prompted international condemnation by testing four missiles on Monday in defiance of UN resolutions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the proposal could help defuse tensions on the Korean Peninsula and avoid a looming crisis. “The two sides are like two accelerating trains coming towards each other, with neither side willing to give way. The question is, are the two sides really ready for a head-on collision. Our priority now is to flash the red light and apply brakes on both trains.”

Germany and Turkey seek better relations

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu have called for a normalisation of relations between their two countries, following talks in Berlin. Relations have been strained recently, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Germany of Nazi practices. Ankara is unhappy that Turkish politicians have been hindered from campaigning in Germany, ahead of next month's constitutional referendum on whether to expand the Turkish president's powers.

More help for Italy to deal with migrants

The Council of Europe has called on European countries to offer more help to Italy, as it struggles to cope with the arrival of large numbers of refugees and migrants. 180 thousand refugees and migrants arrived by boat in Italy last year alone.

The weather

Generally sunny conditions are set to continue this afternoon, but clouds will move in from the west bringing some rain. Top temperatures will range from 4 to 15 degrees.

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