Concern over possible new variant spread

Governments around the world are rushing to restrict travel from southern African countries, as they attempt to contain a new coronavirus variant.

The World Health Organisation said early evidence suggests the variant Omicron - as it's been named - carries a higher risk of reinfection, but warned against bringing in travel bans too quickly. South Africa, where the variant was first identified, has criticised the restrictions as draconian.

Also in the programme; in Turkey, the number of women who experience domestic violence and the rate of femicide is rising. We’ll hear from the director of a film on the issue as crowds take to the streets to highlight it.

Joining Paul Henley to discuss these and other issues are Michaela Kuefner, chief political editor of Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international TV channel, and Simon Robinson, global managing editor for the news publisher, Reuters.

(Picture: Passengers travelling from South Africa queue to be tested for coronavirus after being held on the tarmac at Schiphol Airport. Credit: Reuters)