Muslim states agree to 'historic' UN statement on women
Muslim and western nations on Friday overcame deep divisions to agree a historic United Nations declaration setting out a code of conduct for combatting violence against women.
Vatican, Iran resist UN effort fighting violence on women
The Vatican, Iran and other religious states are resisting efforts by a UN conference, which started Monday, to demand tougher global standards to prevent violence against women and children.
Pakistan's Hazara community under attack
Pakistan's Hazaras, a prosperous, moderate community who found refuge after brutal crackdowns in Afghanistan, are again living in fear as they suffer record levels of sectarian violence.
Imam admits sexual abuse of minor in south Kazakhstan
An imam has been apprehended in suspicion of sexual violence against underage in South-Kazakhstan.
Al-Qaeda offshoot claims Baghdad bombings
Al-Qaeda's front group in Iraq has claimed a wave of bombings targeting Shiite areas of Baghdad that killed at least 21 people Sunday.
Delhi gang-rape trial to open in fast-track court
The trial of five men accused of the fatal gang-rape of a 23-year-old student on a moving New Delhi bus was set to open on Monday in a special "fast-track" court established to deliver speedy justice.
Latin American women face widespread violence: study
More than half of Bolivian women have suffered domestic violence, according to a report out Thursday that found such abuse widespread in Latin America, with partners usually the perpetrators.
Syria ushers in New Year with more violence
Syrians woke up to air strikes near Damascus on New Year's Day and the closure of Aleppo airport after repeated rebel attacks, casting doubts on efforts to end the 21-month conflict.
UN chief condemns 'escalating' violence in Pakistan
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said Sunday he was "appalled by the escalating terrorist violence in Pakistan," after 19 Shiite pilgrims died in a car bomb and 21 kidnapped soldiers were killed.
Indian gang-rape student 'fighting for her life': hospital
An Indian student who was brutally gang-raped on a bus in New Delhi was "fighting for her life" after suffering a significant brain injury.
S. Sudan 'armed groups' attack disputed area: Khartoum
"Armed groups" from South Sudan clashed with Arab tribesmen in Samaha, a flashpoint border region disputed by Khartoum and Juba.
Israel PM met Jordan king in Amman over Syria: media
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman recently to discuss violence in Syria and the country's chemical weapons stock.
Surge in Pakistan violence raises fears for elections
A surge of violence in northwest Pakistan culminating in the assassination of a senior provincial minister has raised fears of a renewed Taliban campaign that could threaten national elections.
Rebels continue Central Africa push as Chad troops arrive
Rebels in the Central African Republic seized a town near the border with Chad on Wednesday, a day after Chadian troops entered the country at Bangui's request to help the army contain the rebel offensive.
US shooting revives debate over mental health care
The deadly US shooting rampage last week has revived debate about access to mental health care -- a tough issue as state funds dry up and laws make it difficult to treat people against their will.
Obama wants concrete gun proposals within a month
President Barack Obama put ending an "epidemic" of gun violence at the top of his second term agenda Wednesday, denying he was "on vacation" on the issue before last week's school massacre.
Syria: from revolution to all-out war
Syria's uprising has shifted from popular street protests against President Bashar al-Assad to a full-fledged war, increasingly influenced by armed Islamists, in a far cry from the idealism of the Arab Spring.
Myanmar apologises to monks over mine protest injuries
Myanmar's government has apologised to senior Buddhist clerics over injuries sustained in a violent police crackdown on a rally at a Chinese-backed copper mine.
Protests turn violent at trade talks in New Zealand
A protest aimed at disrupting Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade talks in New Zealand turned violent Saturday as demonstrators attacked security forces.
DR Congo rebels, troops accused of killing, rape rampage
Rebels and government troops raped and killed civilians and looted towns during battles in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo last month with children suffering dramatically.