Diverse

Racist crime has risen more than 50% in in the English area Dorset in the past year, according to Home Office.

The number of racially motivated crimes recorded by police in England and Wales went up by 12% to 59,257 in 2004/2005, according to Home Office figures.

Leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas has of now taken formal control of the government after being sworn in by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

HIV infection rates have fallen by a third in the worst hit regions of south India, research suggests.

US President George W Bush has called for the debate over a controversial new immigration bill to be conducted in a "civil and dignified way".

Around 500 000 activists rallied in Los Angeles in California, USA, to protest against plans to criminalise undocumented workers.

An Islamic militia fighting for control of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, has agreed to a ceasefire, according to local clan elders.

A number of racist graffiti has appeared on property along the Bristol to Bath cycletrack at Fishponds in the UK, according to police.

Refugees cross into Chad to escape alleged systematic killing of men and boys in the Central African Republic.

Six Tamil Tiger rebels have died after blowing up their vessel off Sri Lanka's north-west coast, according to the military.