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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Chemical factory explosion: Catholic Church calls for transparency and protection of workers’ dignity

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Syro malankara Church Telangana

    Hyderabad (Agenzia Fides) – “The explosion at a chemical factory in the state of Telangana once again raises the serious problem of exploitation and disregard for the dignity of workers. The victims are mostly poor people, members of tribal communities, migrant workers, and daily laborers, who are the most vulnerable. It will be necessary to examine whether there was negligence and whether the authorities and the company that owns the factory complied with all labor protection measures,” said Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General and Spokesperson of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI), in an interview with Fides following the explosion on June 30 in the Sangareddy district, north of Hyderabad, the capital of the Indian state of Telangana, which killed at least 40 workers and injured more than 35, many of them still in critical condition.The explosion caused the collapse of a three-story building managed by the pharmaceutical company Sigachi Industries Private Limited. In response to public outrage, the Telangana state government has promised 10 million rupees in compensation to the families of the deceased workers and 1 million rupees in compensation to the injured. Furthermore, a commission of inquiry, composed of experts and scientists, will be established today, July 3, to investigate the explosion. The commission will determine the causes and establish the sequence of events that led to the disaster.”The Indian Church has united in all communities to express its solidarity and to pray for the victims during daily Masses, as requested by the bishops,” Father Alathara told Fides. In an official statement, the Inter-Ritual Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) also expressed its “deep sadness and sorrow over the tragic explosion at a chemical factory in Telangana.” “Our condolences go out to the families who lost their loved ones in this sudden and devastating tragedy. We also pray for the speedy and full recovery of all those injured, and that the Lord grants strength and courage to their families and caregivers,” the Indian bishops said in a statement. Many of the victims, the bishops said, originally came from other states and were internal migrants who had come to Telangana to care for their families. The CBCI statement called for “a thorough and transparent investigation to shed light on the causes of the explosion and any deficiencies identified,” and pointed out that “the dignity of every human life and the right to a safe and secure working environment must be upheld as a moral and constitutional responsibility.” “It is necessary to review the labor laws that allow companies to exploit workers,” Father Alathara concluded. “And we must ensure that all the rules established by law were observed. Those who suffer are always the poorest, the defenseless, those who cannot even go to court, the migrants, the tribal people, the weakest. The Church is at their side to help them with all means and in every way.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 3/7/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – “One life is more precious than the whole world”. The Korean work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for women in need

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Pascale Rizk
    [embedded content]
    Chunchon (Agenzia Fides) – For more than 50 years, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd in Chuncheon, Seoul, and Jeju, South Korea, have prayed and worked for women and girls in difficulty: single mothers, immigrants, pregnant women, and girls abused within the family. In recent months, they inaugurated a new facility for women in need at their provincial house of the International Congregation of Religious in Chuncheon.Founded in 1995 with the help of donations, the sisters’ house in Chuncheon continues to grow today with the support of old and new benefactors who value the sisters’ work on behalf of women and girls from all over the country.At the inauguration ceremony last April, Bishop Simon Kim Ju-young of Chuncheon addressed the benefactors, saying: “You must be the happiest of all. You should know that while we priests sometimes neglect prayer, the nuns, on the contrary, always pray diligently.” It was he himself who, a year earlier, had invited the parishes of the diocese to support the fundraising campaign launched by the sisters. “Since 1993,” reports Sister Marie Jean Bae, who served as Provincial Superior from 2014 to 2019, “the sisters of Chuncheon had used the land on which the new building stands free of charge. Then, in 2022, the owner put the land up for sale. If it had been sold and another building had been built on the site, the nuns would have had to abandon their project.” “We and the sisters of the contemplative branch prayed together out of desperation. The merciful God heard our prayers, and just two days after we intensified our prayers, the owner of the land changed his mind and decided to donate it to the convent, apologizing for not having done so sooner,” the nun continued. “What is even more surprising is that he also thanked us for accepting the donation,” summarizes Sister Marie Jean, who has since become the South Korean coordinator of “Talita khum,” the international network of consecrated women against human trafficking.This year, the Congregation celebrates the bicentenary of its contemplative branch, whose history dates back to the works and spiritual insights of Saint John Eudes (1601-1680) in the 17th century, when prostitution was a social scourge punishable by imprisonment. Faced with the misery and injustice that prevailed during a time of spiritual and moral decline, Eudes was urged by the young Madeleine Lamy in Caen, Normandy, to found the first house of refuge, a true “hospital for these souls.” From papal approval until the revolution of 1789, 150 years passed, during which the religious were dispersed and their houses closed. It was not until 1825 that the houses were reopened thanks to the courage of a young superior, Maria Eufrasia, the foundress of the Sisters of St. Magdalene, now the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.Religious Sisters at the Side of Women in needBetween the 1960s and 1970s—immediately after the Second Vatican Council—changes in the lives of the sisters in Korea also began to emerge. In 1966, at the invitation of Bishop Peter Han Kong-ryel of the Diocese of Gwangju, four American nuns came to Korea to establish the spirituality of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Han was shocked by the sexual exploitation of young girls and women by the US military in his diocese and, in the charism of their foundress, Saint Mary Eufrasia, asked the sisters to help these victims of oppression. Thus, in 1968, the sisters established a dormitory and vocational school near the US Air Force base in Gunsan. This facility remained in operation until 1976. Inspired by the motto “One life is more precious than the whole world,” their commitment to supporting single pregnant women clearly demonstrated how important it was for the Catholic Church to create appropriate facilities for these women. Thus, at the invitation of Bishop Park Thomas Stewart, the sisters began with a small house in Seoul and opened “Mary’s Home” for single mothers in Chuncheon Province in 1979, before moving to the current provincial house complex and the counseling and support centers for women in 1985. With the entry into force in South Korea of the law against prostitution in 2004 and the significant increase in international marriages – mainly due to the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1992 – forms of support for women in distress have been strengthened to meet the urgent need for counselling for women who are victims of domestic violence and to improve communication between spouses of different nationalities, which is often hampered by language and cultural barriers.Healing wounds of body and soulIncreased awareness of justice and the denunciation of abuse against women led to the adoption of the “Basic Law for the Development of Women” (여성발전기본법) in South Korea in 1995. In centers for pregnant women such as “Mary’s Home,” women are prepared for a safe birth and can then decide whether to keep their child or place it in foster care. The work of the sisters is crucial in this area, as they advocate for anti-abortion policies in favor of the dignity of life. By welcoming women into these homes, they also aim to protect them from social prejudice. Mothers who have been victims of various forms of violence can also come from outside to seek refuge in the facilities run by the sisters, for example, at the “House of Friends” in Seoul or at another women’s shelter in Jeju. Support can be short-term (six months) – renewable – or long-term (two years). To facilitate their return to normalcy, programs are developed to help them heal their emotional and physical wounds. The women are guided through their personal and professional development and receive support in the form of free room and lodging, medical care, vocational training to achieve economic independence, and preparation for the GED, an exam equivalent to a high school diploma. The center in Chuncheon, which is operated in cooperation with Caritas, offers special legal support and advice, for example, in filing lawsuits against the perpetrator or drafting a statement in civil proceedings. The sisters also run homes for girls who have been victims of domestic violence and family problems. In these facilities, such as the “House of the Good Shepherd”, they receive support from their families. At organizations such as the “Good Shepherd House” in Seoul, efforts are being made to give young girls back the warmth of family, the feeling of love and acceptance in a safe and comfortable place, where they are given a sense of normality. “There is no greater pain than being abused at home by one’s parents. It is a long road to achieve healthy independence and psycho-emotional recovery, but they do it,” says Mariana Inea Young, a ‘Sand Play’ therapist and social worker. “So many come back to share their stories of recovery,” adds Sister Damiana Ham.A hotline for women in needEvery Thursday, Sister Rufina Hwa Jung Shim—66 years old and now retired after seven years as head of the “hotline” in Jeju—went to the neighborhoods to help women on the streets. Her zeal, the fourth vow of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, allows her to transcend the boundaries of space and time to continue her mission. “We begin every morning with a Bible reading, and even though the staff includes women from all Korean denominations, the Gospel remains the heart of the mission.”At the “1366 Center,” the sisters are commissioned by the diocese to manage the “Catholic Women’s Line” telephone counseling service, established in 1998 by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Depending on the case, women are supported locally or placed in women’s shelters and connected with the police, hospitals, or other facilities established for their protection. In recent years, increased awareness of women’s issues in South Korea has led to a substantial change in government-sponsored social welfare services. Social service agencies working in the field are consulted by the government before defining the most appropriate policies. Appropriate professional qualifications are also required.Meanwhile, on July 1, the Ministry of Equal Opportunities and Family Affairs passed a law implementing the “Advance Family Allowance System.” The system provides for the advance payment of family allowances and contributions even if one parent (usually the father) evades their child support obligations. The unpaid contributions of the insolvent parent remain with the parent as a debt to public institutions, which must be settled by paying contributions to the social security institutions. The law provides for monthly maintenance of 200,000 KRW (equivalent to 125 euros) for each child until they reach adulthood. This is a form of support that also alleviates the economic difficulties of single mothers and women abandoned by their spouses. (Agenzia Fides, 3/7/2025)Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – “One life is more precious than the whole world”. The Korean work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for women in need

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Pascale Rizk
    [embedded content]
    Chunchon (Agenzia Fides) – For more than 50 years, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd in Chuncheon, Seoul, and Jeju, South Korea, have prayed and worked for women and girls in difficulty: single mothers, immigrants, pregnant women, and girls abused within the family. In recent months, they inaugurated a new facility for women in need at their provincial house of the International Congregation of Religious in Chuncheon.Founded in 1995 with the help of donations, the sisters’ house in Chuncheon continues to grow today with the support of old and new benefactors who value the sisters’ work on behalf of women and girls from all over the country.At the inauguration ceremony last April, Bishop Simon Kim Ju-young of Chuncheon addressed the benefactors, saying: “You must be the happiest of all. You should know that while we priests sometimes neglect prayer, the nuns, on the contrary, always pray diligently.” It was he himself who, a year earlier, had invited the parishes of the diocese to support the fundraising campaign launched by the sisters. “Since 1993,” reports Sister Marie Jean Bae, who served as Provincial Superior from 2014 to 2019, “the sisters of Chuncheon had used the land on which the new building stands free of charge. Then, in 2022, the owner put the land up for sale. If it had been sold and another building had been built on the site, the nuns would have had to abandon their project.” “We and the sisters of the contemplative branch prayed together out of desperation. The merciful God heard our prayers, and just two days after we intensified our prayers, the owner of the land changed his mind and decided to donate it to the convent, apologizing for not having done so sooner,” the nun continued. “What is even more surprising is that he also thanked us for accepting the donation,” summarizes Sister Marie Jean, who has since become the South Korean coordinator of “Talita khum,” the international network of consecrated women against human trafficking.This year, the Congregation celebrates the bicentenary of its contemplative branch, whose history dates back to the works and spiritual insights of Saint John Eudes (1601-1680) in the 17th century, when prostitution was a social scourge punishable by imprisonment. Faced with the misery and injustice that prevailed during a time of spiritual and moral decline, Eudes was urged by the young Madeleine Lamy in Caen, Normandy, to found the first house of refuge, a true “hospital for these souls.” From papal approval until the revolution of 1789, 150 years passed, during which the religious were dispersed and their houses closed. It was not until 1825 that the houses were reopened thanks to the courage of a young superior, Maria Eufrasia, the foundress of the Sisters of St. Magdalene, now the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.Religious Sisters at the Side of Women in needBetween the 1960s and 1970s—immediately after the Second Vatican Council—changes in the lives of the sisters in Korea also began to emerge. In 1966, at the invitation of Bishop Peter Han Kong-ryel of the Diocese of Gwangju, four American nuns came to Korea to establish the spirituality of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Han was shocked by the sexual exploitation of young girls and women by the US military in his diocese and, in the charism of their foundress, Saint Mary Eufrasia, asked the sisters to help these victims of oppression. Thus, in 1968, the sisters established a dormitory and vocational school near the US Air Force base in Gunsan. This facility remained in operation until 1976. Inspired by the motto “One life is more precious than the whole world,” their commitment to supporting single pregnant women clearly demonstrated how important it was for the Catholic Church to create appropriate facilities for these women. Thus, at the invitation of Bishop Park Thomas Stewart, the sisters began with a small house in Seoul and opened “Mary’s Home” for single mothers in Chuncheon Province in 1979, before moving to the current provincial house complex and the counseling and support centers for women in 1985. With the entry into force in South Korea of the law against prostitution in 2004 and the significant increase in international marriages – mainly due to the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1992 – forms of support for women in distress have been strengthened to meet the urgent need for counselling for women who are victims of domestic violence and to improve communication between spouses of different nationalities, which is often hampered by language and cultural barriers.Healing wounds of body and soulIncreased awareness of justice and the denunciation of abuse against women led to the adoption of the “Basic Law for the Development of Women” (여성발전기본법) in South Korea in 1995. In centers for pregnant women such as “Mary’s Home,” women are prepared for a safe birth and can then decide whether to keep their child or place it in foster care. The work of the sisters is crucial in this area, as they advocate for anti-abortion policies in favor of the dignity of life. By welcoming women into these homes, they also aim to protect them from social prejudice. Mothers who have been victims of various forms of violence can also come from outside to seek refuge in the facilities run by the sisters, for example, at the “House of Friends” in Seoul or at another women’s shelter in Jeju. Support can be short-term (six months) – renewable – or long-term (two years). To facilitate their return to normalcy, programs are developed to help them heal their emotional and physical wounds. The women are guided through their personal and professional development and receive support in the form of free room and lodging, medical care, vocational training to achieve economic independence, and preparation for the GED, an exam equivalent to a high school diploma. The center in Chuncheon, which is operated in cooperation with Caritas, offers special legal support and advice, for example, in filing lawsuits against the perpetrator or drafting a statement in civil proceedings. The sisters also run homes for girls who have been victims of domestic violence and family problems. In these facilities, such as the “House of the Good Shepherd”, they receive support from their families. At organizations such as the “Good Shepherd House” in Seoul, efforts are being made to give young girls back the warmth of family, the feeling of love and acceptance in a safe and comfortable place, where they are given a sense of normality. “There is no greater pain than being abused at home by one’s parents. It is a long road to achieve healthy independence and psycho-emotional recovery, but they do it,” says Mariana Inea Young, a ‘Sand Play’ therapist and social worker. “So many come back to share their stories of recovery,” adds Sister Damiana Ham.A hotline for women in needEvery Thursday, Sister Rufina Hwa Jung Shim—66 years old and now retired after seven years as head of the “hotline” in Jeju—went to the neighborhoods to help women on the streets. Her zeal, the fourth vow of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, allows her to transcend the boundaries of space and time to continue her mission. “We begin every morning with a Bible reading, and even though the staff includes women from all Korean denominations, the Gospel remains the heart of the mission.”At the “1366 Center,” the sisters are commissioned by the diocese to manage the “Catholic Women’s Line” telephone counseling service, established in 1998 by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Depending on the case, women are supported locally or placed in women’s shelters and connected with the police, hospitals, or other facilities established for their protection. In recent years, increased awareness of women’s issues in South Korea has led to a substantial change in government-sponsored social welfare services. Social service agencies working in the field are consulted by the government before defining the most appropriate policies. Appropriate professional qualifications are also required.Meanwhile, on July 1, the Ministry of Equal Opportunities and Family Affairs passed a law implementing the “Advance Family Allowance System.” The system provides for the advance payment of family allowances and contributions even if one parent (usually the father) evades their child support obligations. The unpaid contributions of the insolvent parent remain with the parent as a debt to public institutions, which must be settled by paying contributions to the social security institutions. The law provides for monthly maintenance of 200,000 KRW (equivalent to 125 euros) for each child until they reach adulthood. This is a form of support that also alleviates the economic difficulties of single mothers and women abandoned by their spouses. (Agenzia Fides, 3/7/2025)Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – “One life is more precious than the whole world”. The Korean work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for women in need

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Pascale Rizk
    [embedded content]
    Chunchon (Agenzia Fides) – For more than 50 years, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd in Chuncheon, Seoul, and Jeju, South Korea, have prayed and worked for women and girls in difficulty: single mothers, immigrants, pregnant women, and girls abused within the family. In recent months, they inaugurated a new facility for women in need at their provincial house of the International Congregation of Religious in Chuncheon.Founded in 1995 with the help of donations, the sisters’ house in Chuncheon continues to grow today with the support of old and new benefactors who value the sisters’ work on behalf of women and girls from all over the country.At the inauguration ceremony last April, Bishop Simon Kim Ju-young of Chuncheon addressed the benefactors, saying: “You must be the happiest of all. You should know that while we priests sometimes neglect prayer, the nuns, on the contrary, always pray diligently.” It was he himself who, a year earlier, had invited the parishes of the diocese to support the fundraising campaign launched by the sisters. “Since 1993,” reports Sister Marie Jean Bae, who served as Provincial Superior from 2014 to 2019, “the sisters of Chuncheon had used the land on which the new building stands free of charge. Then, in 2022, the owner put the land up for sale. If it had been sold and another building had been built on the site, the nuns would have had to abandon their project.” “We and the sisters of the contemplative branch prayed together out of desperation. The merciful God heard our prayers, and just two days after we intensified our prayers, the owner of the land changed his mind and decided to donate it to the convent, apologizing for not having done so sooner,” the nun continued. “What is even more surprising is that he also thanked us for accepting the donation,” summarizes Sister Marie Jean, who has since become the South Korean coordinator of “Talita khum,” the international network of consecrated women against human trafficking.This year, the Congregation celebrates the bicentenary of its contemplative branch, whose history dates back to the works and spiritual insights of Saint John Eudes (1601-1680) in the 17th century, when prostitution was a social scourge punishable by imprisonment. Faced with the misery and injustice that prevailed during a time of spiritual and moral decline, Eudes was urged by the young Madeleine Lamy in Caen, Normandy, to found the first house of refuge, a true “hospital for these souls.” From papal approval until the revolution of 1789, 150 years passed, during which the religious were dispersed and their houses closed. It was not until 1825 that the houses were reopened thanks to the courage of a young superior, Maria Eufrasia, the foundress of the Sisters of St. Magdalene, now the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.Religious Sisters at the Side of Women in needBetween the 1960s and 1970s—immediately after the Second Vatican Council—changes in the lives of the sisters in Korea also began to emerge. In 1966, at the invitation of Bishop Peter Han Kong-ryel of the Diocese of Gwangju, four American nuns came to Korea to establish the spirituality of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Han was shocked by the sexual exploitation of young girls and women by the US military in his diocese and, in the charism of their foundress, Saint Mary Eufrasia, asked the sisters to help these victims of oppression. Thus, in 1968, the sisters established a dormitory and vocational school near the US Air Force base in Gunsan. This facility remained in operation until 1976. Inspired by the motto “One life is more precious than the whole world,” their commitment to supporting single pregnant women clearly demonstrated how important it was for the Catholic Church to create appropriate facilities for these women. Thus, at the invitation of Bishop Park Thomas Stewart, the sisters began with a small house in Seoul and opened “Mary’s Home” for single mothers in Chuncheon Province in 1979, before moving to the current provincial house complex and the counseling and support centers for women in 1985. With the entry into force in South Korea of the law against prostitution in 2004 and the significant increase in international marriages – mainly due to the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1992 – forms of support for women in distress have been strengthened to meet the urgent need for counselling for women who are victims of domestic violence and to improve communication between spouses of different nationalities, which is often hampered by language and cultural barriers.Healing wounds of body and soulIncreased awareness of justice and the denunciation of abuse against women led to the adoption of the “Basic Law for the Development of Women” (여성발전기본법) in South Korea in 1995. In centers for pregnant women such as “Mary’s Home,” women are prepared for a safe birth and can then decide whether to keep their child or place it in foster care. The work of the sisters is crucial in this area, as they advocate for anti-abortion policies in favor of the dignity of life. By welcoming women into these homes, they also aim to protect them from social prejudice. Mothers who have been victims of various forms of violence can also come from outside to seek refuge in the facilities run by the sisters, for example, at the “House of Friends” in Seoul or at another women’s shelter in Jeju. Support can be short-term (six months) – renewable – or long-term (two years). To facilitate their return to normalcy, programs are developed to help them heal their emotional and physical wounds. The women are guided through their personal and professional development and receive support in the form of free room and lodging, medical care, vocational training to achieve economic independence, and preparation for the GED, an exam equivalent to a high school diploma. The center in Chuncheon, which is operated in cooperation with Caritas, offers special legal support and advice, for example, in filing lawsuits against the perpetrator or drafting a statement in civil proceedings. The sisters also run homes for girls who have been victims of domestic violence and family problems. In these facilities, such as the “House of the Good Shepherd”, they receive support from their families. At organizations such as the “Good Shepherd House” in Seoul, efforts are being made to give young girls back the warmth of family, the feeling of love and acceptance in a safe and comfortable place, where they are given a sense of normality. “There is no greater pain than being abused at home by one’s parents. It is a long road to achieve healthy independence and psycho-emotional recovery, but they do it,” says Mariana Inea Young, a ‘Sand Play’ therapist and social worker. “So many come back to share their stories of recovery,” adds Sister Damiana Ham.A hotline for women in needEvery Thursday, Sister Rufina Hwa Jung Shim—66 years old and now retired after seven years as head of the “hotline” in Jeju—went to the neighborhoods to help women on the streets. Her zeal, the fourth vow of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, allows her to transcend the boundaries of space and time to continue her mission. “We begin every morning with a Bible reading, and even though the staff includes women from all Korean denominations, the Gospel remains the heart of the mission.”At the “1366 Center,” the sisters are commissioned by the diocese to manage the “Catholic Women’s Line” telephone counseling service, established in 1998 by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Depending on the case, women are supported locally or placed in women’s shelters and connected with the police, hospitals, or other facilities established for their protection. In recent years, increased awareness of women’s issues in South Korea has led to a substantial change in government-sponsored social welfare services. Social service agencies working in the field are consulted by the government before defining the most appropriate policies. Appropriate professional qualifications are also required.Meanwhile, on July 1, the Ministry of Equal Opportunities and Family Affairs passed a law implementing the “Advance Family Allowance System.” The system provides for the advance payment of family allowances and contributions even if one parent (usually the father) evades their child support obligations. The unpaid contributions of the insolvent parent remain with the parent as a debt to public institutions, which must be settled by paying contributions to the social security institutions. The law provides for monthly maintenance of 200,000 KRW (equivalent to 125 euros) for each child until they reach adulthood. This is a form of support that also alleviates the economic difficulties of single mothers and women abandoned by their spouses. (Agenzia Fides, 3/7/2025)Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – “One life is more precious than the whole world”. The Korean work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for women in need

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Pascale Rizk
    [embedded content]
    Chunchon (Agenzia Fides) – For more than 50 years, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd in Chuncheon, Seoul, and Jeju, South Korea, have prayed and worked for women and girls in difficulty: single mothers, immigrants, pregnant women, and girls abused within the family. In recent months, they inaugurated a new facility for women in need at their provincial house of the International Congregation of Religious in Chuncheon.Founded in 1995 with the help of donations, the sisters’ house in Chuncheon continues to grow today with the support of old and new benefactors who value the sisters’ work on behalf of women and girls from all over the country.At the inauguration ceremony last April, Bishop Simon Kim Ju-young of Chuncheon addressed the benefactors, saying: “You must be the happiest of all. You should know that while we priests sometimes neglect prayer, the nuns, on the contrary, always pray diligently.” It was he himself who, a year earlier, had invited the parishes of the diocese to support the fundraising campaign launched by the sisters. “Since 1993,” reports Sister Marie Jean Bae, who served as Provincial Superior from 2014 to 2019, “the sisters of Chuncheon had used the land on which the new building stands free of charge. Then, in 2022, the owner put the land up for sale. If it had been sold and another building had been built on the site, the nuns would have had to abandon their project.” “We and the sisters of the contemplative branch prayed together out of desperation. The merciful God heard our prayers, and just two days after we intensified our prayers, the owner of the land changed his mind and decided to donate it to the convent, apologizing for not having done so sooner,” the nun continued. “What is even more surprising is that he also thanked us for accepting the donation,” summarizes Sister Marie Jean, who has since become the South Korean coordinator of “Talita khum,” the international network of consecrated women against human trafficking.This year, the Congregation celebrates the bicentenary of its contemplative branch, whose history dates back to the works and spiritual insights of Saint John Eudes (1601-1680) in the 17th century, when prostitution was a social scourge punishable by imprisonment. Faced with the misery and injustice that prevailed during a time of spiritual and moral decline, Eudes was urged by the young Madeleine Lamy in Caen, Normandy, to found the first house of refuge, a true “hospital for these souls.” From papal approval until the revolution of 1789, 150 years passed, during which the religious were dispersed and their houses closed. It was not until 1825 that the houses were reopened thanks to the courage of a young superior, Maria Eufrasia, the foundress of the Sisters of St. Magdalene, now the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.Religious Sisters at the Side of Women in needBetween the 1960s and 1970s—immediately after the Second Vatican Council—changes in the lives of the sisters in Korea also began to emerge. In 1966, at the invitation of Bishop Peter Han Kong-ryel of the Diocese of Gwangju, four American nuns came to Korea to establish the spirituality of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Han was shocked by the sexual exploitation of young girls and women by the US military in his diocese and, in the charism of their foundress, Saint Mary Eufrasia, asked the sisters to help these victims of oppression. Thus, in 1968, the sisters established a dormitory and vocational school near the US Air Force base in Gunsan. This facility remained in operation until 1976. Inspired by the motto “One life is more precious than the whole world,” their commitment to supporting single pregnant women clearly demonstrated how important it was for the Catholic Church to create appropriate facilities for these women. Thus, at the invitation of Bishop Park Thomas Stewart, the sisters began with a small house in Seoul and opened “Mary’s Home” for single mothers in Chuncheon Province in 1979, before moving to the current provincial house complex and the counseling and support centers for women in 1985. With the entry into force in South Korea of the law against prostitution in 2004 and the significant increase in international marriages – mainly due to the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1992 – forms of support for women in distress have been strengthened to meet the urgent need for counselling for women who are victims of domestic violence and to improve communication between spouses of different nationalities, which is often hampered by language and cultural barriers.Healing wounds of body and soulIncreased awareness of justice and the denunciation of abuse against women led to the adoption of the “Basic Law for the Development of Women” (여성발전기본법) in South Korea in 1995. In centers for pregnant women such as “Mary’s Home,” women are prepared for a safe birth and can then decide whether to keep their child or place it in foster care. The work of the sisters is crucial in this area, as they advocate for anti-abortion policies in favor of the dignity of life. By welcoming women into these homes, they also aim to protect them from social prejudice. Mothers who have been victims of various forms of violence can also come from outside to seek refuge in the facilities run by the sisters, for example, at the “House of Friends” in Seoul or at another women’s shelter in Jeju. Support can be short-term (six months) – renewable – or long-term (two years). To facilitate their return to normalcy, programs are developed to help them heal their emotional and physical wounds. The women are guided through their personal and professional development and receive support in the form of free room and lodging, medical care, vocational training to achieve economic independence, and preparation for the GED, an exam equivalent to a high school diploma. The center in Chuncheon, which is operated in cooperation with Caritas, offers special legal support and advice, for example, in filing lawsuits against the perpetrator or drafting a statement in civil proceedings. The sisters also run homes for girls who have been victims of domestic violence and family problems. In these facilities, such as the “House of the Good Shepherd”, they receive support from their families. At organizations such as the “Good Shepherd House” in Seoul, efforts are being made to give young girls back the warmth of family, the feeling of love and acceptance in a safe and comfortable place, where they are given a sense of normality. “There is no greater pain than being abused at home by one’s parents. It is a long road to achieve healthy independence and psycho-emotional recovery, but they do it,” says Mariana Inea Young, a ‘Sand Play’ therapist and social worker. “So many come back to share their stories of recovery,” adds Sister Damiana Ham.A hotline for women in needEvery Thursday, Sister Rufina Hwa Jung Shim—66 years old and now retired after seven years as head of the “hotline” in Jeju—went to the neighborhoods to help women on the streets. Her zeal, the fourth vow of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, allows her to transcend the boundaries of space and time to continue her mission. “We begin every morning with a Bible reading, and even though the staff includes women from all Korean denominations, the Gospel remains the heart of the mission.”At the “1366 Center,” the sisters are commissioned by the diocese to manage the “Catholic Women’s Line” telephone counseling service, established in 1998 by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Depending on the case, women are supported locally or placed in women’s shelters and connected with the police, hospitals, or other facilities established for their protection. In recent years, increased awareness of women’s issues in South Korea has led to a substantial change in government-sponsored social welfare services. Social service agencies working in the field are consulted by the government before defining the most appropriate policies. Appropriate professional qualifications are also required.Meanwhile, on July 1, the Ministry of Equal Opportunities and Family Affairs passed a law implementing the “Advance Family Allowance System.” The system provides for the advance payment of family allowances and contributions even if one parent (usually the father) evades their child support obligations. The unpaid contributions of the insolvent parent remain with the parent as a debt to public institutions, which must be settled by paying contributions to the social security institutions. The law provides for monthly maintenance of 200,000 KRW (equivalent to 125 euros) for each child until they reach adulthood. This is a form of support that also alleviates the economic difficulties of single mothers and women abandoned by their spouses. (Agenzia Fides, 3/7/2025)Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – “One life is more precious than the whole world”. The Korean work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for women in need

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Pascale Rizk
    [embedded content]
    Chunchon (Agenzia Fides) – For more than 50 years, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd in Chuncheon, Seoul, and Jeju, South Korea, have prayed and worked for women and girls in difficulty: single mothers, immigrants, pregnant women, and girls abused within the family. In recent months, they inaugurated a new facility for women in need at their provincial house of the International Congregation of Religious in Chuncheon.Founded in 1995 with the help of donations, the sisters’ house in Chuncheon continues to grow today with the support of old and new benefactors who value the sisters’ work on behalf of women and girls from all over the country.At the inauguration ceremony last April, Bishop Simon Kim Ju-young of Chuncheon addressed the benefactors, saying: “You must be the happiest of all. You should know that while we priests sometimes neglect prayer, the nuns, on the contrary, always pray diligently.” It was he himself who, a year earlier, had invited the parishes of the diocese to support the fundraising campaign launched by the sisters. “Since 1993,” reports Sister Marie Jean Bae, who served as Provincial Superior from 2014 to 2019, “the sisters of Chuncheon had used the land on which the new building stands free of charge. Then, in 2022, the owner put the land up for sale. If it had been sold and another building had been built on the site, the nuns would have had to abandon their project.” “We and the sisters of the contemplative branch prayed together out of desperation. The merciful God heard our prayers, and just two days after we intensified our prayers, the owner of the land changed his mind and decided to donate it to the convent, apologizing for not having done so sooner,” the nun continued. “What is even more surprising is that he also thanked us for accepting the donation,” summarizes Sister Marie Jean, who has since become the South Korean coordinator of “Talita khum,” the international network of consecrated women against human trafficking.This year, the Congregation celebrates the bicentenary of its contemplative branch, whose history dates back to the works and spiritual insights of Saint John Eudes (1601-1680) in the 17th century, when prostitution was a social scourge punishable by imprisonment. Faced with the misery and injustice that prevailed during a time of spiritual and moral decline, Eudes was urged by the young Madeleine Lamy in Caen, Normandy, to found the first house of refuge, a true “hospital for these souls.” From papal approval until the revolution of 1789, 150 years passed, during which the religious were dispersed and their houses closed. It was not until 1825 that the houses were reopened thanks to the courage of a young superior, Maria Eufrasia, the foundress of the Sisters of St. Magdalene, now the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.Religious Sisters at the Side of Women in needBetween the 1960s and 1970s—immediately after the Second Vatican Council—changes in the lives of the sisters in Korea also began to emerge. In 1966, at the invitation of Bishop Peter Han Kong-ryel of the Diocese of Gwangju, four American nuns came to Korea to establish the spirituality of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Han was shocked by the sexual exploitation of young girls and women by the US military in his diocese and, in the charism of their foundress, Saint Mary Eufrasia, asked the sisters to help these victims of oppression. Thus, in 1968, the sisters established a dormitory and vocational school near the US Air Force base in Gunsan. This facility remained in operation until 1976. Inspired by the motto “One life is more precious than the whole world,” their commitment to supporting single pregnant women clearly demonstrated how important it was for the Catholic Church to create appropriate facilities for these women. Thus, at the invitation of Bishop Park Thomas Stewart, the sisters began with a small house in Seoul and opened “Mary’s Home” for single mothers in Chuncheon Province in 1979, before moving to the current provincial house complex and the counseling and support centers for women in 1985. With the entry into force in South Korea of the law against prostitution in 2004 and the significant increase in international marriages – mainly due to the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1992 – forms of support for women in distress have been strengthened to meet the urgent need for counselling for women who are victims of domestic violence and to improve communication between spouses of different nationalities, which is often hampered by language and cultural barriers.Healing wounds of body and soulIncreased awareness of justice and the denunciation of abuse against women led to the adoption of the “Basic Law for the Development of Women” (여성발전기본법) in South Korea in 1995. In centers for pregnant women such as “Mary’s Home,” women are prepared for a safe birth and can then decide whether to keep their child or place it in foster care. The work of the sisters is crucial in this area, as they advocate for anti-abortion policies in favor of the dignity of life. By welcoming women into these homes, they also aim to protect them from social prejudice. Mothers who have been victims of various forms of violence can also come from outside to seek refuge in the facilities run by the sisters, for example, at the “House of Friends” in Seoul or at another women’s shelter in Jeju. Support can be short-term (six months) – renewable – or long-term (two years). To facilitate their return to normalcy, programs are developed to help them heal their emotional and physical wounds. The women are guided through their personal and professional development and receive support in the form of free room and lodging, medical care, vocational training to achieve economic independence, and preparation for the GED, an exam equivalent to a high school diploma. The center in Chuncheon, which is operated in cooperation with Caritas, offers special legal support and advice, for example, in filing lawsuits against the perpetrator or drafting a statement in civil proceedings. The sisters also run homes for girls who have been victims of domestic violence and family problems. In these facilities, such as the “House of the Good Shepherd”, they receive support from their families. At organizations such as the “Good Shepherd House” in Seoul, efforts are being made to give young girls back the warmth of family, the feeling of love and acceptance in a safe and comfortable place, where they are given a sense of normality. “There is no greater pain than being abused at home by one’s parents. It is a long road to achieve healthy independence and psycho-emotional recovery, but they do it,” says Mariana Inea Young, a ‘Sand Play’ therapist and social worker. “So many come back to share their stories of recovery,” adds Sister Damiana Ham.A hotline for women in needEvery Thursday, Sister Rufina Hwa Jung Shim—66 years old and now retired after seven years as head of the “hotline” in Jeju—went to the neighborhoods to help women on the streets. Her zeal, the fourth vow of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, allows her to transcend the boundaries of space and time to continue her mission. “We begin every morning with a Bible reading, and even though the staff includes women from all Korean denominations, the Gospel remains the heart of the mission.”At the “1366 Center,” the sisters are commissioned by the diocese to manage the “Catholic Women’s Line” telephone counseling service, established in 1998 by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Depending on the case, women are supported locally or placed in women’s shelters and connected with the police, hospitals, or other facilities established for their protection. In recent years, increased awareness of women’s issues in South Korea has led to a substantial change in government-sponsored social welfare services. Social service agencies working in the field are consulted by the government before defining the most appropriate policies. Appropriate professional qualifications are also required.Meanwhile, on July 1, the Ministry of Equal Opportunities and Family Affairs passed a law implementing the “Advance Family Allowance System.” The system provides for the advance payment of family allowances and contributions even if one parent (usually the father) evades their child support obligations. The unpaid contributions of the insolvent parent remain with the parent as a debt to public institutions, which must be settled by paying contributions to the social security institutions. The law provides for monthly maintenance of 200,000 KRW (equivalent to 125 euros) for each child until they reach adulthood. This is a form of support that also alleviates the economic difficulties of single mothers and women abandoned by their spouses. (Agenzia Fides, 3/7/2025)Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Infrastructure Announcement in Mahone Bay

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, July 3, 2025 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Jessica Fancy-Landry, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets; Her Worship Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Mayor of the Town of Mahone Bay; and Jordan Veinot, Climate Change Program Manager, Coastal Action.

    Date:
    Friday, July 4, 2025

    Time:
    10 a.m. ADT

    Location:
    The Michael O’Connor Memorial Bandstand
    Next to 543 Main Street (Nick’s Your Independent Grocer)
    Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, B0J 2E0

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • Hamas seeks ceasefire guarantees as scores more are killed in Gaza

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hamas is seeking guarantees that a new U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza would lead to the war’s end, a source close to the militant group said on Thursday, as medics said Israeli strikes across the territory had killed scores more people.

    Israeli officials said prospects for reaching a ceasefire deal and hostage deal appeared high, nearly 21 months since the war between Israel and Hamas began.

    Efforts for a Gaza truce have gathered steam after the U.S. secured a ceasefire to end a 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran, but on the ground in Gaza intensified Israeli strikes continued unabated, killing at least 59 people on Thursday, according to health authorities in the territory.

    On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties will work to end the war.

    Hamas is seeking clear guarantees that the ceasefire will eventually lead to the war’s end, the source close to the group said. Two Israeli officials said that those details were still being worked out.

    Ending the war has been the main sticking point in repeated rounds of failed negotiations.

    Egyptian security sources said Egyptian and Qatari mediators were working to secure U.S. and international guarantees that talks on ending the war would continue as a way of convincing Hamas to accept the two-month truce proposal.

    A separate source familiar with the matter said that Israel was expecting Hamas’ response by Friday and that if it was positive, an Israeli delegation would join indirect talks to cement the deal.

    The proposal includes the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, sources say. Of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza, 20 are believed to still be alive.

    A senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said preparations were in place to approve a ceasefire deal even as the premier heads to Washington to meet Trump on Monday.

    ‘READINESS TO ADVANCE’

    Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, who sits on Netanyahu’s security cabinet, told news website Ynet that there was “definitely readiness to advance a deal.”

    In Gaza, however, there was little sign of relief. At least 17 people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit a school in Gaza City where displaced families were sheltering, according to medics.

    “Suddenly, we found the tent collapsing over us and a fire burning. We don’t know what happened,” one witness, Wafaa Al-Arqan, told Reuters. “What can we do? Is it fair that all these children burned?”

    According to medics at Nasser hospital farther south, at least 20 people were killed by Israeli fire en route to an aid distribution site.

    The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports and that its forces were taking precautions to mitigate harm to civilians as it battled Palestinian militants throughout Gaza.

    The war began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, while displacing most of the population of more than 2 million, triggering widespread hunger and leaving much of the territory in ruins.

    Israel says it won’t end the war while Hamas is still armed and ruling Gaza. Hamas, severely weakened, says it won’t lay down its weapons but is willing to release all the hostages still in Gaza if Israel ends the war.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Infrastructure Announcement in Mahone Bay

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, July 3, 2025 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Jessica Fancy-Landry, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets; Her Worship Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Mayor of the Town of Mahone Bay; and Jordan Veinot, Climate Change Program Manager, Coastal Action.

    Date:
    Friday, July 4, 2025

    Time:
    10 a.m. ADT

    Location:
    The Michael O’Connor Memorial Bandstand
    Next to 543 Main Street (Nick’s Your Independent Grocer)
    Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, B0J 2E0

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • Hamas seeks ceasefire guarantees as scores more are killed in Gaza

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hamas is seeking guarantees that a new U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza would lead to the war’s end, a source close to the militant group said on Thursday, as medics said Israeli strikes across the territory had killed scores more people.

    Israeli officials said prospects for reaching a ceasefire deal and hostage deal appeared high, nearly 21 months since the war between Israel and Hamas began.

    Efforts for a Gaza truce have gathered steam after the U.S. secured a ceasefire to end a 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran, but on the ground in Gaza intensified Israeli strikes continued unabated, killing at least 59 people on Thursday, according to health authorities in the territory.

    On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties will work to end the war.

    Hamas is seeking clear guarantees that the ceasefire will eventually lead to the war’s end, the source close to the group said. Two Israeli officials said that those details were still being worked out.

    Ending the war has been the main sticking point in repeated rounds of failed negotiations.

    Egyptian security sources said Egyptian and Qatari mediators were working to secure U.S. and international guarantees that talks on ending the war would continue as a way of convincing Hamas to accept the two-month truce proposal.

    A separate source familiar with the matter said that Israel was expecting Hamas’ response by Friday and that if it was positive, an Israeli delegation would join indirect talks to cement the deal.

    The proposal includes the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, sources say. Of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza, 20 are believed to still be alive.

    A senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said preparations were in place to approve a ceasefire deal even as the premier heads to Washington to meet Trump on Monday.

    ‘READINESS TO ADVANCE’

    Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, who sits on Netanyahu’s security cabinet, told news website Ynet that there was “definitely readiness to advance a deal.”

    In Gaza, however, there was little sign of relief. At least 17 people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit a school in Gaza City where displaced families were sheltering, according to medics.

    “Suddenly, we found the tent collapsing over us and a fire burning. We don’t know what happened,” one witness, Wafaa Al-Arqan, told Reuters. “What can we do? Is it fair that all these children burned?”

    According to medics at Nasser hospital farther south, at least 20 people were killed by Israeli fire en route to an aid distribution site.

    The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports and that its forces were taking precautions to mitigate harm to civilians as it battled Palestinian militants throughout Gaza.

    The war began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, while displacing most of the population of more than 2 million, triggering widespread hunger and leaving much of the territory in ruins.

    Israel says it won’t end the war while Hamas is still armed and ruling Gaza. Hamas, severely weakened, says it won’t lay down its weapons but is willing to release all the hostages still in Gaza if Israel ends the war.

    -Reuters

  • Hamas seeks ceasefire guarantees as scores more are killed in Gaza

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hamas is seeking guarantees that a new U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza would lead to the war’s end, a source close to the militant group said on Thursday, as medics said Israeli strikes across the territory had killed scores more people.

    Israeli officials said prospects for reaching a ceasefire deal and hostage deal appeared high, nearly 21 months since the war between Israel and Hamas began.

    Efforts for a Gaza truce have gathered steam after the U.S. secured a ceasefire to end a 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran, but on the ground in Gaza intensified Israeli strikes continued unabated, killing at least 59 people on Thursday, according to health authorities in the territory.

    On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties will work to end the war.

    Hamas is seeking clear guarantees that the ceasefire will eventually lead to the war’s end, the source close to the group said. Two Israeli officials said that those details were still being worked out.

    Ending the war has been the main sticking point in repeated rounds of failed negotiations.

    Egyptian security sources said Egyptian and Qatari mediators were working to secure U.S. and international guarantees that talks on ending the war would continue as a way of convincing Hamas to accept the two-month truce proposal.

    A separate source familiar with the matter said that Israel was expecting Hamas’ response by Friday and that if it was positive, an Israeli delegation would join indirect talks to cement the deal.

    The proposal includes the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, sources say. Of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza, 20 are believed to still be alive.

    A senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said preparations were in place to approve a ceasefire deal even as the premier heads to Washington to meet Trump on Monday.

    ‘READINESS TO ADVANCE’

    Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, who sits on Netanyahu’s security cabinet, told news website Ynet that there was “definitely readiness to advance a deal.”

    In Gaza, however, there was little sign of relief. At least 17 people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit a school in Gaza City where displaced families were sheltering, according to medics.

    “Suddenly, we found the tent collapsing over us and a fire burning. We don’t know what happened,” one witness, Wafaa Al-Arqan, told Reuters. “What can we do? Is it fair that all these children burned?”

    According to medics at Nasser hospital farther south, at least 20 people were killed by Israeli fire en route to an aid distribution site.

    The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports and that its forces were taking precautions to mitigate harm to civilians as it battled Palestinian militants throughout Gaza.

    The war began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, while displacing most of the population of more than 2 million, triggering widespread hunger and leaving much of the territory in ruins.

    Israel says it won’t end the war while Hamas is still armed and ruling Gaza. Hamas, severely weakened, says it won’t lay down its weapons but is willing to release all the hostages still in Gaza if Israel ends the war.

    -Reuters

  • Hamas seeks ceasefire guarantees as scores more are killed in Gaza

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hamas is seeking guarantees that a new U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza would lead to the war’s end, a source close to the militant group said on Thursday, as medics said Israeli strikes across the territory had killed scores more people.

    Israeli officials said prospects for reaching a ceasefire deal and hostage deal appeared high, nearly 21 months since the war between Israel and Hamas began.

    Efforts for a Gaza truce have gathered steam after the U.S. secured a ceasefire to end a 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran, but on the ground in Gaza intensified Israeli strikes continued unabated, killing at least 59 people on Thursday, according to health authorities in the territory.

    On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties will work to end the war.

    Hamas is seeking clear guarantees that the ceasefire will eventually lead to the war’s end, the source close to the group said. Two Israeli officials said that those details were still being worked out.

    Ending the war has been the main sticking point in repeated rounds of failed negotiations.

    Egyptian security sources said Egyptian and Qatari mediators were working to secure U.S. and international guarantees that talks on ending the war would continue as a way of convincing Hamas to accept the two-month truce proposal.

    A separate source familiar with the matter said that Israel was expecting Hamas’ response by Friday and that if it was positive, an Israeli delegation would join indirect talks to cement the deal.

    The proposal includes the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, sources say. Of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza, 20 are believed to still be alive.

    A senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said preparations were in place to approve a ceasefire deal even as the premier heads to Washington to meet Trump on Monday.

    ‘READINESS TO ADVANCE’

    Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, who sits on Netanyahu’s security cabinet, told news website Ynet that there was “definitely readiness to advance a deal.”

    In Gaza, however, there was little sign of relief. At least 17 people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit a school in Gaza City where displaced families were sheltering, according to medics.

    “Suddenly, we found the tent collapsing over us and a fire burning. We don’t know what happened,” one witness, Wafaa Al-Arqan, told Reuters. “What can we do? Is it fair that all these children burned?”

    According to medics at Nasser hospital farther south, at least 20 people were killed by Israeli fire en route to an aid distribution site.

    The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports and that its forces were taking precautions to mitigate harm to civilians as it battled Palestinian militants throughout Gaza.

    The war began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, while displacing most of the population of more than 2 million, triggering widespread hunger and leaving much of the territory in ruins.

    Israel says it won’t end the war while Hamas is still armed and ruling Gaza. Hamas, severely weakened, says it won’t lay down its weapons but is willing to release all the hostages still in Gaza if Israel ends the war.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada and UK partner to build a stronger semiconductor supply chain

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Strategic partnership strengthens the Canadian and United Kingdom semiconductor supply chains essential for growing AI compute capacity

    July 3, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Research Council of Canada

    The National Research Council of Canada (NRC), together with United Kingdom-based Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult and Quebec-based MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI), has put in place a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen connections and grow a strong and resilient semiconductor supply chain for Canada, the UK, and other G7 countries. By leveraging shared interest in fostering growth and innovation, Canada and the UK will continue to be leaders in the semiconductor ecosystem.

    Over the next 3 years, the MOU will align each partner’s capabilities in designing, fabricating and packaging semiconductors. This collaboration is about creating a strong value chain between Canada and the United Kingdom and sets the stage for technological leadership, ensuring a smooth path from development to production.

    Semiconductors power military defence equipment, radar detection systems, high-performance computing, telecommunications, satellites, sensing and more. They are also essential for building AI data centres in Canada that are more energy efficient while ensuring sensitive and private information remains in Canada.

    Having already played an essential role in shaping the Canadian technological landscape, semiconductors will continue to be critical for driving future economic growth, spurring innovation in emerging technologies such as quantum, and supporting efforts to attract and retain experts in strategic sectors in Canada.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada and UK partner to build a stronger semiconductor supply chain

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Strategic partnership strengthens the Canadian and United Kingdom semiconductor supply chains essential for growing AI compute capacity

    July 3, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Research Council of Canada

    The National Research Council of Canada (NRC), together with United Kingdom-based Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult and Quebec-based MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI), has put in place a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen connections and grow a strong and resilient semiconductor supply chain for Canada, the UK, and other G7 countries. By leveraging shared interest in fostering growth and innovation, Canada and the UK will continue to be leaders in the semiconductor ecosystem.

    Over the next 3 years, the MOU will align each partner’s capabilities in designing, fabricating and packaging semiconductors. This collaboration is about creating a strong value chain between Canada and the United Kingdom and sets the stage for technological leadership, ensuring a smooth path from development to production.

    Semiconductors power military defence equipment, radar detection systems, high-performance computing, telecommunications, satellites, sensing and more. They are also essential for building AI data centres in Canada that are more energy efficient while ensuring sensitive and private information remains in Canada.

    Having already played an essential role in shaping the Canadian technological landscape, semiconductors will continue to be critical for driving future economic growth, spurring innovation in emerging technologies such as quantum, and supporting efforts to attract and retain experts in strategic sectors in Canada.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • PM Modi becomes first Indian Prime Minister to address Ghana’s Parliament, calls for stronger voice for Global South

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a special session of Ghana’s Parliament, underlining India’s commitment to strengthening democratic values and championing the voice of the Global South in global governance.

    Addressing lawmakers, government officials and dignitaries in Accra, PM Modi said he brought with him the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians as the representative of the world’s largest democracy.

    “For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values,” the PM said, adding that true democracy promotes debate, discussion, dignity and human rights.

    Recalling the shared history of India and Ghana, both of which bear the scars of colonial rule, the Prime Minister said that despite this past, “our spirits have always remained free and fearless.”

    Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, PM Modi said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” He stressed that the ideals of unity, peace and justice form the foundation of strong and enduring partnerships.

    The PM also noted that the post-World War II global order is changing rapidly, driven by technological revolutions, the rise of the Global South and shifting demographics. He called for credible and effective reforms in global governance, underlining that progress cannot be achieved without giving a stronger voice to emerging nations.

    Highlighting India’s presidency of the G20, PM Modi said the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was a step towards ensuring fair representation for Africa and the Global South.

    “Today, India is the fastest-growing emerging economy,” the Prime Minister said, describing the country as a hub for innovation and technology where global companies are keen to invest. He added that a strong India would contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.

    During his speech, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the national honour conferred upon him, calling it a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

    PM Modi praised Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system and welcomed growing ties between the legislatures of both countries, including the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society.

    Reaffirming India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, the PM assured lawmakers that India would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder with Ghana in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.”

    The session was convened by Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and marked a significant milestone in India-Ghana ties, reflecting shared democratic values and a commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

  • PM Modi becomes first Indian Prime Minister to address Ghana’s Parliament, calls for stronger voice for Global South

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a special session of Ghana’s Parliament, underlining India’s commitment to strengthening democratic values and championing the voice of the Global South in global governance.

    Addressing lawmakers, government officials and dignitaries in Accra, PM Modi said he brought with him the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians as the representative of the world’s largest democracy.

    “For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values,” the PM said, adding that true democracy promotes debate, discussion, dignity and human rights.

    Recalling the shared history of India and Ghana, both of which bear the scars of colonial rule, the Prime Minister said that despite this past, “our spirits have always remained free and fearless.”

    Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, PM Modi said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” He stressed that the ideals of unity, peace and justice form the foundation of strong and enduring partnerships.

    The PM also noted that the post-World War II global order is changing rapidly, driven by technological revolutions, the rise of the Global South and shifting demographics. He called for credible and effective reforms in global governance, underlining that progress cannot be achieved without giving a stronger voice to emerging nations.

    Highlighting India’s presidency of the G20, PM Modi said the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was a step towards ensuring fair representation for Africa and the Global South.

    “Today, India is the fastest-growing emerging economy,” the Prime Minister said, describing the country as a hub for innovation and technology where global companies are keen to invest. He added that a strong India would contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.

    During his speech, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the national honour conferred upon him, calling it a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

    PM Modi praised Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system and welcomed growing ties between the legislatures of both countries, including the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society.

    Reaffirming India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, the PM assured lawmakers that India would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder with Ghana in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.”

    The session was convened by Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and marked a significant milestone in India-Ghana ties, reflecting shared democratic values and a commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

  • PM Modi becomes first Indian Prime Minister to address Ghana’s Parliament, calls for stronger voice for Global South

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a special session of Ghana’s Parliament, underlining India’s commitment to strengthening democratic values and championing the voice of the Global South in global governance.

    Addressing lawmakers, government officials and dignitaries in Accra, PM Modi said he brought with him the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians as the representative of the world’s largest democracy.

    “For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values,” the PM said, adding that true democracy promotes debate, discussion, dignity and human rights.

    Recalling the shared history of India and Ghana, both of which bear the scars of colonial rule, the Prime Minister said that despite this past, “our spirits have always remained free and fearless.”

    Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, PM Modi said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” He stressed that the ideals of unity, peace and justice form the foundation of strong and enduring partnerships.

    The PM also noted that the post-World War II global order is changing rapidly, driven by technological revolutions, the rise of the Global South and shifting demographics. He called for credible and effective reforms in global governance, underlining that progress cannot be achieved without giving a stronger voice to emerging nations.

    Highlighting India’s presidency of the G20, PM Modi said the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was a step towards ensuring fair representation for Africa and the Global South.

    “Today, India is the fastest-growing emerging economy,” the Prime Minister said, describing the country as a hub for innovation and technology where global companies are keen to invest. He added that a strong India would contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.

    During his speech, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the national honour conferred upon him, calling it a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

    PM Modi praised Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system and welcomed growing ties between the legislatures of both countries, including the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society.

    Reaffirming India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, the PM assured lawmakers that India would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder with Ghana in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.”

    The session was convened by Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and marked a significant milestone in India-Ghana ties, reflecting shared democratic values and a commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

  • PM Modi becomes first Indian Prime Minister to address Ghana’s Parliament, calls for stronger voice for Global South

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a special session of Ghana’s Parliament, underlining India’s commitment to strengthening democratic values and championing the voice of the Global South in global governance.

    Addressing lawmakers, government officials and dignitaries in Accra, PM Modi said he brought with him the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians as the representative of the world’s largest democracy.

    “For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values,” the PM said, adding that true democracy promotes debate, discussion, dignity and human rights.

    Recalling the shared history of India and Ghana, both of which bear the scars of colonial rule, the Prime Minister said that despite this past, “our spirits have always remained free and fearless.”

    Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, PM Modi said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” He stressed that the ideals of unity, peace and justice form the foundation of strong and enduring partnerships.

    The PM also noted that the post-World War II global order is changing rapidly, driven by technological revolutions, the rise of the Global South and shifting demographics. He called for credible and effective reforms in global governance, underlining that progress cannot be achieved without giving a stronger voice to emerging nations.

    Highlighting India’s presidency of the G20, PM Modi said the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was a step towards ensuring fair representation for Africa and the Global South.

    “Today, India is the fastest-growing emerging economy,” the Prime Minister said, describing the country as a hub for innovation and technology where global companies are keen to invest. He added that a strong India would contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.

    During his speech, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the national honour conferred upon him, calling it a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

    PM Modi praised Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system and welcomed growing ties between the legislatures of both countries, including the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society.

    Reaffirming India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, the PM assured lawmakers that India would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder with Ghana in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.”

    The session was convened by Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and marked a significant milestone in India-Ghana ties, reflecting shared democratic values and a commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

  • PM Modi becomes first Indian Prime Minister to address Ghana’s Parliament, calls for stronger voice for Global South

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a special session of Ghana’s Parliament, underlining India’s commitment to strengthening democratic values and championing the voice of the Global South in global governance.

    Addressing lawmakers, government officials and dignitaries in Accra, PM Modi said he brought with him the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians as the representative of the world’s largest democracy.

    “For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values,” the PM said, adding that true democracy promotes debate, discussion, dignity and human rights.

    Recalling the shared history of India and Ghana, both of which bear the scars of colonial rule, the Prime Minister said that despite this past, “our spirits have always remained free and fearless.”

    Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, PM Modi said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” He stressed that the ideals of unity, peace and justice form the foundation of strong and enduring partnerships.

    The PM also noted that the post-World War II global order is changing rapidly, driven by technological revolutions, the rise of the Global South and shifting demographics. He called for credible and effective reforms in global governance, underlining that progress cannot be achieved without giving a stronger voice to emerging nations.

    Highlighting India’s presidency of the G20, PM Modi said the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was a step towards ensuring fair representation for Africa and the Global South.

    “Today, India is the fastest-growing emerging economy,” the Prime Minister said, describing the country as a hub for innovation and technology where global companies are keen to invest. He added that a strong India would contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.

    During his speech, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the national honour conferred upon him, calling it a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

    PM Modi praised Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system and welcomed growing ties between the legislatures of both countries, including the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society.

    Reaffirming India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, the PM assured lawmakers that India would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder with Ghana in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.”

    The session was convened by Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and marked a significant milestone in India-Ghana ties, reflecting shared democratic values and a commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

  • PM Modi becomes first Indian Prime Minister to address Ghana’s Parliament, calls for stronger voice for Global South

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a special session of Ghana’s Parliament, underlining India’s commitment to strengthening democratic values and championing the voice of the Global South in global governance.

    Addressing lawmakers, government officials and dignitaries in Accra, PM Modi said he brought with him the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians as the representative of the world’s largest democracy.

    “For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values,” the PM said, adding that true democracy promotes debate, discussion, dignity and human rights.

    Recalling the shared history of India and Ghana, both of which bear the scars of colonial rule, the Prime Minister said that despite this past, “our spirits have always remained free and fearless.”

    Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, PM Modi said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” He stressed that the ideals of unity, peace and justice form the foundation of strong and enduring partnerships.

    The PM also noted that the post-World War II global order is changing rapidly, driven by technological revolutions, the rise of the Global South and shifting demographics. He called for credible and effective reforms in global governance, underlining that progress cannot be achieved without giving a stronger voice to emerging nations.

    Highlighting India’s presidency of the G20, PM Modi said the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was a step towards ensuring fair representation for Africa and the Global South.

    “Today, India is the fastest-growing emerging economy,” the Prime Minister said, describing the country as a hub for innovation and technology where global companies are keen to invest. He added that a strong India would contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.

    During his speech, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the national honour conferred upon him, calling it a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

    PM Modi praised Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system and welcomed growing ties between the legislatures of both countries, including the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society.

    Reaffirming India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, the PM assured lawmakers that India would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder with Ghana in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.”

    The session was convened by Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and marked a significant milestone in India-Ghana ties, reflecting shared democratic values and a commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

  • PM Modi becomes first Indian Prime Minister to address Ghana’s Parliament, calls for stronger voice for Global South

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a special session of Ghana’s Parliament, underlining India’s commitment to strengthening democratic values and championing the voice of the Global South in global governance.

    Addressing lawmakers, government officials and dignitaries in Accra, PM Modi said he brought with him the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians as the representative of the world’s largest democracy.

    “For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values,” the PM said, adding that true democracy promotes debate, discussion, dignity and human rights.

    Recalling the shared history of India and Ghana, both of which bear the scars of colonial rule, the Prime Minister said that despite this past, “our spirits have always remained free and fearless.”

    Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, PM Modi said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” He stressed that the ideals of unity, peace and justice form the foundation of strong and enduring partnerships.

    The PM also noted that the post-World War II global order is changing rapidly, driven by technological revolutions, the rise of the Global South and shifting demographics. He called for credible and effective reforms in global governance, underlining that progress cannot be achieved without giving a stronger voice to emerging nations.

    Highlighting India’s presidency of the G20, PM Modi said the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was a step towards ensuring fair representation for Africa and the Global South.

    “Today, India is the fastest-growing emerging economy,” the Prime Minister said, describing the country as a hub for innovation and technology where global companies are keen to invest. He added that a strong India would contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.

    During his speech, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the national honour conferred upon him, calling it a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

    PM Modi praised Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system and welcomed growing ties between the legislatures of both countries, including the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society.

    Reaffirming India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, the PM assured lawmakers that India would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder with Ghana in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.”

    The session was convened by Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and marked a significant milestone in India-Ghana ties, reflecting shared democratic values and a commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Floor Remarks Opposing H.R. 1

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) this morning delivered the following remarkson H.R. 1, aka the One Big Ugly Bill Act, during debate on the measure: 


    “From the Gospel of Matthew:

    For I was hungry, and you gave me food. 

    I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. 

    I was a stranger, and you took me in.

    I was naked, and you clothed me. 

    I was sick, and you visited me. 

    I was in prison, and you came unto me.

    Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of my brothers, you have done it unto me.

    Mr. Speaker, the bill before us takes food and drink from the mouths of the poor. 

    It takes health care from the sick.

    A vote for this bill betrays these Gospel teachings, and in our hearts all of us know it.”

    H.R. 1, the Republican reconciliation tax bill, will result in 17 million Americans losing health care, make the largest ever cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, cause the closure of nursing homes and rural hospitals across America, raise housing, health care, and energy costs, and give tax benefits that overwhelmingly go to the wealthy, while the poorest Americans see tax increases.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Floor Remarks Opposing H.R. 1

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) this morning delivered the following remarkson H.R. 1, aka the One Big Ugly Bill Act, during debate on the measure: 


    “From the Gospel of Matthew:

    For I was hungry, and you gave me food. 

    I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. 

    I was a stranger, and you took me in.

    I was naked, and you clothed me. 

    I was sick, and you visited me. 

    I was in prison, and you came unto me.

    Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of my brothers, you have done it unto me.

    Mr. Speaker, the bill before us takes food and drink from the mouths of the poor. 

    It takes health care from the sick.

    A vote for this bill betrays these Gospel teachings, and in our hearts all of us know it.”

    H.R. 1, the Republican reconciliation tax bill, will result in 17 million Americans losing health care, make the largest ever cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, cause the closure of nursing homes and rural hospitals across America, raise housing, health care, and energy costs, and give tax benefits that overwhelmingly go to the wealthy, while the poorest Americans see tax increases.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Views sought on election guidelines

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today released the proposed guidelines on election-related activities in respect of the Legislative Council Election for a public consultation that will last for 30 days until August 1.

    The 2025 LegCo General Election will be held on December 7. Before each general election, the EAC will review and update the guidelines.

    At a press conference today, EAC Chairman David Lok said that these guidelines aim to explain in simple language the provisions under current electoral legislation with a view to reminding candidates and other relevant people of the regulations and requirements of the electoral legislation; and to promulgate a code of conduct based on the fair and equal treatment principles in respect of election-related activities which are not covered by the legislation.

    The amendments are mainly composed of four categories: to reflect the amended electoral legislation, such as the procedures if electronic counting arrangements are adopted in functional constituency elections; to reflect the latest electoral arrangements and facilitation measures, for instance, electors could log on to an online system to check information such as their allocated polling stations, and candidates could submit election forms via electronic means; to further elaborate the contents of the guidelines to enable candidates and other relevant people to have a clearer understanding of the areas which they should pay attention to; and to align with the amendments already made to the other guidelines on election-related activities.

    Mr Lok said: “To enable the public to better understand the requirements of the relevant electoral legislation and the code of conduct formulated by the EAC for the conduct of election-related activities, we have also enhanced the proposed guidelines by, for example, explaining the relevant electoral arrangements in the form of tables, consolidating the contents of the chapters, etc, with a view to making the proposed guidelines more concise and easy to comprehend.”

    The proposed guidelines can be downloaded online or viewed at the Registration & Electoral Office, the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of all district offices and the major and district public libraries.

    People are welcome to make written representations on the proposed guidelines by email, by post to 8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, or fax to 2511 1682 on or before August 1.

    The EAC will hold a public forum from 7pm to 9pm on July 18 at the School Hall, 4/F, Kowloon Tong Government Primary School. The last admission time is 8pm.

    Call 2891 1001 for enquiries.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Views sought on election guidelines

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today released the proposed guidelines on election-related activities in respect of the Legislative Council Election for a public consultation that will last for 30 days until August 1.

    The 2025 LegCo General Election will be held on December 7. Before each general election, the EAC will review and update the guidelines.

    At a press conference today, EAC Chairman David Lok said that these guidelines aim to explain in simple language the provisions under current electoral legislation with a view to reminding candidates and other relevant people of the regulations and requirements of the electoral legislation; and to promulgate a code of conduct based on the fair and equal treatment principles in respect of election-related activities which are not covered by the legislation.

    The amendments are mainly composed of four categories: to reflect the amended electoral legislation, such as the procedures if electronic counting arrangements are adopted in functional constituency elections; to reflect the latest electoral arrangements and facilitation measures, for instance, electors could log on to an online system to check information such as their allocated polling stations, and candidates could submit election forms via electronic means; to further elaborate the contents of the guidelines to enable candidates and other relevant people to have a clearer understanding of the areas which they should pay attention to; and to align with the amendments already made to the other guidelines on election-related activities.

    Mr Lok said: “To enable the public to better understand the requirements of the relevant electoral legislation and the code of conduct formulated by the EAC for the conduct of election-related activities, we have also enhanced the proposed guidelines by, for example, explaining the relevant electoral arrangements in the form of tables, consolidating the contents of the chapters, etc, with a view to making the proposed guidelines more concise and easy to comprehend.”

    The proposed guidelines can be downloaded online or viewed at the Registration & Electoral Office, the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of all district offices and the major and district public libraries.

    People are welcome to make written representations on the proposed guidelines by email, by post to 8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, or fax to 2511 1682 on or before August 1.

    The EAC will hold a public forum from 7pm to 9pm on July 18 at the School Hall, 4/F, Kowloon Tong Government Primary School. The last admission time is 8pm.

    Call 2891 1001 for enquiries.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Views sought on election guidelines

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today released the proposed guidelines on election-related activities in respect of the Legislative Council Election for a public consultation that will last for 30 days until August 1.

    The 2025 LegCo General Election will be held on December 7. Before each general election, the EAC will review and update the guidelines.

    At a press conference today, EAC Chairman David Lok said that these guidelines aim to explain in simple language the provisions under current electoral legislation with a view to reminding candidates and other relevant people of the regulations and requirements of the electoral legislation; and to promulgate a code of conduct based on the fair and equal treatment principles in respect of election-related activities which are not covered by the legislation.

    The amendments are mainly composed of four categories: to reflect the amended electoral legislation, such as the procedures if electronic counting arrangements are adopted in functional constituency elections; to reflect the latest electoral arrangements and facilitation measures, for instance, electors could log on to an online system to check information such as their allocated polling stations, and candidates could submit election forms via electronic means; to further elaborate the contents of the guidelines to enable candidates and other relevant people to have a clearer understanding of the areas which they should pay attention to; and to align with the amendments already made to the other guidelines on election-related activities.

    Mr Lok said: “To enable the public to better understand the requirements of the relevant electoral legislation and the code of conduct formulated by the EAC for the conduct of election-related activities, we have also enhanced the proposed guidelines by, for example, explaining the relevant electoral arrangements in the form of tables, consolidating the contents of the chapters, etc, with a view to making the proposed guidelines more concise and easy to comprehend.”

    The proposed guidelines can be downloaded online or viewed at the Registration & Electoral Office, the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of all district offices and the major and district public libraries.

    People are welcome to make written representations on the proposed guidelines by email, by post to 8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, or fax to 2511 1682 on or before August 1.

    The EAC will hold a public forum from 7pm to 9pm on July 18 at the School Hall, 4/F, Kowloon Tong Government Primary School. The last admission time is 8pm.

    Call 2891 1001 for enquiries.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Views sought on election guidelines

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today released the proposed guidelines on election-related activities in respect of the Legislative Council Election for a public consultation that will last for 30 days until August 1.

    The 2025 LegCo General Election will be held on December 7. Before each general election, the EAC will review and update the guidelines.

    At a press conference today, EAC Chairman David Lok said that these guidelines aim to explain in simple language the provisions under current electoral legislation with a view to reminding candidates and other relevant people of the regulations and requirements of the electoral legislation; and to promulgate a code of conduct based on the fair and equal treatment principles in respect of election-related activities which are not covered by the legislation.

    The amendments are mainly composed of four categories: to reflect the amended electoral legislation, such as the procedures if electronic counting arrangements are adopted in functional constituency elections; to reflect the latest electoral arrangements and facilitation measures, for instance, electors could log on to an online system to check information such as their allocated polling stations, and candidates could submit election forms via electronic means; to further elaborate the contents of the guidelines to enable candidates and other relevant people to have a clearer understanding of the areas which they should pay attention to; and to align with the amendments already made to the other guidelines on election-related activities.

    Mr Lok said: “To enable the public to better understand the requirements of the relevant electoral legislation and the code of conduct formulated by the EAC for the conduct of election-related activities, we have also enhanced the proposed guidelines by, for example, explaining the relevant electoral arrangements in the form of tables, consolidating the contents of the chapters, etc, with a view to making the proposed guidelines more concise and easy to comprehend.”

    The proposed guidelines can be downloaded online or viewed at the Registration & Electoral Office, the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of all district offices and the major and district public libraries.

    People are welcome to make written representations on the proposed guidelines by email, by post to 8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, or fax to 2511 1682 on or before August 1.

    The EAC will hold a public forum from 7pm to 9pm on July 18 at the School Hall, 4/F, Kowloon Tong Government Primary School. The last admission time is 8pm.

    Call 2891 1001 for enquiries.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wasilla Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Kidnapping, Sexually Assaulting Child in 2022

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla man was sentenced today to 50 years in prison and will serve the rest of his life on supervised release for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Wasilla.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 2, 2022, a 14-year-old girl exited a school bus in Wasilla and started walking home. A dark colored vehicle driven by David Anderson, 52, drove past the victim and turned around to head back toward her. Anderson pulled up alongside the victim and coerced her into the vehicle before pointing a revolver at her. Anderson covered the victim’s head with a blanket, punched her at least once in the face and bound her hands with duct tape.

    Anderson drove the victim to a remote area where he stopped the car and led the victim into the woods with the blanket still over her head. Anderson proceeded to forcibly sexually assault the victim. After assaulting her, Anderson stood over her, shielded his eyes, and randomly shot at her with the revolver. Without checking to see if she was dead, he then left her in the woods and drove away. After leaving the woods, he disassembled the revolver and threw the pieces into a nearby river.

    Once Anderson left, the victim freed herself from the restraints before walking out of the woods to flag down a passing vehicle. The Alaska State Troopers arrested Anderson later that day based on descriptions and statements from the victim.

    An investigation revealed that on the day of the incident, Anderson decided to grab his revolver and go out looking for a victim. At the time of the offense, Anderson was a convicted sex offender following another conviction in 2000 for sexually assaulting a minor.

    On Jan. 13, 2025, Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping a minor and one count of committing an offense as a registered sex offender. In handing down the sentence, the Court recognized both the depravity of Anderson’s conduct and the bravery of the survivor.  

    Anderson was also charged by the State of Alaska Department of Law for his offense. He was sentenced on Oct. 7, 2024, and is currently serving an 85-year state sentence.

    “Mr. Anderson perpetrated an unimaginable random act of horror and will spend the rest of his life in the only appropriate place, prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “The survivor showed extraordinary bravery in escaping this horror and the Alaska State Troopers and FBI mounted an incredible investigation to hold this predator accountable.”

    “Today’s federal sentence, combined with the State of Alaska’s sentence of 85 years means that this violent man will never be released back into our community to victimize another Alaskan child,” said Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes. “Your Alaska State Troopers most important duty is to protect our most vulnerable, and this case stands as a powerful example of how federal and state law enforcement can work together to bring the full weight of justice to bear.”

    “While walking home from school, an innocent child was violently kidnapped and assaulted – not only was this a horrific attack on a child, but also on the very fabric of our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “I commend this young survivor’s extraordinary courage, along with the special agents, prosecutors, and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure this dangerous predator will never walk free or harm another child again.”

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI’s Joint Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (J-CARD) Team. The FBI’s J-CARD Team consists of specially trained investigators and intelligence personnel from the FBI, Alaska State Troopers, and Anchorage Police Department who are experienced in child abduction cases and can rapidly deploy anywhere in the state. The team is designed to provide investigative, technical, and resource assistance to state and local law enforcement during the most critical time following a child abduction.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Chris Schroeder and Adam Alexander prosecuted the case.

    UPDATE: This release has been updated to correct the defendant’s age. The correct age is 52.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Paraguay: Fifth Review Under the Policy Coordination Instrument, Request for Modification of a Quantitative Target and Resetting of Reform Targets, Third Review Under the Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, Rephasing of Reform Measures, and Requests for Extension of the Policy Coordination Instrument and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangement-Press Release; and Staff Report

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    International Monetary Fund. Western Hemisphere Dept. “Paraguay: Fifth Review Under the Policy Coordination Instrument, Request for Modification of a Quantitative Target and Resetting of Reform Targets, Third Review Under the Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, Rephasing of Reform Measures, and Requests for Extension of the Policy Coordination Instrument and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangement-Press Release; and Staff Report”, IMF Staff Country Reports 2025, 161 (2025), accessed July 3, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229015301.002

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Orange Middle East and Africa Releases its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report: “Cultivating Impact” for Inclusive and Sustainable Development

    Source: APO

    Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) (www.Orange.com) unveils its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. Entitled “Cultivating Impact”, the report illustrates Orange’s commitment to a sustainable, inclusive transformation grounded in the realities of the 17 countries in which the brand operates.

    A transformation rooted in usage, skills, and territories

    The report comes at a pivotal time for Africa and the Middle East, where digital, energy, economic and financial transitions are driving deep and progressive societal shifts. One clear guiding principle emerges: human-centered digital technology. It takes shape in everyday uses, built on access to resilient, optimized, and low-carbon digital infrastructure, and a strong commitment to the circular economy through the recovery, refurbishment, and recycling of network and mobile equipment allowing millions to fully experience the digital age, even in the most remote areas. This transformation is accelerated by solutions such as Max it, OMEA’s super-app as a new lever for inclusion, Orange Money and Orange Bank Africa for financial inclusion, and Orange Energies for energy inclusion.

    A commitment rooted in the realities of Africa and the Middle East

    Throughout the report, OMEA’s role as a key player in regional transformation is reflected in a clear and committed vision: a development model that combines economic performance with social responsibility. In the 17 countries where the Group operates, Orange works closely with local realities to meet the specific needs of each territory.
    Driven by its 18,000 employees, this shared ambition is embodied in the company’s operations and in the #OrangeEngageforChange program, which rallies employees around high-impact, socially driven projects. This culture of impact is also reflected in the millions of opportunities made available to youth, women, and entrepreneurs through free inclusion initiatives like the Orange Digital Centers, which have already trained and supported 1.2 million people. The company’s commitment also translates into concrete actions in health, culture, ecosystem preservation, and community resilience.

    Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, comments: “Cultivating impact means anchoring our mission in people’s daily lives by turning our commitments into meaningful, lasting actions. In 2025 we will continue, together, to accelerate this positive transformation to build a fairer, more inclusive, and more resilient future.”

    Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director, CSR, Orange Digital Center and Communications for Orange Middle East and Africa, concludes: “Our responsibility is to act in a way that is concrete, measurable, and aligned with local challenges. Every action we take only matters if it brings tangible progress for women, youth, entrepreneurs, and the communities we serve.”

    To discover and download Orange Middle East and Africa’s 2024 CSR report: Rapport RSE OMEA 2024 – EN (https://apo-opa.co/4lGtGzz)

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –