His report  will determine if Turkey is in breach of international law on torture.

UN special rapporteur on torture Nils Melzer says he’s looking forward to engaging with the Turkish Government on how to meet the challenges of upholding the rule of law, promoting accountability, and fulfilling the right of reparations for victims, in particular in the aftermath of the attempted coup in July of this year.

During his visit, Melzer will meet with authorities, human rights groups, local and international civil society organizations, victims and their families.

Before leaving, he’ll  host a press conference at the UN House in Ankara next  Friday.

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Protestors says its a charter for pedophiles, although the authorities maintain its designed to help legal challenges caused by widespread child marriage in the poorer rural parts of the country.

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Protestors are demanding the Bill be torn up.

A least three thousand people gathered in central Istanbul and large numbers were evident in Ankara, Izmir and Trabzon.

They’re saying the Bill proposed by the ruling  Justice and Development Party (AKP) legitimises  rape.

If it becomes law, men who sexually abused girls under 18 without force, threat or any restriction on consent over the past 11 years  and marry them could have their convictions quashed or avoid prosecution.

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This further fuels concerns about the erosion of press freedom after July’s thwarted coup.

Turkish police officers detained Murat Sabuncu, the editor of Cumhuriyet, and at least a dozen writers, including several columnists.

Some were taken into custody in early morning raids at their homes.

The arrests will heighten fears about freedom of expression in Turkey, a Nato member that is a candidate for EU accession.

Cumhuriyet, a secularist, left-leaning newspaper, is a rare critical voice in a media landscape dominated by pro-government outlets. It is owned by a not-for-profit foundation.

Government has taken over newspapers and television channels owned by the movement of Fethullah Gulen whom they blame for instigating the failed coup.

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Turkish military authorities say they’re experiencing a personnel deficit due to hundreds of suspensions following the failed military coup.

The nine pilots were released on probation after being held as suspected supporters of the Gulen movement that authorities blame for coup.

Fetullah Gulen, who lives in exile in the United States, denies this.

264 Air Force pilots were fired for being being so-called Gullenists.

Turkey is trying to get Greece to extradite eight military officers who commandeered a helicopter and sought asylum in Greece shortly after the attempted putsch, saying their lives were in danger if they returned . They denied any involvement in the coup attempt.

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The measure will allow him to rule by decree and limit  human rights.

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The declaration could be used to extend the detention of nearly 10 000 people rounded up since the failed coup.

More than 50 000 state employees have been rounded up, sacked or suspended. 99 top military officers have been charged.

Speaking at the presidential palace in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed that all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed.

He insists the  measure is in no way against democracy, the law and freedoms.

He praised those who died fighting against the coup as martyrs. The government says some 246 people were killed resisting the attempted putsch.

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There have been calls for a better aid system and new focus on preventing trouble before it begins.

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Delegates at the first UN Humanitarian Summit were dealing with core commitment to use global leadership to prevent and end wars and uphold the norms of humanitarian law.

However these are presented as a declaration of intent and are not binding – which is what caused the medical watchdog group Medicines Sans Frontiers to shun the gathering.

Oxfam’s executive director Winnie Byanyima says it’s shameful how the rich world moans about the refugees, and leaves the poor to shoulder the burden. Europe must do more.

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It’s goal is to ensure countries, organisations and relief workers cooperate in  addressing  global humanitarian crises.

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The two-day event is the first of its kind hoping to improve how aid is given and how the world reacts to crises better.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has previously drawn parallels with the London meeting of allied governments in 1941 who came together to support peace and diplomacy and signed a declaration that would lead to the UN charter.

Since Ban’s  speech fin January 2012, more than 23 000 people in 153 countries have been consulted during extensive preparations ahead of the summit.

There will be plenary sessions, round-table discussions, interactive sessions, special briefings while leaders will be invited to announce commitments for millions affected by disasters and conflicts.

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Washington’s called seizure of the opposition publication a troubling part of Turkey’s onslaught against free media.

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The newspaper Zaman’s adopted a pro-government line since a court ordered it to be seized in a controversial decision.

The top story describes how President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended a ceremony marking a key phase in the construction of a bridge across the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

Zaman’s website was offline, with a message saying readers will be provided with a better quality and more objective service as soon as possible.

The website of the English-language Today’s Zaman, which was also confiscated, featured stories about the takeover and the European Union’s critical response.

It has not been updated since Saturday.

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The announcement follows yesterday’s visit to Bujumbura by President Jacob Zuma at the head of a five-man delegation of African head of state.

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The final communique of the AU  High Level Delegation to Burundi expresses its concerns about the levels of violence, loss of life, and the general state of political instability in the country.

It  strongly holds that the solution to Burundi political problems can be attained only through inclusive and peaceful engagement.

President Pierre Nkurunziza’s government  has committed to continue the steps it has begun to open up space for free political activity by the people of Burundi and ensure the freedom of the media; and

Agreed to the  deployment of 100 human rights observers and 100 military monitors to Burundi.

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