Source: US Geological Survey
For the past few years, “king tides,” or the highest tides of the year, have been occurring more frequently and significantly affecting coastal environments across Hawaiʻi. Now, disappearing beaches and waves crashing over roadways are seemingly the “new normal.” In response, the state of Hawaiʻi is implementing adaptation strategies to combat tidal flooding in coastal areas. While flood managemen
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Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas who sustained economic losses due to the drought beginning Jan. 28.
The declaration includes the counties of Aransas, Austin, Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, Colorado, Concho, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Fayette, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kimble, Kleberg, La Salle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McCulloch, McMullen, Menard, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Schleicher, Starr, Sutton, Tom Green, Victoria, Webb, Wharton and Zapata.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Dec. 1.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Mexico who sustained economic losses due to drought occurring Jan. 28.
In New Mexico the declaration includes the counties of Catron, Cibola, Lincoln, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Juan, Santa Fe, Sierra, Socorro, Taos, Torrance and Valencia, in Arizona, Apache County, in Colorado the declaration includes Archuleta, Conejos, La Plata and Montezuma counties, and in Utah, San Juan County.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Dec. 1.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: NASA
A Soyuz rocket launches to the International Space Station with Expedition 73 crew members including NASA astronaut Jonny Kim on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The crew arrived at the space station the same day, bringing the number of residents to 10 for the next two weeks. Expedition 73 will begin on Saturday, April 19, following the departure of NASA astronaut Don Pettit and Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, as they conclude a seven-month science mission aboard the orbiting laboratory.
Throughout his eight-month stay aboard the orbital outpost, Kim will conduct scientific research in technology development, Earth science, biology, and human research.
Follow space station activities on the International Space Station blog.
Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
Source: NASA
Deputy Integration and Testing Manager – Goddard Space Flight Center
Mike Drury began at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, as a temporary technician — a contractor hired for six weeks to set up High Capacity Centrifuge tests. Six weeks then turned into three months and, eventually, over 40 years.
Now, Mike is the deputy integration and testing manager for NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. In this role, Mike oversees both Roman’s assembly and the many verification processes that ensure it is ready for launch.
“It’s a privilege to work here. There’s really no regrets,” Mike says. “This is a big place, and it is what you make it. You can really spread your wings and go into a lot of different areas and do different things.”
When Mike first began at Goddard, only government-employed technicians could work on space flight hardware. However, times were changing. The “old-timers,” as Mike affectionately calls them, soon began training a small group of contractors, including Mike, for flight hardware work. Mike credits these “old-timers” for the mindset he still carries decades later.
“They taught me how to approach things and execute, and that helped me through my entire career,” Mike says. “It’s that approach — making sure things are done right, without cutting any corners — that I always liked about working here.”
Not everyone can say that they worked on space missions while in college, but Mike can. Mike took advantage of a program through his contract that paid for classes. For 10 years, Mike studied at Anne Arundel Community College while continuing full-time work at Goddard, eventually earning an associate’s degree in mathematics.
While in community college, Mike also stocked up on several physics and calculus credits which helped prepare him to study thermal engineering at Johns Hopkins University. After seven more years of night classes, Mike completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
“Night school was really difficult between full-time work and traveling because I was working on several missions,” Mike says. “You needed that perseverance to just keep going and working away at it. So I just hung in there.”
In his 17 years of night school, Mike worked on seven missions, expanding his skill set from test set-up, to clean room tech work, to training astronauts. While working on the Hubble Space Telescope, Mike helped to train astronauts for their in-orbit tech work to install various instruments.
“Every mission I’ve worked on I’ve learned something,” Mike says. “Every test you learn more and more about other disciplines.”
After graduating from Johns Hopkins, Mike worked for a short time as an engineer before becoming an integration supervisor. In 2006, Mike took on the position of James Webb Space Telescope ISIM (Integrated Science Instrument Module) integration and test manager. After Webb’s ISIM was integrated with the Optical Telescope Element, Mike became the OTIS (Optical Telescope Element and Integrated Science Instrument Module) integration and testing manager.
“It was a tough eight to 10 years of work,” Mike says. “Loading the OTIS into the shipping container to be sent to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for further testing was a great accomplishment.”
To ensure that Webb’s ISIM would thrive in space, Mike was involved in more than three months of round-the-clock thermal vacuum testing. During this time, a blizzard stranded Mike and others on-site at Goddard for three days. Mike spent his nights overseeing thermal vacuum tests and his days driving test directors and operators to their nearby hotel rooms with his four-wheel-drive truck — a winter storm savior in short supply.
For Mike, the hard work behind space missions is well worth it.
“As humans, we want to discover new things and see things. That’s what keeps me coming back — the thought of discovery and space flight,” Mike says. “I get excited talking to some of the Hubble or Webb scientists about the discoveries they’ve made. They answer questions but they also find themselves asking new ones.”
Some of these new questions opened by Hubble and Webb will be addressed by Mike’s current project — Roman.
“This team I would say is the best I’ve ever worked with. I say that because it’s the Goddard family. Everyone here on Roman has the same agenda, and that’s a successful, on-time launch,” Mike says. “My ultimate goal is to be staying on the beach in Florida after watching Roman blast off. That would be all the icing on the cake.”
Mike is also focusing on laying the groundwork for the next era at Goddard. He works hard to instill a sense of import, intention, and precision in his successors, just as the “old-timers” instilled in him 40 years ago.
“I talk to a lot of my colleagues that I’ve worked with for years, and we’re all excited to hand it off to the next generation,” Mike says. “It’s so exciting to see. I’m the old guy now.”
By Laine HavensNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Source: NASA
NASA is bringing the world of planetary defense to the public with its new documentary, “Planetary Defenders.”
What would humanity do if an asteroid were headed for Earth? The documentary takes viewers inside the real-life efforts of scientists and engineers working to detect, track, and mitigate potential asteroid threats. Featuring firsthand accounts from experts on the front lines, the film reveals the science, technology, and personal dedication behind planetary defense. The film also showcases the teamwork that drives this critical global effort.
[embedded content]
Debuting on NASA+ Wednesday, April 16, NASA is inviting the public to participate in a special YouTube Premiere event at 4:30 p.m. EDT. During this interactive screening, viewers can watch the first public showing of the film together and ask questions to NASA planetary defense experts.
To engage audiences further, NASA is providing digital creators with a toolkit that includes resources, activities, and ways to join the mission of planetary defense.
Established in 2016, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office leads the agency’s mission to find, track, and understand asteroids and comets that could pose a risk to Earth.
Stay up to date on NASA’s planetary defense efforts: https://www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: President Donald J
Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia
President Donald J
Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia
WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Virginia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms and flooding from Feb
10-18, 2025
Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson, Lee, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wise counties and the independent city of Bristol
Jeffrey L
Jones has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments
amy
ashbridge
Wed, 04/09/2025 – 14:58
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: Seven Days Left to Submit Your Right of Entry (ROE) Form to LA County
Seven Days Left to Submit Your Right of Entry (ROE) Form to LA County
LOS ANGELES – Property owners have seven days left to submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form to LA County
In order to have debris removed by the U
S
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), property owners affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires must submit a ROE form by April 15, 2025
Federally funded debris removal is available to residents of single family and owner-occupied multi-family units
All disaster impacted property owners should submit a ROE form by April 15, 2025, to opt-in or opt-out of the debris removal program
If a property owner opts out of the USACE debris removal program, they become responsible for all permits, inspections and other associated debris removal requirements and costs
There is no out-of-pocket cost to have debris removed by USACE, however the program is unable to duplicate other forms of funding specific to debris removal
If a property owner has insurance for debris removal, residual funds not used by the property owner may be remitted to the county to offset the cost of debris removal at a later date
Submit a ROE form to LA County:Complete a form online at: Los Angeles County Right of Entry Permit for Debris Removal on Private Property
Download and complete a form: Debris Removal Right of Entry Permit (00011201
DOCX;1) and submit it at a Disaster Recovery Center
Forms are also available at Disaster Recovery Centers
Visit the DRC Locator to find a location
Contact Los Angeles County for more information about debris removal: Visit the LA County Debris Removal Website: recovery
lacounty
gov/debris-removal/Call LA County’s Public Works Fire Debris Hotline: 844-347-3332Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account
For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready
gov, on Instagram @Ready
gov or on the Ready Facebook page
California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process
Visit CA
gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance
erika
suzuki
Wed, 04/09/2025 – 11:53
Source: US State of California 2
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom recognizes California’s resources and support for victims of crime during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Sacramento, California – Showing support for survivors and victims of crime and highlighting the resources the state has provided for impacted families, Governor Gavin Newsom today recognized National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Read the letter here.
Unfortunately, too many victims walk away from the legal system feeling unheard and unsupported. California is working to change that, by listening to and working with victims and survivors to find healing by helping them take back control of their lives and their recovery.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Since 2019, California has invested more than $1 billion to fund public safety efforts, including over $300 million for victim services. California has dedicated programs and initiatives to support crime victims, including ensuring they have access to rape crisis centers, domestic violence resources, trained victim advocacy professionals, safe housing, crime witnesses assistance, increased forensic science services, family legal services, among other resources.
Last week, the Governor’s Office honored the staff of the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services for their work at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to support crime victims through compassionate, trauma-informed practices. From collecting restitution to providing direct support during parole proceedings to restorative justice initiatives to community outreach, the department plays a key role in promoting accountability and honoring survivors.
Governor Newsom recently signed into law a number of bills that help build on California’s protections for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, creating additional resources and access to safeguard victims from abusers. These laws strengthen California’s restraining orders by removing barriers that could prevent someone from accessing these life-saving tools and by extending the length of time that abusers must stay away from their victims. They also help survivors rebuild their lives — by providing financial help through a victims’ restitution fund that would be funded by the penalties recovered from white-collar criminals. In addition, the 2024-25 budget included $103 million in one-time funding for victims’ services programs, helping make up a substantial gap in federal funding.
California has been a national leader in victim services since 1965, when the state established the first victim compensation program in the nation. Now known as the California Victims Compensation Board, victims who suffer physical injury or the threat of physical injury as a result of a violent crime can solicit reimbursement for crime-related expenses. Since its inception, the victim compensation program has provided more than $2.8 billion to assist victims of violent crime. In addition, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services administers about $310 million in federal and state funds for 70 victims services programs this current fiscal year.
Source: US State of California 2
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement responding to President Trump’s executive order targeting state-level climate and clean energy efforts.
This is the world the Trump Administration wants your kids to live in. California’s efforts to cut harmful pollution won’t be derailed by a glorified press release masquerading as an executive order.
Governor Gavin Newsom
The state continues to set clean energy records. Last year, California ran on 100% clean electricity for the equivalent of 45 days. Since the beginning of the Newsom Administration, battery storage is up to over 13,000 megawatts – a 1,600%+ increase.
Pollution is down and the economy is up. Greenhouse gas emissions in California are down 20% since 2000 – even as the state’s GDP increased 78% in that same time period.
Source: US State of Connecticut
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement in response to the votes by the Connecticut House of Representatives this afternoon approving the nominations of David Arconti, Jr. and Marissa Gillett to serve as commissioners of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA):
“David Arconti and Marissa Gillett have an incredible amount of knowledge and experience on energy policy and are the kind of qualified candidates we need serving on behalf of the state and its ratepayers. Each nominee has a record of fairness, collaboration, and accountability, and will put consumers first in their decision making and leadership. I applaud the House of Representatives for agreeing that these nominees should serve on PURA and I look forward to their confirmation by the Senate.”
Both nominations next require approval by the Senate, which is the final step in the legislative confirmation process.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
SANTA ANA, California – A former San Gabriel Valley resident pleaded guilty today to selling hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of fake sports and celebrity memorabilia to customers, including a fake “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” photograph containing forged signatures from several of the show’s stars.
Anthony J. Tremayne, 58, formerly of West Covina but who now lives in Rosarito, Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
According to his plea agreement, from at least 2010 until December 2019, Tremayne was in the business of selling memorabilia containing purportedly genuine signatures of famous athletes, musicians, actors, and other celebrities. Tremayne advertised nationwide the memorabilia with purportedly genuine signatures.
Relying on Tremayne’s statements that the signatures were genuine, customers sent Tremayne money to purchase the memorabilia and have it mailed to them. When Tremayne mailed the memorabilia to his customers, he sometimes included a “Certificate of Authenticity” form, certifying that the signatures were real.
In fact, Tremayne forged the signatures, and the authenticity certificates were bogus.
Tremayne admitted in his plea agreement to selling more than $250,000 and up to $550,000 of fake memorabilia to his customers.
For example, in November 2019, Tremayne mailed a “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” photograph containing forged signatures of three of the show’s 22 personalities, which he purported to be genuine signatures. Tremayne sold the fake memorabilia to a buyer – who happened to be an undercover FBI agent – in Anaheim in exchange for $200.
United States District Judge James V. Selna scheduled an August 11 sentencing hearing, at which time Tremayne will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Waier of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case.
Source: Amnesty International –
Amnesty International encourages the presidential candidates to ensure that their political agendas in the lead-up to the general election on 30 November include a focus on human rights.
This year, the electoral process in Honduras coincides with the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Honduras, in which UN member states will analyse, in November, Honduras’ performance in the field of human rights.
The election campaign is, therefore, a unique opportunity for the candidates, recently confirmed by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal on April 8th, to take a stance on the country’s main and historic human rights shortcomings, and incorporate them into their respective agendas.
“Progress on human rights in Honduras over the past four years has been very timid. In fact, the Honduran Government has broken many of its commitments to the country’s population in terms of human rights. Examples include failings in the fight against impunity, guaranteeing security, protection of human rights defenders and journalists, and sexual and reproductive rights. Honduras’ fourth UPR cycle can be a crucial moment to initiate a change in the direction of the country, if the presidential candidates take advantage of it as an opportunity”, said Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International.
Progress on human rights in Honduras over the past four years has been very timid. In fact, the Honduran Government has broken many of its commitments to the country’s population in terms of human rights. Examples include failings in the fight against impunity, guaranteeing security, protection of human rights defenders and journalists, and sexual and reproductive rights. Honduras’ fourth UPR cycle can be a crucial moment to initiate a change in the direction of the country, if the presidential candidates take advantage of it as an opportunity”
Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International
Amnesty International has submitted a report to the UN ahead of the UPR. The document evaluates the implementation to date of the recommendations made by other States to Honduras in its previous UPR, in 2021, and raises concerns about the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and other human rights issues related to the environment, women’s rights, discrimination and health. It also sets out proposals for recommendations. Below, we highlight some of them.
Use of force
In 2022, the Honduran Government declared a state of emergency, which has remained in force ever since, justifying it as necessary to combat insecurity and organized crime. This measure has, for example, enabled the National Police and the Military Police to carry out searches and detentions without judicial authorizations in 226 of the country’s 298 municipalities.
Amnesty International shares the concern of local organizations and the media that have documented multiple human rights violations in the context of implementation of the state of emergency, allegedly perpetrated by the National Police, the Anti-Gang Police (DIPAMPCO) and the Military Police, such as arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force, torture, enforced disappearances and violations of the right to a fair trial. By October 2024, the National Human Rights Commissioner had received more than 700 complaints against the police and security forces since the beginning of the state of emergency and has since called for an end to that measure.
We urge the presidential candidates to commit to ending the prolonged state of emergency, devising a comprehensive and sustainable security policy, and ensuring prompt, impartial, independent and effective investigations into all cases of unnecessary and excessive use of force, to be conducted by independent bodies different from those of the alleged perpetrators.
Human rights defenders and journalists
Honduras is the country with the highest number of land and environmental defenders killed per capita in the world, according to the latest Global Witness report. The vast majority of attacks, which mainly occur in the context of legal disputes related to mining projects, insecurity of land tenure and violations of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, go unpunished. There are also concerns about the high level of criminalization of human rights defenders, for example, based on the crime of usurpation, as a result of Decree 93-2021, which amended the criminal code.
This situation is exacerbated by the weakness and ineffectiveness of the national mechanism for the protection of human rights defenders and journalists, which international and national organizations have repeatedly warned about.
Therefore, we ask the candidates to make a serious commitment to effectively protect human rights defenders and journalists, who play an essential role in defending the rule of law. To that end, we urge them to ensure that sufficient resources are assigned to the effective protection of human rights defenders and journalists, and to guarantee thorough, prompt, impartial and independent investigations into all attacks against them. We also call on them to refrain from misusing the justice system to intimidate, harass and discredit human rights defenders, and to promote Honduras’ accession to the Escazú Regional Agreement, the first Latin American and Caribbean treaty to include provisions on the protection of environmental defenders.
Sexual and reproductive rights
Abortion is still prohibited in Honduras under all circumstances. In 2023, the government legalized the use and sale of the emergency contraceptive pill. However, access to the pill is hampered due to limited availability at public health facilities. Moreover, despite high levels of childhood and adolescent pregnancies, in 2023 the president vetoed the Pregnancy Prevention Act, aimed at providing comprehensive sex education.
We urge the candidates to commit to decriminalizing abortion in all circumstances and ensuring access to abortion in law and in practice for women, girls and all persons who can become pregnant.
“Amnesty International calls on the presidential candidates in Honduras’ upcoming general elections to demonstrate their express, clear and firm commitment to defending human rights. We also ask them to take all necessary measures to ensure that human rights violations are not committed during the electoral process”, added Ana Piquer.
Amnesty International calls on the presidential candidates in Honduras’ upcoming general elections to demonstrate their express, clear and firm commitment to defending human rights. We also ask them to take all necessary measures to ensure that human rights violations are not committed during the electoral process”
Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at the Department of State, on April 9, 2025.
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help more high school students earn college credit while making higher education more affordable and accessible. The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA) – which Peters reintroduced with U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) – would expand the use of existing federal grants to support dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, and early college high school programs.
“To meet our current workforce needs, we must expand access to the higher education and skills training opportunities that help prepare our young people to land good, in-demand jobs,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan bill would give high school students the chance to get a head start working towards a four-year college or associate’s degree to begin building their future without the financial burden of taking on student loans.”
The MEAA would expand the allowable uses of funding from the Higher Education Act Title VII Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) to help colleges and universities strengthen early college access programs. Under this bill, institutions of higher education could use FIPSE funding to:
These programs give high school students a valuable head start on obtaining a college education. Concurrent enrollment allows students to take college-credit courses taught by qualified high school teachers approved by partner colleges. Dual enrollment programs enable students to be enrolled in and earn credit from both their high school and a college institution. Early college high schools, which are typically located on or near college campuses or embedded within high schools, allow students to work toward an associate’s degree while completing their high school diploma—often extending into a 13th year to ensure degree completion.
By supporting these proven models, Peters’ MEAA aims to reduce barriers to higher education, lower student debt, and create stronger academic pathways from high school to college and beyond.
“Dual enrollment opportunities for high school students have proven to significantly improve student success and degree completion. Investing to expand these programs makes college more accessible and affordable while providing clear, achievable pathways to careers,” said James O. Sawyer IV, President, Macomb Community College.
“Creating seamless pathways from high school to college is a priority at Mott Community College. The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act will ensure that more students can gain valuable college credits early, reducing the financial burden of higher education and increasing their chances of completing a degree,” said Shaunda Richardson-Snell, Interim President, Mott Community College.
“School leaders recognize that college accessibility does more than just create opportunities for students—it strengthens our entire education workforce,” said Ronn Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). “This critical legislation tackles the financial obstacles confronting future teachers, making certification attainable during an era when higher education costs dramatically exceed educator compensation.”
“The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA) would expand opportunities for dual and concurrent enrollment and early college high schools—both key to the success and connections between our secondary education, postsecondary education and workforce systems,” said Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Executive Director LeAnn Curry. “ACTE is proud to endorse the bill, and we are grateful to Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Boozman (R-AR) for introducing the legislation. Their bipartisan commitment provides Congress with an opportunity to expand access to early postsecondary credit and increase opportunities for CTE students pursuing these pathways into successful careers.”
Peters has long supported efforts to increase access to affordable higher education and skills training opportunities. In 2018, Peters authored bipartisan provisions signed into law as part of larger legislation to close workforce skills gaps by strengthening career and technical education (CTE). Peters’ provisions helped expand school counselor training and awareness of CTE to help them inform students of post-high school education opportunities outside of the traditional four-year college degree. Peters also authored bipartisan legislation into law to allow more veterans to use their GI bill benefits toward securing a registered apprenticeship.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
During a Tuesday Senate Finance hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock grilled United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the economic fallout less than a week after President Trump issued sweeping tariffs
The Senator specifically spotlighted how small businesses and families will be backed into a corner and forced to pay an increased price for goods
Senator Reverend Warnock uplifted the story of a Georgia small business that may have to close as a result of the tariffs
Senators Reverend Warnock during the hearing: “This economy is not working for working families, for ordinary people. And I would submit that what the President did last week in such a reckless and sudden way is adding even more pressure on these families”
Watch video of Senator Reverend Warnock’s questioning HERE
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), ranking member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, grilled United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the fallout following President Trump’s announcement of a sweeping array of tariffs last week.
“This economy is not working for working families, for ordinary people. And I would submit that what the President did last week in such a reckless and sudden way is adding even more pressure on these families,” said Senator Warnock.
During the hearing, Senator Warnock specifically highlighted how the broad and indiscriminate tariffs provide no avenue for relief for ordinary American families and small business owners, backing them into a corner and forcing them to accept higher prices. Senator Warnock uplifted the story of Georgia constituent Angela Hawkins, who is the founder of Bamblu, a small business in Atlanta that sells bamboo-based sleepwear and sheets for people with severe and sensitive skin allergies. Hawkins, who imports many of her products from overseas, is now at risk of going out of business due to the price hikes caused by the tariffs.
“Angela’s products are made overseas because you can’t find bamboo fabric made in the United States. What should Angela do? Pay the new tax? Raise her prices and risk losing customers? Or is there a process for her to apply for an exclusion from the Trump White House?” asked Senator Warnock.
“The President has said that in connection with this action, he is not going to have exclusions or exemptions beyond what is in the program already for certain products,” responded Jamieson Greer.
“She might even go out of business,” said Senator Warnock.
Last week, Senator Warnock issued a statement following President Trump’s rollout of a sweeping new set of tariffs that raise the prices of everyday goods, everything from groceries to cars. In the statement opposing the tariff announcement, Senator Warnock highlighted the potential of the cost of living to go up as a result.
Watch the Senator’s full remarks and line of questioning HERE.
See below a transcript of Senator Warnock’s remarks:
Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “Since President Trump announced his tariffs last week, the stock market has dropped more than 10%, we’ve talked about that. I’m more concerned about the impact on ordinary people. This is a regressive tax. It’s a tax on families, who are already dealing with increasing costs and trying to figure out how to make their lives work. I heard you say that you don’t think we’re in a trade war. I respect your expertise on trade. But tomorrow, the Trump Administration will implement its reciprocal tariffs, which means businesses and families have had less than one week to plan for the largest tax increase in more than 50 years.”
“We are escalating. We can go back and forth about whether we think it is a trade war. I’m focused on how this is impacting families. Normally, when tariffs are being discussed, businesses and industries have time to plan. The government often provides an orderly and clear process for American companies to apply for exclusions from tariffs when it is not possible for them to sell a product without importing parts or all of it because no one manufactures it here. We all know uncertainty is the worst thing for business. I’m hearing this from farmers, from folks in the manufacturing sector. I hope we can provide some certainty.”
“What should a multinational retailer do about their products made only overseas, or that contain parts only made overseas? We are seeing this in our automotive sector in Georgia. Should they just raise their prices on families to account for the new tax, or is there a process for that company to reach out to the White House for an exclusion?”
United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (JG): “Senator Warnock, the section 232 on autos is a Commerce Department action. One thing they have done is they have said that they would be willing to give some kind of credit for U.S. Content in parts and components and they can approach the Commerce Department about this. It’s not a decision I’m making, but I know this is one alternative.”
“I am mindful, when I hear this, obviously, we are sensitive to these dynamics. It reminds me that we lost 5 million manufacturing jobs over the last 20 years. That’s part of the reason why we are in the situation now. We just have to bring those back. It’s important to bring those back now before the situation gets worse.”
SRW: “The question is: what do they do? Do they pass that price onto consumers?”
JG: “What we’ve seen Ford and GM, for example, have announced that they are giving discounts. That was the big news last week, last Thursday. They would be giving discounts going forward. These companies often are going figure out how they locate costs among themselves and it rarely gets down to consumers.”
SRW: “The company might figure it out.”
JG: “They can approach the Commerce Department.”
SRW: “Let me go smaller, last week, my office met with Angela Hawkins, she’s the founder of Bamblu, a small business in Atlanta that sells bamboo-based sleepwear and sheets particularly for people with severe and sensitive skin allergies like her husband. Angela’s products are made overseas because you can’t find bamboo fabric made in the United States. What should Angela do? Pay the new tax? Raise her prices and risk losing customers? Or is there a process for her to apply for an exclusion from the Trump White House?”
JG: “The President has said that in connection with this action, he is not going to have exclusions or exemptions beyond what is in the program already for certain products.”
SRW: “So she will just have to figure it out.”
JG: “She will have to work with her business partners and figure out outsourcing…”
SRW: “She’ll have to either raise prices and risk customers [is] basically the answer, right? Because she can’t get bamboo here.”
JG: “It will depend on the tariff rate. Every country has a different rate. Some are lower than others.”
SRW: “So she might even go out of business.”
“Let’s go even smaller. Early estimates show that President Trump’s tariffs will increase the costs of goods by $3,800 for the average American household. Many critical baby [gates] are produced abroad or have foreign-made components. I went through this not long ago as a parent of young children. For an expecting family in Augusta, Georgia, who may see a 50% price increase for that stroller or car seat, what is the process for that family to apply for a White House exclusion? I guess if the business owner can’t get one, they can’t get one either, correct?”
JG: “There’s not an exclusion process, that’s right.”
SRW: “So they would just bear the cost?”
JG: “I think the studies you’re talking about, the economists got it wrong in Trump one [first Trump Administration], they said that there would be inflation because of tariffs, and it when down. When I hear them saying the same thing, I don’t trust what they are saying. The fact of history shows that it’s not a one-to-one.”
“The highest inflation we ever saw was under [President] Biden for housing and education and health care, and all of these things. I don’t know where everybody was then, when that was skyrocketing.”
SRW: “What if their child is potassium deficient? And now bananas are more expensive. Last I checked, we don’t have the climate to grow bananas in the United States. Who should that family reach out to the White House for an exclusion for that price hike on those bananas?”
JG: “There’s not an exclusion process. I think we have waited too long with the status quo. I know people want the status quo…”
SRW: “Here, you and I agree. Nobody wants the status quo. This economy is not working for working families, for ordinary people. And I would submit that what the President did last week in such a reckless and sudden way is adding even more pressure on these families.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, bipartisan legislation to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Predatory IUU fishing, particularly by China, disrupts international trade and undermines maritime security, marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and food and economic security. It often involves forced labor, human trafficking, unsafe working conditions, and other human rights abuses. IUU fishing directly harms the United States—a major harvester, importer, and consumer of seafood—by creating unfair competition for fishermen who abide by international fishing laws.
“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is rife with human rights abuses and is bad for maritime security, the global economy, and Virginia’s seafood industry,” said Kaine, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee covering transnational criminal activity. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to deter IUU fishing by China and other bad actors, and bolster the U.S. and international response to these illegal activities.”
“Louisiana produces the best seafood in the world. Competitors abroad outprice us with illegal practices. It hurts our jobs, economy, and national security. Let’s protect our way of life,” said Dr. Cassidy.
“China’s illegal fishing practices not only devastate marine ecosystems, but they also threaten the security of the United States and our partners while undercutting the hardworking men and women who fish legally and sustainably,” said Curtis, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee covering transnational criminal activity. “This bipartisan bill is about restoring fairness and protecting the integrity of global fisheries.”
IUU fishing includes a range of activities that violate national and international fishing laws, including fishing without a license for certain species, failing to report catches or making false reports, using prohibited fishing gear, or conducting unauthorized transfers of fish to cargo vessels.
IUU fishing has become a particular challenge in the Western Hemisphere. IUU fishing in the region costs nearly $2.7 billion in lost revenue annually. It makes up more than 20 percent of all catches in Latin America. The increasing presence of illegal Chinese fishing vessels has significantly contributed to the rise in IUU fishing in the hemisphere and around the world.
Specifically, the bipartisan Protecting Global Fisheries Act would:
Full text of the bill is available here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (D-VA) along with U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09) issued a statement on the formal approval of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the February winter storms that caused widespread flooding and damage to Southwest Virginia. This declaration triggers the release of Public Assistance for Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson, Lee, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise Counties and the independent city of Bristol. The Commonwealth’s request for Individual Assistance remains under review.
“After weeks of pushing at the federal level, we are glad to see this crucial assistance approved for Southwest Virginia,” said the lawmakers. “This is a strong first step towards supporting recovery efforts and we will continue pushing for Individual Assistance to help deliver resources to the families most hard-hit by this devastating flooding.”
This approval comes more than six weeks after the Senators and Rep. Griffith originally wrote to President Trump in support of Virginia’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
Source: United Nations – Geneva
The Committee against Torture today concluded its consideration of the seventh periodic report of Monaco under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, with Committee Experts praising Monaco’s ratification of United Nations and European human rights treaties, while raising questions about efforts to bring legislation on torture in line with the Convention and the transfer of prisoners to France.
Abderrazak Rouwane, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Co-Rapporteur, congratulated Monaco on having ratified a significant number of United Nations and Council of Europe human rights instruments. Why had the State party decided not to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture?
Mr. Rouwane asked about measures the State party had taken to harmonise national legislation on torture with the Convention. The Committee was concerned about the statute of limitations on torture crimes, the lack of specific provisions in the Criminal Code imposing an absolute prohibition of torture, and the lack of clear mechanisms protecting subordinates from being forced to carry out unlawful orders.
Erdogan Iscan, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Co-Rapporteur, said some inmates in Monaco continued to be transferred to French prisons, and the State
party lacked oversight of places of deprivation of liberty in France. Would a formal legal procedure for recording prisoners’ consent to transfers be created? Which State was responsible for ensuring legal safeguards for these prisoners?
Introducing the report, Samuel Vuelta Simon, Secretary of State for Justice of Monaco, Director of Judicial Services and head of the delegation, said Monaco ensured that its legal framework was fully in line with its international commitments and that its texts were regularly adapted to better meet the requirements of the fight against torture and inhuman treatment.
Mr. Vuelta Simon said the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure allowed for severe punishment for any act resembling torture or inhuman treatment. Also, a legislative proposal currently being prepared would ensure that the crime of torture was imprescriptible and would also ensure the unenforceability of any hierarchical order invoked to justify it.
The delegation said the Convention against Torture had been rendered executory by a sovereign ordinance. It took precedence over domestic legislation. The State party was also considering domestic legislation that would define torture in line with the Convention.
The delegation said an impact study on the Optional Protocol to the Convention had been carried out, and the State party was not closing the door on ratification. However, it attached greater importance to the main international human rights instruments. There was only one detention facility in Monaco, which was already reviewed by international monitoring mechanisms.
The delegation also said that Monaco’s territory was only two square kilometres. Its small size made it necessary to turn to France for assistance in managing prisoners. Transfer requests to French prisons were made by detainees who were French citizens. The State party would consider formalising this procedure. French authorities cooperated with transfer procedures and guaranteed detainees’ rights. There was no transfer of citizens of Monaco to foreign prisons.
In closing remarks, Claude Heller, Committee Chair, said that the dialogue had been fruitful and frank. The Committee would develop concluding observations based on the dialogue, which would aid the State in the implementation of the Convention.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Vuelta Simon said that Monaco was a small State that tried to do things properly, on the same level as larger countries. Some issues had been raised in the dialogue that the State party could make rapid progress on to promote the well-being of human beings, including detainees. Monaco hoped to demonstrate this progress in its next review with the Committee.
The delegation of Monaco consisted of representatives from the Directorate of Public Safety; Department of External Relations and Cooperation; Directorate of Legal Affairs; Directorate of Judicial Services; and the Permanent Mission of Monaco to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The Committee will issue concluding observations on the report of Monaco at the end of its eighty-second session on 2 May. Those, and other documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, will be available on the session’s webpage. Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, and webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.
The Committee will next meet in public on Thursday, 10 April at 3 p.m. to continue its examination of the fifth periodic report of Mauritius (CAT/C/MUS/5).
Report
The Committee has before it the seventh periodic report of Monaco (CAT/C/MCO/7).
Presentation of Report
SAMUEL VUELTA SIMON, Secretary of State for Justice, Director of Judicial Services of Mexico and head of the delegation, said human dignity was an absolute value that the Principality of Monaco was committed to protecting with determination. Monaco was committed to constantly improving its mechanisms for preventing and protecting against torture and inhuman treatment. Since the submission of its first report in 1994, Monaco had continued its efforts to strengthen its legal and institutional framework, which had led to significant progress, both in terms of legislation and the implementation of concrete measures to guarantee ever more effective protection against all forms of violence.
Monaco ensured that the legal framework was fully in line with its international commitments and that its texts were regularly adapted to better meet the requirements of the fight against torture and inhuman treatment. The Constitution explicitly guaranteed respect for human dignity and prohibited any cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. This absolute prohibition was reinforced by several provisions of the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allowed for severe punishment for any act resembling torture or inhuman treatment.
The Principality had begun an in-depth study to incorporate into its domestic law a definition of torture that was fully in line with article one of the Convention. A legislative proposal currently being prepared would ensure that the crime of torture was imprescriptible. It would also ensure the unenforceability of any hierarchical order invoked to justify it, and the absolute inadmissibility of evidence obtained under duress. These measures would complement an already strict legal arsenal which severely punished acts of violence, especially when committed by a public official.
Monaco also attached particular importance to supporting and providing reparation to victims. In 2023, it adopted an unprecedented compensation scheme for victims of serious crimes, including domestic violence and misdemeanours and crimes against minors, guaranteeing rapid and effective compensation to victims when the perpetrators were insolvent. Courts had an obligation to inform victims of this possibility.
In recent years, significant improvements had been made to Monaco’s prison to provide a more suitable living environment for inmates. The renovation of the cells had made it possible to bring in more natural light, while a new exercise yard and an activity room had been set up. A body scanner had recently been introduced to limit the use of body searches. The visiting regime had been significantly improved, allowing inmates to benefit from three 90-minute visits per week, in addition to two daily 45-minute visits.
The incarceration of minors remained an exceptional measure in Monaco. Recent reforms had strengthened the juvenile justice system to promote the reintegration and well-being of young people in conflict with the law. Anyone in police custody had the immediate right to information and the assistance of a lawyer, permanent judicial supervision, and audio-visual recording of interrogations, thus ensuring the transparency of proceedings. Since 2022, the right to the assistance of a lawyer had been strengthened in the event of an extension of police custody.
The Monegasque Institute for the Training of the Judicial Professions, in collaboration with other specialised institutions, provided regular training to public security forces on international standards for the respect of fundamental rights. The public security forces were thus regularly made aware of good practices, particularly regarding the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty.
Monaco ensured that respect for fundamental rights within its prison system was monitored. The Office of the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Freedoms and Mediation played a key role in this system by providing detainees with direct access to report any allegations of ill-treatment. Since the last review, a new right had been introduced allowing detainees to call the Office of the High Commissioner directly once a day, including when they were in a disciplinary cell.
Monaco reaffirmed its total commitment to the fight against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment. While there was still room for improvement, the legislative, judicial and institutional advances put in place in recent years had made it possible to considerably strengthen the prevention, control and punishment of abuses. Monaco would continue its efforts with determination to ensure that respect for human dignity was never compromised.
Questions by Committee Experts
ABDERRAZAK ROUWANE, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Co-Rapporteur, expressed regret regarding the absence of civil society participants in the dialogue. Why were they absent? What measures had the State party taken to harmonise national legislation on torture with the Convention? The Committee had called on the State party to do so in each of its last six reviews. Could the delegation give some examples of court cases that had referenced the Convention or other United Nations human rights treaties? The Committee was concerned about the statute of limitations on torture crimes, the lack of specific provisions in the Criminal Code imposing an absolute prohibition of torture, and the lack of clear mechanisms protecting subordinates from being forced to carry out unlawful orders.
What measures had been taken to ensure that detainees enjoyed all basic legal rights from the outset of deprivation of liberty? The Committee had called on the State party to amend legislation that allowed police officers to prevent detainees from contacting a family member if such communication was considered detrimental to investigations. Had this been done? Did victims benefit from legal aid in cases involving allegations of torture or ill-treatment?
What steps had been taken to promote the accreditation of the Office of the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Freedoms and Mediation under the Paris Principles? The Office did not have a specific mandate to protect against human rights violations, including torture and ill-treatment, and it did not have the competence to conduct investigations, publish studies or formulate opinions on draft legislation on its own initiative. Could the delegation comment on this? Why had the State party decided not to ratify the Optional Protocol and set up a national preventive mechanism against torture?
The Committee congratulated Monaco on having ratified a significant number of human rights instruments within the framework of the United Nations system and the Council of Europe. Would it ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Convention for the Protection of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families?
The Committee noted positive amendments to the law on the status of the judiciary to strengthen the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, which had enabled the Council to take up disciplinary matters on its own. However, the Council’s role in appointing judges had not been increased and its activity report was not made public. The Director of Judicial Services, part of the executive, chaired the High Council and could appoint and suspend judges and magistrates directly. The Prosecutor General and the magistrates of the Public Prosecutor’s Office were also under the direct authority of the Director. Was this not interference by the executive in the affairs of justice? How would the State party ensure the full independence of the judiciary, including in matters related to appointment and disciplinary measures?
Could the State party provide updated data on extraditions, asylum applications, and the number of appeals against asylum decisions? The Committee noted that refugees enjoyed the rights provided for in the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees. However, there was a lack of clarity regarding the asylum process and safeguards offered, and uncertainty surrounding the procedure for cooperation between the State party and the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons. Would the State party implement a mechanism to follow up on asylum seekers’ cases with the Office? What measures were in place to domesticate an asylum assessment procedure? Could the State party provide information on extradition cases and requests made for mutual legal assistance related to international cases involving torture?
A large number of foreigners living in neighbouring countries were working informally in Monaco and were at risk of trafficking. How was the State party combatting trafficking in persons, raising awareness of the issue, and training the judiciary on it? What measures were in place to strengthen the identification of trafficking victims? What tools were available to public officials to guide the identification of child victims of trafficking?
The Committee had previously called for the strengthening of training for the judiciary and prison officials on the Convention and the revised Istanbul Protocol of 2022. What measures would the State party take to train officials who were in contact with persons deprived of liberty on the absolute prohibition of torture? Were there any monitoring mechanisms in places of deprivation of liberty?
ERDOGAN ISCAN, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Co-Rapporteur, commended the recent progress by the State presented in the opening statement. The Committee noted that the remand prison of Monaco had recently been extended, its facilities upgraded, and the visit regime improved. However, there were limits to the extent to which the prison could be expanded due to its location, and the prison reportedly remained unsuitable for prolonged detention due to its limited natural light and lack of space for activities. What further steps would be taken to improve prison conditions?
Some inmates continued to be transferred to French prisons, and the State party lacked oversight of places of deprivation of liberty in France. There was no formalised legal procedure for recording prisoners’ consent and requests regarding transfers. Would one be created? How many Monegasque prisoners were currently serving sentences in French prisons? Which State was responsible for ensuring legal safeguards for these prisoners? Did they have access to lawyers and could they maintain social connections in Monaco? How would the State party ensure this right? Which State conducted investigations in cases of complaints by these prisoners? Had the State party considered expanding the capacity of its prison system to allow inmates to remain in Monaco?
Did current legislation prohibit corporal punishment in all settings, including homes and educational institutions? Were awareness raising campaigns or training programmes on corporal punishment for parents and childcare professionals planned? Minors under age 13 could not be detained but could be held in police custody for up to 24 hours in criminal cases. Could the delegation provide data on minors in police custody? Would the State party consider revising legislation to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years of age?
Had the State party made progress in adopting legislation that provided full redress to victims of torture? Would it consider scaling up its support to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, and had it updated legislation to ensure that statements obtained through torture were made null and void?
The Committee noted with satisfaction measures taken by the State party to prevent and combat violence against women, including revision of the Criminal Code and awareness raising campaigns. What protection measures were in place for foreign women who were victims of violence, and what resources were devoted to programmes and measures to combat violence against women?
Reportedly, conditions in closed psychiatric units in the Princess Grace Hospital were good, but improvements were needed regarding prolonged hospitalisation and treatment of minors and detainees requiring psychiatric care. Was the State party addressing this?
Another Committee Expert asked whether the Convention was directly applicable in Monaco. How were potential conflicts between the Convention and domestic legislation resolved?
One Committee Expert asked how many prisoners were serving in Monaco. What happened to prisoners who did not consent to being transferred to French prisons? Could the delegation clarify whether consent was needed to conduct transfers?
A Committee Expert said domestic law on trafficking was sound, but the State party needed to strengthen the training of law enforcement officials, social workers, medical staff and the public on identifying victims of trafficking.
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the Director of Judicial Services was also the Secretary of State for Justice, which, as a member of the judiciary, was not part of the executive branch of Government but fell under the authority of the Prince. The judiciary was guaranteed security of tenure and independence. The Secretary of State for Justice gave generalised guidance to the judiciary that was consistent with State policies, but prosecutors were free to speak independently in carrying out their work.
Monaco’s territory was only two square kilometres. Its small size made it necessary to turn to France for assistance for managing prisoners. There were only six prosecutors and 22 jurists who worked with legislators to develop legal texts. Some 39,000 people lived in Monaco but only 9,000 had citizenship.
The Supreme Council of the Judiciary was made up of two elected judges and five judges appointed by the Council itself. Both the Secretary of State for Justice and the Supreme Council could take up cases of discipline of judges. The Supreme Council selected candidates for judicial posts and had a special budget guaranteeing its independence. Training was provided to newly appointed judges and prosecutors through French institutions; approximately two-thirds of judges had been seconded from France. A draft law had been developed that would create a reserve pool of judges to strengthen the domestic availability of judges.
Monaco had a dualist system. The Prince signed and ratified international treaties, with authorisation by the National Council. Sovereign ordinances were used to allow for international treaties to be directly invoked before national courts. There were cases in which the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention of Human Rights had been invoked. The Constitution had the highest status in the domestic legal order, followed by international treaties, which took precedence over domestic legislation.
The Constitution expressly prohibited torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Acts of torture committed in offences of sexual aggression, terrorism and abduction were considered to be aggravated crimes. Monaco’s judicial services had limited capacity, but aimed to establish a stand-alone offence of torture in line with article one of the Convention through a draft law that was currently before the legislature. Serious crimes committed against minors had a statute of limitations of 30 years, which started when the victim reached the age of majority. Monaco’s law imposed an absolute prohibition of torture; it was impossible to justify acts of torture in any circumstances. Hierarchical superiors were held accountable for illegal orders to carry out acts of torture, as were agents who carried out such orders. Subordinates who refused to obey illegal orders were not disciplined or considered to have committed a crime.
There was one case of trafficking against a minor in which the court had referenced the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime in its ruling. The scope of the criminalisation of trafficking had been broadened to address domestic trafficking cases that did not involve organised crime. Trafficking that endangered victims’ lives, trafficking of minors, and trafficking by public officials or members of organised criminal groups were considered aggravating circumstances.
Police custody was always recorded and was subject to court oversight; examining magistrates could end police custody at any point. All persons in police custody were informed of the reasons of their detention and their rights, including the right to access a lawyer from the beginning of custody. All persons who earned less than 20,000 euros per year were entitled to free legal aid. Detainees could request a medical examination at any point. The State party intended to regulate the grounds under which the Prosecutor General could restrict detainees’ right to contact a relative. Hearings were filmed and could be conducted in the presence of a legal counsel. Criminal investigative officers needed to record the time of detention and other details relating to the detention, including reasons for refusals of detainees’ rights.
Minors under 13 could not be placed in police custody unless they committed an offence that carried a five-year prison sentence. Hearings of minors needed to be conducted with a lawyer present. Police custody of minors was typically 12 hours but could be extended to 24 hours in criminal cases with the permission of a judge.
Legislation on the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights and Mediation had been revised to bring the institution in line with the Paris Principles. The law allowed the High Commissioner to carry out surveys and provide recommendations related to combatting discrimination, protecting human rights, and implementing international conventions. It also strengthened the High Commissioner’s investigative powers and gave the body powers to defend the rights of the child. Steps had been taken to promote registration of the institution by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. Since 2022, detainees were able to contact the High Commissioner directly by telephone, in addition to through written communications. Monaco had installed a body scanning machine in its prison after detainees’ complaints to the High Commissioner regarding body searches.
Civil society in Monaco was very active. As there had been no demonstrated cases of torture in the State for almost a century, there were no non-governmental organizations working on the issue. The High Commissioner’s mandate had recently been expanded and it was now recruiting staff to address its new functions. In future, the High Commissioner could be able to participate in reviews by the Committee.
Ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was not a priority for the State. The State party tried to align its legislation with international instruments before ratifying them, which caused delays in ratification. There were no cases of enforced disappearance in Monaco.
An impact study on the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture had been carried out. There was only one detention facility in Monaco, which was already reviewed by international monitoring mechanisms. There had been no complaints regarding ill-treatment or poor conditions. Ratifying the Optional Protocol was not a top priority for the Government but could be done in future. Monaco made voluntary contributions to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, but did not envisage providing contributions to the Voluntary Fund for the Victims of Torture.
Refugees fell under ordinary law for entry and stay in Monaco. They received 10-year residence permits. The State currently hosted 23 refugees. Monaco respected the principle of non-refoulement. Asylum seekers whose claims were rejected were not immediately removed, unless they posed a threat to public safety. The Government called on the relevant French authority to assess asylum claims. Refusals of asylum claims were always explained and could be appealed before the relevant court. The overseas diplomatic presence of Monaco in countries of origin for asylum seekers was limited.
When the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, Monaco established a system providing temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens who had lived in Monaco prior to the establishment of the system. Currently, around 50 Ukrainians held the temporary protection permit, which allowed them to access health, education and other social services. Many holders of this permit had since gained residency permits.
The State party had not received any requests for mutual legal assistance or handled any international cases involving torture. It had received one extradition request, which Monaco’s court of appeal rejected due to concerns about human rights protections.
In 2020, two people were transferred to French prisons, while one person was transferred in 2023 and another in 2024; there were two requests in 2025 that were being assessed. Transfer requests to France were typically made by French citizens. All requests for prison transfers were made in writing by the detainees themselves. The State party would consider formalising this procedure. There were no difficulties in transfers to France; French authorities cooperated with transfer procedures and guaranteed detainees’ rights. Requests for transfers to other countries were considered based on respect for detainees’ rights.
The national human rights institution received and investigated written complaints from detainees. There was also an internal oversight body within the police force that could be called on by the judiciary to investigate police officers accused of human rights violations. Complaints made to the Prosecutor-General triggered judicial proceedings. Legal assistance was available for persons who filed for civil damages. A compensation mechanism had been set up for victims of serious offences who could not be compensated by the perpetrator. Compensation covered damages and court costs. State compensation could also be provided to persons who were placed in pre-trial detention before being released or acquitted.
The State party had adopted a law on school bullying and harassment, and the Criminal Code prohibited and punished corporal punishment, including in school and family settings. Teaching staff and other school staff underwent annual training on identifying and addressing harassment of children. Schools needed to implement awareness raising initiatives to combat harassment and bullying.
Incarceration and pre-trial detention of children were last resort measures. Judges could determine alternatives to prosecution of minor offenders, including provisional releases, reparation for victims, community service, and training within social health institutions. Judges could also order minors to be placed in the Foyer d’Enfance, from which they were free to come and go. In 2020, five minors were charged, of whom none were detained; in 2021, seven minors were charged and only one was placed in pre-trial detention for one month and 20 days; and in 2022, out of the 15 minors who were charged, only two were placed in pre-trial detention.
The age of criminal responsibility in Monaco was 13 years. None of the 15 minor offenders in 2022 were aged 13. The State party would consider raising the age threshold and revising the legal status of minors in the country.
Considerable progress had been made since 2020 in improving the detention facility. The State had installed cells with better access to natural light, a games room, a new exercise yard, and air conditioning and heating facilities within cells. Exercise and folding laundry were no longer mandatory, televisions did not need to be switched off at certain times, and the State no longer imposed solitary confinement on detainees.
Women and child victims of violence were supported by the Directorate for Social Assistance. A protocol for care of victims of domestic violence had been established. Health care professionals were trained in caring for victims and managing perpetrators when they accompanied them. Victims were provided with shelter in emergencies when they could not stay with friends or family. They were entitled to medical care, psychological assistance, and legal advice.
The employment service verified working conditions for migrant workers and the labour inspectorate carried out numerous checks to ensure that workers’ rights were being respected. Officials held interviews with applicants for residence and work permits to detect risks of trafficking. To date, 96 public officials had received training on identifying and treating victims of trafficking.
Members of the judiciary were obliged to attend at least five days of training per year either locally or in France, which addressed human rights and international and European norms. The State sought to ensure that the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights were incorporated in domestic legislation as soon as possible.
Training of police officers lasted 10 months. It stressed the rights of apprehended persons, including the right to be protected from violence, inhumane and degrading treatment. All police officers had to abide by the code of professional ethnics and respect the dignity of persons. They were trained on ethical means of restraint, bodily searches, the use of reasonable force, and the prohibition of torture.
Questions by Committee Experts
ABDERRAZAK ROUWANE, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the Committee welcomed that there were no cases of torture in Monaco, but this could not be used as an excuse for not ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention. Crimes needed to be legislated for regardless of their prevalence. A national preventive mechanism would be mandated to investigate all places of deprivation of liberty, including the psychiatric hospital and airports. It would be fantastic if a European country could ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. Many of the 63,000 workers in Monaco were migrant workers who needed legal protection.
Could detainees from Monaco be transferred to French prisons? When there were criminal prosecutions of perpetrators, were alleged victims entitled to legal assistance? Did the State party intend to provide the Supreme Council of the Judiciary with further independence?
ERDOGAN ISCAN, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the dialogue had been constructive. Even if there was limited scope for implementing the Optional Protocol, ratification would set a positive example for other States. Some 42 of the 46 members of the Council of Europe had ratified the Optional Protocol. Did the State party plan to remove its reservation to article 30 of the Convention. Member States needed to continue to support the treaty body system in a sustainable manner. What was Monaco’s position on this?
Another Committee Expert asked whether Monaco had adopted measures addressing trade in equipment used to inflict pain and suffering.
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State party was not closing the door on ratifying the Optional Protocol; it was still considering the option. However, it attached greater importance to the main international human rights instruments. Impact assessment studies on these instruments took time due to the State’s limited resources.
There were around 60,000 cross-border workers travelling from France or Italy to Monaco every day. They were entitled to the rights embodied by Monaco’s labour laws.
The Convention against Torture had been rendered executory by a sovereign ordinance. It took precedence over domestic legislation. The State party was also considering domestic legislation that would define torture in line with the Convention.
Legal aid lasted from the beginning to the end of legal proceedings.
There was no transfer of Monaco citizens to foreign prisons. Transfers were only for foreign detainees who had requested a transfer back to their country of origin; such transfers were essentially humanitarian.
The Supreme Council of the Judiciary promoted the independence of the judiciary. It drew mostly on the French model. The Secretary of State for Justice was responsible for appointing and promoting judges, but the Supreme Council approved appointments and promotions and could take up disciplinary cases on its own initiative.
Concluding Remarks
CLAUDE HELLER, Committee Chair, said that the dialogue had been fruitful and frank. The Committee would develop concluding observations based on the dialogue, which would aid the State in the implementation of the Convention. The Committee did not judge States based on their size; it treated them all equally.
SAMUEL VUELTA SIMON, Secretary of State for Justice of Monaco, Director of Judicial Services and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the dialogue. Monaco was a small State that tried to do things properly, on the same level as larger countries, though staff numbers made this difficult. The State tried to respond as best it could to its realities. Monaco welcomed the Committee’s advice and relevant questions. Some issues had been raised that the State party could make rapid progress on to promote the well-being of human beings, including detainees. Monaco hoped to demonstrate this progress in its next review with the Committee.
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not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.
CAT25.002E
Source: United Nations – Geneva
The Committee on Migrant Workers today concluded its consideration of the second periodic report of Niger under the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, with Committee Experts welcoming the State’s legislation focused on the protection of migrants, while raising issues concerning bilateral agreements with other countries and the migration centre in Agadez.
Khaled Cheikhna Babacar, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur,
welcomed that the Niger had ratified the 10 key International Labour Organization Conventions, 2018 legislation that included principles of social protection for migrants, and bilateral agreements that had been reached with neighbouring countries on migrant workers.
Myriam Poussi, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said most of the bilateral agreements the Niger had reportedly formed with countries in the region were seemingly not applied. Could the delegation comment on this? Were the agreements with Türkiye and Morocco referred to in the report in effect? The State party had yet to set up a committee to follow-up on the implementation of the agreement with Algeria. What benefits were migrant workers provided with through the agreement with Tunisia?
A Committee Expert said the reform of the law on illegal smuggling of migrants addressed the outsourcing of processing of migrants by the European Union to the migration centre in Agadez, which had led to increased trafficking in the region. How was the State party addressing this situation? Did the withdrawal of the Niger from the Economic Community of West African States impact the organization’s agreement on freedom of movement?
Alio Daouda, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Niger, Keeper of the Seals and head of the delegation, said the legislation of the Niger guaranteed migrant workers access to social protection, including health and education. Migrant workers had access to the competent administrative and judicial bodies in the event of violations of their rights and had access to free legal assistance and redress mechanisms. The major obstacle to the realisation of human rights of migrant workers in the Niger remained terrorism, which had a profound negative impact on the realisation of human rights.
The delegation said the Niger had suspended bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia, Libya and Algeria, as these countries had violated these agreements, repatriating many migrants from the Niger. Every time the Niger formed a labour agreement, it set up a body to monitor the implementation of the agreement and protect workers’ rights. The State party had conducted activities to ensure that private recruitment agencies were aware of their responsibilities to protect migrant workers. Portions of migrant workers’ salaries could not be withheld by these agencies.
The delegation said the humanitarian centre at Agadez hosted asylum seekers and refugees. The State party was assessing asylum requests. Transit centres managed by the International Organization for Migration were also in place that hosted migrants and processed their repatriation. Algeria expatriated about 500 foreign migrants to Agadez every month, forcing them to walk about 15 kilometres through the desert to reach the transit centres. The Niger was calling on Algeria to change the way it expelled people, which violated the rights of these migrants.
In concluding remarks, Sabrina Gahar, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur, said the Niger’s report showed that the State was committed to protecting the rights of migrant workers and their families. However, there was still a lot to do to guarantee that the rights of migrant workers and members of their families were fully respected and protected.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Daouda expressed gratitude for the attention given to the report and the efforts of the Niger to guarantee the basic rights of migrants and their families. The State acknowledged the remaining challenges, but would tackle them with conviction and would step up efforts to meet the provisions under the Convention.
The delegation of Niger was made up of representatives of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; Department of Political, Administrative, Legal and Diplomatic Affairs; National Agency for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons; Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Employment; Ministry of the Interior, Public Security and Territorial Administration; and the Permanent Mission of Niger to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The Committee on Migrant Workers’ fortieth session is being held from 7 to 17 April. All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Meeting summary releases can be found here. The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.
The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, 9 April, to consider the combined initial and second periodic report of Jamaica (CMW/C/JAM/1-2).
Report
The Committee has before it the second periodic report of the Niger (CMW/C/NER/2).
Presentation of the Report
ALIO DAOUDA, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Niger, Keeper of the Seals and head of the delegation, expressed sincere regret that the Convention currently had only 60 States parties, 34 of which were from the African continent. No country among the main destinations of migrants had ratified it. By acting together, in a spirit of universal solidarity, States could ensure a future for migrant workers based on the values of dignity, fairness and mutual respect.
The events of 26 July 2023 had led to the coming to power of the Defence and Security Forces of the Niger. This seizure of power, which immediately received popular support, was motivated by the rejection of security models and bad governance. Following this change of regime, the State experienced unprecedented, illegal sanctions, decided by the Economic Community of West African States and the West African Economic and Monetary Union, materialised by the closure of borders, the cessation of the supply of foodstuffs and medicines, and the blocking of access to savings in banks.
These sanctions were guided by Western powers using regional and international organizations as tools for geopolitical domination. They had deprived millions of innocent inhabitants, nationals and foreigners alike, of food, healthcare, medicine, education, freedom of movement, access to their savings, access to electricity, dignity and well-being, in the face of the deafening, complicit silence of international organizations. The world needed to denounce this situation and work for an international order based on dignity and mutual respect.
The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, upon its accession to power in July 2023, reaffirmed its commitment to respect human rights as defined by the treaties and conventions to which the country had freely subscribed. The Niger, well-known for its hospitality as a country of transit and origin of migratory flows, attached particular importance to the protection of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families.
In the context of the security situation, which had been marked by the recurrence of attacks by armed terrorist groups supported by foreign powers, the Niger had adopted ordinance no. 2023-02 of 28 July 2023 on the organization of public authorities during the transition period, and the 2025 Constitution, which guaranteed human rights as enshrined in international instruments. The revised Labour Code had been developed to better protect migrant workers’ rights, while the revised Penal Code, which was in the process of being adopted, prohibited all forms of discrimination and harassment, including discrimination based on national origin.
The legislation of the Niger guaranteed migrant workers access to social protection, including health and education. Migrant workers had access to the competent administrative and judicial bodies in the event of violations of their rights and had access to free legal assistance and redress mechanisms. In addition, institutions had been set up to combat trafficking in persons and to manage migratory flows, particularly in transit regions such as Agadez. The Niger was working closely with the International Organization for Migration to provide humanitarian assistance and build local capacity. It was working to develop initiatives to provide accurate information to migrants, facilitating their access to legal identity documents and promoting ethical recruitment practices.
Despite measures taken to combat migrant smuggling, criminal networks continued to exploit vulnerable migrants, especially women and children. This situation was worsened by neighbouring countries that pushed back hundreds of migrants from the Niger and other countries to the territory of the Niger, despite the signing of several bilateral and regional agreements. In 2022, 18,728 migrants were pushed back to the Niger. In addition, conflicts in neighbouring countries and humanitarian crises were increasing the migratory pressure on the Niger, further complicating the implementation of migration policies. In this context, revisions to the national employment and migration policies were being developed. All these challenges required national, regional and international efforts to ensure that the rights of migrant workers were protected in an effective and sustainable manner.
The major obstacle to the realisation of human rights of migrant workers in the Niger remained terrorism, which had a profound negative impact on the realisation of human rights. Attacks in the border regions had led to massive displacement of populations, creating a humanitarian crisis that affected all rights. These barbaric acts, which intended to sow fear and divide, would never succeed in shaking the State’s unity and resilience.
The Niger was committed to honouring its international obligations and to working actively with the Committee to ensure the effective implementation of the Convention.
Questions by Committee Experts
KHALED CHEIKHNA BABACAR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said that the Niger had a border of over 7,000 kilometres and was affected by violence from Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria. There were numerous migrants travelling through the Niger to Europe; many refugees were stranded in the desert and internally displaced persons were exploited by gangs and needed support.
Mr. Babacar welcomed that the Niger had ratified the 10 key International Labour Organization Conventions. Would it ratify conventions addressing migrant workers, domestic workers, workplace harassment and labour inspection? Were there complaint mechanisms in place that workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers, could access? The Expert welcomed that the Labour Code was being revised; this was a good opportunity to address its shortcomings. Would the State party develop specific legislation to protect domestic workers? Would the national action plan on migration be revised to include measures to promote the registration of the children of migrants?
Mr. Babacar welcomed 2018 legislation that included principles of social protection for migrants, and bilateral agreements that had been reached with neighbouring countries on migrant workers. What measures were included in these agreements that protected migrant workers’ rights, including the right to join trade unions? The Niger permitted the activities of private recruitment agencies, which had abusive recruitment practices such as charging workers 20 per cent of their salaries. What would the Niger do to combat these practices?
MYRIAM POUSSI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the State party’s report did not sufficiently describe the situation of migrant workers and provided incomplete information on activities being undertaken by the State. Could the delegation provide more information about progress in reforming the Labour Code? What provisions of the Convention would be addressed in the Code? How would the State party promote its implementation? What had been achieved by the national action plan on migration? What activities had been organised in the last five years to promote and protect the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families?
Could the delegation provide more information on the practice of wahaya? Were there plans to prosecute the perpetrators of this practice, which could be tantamount to a form of sexual slavery? Female migrant workers could be victims of this practice.
Most of the bilateral agreements the Niger had reportedly formed with countries in the region were seemingly not applied. Could the delegation comment on this? Were the agreements with Türkiye and Morocco referred to in the report in effect? The State party had yet to set up a committee to follow-up on the implementation of the agreement with Algeria. What benefits were migrant workers provided with through the agreement with Tunisia?
What services did the Office for Returned Migrants provide and how many people had it helped? What information was provided to the Niger diaspora and in what form? How did the State register and support returnees to reintegrate into society, and promote the repatriation of funds by migrant workers to the Niger? Had the State party established a joint committee on illegal smuggling and trafficking? What was the committee’s composition and mandate?
Another Committee Expert asked whether returning Niger migrant workers were able to receive pensions. Were civil servants informed about their obligations under the Convention? What civil society organizations in the State party were dealing with the rights of migrant workers? What dispute mechanisms were available for migrant workers? Did the State party have information on detained migrant workers? What legal support did the State party provide for migrant workers abroad?
One Committee Expert asked how civil society organizations had contributed to the State party’s report. Why had the State party not yet accepted articles 76 and 77 of the Convention, despite having expressed a desire to do so in 2022?
A Committee Expert said the reform of the law on illegal smuggling of migrants addressed the outsourcing of processing of migrants by the European Union to the migration centre in Agadez, which had led to increased trafficking in the region. How was the State party addressing this situation? Did the withdrawal of the Niger from the Economic Community of West African States impact the organization’s agreement on freedom of movement?
Another Committee Expert said migrants in the region were victims of deportation, incommunicado detention and other human rights violations, and many perished in the Sahara Desert. How did the State party address these issues and protect migrants from refoulement? Why was there a comparatively low rate of migration from the Niger to Europe and the Americas?
A Committee Expert asked whether the national mechanism for following up on treaty body recommendations cooperated with civil society organizations on issues related to migration. What support did the Labour Ministry provide to migrants? Why was the National Human Rights Commission dissolved in 2023? Did the Commission deal with cases or issue recommendations related to migrant workers? When would a new national human rights institution be set up, what would its mandate be, and what resources would it have? Many migrants being held in migration centres in the Niger were struggling to return to their countries of origin. How was the State party supporting them? Had courts referred to the provisions of the Convention, and had this had an impact on law or public policy on migration in the State party?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the Niger provided advice to migrants abroad so they were aware of their rights. However, it had limited resources and could not devote additional resources to supporting this policy.
The 2015 law on illegal smuggling included a provision criminalising the illegal crossing of borders that ran counter to the Palermo Protocol. The Niger had thus repealed the law to bring it in line with the Protocol. Migrants were made more vulnerable to traffickers under the law. The State remained a member of the Economic Community of West African States and its agreement on freedom of movement. Some countries and terrorist groups attacked territory of the Niger; the State party had implemented legal and policy measures to repel these attacks.
The Niger had an inter-ministerial committee for developing State party reports that included members of civil society in the process. The Niger continued to support civil society.
Foreign workers in the Niger could join trade unions but needed to live in the country for three years to hold management positions in trade unions. Domestic workers and workers in the informal sector could submit complaints to trade unions. The Labour Code included provisions enshrining the principle of non-discrimination and access to education and trade unions for migrant workers.
The Niger had suspended bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia, Libya and Algeria, as these countries had violated these agreements, repatriating many migrants from the Niger. Every time the Niger formed a labour agreement, it set up a body to monitor the implementation of the agreement and protect workers’ rights. The State party had conducted activities to ensure that private recruitment agencies were aware of their responsibilities to protect migrant workers. Portions of migrant workers’ salaries could not be withheld by these agencies.
The Niger had ratified 41 International Labour Organization Conventions and two protocols. It had implemented activities to protect domestic workers and disseminate the International Labour Organization Convention on domestic workers, with support from United Nations agencies. The Niger had not yet ratified International Labour Organization Convention 190 on violence in the workplace but was working to do so, and conducting training on preventing such violence.
The State party had ratified conventions on labour inspection and administration. There were 10 labour inspectorates established in major towns. Labour inspections were conducted regularly in the formal and informal sectors. The Government had bolstered the capacities of inspectors through training, which stressed the importance of protecting migrant workers. The revised Labour Code was still a draft. The State party had identified deficiencies in the Code that it sought to review to align the Code with the Convention.
The national migration policy included numerous measures to protect and support migrants and refugees and manage migration flows. There was a law on the status of migrant workers that allowed migrants to be registered in the civil registry. The births of the children of migrants were recorded. A 2023 review on the implementation of the policy found progress had been made in police officers’ and civil society’s knowledge of migrants’ rights, thanks to training on this subject from the State. This training was being revised to address the impact of climate change on migrants.
The humanitarian centre at Agadez hosted asylum seekers and refugees. The State party was assessing asylum requests. Transit centres managed by the International Organization for Migration were also in place that hosted migrants and processed their repatriation. Algeria expatriated about 500 foreign migrants to Agadez every month, forcing them to walk about 15 kilometres through the desert to reach the transit centres. The Niger was calling on Algeria to change the way it expelled people, which violated the rights of these migrants. There were some migrants who were forced to stay at transit centres for one year due to difficulties in identifying their countries of origin and repatriating them. The Niger could not afford to pay for repatriation flights for migrants.
An inter-ministerial committee and a technical committee on repatriation of Niger nationals abroad were set up in 2024. The former committee was tasked with managing returns and taking people to their towns of origin, while the latter conducted studies on repatriation and assisted reintegration activities. Officials went to host countries to organise repatriation operations, which were paid for by the Niger.
Questions by Committee Experts
KHALED CHEIKHNA BABACAR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked if the labour inspectors held a specific status, ensuring they had enough resources to perform their tasks impartially? The Niger had a national action plan to combat child labour, with support from the International Labour Organization. Had an assessment of the plan taken place? What actions had been taken in terms of planning after 2018? The Niger had rolled out awareness raising campaigns for the labour market, which concluded in 2022; what actions had been undertaken since then? Were there any possibilities for remedies or appeals against expulsions or deportations?
A Committee Expert commended the Niger for taking an inclusive approach to drafting the report; what was the consultation process followed during the preparation of the report? Had external partners been consulted? What was the role of civil society in the preparation of the report? Regarding multilateral agreements with several countries, what measures had been taken for children and women on the move from the Niger? Had the Niger been able to pinpoint barriers in integrating the migration policy? Could information be provided about the protection of the statistical data of migrants?
Could more details be provided about the specific causes of insecurity which had caused children to be displaced in the five regions? What measures had been taken to protect the rights of displaced children? Was there a response plan to support internally displaced persons, including children? What initiatives had been taken to ensure displaced children could have access to education? What psycho-social support was available to these children? Was there a mechanism to follow up on the number of children who were displaced?
MYRIAM POUSSI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the delegation had mentioned a tripartite memorandum between the Niger, the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which had provided assistance to hundreds of unaccompanied children. How many children had received this assistance? Could details of the beneficiaries of assistance be provided? Had the resettlement of these children in third countries taken place? Which countries did this occur in? How many children were affected by this settlement?
What had been the outcome of the strategy to strengthen systems along the migration route? What was the timeline to ensure that the new protection strategy was finalised? What was the hosting capacity of the six holistic centres, created to deal with gender-based violence? How did they operate? Did they fall under the management of a specific State body? What was the training provided to the individuals running these centres? What assistance was provided to those living in these centres?
Another Committee Expert said the Niger faced security threats, including terrorism which could impact the services provided to migrant workers. What measures had been taken in terms of training the military, border guards, the judiciary and other officials implementing the rights of migrant workers to respond to terrorism situations which involved migrants, in line with international best practices?
A Committee Expert said the Niger faced issues due to sanctions from European countries. Did these countries take steps to support migrant workers from the Niger to improve their rights? What types of consular services could the Niger provide for these workers?
Another Expert asked if the diaspora still had five of the 100 seats in the National Assembly reserved? This was a very high figure. Was the migration rate still 3.8 per cent? What instruments governed the Niger now that the Constitution was suspended? Could the State elaborate on the situation of the national human rights body? What was the true situation of statelessness in the country? Was there legislation and data collection?
A Committee Expert asked if refugee children were actually refugees, or if there were migrants amongst them? There were 237 unaccompanied children who were refugees and over 1,000 had been separated from their families in 2024. What support was provided to these children? Were they housed in the same camps as other migrants? What steps were taken to avoid situations of statelessness? What was the State party doing to assist migrants returning to the Niger? How was their reintegration being assisted and what support was being given?
The report from the High Commissioner found that there were migrants who were not from the Economic Community of West African States area, who had been subject to refoulment from Algeria, Syria, Egypt and Yemen. These migrants were often denied access to the Niger, which was discriminatory and ran counter to international law. The report stated these people were returned 500 kilometres northeast of the capital and could not submit a request for asylum. Could the delegation comment on this? What was the fate of these migrants? What was being done to provide them with the international protection they were entitled to?
Responses by the Delegation
Regarding people received from Syria and Yemen, the delegation said the State had its own problems when it came to managing domestic security and needed to allocate resources to its own people. The situation in the Niger was complicated. The report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights referred to one spontaneous refoulment relating to a specific population. There were a number of resettlement programmes dedicated to these individuals. The Niger had never claimed that the fight against terrorism was a grounds to human rights not being respected. Why did the Committee not question those who financed terrorism, like the French, who wanted to steal the Niger’s resources? These questions were disturbing. Soldiers of the Niger did not violate the laws; they were trained on human rights issues. There were specific units within the army who dealt with criminal proceedings.
There were no financial resources provided to civil society to prepare and submit reports in the Niger. Civil society was involved in the design of the reports; they participated on the same footing as all partners and made proposals. Mobilising resources to civil society was a challenge, but they were involved in discussions. In many countries of the subregion, the wahaya, or “fifth wives” practice existed, but the Niger had addressed this issue and sanctioned its practice.
The Niger had had security agencies run by foreigners who wanted to take part in the destabilisation of the regime. Weapons of war had been found in the warehouses, under the control of France, to attack the Niger. Therefore, there was no choice but to prohibit this profession to foreigners. The State would not hesitate to take additional measures to protect its national security.
Displaced children were sometimes displaced due to terrorism from Nigeria. The Niger faced a problem in this regard. There were a few countries whose populations had been refouled to the Niger. The Niger needed to focus on the resettlement of its own people in its own borders and could not always assist those returned to other countries.
The term wahaya did not actually refer to a “fifth wife”; there was no marriage involved. This referred to a woman who had been bought, given or exchanged. It was defined as a form of slavery. Civil society organizations were fully involved in all stages of the report, including data collection. The 2023 ordinance superseded the Constitution and equated to the new Constitution. This ordinance was for Government powers during the transition. The ordinance was repealed last month after the new Charter was adopted. The same rights in the Constitution were enshrined in this new State Charter, meaning there was no Constitutional vacuum.
The Special Rapporteur on the rights of migrants had spent eight days in the Niger, during which he found that the 2015 ordinance ran counter to the Convention. Banning migration meant migrants had to change their itineraries and take more dangerous roads, resulting in hundreds of deaths. There were modules held throughout schools for training, as well as throughout the police, gendarmerie and judiciary. The State went to remote areas to organise training workshops on the Convention and all other instruments entered into by the State.
The Niger was party to the two Conventions on Statelessness. Children who faced statelessness in the Niger who were in the country and met the necessary conditions could acquire citizenship. Children whose parents were unknown could also apply for citizenship. There were no stateless individuals in the country.
The diaspora document had been drafted by the private sector, civil society and the Government. This was a guide for returnees who wished to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. The Niger had five seats in the National Assembly dedicated to the diaspora before the Constitution. There were large communities of Niger nationals in Benin, Sudan and Burkina Faso, among others, which was the reason for this choice.
All the texts for the Human Rights Observatory were ready and it should be established soon. It would have the same competencies as the Human Rights Commission. In addition to the technical services in charge of migration, migrants also received training to ensure they could stay in the Niger.
Refugees could not be refouled to countries where their lives could be at risk, but migrants could go to courts with an expedited procedure. The Niger as a member country of the International Labour Organization was aware that the ratification of international labour standards would make it possible to guarantee the protection of migrant workers. The resources available to the labour inspectors were lacking and while they had a specific status, they encountered difficulties in carrying out their everyday work. To date, the Niger did not have a national action plan to combat child labour, but it was in the process of drafting this plan.
The bilateral agreements the Niger had signed with countries of destination each had their own specific features and focused on social security. The Niger had made significant progress with Qatar and was in the process of drawing up a memorandum of understanding.
Refugee children from the Niger were not held together with adults, but were placed in foster families, who were supported to care for these children. Children who had been placed in foster families benefitted from State support, free of charge health care, and access to school. Their parents could have access to the justice system without any restrictions. Despite meagre resources, the Niger had been able to welcome Africans from other nationalities and provide them with the necessary care.
Questions by Committee Experts
SABRINA GAHAR, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur, asked for more information about cooperation with non-governmental organizations? How did the Government collaborate and cooperate to meet the specific needs of vulnerable groups? The Committee commended the Niger on the strategy to combat gender-based violence. Had an assessment of the strategy been conducted? What were the success indicators? Did the strategy concern harmful practices against migrant girls?
What measures were taken by the State to combat sexual violence against women and girls in certain regions? It was reported that some women were trapped and forced into prostitution to survive. They were forced into certain sexual practices with security agents at border posts, with some falling pregnant and contracting sexually transmitted diseases at an early age. It was also reported that smugglers sold these women. How did the State protect these women against smugglers and those involved in human trafficking? What measures and strategies had been implemented to protect children from practices, such as begging?
KHALED CHEIKHNA BABACAR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked what sanctions were handed down if the provisions of the Labour Code were violated? What efforts had the State party made to guarantee better assistance to unaccompanied and separated children?
MYRIAM POUSSI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked what was being done to ensure that the right of migrant workers to transfer social security benefits could be made effective? What measures had Niger taken to fill the protection gaps for the rights of migrant workers who came from the Economic Commission of West African States? Was it planned to sign bilateral agreements to bridge the protection gap? Could more information be provided about the joint teamwork made up of French, Spanish and Niger police to combat smugglers networks; was this work still ongoing? How did the team work in combatting these networks?
An Expert asked what specific measures had been taken to assist migrants impacted by climate change? Were there migrants in the various mining areas? What kind of support was provided to them?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the Niger had established a human rights institution which had an A status, in line with the Paris Principles. The State tried to find foster families for unaccompanied children in local communities, and supported them. It could not be proven that women were forced into prostitution and to have sex with the defence forces. In 2023, measures were taken to sanction security forces and efforts were taken to prosecute any officer committing offences. In Niger, the Labour Code was clear; those working fell under the protection of the Labour Code regardless of nationality. Foreigners were protected by the Labour Code and if their rights were violated, there were remedies. There were labour inspectorates for anyone whose rights were violated, and the inspectors were swamped by complaints. All workers were aware of the inspectorate and did not hesitate to consult its members in the event of a violation of rights. There were also labour courts which workers could access, whether they were nationals or foreigners.
Closing Remarks
KHALED CHEIKHNA BABACAR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, thanked the delegation of Niger for the dialogue and for attempting to reply to the Committee’s questions. The candidacy of the delegation was appreciated.
MYRIAM POUSSI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the presence of the delegation made it clear that the Niger had the clear intention of advancing the rights of migrants. The State should continue to improve the situation for migrant workers in the country.
SABRINA GAHAR, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur, thanked the delegation for all the information provided and the interesting discussions had. The State’s report showed that Niger was committed to protecting the rights of migrant workers and their families. The initiatives showed best practices and strategies aimed at improving migrants’ situations. However, there was still a lot to do to guarantee that the rights of migrant workers and the members of their families were fully respected and protected.
ALIO DAOUDA, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Niger, Keeper of the Seals and head of the delegation, expressed gratitude for the attention given to the report and the efforts of the Niger to guarantee the basic rights of migrants and their families. The interactive dialogue was vital to building a society where human rights and equity were accessible to all, including migrant workers. The State acknowledged the remaining challenges, but would tackle them with conviction and would step up efforts to meet the provisions under the Convention. The Niger looked forward to the Committee’s concluding observations and recommendations. Mr. Daouda thanked all those who had made the dialogue possible.
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not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.
CMW25.003E
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)
Washington, D.C. -Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act to prohibit the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China, or any entity that is under the ownership, control, or influence of China.
“The federal government should NEVER sell a single drop of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Communist China—our greatest geopolitical threat. Period. It is outrageous—and downright dangerous—that anyone in the White House would approve such a move, putting our national security at risk and sticking hardworking American taxpayers with the bill to refill it,” said Rep. Weber. “It’s reckless, it’s irresponsible, and it hits home—especially for us in Southeast Texas, where over 60% of the SPR is stored. We must pass this bill to ensure that no future president—certainly not another Joe Biden—can ever again willfully sell off our emergency reserves to the Chinese Communist Party.”
Read the bill text here.
The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives: Reps. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Andy Ogles (TN-5), Ryan Zinke (MT-1), Ben Cline (VA-6), Scott Franklin (FL-15), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Brian Babin (TX-36), Celeste Maloy (UT-2), Jefferson Shreve (IN-6), Dave Taylor (OH-2), Lauren Boebert (CO-4), and Stephanie Bice (OK-5), and Chris Smith (NJ-4).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)
WASHINGTON, D.C – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced the bicameral Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, which would save taxpayer dollars by stopping unlawful payments to scammers who utilize deceased individuals’ information to defraud the federal government. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
The legislation reins in government spending by permanently amending the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to allow the Social Security Administration to share the records of deceased individuals, known as the Death Master File, with the Treasury Department’s ‘Do Not Pay’ system.
“The national debt is a significant threat. The American people support efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of their tax dollars, which certainly includes ensuring payments are not being delivered to dead people. Our legislation addresses this gap in the bureaucracy and cuts wasteful spending,” said Congressman Higgins.
“In 2023 alone, the federal government sent $1.3 billion to dead people. The Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act would permanently correct bureaucratic errors so that Americans’ tax dollars don’t get wasted or stolen,” said Senator Kennedy.
Read the legislation here.
Source: US State of North Dakota
A Michigan man pleaded guilty today to filing a false tax return for his international vehicle shipping business along with not paying taxes on cash wages he paid to his employees.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ali Kassem Kain owned and operated a business called Specialized Overseas Shipping that arranged for vehicles to be shipped to West Africa and other destinations for third parties. For tax years 2017 through 2020, Kain underreported the company’s gross receipts by $6.4 million on the business’ tax returns. Kain also did not collect and pay over to the IRS taxes on $249,000 in cash wages he paid to his employees.
Kain faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the employment tax offense and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Leitman for the Eastern District of Michigan scheduled sentencing for Aug. 14.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI Detroit Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Richard J. Kelley and Jeffrey A. McLellan of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware of the concerns regarding a reliable supply of lysine to the EU market and its importance as essential amino acid to complement the diets of farmed animals.
It was established during the investigation that the EU producer is currently able to supply about 20% of the EU market under the normal conditions of competition, whilst large volumes are still sourced from third countries other than China (Indonesia, United States, South Korea, Brazil).
The overwhelming and further increasing presence of Chinese imports on the EU market made it impossible for the EU industry to increase its production capacity.
The Commission explained in Regulation 2025/74 of 13 January 2025[1] that the purpose of anti-dumping duties is not to close the EU market for imports from China, but rather to tackle unfair market practices and restore the level playing field, precisely allowing for the normal functioning of the market.
Lysine and other feed additives do not fall under the definition of raw material[2] as laid in Regulation 2024/1252 and could therefore not be classified as such. Furthermore, actions that are applicable to critical raw materials would not address the concerns discussed.
In the EU interest analysis, the Commission has provisionally concluded that the imposition of any anti-dumping measures is unlikely to seriously affect the situation of the users.
The investigation has now entered its second phase, in which the Commission will analyse the comments provided by interested parties and may amend its determinations accordingly, if needed.
The impact of measures on the feed industry will thus be further analysed. So far, the Commission has reasonable grounds to ascertain itself that no shortage of supply will occur in the future.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission considers ‘priority third parties’ as the parties for which the Council has authorised the Commission, as Union negotiator, to open negotiations and adopted negotiating directives for international agreements to be concluded between the Union and third parties on exchange of personal data with Europol[1].
2. In accordance with Article 23(5) of Regulation (EU) 2016/794[2], regardless of an international agreement enabling the exchange of personal data being in place, and while upholding all provisions on ownership and data protection as well as necessity and proportionality, Europol may receive personal data from third countries.
According to Regulation (EU) 2018/1862[3], only the competent authorities of Member States can enter, modify or delete alerts in Schengen Information System (SIS), in line with the requirements and conditions set out in that regulation, including when the underlying case for the alert is partially or fully based on information received from third parties. There is no obligation or procedure for the alert issuing Member State to inform other Member States or Europol on the source of information.
3. The Commission has no access to data in the SIS and no access to information on specific cases of bilateral information exchange between Europol and third countries on hit information. Pursuant to Article 48(4) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1862, Europol shall only communicate such information to third countries with the consent of the alert issuing Member State and in full compliance with EU law on data protection.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Secretary Kennedy and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joined Utah elected officials for a press conference Monday to celebrate the passage of three MAHA bills:
1. Utah becomes the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water.
2. A ban on the use of specific dyes and chemical additives in public school meals.
3. A ban on purchasing soda using SNAP benefits.
Thanks to leadership like this, we are one step closer to Making America Healthy Again.
—
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov
http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services
HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
To watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement, click here or the image above.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led ahearing on identifying improvements to the future management of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund Program.
In her opening remarks, Chairman Capito detailed the importance of identifying ways to accelerate Superfund cleanups by eliminating unnecessary delays and reducing costs that do not directly contribute to environmental remediation, and began the process of examining why these cleanups often take longer and cost more than state-led or voluntary efforts.
Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.
“Today we will discuss challenges facing the EPA’s Superfund program and solutions to ensure it can live up to its full potential.
“Since I’ve become Chairman, I have stressed that the EPA must refocus the Agency’s work on the core environmental missions to deliver the clean-ups and environmental solutions that most benefit the environment and Americans’ health and welfare. The Superfund program, as enacted, is one of the best examples of the EPA executing that core mission.
“Cleaning up our nation’s most contaminated sites directly improves public health and can revitalize struggling communities. I’ve certainly seen that in my own state. Congress established Superfund in 1980 in response to several high-profile environmental disasters. The law was designed to promptly cleanup heavily contaminated sites and to make the polluters responsible for the cleanup. These are important goals, but the EPA’s management of the Superfund program has not delivered as intended.
“Communities now expect a Superfund cleanup to take more than a decade. I’ve already heard that from our witnesses in our informal conversations. That prolonged timeline sends a conflicting message to communities with a site nearby. You live near one of the most hazardous places in the country, but EPA will let it sit for years before they allow it to be fully cleaned up. Despite the lengthy cleanup timeline, the Superfund program has achieved some critical environmental and public health victories and restored thousands of contaminated sites across the country.
“The reason for delays that rob Superfund of its full potential is that EPA’s implementation of the law prioritizes process over results. The complexity of the law has made it one of the most difficult environmental programs to administer.
“In practice, the main winners in managing Superfund cleanups are the lawyers who profit from endless litigation, while communities wait for promised relief. To manage a law this complex, the EPA has built an entangled web of bureaucracy, work groups, task forces, and committees that too often slow progress instead of delivering results.
“Cleaning up Superfund sites is, naturally, a costly endeavor, but the problems with Superfund cannot be blamed on funding alone. To better help communities get the most out of limited taxpayer funding, Congress and the EPA must identify efficiencies to accelerate cleanups. This is particularly important when considering the overall cost of Superfund cleanups.
“Superfund’s price tag isn’t just about the complexity of environmental cleanup. There is what I call the ‘Superfund premium,’ a concept where the same environmental cleanup becomes more expensive and time-consuming under Superfund compared to a state-led or voluntary cleanup program. Whether managed under Superfund authority or through a state program, remediation is likely to involve the same core work, removing contaminated soil, treating groundwater, and restoring the land.
“Yet, because of the ‘Superfund premium,’ we often see costs just balloon and timelines stretch once a site is listed. It’s not because the environmental standards are higher, but rather because the program’s process has replaced the law’s cleanup mission. The program’s complex bureaucracy generates enormous transaction costs that have nothing to do with actual environmental cleanup.
“Instead of removing contaminants, limited time and financial resources are squandered on endless meetings, redundant studies, and excessive overhead costs completely unrelated to remediation. There is no shortage of responsible parties that are ready and willing to remediate these sites. Even Good Samaritans, well-intentioned individuals and organizations, are often deterred from cleaning up sites because of liability risks and financial barriers.
“Our laws should encourage, not prevent, volunteer efforts to address legacy pollution. Accelerating the pace of Superfund cleanups does not mean cutting corners or sacrificing health protections.
“It means defining an end goal with a clear plan that gets it to a safe, productive end-state as efficiently as possible. The ensuing cleanup is driven by that goal, to the benefit of communities and the environment. Right now, the priority is enforcement first, cleanup second, and leaving communities to wait far too long. That needs to change.
“I look forward to hearing from today’s expert panel on how to improve the Superfund program’s efficiency and accountability.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after the Senate confirmed former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel:
“I’m pleased the Senate has confirmed a dear friend and gifted leader, former Governor Mike Huckabee, to be our next ambassador to such a critical ally and partner. He has been a lifelong advocate and supporter of Israel who is uniquely suited for this role. As our ambassador, he will work alongside Pres. Trump and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel to advance our shared values and security interests. I congratulate Gov. Huckabee and his entire family, and wish them well as he begins this new chapter of service to our country.”
Boozman introduced Huckabee at his nomination hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last month and has backed his selection since it was announced by Pres. Trump.
Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02) are today launching the Monopoly Busters Caucus, a new caucus with nine Founding Members to fight corporate power and promote a pro-worker, pro-consumer, and pro-small business economic agenda.
“Monopolies have been rigging the system, crushing competition and small businesses, and ripping off the American people for decades. And for too long, politicians in Congress have let it happen,” said Congressman Deluzio. “We’re launching the Monopoly Busters Caucus today because we think that it’s long overdue for Congress to step up to take on consolidated corporate power and to reinvigorate American capitalism with competition. It’s our duty to help take the squeeze off of America’s workers, small businesses, and consumers and pave a path back to the American Dream. It’s time to get real, patriotic competition back in our economy.”
Congressman Deluzio was joined at the press conference by Jon and Bob Akanowicz, independent pharmacists and constituents who own Towne Drugs in Aspinwall, PA. Jon shared his experience of the pain that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have brought to their business and their customers they help get their medicine. His remarks can be watched here.
“Something is wrong in this country when families go to the grocery store and can’t afford milk or eggs or cereal. As people struggle under the weight of inflation, corporate profits are higher than ever,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “From rent to groceries, to health care — life in America has become unaffordable. The answer to why is simple: corporate monopolies. When we take on corporate power, we can make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of working people across the country – and we must, the American people are counting on us.”
“When I talk with folks in the Hudson Valley, the number one thing I hear is frustration. Frustration that even though they’re working hard and doing everything that’s asked of them, they can’t afford to provide for their family – housing, health care, gas, groceries, utilities. It’s inherently un-American that only a select few are able to live out the American dream,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The reason for this is clear – in every one of those industries, we’ve let monopolies drive up costs and drive down quality, all while making record breaking profits. We’re gonna fight back against these big and powerful corporations, hold the bad actors accountable, and ultimately put power back where it belongs: with the American people.”
“As the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, I have seen firsthand how consolidation in the ag industry is squeezing our family farmers and producers – and driving up costs for consumers too,” said Congresswoman Craig. “At a time when the Administration is launching our country headfirst into a global trade war, it’s more important than ever that we uplift small and local businesses right here at home. I’m proud to be joining Representatives Jayapal, Ryan and Deluzio to fight consolidation, strengthen the middle class and lower costs for producers and consumers.”
Throughout the pandemic and the inflation that followed, there was consistent reporting of large corporations price-gouging consumers, something they could do thanks to near-monopoly consolidation in many industries. For instance, in the cases of beef, baby food, pasta, and soda, more than 80 percent of the market is controlled by four companies. Rigorous enforcement of our antitrust laws can fix this consolidation and ensure that our markets work for all people.
The Caucus’s founding Members represent a large swath of the ideological makeup of the Democratic Party, highlighting the unity around a strong economic prosperity message. Joining the co-chairs in founding the Caucus are Becca Balint (VT-AL), Greg Casar (TX-35), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Kristen MacDonald Rivet (MI-08), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).
The full livestreamed launch event can be watched here and photos are available here.
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Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Albertans deserve to have access to a fair, accessible and transparent justice system. To strengthen the judiciary and improve access to justice, Alberta’s government has appointed a new justice and a justice of the peace.
“Filling judicial positions at the Alberta Court of Justice has been a priority as it directly improves the responsiveness of the justice system, helping ensure Albertans have timely access to justice. I would like to congratulate those newly appointed and wish them success in their new roles.”
Ryan D. Anderson, KC, will be appointed as a justice to the Alberta Court of Justice, Southern Region effective May 1, and Allison Downey-Damato, KC, has been appointed as a full-time justice of the peace effective April 14. This new appointment will be based in Edmonton, bringing the total number of justices of the peace in Alberta to 43.
“The Alberta Court of Justice is pleased to welcome these appointments and congratulate Mr. Anderson and Ms. Downey-Damato. I am confident their background and experience will serve Albertans well in our commitment to deliver timely and effective access to justice.”
Since June 2023, Alberta’s government has made 18 judicial appointments including three assistant chief justices and nine new justices in 2024, and one assistant chief justice and two new justices in early 2025. These latest appointments bring that total to 20 appointments in under two years.
Ryan D. Anderson, KC received his bachelor of laws degree from the University of Calgary in 2002. He began his career at MMH Lawyers and later joined Huckvale LLP in 2009. He has served as a bencher for the Law Society of Alberta since 2018, and is also involved in service in his local community, including sitting on the boards of SASH Disability Support Services and the Magrath Agricultural Society.
Allison Downey-Damato, KC received her bachelor of laws degree from the University of Alberta in 1999. She started her career at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (now Dentons LLP) where she articled and practiced civil litigation. In 2002, she moved to the Edmonton Crown Prosecutions Office where she focused on intimate partner violence, sexual assaults and child abuse. In 2009, she became assistant chief crown prosecutor (and later deputy chief prosecutor), supervising family protection matters. In 2021, she moved to the Operations and Strategic Support Office at Alberta Crown Prosecution Service as senior Crown counsel.