MIL-OSI Africa: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) reviews help bring youth, communities into policy making process

Source: APO – Report:

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Reviews of Sustainable Development Goal policies and progress have helped to bring young people, women, communities and marginalized groups into the sustainable development policy making and implementing process. This key message came from the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) Lab hosted by ECA, the Regional Commissions New York Office, and the other four Regional Commissions – ECE, ESCAP, ESCWA and ECLAC.

Every year at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, the regional commissions host a VNR lab to highlight best practices and lessons to learn from across the globe. This year’s lab focused on “Harnessing SDG interlinkages through the VNR”, and brought together representatives, policy makers and stakeholders from five countries – The Bahamas, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Qatar and Uganda.

Presentations by VNR representatives delved into detail on how the review process engages with stakeholders and civil society, enhances data collection and analysis, and links with ongoing and planned national development plans. Attention was also paid to local level – where implementation and impact are most important – through local reviews that link to the VNR.

The countries presenting their VNRs were also clear that support from the UN Regional Commissions was extremely helpful throughout the VNR process – in providing technical advising and supporting, bringing in peer countries for exchange and learning, and providing venues through the Regional Forums on Sustainable Development.

ECA looks forward to continuing and strengthening its partnerships with the other regional commissions to support countries preparing National and Local Reviews of sustainable development.

– on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

MIL OSI Africa –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: New Study Reveals Widespread Drug Resistance Across 14 African Countries

Source: APO – Report:

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Results from a newly published study highlight the growing spread of drug resistance across 14 African countries, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen laboratory testing, data systems, and health planning to tackle hard-to-treat infections.

The study, known as the Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership (MAAP), is the largest of its kind ever conducted in Africa. It was led by a coalition including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), One Health Trust, and other regional partners.

Researchers reviewed more than 187,000 test results from 205 laboratories, collected between 2016 and 2019 across Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Drug resistance occurs when bacteria change in ways that make antibiotics—medicines used to treat infections—less effective. This means that common infections become harder to treat, more expensive to manage, and more likely to spread.

The study examined bacteria that commonly cause serious illness, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. One of the most concerning findings was that resistance to a powerful group of antibiotics, known as third-generation cephalosporins, was especially high in Ghana and Malawi.

In six countries, more than half of the Staphylococcus aureus samples were resistant to methicillin—an antibiotic commonly used in hospitals. In Nigeria and Ghana, resistance levels exceeded 70%.

The research also showed that some groups are more likely to have drug-resistant infections. People over the age of 65 were 28 per cent more likely to have resistant infections than younger adults.

Patients already admitted to hospitals had a 24 per cent higher risk, likely due to increased exposure to antibiotics. Previous use of antibiotics was also linked to higher resistance.

However, the study also revealed serious gaps. Fewer than 2 per cent of health facilities were equipped to test for bacterial infections, and only 12 per cent of drug resistance records were linked to patient information. Without this kind of data, it is more difficult for health officials to understand how and why resistance is spreading.

The quality of data varied between countries. Senegal had the strongest systems, while Sierra Leone struggled with data collection. Many laboratories still use handwritten records, and most lack reliable digital systems.

Supported by the UK’s Fleming Fund and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the study calls on governments to make drug resistance a national priority by investing in better laboratories, routine testing, and stronger digital systems. Without action, the threat of drug resistance could reverse decades of health and development gains.

“For African countries, AMR remains a wicked and complex problem, leaving countries with a million-dollar question: ‘Where do we start from?’ This study brings to light groundbreaking AMR data for African countries. We must act now—and together—to address AMR,” said Dr Yewande Alimi, the One Health Unit Lead at Africa CDC.

– on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

MIL OSI Africa –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Set to Launch Groundbreaking Knowledge Management Portal

Source: APO – Report:

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A year on, the ongoing mpox outbreak now affects 26 countries across Africa, up from seven initially. Containing the outbreak remains a challenge, complicated by the disease’s four clades and several sub-strains, the latest of which was only identified earlier this year.

For example, Clade I is typically associated with higher mortality rates and more severe illness compared to Clade II. Clade IIB is sexually transmissible and is driving the outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

Thus, timely and comprehensive knowledge is proving to be essential in identifying and mounting effective responses to the mpox outbreak.

A new initiative, soon to be launched by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is set to enhance the management of knowledge on health issues and emerging diseases like mpox. This marks a significant step in transforming the continent’s public health landscape.

The knowledge management initiative will ensure that health knowledge is readily available, accessible, and translated into policies and practices to prevent and control diseases and strengthen the health system in Africa.

Dr Nebiyu Dereje, Head of Division, Knowledge Management, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHIA), emphasised that the knowledge management system is critical to facilitating health knowledge generation and exchange among AU Member States, ensuring continental health security.

He further highlighted that the knowledge management system will facilitate pandemic preparedness and response efforts among Member States. “Knowledge generated from an outbreak response in a country will critically support the preparedness and response efforts for a similar outbreak in other countries,” said Dr Nebiyu.

The much-anticipated Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal has been designed as a dynamic and collaborative platform. It will serve as a central hub for health data, knowledge, research, and policy insights. This will enable Africa CDC, its five Regional Coordinating Centres (RCCs), and African Union (AU) Member States to generate and access knowledge, and to transform resources into policy and public health action.

The portal is a flagship component of Africa CDC’s broader knowledge management initiative. It aims to close Africa’s persistent gap in global knowledge production and usage, currently described as suboptimal, through innovative and scalable solutions.

“This portal is not just a knowledge repository site. It’s a smart system built to catalyse evidence-based decision-making, empower national health systems, and boost regional knowledge exchange and cooperation,” said Dr Mosoka Papa Fallah, Acting Director of Science and Innovation at Africa CDC.

The knowledge management hub will facilitate the availability of key public health resources, such as data, information, documents, and knowledge relevant to the needs of Member States. It will serve as a one-stop shop through a collaborative approach.

The portal incorporates cutting-edge features, including AI-powered systems that enable multilingual translation, intelligent search tools, an interactive chatbot, and real-time document comparison. These are all designed to make public health information easier to find, understand, and act upon.

Users, from national policymakers to frontline health workers, will benefit from personalised content recommendations and a mobile-friendly interface that brings knowledge to their fingertips.

The portal is set to be established at three levels: continental, regional, and Member State levels. It will be hosted by Africa CDC and will enable knowledge exchange at the continental level across all 55 Member States and other relevant stakeholders.

A regional knowledge management portal will be hosted by each RCC. A series of Member State knowledge management portals will be hosted by individual AU Member States. However, the system will be structured to integrate with existing national health information systems, allowing countries to either host their own portals or link directly with the continental platform.

Built with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation, the portal reflects Africa CDC’s vision of pivoting its RCCs towards an “Africa CDC without walls”. This refers to a continent-wide network where knowledge flows freely across borders.

Pilot implementation is already underway in some Member States. These pilots showcase how countries can customise the platform to meet local needs while contributing to continental knowledge sharing.

Africa CDC will also support Member States in training dedicated knowledge managers, establishing national knowledge management teams, and building governance frameworks that ensure sustainability.

What truly sets the portal apart is its commitment to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing. Through innovations such as weekly Knowledge Hours, Knowledge Cafés, and curated Communities of Practice, Africa CDC aims to foster real-time exchange among public health practitioners, policymakers, and researchers.

“The knowledge exists. The challenge has always been access, translation, and application,” said Dr Mosoka. “With this endeavour, we are bridging that gap.”

With Africa being the continent most affected by disease outbreaks and increasing demands on its health system, the knowledge management portal provides a timely and strategic response. It is grounded in digital transformation, local ownership, and collaboration.

The portal will play a crucial role in supporting AU Member States as they strengthen health systems, respond to emergencies, and align with Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order.

– on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

MIL OSI Africa –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Malaria Surge in Southern Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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Malaria is on the rise in southern Africa, with several countries – including Botswana, eSwatini, Namibia and Zimbabwe – reporting new outbreaks, underscoring the ongoing challenges in eradicating the disease in Africa.

Data from the Surveillance and Disease Intelligence Division of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reveals a dramatic spike in Zimbabwe, where suspected cases have increased in 2025. As of epidemiological week 23, of 2025, Zimbabwe has reported 111,998 cases and 310 deaths (case fatality rate [CFR]: 0.27%) as compared to 29,031 cases with 49 deaths (CFR: 0.17%) in the same period in 2024.

“This surge is no coincidence,” says Dr Memory Mapfumo, an epidemiologist at the Africa CDC. “Prolonged rains have fuelled mosquito breeding, while activities like gold panning, fishing and artisanal mining are exposing more individuals to risk, especially during peak mosquito activity hours.” A contributing factor is the interconnectedness of the countries, which drives transmission.

Across Zimbabwe, 115 out of 1,705 health facilities have been affected, highlighting the widespread impact of the disease on healthcare infrastructure. Since the start of 2025, Mashonaland Central Province has accounted for 32% of all malaria cases, while Manicaland reported 25% of the malaria-related deaths.

The situation is worsened by the low use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), leaving communities exposed and placing further strain on already stretched health systems. This reflects a broader challenge across southern Africa, where shifting climate patterns and expanding high-risk livelihoods are driving a growing malaria threat, necessitating quicker, more targeted and sustained responses.

However, malaria is endemic across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in regions with high temperatures and rainfall, which create ideal breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes, the vector that transmits the malaria parasite. The central part of the continent – both north and south of the equator – experiences the highest malaria incidence. Other factors include the tropical climate, as well as displacement and limited access to preventive measures.

Southern Africa, although comparatively less affected, remains vulnerable to the disease due to climatic conditions that favour mosquito breeding, cross-border population movements and localised outbreaks in high-risk areas. The region’s malaria burden fluctuates with rainfall patterns, human activities such as mining and agriculture, and gaps in healthcare access, making sustained intervention crucial for reducing transmission.

“As climate change accelerates, we are witnessing shifts in temperature and rainfall that are expanding the range of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, introducing vectors into previously unaffected regions,” said Dr Merawi Aragaw, head of Africa CDC’s Surveillance and Disease Intelligence.

He emphasised that this is not only a regional issue but a global challenge that calls for coordinated international efforts. “Sustained vector control measures – including environmental management, strengthening surveillance, drug and diagnostic resistance monitoring, and fostering cross-border collaboration – will be critical in mitigating the growing threat of vector-borne diseases, especially malaria,” said Dr Merawi.

The regional surge underscores a broader global trend, with malaria cases worldwide climbing to 263 million in 2023, up from 252 million the previous year, and Africa accounting for 95% of all malaria-related deaths. Despite these alarming figures, there have been significant successes: Cabo Verde was certified malaria-free in 2023, and Egypt is poised to achieve the same in 2024.

Yet for many countries in southern Africa, the road to elimination remains steep, with outbreaks threatening to reverse years of progress.

Take Botswana, which since epidemiological weeks 1–23 of 2025 has recorded 2,223 cases and 11 deaths, compared to 218 cases and no deaths in the same period in 2024. Okavango has been hit hardest, accounting for 69% of the cases. Since the outbreak began in November 2024, a total of 2,344 cases have been reported, with sporadic outbreaks appearing in non-endemic districts.

Flooding caused by heavy rains has contributed significantly to the outbreak by creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. Furthermore, many local residents remain unaware of the risks, contributing to delayed responses when symptoms first appear. To counter this, Botswana’s Ministry of Health has intensified case management and surveillance, launched community engagement campaigns, and distributed ITNs. However, efforts have been hindered by inadequate funding and community resistance to the interventions.

Although the Kingdom of eSwatini is in the malaria elimination phase, eSwatini, too, is grappling with an upsurge in malaria cases. The Ministry of Health recently issued a press notice to draw attention to the issue. From July 2024 to March 2025, the kingdom has recorded 187 malaria cases. Children under 15 years account for 15% of the reported cases, which has led to increased school absenteeism.

Twenty per cent of cases have been among farmers, especially those involved in illegal farming activities in the mountains. These farmers often work at night, guarding their crops without any protective measures, leaving them exposed to mosquito bites. The majority of cases are concentrated in the Hhohho and Lubombo regions, prompting the Ministry of Health to increase its response efforts, including indoor residual spraying (IRS) and the distribution of ITNs.

Despite these interventions, eSwatini’s malaria elimination programme faces significant hurdles. There are challenges in achieving complete coverage of IRS and ITN distribution, and many individuals still fail to adopt protective behaviours. Nonetheless, the government remains committed to eliminating malaria and addressing the underlying causes, such as illegal farming and inadequate community awareness.

Namibia is another country witnessing a significant rise in malaria cases, with over 89,959 cases and 146 deaths reported since November 2024 from 37 of 121 districts. Of these cases, 18% (15,954 cases) are imported from neighbouring countries experiencing malaria outbreaks, and 82% are local.

The hardest-hit districts in Namibia include Katima Mulilo, Nkurenkuru, Andara, Outapi and Rundu. Malaria continues to have a severe impact on children above five years and pregnant women, who represent 11% and 3% of the reported cases, respectively. Most cases reported were among males (58%).

Of major significance is the interconnectedness of southern Africa, which complicates malaria control efforts, especially in border regions.

In Botswana, districts bordering Namibia and Zimbabwe are particularly vulnerable to cross-border transmission, with malaria spreading easily between neighbouring countries with ongoing outbreaks. This highlights the importance of regional cooperation and cross-border surveillance in combating the disease. Efforts to enhance case management, improve surveillance and increase the use of ITNs are critical in curbing transmission in these high-risk areas.

According to Africa CDC, the increase in malaria cases in the region highlights the pressing need for continued vigilance and investment in malaria control. Governments need to enhance their efforts to improve the use of ITNs, strengthen community engagement, and address the environmental and social factors driving the outbreaks, such as illegal farming and exposure to mosquito breeding grounds.

Equally important is the need for a concerted effort to address delays in reporting, ensuring the timely and accurate collection of data to inform public health interventions. Yet, while the fight against malaria remains an uphill battle, the successes in Cabo Verde and Egypt offer hope that with the right strategies, the elimination of malaria in southern Africa is possible.

– on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

MIL OSI Africa –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: New Bangladeshi High-Commissioner Presents Credentials to President Ramkalawan

Source: APO – Report:

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His Excellency Mr. Zokey Ahad, the newly appointed High Commissioner designate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles, formally presented his letters of credence to President Wavel Ramkalawan during a ceremonial reception at State House this morning.

President Ramkalawan extended his congratulations to High Commissioner Ahad upon his appointment, acknowledging the enduring diplomatic partnership between Seychelles and Bangladesh that has flourished and strengthened over four decades of sustained collaboration.

On behalf of the Government and People of Seychelles, the Head of State conveyed the country’s deepest condolences and solidarity to the People and Government of Bangladesh following the tragic plane crash. “Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those affected during this difficult time. Seychelles stands with Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow.”

His Excellency Ahad expressed profound honour and appreciation for his new diplomatic role, conveying the warm felicitations and best wishes of His Excellency Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh, to the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles.

Discussions between the two leaders centred on strengthening existing frameworks of cooperation across key strategic sectors, including agriculture, climate change mitigation, fisheries development, tourism, and marine security. Both dignitaries also explored innovative avenues for collaboration aimed at further enhancing the longstanding and robust bilateral partnership between the two island nations.

Addressing members of the press following the accreditation ceremony, High Commissioner Ahad underscored the unwavering commitment of both governments to deepening and diversifying their bilateral relationship across multiple sectors of mutual strategic interest and benefit.

The Republic of Seychelles and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh established formal diplomatic relations in February 1983, marking over four decades of sustained cooperation, friendship, and mutual understanding. His Excellency Mr. Zokey Ahad succeeds his distinguished predecessor, Her Excellency Rezina Ahmed, and will conduct his diplomatic mission from the High Commission’s regional headquarters in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Present for the ceremony were the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, Director General Bilateral Affairs, Ms Lindy Ernesta and Second Secretary, Mr Davis Mathiot.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Central African Republic Innovates with Nature-Based Solutions and Reaffirms Commitment to Urban Climate Resilience

Source: APO – Report:

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The World Bank approved today an additional grant financing in the amount of $9.175 million (just over CFAF 5.3 billion) from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for the Inclusive and Resilient Cities Project in the Central African Republic (PROVIR). This additional financing aims to improve access to climate-resilient infrastructure in the cities of Bangui and Berbérati by financing Nature-based Solutions, including the regeneration of urban forests and the planting of avenues and public spaces.

With this funding, about 300,000 people in Bangui and Berberati—including vulnerable groups such as refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees, women, and youth—will benefit from improved living conditions with improved access to flood-safe and erosion-protected infrastructure.

“The Central African Republic, which is ranked second in the world in terms of high vulnerability to climate change, is exposed to numerous natural disaster risks exacerbated by deforestation and climate change,” said Guido Rurangwa, World Bank Country Manager for the Central African Republic. “Nature-based solutions have great potential for the country. By combining these with grey infrastructure in Bangui and Berberati, they will increase rainwater retention capacity, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion. Their multi-purpose nature will also provide many livelihood opportunities ranging from forest products to fishing opportunities.”

PROVIR is part of the World Bank’s programmatic support to the urban development sector in the Central African Republic and adopts an integrated approach. It supports the World Bank Group’s climate change and resilience agenda, including the Climate Change Action Plan (2021-2025), which aims to promote green, resilient, and inclusive development and competitive cities.

Project preparation benefited from technical assistance and grants from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund), and NBS Invest.

– on behalf of The World Bank Group.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Italian Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 22, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Tuesday with HE Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the State of Qatar Paolo Toschi.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI China: China’s top legislator, top political advisor meet with president of Madagascar’s Senate

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, meets with Richard Ravalomanana, president of the Senate of Madagascar, in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Zhao Leji, China’s top legislator, and Wang Huning, China’s top political advisor, each met with Richard Ravalomanana, president of the Senate of Madagascar, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said that China is willing to work with Madagascar to implement the important consensus reached between their two heads of state and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and to promote further achievements in friendly cooperation between the two countries, contributing to the construction of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

He called on the legislative bodies of the two countries to enhance exchange and cooperation to facilitate the continuous development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Madagascar.

Ravalomanana said that relations between the two countries are built on the basis of mutual benefit, and that the heads of state of the two countries have maintained close communication and noted the direction for the development of bilateral relations.

The Senate of Madagascar is willing to work with the Chinese side to enhance exchange among legislative bodies, and to play an active role in promoting economic and trade, investment and local cooperation, as well as cooperation in other fields.

Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Richard Ravalomanana, president of the Senate of Madagascar, in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that China and Madagascar are fellow travelers and genuine friends on the path of modernization. He said that China is willing to work with Madagascar to implement the important consensus reached between their two heads of state and bring more practical cooperation achievements to benefit their two peoples.

Wang said that the National Committee of the CPPCC stands ready to enhance friendly exchange with the Senate of Madagascar and contribute to the development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Ravalomanana said that Madagascar attaches great importance to the development of relations with China, admires China’s development achievements, and is willing to learn from China’s experience to promote cooperation in various fields for the benefit of people in both countries.

The Senate of Madagascar is ready to enhance the exchange of experience in governance with the National Committee of the CPPCC to promote the in-depth development of bilateral relations, he said.

MIL OSI China News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Gaza – an open question for NZ’s foreign minister Winston Peters

OPEN QUESTION: By Bryan Bruce

Dear Rt Hon Winston Peters,

There was a time when New Zealanders stood up for what was morally right. There are memorials around our country for those who died fighting fascism, we wrote parts of the UN Charter of Human Rights, we took an anti-nuclear stance in 1984, and three years prior to that, many of us stood against apartheid in South Africa by boycotting South African products and actively protesting against the 1981 Springbok Rugby Tour.

To call out the Israeli government for genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza is not to be antisemitic. Nor is it to be pro- Hamas. It is to simply to be pro-human.

While acknowledging the peace and humanitarian initiatives on the Foreign Affairs website, I note there is no calling out of the genocide and ethnic cleansing that cannot be denied is happening in Gaza.

The Israeli government is systematically demolishing whole towns and cities — including churches, mosques, even removing trees and vegetation — to deprive the Palestinian people the opportunity to return to their homeland; and there have been constant blocks to humanitarian aid as part of a policy forced starvation.

There is no doubt crimes against international law have been committed, which is why the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has issued warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, his former defence minister, for alleged crimes against humanity.

So, my question to you is: why are you not pictured standing in this photograph (below) alongside the representatives from 33 nations at the July 16 2025 Gaza emergency conference in Bogotá?

The nations that took part in the Gaza emergency summit in were:

Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Colombia, South Africa, Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Djibouti, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Representatives from 33 nations at the July 16 2025 Gaza emergency conference in Bogotá. Image: bryanbruce.substack.com

Is your policy simply to fall in behind the USA denying there is genocide and ethnic cleansing happening in Gaza?

If not, are you prepared to endorse the six coordinated diplomatic, legal and economic measures already signed up to by 12 of the participating countries in the Bogetà summit, to restrain Israel’s assault on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and defend international law at large?

Remaining countries, which could still include New Zealand, have a deadline of September 20, to coincide with the 80th UN General Assembly, for additional states to join them.

The 6 agreed measures are:
Prevent the provision or transfer of arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel.

Prevent the transit, docking, and servicing of vessels at any port
in all cases where there is a clear risk of the vessel being used to carry arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel

Prevent the carriage of arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel on vessels bearing our flag . . . and ensure full accountability, including de-flagging, for non-compliance with this prohibition.

Commence an urgent review of all public contracts, to prevent public institutions and funds from supporting Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territory and entrenching its unlawful presence.

Comply with obligations to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law, through robust, impartial and independent investigations and prosecutions at national or international levels, to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.

Support universal jurisdiction mandates, as and where applicable in national legal frameworks and judiciaries, to ensure justice for victims of international crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In addition, are you prepared to specifically support the enforcement of the International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, his former defence minister, for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza including murder and forced starvation, in a war that has left more than 211,000 Palestinians, including many children, dead, maimed, or missing since October 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry? (That’s a figure that is approximately the entire population of Hamiton and Rotorua).

What then is the NZ government’s policy? Are we going to support International Law and call out the Israeli government’s acts of genocide in Gaza, or not?

Yours sincerely,

Bryan Bruce
Investigative documentary maker, journalist and podcaster.
Auckland.

Bryan Bruce is a New Zealand investigative journalist and documentary maker. Republished from Bruce’s substack page.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –