Category: Africa

MIL-OSI USA: Ways and Means Democrats introduce bill to end tariff chaos, reclaim Congress’s trade authority
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), along with all Ways and Means Committee Democrats, today introduced the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, a bill to end the constant chaos created by President Trump’s trade wars and reclaim Congress’s authority over tariffs.

Video of today’s bill introduction press conference is available HERE.

“President Trump’s reckless abuse of tariffs has sparked nothing but chaos,” said Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Sánchez. “American families have been anxiously bracing for rising costs and small businesses are worried they won’t survive the economic strain – all while the president flip-flops on tariffs at a whim, doing backroom deals and keeping negotiations out of the public eye. It’s time to end this madness. Congress must step in and take the trade keys away from our rogue president and protect the American people.”

“Over the years, Congress has entrusted more and more authority over trade to the Executive Branch, and recent events have made it clear we must reclaim that authority,” said Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-Mass.). “This president is willing to call anything an emergency to justify his every chaotic whim. The American people deserve better—they deserve stability and forethought. That’s why I’m proud to support Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Sánchez’s legislation that will deliver just that.”

The Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act would:
- Turn off the global tariffs imposed on April 2: The bill would permanently turn off the new baseline tariffs of 10 percent for all countries as well as the massive increases in tariffs for 60 trading partners, such as Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Kenya. This would return most rates to the levels they were before the president’s tariff spree.
- Turn off the tariffs imposed by executive order for Mexico and Canada: The president should not be able to use congressional trade authorities to extort our closest allies. If there are trade issues with those two countries, then there is a process in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that President Trump negotiated and Congress authorized.
- Require congressional approval for all new tariffs: The Constitution gives Congress the authority over trade. Getting a vote on tariff actions should not be held hostage to political whim; votes would be treated as privileged measures that ensures that the American people get to have their say. Apolitical tariff actions – like trade remedies, safeguards and trade agreement dispute settlement – are already insulated from partisan abuse and would not require a congressional vote under the bill.
The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Richard Neal (D-Mass.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Adam Gray (D-Calif.).

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MIL OSI USA News –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New neighbourhood park now open in north Watson
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The park’s impressive eagle centrepiece was designed by Ngunnawal artist Lynnice Church.
In brief:
- A new park on Aspinall Street, Watson is now open.
- It provides families a vibrant new space to play and learn more about Ngunnawal culture.
- It is part of the Section 76 Watson site, which will include new housing.
The new Maliyan Park in north Watson is now open.

It is located on Aspinall Street, near the Negus Crescent intersection.

This new neighbourhood park celebrates Ngunnawal culture through:
- vibrant artwork
- new trees and plantings
- diverse play equipment.
It was designed with the aim of sharing Ngunnawal culture while enjoying time outdoors.

The park’s centrepiece is a Maliyan (wedge-tailed eagle) structure. This was designed by Ngunnawal artist Lynnice Church.

The impressive structure signifies the Maliyan’s importance to the traditional custodians. It is believed she was chosen to create resources for Ngunnawal people.

Other artworks include native animals and insects designed by Ngunnawal artists Jazz and Krystal Matthews from Wilay Designs.

The park also features a selection of endemic plants with a special and practical connection to Ngunnawal community and culture.

Visitors will find play equipment for a range of ages and play styles. There is nature play, swings, slides, climbers and spinners.

Older children and adults can make use of exercise equipment and a kick-around space.

Maliyan Park is a unique space for local families to play, relax and learn more about Ngunnawal culture.

It is part of the Section 76 Watson site that will provide for:
- approximately 200 new homes
- a demonstration housing project of approximately 20 to 30 homes while keeping high-quality trees to continue to provide habitat for wildlife and reduce urban heat.
Section 76 was developed in consultation with the community. This includes input from the Dhawura Ngunnawal Caring for Country Committee.

^{There is play equipment for a range of ages and play styles.}

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MIL OSI News –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event
Source: Microsoft

Headline: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

So you just finished watching Microsoft Secure. That means by now, you’ve heard about our new protections for AI and Microsoft Security Copilot agents. These innovations will be the focus of Microsoft Security’s sessions and activities at RSACTM 2025 Conference (RSAC 2025).

The can’t-miss conference is just around the corner. Microsoft Security is bringing an exciting lineup of sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities to empower security professionals in the era of AI. Our entire presence at RSAC 2025 is designed to help you boost your AI skills so you can stay ahead of threats and manage security more effectively.

Whether you’re interested in protecting all your AI investments, AI-driven security, threat intelligence, or securing cloud environments, we’ve got something for you. To help you plan your time from Sunday, April 27 to Thursday, May 1, 2025, in San Francisco, here’s a quick and easy guide to all the key Microsoft Security moments at RSAC 2025.

Microsoft Pre-Day | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Palace Hotel

For the fourth year in a row, Microsoft Pre-Day kicks off the full lineup of Microsoft events and activities throughout RSAC 2025. We will host these at the Microsoft Security Hub at Palace Hotel, just a short walk from Moscone Center.

Hear directly from Microsoft Security leaders as they share reporting on emerging cyberthreat trends and the product innovations designed to protect against them. See the lineup below:
- Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Business
- Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Security
- Sherrod DeGrippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy
- Dorothy Li, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Copilot
- Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President (CVP) and Deputy CISO
- And more.
Register for Pre-Day today.

Networking Reception | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Microsoft Security Hub, Palace Hotel, Second Floor

Stick around after Microsoft Pre-Day to attend the Networking Reception—a lively evening designed to connect with the security community, engage with Microsoft leaders, and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick off an inspiring week at RSAC 2025.

On Monday we ease into things by focusing on what’s new all around. We’ll share lots of goodness about agents and our new innovations announced in March.

Security Demo Experience at the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 | All day, every day | Moscone Center North Expo Hall

Monday is the first day to explore the show floor. Stop by the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 in Moscone Center North Expo Hall to explore live demos, meet Microsoft Security experts, and get hands-on with the latest tools.

Become a defender against cyber threats in a fast-paced, interactive game. You’ll be a part of a mission, navigating realistic incident response scenarios using Microsoft Security solutions, including our new AI Agents. Engage in quick skill challenges and wrap up with expert insights. Are you ready to beat the bad actors?

Keynote: Security in the Age of Agentic AI | 4:40 PM | Moscone Center (West Stage)

Agentic workflows will dramatically reshape what is possible in security. By enabling more complex problem-solving, agent collaboration, and iterative learning, agentic AI will empower a new paradigm for security that was once the domain of science fiction. Vasu Jakkal will take an imaginative look at the future of security AI agents, and the very human-driven way they will change the game.

Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center

Our top Microsoft Security experts were chosen by RSAC to share their insights and best practices to help you level up your own security strategy. These sessions are designed for learning, not selling. So, you’ll hear more about what’s happening in the security space and less about products.
- Practical Strategies for Security Architecture in a Changing World @ 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
This session will delve into the core pillars of security architecture and share practical strategies that uphold foundational principles. Will discuss holistic system thinking and provide a practical playbook for navigating the complexities of security architecture while maintaining a focus on the fundamentals and essential considerations for a secure digital environment.

Speaker: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft
- RSAC Innovation Sandbox @ 9:30 AM – 12:40 PM
Ten of cybersecurity’s boldest new innovators compete in Innovation Sandbox for the title of “Most Innovative Startup.” ISB celebrates 20 years & spotlights startups with potentially game-changing ideas. The Finalists have 3 minutes to share groundbreaking products & solutions with a panel of judges. Interact first-hand with these companies as the judges deliberate before the winner is crowned.

Speakers: Christopher Young, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Ventures, Microsoft; David Chan, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer, Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Razi Howe, Operating Partner, Capitol Meridian Partners; Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman & RSAC Conference Program Committee Chair, RSAC; Paul Kocher, Researcher, Independent Researcher; and Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO, Verizon
- AI Era Authentication: Securing the Future with Inclusive Identity @ 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
This session explores the security and usability risks of authentication techniques for users with diverse needs. Emergence of AI agents, a new user identity acting on our behalf, also necessitates a rethink of authentication methods. Discover AI-era authentication using sensors like location and behavior and learn about the shift from active to passive authentication with prototypes in action.

Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft and Aditi Shah, Senior Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft
- DPRK Remote IT Workers – Have You Hired One and Are You at Risk? @ 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM
The DPRK actively deploys remote IT workers to generate revenue for the regime while circumventing sanctions. DPRK IT workers pose risks to companies, including insider access, potential intellectual property theft, and exposure to other malicious cyber activity. This panel will discuss best practices for identifying and preventing the hiring of DPRK IT workers.

Speakers: Greg Schloemer, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, Microsoft; Elizabeth Pelker, Special Agent, FBI; Chris Horne, Director, Trust & Safety Intelligence & Investigations, Upwork; Adam Meyers, SVP Intelligence, CrowdStrike; and Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director, FBI

Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Don’t miss our deep-dive sessions happening at the Microsoft Security Hub. Build your AI cybersecurity skills as Microsoft Security experts will share what they’ve learned and provide insights you can apply in your own organization.
- Harnessing Diversity – Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce in the Age of AI @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speakers: Amanda Minnich, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft; Nicole Ford VP, Customer Security Officer, Microsoft; Kyla Guru, Founder/CEO, Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education; Tanell Ford, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft; and Sherrod Degrippo, Directory of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft
- Reshaping SecOps for the Cloud AI Era @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speakers: Scott Woodbridge, General Manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft and Corina Feuerstein, Principal Product Manager for Copilot in Defender and Sentinel
- Practical use of CoPilot AutoFix to address Security Backlog @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Speakers: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub and Marcelo Oliveira, VP, Product Management, GitHub
- Executive Lunch: Scaling Compliance for Global Regulations @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Speakers: Bret Arsenault, CVP, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft

Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744

Here’s where we talk products. These 15-20 minute informal, come-and-go sessions run all day at the Microsoft Security booth. They’re demo-heavy product showcases to help you learn how to better use the tools you’ve got now.
- Identity Security in the Era of AI with Security Copilot @ 5:35PM – 5:55 PM
- Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 6:05PM – 6:25 PM
- From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security @ 6:35 PM– 6:55PM
MISA Awards| Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

It’s time to suit up in heroic attire for an epic celebration at the 6th annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards! Just like the Avengers, assembling to save the world, we’re coming together to honor the extraordinary achievements of our MISA members who work so diligently to protect customers from external threats! Congratulations to the incredible finalists for the sixth annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards presented by MISA!

Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with Microsoft Security experts and enhance your cybersecurity knowledge. From April 28 to April 30, 2025 customers and CISOs can schedule one-on-one meetings at the Palace Hotel to discuss your most pressing security product and threat intelligence questions. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.

Tuesday is the busiest day of the conference, with lots of choices in front of you, so plan ahead.

Keynote: AI Safety: Where Do We Go From Here? | 8:30 AM | Moscone Center (West Stage)

During this keynote session, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the UK AI Safety Institute leaders come together for this blockbuster panel to explain the evolving landscape of AI safety. Attendees will gain insights into key developments in AI safety that should matter to organizations, its intersection with existing security initiatives, and time-tested approaches to translate AI safety to practice.

Speakers: Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; Jade Leung, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; and Daniel Rohrer, VP Software Product Security, Architecture & Research, NVIDIA

Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center

RSAC has chosen top Microsoft Security experts to share insights and best practices, letting you learn about the latest in security without the sales pitch.
- Incident Response Dilemmas: Sharing Intel Across Sectors in Critical Times @ 9:40 – 10:30 AM
An incident may be a singular event affecting one entity. What happens when it affects our critical infrastructure and has the possibility of sector-wide impact and cascading effects? How do companies share information and meet regulatory expectations? The session will dive into the work that financial services companies, the government, and cloud service providers are taking to mature IR.

Speakers: Ann Johnson, CVP & Deputy CISO, Customer Security Managment Office, Microsoft; Ted Conklin, Chief AI Officer & Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Treasury; Heather Hogsett, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of BITS, Bank Policy Institute; and Erez Liebermann, Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
- XPIA Attacks – Rethinking Defense in Depth for an AI-Powered World @1:15 – 2:05 PM
As adversaries rapidly develop sophisticated AI attacks, the solutions also need to evolve rapidly. This panel will explore Cross/Indirect Prompt Injection Attacks (XPIA) and the need to rethink traditional defense in depth strategies. Gain insights into XPIA trends, risk analysis, and innovative solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Join for practical strategies and expert insights.

Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft; Aanchal Gupta, CVP, Microsoft; John Leo, Jr, Managing Director – Threat and Vulnerability Management Leader, EY; and Stefano Zanero, Professor, Politecnico di Milano
- A Year(ish) of Countering Malicious Actors’ Use of AI: What Have We Learned? @ 2:25 –3:15 PM
Artificial Intelligence has changed the game when it comes to how cyber adversaries operate, and how defenders respond. This panel will explore lessons learned from the past year of countering malicious cyber actors’ use of AI, challenges and limitations of legal actions involving AI, and what roadblocks might appear going forward as AI, and the actors who use it, continues to evolve.

Speakers: Sherrod DeGrippo, Director, Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Morgan Adamski, Executive Director, US Cyber Command; Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI; and Sean Newell, Chief, National Security Cyber Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice

Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day | Monday – Wednesday Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Join Microsoft Security product leaders as they share their learnings and how you can apply them in your organization.
- Defending Against Modern Threats: Enhancing Endpoint Security and IT Resilience @ 8:00AM – 9:30AM
Speakers: Archana Devi Sunder Rajan, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft and Peter M. Thompson, Principal PM Manager, Microsoft
- Secure and Govern AI to safeguard your data, reduce risks, and support compliance @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speakers: Herain Oberoi, GM, Data & AI Security, Microsoft; Rudra Mitra, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Purview; and Neta Haiby, Director of AI Security, Microsoft
- Microsoft Security Copilot @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Speaker: Dorothy Li, CVP, Microsoft Security Copilot
- Secure your data in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM
Speakers: Talhah Mir, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview and Maithili Dandige, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview
- AI and Automation Panel: The Startup Innovation for Enterprise Resilience – moderated by FC @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM
**Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a copy of FC’s book, How I Rob Banks, and the chance to have it signed by the author at the end of the session.

Speakers: Kevin Magee, Director Cybersecurity Startups, Microsoft for Startups; FC, Co-founder & CEO, Cygenta; Shane Coleman, Chief Data Security Evangelist; Christ “Tito” Sestito, CEO, HiddenLayer; Ravid Circus, Co-founder & CPO, Seemplicity; and Jeremy Vaughan, CEO, Start Left Security

Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744

Stop by the Microsoft Security booth to catch a short demo of your favorite product.
- See Beyond Silos and Protect Better with Microsoft Security Exposure Management 11:00 AM –11:20 AM
- Accelerate your Zero Trust journey with the Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM
- Automating Vulnerability Management: The Power of “Endpoint Vulnerability Remediation Agent” in Microsoft Intune 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM
- From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
- Accelerating post-breach deep content analysis and mitigation with Microsoft Purview @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM
- Microsoft Sentinel Uncovered: Advanced Capabilities to Transform the SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM
- Protect AI Workloads from Code to Runtime with Microsoft Defender for Cloud @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM
- Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
- Unified SecOps: Defending Critical Infrastructure with Microsoft Defender @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
- Be Fast as Lighting: Automate Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel Service Delivery @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM
- Mastering Cloud Threats: Detect, Investigate, and Respond in real-time with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Defender XDR integration @ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM
- Practical Strategies for Securing AI-Driven Data: Enhancing Cyber Resilience and Insider Risk Management @ 4:30 PM – 4:50PM
- Secure and govern access to GenAI apps with the Microsoft Entra Suite @5:00 PM – 5:20 PM
- Bolster your SOC with Microsoft’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) @ 5:30 PM – 5:50PM
Networking and Fun | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)
- Secure & Sip: DevOps Edition @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM
Speaker: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub

Gather with GitHub’s security leaders and experts for meaningful conversations, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a custom ramen bar to round out your day at RSAC.

Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Day 2 of meetings with Microsoft Security experts continues. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. https://MicrosoftSecurityEvents.eventbuilder.com/MicrosoftRSAC2025events?source=blog_techcomm

As the conference starts to wrap up, don’t miss your chance to get hands-on with Microsoft Security solutions and ask questions at the Hub and booth and in 1:1 meetings.

Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | Location: Moscone Center
- Guardians of the Cyber Galaxy: Allies Against AI-Powered Cybercrime @ 8:30 – 9:20 AM
AI is revolutionizing cybercrime, putting traditional defenses to the test. Expert panelists unite to detail innovative public-private strategies and real-world case studies from their experience in INTERPOL, the FBI, Microsoft, and the Privacy & Cybersecurity Group of an international law firm. Gain actionable insights to protect the global community and fortify cybersecurity defenses.

Speakers: Sean Farrell, Lead Counsel, AI Strategy, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Corporation; Garylene Javier, Privacy & Cybersecurity Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP; Craig Jones, Immediate Past Director Cybercrime, INTERPOL; and Andrew Sczygielski, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Green and Sustainable AI for Cybersecurity @1:15 – 2:05 PM
The session will consider the carbon cost of AI and analytics. It will focus on the estimated energy and carbon costs of many cybersecurity use cases and approaches that can be taken to build more sustainable solutions. This will be illustrated through the use of a threat hunting and detection analytical solution and how that could be designed to be most power efficient.

Speakers: Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft and Sian John, CTO, NCC Group
- Scaling AppSec With an SDLC for Citizen Development @ 1:15 – 2:05 PM
AppSec programs are difficult. Filled to the brim with vulnerabilities. Overloaded staff and inadequate budget. The common “solution” is to narrow scope and focus on crown jewels and their devs. Increasing the scope to 100x devs and 1000x apps surprisingly worked, resulting in program remediation of >50K vulnerabilities in 3 months. 18K of them in a single night. This session will show how.

Speakers: Ryan McDonald, Principal Program Manager, Microsoft and Michael Bargury, Co-Founder & CTO, Zenity

Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Don’t miss the final few Microsoft Security focused sessions at our Hub.
- Threat intelligence trends and insights panel: Exclusive briefing from Microsoft Threat Intelligence @10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speakers: Sherrod De Grippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Jeremy Dallman, Senior Director of Security Research in Microsoft Threat Intelligence; and Steven Masada, Assistant General Counsel, DCU
- Secure access for your employees with Entra Suite @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speaker: Irina Nechaeva, General Manager, Identity and Network Access
- Securing the AI Powered Enterprise Executive Panel Lunch @12:00PM – 1:30PM
Speakers: Bret Arsenault, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft; Brandon Dixon, Partner Product Manager, Security AI Strategy, Microsoft; Manny Sahota, Director, Global Cloud Privacy, Microsoft; Herain Oberoi, General Manager, Data Security, Governance, Compliance, Privacy Business and Marketing, Microsoft; and Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI, Microsoft

Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744

Don’t miss your chance to see demos and ask questions casually at the booth.
- Make Windows endpoints more secure and prevent downtime 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
- Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Partnering with Microsoft 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM
- EY Security Copilot Empowered Solutions 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM
- Microsoft Security Copilot: Protect at the speed and scale of AI 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
- Phishing-Resistant Authentication, Trusted Onboarding & Recovery @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM
- Building a multi-layered approach to data security SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM
- Secure your email and collaboration tools against sophisticated cyber attacks @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM
- The latest intelligence on North Korean remote IT workers @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
- Secure and govern M365 Copilot with Microsoft Purview @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
- Proactively Mitigate Risks with Microsoft Security Exposure Management @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM
- Windows 365: The security of Windows, the scale of the cloud@ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM
- Shift your SOC from manual incident response to automatic attack disruption @ 4:30 PM –4:50PM
- A Look Inside Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative: Progress, Innovations, and Best Practices @ 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM
- Simplifying Data Security for the Modern Network with Microsoft Purview and Netskope One @ 5:30 PM – 5:50 PM
Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

It’s your final chance to ask your questions and give your suggestions directly to Microsoft Security experts. Book your meeting here: Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.

Microsoft Sessions at RSAC | Location: Moscone Center

Last but certainly not least.
- Shaping Cybersecurity: How Regulation Shapes Operational Cyber Defense @ 10:50 – 11:40AM
In 2024, elections and growing cyberthreats pushed cybersecurity to the forefront of government priorities. The panel will explore governments’ efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience through regulation, the impact on operational cyber defense, and discuss where greater alignment is possible. Attendees will gain an understanding of the quickly evolving global regulatory landscape.

Speakers: Ted Maurer, Senior Director, Global Cybersecurity Policy, Microsoft; Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, Director for Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity, DG Connect, European Commission; Ari Schwartz, Managing Director, Cybersecurity Services, Venable LLP; Josephine Wolff, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Policy, Tufts University, The Fletcher School; and Florian Schütz, Director, NCSC – National Cybersecurity Centre
- Taking the Fight Upstream: Pursuing Systemic Defense Against Phishing 12:20 – 11:10 PM
Three decades into the public internet, cybercrime is booming and phishing remains a key vector. With AI-enhanced attacks rising, common users are increasingly ill-equipped to defend themselves. What can be done upstream to protect society? This session explores systemic defense strategies across the ICT ecosystem that hold the potential for significant ecosystem-wide impact.

Speakers: Kelly Bissell, CVP Security & Fraud, Microsoft; Tal Goldstein, Head of Strategy, World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity; Steven Kelly, Chief Trust Officer, Institute for Security and Technology; and Kemba Walden, President, Paladin Global Institute, Paladin Capital Group
- Fraud, Risk, Hollywood & Government—A Strategy for AI Across Industry 12:20 – 11:10 PM
Dive into the high-stakes world of AI as the experts in this session unravel AI’s game-changing roles in Hollywood, government, and finance. Experience firsthand revolutionary strategies, ethical showdowns, and futuristic trends set to redefine industry landscapes. Get ready for a session that’s as dynamic and ambitious as a Hollywood blockbuster!

Speakers: Vishal Amin, GM, National Security Group, Security; Gurpreet Bhatia, Acting Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, Acting CISO, DOD; David Mahdi, CIO, Transmit Security; and Scott Mann, Film Director & Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Flawless
- Generative AI Meets Identity Governance: Automating the Overlooked @ 1:30 – 2:20 PM
Identity governance is often the last thing to be implemented and rarely gets the attention it deserves due to its complexity. This session will explore how Generative AI agents can help overcome this by automating critical but often deprioritized tasks like role mining and identity lifecycle management, particularly addressing the challenges of managing ‘movers’ within organizations.

Speakers: Angelica Faber, Sr Security Architect, Microsoft and Wesley Kuzma, Architect Manager, Microsoft

Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744

Catch the last day of theater sessions.
- How Enterprises will Continue to Learn from Open Source 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
- Creating Bespoke Identity Governance Solutions with Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM
- Identity-first security: Using an event-based approach for threat remediation @ 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM
- Securing and governing Agents built-in Microsoft Copilot Studio @ 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
- Azure Platform Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM
How to Make the Most of Microsoft Security at RSAC 2025

Plan Ahead: Bookmark this blog to easily find the things that interest you the most.

Visit the Booth: Engage with our security experts and experience live demos.

Follow Along Online: Stay updated by following Microsoft Security on LinkedIn and X.

Book a Meeting: Want to connect 1:1 with a Microsoft Security expert? Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.

See you at RSAC 2025!
MIL OSI Global Banks –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event
Source: Microsoft

Headline: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

So you just finished watching Microsoft Secure. That means by now, you’ve heard about our new protections for AI and Microsoft Security Copilot agents. These innovations will be the focus of Microsoft Security’s sessions and activities at RSACTM 2025 Conference (RSAC 2025).

The can’t-miss conference is just around the corner. Microsoft Security is bringing an exciting lineup of sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities to empower security professionals in the era of AI. Our entire presence at RSAC 2025 is designed to help you boost your AI skills so you can stay ahead of threats and manage security more effectively.

Whether you’re interested in protecting all your AI investments, AI-driven security, threat intelligence, or securing cloud environments, we’ve got something for you. To help you plan your time from Sunday, April 27 to Thursday, May 1, 2025, in San Francisco, here’s a quick and easy guide to all the key Microsoft Security moments at RSAC 2025.

Microsoft Pre-Day | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Palace Hotel

For the fourth year in a row, Microsoft Pre-Day kicks off the full lineup of Microsoft events and activities throughout RSAC 2025. We will host these at the Microsoft Security Hub at Palace Hotel, just a short walk from Moscone Center.

Hear directly from Microsoft Security leaders as they share reporting on emerging cyberthreat trends and the product innovations designed to protect against them. See the lineup below:
- Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Business
- Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Security
- Sherrod DeGrippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy
- Dorothy Li, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Copilot
- Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President (CVP) and Deputy CISO
- And more.
Register for Pre-Day today.

Networking Reception | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Microsoft Security Hub, Palace Hotel, Second Floor

Stick around after Microsoft Pre-Day to attend the Networking Reception—a lively evening designed to connect with the security community, engage with Microsoft leaders, and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick off an inspiring week at RSAC 2025.

On Monday we ease into things by focusing on what’s new all around. We’ll share lots of goodness about agents and our new innovations announced in March.

Security Demo Experience at the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 | All day, every day | Moscone Center North Expo Hall

Monday is the first day to explore the show floor. Stop by the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 in Moscone Center North Expo Hall to explore live demos, meet Microsoft Security experts, and get hands-on with the latest tools.

Become a defender against cyber threats in a fast-paced, interactive game. You’ll be a part of a mission, navigating realistic incident response scenarios using Microsoft Security solutions, including our new AI Agents. Engage in quick skill challenges and wrap up with expert insights. Are you ready to beat the bad actors?

Keynote: Security in the Age of Agentic AI | 4:40 PM | Moscone Center (West Stage)

Agentic workflows will dramatically reshape what is possible in security. By enabling more complex problem-solving, agent collaboration, and iterative learning, agentic AI will empower a new paradigm for security that was once the domain of science fiction. Vasu Jakkal will take an imaginative look at the future of security AI agents, and the very human-driven way they will change the game.

Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center

Our top Microsoft Security experts were chosen by RSAC to share their insights and best practices to help you level up your own security strategy. These sessions are designed for learning, not selling. So, you’ll hear more about what’s happening in the security space and less about products.
- Practical Strategies for Security Architecture in a Changing World @ 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
This session will delve into the core pillars of security architecture and share practical strategies that uphold foundational principles. Will discuss holistic system thinking and provide a practical playbook for navigating the complexities of security architecture while maintaining a focus on the fundamentals and essential considerations for a secure digital environment.

Speaker: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft
- RSAC Innovation Sandbox @ 9:30 AM – 12:40 PM
Ten of cybersecurity’s boldest new innovators compete in Innovation Sandbox for the title of “Most Innovative Startup.” ISB celebrates 20 years & spotlights startups with potentially game-changing ideas. The Finalists have 3 minutes to share groundbreaking products & solutions with a panel of judges. Interact first-hand with these companies as the judges deliberate before the winner is crowned.

Speakers: Christopher Young, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Ventures, Microsoft; David Chan, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer, Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Razi Howe, Operating Partner, Capitol Meridian Partners; Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman & RSAC Conference Program Committee Chair, RSAC; Paul Kocher, Researcher, Independent Researcher; and Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO, Verizon
- AI Era Authentication: Securing the Future with Inclusive Identity @ 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
This session explores the security and usability risks of authentication techniques for users with diverse needs. Emergence of AI agents, a new user identity acting on our behalf, also necessitates a rethink of authentication methods. Discover AI-era authentication using sensors like location and behavior and learn about the shift from active to passive authentication with prototypes in action.

Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft and Aditi Shah, Senior Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft
- DPRK Remote IT Workers – Have You Hired One and Are You at Risk? @ 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM
The DPRK actively deploys remote IT workers to generate revenue for the regime while circumventing sanctions. DPRK IT workers pose risks to companies, including insider access, potential intellectual property theft, and exposure to other malicious cyber activity. This panel will discuss best practices for identifying and preventing the hiring of DPRK IT workers.

Speakers: Greg Schloemer, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, Microsoft; Elizabeth Pelker, Special Agent, FBI; Chris Horne, Director, Trust & Safety Intelligence & Investigations, Upwork; Adam Meyers, SVP Intelligence, CrowdStrike; and Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director, FBI

Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Don’t miss our deep-dive sessions happening at the Microsoft Security Hub. Build your AI cybersecurity skills as Microsoft Security experts will share what they’ve learned and provide insights you can apply in your own organization.
- Harnessing Diversity – Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce in the Age of AI @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speakers: Amanda Minnich, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft; Nicole Ford VP, Customer Security Officer, Microsoft; Kyla Guru, Founder/CEO, Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education; Tanell Ford, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft; and Sherrod Degrippo, Directory of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft
- Reshaping SecOps for the Cloud AI Era @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speakers: Scott Woodbridge, General Manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft and Corina Feuerstein, Principal Product Manager for Copilot in Defender and Sentinel
- Practical use of CoPilot AutoFix to address Security Backlog @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Speakers: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub and Marcelo Oliveira, VP, Product Management, GitHub
- Executive Lunch: Scaling Compliance for Global Regulations @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Speakers: Bret Arsenault, CVP, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft

Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744

Here’s where we talk products. These 15-20 minute informal, come-and-go sessions run all day at the Microsoft Security booth. They’re demo-heavy product showcases to help you learn how to better use the tools you’ve got now.
- Identity Security in the Era of AI with Security Copilot @ 5:35PM – 5:55 PM
- Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 6:05PM – 6:25 PM
- From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security @ 6:35 PM– 6:55PM
MISA Awards| Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

It’s time to suit up in heroic attire for an epic celebration at the 6th annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards! Just like the Avengers, assembling to save the world, we’re coming together to honor the extraordinary achievements of our MISA members who work so diligently to protect customers from external threats! Congratulations to the incredible finalists for the sixth annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards presented by MISA!

Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with Microsoft Security experts and enhance your cybersecurity knowledge. From April 28 to April 30, 2025 customers and CISOs can schedule one-on-one meetings at the Palace Hotel to discuss your most pressing security product and threat intelligence questions. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.

Tuesday is the busiest day of the conference, with lots of choices in front of you, so plan ahead.

Keynote: AI Safety: Where Do We Go From Here? | 8:30 AM | Moscone Center (West Stage)

During this keynote session, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the UK AI Safety Institute leaders come together for this blockbuster panel to explain the evolving landscape of AI safety. Attendees will gain insights into key developments in AI safety that should matter to organizations, its intersection with existing security initiatives, and time-tested approaches to translate AI safety to practice.

Speakers: Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; Jade Leung, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; and Daniel Rohrer, VP Software Product Security, Architecture & Research, NVIDIA

Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center

RSAC has chosen top Microsoft Security experts to share insights and best practices, letting you learn about the latest in security without the sales pitch.
- Incident Response Dilemmas: Sharing Intel Across Sectors in Critical Times @ 9:40 – 10:30 AM
An incident may be a singular event affecting one entity. What happens when it affects our critical infrastructure and has the possibility of sector-wide impact and cascading effects? How do companies share information and meet regulatory expectations? The session will dive into the work that financial services companies, the government, and cloud service providers are taking to mature IR.

Speakers: Ann Johnson, CVP & Deputy CISO, Customer Security Managment Office, Microsoft; Ted Conklin, Chief AI Officer & Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Treasury; Heather Hogsett, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of BITS, Bank Policy Institute; and Erez Liebermann, Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
- XPIA Attacks – Rethinking Defense in Depth for an AI-Powered World @1:15 – 2:05 PM
As adversaries rapidly develop sophisticated AI attacks, the solutions also need to evolve rapidly. This panel will explore Cross/Indirect Prompt Injection Attacks (XPIA) and the need to rethink traditional defense in depth strategies. Gain insights into XPIA trends, risk analysis, and innovative solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Join for practical strategies and expert insights.

Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft; Aanchal Gupta, CVP, Microsoft; John Leo, Jr, Managing Director – Threat and Vulnerability Management Leader, EY; and Stefano Zanero, Professor, Politecnico di Milano
- A Year(ish) of Countering Malicious Actors’ Use of AI: What Have We Learned? @ 2:25 –3:15 PM
Artificial Intelligence has changed the game when it comes to how cyber adversaries operate, and how defenders respond. This panel will explore lessons learned from the past year of countering malicious cyber actors’ use of AI, challenges and limitations of legal actions involving AI, and what roadblocks might appear going forward as AI, and the actors who use it, continues to evolve.

Speakers: Sherrod DeGrippo, Director, Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Morgan Adamski, Executive Director, US Cyber Command; Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI; and Sean Newell, Chief, National Security Cyber Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice

Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day | Monday – Wednesday Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Join Microsoft Security product leaders as they share their learnings and how you can apply them in your organization.
- Defending Against Modern Threats: Enhancing Endpoint Security and IT Resilience @ 8:00AM – 9:30AM
Speakers: Archana Devi Sunder Rajan, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft and Peter M. Thompson, Principal PM Manager, Microsoft
- Secure and Govern AI to safeguard your data, reduce risks, and support compliance @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speakers: Herain Oberoi, GM, Data & AI Security, Microsoft; Rudra Mitra, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Purview; and Neta Haiby, Director of AI Security, Microsoft
- Microsoft Security Copilot @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Speaker: Dorothy Li, CVP, Microsoft Security Copilot
- Secure your data in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM
Speakers: Talhah Mir, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview and Maithili Dandige, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview
- AI and Automation Panel: The Startup Innovation for Enterprise Resilience – moderated by FC @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM
**Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a copy of FC’s book, How I Rob Banks, and the chance to have it signed by the author at the end of the session.

Speakers: Kevin Magee, Director Cybersecurity Startups, Microsoft for Startups; FC, Co-founder & CEO, Cygenta; Shane Coleman, Chief Data Security Evangelist; Christ “Tito” Sestito, CEO, HiddenLayer; Ravid Circus, Co-founder & CPO, Seemplicity; and Jeremy Vaughan, CEO, Start Left Security

Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744

Stop by the Microsoft Security booth to catch a short demo of your favorite product.
- See Beyond Silos and Protect Better with Microsoft Security Exposure Management 11:00 AM –11:20 AM
- Accelerate your Zero Trust journey with the Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM
- Automating Vulnerability Management: The Power of “Endpoint Vulnerability Remediation Agent” in Microsoft Intune 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM
- From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
- Accelerating post-breach deep content analysis and mitigation with Microsoft Purview @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM
- Microsoft Sentinel Uncovered: Advanced Capabilities to Transform the SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM
- Protect AI Workloads from Code to Runtime with Microsoft Defender for Cloud @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM
- Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
- Unified SecOps: Defending Critical Infrastructure with Microsoft Defender @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
- Be Fast as Lighting: Automate Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel Service Delivery @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM
- Mastering Cloud Threats: Detect, Investigate, and Respond in real-time with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Defender XDR integration @ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM
- Practical Strategies for Securing AI-Driven Data: Enhancing Cyber Resilience and Insider Risk Management @ 4:30 PM – 4:50PM
- Secure and govern access to GenAI apps with the Microsoft Entra Suite @5:00 PM – 5:20 PM
- Bolster your SOC with Microsoft’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) @ 5:30 PM – 5:50PM
Networking and Fun | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)
- Secure & Sip: DevOps Edition @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM
Speaker: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub

Gather with GitHub’s security leaders and experts for meaningful conversations, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a custom ramen bar to round out your day at RSAC.

Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Day 2 of meetings with Microsoft Security experts continues. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. https://MicrosoftSecurityEvents.eventbuilder.com/MicrosoftRSAC2025events?source=blog_techcomm

As the conference starts to wrap up, don’t miss your chance to get hands-on with Microsoft Security solutions and ask questions at the Hub and booth and in 1:1 meetings.

Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | Location: Moscone Center
- Guardians of the Cyber Galaxy: Allies Against AI-Powered Cybercrime @ 8:30 – 9:20 AM
AI is revolutionizing cybercrime, putting traditional defenses to the test. Expert panelists unite to detail innovative public-private strategies and real-world case studies from their experience in INTERPOL, the FBI, Microsoft, and the Privacy & Cybersecurity Group of an international law firm. Gain actionable insights to protect the global community and fortify cybersecurity defenses.

Speakers: Sean Farrell, Lead Counsel, AI Strategy, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Corporation; Garylene Javier, Privacy & Cybersecurity Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP; Craig Jones, Immediate Past Director Cybercrime, INTERPOL; and Andrew Sczygielski, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Green and Sustainable AI for Cybersecurity @1:15 – 2:05 PM
The session will consider the carbon cost of AI and analytics. It will focus on the estimated energy and carbon costs of many cybersecurity use cases and approaches that can be taken to build more sustainable solutions. This will be illustrated through the use of a threat hunting and detection analytical solution and how that could be designed to be most power efficient.

Speakers: Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft and Sian John, CTO, NCC Group
- Scaling AppSec With an SDLC for Citizen Development @ 1:15 – 2:05 PM
AppSec programs are difficult. Filled to the brim with vulnerabilities. Overloaded staff and inadequate budget. The common “solution” is to narrow scope and focus on crown jewels and their devs. Increasing the scope to 100x devs and 1000x apps surprisingly worked, resulting in program remediation of >50K vulnerabilities in 3 months. 18K of them in a single night. This session will show how.

Speakers: Ryan McDonald, Principal Program Manager, Microsoft and Michael Bargury, Co-Founder & CTO, Zenity

Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

Don’t miss the final few Microsoft Security focused sessions at our Hub.
- Threat intelligence trends and insights panel: Exclusive briefing from Microsoft Threat Intelligence @10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speakers: Sherrod De Grippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Jeremy Dallman, Senior Director of Security Research in Microsoft Threat Intelligence; and Steven Masada, Assistant General Counsel, DCU
- Secure access for your employees with Entra Suite @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Speaker: Irina Nechaeva, General Manager, Identity and Network Access
- Securing the AI Powered Enterprise Executive Panel Lunch @12:00PM – 1:30PM
Speakers: Bret Arsenault, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft; Brandon Dixon, Partner Product Manager, Security AI Strategy, Microsoft; Manny Sahota, Director, Global Cloud Privacy, Microsoft; Herain Oberoi, General Manager, Data Security, Governance, Compliance, Privacy Business and Marketing, Microsoft; and Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI, Microsoft

Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744

Don’t miss your chance to see demos and ask questions casually at the booth.
- Make Windows endpoints more secure and prevent downtime 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
- Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Partnering with Microsoft 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM
- EY Security Copilot Empowered Solutions 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM
- Microsoft Security Copilot: Protect at the speed and scale of AI 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
- Phishing-Resistant Authentication, Trusted Onboarding & Recovery @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM
- Building a multi-layered approach to data security SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM
- Secure your email and collaboration tools against sophisticated cyber attacks @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM
- The latest intelligence on North Korean remote IT workers @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
- Secure and govern M365 Copilot with Microsoft Purview @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
- Proactively Mitigate Risks with Microsoft Security Exposure Management @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM
- Windows 365: The security of Windows, the scale of the cloud@ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM
- Shift your SOC from manual incident response to automatic attack disruption @ 4:30 PM –4:50PM
- A Look Inside Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative: Progress, Innovations, and Best Practices @ 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM
- Simplifying Data Security for the Modern Network with Microsoft Purview and Netskope One @ 5:30 PM – 5:50 PM
Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor)

It’s your final chance to ask your questions and give your suggestions directly to Microsoft Security experts. Book your meeting here: Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.

Microsoft Sessions at RSAC | Location: Moscone Center

Last but certainly not least.
- Shaping Cybersecurity: How Regulation Shapes Operational Cyber Defense @ 10:50 – 11:40AM
In 2024, elections and growing cyberthreats pushed cybersecurity to the forefront of government priorities. The panel will explore governments’ efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience through regulation, the impact on operational cyber defense, and discuss where greater alignment is possible. Attendees will gain an understanding of the quickly evolving global regulatory landscape.

Speakers: Ted Maurer, Senior Director, Global Cybersecurity Policy, Microsoft; Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, Director for Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity, DG Connect, European Commission; Ari Schwartz, Managing Director, Cybersecurity Services, Venable LLP; Josephine Wolff, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Policy, Tufts University, The Fletcher School; and Florian Schütz, Director, NCSC – National Cybersecurity Centre
- Taking the Fight Upstream: Pursuing Systemic Defense Against Phishing 12:20 – 11:10 PM
Three decades into the public internet, cybercrime is booming and phishing remains a key vector. With AI-enhanced attacks rising, common users are increasingly ill-equipped to defend themselves. What can be done upstream to protect society? This session explores systemic defense strategies across the ICT ecosystem that hold the potential for significant ecosystem-wide impact.

Speakers: Kelly Bissell, CVP Security & Fraud, Microsoft; Tal Goldstein, Head of Strategy, World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity; Steven Kelly, Chief Trust Officer, Institute for Security and Technology; and Kemba Walden, President, Paladin Global Institute, Paladin Capital Group
- Fraud, Risk, Hollywood & Government—A Strategy for AI Across Industry 12:20 – 11:10 PM
Dive into the high-stakes world of AI as the experts in this session unravel AI’s game-changing roles in Hollywood, government, and finance. Experience firsthand revolutionary strategies, ethical showdowns, and futuristic trends set to redefine industry landscapes. Get ready for a session that’s as dynamic and ambitious as a Hollywood blockbuster!

Speakers: Vishal Amin, GM, National Security Group, Security; Gurpreet Bhatia, Acting Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, Acting CISO, DOD; David Mahdi, CIO, Transmit Security; and Scott Mann, Film Director & Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Flawless
- Generative AI Meets Identity Governance: Automating the Overlooked @ 1:30 – 2:20 PM
Identity governance is often the last thing to be implemented and rarely gets the attention it deserves due to its complexity. This session will explore how Generative AI agents can help overcome this by automating critical but often deprioritized tasks like role mining and identity lifecycle management, particularly addressing the challenges of managing ‘movers’ within organizations.

Speakers: Angelica Faber, Sr Security Architect, Microsoft and Wesley Kuzma, Architect Manager, Microsoft

Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744

Catch the last day of theater sessions.
- How Enterprises will Continue to Learn from Open Source 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
- Creating Bespoke Identity Governance Solutions with Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM
- Identity-first security: Using an event-based approach for threat remediation @ 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM
- Securing and governing Agents built-in Microsoft Copilot Studio @ 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
- Azure Platform Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM
How to Make the Most of Microsoft Security at RSAC 2025

Plan Ahead: Bookmark this blog to easily find the things that interest you the most.

Visit the Booth: Engage with our security experts and experience live demos.

Follow Along Online: Stay updated by following Microsoft Security on LinkedIn and X.

Book a Meeting: Want to connect 1:1 with a Microsoft Security expert? Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.

See you at RSAC 2025!
MIL OSI Economics –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Lee and Representative Davidson Introduce Aid Accountability Act

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH) introduced the Aid Accountability Act of 2025 which would create a “funding death penalty” for any federal employee or non-governmental organization violating the Helms Amendment which prohibits the use of any US foreign aid to perform or encourage abortion as a method of family planning.
Recently, the State Department has admitted that during the Biden administration, partners and grantees using funds from U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) misused funds intended for HIV/AIDS prevention to perform abortions in Mozambique. Although the State Department suspended the funding and secured reimbursements, there is, as of yet, no real penalties or consequences for co-opting foreign aid programs to push the progressive abortion agenda with taxpayer
Unfortunately, this is just one of many instances of Helms Amendment violations by PEPFAR partners and grantees who misused over $1 million of congressionally appropriated funds to promote abortion instead of controlling the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.
“For years, American tax dollars have gone to foreign aid efforts that promote abortion, in direct violation of the Helms amendment,” said Sen. Lee. “This is largely because there have been no real penalties for this grievous abuse—until now. Our legislation permanently cuts aid off from any organizations which violate the abortion prohibition, and permanently fires any federal employee who knowingly facilitates it.”
“It is illegal and immoral for the U.S. government to fund abortion abroad. Federal funding for groups that promote abortion damages our credibility and hurts our ability to work with nations that share pro-life values,” said Rep. Davidson. “The Aid Accountability Act ensures real consequences for those who ignore the Helms Amendment by permanently banning non-profits caught using federal funds for abortion. Further, it would ban federal workers from civil service who knowingly violate the law. Only by restoring accountability to foreign aid can we hope to restore trust in the State Department.”
This bill is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) and endorsed by the Family Research Council and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
The Aid Accountability Act would:
Ensure a grantee, sub-grantee, or contractor who violates abortion-related prohibitions become permanently ineligible for future US Funding
Bar any civil servant who knowingly facilitates a violation of abortion-related prohibitions from civil service for life and make them financially liable for the violations
Direct the Secretary of State to make the final determinations of violations and penalties
The Secretary’s determination may only be overturned by a federal court and is subject to the Congressional Review Act

Aid Accountability Act: One-pager | Bill Text

MIL OSI USA News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Closing remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development

Source: United Nations Population Fund

Madam Chair,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Leaders of civil society,
Dear colleagues, dear young people,

Muy buenos días! Greetings of peace – always on our minds as we deliberate in this multilateral space – peace in the home, peace in our hearts, peace in the wider world.

Last year’s 57th session of this Commission celebrated ICDP30. It drew record participation. This year again, this Commission garnered considerable engagement from Member States, civil society, from advocates for issues that affect older people and young advocates, too – all mobilized by the relevance of the theme: “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages”.

In adopting the ICPD Programme of Action 31 years ago in Cairo, Member States set out a vision for the achievement of people-centred sustainable development, through investing in health, including sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, promoting gender equality, and empowering adolescents and youth.

Deliberations of this Commission revealed that deeper investments in health, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, have driven progress in economic and social development, advanced social justice and supported individual well-being.

As the Commission opened on World Health Day, there was good news on maternal mortality. Your efforts over the years to improve maternal health outcomes have contributed to a remarkable drop in deaths worldwide.

The news, however, was less positive for Indigenous women, African women and women of African descent, and for women in humanitarian settings – far too many of whom continue to be left behind. Now, there is urgent need to go further to ensure that no woman dies needlessly from entirely preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.

As you highlighted, we as a global community need to do better to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare, including through financing and strengthened international cooperation and partnerships.

We heard your hopes and priorities for furthering these investments to achieve universal health coverage and truly leave no one behind.

You voiced commitment to improve health and well-being for populations at all ages; to end violence against women, including online; to ensure that child marriage and harmful practices no longer diminish the lives and experiences of women and girls and young people, in all their diversity.

How unfortunate, then, that the Commission’s best efforts could not translate into an action-oriented outcome this year. Because let us be clear, millions of lives are on the line. Because this year like no other, women and girls expect UNFPA and the entire United Nations to rush to their rescue.

And once again, it will be poor people who are cast aside, and as always sadly, it is women and girls with the most vulnerability and the least access to health services who will bear the greatest burden of ill health and preventable deaths.

In recent months, the world appears to be in retreat, turning a face of indifference to human suffering at a time when humanitarian crises are pushing more and more people to the brink. As the principle of international solidarity comes under attack, more and more people are dying. They are being denied fundamental rights and choices, food, life-saving medicines and the basic necessities of life, caught up in catastrophes not of their own making, and for women and girls, there is a battle over their own bodies.

Who is listening to the women and girls? Who will defend their fundamental rights? I can assure you that UNFPA is listening. We are responding based on the evidence, based on what women and girls tell us they need. We are committed to defending their fundamental freedoms, wherever they may be – in an urban centre or a rural area, in a refugee camp, fleeing violence or disaster, trapped by hunger and war. We will continue to do the necessary research, data analysis, the surveys and census advising to support countries who strongly desire to improve statistical data collection and usage to identify and address the needs of their people.

As language is debated in these august halls, let us unfailingly uphold the fundamental values that must never be compromised.

Principle 1 of the ICPD Programme of Action and Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirm that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

And what better way to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter than for “we the people” to “reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women”.

Madam Chair,
Distinguished delegates,

This Commission is the guardian of the ICPD Programme of Action. Your work, historically, has bettered millions upon millions of lives around the world. Even as there are opposing positions, I hope that we can agree that much more unites us than divides us.

Let us send a signal to those whom we serve that what is done here still matters.

For UNFPA, we will do our utmost to assist Member States to move forward. Because this is no time to turn back. Human lives, human rights and human dignity are at stake.

Let us hold fast to Principle 3 of the ICPD Programme of Action:

“The right to development is a universal and inalienable right and an integral part of fundamental human rights, and the human person is the central subject of development.”

In this regard, UNFPA notes with great appreciation your adoption of the decision on the special theme for the 60th session of the CPD on “Population, poverty eradication and sustainable development”, and we look forward to supporting Member States, in collaboration with our partners at DESA.

On behalf of all of us at UNFPA, I join in thanking our distinguished Chairperson, H.E. Ms. Catharina Jannigje Lasseur of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for her vision, her astute leadership, and her proactive engagement over months of preparation, and we commend her colleague Ms. Iris De Leede.

We appreciate the dedication and commitment of the CPD58 Bureau members from Burundi, Lebanon, Moldova, and Uruguay.

Special thanks to the co-facilitators, Norma Abi Karam of Lebanon and Jessica Orduz of Colombia, for their tireless efforts to promote evidence-based discussions on the draft resolution.

May I recognize the UN DESA Population Division for their stewardship of the Commission, and the close partnership with UNFPA to support these efforts.

To my own UNFPA expert colleagues, thank you for your long hours and skilled contributions to this year’s session.

A final note of thanks to the distinguished representatives, delegates and observers of this 58th Commission for your hard work and active participation in the deliberations.

I happily observed that this 58th session has been distinguished by meaningful participation by young people and by intergenerational dialogue to good effect. As commissioners, you have carried the aspirations for health of young people and older people, and you have carried our common aspiration for the healing of an increasingly ravaged planet.

It is my hope that this Commission’s discussions will continue to shape national policies, influence international agreements, and galvanize partnerships that make a real difference in people’s lives. These deliberations provide an important substantial contribution to the upcoming 2025 High Level Political Forum and its review of SDG 3 on good health and SDG 5 on gender equality and towards the preparations for the Fourth Financing for Development Conference and the Second World Summit on Social Development.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Quoting the gifted African poet Warsan Shire:

i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered
where does it hurt?

it answered
everywhere
everywhere
everywhere.

In looking forward to constructive substantive reflections next year under the theme “population, technology and research in the context of sustainable development”, on behalf of UNFPA, allow me to reaffirm our commitment to partnering with the 59th CPD Chair and all of you to support the full implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action and support the continued success of the 2030 Agenda and the Pact of the Future.

Remember that good health and healthy longevity begin with safe motherhood in the antenatal period. Let us continue to take forward our collective responsibility for a future in which everyone enjoys good health and well-being and everyone – at all ages – benefits from the fruits of sustainable development and lives in dignity and peace.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 11 April 2025 Departmental update Malaria progress in jeopardy amid foreign aid cuts

Source: World Health Organisation

Since 2000, investments in the global malaria response have prevented more than 2 billion cases and nearly 13 million deaths. Yet efforts to control and eliminate malaria are in jeopardy as communities and programmes face the fallout of recent funding cuts.

Malaria is preventable and curable – but without prompt diagnosis and treatment, it can rapidly escalate to severe illness and death, particularly among young children and pregnant women. In 2023 alone, malaria claimed nearly 600 000 lives, with an estimated 95% of these deaths occurring in the WHO African Region.[1]

The 2025 funding cuts to malaria programmes put millions of additional lives at risk and could reverse decades of progress earned, in part, through longstanding investments from the United States of America and other global partners. Between 2010 and 2023, the USA contributed an average of 37% of global malaria financing through both bilateral and multilateral channels.[2]

The recent experience of the COVID-19 pandemic showed that sudden interruptions to malaria service delivery can be deadly. In 2020, COVID-related disruptions to the provision of malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment led to an estimated 14 million more malaria cases and an additional 47 000 deaths.[3]

“History has shown us what happens if we let down our guard against malaria,” cautions Dr Daniel Ngamije, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. “In 1969, the global eradication effort was abandoned, triggering a resurgence in cases and deaths. It took nearly 30 years for world leaders to come together and restore momentum.”

Although funding for some USA-supported malaria programmes has been reinstated, the disruptions have left critical gaps. Without the rapid delivery of prevention and treatment services to at-risk populations, the consequences could be fatal.

Findings of rapid WHO survey

The impact is being felt across the health sector. Of the 108 WHO country offices that took part in a recent WHO survey, nearly three quarters reported severe disruptions to health services following the pause in overseas development assistance (ODA).

Responses from country offices suggest that budget cuts are already translating into increased out-of-pocket payments for patients, with the poor and vulnerable likely to carry the heaviest financial burden. The survey highlighted job losses for health and care workers as well as disruptions to information systems and to the supply of medicines and health products.

Reponses to malaria have been particularly affected. Of the 64 malaria-endemic countries surveyed, more than half reported moderate or severe disruptions to malaria services.

Impact of funding shortfall highlighted at WHO advisory committee meeting

Further information was shared in this week’s WHO Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG) meeting, held from 8–10 April. MPAG members heard updates on current challenges and priority actions taken by countries and their global partners to respond to immediate funding shortfalls.

Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been a cornerstone of malaria prevention efforts in Africa over the past 2 decades. By early April 2025, more than 40% of planned ITN distribution campaigns designed to reach 425 million people were either delayed or at risk of being derailed, according to data provided by national malaria programmes.

Nearly 30% of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) campaigns to protect 58 million children were also off track. In many African countries, stocks of rapid diagnostic tests and medicines have reached critically low levels.

Reductions in funding also threaten to undermine critical investments in scientific innovation, including in new and improved preventive, diagnostic and treatment interventions as well as in new tools to address drug and insecticide resistance.

“We must not allow funding setbacks to derail the global malaria agenda,” noted Dr Jérôme Salomon, WHO Assistant Director-General, in his opening remarks at MPAG. “We urge all stakeholders to sustain their commitments, safeguard national plans, and coordinate adaptation strategies in response to the shifting funding landscape.”

Country leadership and partner support critical to response

In Nigeria, lawmakers have approved an additional US$ 200 million for the health sector as part of a 2025 spending plan – an effort to mitigate the impact of the recent suspension of USA foreign aid.[4] Across Africa, other countries are strengthening coordination mechanisms and taking steps to close critical gaps through the use of domestic resources.

WHO and partners remain committed to supporting national governments and civil society in securing sustained funding and delivering integrated solutions to protect those most at risk. Achieving resilient and self-financed health systems will require increased domestic investment in health and a strategic use of available resources to maximize impact.

“This is the moment for data-driven decision making – for ensuring every dollar is used wisely,” said Dr Dyann Wirth, MPAG Chair. “People and communities already facing poverty and vulnerability will bear the brunt of these funding cuts. We must embrace equity-focused action and stand up for sustainable solutions that leave no one behind.”

In March 2025, WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria launched a cross-partner working group of technical experts and donor agencies to ensure rapid, aligned support for countries where it is most needed.

“It is critical, now more than ever, to ensure that our malaria interventions are fully integrated within broader health systems,” noted Dr Michael Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. “Our collective efforts must continue to focus on streamlining, on coordination and on sustainable financing. And, at the end of the day, we must ensure that we are putting countries first.”

Sustained investment in primary health care and delivering integrated, life-saving services – particularly for vulnerable populations – must remain a priority.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Concluding Session, Commission on Population and Development Fails to Adopt Text on Ensuring Healthy Lives, Promoting Well-being for All

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Several Delegates Take Issue with Language Concerning Sexual, Reproductive Health Services, Reproductive Rights

The Commission on Population and Development failed to adopt an outcome document today as it concluded its fifty-eighth session, with delegates sharply divided about support for sexual and reproductive rights, and some questioning commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

At the outset of the meeting, Catharina Jannigje Lasseur (Netherlands), Chair of the Commission at its fifty-eighth session, withdrew the draft resolution she had circulated earlier, citing a lack of agreement among delegations. While noting “strong efforts towards consensus”, she acknowledged: “I see no other possibility at this late hour than to withdraw my proposal.”

If adopted, that wide-ranging text, titled “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages” (document E/CN.9/2025/L.4), would have urged Member States to ensure everyone’s right to the enjoyment of the highest-attainable standard of physical and mental health and called on them to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services. It would have also called on Governments to take concrete measures towards the full implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.

The Programme, adopted by 179 countries at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo, set out an ambitious vision about the relationships between population, development and individual well-being. It recognized that reproductive health and rights, as well as women’s empowerment and gender equality, are cornerstones of development.

In the contentious discussion that followed the Chair’s withdrawal of her resolution, many speakers expressed regret that the Commission could not adopt a consensus text this year but diverged as to why agreement was not possible.

Several speakers took issue with language concerning “sexual and reproductive health services”, as well as “reproductive rights”. The representative of Djibouti said that there is an “ever-growing number of delegations who have come to realize that [these terms] have become — and remain — highly controversial”. Similarly, the observer for the Holy See said: “This language has always been controversial.” Nigeria’s delegate said that, despite various calls for the removal of certain language, the facilitators ignored these requests, which concern “cultural and ethical values and core national priorities”.

Burundi’s delegate underscored that the phrase “sexual and reproductive rights” must not be interpreted to mean the right to abortion. The term “gender” must be understood as exclusively meaning the biological sexes of male and female. Further, “a strong family policy” must be at the heart of sustainable development, he said. The representatives of Iran, Cameroon, Belarus and the Russian Federation also said they could not agree with a text that did not incorporate references to the role of the family.

However, South Africa’s delegate, delivering a statement on behalf of a number of countries, said: “We are deeply concerned by what we have witnessed in this forum around fundamental rights and issues that have enjoyed long-standing consensus in the United Nations.” Noting the ongoing challenge to human rights — including the right to development and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights — she reaffirmed commitment to the International Conference on Population and Development’s Programme of Action.

Poland’s delegate, speaking for the European Union, also reiterated support to that Programme and the role of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in advancing sexual and reproductive health and gender equality. She stressed the need to ensure that “we live in a world without sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, where all women and girls can make choices about their life, health and well-being, where the potential of every individual is fulfilled and no mother or infant dies simply because the health system has failed them”.

Inclusive and resilient health systems, universal healthcare and inclusive sexual health and reproductive services are essential to sustainable development, stressed Sweden’s representative, while France’s delegate stressed that reproductive rights “are what determines access to development for women and girls”.

The representative of the United States, meanwhile, said that his delegation “rejects and denounces the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and will no longer affirm the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] as a matter of course”.

Many delegations, however, took the floor to reaffirm their support for the 2030 Agenda, including the representatives of Chile, Lebanon, Colombia, the Republic of Moldova, the Philippines and Japan. The representatives of Portugal, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Australia (also speaking for Canada and New Zealand), Norway, Belgium and Luxembourg expressed concern that foundational references to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs were consistently challenged during negotiations.

“We cannot become accustomed to delegations picking and choosing from international commitments,” Brazil’s delegate said. China’s delegate described the rejection of references to the 2030 Agenda as “a regression in the course of history”.

In the face of such attacks, Germany’s delegate said, it is all the more vital to work together to realize the aspirations collectively agreed upon in the International Conference on Population and Development’s Programme of Action, the 2030 Agenda and the Pact for the Future. The United Kingdom’s representative warned that “ignoring links between health, climate change and inequality do not make them disappear”, while Uruguay’s delegate observed: “Sadly, we are living in a time when reason is insufficient.”

Algeria’s representative sounded a more-hopeful note: “Thanks to the work of this Commission, it was possible to have an exchange of views and achieve agreements that will undoubtedly facilitate negotiations in the future.” For his part, the representative of Bangladesh urged: “Let us not allow short-term differences to undermine our long-term destiny; consensus is not the surrender of national interests, it is the recognition that our fates are intertwined.”

In her closing remarks, Ms. Lasseur encouraged delegates to reflect upon the larger role of the Commission. With 116 Member States speaking in the general debate and more than 30 side events, this year’s session featured many examples of positive steps that have been made to implement the International Conference on Population and Development’s Programme of Action, she said. “This shows that the [Programme and the Commission on Population and Development] are very much alive and kicking,” she said. Participating in this forum, she added, “really made it clear to me who we are fighting for: women and girls, often living in rural areas, sometimes in dangerous conflict settings, lacking access to basic healthcare services, not having the basic necessities to live a life of dignity”.

“How unfortunate then that the Commission’s best efforts could not translate into an action-oriented outcome this year,” said Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, in her closing remarks. People are dying because they are denied fundamental rights and choices, food, life-saving medicines and the basic necessities of life, caught up in catastrophes not of their own making, and for women and girls, in battles over their own bodies.

“In this year, like no other, women and girls expect UNFPA and the United Nations to rush to their rescue,” she said, adding that once again, it will be poor people and the most vulnerable women and girls who will bear the greatest burden of ill health and preventable deaths. “Who is listening to them? Who will defend their fundamental rights?” she asked. Reaffirming the Fund’s commitment to listening to them, she said it will continue to respond “based on what women and girls tell us they need”.

Also regretting the lack of an outcome document, Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, expressed appreciation for the “frank, thoughtful and interactive” discussions held throughout the week. The Commission heard about important progress in improving people’s health and well-being over the past decades even as it learned about the many health-related SDG targets that are off track. She noted that these insights will feed into the Economic and Social Council’s activities.

In other business, the Commission adopted the report of its fifty-eighth session (document E/CN.9/2025/L.3) and the provisional agenda of the fifty-ninth session (document E/CN.9/2025/L.2). The Russian Federation’s delegate said his delegation was short-handed because one member arrived late due to visa delays and stressed that the United States has a legal obligation to issue visas in a timely manner.

The Chair said that in the absence of an outcome document, she would prepare a summary of the proceedings. Iran’s delegate said such a summary should not be considered a representation of the positions of delegations.

The Commission also adopted a decision (document E/CN.9/2025/L.5), which decided that the special theme for its sixtieth session, to be held in 2027, will be “Population, poverty eradication and sustainable development”. The Russian Federation’s delegate, noting that eliminating poverty is an important global goal, hailed the consensus by which the Commission chose the theme.

The Commission then concluded its fifty-eighth session and opened its fifty-ninth session, electing Zéphyrin Maniratanga (Burundi) as Chair and Arb Kapisyzi (Albania), Sasha-Kay Kayann Watson (Jamaica) and Stéphanie Toschi (Luxembourg) as Vice-Chairs. The nomination of the remaining Vice-Chair, to represent Asia-Pacific States, was deferred to a later date.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Hidden explosives continue to threaten communities

Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

This story was written by the UN Mine Action Service’s South Sudan team. In close cooperation with South Sudan’s National Mine Action Authority and other partners, the team coordinates demining efforts and reaches out to communities to raise awareness on the dangers of explosive hazards and how to avoid them.

After a conflict, after the guns fall silent, the legacy of war often remains hidden beneath the soil, lying on roadsides and scattered across farmland. Landmines and explosive remnants of war are left behind, threatening communities that are already reeling from the effects of violence.

This is the reality for many communities in South Sudan, a country that has faced decades of armed conflict and humanitarian crises. A farmer preparing their land, a child walking to school, a cattle herder guiding livestock, or a woman collecting firewood – all are put at risk by these hidden threats. So, too, are the humanitarians trying to reach communities that are in dire need of food, water, and medical assistance.

Since 2004, the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), an integral part of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, has been working with South Sudan’s National Mine Action Authority and other partners to remove these hidden killers. Important progress has been made, but large areas remain contaminated, and renewed fighting risks reversing the progress made in clearing land.

Together, UNMAS and its partners have cleared explosive remnants of war from thousands of kilometers of roads and land, letting life return to normal where demining has taken place. Farmers like Daniel Kong, from Malakal, who once feared tilling his land, can now cultivate their crops without fear. When his village was declared safe from mines, Mr. Kong was able to return to farming, letting him provide food for his family and earn a livelihood in the market. Pastoralists and women collecting firewood can now move freely without the fear of stepping on a hidden threat. Schools that were once contaminated with abandoned explosive weapons are now filled with students. This is a critical step forward in protecting children, who, over the last five years, have made up 80% of South Sudan’s victims of explosive remnants. Families can be reconnected, traders can resume their work, and humanitarians can deliver aid more safely.

However, South Sudan and some other conflict-affected areas around the world are facing renewed instability and the mass displacement of populations, reversing hard-won gains and posing new threats. This has made the need for mine action more urgent than ever.

Member State support will be critical to enabling UNMAS, UN peacekeeping missions, and our partners to continue to clear explosive threats and educate communities on how to identify and avoid them. At the upcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, they will have the opportunity to contribute specialized personnel, weapons and ammunitions management training, and other critical resources that will help demining efforts across the globe. By working together, we can make places like South Sudan safer for communities and the people living in them. Every explosive item removed is a future restored and a step closer to peace.

This story is part of the “Peacekeeping Impact” story series, which reports on the impact peacekeeping has for the people and communities it serves.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Adopting Fifth Committee Resolutions, General Assembly Also Decides to Hold Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan in August

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

The General Assembly today decided to hold the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Awaza, Turkmenistan, from 5 to 8 August, as the 193-member organ adopted several drafts, including those recommended by its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary).

Adopting the draft resolution titled “Further modalities of the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries” (document A/79/L.71) without a vote, the Assembly welcomed and accepted “with appreciation the generous offer of the Government of Turkmenistan to host” the Conference under the theme “Driving progress through partnerships”.

The Assembly also decided to rename the Conference outcome document the “Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024–2034”.

A representative of the Secretariat explained that to service the event, the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management and the Department of Global Communications would require a total estimated cost of $254,700 in 2025 for additional meetings and documentation workload.

“Every effort will be made to meet the requirements within their capacity, and there would be no programme budget implications for 2025,” he said, adding however: “Its ability to implement the mandate will depend on the availability of adequate liquidity resources.” He further noted that the Government of Turkmenistan will need to defray the additional costs directly or indirectly involved.

Intergovernmental Organizations Invited to Participate in UN Ocean Conference

Also acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted a draft decision (document A/79/L.73), by which it invited the intergovernmental organizations identified in the Secretariat note (document A/79/850) — namely the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation and the North Pacific Marine Science Organization — to participate as observers in the work of the 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14.

Recommendations by Fifth Committee

The Assembly then adopted five drafts recommended by its Fifth Committee without a vote. (See document A/C.5/79/INF/3 and Press Release GA/AB/4495 for background.)

Funding Approved for Measures to Combat Islamophobia

By the draft resolution titled “Special subjects relating to the programme budget for 2025” (document A/79/652/Add.1), the Assembly approved additional appropriations of $774,200 to implement its resolution 78/264 on measures to combat Islamophobia, $479,900 to implement decisions by the Human Rights Council and $95.39 million for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The Assembly also requested the Secretary-General to provide an analysis on the impact of the rapid development of emerging technologies, increase transparency and clarity of information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure, and submit a proposal on the presentation of the costs of such technology.

The draft resolution “Human resources management” (document A/79/839) has the Assembly note rule 3.3 of the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations regarding appointment and promotion and stress that paragraph 66 of its resolution 79/257 of 24 December 2024 does not relate to cases of “promotions”. It also stressed that any changes to the “Guidelines for determination of level and step on recruitment to the Professional category and above” by the Secretary-General shall be fully in line with Assembly resolutions and decisions.

Importance of Joint Inspection Unit

By the draft resolution “Joint Inspection Unit” (document A/79/840), the Assembly took note of the Unit’s report for 2024, its programme of work for 2025 and the Secretary-General’s note on Unit’s 2024 report. By other terms, it stressed the importance of the Unit’s oversight functions in identifying concrete managerial, administrative and programming questions within the participating organizations and providing the General Assembly and other legislative organs action-oriented recommendations. Underscoring the unique role of the Unit as an external and independent system-wide inspection, evaluation and investigation body, the Assembly reaffirmed the Unit’s independence and stressed that budget estimates are to be prepared in a transparent consistent manner for submission to the Assembly.

The draft resolution “Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolutions 48/218 B, 54/244, 59/272, 64/263, 69/253 and 74/257” (document A/79/649) has the Assembly reiterate the five-year non-renewable term of the Under-Secretary General for Internal Oversight Services, and requested the Secretary-General to continue to ensure the full implementation of resolution 48/218 in future appointments. It also decided to evaluate and review at its eighty-fourth session the functions and reporting procedures of the Office of Internal Oversight Services and to that end to include in the provisional agenda of that session an item entitled “Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolutions 48/218, 54/244, 59/272, 64/263, 69/253, 74/257 and 79/___”.

Assembly Defers Consideration of Fifth Committee Agenda Items

By the draft decision titled “Questions deferred for future consideration” (document A/79/653/Add.1), the Assembly decided to defer until the second part of its resumed seventy-ninth session consideration of the Secretary-General’s report on improving the United Nations financial situation, as well as the related report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ). Further, the Assembly decided to defer until its eightieth session consideration of Secretary-General’s report on standards of accommodation for air travel and the related ACABQ report, and to the first part of its resumed eightieth session consideration of the Secretary-General’s report on the review of the UN Secretariat internship programme, as well as the related ACABQ report.

Additionally, the Assembly took note of the Fifth Committee’s report concerning agenda items 141 “Improving the financial situation of the United Nations” (document A/79/838), 137 “Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations” and 150 “Report on the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (document A/79/648/Add.1).

Filling Vacancies on Contribution, Audit Committees

Acting on the Fifth Committee’s recommendations without a vote, the Assembly appointed Denis Piminov (Russian Federation), Benjamin Sieberns (Germany) and Fu Liheng (China) as members of the Committee on Contributions, and Eric Oduro Osae (Ghana) as a member of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee, for terms of office from today to 31 December 2026.

Application of Article 19 of UN Charter: Congo Reduces Its Arrears

In other business, the Assembly took note of Congo’s payment necessary to reduce the arrears below the amount specified in Article 19 of the United Nations Charter (document A/79/720/Add.4).

Tribute to Former Assembly President

It also observed a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of the President of the forty-nineth session of the Assembly, Amara Essy (Côte d’Ivoire), who passed away on 8 April.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Tanzania: Stop repression of opposition leaders and immediately release Tundu Liss

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to news that treason charges were brought against Tundu Lissu, leader of Tanzania’s main opposition Party for Democracy and Progress (Chadema) on 10 April, following his arrest on 9 April, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah said:

“The Tanzanian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Tundu Lissu whose arbitrary arrest and detention comes amid a growing crackdown on opposition leaders ahead of the October 2025 general elections.

“The authorities’ campaign of repression saw four government critics forcibly disappeared, and one unlawfully killed in 2024. The police have also prevented opposition members from holding meetings and other political gatherings, subjecting them to mass arrest, arbitrary detention and unlawful use of force.

“Instead of using these heavy-handed tactics to silence critics, authorities in Tanzania should focus on upholding fundamental human rights in the country, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

Tundu Lissu

Tundu Lissu was arrested on 9 April 2025 after holding a political rally in Mbinga town, southwest of Tanzania. He was then transferred to Dar es Salaam, more than 1,000 kilometres away by road during the night. Police used excessive force, including by firing teargas and shooting in the air to disperse his supporters who gathered around during the arrest.

On 10 April, police charged him with the non-bailable offence of treason, in relation to social media posts he made on 3 April calling for Tanzanians to boycott the forthcoming elections, citing the possibility of rigging.

The state also charged him with three offences in relation to the “publication of false information” using the country’s cybercrime laws. On 3 April 2025, Tundu Lissu, in a You Tube post also stated that Tanzanian police participated in alleged electoral malpractices that he claimed were ordered by the president following the November 2024 local elections. He further stated that judges in the country are not independent and subject to pressure of the ruling party.

Dioniz Kipanya, a Chadema party official, disappeared on 26 July 2024 when he left home following a telephone conversation with an unidentified person. Deusdedith Soka and Jacob Godwin Mlay, both Chadema youth activists, and Frank Mbise, a motorcycle taxi driver, were abducted by a group of men suspected to be police officers on 18 August 2024.

The body of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a senior Chadema member, was found on 8 September 2024. Suspected security agents had abducted him from a bus on 6 September 2024 while he was travelling home to Tanga from Dar es Salaam. According to a post-mortem his body had been soaked in acid and bore signs of a beating.

Tundu Lissu will be arraigned in Kisitu Magistrates Court of Dar es Salaam on 24 April 2025.

MIL OSI NGO –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Tanzania: Stop repression of opposition leaders and immediately release Tundu Lissu

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to news that treason charges were brought against Tundu Lissu, leader of Tanzania’s main opposition Party for Democracy and Progress (Chadema) on 10 April, following his arrest on 9 April, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah said:

“The Tanzanian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Tundu Lissu whose arbitrary arrest and detention comes amid a growing crackdown on opposition leaders ahead of the October 2025 general elections.

“The authorities’ campaign of repression saw four government critics forcibly disappeared, and one unlawfully killed in 2024. The police have also prevented opposition members from holding meetings and other political gatherings, subjecting them to mass arrest, arbitrary detention and unlawful use of force.

The Tanzanian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Tundu Lissu whose arbitrary arrest and detention comes amid a growing crackdown on opposition leaders ahead of the October 2025 general elections.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

“Instead of using these heavy-handed tactics to silence critics, authorities in Tanzania should focus on upholding fundamental human rights in the country, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

Background

Tundu Lissu was arrested on 9 April 2025 after holding a political rally in Mbinga town, southwest of Tanzania. He was then transferred to Dar es Salaam, more than 1,000 kilometres away by road during the night. Police used excessive force, including by firing teargas and shooting in the air to disperse his supporters who gathered around during the arrest.

On 10 April 2025, police charged him with the non-bailable offence of treason, in relation to social media posts he made on 3 April 2025 calling for Tanzanians to boycott the forthcoming elections, citing the possibility of rigging.

The state also charged him with three offences in relation to the “publication of false information” using the country’s cybercrime laws. On 3 April 2025, Tundu Lissu, in a You Tube post also stated that Tanzanian police participated in alleged electoral malpractices that he claimed were ordered by the president following the November 2024 local elections. He further stated that judges in the country are not independent and subject to pressure of the ruling party.

Dioniz Kipanya, a Chadema party official, disappeared on 26 July 2024 when he left home following a telephone conversation with an unidentified person. Deusdedith Soka and Jacob Godwin Mlay, both Chadema youth activists, and Frank Mbise, a motorcycle taxi driver, were abducted by a group of men suspected to be police officers on 18 August 2024.

The body of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a senior Chadema member, was found on 8 September 2024. Suspected security agents had abducted him from a bus on 6 September 2024 while he was travelling home to Tanga from Dar es Salaam. According to a post-mortem his body had been soaked in acid and bore signs of a beating.

Tundu Lissu will be arraigned in Kisitu Magistrates Court of Dar es Salaam on 24 April 2025.

MIL OSI NGO –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murphy: Trump Is Dismantling Our Democracy. We Must Come Together And Act Before It’s Too Late.

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
[embedded content]
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to sound the alarm about Trump’s coordinated effort to dismantle the pillars of American democracy. Murphy warned attacks on journalists, universities, lawyers, and the business community are eroding the institutions that hold leaders accountable—paving the way for a fake democracy where elections still happen, but only one side ever wins.
“Most of the time, there is not a singular moment when the executive dramatically seizes power,” Murphy said. “There’s not normally a brazen attempt to burn down the Parliament building. No, instead democracies die when gradually, often quietly and methodically over time, the structures that hold the executive accountable–for corruption, for thievery, for wrongdoing–are dismantled. Dismantled so that citizens can no longer hold the executive accountable. Dismantled so that the political opposition never has enough room to maneuver meaningfully. There are still elections. The executive doesn’t try to stuff the ballot box. Occasionally, at lower levels, the opposition still wins. But what happens is that those structures of accountability are either so degraded or so completely co-opted by the regime that the truth is just buried and the political opposition loses the basic tools that it needs to win.”
Murphy warned authoritarian regimes begin by targeting the press—and that Trump is following the same playbook: “From Hungary to Belarus to Venezuela – countries that have elections but elections where one party just keeps on winning – these are places journalists are subject to [a] non-stop harassment campaign from the regime, such that people just stop doing journalism, or journalists stop telling the full truth. Last month, for instance, the Turkish President Erdogan locked up 11 journalists simply for covering the protests against Erdogan’s jailing of the top opposition leaders. Now Trump has not started jailing journalists, but the pace of harassment in the first 60 days of his second term is alarming. He’s denied access to government buildings, including the White House, to journalists who don’t use pre-approved language from the White House. He is preferencing credentials to partisan journalists who simply parrot his party line. His FCC has begun to deliberately harass media companies that are owned by political opponents of the President.”
Murphy underscored the chilling similarities between autocratic regimes’ attacks on universities and Trump’s own crackdown on higher education: “Universities, over the long history of democracy, have been the place where protest – especially youth protest – begins. They are a thorn in the side of leadership. The famous Tiananmen Square protests in China were, of course, started by university students. So it’s no surprise that if you want to crush democracy, you need to crush the independence of universities. That’s why Trump’s decision to target universities that permit criticism of President Trump is so bone-chilling. He pretends like he’s standing up to anti-Semitism on campuses, but what he’s really trying to do is make clear that protest against his policies on campuses will result in federal funding being cut off. Columbia University was forced to agree to a stunning list of free speech concessions in order to gain assurances from President Trump that their federal funding would continue. They had to agree to allow campus police to arrest protestors. They had to essentially agree to receivership – federal receivership – over an academic department that houses professors who are critical of Trump and his policies. Effectively, the President of the United States got to pick the person who will oversee the Columbia department on the Middle East, South Asian and African Studies as well as the Center for Palestine Studies. That is extraordinary. That’s not what happens in a healthy democracy–the leader of the country micromanaging academic departments at major universities to assure that academic work aligns with the regime.”
Murphy also highlighted the striking parallels between Trump’s campaign against law firms and autocrats who silence legal opposition: “Maybe there’s not a lot of love for lawyers in this country, but lawyers are the ones that bring the lawsuits to stop the thievery and illegality. Lawyers are compelled, by their oath, to stand up for the Constitution. Putin arrested Nalvalny’s lawyers right on the eve of Navalny’s trial. In Venezuela, Maduro routinely harasses and detains lawyers – human rights lawyers – because he knows those are the ones that will hold him accountable. In Tunisia, the regime stormed the offices of the Bar Administration to intimidate the legal profession into silence. Here in America, Trump is engaged in a shameless campaign of extortion against any major law firm that has taken a position against Trump or Trump’s interests. What he is doing is extraordinary, and it is mind blowing to me that it is just being ignored by my Republican colleagues. He’s going firm by firm – and not to every firm, just to the firms that have represented Democrats or brought cases against him – and he’s telling them that if they don’t fall in line and stop doing work to oppose him, their clients will lose access to federal work. That is extortion.”
He concluded: “If journalists are constantly looking over their shoulder and unable to report on the truth; if protest is suppressed, even moderately, at universities; if lawyers start giving cover, instead of uncovering corruption and illegality in the regime. If companies start being mouthpieces for the regime, as a price of doing business. If all that happens, then we are not a real democracy anymore. We are a fake democracy. Elections still happen– like in Turkey, like Hungary, like Venezuela – but the rules are going to be tilted and dissent will be suppressed so much that the same side – Trump’s side – wins over and over and over. And this should matter not just to Democrats – not just to members of the minority party – this should matter to Republicans as well. We swear an oath to uphold the constitution and it’s time for us to see the game that is being played…Only if we come together are we going to have a chance to save ourselves from the fate that has befallen so many other countries that have slowly, too quietly, seen their countries transition from real democracy to fake democracy.”
A full transcript of his remarks can be found below:
MURPHY: “Thank you, Mr. President.
“Mr. President, I was sitting with the CEO of one of America’s biggest and most influential companies last month, and I asked him a simple question: what could President Trump do that would be a bridge too far for you? What attack on democracy or the rule of law could Trump make that would cause you to speak up?
“His answer was pretty simple and it was pretty confident. He said that if Trump were to ignore a Supreme Court ruling, that would cross the line. He was reflecting a familiar theme. That until President Trump thumbs his nose definitively at a court ruling, then his attacks on democracy are troubling, but not lethal. It’s normal politics up until that dramatic confrontation between the executive branch and the judicial branch for which the Constitution, as we know, really has no prescribed remedy.
“And for many Americans, they might breathe a sigh of relief that America’s most influential private sector leaders would rise up to defend democracy if this confrontation that we worry about came to pass. Combined with a massive public mobilization, we could be saved.
“But I didn’t breathe a sigh of relief. The opposite: I’m deeply worried that we have really spent little time studying the paths that democracies take when they collapse. Most of the time, there is not a singular moment when the executive dramatically seizes power. There’s not normally a brazen attempt to burn down the Parliament building. No, instead democracies die when gradually, often quietly and methodically over time, the structures that hold the executive accountable–for corruption, for thievery, for wrongdoing–are dismantled. Dismantled so that citizens can no longer hold the executive accountable. Dismantled so that the political opposition never has enough room to maneuver meaningfully. There are still elections. The executive doesn’t try to stuff the ballot box. Occasionally, at lower levels, the opposition still wins. But what happens is that those structures of accountability are either so degraded or so completely co-opted by the regime that the truth is just buried and the political opposition loses the basic tools that it needs to win.
“In every democracy that stops being a democracy, then, there’s a familiar story. There are four institutions that the regime attacks, and attacks relentlessly, until those structures of accountability are so disintegrated that even though elections continue to happen, the same party or the same person wins power election after election And those four institutions are the press, the legal profession, universities, and the business community. If you degrade or co-opt these four institutions, you never need a high stakes fight with the top court in your country. You don’t need to burn the Reichstag down. You can still have elections. But only one party will win.
“So that’s why this CEO’s ‘assurance’ frankly sent a chill down my spine. Because our democracy isn’t at risk of dying. It isdying. As we speak. We are watching it die.
“It is not too late to save it. Let me say that again – it is not too late to save our democracy. But we can’t continue to close our eyes and think that our democracy can survive a coordinated assault on those four key institutions of accountability. Democrats and Republicans need to see what is happening before our eyes, rise up, and defend the independence of journalists, of lawyers, of universities, and of the private sector.
“So I want to spend a minute or two to walk you through what President Trump is doing, and how it frankly–chillingly–mirrors the tactics other leaders have used to transition real democracy into pretend, fake democracy.
“It always starts with journalists. From Hungary to Belarus to Venezuela – countries that have elections but elections where one party just keeps on winning – these are places journalists are subject to [a] non-stop harassment campaign from the regime, such that people just stop doing journalism, or journalists stop telling the full truth. Last month, for instance, the Turkish President Erdogan locked up 11 journalists simply for covering the protests against Erdogan’s jailing of the top opposition leaders.
“Now Trump has not started jailing journalists, but the pace of harassment in the first 60 days of his second term is alarming. He’s denied access to government buildings, including the White House, to journalists who don’t use pre-approved language from the White House. He is preferencing credentials to partisan journalists who simply parrot his party line. His FCC has begun to deliberately harass media companies that are owned by political opponents of the President.
“But Trump’s campaign to destroy independent journalism has a darker and more menacing side. Because Trump isn’t just trying to intimidate journalists so that they’ll be afraid to tell the truth. He’s also trying to destroy the concept of truth itself. And again, this is a key facet of leaders who are elected who are trying to transition democracies away and into something very different. How do you destroy truth? Well, that’s why the Secretary of Defense looks into the camera and tells the American public that the text messages that everybody read – filled with classified information and war plans – did not include classified information and war plans. The White House wants you to believe that 1+1 does not equal 2 any longer. That you should doubt even the clear things you see with [your] eyes. That nothing is real and nothing is true. That if you’re a supporter of the regime and I tell you that one plus one equals three, then one plus one equals three. Those weren’t war plans. Those weren’t classified documents.
“That’s also why the official position of White House on key issues – like tariffs – changes every hour. Because if the ground truth just changes constantly, then there’s no truth at all. Journalists are made to look foolish by reporting a true thing at 9am that becomes untrue at 10am. Journalism loses its credibility when the facts being distributed by the White House change all the time. Trump says the tariffs are permanent. Journalists report, ‘the president says the tariffs are permanent.’ An hour later, Trump says, ‘I never said they were permanent. They’re not permanent. I’m cutting deals.’ They write that he’s cutting deals. An hour later, they’re suspended, no more tariffs. When the truth changes constantly, it’s hard to believe that there’s anything true any longer.
“Second, universities are always – always – the target of would-be autocrats. Again, in Turkey, the government has terminated thousands of professors, just because they criticize the government. In Hungary, one of the nation’s most prestigious universities was forced to move out of the country because President Orban attacked it so ceaselessly for fomenting protest against his government.
“Universities, over the long history of democracy, have been the place where protest – especially youth protest – begins. They are a thorn in the side of leadership. The famous Tiananmen Square protests in China were, of course, started by university students. So it’s no surprise that if you want to crush democracy, you need to crush the independence of universities.
“That’s why Trump’s decision to target universities that permit criticism of President Trump is so bone-chilling. He pretends like he’s standing up to anti-Semitism on campuses, but what he’s really trying to do is make clear that protest against his policies on campuses will result in federal funding being cut off. Columbia University was forced to agree to a stunning list of free speech concessions in order to gain assurances from President Trump that their federal funding would continue. They had to agree to allow campus police to arrest protestors. They had to essentially agree to receivership – federal receivership – over an academic department that houses professors who are critical of Trump and his policies. Effectively, the President of the United States got to pick the person who will oversee the Columbia department on the Middle East, South Asian and African Studies as well as the Center for Palestine Studies. That is extraordinary. That’s not what happens in a healthy democracy–the leader of the country micromanaging academic departments at major universities to assure that academic work aligns with the regime.
“And now, having successfully forced Columbia to bend the knee and quell dissent on their campus, Trump is targeting other universities. Some of them will sign similar agreements, giving President Trump power over those campuses. But frankly, all Trump has to do is make an example of a handful of universities, and others will simply comply and obey in advance. Why, as an academic president, when you’ve got federal dollars that employ people at your university, would you permit a major protest against a Trump policy if you know that that’s going to jeopardize federal funds? Or maybe you allow it, because you don’t want to so brazenly stand in the way of free speech, but you just make sure that it’s not too big a protest, or it’s not too critical. You police speech to be on the right side of the regime. That is what happens in all of these fake democracies, and that is what’s happening here.
“But controlling speech on campuses is not enough. Controlling and intimidating journalists is not enough. You’ve got to go after the lawyers too. Now maybe there’s not a lot of love for lawyers in this country, but lawyers are the ones that bring the lawsuits to stop the thievery and illegality. Lawyers are compelled, by their oath, to stand up for the Constitution. Putin arrested Nalvalny’s lawyers right on the eve of Navalny’s trial. In Venezuela, Maduro routinely harasses and detains lawyers – human rights lawyers – because he knows those are the ones that will hold him accountable. In Tunisia, the regime stormed the offices of the Bar Administration to intimidate the legal profession into silence.
“Here in America, Trump is engaged in a shameless campaign of extortion against any major law firm that has taken a position against Trump or Trump’s interests. What he is doing is extraordinary, and it is mind blowing to me that it is just being ignored by my Republican colleagues. He’s going firm by firm – and not to every firm, just to the firms that have represented Democrats or brought cases against him – and he’s telling them that if they don’t fall in line and stop doing work to oppose him, their clients will lose access to federal work.
“That is extortion. This body, Republicans and Democrats, should stand up against it. But it is working. Several law firms have signed deals with Trump that obligate them to support – guess what? Causes aligned with Donald Trump. Paul Weiss was targeted by an executive order and struck a deal. But so did Skadden – they struck a deal with Trump before they’d even been targeted. Already, collectively, these firms have pledged – think about this – about a quarter of a billion dollars of pro bono work to file cases in coordination with the President of the United States’s political interests.
“And just like what happened with universities, there’s a lot of extra compliance that’s happening. I know for a fact that firms that have already signed these agreements with Trump have gone above and beyond the terms of the agreements to quiet their criticism of the government. And no doubt, every single major law firm will think twice before bringing an action against an illegal or corrupt action of the President, in fear of Trump retaliating against their business. That’s the point. The point is to try to crush dissent. The point is to try to stand in the way of anybody who is going to hold Trump accountable by using the power – the official power granted to him by the people of the United States – to try to signal retaliation against anyone who dares oppose him.
“But collective action–it can be a powerful tool. Together, the collective might of our universities and our law firms is significant. So they could choose to band together and decide to sign no agreements with Trump; to refuse to let the President of the United States dictate the terms of their speech, their business and their defense of the rule of law.
“And I don’t want to make the victim the perpetrator. This is all Trump’s fault, what he is doing to extort political loyalty from universities and law firms.
“But instead of their being collective action on behalf of these industries, the opposite is happening. In the legal profession, when Paul Weiss was targeted, the other big firms didn’t rise to their defense, they started making calls to Paul Weiss clients and lawyers, using Trump’s assault as a means to poach business or partners. That’s shameful, acting like ravenous vultures. Putting your profits first instead of your country’s interests or the interest of the legal profession, which pledges before a court to stand up for the rule of law.
“Instead, these big firms are aiding and abetting the destruction of the rule of law by doing Trump’s work for him, making targeted firms even more vulnerable by working behind the scenes to strip them bare for parts. There are good, patriotic lawyers at many of these high-priced firms who know this is wrong, and they should speak up. Some of them already have.
“And now, finally, Trump is coming for the rest of the private sector. Listen, I have no idea what the Trump tariff policy is. The constantly shifting positions of the last week are an embarrassment. It’s complete incompetent malpractice that has jeopardized jobs and retirement savings and college funds all across this country.
“But the tariffs are complicated and convoluted and hard to understand likely because they aren’t actually economic or trade policy. They are a political tool– this one designed to force every major company to come before Trump to plead for tariff relief in exchange for giving Trump the company’s political loyalty, no different than what’s happening in the legal progression or in America’s universities. A tariff can be written very easily to favor one industry over another, or one company over another, and the confusing nature of the tariff regime is a means for Trump to require every major company in the country to come on bended knee to him to get the relief they need.
“And that loyalty pledge could be anything – the purchase of Trump crypto coin, public support for Trump’s economic policies, donations to his political campaign. But having watched what Trump has done, one by one, to universities and law firms, why would we assume the tariffs aren’t just simply a tool to do the same thing to big companies?
So what I’m trying to say here is that you don’t need a Battle Royale between the President and the Supreme Court for democracy to die. If journalists are constantly looking over their shoulder and unable to report on the truth; if protest is suppressed, even moderately, at universities; if lawyers start giving cover, instead of uncovering corruption and illegality in the regime. If companies start being mouthpieces for the regime, as a price of doing business. If all that happens, then we are not a real democracy anymore. We are a fake democracy. Elections still happen– like in Turkey, like Hungary, like Venezuela – but the rules are going to be tilted and dissent will be suppressed so much that the same side – Trump’s side – wins over and over and over.
“And this should matter not just to Democrats–not just to members of the minority party–this should matter to Republicans as well. We swear an oath to uphold the constitution and it’s time for us to see the game that is being played.
“The good news is that the rules have NOT been fully rigged yet. There is still time – not loads of it – but there’s still time for this body to set a tone that causes the kind of massive public outrage necessary to stop this campaign of destruction in its tracks.
“But that requires those of us who believe that the threat to democracy is urgent to act like it. That means saying to our Republican colleagues that we’re not going to act like business as usual. That we’re not going to proceed to legislation unless we have agreement – Republicans and Democrats – to stop this assault on free speech and dissent. It requires the minority party to say that right now. Only if we come together are we going to have a chance to save ourselves from the fate that has befallen so many other countries that have slowly, too quietly, seen their countries transition from real democracy to fake democracy.
“I yield the floor.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Myanmar, Occupied Palestinian Territory & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (11 April 2025)

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
People of African Descent
Myanmar
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Syria
Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Gabon
Colombia
International Maritime Organization
Passover
International Day of Human Space Flight
Financial Contributions

PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT
On Monday at 10 am, the 4th session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent that will kick off here at Headquarters under the theme “Africa and people of African descent: United for reparatory justice in the age of Artificial Intelligence”. We will have the Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray will deliver the Secretary-General’s remarks.
Over one thousand participants have registered to attend the session which will continue until Thursday next week. There will be discussions on reparatory justice for Africa and people of African descent; human rights of women and girls of African descent; policymaking and systemic racism; digital justice, as well as on the bicentennial of the “Haitian independence debt.” Side events and cultural performances are also planned.
A report on the Forum will be presented both to the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly later this year. As usual, the meetings will all be broadcast on the UN webcast platform.

MYANMAR
In Myanmar – and just two weeks after the country was hit by two earthquakes, we and our partners have launched a $275 million appeal, which is an addendum to the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to reach 1.1 million people with urgent aid and assistance.
The earthquakes have pushed 2 million human beings into critical need of assistance and protection – that’s in addition to the 19.9 million people who were estimated to need humanitarian aid prior to this disaster.
UN agencies, partners and Member States, have rapidly mobilized aid – including medical care, shelter, safe water, hygiene kits, and food.
To further strengthen efforts on the ground, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated an additional $5 million for the earthquake response, on top of the $5 million already provided a few weeks ago.
And the UN Human Rights Office today said civilians are continuing to suffer as military operations persist, despite ceasefires declared after last month’s tragic earthquake.
At a moment when the sole focus should be on ensuring humanitarian aid gets to disaster zones, the military is instead launching attacks, that was what our human rights colleagues said. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on the military to remove any and all obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to of course cease military operations.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Moving to the situation in Gaza, our humanitarian colleagues tells us that earlier today, Israeli authorities issued two new displacement orders covering vast areas in northern and southern Gaza. Together, these areas span more than 24 square kilometres – roughly the size of everything south of Central Park here in Manhattan.
Several medical facilities and storage sites containing critical supplies are located within the newly designated displacement zones. And OCHA warns that this could have life-threatening consequences for people in urgent need of care.
With this latest development, OCHA reports that more than two thirds of the Gaza Strip is either under active displacement orders or designated as “no-go” zones – that’s areas where humanitarian teams are required to coordinate their movements with Israeli authorities.
This leaves Palestinians with less than a third of Gaza’s area to live in – and that remaining space is fragmented, it’s unsafe and it’s barely livable following 18 months of hostilities, which are ongoing. Overcrowded shelters which are in terrible conditions, service providers are struggling to operate, and resources are being depleted.
The UN Human Rights Office today said that the nature and scope of the Israeli evacuation orders in Gaza raise serious concerns that Israel intends permanently to remove the civilian population from these areas in order to create a “buffer zone.”
OCHA reminds us that today marks 40 days since Israeli authorities imposed a full closure on the entry of cargo into Gaza. Since then, no one – including we and our humanitarian partners – have been permitted to bring in supplies, regardless of how critically needed those items may be.
Everything is running extremely low: Bakeries have shut down, life-saving medicines have run out, and water production has been drastically reduced.
Israel, as the occupying power, as the Secretary-General said earlier this week, has clear obligations under international law, and these include ensuring food, medical care and public health services are available.

Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=11%20April%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQlHmFk0Euc

MIL OSI Video –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Sudan: World’s largest humanitarian crisis in terms of displacement – Presser | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Press Conference by Shaun Hughes, World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Emergency Coordinator for the Sudan Crisis, on the situation in Sudan.

————————————-

Senior World Food Programme (WFP) official in Sudan Shaun Hughes said, “By any metric, this is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis in terms of displacement,” adding that “four out of every five people displaced are women and children.”

Hughes briefed reporters remotely from Nairobi today (10 Apr) on the situation in Sudan.

He said, “12.7 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Over eight million people displaced internally, and four million across borders arriving to countries that are already facing high levels of hunger and humanitarian needs.”

In terms of hunger, the WFP official said, “this is the only place in the world where famine is currently confirmed, and only the third famine to be classified this century.”

Hughes continued, “The scale of what is unfolding in Sudan threatens to dwarf much of what we’ve seen over previous decades. In the Zamzam camp alone, which has been under siege for several months. There are over 400,000 people.”

The Regional Emergency Coordinator added, “Across the country, nearly 25 million people, or half the population, face extreme hunger. Nearly five million children and mothers are acutely malnourished.”

“This is a man-made crisis, man-made because it is driven by conflict, not by drought or floods or earthquakes, and man-made because of the obstruction of access to humanitarian assistance by parties to the conflict,” the WFP official stressed.

Hughes highlighted that WFP’s goal is to scale up to reach seven million people by mid-year, “focusing primarily on those 27 areas that are classified as in famine or risk of famine.”

He continued, “we need to be able to quickly move humanitarian assistance to where it is needed, including through frontlines, across borders, within contested areas, and without lengthy bureaucratic processes.”

“We need to re-establish offices and staff presence across all areas of the country, including the Darfur and Kordofan states, so that we can be close to the people we serve and monitor assistance and the situation as it unfolds. We need to be able to obtain visas for staff and custom clearances for goods and equipment,” the WFP official added.

He stressed that humanitarian agencies alone don’t have the influence to negotiate this, “it requires the world to pay attention and coherent and tenacious engagement from the international community, particularly countries that have influence on those waging war.”

The Regional Emergency Coordinator for Sudan Crisis, World Food Programme (WFP):
For the next six months in Sudan, in order to reach the objective of assisting seven million people, WFP has an 80 percent funding gap amounting to $650 million and another $150 million shortfall to take care of people that are fleeing across borders into Chad, into South Sudan, into the Central African Republic and elsewhere.

“Without funding, we’re faced with the choice to either cut the number of people receiving assistance, or to cut the amount of assistance that people receive,” Hughes said.

He explained that the cut is already happening. “This month, we’ve reduced rations in famine areas to 70 percent of what people need, and in areas that are at risk of famine to 50 percent. The funding we need is not only for food assistance, but also for the joint services that we provide to the broader humanitarian response, including humanitarian air services and logistics services,” Hughes said.

Asked about the funding gap, the WFP official said, “none can be attributed to the broader cuts in US foreign assistance. Fortunately, all allocations that the US government has made to Sudan remain effective, for which we are grateful.”

“I think more broadly that the outlook globally for funding of humanitarian assistance is quite disastrous due to a number of changes in the approach by donors,” he concluded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwQIXSImTGs

MIL OSI Video –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group approves new financing for European security, transport, energy, water and deep tech as well as support for Ukrainian firms
Source: European Investment Bank
- EIB Board approves €3.6 billion in financing for clean transport, energy and innovation, as well as upgrading water and sanitation in Africa.
- EIB Board also backed broader support for Europe’s automotive sector, which has received more than €11bn EIB financing in the past five years.
- EIF Board approved investment in deep tech venture capital fund and backing for war-affected small- and medium-sized companies in Ukraine.
The Boards of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), meeting this week, approved new financing to support economic prosperity and resilience, boost innovation and EU’s strategic autonomy in new technologies, and deepen global partnership.

“The EIB Group is responding to Europe’s priorities in the current volatile international context, providing financing for projects to boost security, technological innovation, critical infrastructures, and the deepening our international partnerships” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. “We also affirmed our commitment to support Europe’s manufacturing champions in the automotive industry. The automotive sector is the second largest focus of the EIB group after energy, where the EIB Group has committed more than €11.5 billion over the past five years.”

The EIB Board approved a total of €3.6 billion of new projects for water and energy infrastructure, housing and clean transport.

The EIF’s Board approved transactions totalling €2.2 billion, including four operations under the EU4Business Guarantee Facility to facilitate access to finance for war-affected enterprises in Ukraine.

Backing the automotive sector

The EIB Board of Directors discussed ways to further step-up support for Europe’s automotive industry, with a focus on innovation and investment in future technologies. The EIB Group has provided more than €11.5 billion euros to support the sector over the past five years, with financing covering the entire supply chain and key infrastructures – from battery and components manufacturing to electric vehicle charging stations.

Transport, energy, water and housing

New financing approved by the EIB includes more than €1 billion for low-emission transport in northern Europe, urban mobility in Germany, climate-resilience in Poland and an upgrade of 350 kilometres of the main transport route in Malawi.

Large-scale energy and water investment totalling €1.4 billion was also agreed, including research and development of heat pumps in Poland and Belgium, improvements to water and sanitation in Latvia and Guinea and an expansion of electricity distribution in Brazil.

Financing to enable construction of more than 700 affordable homes in Czechia was also approved.

Fresh EIB financing of €1.1 billion for company investments agreed today includes small-business financing programmes in Spain and Greece and venture-debt financing for 3D software, digital health and disease-resistant and drought-resistant agriculture.

Venture capital support for deep-tech and cybersecurity

Among the greenlighted EIF equity investments were participations in a pan-European venture capital fund seeking to scale up deep technology investments – including cybersecurity – with resources under the European Tech Champions Initiative, and a venture capital fund supporting early-stage tech companies in emerging European venture capital markets.

The EIF Board also endorsed two new mandates, which will respectively foster the Polish venture capital market and early-stage technology transfer and deep tech investments in Spain.

Background information

EIB

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.

The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high -impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Mauritius
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, April 11, 2025/APO Group/ —
- The Mauritian economy continues to exhibit resilience with growth at 4.7 percent in 2024 and contained inflation. The growth outlook remains favorable, though risks are to the downside.
- Mauritius needs to recalibrate the macroeconomic policy mix to rebuild fiscal space. The monetary policy framework needs to be strengthened while continued monitoring of macro-financial risks is essential to maintain financial stability.
- Advancing key reforms to foster external competitiveness and private sector-led growth while enhancing climate resilience will reduce external imbalances.
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mariana Colacelli visited Mauritius from March 31 to April 11, 2025, to conduct the 2025 Article IV Consultation.

At the conclusion of the visit, Ms. Colacelli issued the following statement:

“Real GDP grew by a robust 4.7 percent in 2024, driven by services, construction, and tourism. The growth outlook is favorable, supported by the services sector. However, real GDP growth is projected to soften to 3.0 percent in 2025 due to weakening external demand, easing tourism activity, and the severe drought.

“Headline inflation is projected to remain contained in 2025. Inflation eased in 2024 to 3.6 percent from 7.0 percent in 2023. Inflation was 2.5 percent in March, remaining within the Bank of Mauritius’ (BOM) target range of 2-5 percent, driven by declining international food and energy prices, and lower fuel excise duties.

“The external current account deficit is estimated to have widened in 2024 while foreign reserves increased to US$ 8.4 billion at end-2024.

“A deterioration in global growth and higher uncertainty in trade and financial markets could dampen growth. Delays in recalibrating the macroeconomic policy mix could lead to a disorderly adjustment. Extreme climate events could damage infrastructure and agriculture, weakening tourism and growth.

“Policy discussions centered on recalibrating the macroeconomic policy mix to rebuild fiscal space, strengthening the monetary policy framework, and maintaining financial stability.

“As in fiscal year 2023/24, the fiscal policy stance in fiscal year 2024/25 is expected to be expansionary—with the primary fiscal deficit projected to widen to 6.6 percent of GDP, excluding grants. Public debt is projected to reach almost 90 percent of GDP at end-June 2025. Implementing an ambitious medium-term growth-friendly fiscal consolidation plan, starting in fiscal year 2025/26, is critical to help rebuild fiscal space and support fiscal sustainability. Boosting tax revenue and reducing current spending while protecting the most vulnerable, and strengthening fiscal governance, are needed.

“Since 2023, the monetary policy stance has become less accommodative, and inflation has decreased to BOM’s target range. The BOM should remain ready to further tighten the monetary policy stance should inflationary pressures revive. The implementation of the monetary policy framework should be strengthened, and BOM independence must be safeguarded. Conserving foreign reserves will enhance the resilience of the economy in the face of external shocks. We support the authorities’ plans to gradually phase out the BOM’s ownership of the Mauritius Investment Corporation.

“Continued monitoring of macro-financial risks, including those associated with global business companies operating in the Mauritius International Financial Center and the real estate sector, will maintain financial stability.

“Advancing structural reforms to foster external competitiveness and private sector-led growth while enhancing climate resilience will reduce external imbalances. Key reforms would improve governance, sustain compliance with Anti Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards, boost private sector competitiveness, and enhance labor supply and skills.

“The IMF team extends its thanks to the Mauritian authorities and people for the constructive and open dialogue and warm hospitality.”

MIL OSI Africa –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Unlawful Illinois DEI Scholarship Program Suspended After Justice Department Threatened Lawsuit

Source: United States Attorneys General 10

WASHINGTON—Today, the Justice Department announced that it has acted to end the state of Illinois’ unlawful minority-only scholarship program. After the Justice Department threatened to file suit, the state and six universities suspended the program.

On March 31, 2025, the Justice Department found that an Illinois scholarship program unconstitutionally discriminated on the basis of race in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. Following the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellow of Harvard Coll., 600 U.S. 181 (2023), colleges and universities are prohibited from using race to select winners and losers in higher education. The scholarship program established by Illinois law used race as a prerequisite for participation, specifically excluding students of some races but not others in violation of federal law.

After the Justice Department notified the educational institutions of its findings, multiple universities informed the Justice Department that they had ended their participation in the program, including Northwestern University, Loyola University of Chicago, and the University of Chicago. None of the institutions that the Department notified of its findings is currently electing to continue its participation in the program.

Additionally, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, which administers the state-created DEI scholarship program, responded to the Department’s threatened lawsuit by suspending all its activities relating to the program until it can comprehensively review the program with the Illinois General Assembly during the current legislative session.

“This Department of Justice is committed to rooting DEI out of American institutions, including in the education system,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This latest victory illustrates that the threat of legal action can be enough to force bad actors into dissolving harmful practices that disregard merit and divide Americans based on race.”

“While the Justice Department is pleased these schools came into compliance with the law, other schools should be on notice that the Justice Department will not rest until all discrimination is eliminated from our society,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Chad Mizelle.

To learn more about the Civil Rights Division visit www.justice.gov/crt, and to report possible violations of federal civil rights laws go to www.civilrights.justice.gov or call toll-free at 800-253-3931.

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DelBene, Ways & Means Democrats Introduce Bill to End Trump’s Trade War Chaos
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Member Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Ranking Member Richard Neal (MA-01), Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez (CA-38), along with all Ways and Means Committee Democrats introduced the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, a bill to end the constant chaos created by President Trump’s trade wars and reclaim Congress’ authority over tariffs.

“Trade policy should support American families, workers, and small businesses and not be wielded as a political weapon. This legislation once again reasserts that the president does not have the power to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs, and tightens existing loopholes to ensure no president can violate our constitution moving forward,” said DelBene. “For communities in Washington, where trade-dependent businesses drive our local economy, this bill brings much-needed stability and ensures our trade policy reflects long-term economic interests, not political whims.”

“President Trump’s reckless abuse of tariffs has sparked nothing but chaos,” said Sánchez. “American families have been anxiously bracing for rising costs and small businesses are worried they won’t survive the economic strain – all while the president flip-flops on tariffs at a whim, doing backroom deals and keeping negotiations out of the public eye. It’s time to end this madness. Congress must step in and take the trade keys away from our rogue president and protect the American people.”

“Over the years, Congress has entrusted more and more authority over trade to the Executive Branch, and recent events have made it clear we must reclaim that authority,” said Neal. “This president is willing to call anything an emergency to justify his every chaotic whim. The American people deserve better—they deserve stability and forethought. That’s why I’m proud to support Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Sánchez’s legislation that will deliver just that.”

The Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act would:
- Turn off the global tariffs imposed on April 2: The bill would permanently turn off the new baseline tariffs of 10 percent for all countries as well as the massive increases in tariffs for 60 trading partners, such as Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Kenya. This would return most rates to the levels they were before the president’s tariff spree.
- Turn off the tariffs imposed by executive order for Mexico and Canada: The president should not be able to use congressional trade authorities to extort our closest allies. If there are trade issues with those two countries, then there is a process in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that President Trump negotiated, and Congress authorized.
- Require congressional approval for all new tariffs: The Constitution gives Congress the authority over trade. Getting a vote on tariff actions should not be held hostage to political whim; votes would be treated as privileged measures that ensures that the American people get to have their say. Apolitical tariff actions – like trade remedies, safeguards and trade agreement dispute settlement – are already insulated from partisan abuse and would not require a congressional vote under the bill.
The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Richard Neal (MA-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Mike Thompson (CA-04), John Larson (CT-01), Danny Davis (IL-07), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Don Beyer (VA-08), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Stacey Plaskett (VI-at Large), Tom Suozzi (NY-03) and Adam Gray (CA-13).

A copy of the bill text can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo crisis: Children subjected to deliberate, systemic sexual violence

Source: United Nations 2

By Vibhu Mishra

11 April 2025 Peace and Security

Sexual violence against children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached staggering proportions, with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reporting thousands of new cases in just two months – evidence that it’s being used as a systemic weapon of war and deliberate terror tactic.

Spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva via video link from Goma that children could account for up to 45 per cent of the nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence documented in January and February, amid heightened tensions between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Government forces across the mineral-rich region, where dozens of armed groups are active.

This translates to a horrifying reality – “a child was raped every half an hour,” he said.

“We are not talking about isolated incidents; we are talking about a systemic crisis. We are seeing survivors as young as toddlers. It is a weapon of war and a deliberate tactic of terror. And it destroys families and communities.”

A hidden epidemic of sexual violence

The crisis is likely worse than the reported figures suggest, Mr. Elder added. Stigma, fear, and insecurity means many cases go unreported, creating a hidden epidemic of sexual violence that should “shake us to our core.”

He underscored the urgent need for intervention by the international community.

“What should that action look like? We need additional prevention efforts, survivor-centred services, and safe, accessible ways for survivors to report abuse without fear. Survivors must see the world stand with them, not turn away. And perpetrators must face justice.”

He further warned that the already dire situation is being exacerbated by a growing funding shortfall. Critical services for survivors – such as medical care, psychological support and legal assistance – are being severely impacted by funding cuts.

“In just one hospital I visited this week, 127 survivors of rape had no access to PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) kits … they are no longer getting even the basic medical care they need,” Mr. Elder said, highlighting the consequences of budget constraints.

If the funding gap is not filled, the agency estimates that 250,000 children will miss out on essential services related to gender-based violence and protection in armed conflict over the next 12 weeks alone.

Long-term consequences

The funding crisis extends beyond immediate support.

In 2026, projections indicate that 100,000 children in the DRC could miss out on lifesaving measles vaccinations, nearly two million children will not be screened for malnutrition, and almost half a million will be left without access to clean water.

“The cost of inaction is not abstract. It is measured in preventable suffering and lost futures,” Mr. Elder said.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: The State of Play: Why President Trump’s Tariffs Are Necessary
Source: The White House
It’s cliché, yet true — the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and expecting a different result.

The trade policies of the past several decades have failed this nation, its workers, and our communities.

Twenty years ago, The New York Times Editorial Board responded to the January 2005 trade deficit of $58.3 billion by writing an editorial entitled “Dangerous deficits.” Deficits are certainly dangerous; former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker said trade deficits were to blame for the Great Recession.

The Times wrote in 2005: “At $58.3 billion, the U.S. trade deficit for January exceeded everyone’s worst expectations… The trade deficit is the single most important factor in measuring the extent to which the United States lives beyond its means.”

Since then, our trade deficit has more than DOUBLED. The U.S. trade deficit in January totaled a whopping $131.4 billion.

The impact has been seen everywhere.

Since 1990, manufacturing employment has decreased by 59% in New York and decreased by 35% in Ohio.

The loss of these jobs killed innocent Americans and destroyed towns. Multiple studies show the loss of jobs due to bad trade deals led to an increase in drug overdoses.

However, liberal commentators have lost interest in fixing this problem. In fact, they are offended at the suggestion that industry should return to America.

Chris Matthews was inexplicably stunned on MSNBC and asked, “What are we going to do? Have more lumber made in the United States now!?” Yes, we are. President Donald J. Trump even signed an executive order to expand American timber production.

Likewise, Nia Malika-Henderson on CNN ridiculously asked, “Is it worth it to upend the global economy for HVAC jobs?” Apparently, Nia Malika-Henderson thinks preserving low-wage jobs in China is more important than creating high-wage jobs in America.

The loss of American industry means we struggle to build ships, medicine, and other essential goods. This is a national security emergency.

Fortunately, we are already seeing progress in reshoring American industry. President Trump remains undeterred in his mission to Make America Wealthy Again.
- Guardian Bikes announced it is launching the “first large-scale bicycle frame manufacturing operation in the United States.”
- Novartis announced “it plans to spend $23 billion to build and expand 10 facilities in the U.S.”
- Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut announced it is increasing its U.S.-based production.
- JSW Steel announced it will be adding jobs at its Ohio steel plant.
- BMW is considering adding shifts to boost production at its South Carolina plant.
- Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and training.
- Nvidia announced it will invest hundreds of billions of dollars over the next four years in U.S.-based manufacturing.
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in U.S.-based chips manufacturing.
- Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment in domestic manufacturing.
- United Arab Emirates-based DAMAC Properties announced a $20 billion investment in new U.S.-based data centers.
- France-based CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 new jobs.
- United Arab Emirates-based ADQ and U.S.-based Energy Capital Partners announced a $25 billion investment in U.S. data centers and energy infrastructure.
- South Korean automaker Hyundai announced a $20 billion investment — including $5.8 billion for a new steel plant in Louisiana, which will create nearly 1,500 jobs, amid their pledge to “further localize production in the U.S.”
- Merck announced it will invest $8 billion in the U.S. over the next several years after opening a new $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility.
- Clarios announced a $6 billion plan to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.
- GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing across 16 states — creating 5,000 new jobs.
- Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing network — including re-opening an Illinois manufacturing plant — as it pledges to increase domestic vehicle production.
- Schneider Electric announced it will invest $700 million over the next four years in U.S. energy infrastructure.
- GE Vernova announced it will invest nearly $600 million in U.S. manufacturing over the next two years, which will create more than 1,500 new jobs.
- London-based Diageo announced a $415 million investment in a new Alabama manufacturing facility.
- Dublin-based Eaton Corporation announced a $340 million investment in a new South Carolina-based manufacturing facility for its three-phase transformers.
- Germany-based Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing and AI data centers, which will create more than 900 new skilled manufacturing jobs.
- Paris Baguette announced a $160 million investment to construct a manufacturing plant in Texas.
- Switzerland-based ABB announced a $120 million investment to expand production of its low-voltage electrification products in Tennessee and Mississippi.
- Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced plans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.
- Paris-based Saint-Gobain announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.
- India-based Sygene International announced a $36.5 million acquisition of a Baltimore biologics manufacturing facility.
- Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.
- Honda is expected to produce its next-generation Civic hybrid model in Indiana.
- Nissan is considering moving production from Mexico to the U.S.
- Rolls-Royce is expected to shift production to the U.S. and expand its domestic workforce.
- Volkswagen is considering shifting production of the high-end Audi and Porsche brands to the U.S.
- Volvo is considering expanding its U.S.-based output.
- LG is considering moving its refrigerator manufacturing from Mexico to Tennessee.
- Italian spirits group Campari is “assessing the opportunities to expand its production in the U.S.”
- Swedish hygiene product manufacturer Essity is considering shifting production to the U.S.
- Taiwan-based Compal Electronics is considering a U.S.-based expansion.
- Taiwan-based Inventec is expected to expand its manufacturing operations into Texas.
- LVMH, a French luxury giant, is “seriously considering” an expansion to its U.S.-based production capabilities.
- Cra-Z-Art, the biggest toymaker in the U.S., said it will move a “large percentage” of its China-based manufacturing back home.
- Prepac, a Canadian furniture manufacturer, announced it will move production from Canada to the U.S.
- Lear is considering moving its production to the U.S.
- Half of Japanese companies say they’ll boost U.S. investment, largely due to tariffs.
MIL OSI USA News –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: US tariffs move could see three per cent fall in global trade, says top UN economist

Source: United Nations 2

11 April 2025 Economic Development

Global trade could shrink by three per cent as a result of the United States’ new tariff measures which in the longer term could reshape and boost as-yet untapped regional commercial links, a top UN economist confirmed on Friday.

“There will be shifting, I think, in supply chains, there will be a reassessment of global alliances. There will be geopolitical shifts and economic as well,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, head of the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Speaking in Geneva after Wednesday’s announcement by the White House of a 90-day pause on “reciprocal tariffs” for most countries with the exception of China, Mrs. Coke-Hamilton noted that exports from Mexico had already been “highly impacted” by earlier seismic changes to US trade policy.

“Countries like Mexico, China and Thailand, but also countries in southern Africa are among the most affected, alongside the US itself,” she said.

While the 90-day pause on the so-called reciprocal tariffs applies to imports from most countries and brings down rates to a still hefty 10 per cent, tariffs on imports from China currently stand at 145 per cent.

China, meanwhile, has raised tariffs against US exports – in effect import taxes on goods – to 125 per cent.

Already, Mexico’s products for export have shifted away from markets such as the US, China, Europe and other Latin American countries to make “modest gains” instead in Canada, Brazil “and to a lesser extent, India”, the ITC chief insisted.

Other countries have followed suit, including Vietnam, whose exports “are redirecting away from the US, Mexico and China”, while “increasing substantially” towards the EU, Republic of Korea and others, said Mrs. Coke-Hamilton, whose UN specialised agency offers assistance to developing countries.

The problem for emerging economies is that they are less well equipped to “pivot” when faced with “instabilities”, the ITC chief explained, since they often lack the manufacturing diversity and ability to add value to raw commodities of more industrialized nations.

Especially vulnerable trading partners of the US include Lesotho, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Madagascar and Myanmar that are “the most exposed”, she continued.

Confirming that the World Trade Organization (WTO) had estimated that commerce between China and the US could drop by up to 80 per cent if the highly unusual situation continues, the ITC Executive Secretary pointed out that they constituted only “three per cent to four per cent of world trade…[so] there is 96 per cent out there that is still trading and that will trade”.

Nonetheless, the impact of the “indeterminate extension of 90 days on and on” has not been good for global commerce and “does not necessarily lend itself to stability”, Mrs. Coke-Hamilton continued.

“Irrespective of whether there is an extension, on and on, the fact that there is no stability, there is no predictability will affect trade and firms and decisions that are being made in real time.”

She added: “This would not be the first time that there have been tremors in the world economic system. We have seen it over the last 50 years in different dispensations. This one is probably a little more harsh, a little more tremulous.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: World Gold Council CEO to Deliver Keynote at Mining in Motion 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

ACCRA, Ghana, April 11, 2025/APO Group/ —

David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council, will participate at the upcoming Mining in Motion Summit – taking place on June 2-4, 2025, in Accra – as a keynote speaker. Representing the global trade body for the gold industry, Tait’s participation underscores Ghana’s growing influence in the global gold market. As Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth-largest, Ghana plays an increasingly vital role in ensuring the stability and sustainability of global gold supply.

The World Gold Council supports Ghana’s mining ecosystem through various initiatives. Its Executive Program in Gold Reserves Management equips governments – including Ghana’s – with global best practices to strengthen gold reserve management and attract investment. Additionally, the Responsible Gold Mining Principles offer practical frameworks for environmental and social governance, enabling gold-producing countries such as Ghana and companies to adopt more sustainable and ethical mining practices.

The council reinforces its deep connection to Ghana’s mining landscape with many of the country’s key gold mining firms representing members of the World Gold Council. Notably, Newmont Corporation operates the Ahafo and Akyem mines; Gold Fields operates the Asumura, Tarkwa, Damang and New Obuasi facilities; while AngloGold Ashanti operates the Teberebie, Obuasi and Manso Nkwanta mines.

As a source of data and insights on gold’s societal and economic impact, the World Gold Council supports Ghana’s continued mining expansion. The gold sector already serves as the largest contributor to the country’s national GDP, accounting for 57% of total export revenues in 2024. With gold exports generating $11.6 billion last year alone, the industry is a major enabler of national development, funding critical sectors such as health and education. Mining in Motion presents an ideal platform for Tait to present global market trends, offering guidance on how Ghana can align its gold sector with international standards to maximize output, attract investment and drive economic growth.

Mining in Motion is spearheaded by the Ashanti Green Initiative, under the leadership of Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom, and is hosted in partnership with the World Bank and the World Gold Council.

Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting small-scale miners and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting _www.MininginMotionSummit.com. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org.

MIL OSI Africa –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Organized Crime – International Conference Against Environmental Crime (11.04.25)

Source: Republic of France in English
The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

More than 100 of the world’s leading experts and officials on environmental crimes gathered in Paris at the “Security and Development Dialogue for Advancing Multilateral and Multi-Stakeholder Responses to Environmental Crime”, hosted by France and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), with financial support of the European Union through the ECO-SOLVE project.

Opening the conference, Mr Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, France’s Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, called for the international community to prioritize action against environmental crimes. Despite the uncertain international context, the minister emphasized the need to keep the issue of environmental crimes at the heart of the international community’s concerns.. He highlighted the need for collective action, including in preparation for the UN Oceans Conference to be held in Nice this June.

GI-TOC’s Director Mark Shaw called for greater inclusivity and innovation to deal with environmental crimes. He highlighted the global character of illicit flows and emphasized the need for “diverse action across supply chains” to cut the links that enable environmental crime to flourish, not least through licit trade routes and information platforms. “We need more internationally coordinated action across sectors, and we need globally funded and resourced responses”, said Shaw, also highlighting the key roles that can be played by civil society and the private sector.

The international conference, which took place on 8 and 9 April, took stock of current international responses to environmental crimes, shared best practices and identified opportunities for more effective engagement through upcoming multilateral processes – including a new Expert Group Meeting under the Conference of Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), the UN Oceans Conference, the Climate COP, the UN General Assembly, and the next UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice taking place in 2026.

Participants included officials from diverse countries, including Colombia, Peru, Brazil, UAE, UK, Indonesia, Kenya, Gabon and Germany, civil society, academia, law enforcement and criminal justice personnel.

MIL OSI Europe News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to gender equality, human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals: UK statement at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to gender equality, human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals: UK statement at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development

Explanation of position by Tara Soomro, UK Ambassador to ECOSOC, at CPD58.

Thank you, Chair. The UK aligns itself with the statement delivered by South Africa.

We extend our appreciation to you and the co-facilitators for your commitment and steadfast efforts to progress this important agenda.

Despite the broad cross-regional commitment and goodwill demonstrated by many in this room, we are disappointed to have not achieved a consensus outcome that upholds and advances the mutually reinforcing principles and ambitions of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and Agenda 2030.

Neisha, the UK’s youth delegate to the CPD, came before this Commission and spoke with passion and conviction about the realities young people face, the unmet sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescent girls, the devastating impacts of humanitarian crises on their futures and the urgent need for policies that reflect their lived experience.

The inability to achieve consensus on this year’s CPD resolution is not just a procedural failure, it is a failure to uphold the commitments we have made to people around the world.

The ICPD Programme of Action recognises that investing in human rights, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights is central to sustainable development.

That truth has not changed.

Yet today, we stand at a crossroads where previously agreed principles are being questioned and hard-won rights are being chipped away.

Let us be clear, universal access to sexual and reproductive health services and reproductive rights are not an abstract debate.

This is about whether women and girls can make decisions over their own bodies, whether young people have access to comprehensive information that can save their lives, and whether those most at risk, especially in humanitarian crises, receive the care, justice and services they need.

Over 700 women a day die from preventable causes.

This is the reality of the issues we debate here in this room.

We are letting these women and girls down.

A text that weakens these commitments does not reflect progress, it signals retreat.

Ignoring the links between health, climate change, and inequality does not make them disappear.

The world’s most vulnerable populations, women and girls, migrants, those facing humanitarian crises continue to bear the brunt of these overlapping global challenges.

The UK and our many cross-regional partners, remain steadfast in our commitment to gender equality, human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.

These are not just words on a page, they are promises we have made to future generations and to each other.

We recognise the progress made at all levels by grassroots organisations, civil society, national governments and also commend UNFPA’s leadership and remain committed to supporting this, making real change for women and girls around the world.

As we reflect on this outcome, we must ask ourselves, what kind of world are we building? One that advances dignity, equality, and progress? Or one that turns its back on those most in need?

The UK chooses to stand on the side of ambition, rights and the future we all committed to in 2015 when we pledged to leave no one behind.

Updates to this page

Published 11 April 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Security strengthened at Wynberg court following shooting

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has ordered that security be strengthened at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, in Cape Town, following a fatal shooting inside the court building earlier this week.

A high-level delegation, led by DJCOD Director-General, Advocate Doc Mashabane, conducted an oversight visit to the court on Thursday.

The delegation also included Acting Secretary-General in the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), Advocate Marelize Potgieter, and the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape, Advocate Nicolette Bell.

“The purpose of the visit was to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any security lapses had occurred. This intervention formed part of government’s response, with the objective of reviewing and strengthening security protocols at court facilities,” the department said in a statement.

As part of immediate interventions, the Director-General has directed the installation of a security scanner, the tightening of access control to prosecutors’ and magistrates’ offices, and the enhanced vetting of court officials.

Furthermore, a report on the incident will be drawn up and submitted to DJCOD Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi and Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya.

“The department reiterates its commitment to ensuring that courts remain places for the dispensation of justice and not places where crime is committed,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) said it views the incident in a “serious light”.

“The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, under whose delegation the Security of the Court falls, has been engaged on the enhancement of security in and around the court precinct.

“As the Head of the Judiciary in the Province, the Judge President of the Western Cape Division of the High Court wishes to convey condolences to the family of the deceased, and expresses regret and support to the Judicial Officers, officials and the public who witnessed the incident,” the OCJ said.

The incident is currently under police investigation. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Justice Minister condemns alleged actions of court interpreter

Source: South Africa News Agency

Friday, April 11, 2025

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has strongly condemned the alleged actions of a court interpreter whose actions led to the postponement of a case involving a seven-year-old child in Matatiele.

The incident – in which the interpreter allegedly failed to return to work following the lunch adjournment – occurred this week in the Maluti Magistrates’ Court where a suspect was applying for bail.

“The emotional and legal impact of such incidents on affected parties, especially children, is irreparable. Such behaviour undermines the proper functioning of the courts and will not be tolerated.

“Any actions that compromise the delivery of justice, especially in cases involving children, will be met with decisive intervention,” Kubayi said.

The department said a probe into the incident in the Eastern Cape will be conducted.

“The Minister has labelled this conduct as wholly unacceptable, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals, and far below the standards expected of officers of the court.

“The matter has been referred to the Provincial Office for urgent investigation into these serious allegations, and appropriate action will be taken where misconduct is established.

“In the interim, arrangements are underway to appoint a suitably qualified interpreter to ensure that the matter proceeds as scheduled on 15 April 2025 without further delay,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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MIL OSI Africa –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Government to recruit 1 200 new doctors

Source: South Africa News Agency

In a significant move to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the public healthcare system, the National Health Council has announced the approval of 1 200 new positions for doctors.

The decision comes after years of budgetary constraints that hindered the employment of medical professionals despite dissatisfaction and urgent need.

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement follows the presentation of a new budget by the Finance Minister on 12 March 2025, which allocated R1.78 billion to fund the recruitment of healthcare workers.

In addition to the 1 200 doctors, Motsoaledi said the Council has approved the hiring of 200 nurses and 250 other healthcare professionals.

He told journalists that the Human Resources units will soon commence with recruitment processes once all logistics have been finalised.

“Early this year, the country woke up to widespread dissatisfaction about the employment of healthcare professionals, especially doctors amid [a] shortage in the public healthcare system,” he said.

However, Motsoaledi believes that this development marks a turning point for the public healthcare sector, which has been struggling to meet the demands of a growing population.

The Council’s decision is expected to alleviate pressure on existing healthcare facilities and improve access to quality medical care for citizens.

Meanwhile, he said the Council emphasised its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the system and ensuring that the sector is adequately staffed to deliver essential services.

The Council is a statutory body consisting of the Minister of Health, all nine Health MECs, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Surgeon General of South African Military Health Services.

Addressing shortages

“One of the most embarrassing experiences the public health sector had to endure is the shortage of simple things that will make the stay of patients a worthwhile experience.

“In fact, one of the biggest differences between the public and private sectors are the hotelling services characterised by the issues we have just mentioned,” said Motsoaledi.

He said the Council has decided to purchase 25 000 beds, 80 000 mattresses, 7 655 bassinets for new babies, and 1 250 million linens, including bed sheets and pillows, for a total of R1.346 billion.

“It is for that reason that we wish to announce that we have checked province by province what that need [is] in the form of hospital beds and bassinet for newborn babies. We remember with a sense of shame how babies were put in cardboard boxes in Mahikeng hospital in the North West province.”

Review of human resources policies

Meanwhile, Motsoaledi said that during the Council meeting held in November last year, a decision was taken for the review of some of the “outdated” human resources policies.

“There are lot of health policies adopted at the dawn of democracy which we believe are now obsolete or do no longer serve the purpose they were intended for. Some of them have created unnecessary costs without any tangible benefits. We can even say some have contributed to the undermining of the public sector’s ability to deliver quality services.”

Four health policies are currently under review, including the policy on remunerative work outside the public service, which outlines the regulations for employees wishing to obtain permission for paid work beyond their regular responsibilities.

A committee that has been set up, in terms of section 91 (1) of the National Health Act of 2003 (Act no 61 of 2003) read with sections 91 (2) of the same Act, will also look into the overtime policy, which pertains to established fixed payment for overtime hours worked by healthcare professionals, aimed at meeting operational demands and addressing skill shortages.

In addition, the community service policy, which focuses on the deployment of medical practitioners and the rural allowance policy, designed for medical practitioners serving in remote rural locations, will also be looked into.

The committee members include Dr Cassius Lubisi, Sibongile Mchunu, Professor Laetitia Rispel, Professor Eric Buch, Dr Terence Carter, Dr Rajen Morar, Professor Binu Luke, Nomvula Marawa, Professor Busisiwe Ncama and Professor Somadoda Fikeni. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Chris Hani remembered as a martyr whose sacrifice shaped South African democracy

Source: South Africa News Agency

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has hailed the late Chris Hani as a revolutionary leader and a revered freedom fighter, whose assassination in April 1993 marked a pivotal moment in South Africa’s transition to democracy.

Delivering the keynote address at the 32nd anniversary of Hani’s assassination commemorative event, held in Sabalele Village, Cofimvaba – Hani’s birthplace in the Eastern Cape, Mashatile reflected on Hani’s legacy and the sacrifices he made for South Africa’s democracy.

Hani, the former Chief of Staff of Umkhonto weSizwe, was gunned down outside his home in Dawn Park, Boksburg, by radical right-wing Polish immigrant Janusz Waluś, who was released on parole in 2022.

Despite attempts by his killers to incite civil war, the Deputy President said Hani’s death united the nation in its pursuit of freedom, culminating in the country’s first non-racial elections on 27 April 1994.

“Today, the world has come to know Martin Thembisile as Chris Hani, a revolutionary, a commissar, a leader, a parent, a husband, and a martyr, whose blood and sacrifices cleared the way to the 1994 historic political breakthrough,” he said on Thursday.

The Deputy President highlighted Hani’s contributions to the armed struggle, his leadership in the Umkhonto Wesizwe Liberation Movement, and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

He praised Hani’s bravery, recounting his role in the Luthuli Detachment, where he led soldiers across the crocodile-infested Zambezi River and struck fear into the apartheid regime.

Mashatile also emphasised Hani’s vision for a better South Africa, rooted in principles of social justice.

“We must never allow the rhetoric which suggests that democracy is the worst form of government, and that apartheid was better than a democratic state.

“Nor must we allow some of us as beneficiaries of this huge sacrifice of many fallen martyrs, like Chris Hani, to discredit democracy through shameful deeds like corruption, stealing from the State and the poor, killing for positions, and fighting to access positions for selfish interests.”

The country’s second-in-command said Hani believed that societal progress should focus on providing basic needs, such as shelter, water, healthcare, and education rather than abstract theories.

“Our reality is that we are not exactly where Chris Hani would have liked us to be as a nation,” Mashatile admitted, pointing to persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and inequality in former homeland areas.

The Deputy President used his platform to call for urgent action to address issues, such as gender-based violence (GBV), unemployment, and corruption, which he said undermine the sacrifices of struggle heroes like Hani.

He urged South Africans to work together to build a more equitable society and economy, while also diversifying trade partnerships to reduce dependence on specific markets.

Mashatile announced plans to elevate the annual commemoration of Hani to a national event, focusing on development, heritage, and the values Hani stood for.

This year’s initiatives include the construction of a sports facility at a local school in Sabalele and the repatriation and reburial of liberation combatants.

“Chris Hani did not die in vain. We must honour his name not only with words but with work, compassion, and bold, urgent action. Let this moment remind us that the struggle is not over,” Mashatile stressed.

The commemoration served as a call to action for South Africans to continue fighting corruption, underdevelopment, and inequality and to build a nation that reflects the vision of heroes like Chris Hani.

Government of National Unity

The Deputy President also used his platform to touch on the Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa, which faces several challenges.

The GNU comprises 10 political parties, each with differing perspectives on various issues, the diversity of which, he said, can lead to disagreements and difficulties in reaching consensus.

“What we need to understand about the GNU is that we may have different views on issues, but once an agreement has been reached, we must all speak with one voice. This was also the case with Chris Hani; he had a strong view about the armed struggle, and when the ANC was prepared to engage in negotiations, the leadership decided to drop it, which he opposed.”

The Deputy President said effective governance in the GNU requires balancing individual viewpoints with collective decision-making. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Concern over Limpopo justice vacancy rate

Source: South Africa News Agency

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has identified the high number of vacancies at the Limpopo justice department as a critical issue to resolve.

Kubayi conducted an oversight visit to the Polokwane High Court and the Master’s Office on Thursday.

“The Minister noted that these capacity challenges are severely affecting service delivery. She clarified that this is not a failure on the part of the provincial team but rather an issue that requires urgent attention at the national level.

“Misinterpretations of public service regulations that delay appointments and result in prolonged acting roles must be resolved,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) said in a statement.

The Minister conducted the visit to “engage directly with staff without disrupting court operations”.

“During her walkabout, the Minister assessed compliance with departmental norms and standards, with particular attention to the management of court files. Proper filing was emphasised as fundamental to the delivery of justice, as even a single missing page can derail an entire case. The importance of getting the basics right was underlined.

“The Minister also raised concern about the inadequate infrastructure available for child witnesses, noting that the existing facilities fall short of providing the necessary safeguards for minors who testify in court. She stated that the current situation is unacceptable and assured that it will be addressed,” the department said.

Staff engagement

To conclude the visit, Kubayi conducted a meeting with staff to address public complaints, service consistency, performance management and physical infrastructure.

“The Minister emphasised that performance management tools must not be used to victimise employees, but rather to support their growth and accountability. She stressed the importance of cordial working relationships among colleagues and encouraged teamwork across all levels.

“Managers were called upon to lead effectively by ensuring staff are motivated and that court users are treated with the dignity and speed they deserve. She further highlighted the responsibility of managers to guarantee that persons with disabilities have equal access to services, and that facilities catering to their needs must be prioritised.

“She reaffirmed her commitment to restoring public trust in the justice system by promoting accountability, professionalism, and respect for all who depend on the department’s services,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

April 12, 2025