doubts linger on who will attend planned syria talks as the u.s. makes moves to help refugees fleeing the war hello. also ahead on the program, pakistan reviews university security after at least 20 people are killed in a campus attack. angry protesters dpand snap elections after the third prime minister in less than a year is appointed. preparing unanimity women in waiting shares in the sdpeez

that's crippling brazil. it's still a sticking point who will attend talks on syria which are due to start on monday. we have details of the remainder, but first talks in the u.s. senate to help people in those in need. the u.s. has blocked a bill. president obama promised. the u.s. will accept 10,000 syrian refugees within one year. >> reporter: the legislation has passed in the u.s. senate would have put additional restrictions on refugees from iran and syria hoping to come to u.s. however, the legislation needed 60 votes in the u.s. senate to skrans and then a vote on final passage. it came up five votes short and as a result it has been blocked. critics of this legislation said

that this would many ways be very unfair and penalize those refugees in comparison to others who are trying to come to the u.s. from other countries. it would really penalize those coming from iraq as well as syria. there is also extensive vetting that takes place. on the other hand supporters of this legislation pointed to some comments made by the director of intelligence who said that there has been cases already that have been documented where individuals with ties to radical groups had used the u.s. refugee program to try and gain entry to the u.s. as well there have been comments from the director of the f.b.i. as well as the homeland security secretary stating a fact that there was a feeling that the vetting process of refugees to the united states could be more robust. in the end, however, the view was in the u.s. senate that the united states has a long history of helping those who are fleeing war torn countries to come to

the united states and in the end this legislation was blocked meanwhile russian foreign minister and u.s. secretary of state have both been discussing the upcoming syria talks. the two countries haven't yet agreed on who should represent the opposition during the meetings in geneva on monday. there are hints the talks could be delayed by a few days. >> translation: we don't have any thoughts on moving the start of talks from january to february. we're in a position of both russia and the united states, we are confident that in the coming days in january these talks will begin syria's opposition coordinator riad hijab has accused russia of impeding negotiations >> >> translation: there must be a clear agenda for negotiations to work towards a political transition and not to chat and waste time while syrian people die under shelling and from hunger. this is unacceptable meanwhile more than 100 humanitarian groups and u.n.

agencies are urging people worldwide to sign an appeal calling for an end to the syrian war. it outlined practical steps to help people in the conflict. they include giving unrestricted access across the country, agreeing and sticking to humanitarian pauses and ceasefires, stopping attacks on civilian infrastructure and also lifting sieges of civilian areas to allow the freedom of movement. a spokesman for the world food proposal says not much-- program says not much can be done >> the u.n. and its partners, other agencies, work very hard day in, day out, negotiating with the warring parties. negotiating with the government, negotiating with the factions controlling will roads into those places seeking access. it's a relentless task, it is a vital task. we have some success. we need more. hence this appeal which is very clear in its objectives, but as

i say, it's a political solution that's required. we have a lot of sympathy, we get a lot of sympathy. the u.n. security council over the last two years has passed a number of resolutions demanding humanitarian access. there is pressure there. they passed a resolution last month demanding a ceasefire and a political negotiations that hopefully will start soon. so we must keep the pressure on and this appeal and we hope that millions of people around the world will sign up to it. we hope this will generate more momentum and apply pressure on the parties to stop the fighting and grant the access and allow the delivery of much needed assistance amnesty international has criticized denmark's proposed amendments to its refugee law. it says if approved they will have an devastating impact on vulnerable people.

under the proposals, newly arrived refugees may have to hand over valuables like gold or july reto help the government pay for their stay. they might also have to wait for three years before applying for family reunification. for the second time in upover a year fighters have stormed an educational campus in north-western pakistan. 20 people were killed in the attack which lasted for hours at the at a university just outside of peshawar. >> reporter: some people came face-to-face with the men who tried to kill them >> translation: i was sitting in class and the firing started. we ran upstairs to the third floor, the vice chancellor's office. the terrorist came in and opened fire at me. i ran up stairs and fell from the third floor. >> reporter: classes were full when armed men stormed the

building and opened fire at students and staff. the attack was timed to cause maximum devastation. 600 guests were visiting the university. the pakistani army is investigating the attack and says it has identified some of the armed men through evidence found at the scene. >> translation: we recovered two cell phones, telephone calls were made among the terrorists. the cell phones are examined and the voices are analysed and an intelligence picture has been established. >> reporter: back at the university, it is less than 40 kilometers away from the where the taliban killed more than 140 people in a school attack in december 2014. the pakistani taliban says it is not behind this assault and has condemned this splinter group which has claimed responsibility. the pakistani governments will now look at whether more can be done to protect schools and universities who are vulnerable

to attacks like this. >> translation: the terrorists have carried out an act of cowardice. we have killed many of them, but some are still on the run. they attacked a soft target, a university. i've spoken to some of the students. they are determined to continue their education. >> reporter: attacks by fighters affiliated with the pakistani taliban have declined over the past year. that is in walmart because of the increase in military operations and the pakistani government's efforts to shut down the armed group's sources of funding. this assault suggests there are some fighters who are committed to continuing the chaos al jazeera's correspondent joins us live. what more details are emerging now about the attack? >> reporter: well, first of all, as you can see, it's still foggy here. this is an agricultural belt which is shrouded in thick fog

most of the winter, and the reports that are coming out in the aftermath of that attack from the pakistani military spokesman is that the attackers were use iing with phones and t were in contact with a group in afghanistan. so quite a few details emerging, but there is no doubt that this was a serious security lapse because for the past week there had been warnings across this province that an attack may happen and, of course, the perimeter walls that should have been defended were not defended. the timely action by the security forces avoided a bigger crisis. we are told that another student has succumbed to his wounds and that takes the death toll to 21 thank you for the update. hundreds of protesters have broken into maldova's apartment after it appointed a new prime minister. they say he is part of a group

discredited by corruption. they want new elections. >> reporter: protesters break through police lines and force their way into parliament. police in gas masks and riot gear couldn't stop them. the protesters are angry that members of parliament approved the aappointment of a new pro-european prime minister. they say he is part of a corrupt political elite. the protest inside parliament was the culmination of a day of demonstrations. earlier thousands of people had gathered outside parliament to make their feelings known. >> translation: to form a government so quickly that would be responsible for our lives and destiny was seeing so many people is a mock re. >> translation: we are not satisfied of members of parliament or how the government is formed.

they do not act as members of parliament but as bandits. >> reporter: there have been months of deadlock in the country. last year the government was moved. it involved one billion dollars going missing from three banks. it represented about 8% of the country's budget. the prime minister says the country needs a stable government. >> translation: i came here today with my team to take on a much more complex task than it may seem at first glance, to form a government. maybe it sounds pathetic, but that's what i felt when i asked to take the responsibility of forming the cabinet. >> reporter: the former soviet republic is one of the poorest countries in eastern europe and political turmoil is not helping to improve the lives of these people time for a short break here

on al jazeera. when we come back, the victims of uganda's war tell us of a torment they survived and what they hope happens to the rebel commander who is about to appear in court. >> reporter: gar meant workers claim that their shoes are worn out to get the officials here to do anything about their cases. ir cases. the only way to get better is to challenge yourself,

and that's what we're doing at xfinity. we are challenging ourselves to improve every aspect of your experience. and this includes our commitment to being on time. every time. that's why if we're ever late for an appointment, we'll credit your account $20. it's our promise to you. we're doing everything we can to give you the best experience possible. because we should fit into your life. not the other way around.

welcome back. a quick reminder. u.s. democratic senators have

blocked a bill that would have made it harder for syrian and iraqi refugees to enter the country. the talks at ending the war in syria is looks like being delayed. 20 people have been killed in an assault on a university in north-western pakistan. the pakistani taliban says it's not behind the attack and has condemned the group which has claimed responsibility. hundreds of protesters have broken in moldova's parliament after a new prime minister was appointed. at least seven soldiers have been killed in an attack in egypt's northern sinai. there were 13 others injured. the army is searching the area for the attacker whose fled the scene. no group has yet claimed responsibility. at least seven people have been killed in a car bomb explosion in kabul. had happened close to the

russian embassy. a bus was targeted owned by the bus's biggest media group. afghan taliban as has claimed responsibility. police in the western city of katherine has fired tear gas at protesters. in response, the government says it will create six thousand jobs and clamp down on corruption. an occur due has been imposed-- can consider you few has been imposed. >> reporter: security forces trying to break up an angry crowd, firing tear gas and water cannon to pave the way for the police to advance, but the protesters ran through alleyways, regroup and stage a come back. thousands of young people mostly unemployed who say they have been marginalised by the government. >> because the government, they

don't do anything, just steal the money. >> translation: we have nothing here. we are completely abandoned. there are people who graduated six years ago but never managed to get a job. we were denied all our basic rights. >> reporter: discontent is simmering. anti-government sentiment is on the rise. local people accuse the government of favoring rich coastal areas. this is quite a delicate moment for the government which has imposed australia terrority-- austerity measures. there are thousand of people here asking for immediate solutions to the problems of poverty and unemployment. as violence continues, the governor tries to diffuse the tension, but this angry crowd hits back shouting we need act, not words.

>> translation: i have met with representatives of the protesters. we gave them guarantees and they were convinced. unfortunately, there is a minority still on the streets causing violence. >> reporter: the worst crisis facing the government in months and there are signs this protest might spread across the country. a critical moment for security forces who not far from here face a major threat. they are on the offensive hunting down armed groups in the mountains defense chiefs from seven countries who are part of the coalition have pledged to intins fight their efforts. they want to cappise on recent gains made against the group. i.s.i.l. has lost nearly a quarter of the territory it seized in iraq and syria. the ace rail ee government is

expected to declare the largest seizure of palestinian land since 2014. it plans to take nearly 150 hectares in jericho. it is backed by financials but waiting prool. almost 400 hectare tears were seized nearly two years ago. >> reporter: sierra leone has reported another case of ebola in less than a week. it is a 38 year old woman, a relative of a previous person who died last week. the epidemic has killed more than 11,000 people across the area. the u.s. president says it's inexcusable that families in flint michigan were not warned immediately that the city's water had dangerous amounts of led. obama met with the mayor of flint to pledge his support. the led levels followed a switch in the water supply.

several brazilian states have declared a health emergency amid the spread of a mosquito-borne virus. critical patients are being turned away because of a lack of space and equipment. >> reporter: this woman has been pacing up do you knowed for four hours since arriving at this maternity clinic, still bleeding from an apparent miscarriage. >> translation: we are human beings, not dogs. i'm here waiting and i'm told there is no estimated to see the doctor. >> reporter: she is not alone. the waiting room to the clinic are full of women in labor yet to be admitted. >> translation: i'm here with my daughter and they say there's no space available uchl. i'm terrified. do you see her there. she is suffering to give birth. what can we do? we have to go from one hospital

to another by bus >> reporter: we're told upstairs women in labor are under going examinations in chairs because there are no enough beds and equipments or doctors to cope with demand. the orthopaedic wing of another hospital looks lining it is in a war zone, patients packed into corridors. all over the state public hospitals and clinics are collapsing due to lack of funds. what you see here is the result of years of mismanagement and accumulated debt on two levels compounded by the worst economic crisis in brazil in decades. it is a crisis impacting not only the public health sector but in many of the largest states. a public health emergency has been declared in rio where the state has run out of money to pay for doctors and nurses. here also an epidemic of a

dangerous virus called zika has prompted authorities to declare a public health emergency which, in fact, already existed. >> translation: there are doctors, but the state doesn't hire them. there is a deficit of rooms and resources. people need to proceed defendant to demand their rights. >> reporter: given its own need to slash spending in a recession, the government argues it could only provide limited emergency funding to the states to alleviate the crisis. back at the maternity ward, her daughter can take no more. while others in less pain do their best to comfort her. clearly shaken themselves as they yell for a doctor who doesn't arrive the global economy's rocky start to 2016 has continued.

krooud oil appliess have dropped to a 13-year low. that has cast a shadow on the world economic forum in davos. glober leaders need to rethink the strategy to rethink the crisis. the results of a british inquiry into the poisoning of former russian spy are due to be released. the reports are expected to implicate two men working for the kremlin and possibly president putin. he fell ill shortly after meeting two russians at a hotel in london ten years ago. he had drunk tea laced with high levels of a radioactive substance. the collapse of a building killed more than 1100 people. it his honour a spotlight-- shon a light on the workers conditions. >> reporter: this woman returned

to work exhausted from a miscarriage. the garment worker found little sympathy among her bosses. she said she was fired for taking time off. since then he days have been spent in court. few of these hearings have been in the labor court where she is suing her former employers for wrongful termination. she has been named in various issues. >> translation: they accused me of kidnapping babies. they went all the way to my village and told my parents in an effort to scare me. they accused me, my husband and my brother. they put false dharnlgs against us in court. >> reporter: meanwhile, her labor court case remains stuck with little sign of progress. garment workers have a saying, i don't own enough shoes to go to the labor court. it's a reference to how their

shoes get worn out to get here. the industry has been under international shot light. activists say the labor courts slow process gives garment owners impunity to harass and mistreat worningers. >> translation: the owners themselves can help. they say go ahead, sue us. they know the case will get stuck for years and they know the workers won't have the energy to keep pursuing the case. we have cases that are seven years old going nowhere. >> reporter: court officials declined several requests for an interview. they told us they're under instructions to not talk to the media. her employers deny they're behind the case against her and say it's part of a plot to ruin

their business. >> translation: there is a domestic and international conspiracy going on to destroy the government sector. i can't say for sure whether this woman is involved in it, but it is certainly a possibility. >> reporter: meanwhile she has a warning for other garment workers, to think twice before entering a battle they might not have the resources to win the first of five former commandos from a rebel army in uganda is due to stand trial in the criminal court. one is accused of committing war crimes during the 20-year long civil war. malcolm web has been to a former camp. >> reporter: this woman's eight year old grandson was shot did dead as she ran for her life. that was in may 2004 right here. at the time it was a crowded camp for displaced people. rebel fighters from the resistance army attacked.

>> translation: she says a bullet entered one of her cheeks and blew off the other side of her jaw. she has had to eat by sucking her food ever since. >> translation: when his soldiers killed the people here and i was one of its victims, i want him to be given a death sentence if he ever comes back he will kill us all. >> reporter: this man had been a commander since the 1990s. he was brought to the international criminal court a year ago after his surrender. the rebillion started nearly three decades before. many say it was in response to atrocities committed by government forces, but the rebels turned against the people they claimed to represent, abducting tens of thousands of children forcing them to become fighters, porters and sex slaves. the government forced the population into camps. thousands died of disease. this woman was in a camp when the nra attacked.

at the time this whole area was full of huts and survivors say the rebels came from this direction setting them on fire, abducting some people and killing others. there's a memorial here to those who died and the icc's prosecutor says a man ordered the attack. an hour's drive away we met a wife and children. he lived here until he was 14 and shouldn't stand trial because he was abducted by the nra on his way home from school. his wife also says she was abducted by the nra aged just nine and then married to him. >> translation: the two people i want to see are the leader and the president because he failed to protect us. my parents and his parents were killed. >> reporter: for many in this area justice has been slow if not absent >> victims keep asking why only the lra is being prosecutord and

why not the government. they cannot prosecute crimes retrospectively, so they only look at crimes after 2002. that is where the challenge has been in prosecuting other actors. >> reporter: there's interest in the pending trial because of what happened here. the court is now due to decide if there's enough evidence for the trial to go ahead vietnam's resuming communist party has opened its eight day congress. the meeting will name the new group of leaders to govern for the next five years. the congress decides on the top positions of secretary, prime minister and president. the outcome is not expected to bring any surprises with the general secretary set to keep his job. nobody has seen it yet, but experts think there could be a

ninth plant. planet x, which is being called planet nine, might be ten times the size of the earth and further away from the sun than we are. a quick reminder, you can keep up-to-date with our news on the website. there it is on your screen. >> welcome to "america tonight." i'm sheila macvicar. joie chen is on assignment. it is the faces of refugees fleeing violence in syria or the butchering of the islamic state group in iraq that has captured much of the world's attention this year. but there are others fleeing poverty or lesser known wars who don't make the headlines. ei