The world in pictures

Pakistani schoolchildren hold lamps during a memorial tribute to South African late president Nelson Mandela, in Karachi on December 6, 2013. People gathered in cities around the world to make their own personal tributes to Nelson Mandela, leaving flowers and setting up makeshift shrines in an outpouring of emotion for South Africa's anti-apartheid icon. (Getty)

South Korean divers, clad in Santa Claus costumes, swim with sardines at an Aquarium on December 8, 2013 in Seoul, South Korea. Even though the official religion of South Korea is Buddhism, about 30 percent of the population are Christian and Christmas is one of the biggest holidays to be celebrated in the country. (Getty)

Turkish riot police officers take cover as Kurdish protesters shoot fireworks at them during clashes in central Istanbul on December 7, 2013. The armed clashes erupted over claims that Kurdish rebel cemeteries had been destroyed. (Getty)

Performers wear masks during the 'Anjos do Picadeiro' annual week-long event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 5, 2013. About 100 clowns and street performers turn the street into a theatre. (Getty)

Riot police keep their line during snowfalls in front of the Presidential office in Kiev, Ukraine, 09 December 2013, where thousands of demonstrators continued to demand the Ukrainian government's resignation. (Getty)

Newly-graduated Afghan midwives attend a commencement ceremony at the Governor's House in Jalalabad, Nangarhar province on December 5, 2013. Some 40 midwives graduated after undergoing a two and half year programme. (Getty)

The members of Vila Isabel Samba school perform on the special Samba train at Central station in Rio de Janeiro on December 7, 2013. Samba trains are offering direct 20-minute rides to the Oswaldo Cruz station where a 6-day-long event, 'Trem do Samba,' is taking place on the outskirts of the city. (Getty)

French soldiers get ready to cross the border in Garoua Boulaï on December 7, 2013, as part of the military operation aiming at restoring security in simmering Central African Republic. France deployed nearly 1,000 troops, as residents sought refuge from sectarian clashes which the Red Cross says has killed at least 300. (Getty)

Australia's Ryan Harris celebrates taking the final wicket during day five of the Second Test Match at the Adelaide Oval, Australia. The Australian team now leads the series 2-0. (AAP)

A police horse stands on a man's foot, as Ultra-Orthodox Jews scuffle with Israeli police during a protest against their military conscription on December 9, 2013 in Atlit, Israel. Hundreds of Ultra-Orthodox Jews protested outside a military prison following the arrest of a young man who refused to serve in the Israeli army. (Getty)