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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey Joins Padilla, Durbin, Welch in Demanding Answers on Dismantling of U.S. Refugee Admissions Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Senators to Secretaries Rubio and Noem: “These actions undermine America’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian protection and place thousands of vulnerable individuals—many of whom served alongside U.S. armed forces—at grave risk”

    Washington (April 3, 2025) — Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Constitution Subcommittee, and 17 Senators in condemning the dismantling of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), including a funding freeze that has halted refugee processing and resettlement. The indefinite refugee ban and funding freeze have stranded tens of thousands in dangerous conditions, separated families, and left recently resettled refugees in the United States without the legally required support.

    “As you know, the USRAP was established on a bipartisan basis by the Refugee Act of 1980 and is a strong public-private partnership that drives U.S. economic growth, advances global stability and peace, and supports our national security and diplomatic priorities,” wrote the Senators. “The USRAP represents the best of American values and is part of what makes our country great. From 2005 to 2019, refugees contributed to the U.S. economy $123.8 billion more than they received in government expenditures. Refugees, including multiple former Secretaries of State, have shaped and improved our nation.”

    President Trump suspended the USRAP “indefinitely” in a day one executive order with a review after 90 days, and on Friday, January 24, resettlement agencies received stop work orders, which the executive order defined as a “foreign assistance program.” Since then, on February 25, a federal court in Washington granted a nationwide preliminary injunction to restart refugee processing, but just 24 hours later, the State Department issued termination notices, effective immediately, to plaintiff organizations and all other resettlement agencies in attempt to circumvent the court’s order. Last week, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals permitted the funding freeze to stay in effect amid ongoing litigation but required resettlement to continue for refugees approved before January 20, 2025.

    The Senators urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to fully comply with the federal court order, resume all refugee processing, and rebook canceled travel for refugees.

    “We ask that you restart this life-saving program and immediately confirm that the Department of State is expeditiously complying with federal court orders to resume refugee resettlement and reimburse resettlement agencies for critical reception and integration services,” continued the Senators.

    The Senators highlighted reports indicating that all 10 refugee agencies and many Resettlement Support Centers overseas have received termination notices for the cooperative agreements that allow them to resettle refugees, leading to mass layoffs and shutdowns of essential refugee processing systems. They also emphasized that the Administration has delayed payments to refugee agencies, despite the preliminary injunction requiring payments to resume.

    The consequences of these stoppages are immense, including for Afghan allies evacuated to third countries, such as Pakistan, who are now stranded indefinitely without legal status or the ability to reunite with their families and face harassment and deportation. On February 2, an Afghan man who had worked for the U.S. military in Afghanistan was murdered after his scheduled resettlement to Garden Grove, California was delayed by the refugee ban and funding freeze.

    “These actions undermine America’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian protection and place tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals—many of whom served alongside U.S. armed forces—at grave risk,” wrote the Senators. “One of the most alarming consequences of the Administration’s funding and resettlement freeze is the situation facing Afghan allies who were evacuated to third countries with the promise of eventual resettlement in the United States. Many of these Afghans are former interpreters, civil society leaders, and their families, who now find themselves stranded without legal status and facing harassment, violence, and deportation.”

    The Senators demanded answers regarding the refugee program suspension, refugees in the admissions pipeline, and current capacity of resettlement infrastructure.

    The letter is also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

    Full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on Enforced Disappearances Closes Twenty-Eighth Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on Enforced Disappearances this afternoon closed its twenty-eighth session after adopting concluding observations on the reports of the Gambia and Malta under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, reports on additional information from Belgium and Serbia, reports on stand-alone requests for additional information from Peru and Argentina, and on the implementation of the Convention by the Central African Republic, considered in absence of a report.

    Juan Pablo Albán Alencastro, Committee Rapporteur, said the Committee had adopted concluding observations on the Gambia, Malta, Belgium, Serbia, Peru, Argentina and the Central African Republic after public dialogues with all these States, apart from Argentina, for which a desk review of the State’s written response was conducted. The concluding observations, which would be made public next Tuesday, identified positive aspects, pointed out areas of concern, and presented the Committee’s recommendations to support the authorities of the States concerned in implementing the Convention, in order to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearances.

    Olivier de Frouville, Committee Chairperson, said the Rapporteur’s report showed that the Committee had made the best use of its three-week session, achieving impressive results.  He said that five Experts’ mandates were concluding at the end of the session: those of Juan Pablo Albán Alencastro (Ecuador), Mohammed Ayat (Morocco), Suela Janina (Albania), Milica Kolakovic-Bojovic (Serbia) and Horacio Ravenna (Argentina).  Mr. de Frouville thanked these Experts for their dedication to the work of the Committee. The treaty body system rested on the efforts of people like them.  They had worked hard to make the world a better place for the next generation and were an inspiration to future Experts.

    All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    Information on the Committee’s twenty-ninth session will be announced on the Committee web page at a later date.

    Statements

    JUAN PABLO ALBÁN ALENCASTRO, Committee Rapporteur, reported that, during the opening of the Committee’s session, the Committee paid tribute to the victims of enforced disappearance, and in that context heard the testimony of Obeida Dabbagh, who recounted the arrest and subsequent disappearance of his brother Mazen Dabbagh and his nephew Patrick in November 2013 at the hands of Syrian Air Force intelligence agents, and the efforts made since then by the family to seek truth, justice and reparation.

    Mr. Albán Alencastro said the Committee had adopted concluding observations on the Gambia, Malta, Belgium, Serbia, Peru, Argentina and the Central African Republic after public dialogues with all these States, apart from Argentina, for which a desk review of the State’s written response was conducted. The concluding observations, which would be made public next Tuesday, identified positive aspects, pointed out areas of concern, and presented the Committee’s recommendations to support the authorities of the States concerned in implementing the Convention, in order to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearances.

    Mr. Albán Alencastro reported that the Committee also adopted lists of issues in relation to reports under article 29, section one of the Convention by Croatia, Luxembourg and Togo; as well as lists of priority issues in relation to the reports submitted under article 29, section four of the Convention by Armenia, Gabon and Montenegro, in preparation for their future reviews; and the follow-up report on the implementation of concluding observations by Panama.

    On 17 March, Mr. Albán Alencastro said, the Committee held a private hearing in relation to individual communication 5/2021 concerning Mexico, to receive additional information from the parties and to ask questions relating to the admissibility and merits of the case.  It subsequently adopted its decision on this communication.  Also, during the session, the Committee adopted its report on its visit to Colombia from 21 November to 5 December 2024, which set out the Committee’s main findings and made a series of recommendations to support the Colombian authorities in the development and implementation of an effective and efficient national policy for the prevention and eradication of enforced disappearances.

    Further, Mr. Albán Alencastro reported, the Committee held discussions on its working methods, in particular examining requests for the application of article 34 of the Convention; adopted its report on the urgent action mechanism, in which it highlighted trends in requests registered since the last session and identified lessons learned in the implementation of this procedure; adopted its annual report to the General Assembly and the provisional agenda of its twenty-ninth session; discussed possible strategies for follow-up to the outcome of the First World Congress on Enforced Disappearances held in January this year; and held productive meetings with States parties to the Convention, civil society organizations, and victims.

    During the session, Mr. Albán Alencastro concluded, the Committee continued the process for the future adoption of a general comment on women and enforced disappearance, to which end it adopted a concept note.  Mr. Albán Alencastro said that this was his last address as Rapporteur of the Committee, as his mandate was coming to an end.  He thanked all Committee Experts for their dedication and support throughout his mandate.

    OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chairperson, said the Rapporteur’s report showed that the Committee had made the best use of its three-week session, achieving impressive results.  He expressed thanks to the Committee’s secretariat and members of the Committee, who had demonstrated exemplary professionalism and their unwavering commitment at a time when it was sorely needed. 

    Five Experts’ mandates were concluding at the end of the session: those of Juan Pablo Albán Alencastro (Ecuador), Mohammed Ayat (Morocco), Suela Janina (Albania), Milica Kolakovic-Bojovic (Serbia), and Horacio Ravenna (Argentina).  Mr. de Frouville thanked these Experts for their dedication to the work of the Committee.  The treaty body system rested on the efforts of people like them.  They had worked hard to make the world a better place for the next generation and were an inspiration to future Experts.

    Mr. de Frouville said that, during the session, under the procedures of article 29 of the Convention, the Committee had reviewed no less than 14 States parties, a record number, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Committee’s new working methods.  The Committee hoped that the concluding observations that emerged from these reviews would help the States concerned to make the necessary changes to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearances.

    All the situations the Committee examined were different, the Chair said, yet all demonstrated the tragic relevance of enforced disappearance.  The crime of enforced disappearance continued to be committed in countries like the Central African Republic.  The wounds inflicted by past crimes of enforced disappearance in some countries, such as the Gambia and Serbia, had still not healed, and families were still seeking the truth and justice.  In countries like Malta, the risk of disappearance was heightened by the closure of borders and increasingly strict asylum policies.  Countries such as Belgium were also lifting the veil on the reality of illegal intercountry adoptions, some of which had their origins in enforced disappearance.  Several special procedures mandate holders raised the alarm about this phenomenon in a joint statement in 2022.

    Mr. de Frouville said that the Committee’s report on its visit to Colombia was an unprecedented feat; it conducted precise analysis of the phenomenon of enforced disappearance over a 60-year period, and made targeted recommendations for ensuring truth, justice and reparation.  The Committee would continue to cooperate with Colombia and support the implementation of its recommendations.

    During the session, Mr. de Frouville said, the Committee had also examined the troubling situation in Mexico, including through its urgent action and individual communication procedures, as well as the procedure under article 34 of the Convention.  Under the latter provision, the Committee had received concerning reports that enforced disappearance was practiced in a widespread or systematic manner in Mexico, and had decided to request additional information from the State on the phenomenon in the coming weeks.  The Committee’s aim was constructive dialogue with the State party to achieve the common goal of the full implementation of the Convention.

    The Committee had also adopted the report on its urgent actions procedure, which was a sad reflection of the current practice of enforced disappearances.  To date, the Committee had recorded 2,010 urgent action requests in 31 countries.  The equivalent procedure of the United Nations Working Group on Enforced Disappearances, in place since 1980, had registered more than 61,000 cases in 115 States.  The Committee’s report on urgent actions highlighted a recent increase in the practice of “short-term enforced disappearances”.  In their joint statement on the phenomenon, the Working Group on Enforced Disappearances and the Committee stressed that, under international human rights law, the definition of enforced disappearance did not address the length of the crime.  Thus, the obligations imposed on States were the same regardless of the length of the crime.

    Mr. de Frouville said that during the session, the Committee had held consultations with the head of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic.  The Committee called on Syria to ratify the Convention and recognise the competence of the Committee under articles 31 and 32, to demonstrate the commitment of the new authorities to combat the practices of the past while responding to the legitimate demands of families in search of truth, justice and reparation. It also called on all States parties to assist Syrian families in search efforts and help fight against impunity for the perpetrators of enforced disappearances in Syria through judicial cooperation.

    The United Nations’ liquidity crisis continued to hamper the Committee’s work; there was still uncertainty about whether the Committee’s next session would be held, Mr. de Frouville said.  In fact, no treaty body sessions scheduled from May onwards had been confirmed yet, including that of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, due to start on 5 May. This was an unprecedented situation. It was Member States’ responsibility to ensure the smooth operation of the treaty bodies.  This unique system, which was built on the ruins of the Second World War to build global peace, was now in peril.  At a time when peace was under threat around the world, when the independence of the judiciary was under attack, when the media, human rights defenders and universities were the victims of an unprecedented offensive, everyone needed more international guarantees, not less.  States needed to shoulder their responsibilities now; tomorrow would be too late.

    Mr. de Frouville closed by thanking the Committee for its work and expressing hope that the Committee’s next session would be held in September as planned.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    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.

     

    CED25.008E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Council Concludes Fifty-Eighth Regular Session after Adopting 32 Resolutions

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Extends 16 Country Specific and Thematic Mandates and Establishes an Intergovernmental Working Group to Draft a Legally Binding Instrument on the Human Rights of Older Persons

     

    Invites General Assembly to Consider Establishing a Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes Committed by All Parties in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel since 2014

     

    The Human Rights Council today concluded its fifty-eighth regular session after adopting 32 resolutions.  In these texts, among other things, the Council voted to extend 16 country specific and thematic mandates, and to establish an open-ended intergovernmental working group to draft an international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons.

    In a resolution on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice, the Council invited the General Assembly to consider establishing an ongoing international, impartial and independent mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under international law committed by all parties in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel since 2014.  The Council also adopted resolutions on human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan, the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan. 

    The Council extended 13 country mandates during the session.  It decided to extend, for a period of one year, the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan under agenda item two.  It also extended, for a period of one year, the mandates of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus and the Group of Independent Experts on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine; and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic under agenda item four.

    Under agenda item 10, the Council extended for a period of one year the mandates of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali; and the independent human rights expert appointed by the High Commissioner and tasked with undertaking the monitoring of the human rights situation in Haiti.  It also extended, for a period of two years, the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua; and the capacity of the Office of the High Commissioner, including its field-based structure in Seoul, to allow the implementation of relevant recommendations made by the group of independent experts on accountability for human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in its report, under agenda item four.

    The Council decided to extend, for a period of three years, the mandates of the

    Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

    The Council requested its Advisory Committee to prepare, in close cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures, an in-depth study review on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measure on the right to health of individuals in vulnerable situations.  It also requested its Advisory Committee to draft a set of recommended guidelines for applying the existing human rights framework to the conception, design, development, testing, use and deployment of neurotechnologies.

    Further resolutions adopted concerned cultural rights and the protection of cultural heritage; the negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights; human rights, democracy and the rule of law; the question of the realisation in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights; the promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity; the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights; women, diplomacy and human rights; the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment: ocean and human rights; the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights; human rights defenders and new and emerging technologies; combatting intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatisation of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief; and technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan.

    The Council appointed three members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Member from Central and Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia, Antonina Gorbunova (Russian Federation); Member from Central and South America, and the Caribbean, Anexa Brendalee Alfred Cunningham (Nicaragua); and member from the Pacific, Valmaine Toki (New Zealand).

    The Council also adopted ad referendum the draft report of the fifth-eighth session.

    Jürg Lauber, President of the Human Rights Council, said the Council had reviewed and adopted the results of the Universal Periodic Review of 14 countries; adopted 32 resolutions; and appointed three mandate holders of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  He expressed sincere gratitude to the Bureau of the Council, the Secretariat, and the Member States, for their support and cooperation during the session.

    The fifty-ninth regular session of the Human Rights Council is scheduled to be held from 16 June to 11 July 2025.

    Action on Resolutions

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Two on the Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.6) on Advancing human rights in South Sudan, adopted by a vote of 24 in favour, 6 against and 17 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, composed of three members, for a further period of one year; requests the Commission to present a comprehensive report on the situation of human rights in South Sudan to the Council at its sixty-first session, to be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue, and that the report and an easy-to-read version of it be made available on the website of the Office of the High Commissioner in an accessible format and also requests the Commission to present its latest report, in combination with an oral update on its work, to the General Assembly at its eightieth session, followed by an interactive dialogue. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.30/Rev.1) on the Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice, adopted by a vote of 27 in favour, 4 against and 16 abstentions (as orally revised), the Council reiterates its request to the Commission of Inquiry to report on both the direct and the indirect transfer or sale of arms, munitions, parts, components and dual-use items to Israel, the occupying Power, and requests, instead, that the report be submitted to the Council at its sixty-first session; invites the General Assembly to consider establishing an ongoing international, impartial and independent mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under international law committed by all parties in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel since 2014, to closely cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry to collect, consolidate, preserve and analyse evidence of violations of international law and violations and abuses of human rights, and to prepare case files in order to facilitate and expedite fair and independent criminal proceedings, in accordance with international legal standards, in national, regional and international courts or tribunals that have or may in the future have jurisdiction over these crimes, in accordance with international law; and requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Human Rights Council at its sixty-first session, to be followed by an interactive dialogue.

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Three on the Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the Right to Development.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.1) on the Negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, adopted by a vote of 28 in favour, 16 against and 3 abstentions, the Council requests the Advisory Committee of the Council to prepare, in close cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures, an in-depth study review on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measure on the right to health of individuals in vulnerable situations, and to present its comprehensive report and findings to the Council at its sixty-fourth session; requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to organise a biennial panel discussion, to be held at the sixtieth session of the Council, on the impact of unilateral coercive measures and overcompliance on the right to food and food security, and requests the Special Rapporteur to act as rapporteur of the panel discussion and to prepare a report thereon, and to submit and present the report to the Council at its sixty-first session. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.4/Rev.1) on Cultural rights and the protection of cultural heritage, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the High Commissioner to convene, before the sixty-fourth session of the Council, a one-day workshop to review and promote the tools for the dissemination of good practices and possible methods of, as well as challenges encountered in, implementing an approach to digital heritage that promotes universal respect for cultural rights by all, and to make the workshop accessible to persons with disabilities; also requests the High Commissioner to submit a report thereon to the Council at its sixty-sixth session; and decides to remain seized of the matter.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.5) on Freedom of religion or belief, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief for a further period of three years; requests the Special Rapporteur to report annually to the Council and to the General Assembly in accordance with their respective programmes of work; and decides to remain seized of this question under the same agenda item and to continue its consideration of measures to implement the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.9) on Neurotechnology and human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council requests its Advisory Committee to draft a set of recommended guidelines for applying the existing human rights framework to the conception, design, development, testing, use and deployment of neurotechnologies and to present it to the Council at its sixty-fourth session.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.16) on the Negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights, and the importance of improving international cooperation, adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, 15 against and 3 abstentions, the Council requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to organise, prior to the sixty-second session of the Council, a one-day intersessional expert meeting, fully accessible to persons with disabilities, on strengthening international cooperation and shared responsibilities in facilitating the repatriation of illicit funds to advance human rights; requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to organise, before the sixty-third session of the Council, a regional expert meeting in Africa on ways to support governments’ efforts in repatriating funds of illicit origin; and also requests the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare a substantive report on enhancing international cooperation and national efforts to facilitate the repatriation of illicit funds and ensure the effective use of repatriated funds for sustainable development and realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, and to present the report to the Council at its sixty-fourth session.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.17/Rev.1) on Human rights, democracy and the rule of law, adopted without a vote, the Council decides that the theme of the sixth session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, to be held in 2026, will be “Education for civic participation: empowering future generations, fostering knowledge and critical thinking”; and decides that participation in the sixth session of the Forum will be in accordance with the modalities set out by the Council in its resolutions 28/14, 34/41, 40/9, 46/4 and 52/22.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.7) on the Question of the realisation in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to convene, at its sixty-first session, a panel discussion, accessible to persons with disabilities and open to the participation of States and other relevant stakeholders, on promising practices and measures to mobilise public resources to finance sustainable development in a manner consistent with States’ economic, social and cultural rights obligations; and requests the Secretary-General to prepare and submit to the Council, at its sixty-fourth session, a report, in formats accessible to persons with disabilities, on the question of the realisation in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights under agenda item 3.

    Before the resolution was adopted, the Council rejected amendment L.33 by a vote of 9 in favour, 24 against and 13 abstentions.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.12) on the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food for a period of three years; requests the Special Rapporteur to provide advice and guidance to States and all relevant stakeholders on shaping food systems governance in line with international human rights law; and requests the Special Rapporteur to report annually on the implementation of the mandate to the Council and the General Assembly in accordance with their programmes of work. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.13) on the Promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the Special Rapporteur to continue to work with relevant stakeholders towards the comprehensive promotion and protection of cultural rights, and to report regularly to the Council and the General Assembly, in accordance with their respective programmes of work. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.14) on the Effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, 12 against and 6 abstentions, the Council requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide global analytical and policy strategies in the context of reforms of the international financial architecture; and requests the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, to continue to report regularly to the Council and the General Assembly in accordance with their programmes of work.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.24/Rev.1) on the Open-ended intergovernmental working group for the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to establish an open-ended intergovernmental working group with the mandate of elaborating and submitting to the Council a draft international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons with the objective of promoting, protecting and ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights by older persons; also decides that the open-ended intergovernmental working group will meet for two five-day sessions each year in Geneva in a hybrid format, should the General Assembly agree to reintroduce such a format, and that it will be webcast, and that the organisational session should be held before the end of 2025 and no later than the start of the sixty-first session of the Human Rights Council, for three working days; and requests the open-ended intergovernmental working group to submit a report on progress made to the Council for its consideration at its sixty-third session and to make the report available in an easy-to-read accessible format.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.29) on the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism for a period of three years, with the same terms as provided for by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 49/10.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.15) on Women, diplomacy and human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to commemorate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy during one panel at the annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women, to be held during the fifty-ninth, the sixty-second and the sixty-fifth sessions of the Council, including with discussions on the elimination of discrimination and structural barriers that hinder women’s participation and representation in decision-making; and invites all States, organizations of the United Nations system and civil society to participate in this celebration.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.26/Rev.1) on the Human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment: ocean and human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon States to adopt and implement strong laws ensuring, among other things, the rights to participation, to access to information and to justice, including to an effective remedy, in environmental matters; and calls upon all States to conserve, protect and restore healthy ecosystems and biodiversity and to ensure their sustainable management and use by applying a human rights-based approach that emphasizes participation, inclusion, transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.21) on the Impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon all States and other relevant stakeholders to cooperate effectively to address the impact of anti-personnel mines on the protection and promotion of all human rights; and requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report, in consultation with States and other relevant stakeholders, on the impact of antipersonnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights, with particular emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights, and to present the report to the Council at its sixty-second session, followed by an interactive dialogue.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.27/Rev.1) on Human rights defenders and new and emerging technologies: protecting human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, in the digital age, adopted without a vote (as orally revised), the Council requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to convene three regional workshops, including through hybrid modalities, to assess risks created by digital technologies to human rights defenders and best practices to respond to these concerns in different geographical areas, bearing in mind current and emerging business models and gender, geographic and other digital divides and sensitivities, with participation from civil society, human rights defenders and the private sector; and also requests the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare a report containing a summary of those consultations, which could include recommendations for due diligence and improved responses to risks created by digital technologies to human rights defenders, including those exposed to discrimination and those working in situations of armed conflict, and to present it to the Council at its sixty-third session.

    Before the resolution was adopted, the Council rejected amendment L.35 by a vote of 4 in favour, 26 against and 15 abstentions; L.36 by a vote of 10 in favour, 23 against and 14 abstentions; and L.37 by a vote of 7 in favour, 24 against and 15 abstentions.

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Four on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.2) on the Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to renew, for a period of two years, the capacity of the Office of the High Commissioner, including its field-based structure in Seoul, to allow the implementation of relevant recommendations made by the group of independent experts on accountability for human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in its report; requests the High Commissioner to provide an oral update on the progress made in this regard to the Council at its sixty-first session and to submit a full report on the implementation of the recommendations to the Council at its sixty-fourth session; decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, in accordance with Council resolution 37/28, for a period of one year; and requests the Office of the High Commissioner to continue to organise a series of consultations and outreach activities with victims, affected communities and other relevant stakeholders. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.3) on the Promotion and protection of human rights in Nicaragua, adopted by a vote of 29 in favour, 4 against and 14 abstentions, the Council decides to renew, for a period of two years, the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua as established in its resolution 49/3; requests the Group to submit a comprehensive report to the Council at its sixty-first and sixty-fourth sessions, during an interactive dialogue, and to present an oral update to the Council at its sixtieth and sixty-third sessions; also requests the Group to present its most recent report, in combination with an oral update on its work, to the General Assembly at its eightieth and eighty-first sessions, followed by an interactive dialogue; and requests the High Commissioner to strengthen monitoring and engagement, including by preparing reports that are comprehensive, gender-responsive and take into account race and ethnic origin on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua, and to present them to the Council at its sixtieth and sixty-third sessions, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, and to present an oral update to the Council at its fifty-ninth and sixty-second sessions.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.10) on the Situation of human rights in Belarus, adopted by a vote of 25 in favour, 5 against and 17 abstentions, adopted without a vote (as orally revised), the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus for a further period of one year, effective from the end of its fifty-ninth session, and requests the Special Rapporteur to continue to monitor developments and to make recommendations on ways to strengthen respect for and protection and fulfilment of human rights in Belarus, and to submit a report on the situation of human rights in Belarus to the Council at its sixty-second session and to the General Assembly at its eighty-first session, including in an easy-to-read version and in an accessible format; also decides to extend the mandate of the Group of Independent Experts on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus for a further period of one year; and requests the Group of Independent Experts to give an oral update to the Council at its sixtieth session and to present a comprehensive report at its sixty-first session, including in an easy-to-read version and in an accessible format, both to be followed by an interactive dialogue. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.11/Rev.1) on the Situation of human rights in Myanmar, adopted without a vote (as orally revised), the Council calls for the timely designation of a resident coordinator of United Nations local agencies in Myanmar on a permanent basis; decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar for a further period of one year; requests the Special Rapporteur to present, during an enhanced interactive dialogue, an oral update to the Council at its fifty-ninth session and to submit a report to the Third Committee of the General Assembly at its eightieth session and to the Council at its sixty-first session, and also requests the Special Rapporteur to continue to monitor the situation of human rights in Myanmar; requests the High Commissioner to submit to the Council, at its sixty-second session, a comprehensive report on the overall situation of human rights in Myanmar; and reiterates the need to establish a country office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Myanmar and to issue a standing invitation to all special procedures of the Council. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.20/Rev.1) on the Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted by a vote of 24 in favour, 8 against and 15 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran for a further period of one year in order to continue to monitor the ongoing situation of human rights, and requests the Special Rapporteur to submit a report to the Council at its sixty-first session and to the General Assembly at its eightieth session; also decides that the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran should continue for one year to thoroughly and independently monitor and investigate allegations of recent and ongoing serious human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran; and requests the Fact-Finding Mission to present a report to the Council at its sixty-first session during a joint interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur, and to present an oral update, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, on the implementation of the mandate to the General Assembly at its eightieth session. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.22) on the Situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression, adopted by a vote of 25 in favour, 4 against and 18 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, defined by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 49/1, for a further period of one year, complementing, consolidating and building upon the work of the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, in close coordination with the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; and requests the Commission of Inquiry to give an oral update to the Human Rights Council at its sixtieth session, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, to submit a comprehensive report to the Council at its sixty-first session, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, and to submit a report to the General Assembly at its eightieth session, also to be followed by an interactive dialogue.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.25) on the Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted without a vote (as orally revised), the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic for a period of one year; requests the Office of the High Commissioner to strengthen the resources of the Commission of Inquiry in order for it to completely fulfil its mandate within the Syrian Arab Republic, in particular with regard to security and logistical support and victim protection expertise, welcomes the broad access granted by the interim authorities to the Commission, and encourages the interim authorities to grant the Commission necessary access throughout the Syrian Arab Republic and to cooperate closely with the Commission; requests the Commission of Inquiry to present an oral update to the Human Rights Council at both its fifty-ninth and sixtieth sessions, to be followed by an updated report during an interactive dialogue at the sixty-first session of the Council; and reaffirms its decision to transmit the report and oral updates of the Commission of Inquiry to relevant bodies of the United Nations. 

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Seven on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.19) on Human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan, adopted by a vote of 27 in favour, 6 against and 14 abstentions, the Council demands that Israel stop its repressive measures against the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan and release immediately the Syrian detainees in Israeli prisons; requests the Secretary-General to disseminate the present resolution as widely as possible and to report on this matter to the Council at its sixty-first session; and decides to continue its consideration of the human rights violations in the occupied Syrian Golan at its sixty-first session.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.31) on the Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, adopted by a vote of 43 in favour, 2 against and 2 abstentions, the Council calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to end immediately its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, which constitutes a wrongful act of continuing character entailing its international responsibility, and to reverse and redress any impediments to the political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Palestine, in accordance with the legal findings and determinations of the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, and reaffirms its support for the solution of two States, Palestine and Israel; and urges all States to adopt measures to promote the realisation of the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and to render assistance to the United Nations regarding the implementation of this right. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.32/Rev.1) on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, adopted by a vote of 34 in favour, 3 against and 10 abstentions (as orally revised), the Council reiterates its request to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, as mandated by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 55/32 of 5 April 2024, to prepare a report on the identities of settlers, as well as settler groups and their members, that have engaged in or continue to engage in acts of violence, intimidation, harassment or terror against Palestinian civilians and the actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, and by third States to ensure accountability for violations or abuses of international law in this regard, and requests, instead, that the report be submitted to the Council at its sixty-first session; and requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to report on the implementation of the provisions of the present resolution to the Human Rights Council at its sixty-first session. 

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item Nine on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Forms of Intolerance: Follow-up to and Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.18) on Combatting intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatisation of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the High Commissioner to prepare and submit to the Council at its sixty-first session a comprehensive follow-up report with elaborated conclusions based upon information provided by States on the efforts and measures taken for the implementation of the present resolution.

    Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item 10 on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

    n a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.8) on Technical assistance and capacity-building for Mali in the field of human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali for a period of one year in order to permit the mandate holder to continue to evaluate the situation of human rights in Mali; and requests the Independent Expert to submit a report to the Council at its sixty-first session; decides to hold a dialogue at its sixty-first session, in the presence of the Independent Expert and representatives of the Government of Mali, to assess the changes in the situation of human rights in the country.

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.23) on Technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in cooperation and collaboration with the Government of South Sudan and relevant mechanisms of the African Union, to enhance the technical assistance provided to the Government of South Sudan to continue to assist it in addressing human rights challenges in the post-conflict transition; also requests the Office of the High Commissioner to present a comprehensive report to the Council at its sixty-second session, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, with the participation of representatives of the African Union; and further requests the Office of the High Commissioner to submit the above-mentioned report and recommendations to the Human Rights Council, then to share them with the African Union and all relevant organs of the United Nations, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. 

    In a resolution (A/HRC/58/L.28) on Technical assistance and capacity-building to improve the situation of human rights in Haiti, in connection with a request from the authorities of Haiti for coordinated and targeted international action, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend, for a renewable period of one year, the mandate of the independent human rights expert appointed by the High Commissioner and tasked with undertaking, with the assistance of the Office of the High Commissioner and in collaboration with the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, the monitoring of the human rights situation in Haiti, ensuring, in particular, the inclusion of a gender perspective in all of his work; requests the independent expert to devote greater attention to the situation of children, women and girls and to trafficking in persons, to monitor the impact of illicit arms trafficking on the human rights situation in Haiti and to formulate recommendations to consolidate national, regional and international responses on this issue; also requests the independent expert to provide advice and technical assistance to the Government of Haiti, national human rights institutions and civil society organizations, including women’s rights organizations, to assist in their efforts to ensure respect for and the promotion and protection of human rights; and requests the High Commissioner to provide to the Council, within the framework of an interactive dialogue with the participation of the independent human rights expert, an oral update on the situation of human rights in Haiti at its sixtieth session and a report on the subject at its sixty-first session.

    Other Matters

    The Council appointed three members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Member from Central and Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia, Antonina Gorbunova (Russian Federation); Member from Central and South America, and the Caribbean, Anexa Brendalee Alfred Cunningham (Nicaragua); and member from the Pacific, Valmaine Toki (New Zealand).

    The Council also adopted its draft report ad referendum for the fifty-eighth session.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    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.

     

    HRC25.005E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Joins Labor Caucus, House Democrats in Defending Federal Workers’ Collective Bargaining Rights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05) joined Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06), alongside Vice-Chairs Reps. Glenn Ivey (MD-04) and Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and every single House Democrat to call on President Trump to rescind his executive order stripping collective bargaing rights from over 1 million federal employees. The lawmakers highlighted the illegality of the order and called on the President to restore the collective bargaining rights that federal employees are statutorily entitled to.

    “Collective bargaining is the strongest tool that workers have available to create a fair workplace,” wrote the lawmakers. “This action strips away those hard-earned rights – which have been upheld by presidents from both parties for decades – from federal workers who keep our country running, including nurses who care for veterans, inspectors who keep our food safe to eat, teachers who educate our children, and so many more.”

    “Furthermore, this EO not only undermines the principles of fair labor practices but also threatens the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government, jeopardizing the delivery of critical services to the American people,” continued the lawmakers. “The freedom to join a union and collectively bargain is central to achieving the American dream for millions of American workers. This action is the single most anti-worker and anti-union presidential action since Ronald Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers in 1981, and it must be reversed immediately.” 

    “We urge you to immediately rescind this harmful, unlawful EO and to reaffirm the rights of federal workers to unionize and collectively bargain. The American people deserve a federal workforce that is protected, respected, and empowered to carry out its duties effectively,” concluded the lawmakers.

    While Congress granted the President narrow authorities to exclude some agencies from collective bargaining, those exclusions can only be made if that agency has a primary function in intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work, and only if the statute cannot be applied “in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations.”  However, this Administration has made clear that the EO’s exclusions are not based on national security concerns, but instead as retaliation for labor unions defending their members’ rights and making it easier to fire federal employees.

    A full copy of the letter can be found here. The letter was signed by every single House Democrat. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WA, OR sue Trump to protect election integrity from presidential interference

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — The States of Washington and Oregon today filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s illegal executive order attacking elections and voting rights.

    Neither the Constitution nor any federal law gives the president the authority to set rules for how states conduct elections.

    The states’ lawsuit says, this illegal executive order “harms States by purporting to override our sovereign laws governing the counting of votes and voter registration, imposing substantial costs on States to change state voting system and laws, and disenfranchising hundreds of thousands of State residents.”

    The U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause gives states the authority to run their own elections, with exceptions for actions by Congress. The executive order also violates the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act by unfairly making it harder to vote.

    “American democracy has given agency to the oppressed, hope to the weary, and belief that our society can work for everyone,” Brown said this morning. “These truths appeal to most people, but not to a bully and an authoritarian. Donald Trump fears what he can’t control. He only feels safe when he has our rights under his thumb.”

    “We oppose requirements that suppress eligible voters and will continue to advocate for inclusive and equitable access to registration while protecting the integrity of the process. The U.S. Constitution guarantees that all qualified voters have a constitutionally protected right to vote and to have their votes counted,” said Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. “We will work with the Washington Attorney General’s Office to defend our constitutional authority and ensure Washington’s elections remain secure, fair, and accessible.”

    “Washington state has a proud history of ensuring voting is both accessible and secure. This executive order undermines that progress by creating unnecessary barriers for voters. As chair of the Senate State Government & Elections Committee, I will continue fighting to protect and preserve our democracy,” said Senator Javier Valdez (LD 46).

    “Democracy doesn’t stand still—it’s shaped every day in the legislature and our communities,” said Representative Sharlett Mena (LD 29). “We have a duty to move it forward, to ensure every voice is heard, every vote counts, and every community sees itself reflected in power. The fight for electoral reform is not just policy—it’s the ongoing work of building a democracy that includes us all.”

    The lawsuit seeks to declare most provisions of the order unconstitutional and prevent the federal government from implementing or enforcing them.

    President Trump’s attacks on elections and voting are well-documented, though his evidence to support them is not. He blamed his 2020 election loss on widespread fraud that was proven to be false. An Associated Press analysis of the six battleground states former President Biden won in the 2020 election found a combined total of 475 potentially fraudulent votes, while Biden won those states by a combined 311,257 votes.

    Trump has made similarly false claims about vote-by-mail, a practice originally championed by Washington Republicans like former Washington Secretary of State Ralph Munro. Washington and Oregon both use safe and secure vote-by-mail systems popular with voters because of how they improve access to democracy.

    The order would require votes sent by mail to arrive no later than Election Day to be counted, even though 18 states, including Washington and Oregon, accept ballots postmarked on or before Election Day.

    The order’s illegal and burdensome proof of citizenship requirements will disenfranchise voters. About 9 percent of U.S. citizens of voting age do not have such documents readily available, according to a 2023 report by the Brennan Center for Justice.

    The team in the Washington Attorney General’s Office leading the case includes Solicitor General Noah Purcell, Deputy Solicitors General Karl Smith, Kelly Paradis, Alicia Young, and Will McGinty, Assistant Attorneys General Freeman Halle, Zane Muller, and Michelle Saperstein, and professional staff members Leena Vanderwood and Kelsi Zweifel.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington one of 21 states suing Trump to protect libraries, museums and other small agency programs

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown today joined 20 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of three federal agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries and museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide.

    In March, the Trump administration issued an executive order that would dismantle federal agencies created by Congress that collectively provide hundreds of millions of dollars for programs in every state. As a result of this executive order, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – one of the targeted agencies – has placed almost its entire staff on administrative leave and will cut hundreds of grants for state libraries and museums.

    The lawsuit filed by Brown and the coalition seeks to stop the targeted destruction of the IMLS and two other agencies targeted in the administration’s EO that millions of Americans rely on, especially those in underserved communities. 

    The three agencies targeted in the executive order are: 

    1. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which supports museums and libraries nationwide through grantmaking, research, and policy development;
    2. The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which promotes the growth and inclusion of minority-owned businesses through federal financial assistance programs; and
    3. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), which promotes peaceful resolution of labor disputes.

    “Communities throughout Washington benefit from the work of these agencies to support libraries, promote minority-owned businesses, and protect workers’ rights,” Brown said. “Trump claims he’s carving up wasteful spending, but in reality he’s illegally gutting popular programs that support people with limited resources in our towns and cities.”

    In 2024, IMLS invested $180 million in libraries nationwide under its Grants to States Program. The administration’s action will threaten hundreds of library staff across the country that provide essential services to their communities. 

    In addition, the Trump administration has cut the staff of MBDA from 40 to just five individuals and has effectively stopped issuing new grants, hurting vulnerable small businesses across the country. The FMCS has slashed its staff from roughly 200 to fewer than 15 individuals and announced the termination of several of its core programs, making it harder for unionized workers to secure their rights. 

    The executive order violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by eliminating the programs of agencies without any regard for the laws and regulations that govern each source of federal funding. The coalition argues that the president cannot decide to unilaterally override laws governing federal spending, and that this executive order unconstitutionally overrides Congress’s power to decide how federal funds are spent. 

    This lawsuit is led by the attorneys general of New York, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. Joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.  

    The lawsuit can be found here.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Prosecutors This Week File Criminal Charges Against 24 Illegal Aliens Found in the United States Following Removal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Working alongside law enforcement partners at United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal prosecutors this week filed criminal charges against 24 defendants who allegedly were found in the U.S. following removal, the Justice Department announced today.

    Among these defendants included criminals who previously were convicted of felonies prior to their removal from the United States, including one previously convicted of narcotics crimes involving methamphetamine and cocaine.

    The crime of being found in the United States following removal carries a base sentence of up to two years in federal prison. Defendants who were removed after being convicted of a felony face a maximum 10-year sentence and defendants removed after being convicted of an aggravated felony face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

    Some of the recently filed cases are summarized below:

    • Andrés Palacios Duque, 51, of Mexico, was charged via a federal criminal complaint with being an illegal alien found in the United States after removal.  Duque was removed from the U.S. in 2009 and 2015. His criminal history includes a 2014 conviction in Orange County Superior Court for transporting and possessing for sale methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base, for which he was sentenced to five years in California state prison. Assistant United States Attorney Rosalind Wang of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case.
    • Tereso Guadalupe Martínez Reyes, 23, of Mexico, was arraigned this week on a two-count federal grand jury indictment charging him with possession of goods stolen from interstate shipment and being an alien found in the United States following removal. According to a criminal complaint previously filed in this case, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Martínez on March 13 on Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County. He had been erratically driving a black 2001 Chevrolet Suburban which contained 478 black Nike Jordan 6 Rings shoe boxes packed from floor to the roof of the vehicle. The shoes were valued at approximately $64,530 and had been stolen from a freight train. Martínez previously was removed from the United States to Mexico in February 2025. On March 18, a federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond. Martínez pleaded not guilty to the charges against him at his April 1 arraignment. He is scheduled to go on trial on May 20 in United States District Court in Los Angeles. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander H. Tran of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section is prosecuting this case.

    Criminal complaints and indictments contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating these matters.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: NOIA Announces 2025-2026 Term for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors

    Source: National Ocean Industries Association – NOIA

    Headline: NOIA Announces 2025-2026 Term for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors

    Washington, D.C. – The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) appointed and approved the 2025-2026 term of the NOIA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. In a separate press release today, NOIA announced the election of Joe Leimkuhler, Chief Operating Officer of Beacon Offshore Energy, as the NOIA Chair and Eric Zimmermann, Chief Operating Officer of LLOG, as the incoming NOIA Vice Chair.
    Note: NOIA Executive Committee Members also serve on the NOIA Board of Directors. 
    Appointed to the NOIA Executive Committee of the Board of DirectorsChris Bradshaw, President & CEO, Bristow GroupPaul Danos, Owner, President & CEO, DanosChris Golden, Senior Vice President, U.S. Upstream, EquinorBrent Gros, Vice President, Gulf of Mexico Business Unit, ChevronLee Jackson, Chairman & CEO, Jackson Offshore OperatorsAndy Krieger, Senior Vice President Gulf of Mexico and Canada, bpJonathan Landes, President, Subsea, TechnipFMCJoe Leimkuhler, COO, Beacon Offshore EnergyRichard Lynch, Senior Vice President, Technology & Services, HessSasha Mackler, SVP, Global Head of Strategic Policy, ExxonMobilMike McCauley, Senior Vice President, Asset Management & Special Projects, White Fleet AbandonmentCourt Ramsay, President & CEO, Aries Marine CorporationMolly Smith, SVP, Engineering & Technology, Murphy OilRick Tallant, EVP, Supply Chain & Contracting Procurement, ShellClay Thompson, Director, Gulf of Mexico Operations, OxyEric Zimmermann, COO, LLOG
    Appointed to the NOIA Board of DirectorsPaa-Joe Akoto-Ampaw, Vice President, Gulf of Mexico, Woodside EnergyKarthik Annadorai, President & Chief Revenue Officer, GATE EnergyDavid Barton, Senior Vice President Gulf of Mexico, Marubeni Oil & GasLanis Belaire, Co-Founder & Owner, Pharma-Safe Industrial ServicesCraig Broussard, Vice President Gulf of Mexico, Subsea 7David Cherechinsky, President, CEO and Director, DistributionNOWMark Cizek, Vice President and General Manager, Gulf of Mexico, WilliamsAmanda Dasch, Region CEO, ØrstedRobert Eifler, President & CEO, Noble CorporationBryan Ellis, President, Services Division, Superior Energy ServicesLoren Fowler, Vice President Sales & Business Development – Americas, Heerema Marine ContractorsJohn Gellert, President & CEO, SEACOR MarineCéline Gerson, Group Director Americas/President USA, FugroAnna Guichard, Managing Director North America Offshore, SLBDavid Hajovsky, Executive Vice President, Multi-Client, TGSRichard Kirkland, CEO, CantiumCliffe Laborde, Managing Member, Laborde MarineRod Larson, President & CEO, Oceaneering InternationalTerry Lechinger, Vice President, Stress EngineeringTodd Lee, CEO, TotalEnergies E&P USAJennifer Medcalf, President, The REACH GroupChet Morrison, CEO, Morrison Energy GroupScott Moses, Executive Vice President & COO, Oil States InternationalBill New, President, New IndustriesBrent Ozenne, CEO, Arena OffshoreJoe Pope, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, ValarisDavid Reid, Chief Technology Officer & Chief Marketing Officer, NOVMark Richard, President, Western Hemisphere, HalliburtonW. David de Roode, Partner & Executive Vice President, Global Energy & Marine, Lockton PartnersNeal Shah, CFO, Kosmos EnergyNiloy Shah, COO, Ridgewood EnergySteve Weyel, Founder & Owner, EnVen Energy VenturesJim Wicklund, Managing Director – Energy Group, PPHB

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Beacon Offshore Energy’s Joe Leimkuhler elected as NOIA Chair; LLOG’s Eric Zimmermann approved as Vice Chair

    Source: National Ocean Industries Association – NOIA

    Headline: Beacon Offshore Energy’s Joe Leimkuhler elected as NOIA Chair; LLOG’s Eric Zimmermann approved as Vice Chair

    Beacon Offshore Energy’s Joe Leimkuhler elected as NOIA Chair; LLOG’s Eric Zimmermann approved as Vice Chair

    Washington, D.C. – Washington, D.C. – The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) Board of Directors has elected Joe Leimkuhler, Chief Operating Officer of Beacon Offshore Energy, as the NOIA Chair for the 2025-2026 term. Eric Zimmermann, Chief Operating Officer of LLOG, was elected as the 2025-2026 Vice Chair. Joe and Eric were confirmed in their positions during the NOIA Board of Directors meeting this morning.
    In a separate press release, NOIA announced the Executive Committee and Board of Directors positions for the 2025-2026 term.
    NOIA President Erik Milito said, “In 2025, the Gulf of America stands as a cornerstone of our nation’s energy future, bolstered by the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Doug Burgum. Their commitment to unleashing America’s offshore energy potential can set the stage for unprecedented opportunity. All forms of offshore energy are additive and complementary, working together to strengthen energy security, drive economic growth, and advance lower-carbon solutions. Whether it’s expanding oil and gas lease sales, shipping LNG to our allies, pioneering carbon sequestration in the Gulf, accelerating offshore wind development, or building the nation’s capacity for deep-sea mining, NOIA’s advocacy efforts continue to recognize the synergy of these resources. NOIA is eager to collaborate with the Administration and Congress, through the leadership of Joe and Eric to ensure the U.S. offshore energy industry thrives, delivering jobs, innovation, and a robust energy portfolio that powers America and the world.”
    “We also extend our gratitude to outgoing NOIA chair Jon Landes of TechnipFMC for his leadership and unwavering dedication in championing the offshore energy sector during his tenure as the NOIA Chair.”
    Incoming NOIA Chair Joe Leimkuhler said, “NOIA is a vital conduit—bridging the expertise of our diverse member companies, the dedication of workers, and the vision of energy leaders to educate and inspire Washington, D.C. policymakers. The diversity of NOIA’s members covers energy producers and the full range of suppliers and service providers, which strengthens our ability to champion cross-industry stability through smart, innovative policies. Our collective experience in the Gulf of America and beyond positions us to shape a generational shift in energy policy for the better. I’m proud to lead this effort and work alongside our member companies to deliver a clear, unified message to D.C.: America’s offshore energy future is innovative and bright, and we’re ready to lead the way.”
    NOIA Vice Chair Eric Zimmermann added, “I am thrilled to collaborate with Joe, NOIA’s dedicated membership, and the NOIA staff in my role as Vice Chair. NOIA’s mission is more vital than ever as the global demand for responsible and reliable energy sources intensifies. The U.S. offshore energy industry sets the gold standard, and we are committed to partnering with our nation’s elected officials and policymakers to establish policies that proclaim that U.S. offshore is unequivocally ‘open for business.’ My father was in the marine side of the business, my grandfather was on the marketing side of the business, and being in the upstream has helped me gain a vision deep vision and appreciation for the breadth and importance of the offshore space.”

    About Joe LeimkuhlerJoe graduated with a MS in Petroleum Engineering from Wyoming 1987. Over the next 25 years, he worked the deepwater Gulf of Mexico at Shell culminating with managing all offshore well operations in the U.S. After Shell, Joe spent 7 years at LLOG where he was the VP of Well Operations, HSE and Engineering. Over the past 6 years, Joe has been at Beacon Offshore Energy, and as COO has helped to build the company into a deepwater operator.
    About Eric ZimmermannEric received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Geology at Louisiana State University. Eric currently is Chief Operating Officer of LLOG Exploration a position he has held since 2020.  He has worked been with the company since 2007, holding the positions of Exploration Geologist and Vice President of Geology. Prior to LLOG, Mr. Zimmermann worked for BP in Houston and Dominion Exploration in New Orleans.  His experience has been focused on exploration and development projects in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico for his entire career.  He is a Professional Geologist in the states of Texas and Louisiana and is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London.

    About NOIA The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Statement on DoD Inspector General Launching Investigation into Pete Hegseth’s Use of Signal to Discuss Airstrike Plans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    April 03, 2025

    One of the four soldiers, Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., was from Joliet, Illinois

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a combat Veteran, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the tragic death of four American soldiers, including Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet, Illinois, during a military training exercise in Lithuania: 

    “The loss of four American servicemembers in Lithuania during a training exercise is nothing short of heartbreaking.  We must never forget their dedication to serving this country and the NATO alliance.                                                          

    “Our thoughts are with the Duenez family and the Joliet community as they grieve the loss of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., a son, a husband, and a father.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Leaders to Participate in 2025 Space Symposium in Colorado

    Source: NASA

    NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro and acting Associate Administrator Vanessa Wyche will lead the agency’s delegation at the 40th Space Symposium, Monday, April 7 through Thursday, April 10, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    Petro will join Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Heather Pringle for a fireside chat to discuss NASA’s current priorities and partnerships at 12:15 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 8.
    Additional NASA participation in the conference includes a one-on-one discussion with Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, and a lunar science and exploration panel featuring Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate.
    A full agenda for this year’s Space Symposium is available online.
    Conference attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about NASA’s missions and projects on a variety of topics during brief talks with subject matter experts in the agency’s exhibit space.
    NASA will provide photos and updates about its participation in the Space Symposium from its @NASAExhibit account on X.
    For more information about NASA, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Amber JacobsonHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600amber.c.jacobson@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim

    Source: NASA

    NASA astronaut Jonny Kim poses for a portrait while wearing a spacesuit on July 17, 2024. In his first mission, Kim will serve as a flight engineer during Expedition 72/73 on the International Space Station. He will launch aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft on Tuesday, April 8.
    Chosen by NASA in 2017, Kim is a decorated naval officer and medical doctor. He completed two years of training as an Astronaut Candidate; training included technical and operational instruction in International Space Station systems, Extravehicular Activities Operations, T-38 flight training, robotics, physiological training, expeditionary training, field geology, water and wilderness survival training, and Russian language proficiency training. In 2020, Kim began his support of International Space Station operations as a Capsule Communicator (CapCom) in Mission Control Center Houston and the Artemis program under the astronaut Exploration branch. He served as the International Space Station’s Increment Lead for Expedition 65 in 2021. He has continued to support mission and crew operations in various roles within the astronaut office including serving as the Operations Officer, T-38 Liaison to the Aircraft Operations Division and the interim ISS CapCom Chief Engineer.
    Image credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Selects Finalist Teams for Student Human Lander Challenge

    Source: NASA

    NASA has selected 12 student teams to develop solutions for storing and transferring the super-cold liquid propellants needed for future long-term exploration beyond Earth orbit.
    The agency’s 2025 Human Lander Challenge is designed to inspire and engage the next generation of engineers and scientists as NASA and its partners prepare to send astronauts to the Moon through the Artemis campaign in preparation for future missions to Mars. The commercial human landing systems will serve as the primary mode of transportation that will safely take astronauts and, later, large cargo from lunar orbit to the surface of the Moon and back.
    For its second year, the competition invites university students and their faculty advisors to develop innovative, “cooler” solutions for in-space cryogenic, or super cold, liquid propellant storage and transfer systems. These cryogenic fluids, like liquid hydrogen or liquid oxygen, must stay extremely cold to remain in a liquid state, and the ability to effectively store and transfer them in space will be increasingly vital for future long-duration missions. Current technology allows cryogenic liquids to be stored for a relatively short amount of time, but future missions will require these systems to function effectively over several hours, weeks, and even months.
    The 12 selected finalists have been awarded a $9,250 development stipend to further develop their concepts in preparation for the next stage of the competition.
    The 2025 Human Lander Challenge finalist teams are:

    California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, “THERMOSPRING: Thermal Exchange Reduction Mechanism using Optimized SPRING”
    Colorado School of Mines, “MAST: Modular Adaptive Support Technology”
    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, “Electrical Capacitance to High-resolution Observation (ECHO)”
    Jacksonville University, “Cryogenic Complex: Cryogenic Tanks and Storage Systems – on the Moon and Cislunar Orbit”
    Jacksonville University, “Cryogenic Fuel Storage and Transfer: The Human Interface – Monitoring and Mitigating Risks”
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “THERMOS: Translunar Heat Rejection and Mixing for Orbital Sustainability”
    Old Dominion University, “Structural Tensegrity for Optimized Retention in Microgravity (STORM)”
    Texas A&M University, “Next-generation Cryogenic Transfer and Autonomous Refueling (NeCTAR)”
    The College of New Jersey, “Cryogenic Orbital Siphoning System (CROSS)”
    The Ohio State University, “Autonomous Magnetized Cryo-Couplers with Active Alignment Control for Propellant Transfer (AMCC-AAC)
    University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, “Efficient Cryogenic Low Invasive Propellant Supply Exchange (ECLIPSE)”
    Washington State University, “CRYPRESS Coupler for Liquid Hydrogen Transfer”

    Finalist teams will now work to submit a technical paper further detailing their concepts. They will present their work to a panel of NASA and industry judges at the 2025 Human Lander Competition Forum in Huntsville, Alabama, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, in June 2025. The top three placing teams will share a total prize purse of $18,000.
    “By engaging college students in solving critical challenges in cryogenic fluid technologies and systems-level solutions, NASA fosters a collaborative environment where academic research meets practical application,” said Tiffany Russell Lockett, office manager for the Human Landing System Mission Systems Management Office at NASA Marshall. “This partnership not only accelerates cryogenics technology development but also prepares the Artemis Generation – the next generation of engineers and scientists – to drive future breakthroughs in spaceflight.”
    NASA’s Human Lander Challenge is sponsored by the agency’s Human Landing System Program within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate and managed by the National Institute of Aerospace.
    For more information on NASA’s 2025 Human Lander Challenge, including team progress, visit the challenge website.

    Corinne Beckinger Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 256.544.0034  corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Welcomes Gateway Lunar Space Station’s HALO Module to US

    Source: NASA

    From Italy to Arizona: Gateway’s first habitation module takes a major step on its path to launch.

    A core component of Gateway, humanity’s first space station around the Moon, is now on American soil and one step closer to launch. In lunar orbit, Gateway will support NASA’s Artemis campaign to return humans to the Moon and chart a path of scientific discovery toward the first crewed missions to Mars.
    Gateway’s first pressurized module and one of its two foundational elements, HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost), arrived in Arizona on April 1. Fresh off a transatlantic journey from Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy, the structure will undergo final outfitting at Northrop Grumman’s integration and test facility in Gilbert before being integrated with Gateway’s Power and Propulsion Element at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pair of modules will launch together on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

    Gateway’s HALO will provide Artemis astronauts with space to live, work, conduct scientific research, and prepare for missions to the lunar surface. It will offer command and control, data handling, energy storage, electrical power distribution, thermal regulation, and communications and tracking via Lunar Link, a high-rate lunar communication system provided by ESA (European Space Agency). The module will include docking ports for visiting vehicles such as NASA’s Orion spacecraft, lunar landers, and logistics modules. It will also support both internal and external science payloads, enabling research and technology demonstrations in the harsh deep space environment.
    Built with industry and international partners, Gateway will support sustained exploration of the Moon, serve as a platform for science and international collaboration, and act as a proving ground for the technologies and systems needed for future human missions to Mars.

    Download additional high-resolution images of HALO here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers in Kentucky Adjusting Operation Hours

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers in Kentucky Adjusting Operation Hours

    Disaster Recovery Centers in Kentucky Adjusting Operation Hours

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –Beginning April 4, Disaster Recovery Centers in Kentucky will have hours and days of operation

    Friday, April 4, all Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to operate 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Saturday, April 5, all Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to operate 9 a

    m

    to 5 p

    m

    Sunday, April 6, all Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to be closed

    The center in Simpson County remains closed through April 6

    Beginning April 7, working hours at all centers are scheduled to operate 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    , Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday

    FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA, and help connect survivors with resources for their recovery needs

    Representatives from the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance, the Kentucky Department of Insurance and the U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available at the recovery centers to assist survivors

    Click here to find centers that are already open in Kentucky

    You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the commonwealth of Kentucky and the U

    S

    Small Business Administration

    No appointment is needed

     To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

     FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the February storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is April 25

    Kentucky homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson and Woodford counties can apply for federal assistance

    If you are unable to visit the center, there are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted

    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

    If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

    For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube

    com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Fri, 04/04/2025 – 13:29

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Follow-Up Calls Lead to Millions in Disaster Assistance for West Virginians

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    FEMA Follow-Up Calls Lead to Millions in Disaster Assistance for West Virginians

    FEMA Follow-Up Calls Lead to Millions in Disaster Assistance for West VirginiansCHARLESTON, W.Va. – FEMA recovery efforts likely conjure images of safety vests and disaster sites. But a significant recovery effort in the past 10 months under FEMA reforms now includes headsets, mobile phones and office cubicles.Staff from FEMA’s Enhanced Applicant Services (EAS) work from call centers eight hours a day, six days a week to follow up on applications submitted after a federal disaster is declared.In West Virginia, EAS specialists have been calling survivors to check on the status of their applications, identify issues that could be slowing the process, discover additional assistance for which they may be eligible, or answer any questions a survivor might have.While the phone conversations might be simple, their effects have been profound. In West Virginia, which has had four federally declared disasters since May 2024, EAS outreach has led to more than $4.1 million in additional assistance. That’s nearly 12 percent of the $35 million helping thousands of applicants.Just weeks into its latest disaster resulting from February 2025 flooding, EAS calls have led to more than three-quarters of a million dollars that otherwise would have been left on the table for more than 1,000 state residents – already the highest rate of the four disasters declared.Those millions of disaster dollars helping West Virginians are the result of more than 6,200 calls and conversations between EAS specialists and nearly 2,600 survivors. This extra effort has been essential to FEMA’s recovery mission and demonstrates the importance of the personal touch in helping survivors obtain all the disaster assistance to which they’re entitled.Read more about FEMA’s Enhanced Applicant Services in West Virginia at https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250321/fema-reaching-out-west-virginians-phone.For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4861 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.
    kimberly.fuller
    Fri, 04/04/2025 – 11:52

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hubble Studies a Nearby Galaxy’s Star Formation

    Source: NASA

    This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features the picturesque spiral galaxy NGC 4941, which lies about 67 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden). Because this galaxy is nearby, cosmically speaking, Hubble’s keen instruments are able to pick out exquisite details such as individual star clusters and filamentary clouds of gas and dust.
    The data used to construct this image were collected as part of an observing program that investigates the star formation and stellar feedback cycle in nearby galaxies. As stars form in dense, cold clumps of gas, they begin to influence their surroundings. Stars heat and stir up the gas clouds in which they form through winds, starlight, and — eventually, for massive stars — by exploding as supernovae. These processes are collectively called stellar feedback, and they influence the rate at which a galaxy can form new stars.
    As it turns out, stars aren’t the only entities providing feedback in NGC 4941. At the heart of this galaxy lies an active galactic nucleus: a supermassive black hole feasting on gas. As the black hole amasses gas from its surroundings, the gas swirls into a superheated disk that glows brightly at wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum. Similar to stars — but on a much, much larger scale — active galactic nuclei shape their surroundings through winds, radiation, and powerful jets, altering not only star formation but also the evolution of the galaxy as a whole.

    Media Contact:
    Claire Andreoli (claire.andreoli@nasa.gov)NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Vohra Wound Physicians Management and Its Owner Alleging False Claims for Wound Care Services

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Vohra Wound Physicians Management and Its Owner Alleging False Claims for Wound Care Services

    The United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Vohra Wound Physicians Management LLC (Vohra) and its founder and majority owner, Dr. Ameet Vohra, for allegedly causing the submission of false claims to Medicare for overbilled and medically unnecessary wound care services. Vohra is one of the nation’s largest specialty wound care providers and contracts with hundreds of nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities throughout the country to provide wound care services to those facilities’ patients at their bedside.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom directs state to pursue strategic relationships with international trading partners; urges exemptions of California-made products from tariffs

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 4, 2025

    “California is not Washington, D.C.”

    What you need to know:As President Trump’s tariffs take effect, Governor Gavin Newsom is pursuing new strategic partnerships with international trading partners while calling for California-made products to be excluded from any retaliatory measures and affirming California’s long-standing commitment to fair, open, and mutually beneficial global trade.

    Los Angeles, California – California took a major step forward in correcting the damage from 50 years of neglect to the state’s mental health system with the passage of Proposition 1. This historic measure — a signature priority of Governor Gavin Newsom — adds rocket fuel to California’s overhaul of the state’s behavioral health systems. It provides a full range of mental health and substance abuse care, with new accountability metrics to ensure local governments deliver for their communities.

    “California leads the nation as the #1 state for agriculture and manufacturing — and it’s our workers, families, and farmers who stand to lose the most from this Trump tax hike and trade war. To our international partners: As the fifth largest economy in the world, the Golden State will remain a steady, reliable partner for generations to come, no matter the turbulence coming out of Washington. California is not Washington, D.C.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Protecting California’s economic dominance 

    California is the fifth-largest economy in the world, the strongest economy in the nation, and the largest importer among all U.S. states, with more than $675 billion in two-way trade supporting millions of jobs throughout the state. California’s gross domestic product of $3.9 trillion is 50% bigger than the GDP of the nation’s next largest state, Texas, and is the key to the United States’ economic growth. California sends more than $83 billion to the federal government annually.

    California is home to the most Fortune 500 companies, beating out Texas, Florida, and all other states. California remains #1 in the nation for new business starts, #1 for access to venture capital funding, #1 for manufacturing, #1 for high-tech, and #1 for agriculture.

    California stands as the center for manufacturing output in the United States with over 36,000 manufacturing firms and employing over 1.1 million Californians. Since California supplanted New York in 1965, our manufacturing firms have created new industries and supplied the world with manufactured goods spanning aerospace, computers and electronics, and, most recently, zero-emission vehicles.

    California is home to 32 of the world’s 50 leading AI companies, high-impact research and education institutions, and a quarter of the technology’s patents and conference papers. California’s population has increased multiple years in a row and has one of the most equitable tax systems in the entire country. Travel spending reached an all-time high of $150.4 billion.

    California’s long-standing commitment to global cooperation, innovation, and openness has helped power its rise to the world’s fifth-largest economy — leading in good-paying jobs to support California’s working families. With the Governor’s announcement today, the state will extend that leadership through strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships rooted in respect, trust, and shared growth.

    Identifying partnerships 

    With this announcement, Governor Newsom is directing his Administration to identify collaborative opportunities with trading partners that protect California’s economic interests — workers, manufacturers, and businesses — and the broader supply chains linked to the state’s economy. The administration will explore ways to:

    • Support job creation and innovation in industries reliant on cross-border trade.
    • Promote economic stability for businesses and workers impacted by federal trade disruptions.
    • Safeguard access to critical supplies, such as construction materials needed for recovery efforts following the devastating Los Angeles firestorms.

    Impact of tariffs on state trade

    California’s economy and workers rely heavily on trade with Mexico, Canada, and China. Over 40% of California imports come from these countries, totaling $203 billion of the more than $491 billion in goods imported by California in 2024. The tariffs will also affect access to important construction materials critical to rebuilding after the Los Angeles fires, including timber and wood, steel and aluminum, and the most important components of drywall.

    Retaliatory tariffs will also have an outsized impact on California businesses, particularly its more than 60,000 small business exporters. Mexico, Canada, and China are California’s top three export destinations, buying nearly $67 billion in California exports, which was over one-third of the state’s $183 billion in exported goods in 2024. Retaliatory tariffs also impact farmers and ranchers during a difficult time in the U.S. farm economy – fostering a greater need for mitigation and expanding foreign market share.

    The magnitude of these tariffs on our North American allies, and the retaliation, will also result in major disruptions to cross-border supply chains, including the mutually beneficial co-production that takes place in the California-Baja mega-region. If these goods are taxed each time they cross the border, the price of the final product will rise and ultimately be passed on to California consumers. This will have far-reaching impacts, affecting everything from semiconductors to aerospace and automotive products.

    Analysis by the Yale Budget Lab found that the tariffs announced by the Trump Administration thus far will likely result in a 2.3% increase in overall inflation this year alone — including a 2.8% increase in food prices and an 8.4% increase in automotive prices — translating to an impact of $3,800 on the average American household.

    Long-standing international relationships

    California has long been a key player on the international stage — from taking joint action on climate change to identifying new pathways and partnerships for sustained economic growth. During the Newsom Administration alone, California has signed 38 international agreements with 28 different foreign partners that lay critical groundwork for prolonged economic success as well as prioritizing workers and businesses that benefit from these new opportunities.

    Recent news

    Apr 3, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Trista H. Woessner-Gonzalez, of Granite Bay, has been appointed Director of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, where she has served in several roles including as…

    Apr 3, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Ahead of a series of severe storms set to impact Kentucky, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California firefighters to assist in staffing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Support Team, following FEMA’s…

    Apr 3, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate….

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Myanmar, Occupied Palestinian Territory & other matters – Daily Press Briefing (4 April 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

    Highlights:
    Myanmar
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Haiti
    Ukraine
    Food Prices
    Mine Awareness Day
    Colombia
    International Days
    Deputy Secretary-General
    Antisemitism

    MYANMAR
    As announced by the Secretary-General yesterday, Tom Fletcher, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, arrived this morning. Upon arrival, he met with humanitarian teams in Yangon. In the afternoon, he travelled to Mandalay, which as you know, is the epicentre of the earthquake, where tomorrow he is expected to meet with people impacted by the earthquake, as well as with local responders and other humanitarian workers.
    More than 25 search-and-rescue teams are working, medical teams and supplies have been deployed, and water and shelter kits have been distributed in Mandalay and beyond. Just yesterday, more than 30 tons of medical supplies arrived in Myanmar, bringing the total to 100 tons since the earthquakes struck.
    The UN Refugee Agency, for its part, has deployed plastic sheets and kitchen sets for about 25,000 people impacted.
    The agency is also mobilizing supplies from its warehouses in Myanmar for an additional 25,000 people, but it will need to replenish stocks urgently to meet the massive needs due to the quake.
    Our humanitarian colleagues are preparing a new appeal aligned with the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which, as you know, calls for $1.1 billion as needs continue to outpace available supplies and response capacity. So far, less than 5 per cent of this appeal has been received.
    For its part, UNHCR is appealing for $16 million to assist 1.2 million people. The funds will be used to manage displacement sites and support vulnerable people in six impacted regions until the end of the year.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that thousands more families have now fled westward in the Gaza Strip, in response to another displacement order issued by Israeli forces and covering parts of Gaza City. OCHA warns that these displacement orders have left civilians exposed to hostilities and deprive them of access to essential services for their basic survival.
    All crossings, as you know, continue to be closed. We are now in the second month. So, no supplies can come into Gaza.
    The World Food Programme has warned that food stocks in Gaza are running out, and assistance programmes are gradually shutting down. As we told you earlier this week, all WFP-supported bakeries had to close. Now, food parcel distributions are soon to end. Hot meals currently continue, but with dwindling supplies. The World Food Programme reminds us that a single hot meal provides 25 per cent or less of a person’s daily dietary needs.
    Meanwhile, sanitation conditions across Gaza are likely worsening public health risks. Our humanitarian colleagues say that three makeshift displacement sites in Al Mawasi are now reporting infestations of fleas and mites, causing rashes and other health issues. Treating these infestations require chemicals and other items that will only be available once the crossings are again open for the entry of supplies.
    UN humanitarian partners warn that criminal looting and general insecurity are again on the rise, linked to the closure and to lack of basic supplies. On Wednesday, one of the distribution points used by UNRWA was looted, along with nearby buildings. In a social media post, our colleagues at UNRWA said this wasn’t an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a broader breakdown in civil order.
    Turning to the West Bank, OCHA reports that tens of thousands of people remain displaced, unable to return home due to ongoing operations by Israeli forces in the north, mainly in Jenin and Tulkarm. Our humanitarian partners are providing urgent aid and psychosocial support to those impacted.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=04%20April%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmG9TgZHpoA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Wright Addresses NREL Employees 4/3/2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dBhv0cp8X8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Press Conference with Secretary Wright at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 4/3/2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w563PAm3tmM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Meet the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Browns Ferry is one of the largest power plants in the United States.

    The plant is located in Northwest Alabama and powers more than 2 million homes in the Tennessee Valley.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCSbHYdV5_w

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Carter, Fields Oppose Dismantling FEMA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Cleo Fields (D-LA) sent a letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton opposing the Musk-Trump Administration’s dismantling of FEMA. Louisianians know better than anyone that a robust federal disaster response agency is essential to ensure rapid response, coordinated resource distribution, financial and logistical support, equitable assistance, and long-term mitigation as natural disasters increase in frequency and severity.

     

    “FEMA is far from perfect, but the Musk-Trump Administration’s proposed gutting of FEMA is not just reckless—it’s dangerous,” said Rep. Carter. “Louisiana has seen firsthand the devastation that disasters leave behind, and we know that recovery doesn’t stop when the flood waters recede. FEMA has been a lifeline for our communities, providing critical relief and long-term support to help families rebuild their homes and support communities to protect themselves from future events. Stripping away these essential programs would leave millions of Americans vulnerable and unprotected as natural disasters become more dangerous and frequent. I will fight tooth and nail to ensure that FEMA remains strong, well-funded, and fully equipped to respond to the increasing threats of the climate crisis. Our communities cannot afford to be abandoned in their time of greatest need.”

     

    “FEMA is on the ground for every hurricane in Louisiana. Cuts to the organization would devastate the most vulnerable people in our state during some of the worse moments in their life. Congress, across party lines, needs to do everything in our power to protect FEMA funding,” said Rep. Fields.

     

    Read the full letter here.

     

    Background

     

    Louisiana has been a major recipient of FEMA assistance, with nearly 500,000 combined households applying for FEMA funds since 2021. Since FEMA was overhauled in 2003, no state has received more funding than Louisiana, which has received nearly $47 billion over 28 disaster incidents, serving approximately 3.5 million households and nearly 43,000 public assistance projects. However, Louisiana is far from the only recipient of this critical aid and assistance. In 2024, FEMA responded to over 100 disasters, including two catastrophic hurricanes—Helene and Milton—that struck within two weeks, causing widespread destruction. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported 27 weather and climate disaster events in the U.S. last year with losses exceeding $1 billion.

     

    President Trump’s proposal to overhaul FEMA involves significantly reducing its role by shifting disaster response responsibilities to individual states, limiting FEMA’s involvement to immediate disaster relief and eliminating its long-term rebuilding grants and disaster preparedness programs. This plan aligns with recommendations from Project 2025, which advocates for privatizing FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and decreasing federal cost-sharing in disaster recovery efforts. These efforts could disproportionately affect states with limited resources, particularly those frequently impacted by natural disasters, by increasing their financial and logistical burdens. Additionally, reducing federal coordination and support may hinder efficient disaster response and recovery, potentially leading to increased casualties and prolonged economic hardship in disaster-stricken areas. ​

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: BC Builds speeds up timelines, delivering more homes in North Vancouver

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    One year after the launch of BC Builds, more affordable housing options are on the way for North Vancouver and throughout B.C., with faster timelines benefiting families, seniors and individuals.

    “Just over one year ago, we launched BC Builds to help more people access affordable homes in the communities they love,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Now, we’re breaking ground on several projects, including the first-announced project in North Vancouver. Through BC Builds, we’ve streamlined development approvals, built solid partnerships and are delivering homes people can afford.”

    In 2024, the BC Builds program, delivered by the Province through BC Housing, was launched alongside the announcement of 179 new homes and a community-services facility in North Vancouver. In the year since, the program, which fast-tracks developments, has reached significant milestones, including the official start of construction on these new homes and the community-services facility.

    The development at 120 St. Georges Ave. went from concept to construction in 14 months and shows how BC Builds works with partners to speed up projects. Instead of following the usual step-by-step approval process that can take three to five years, BC Builds runs multiple stages of a project at the same time, allowing it to move from idea to construction in 12 to 18 months.

    Since the program started, approximately 1,400 homes are underway throughout the province, with nearly 2,500 more in various stages of early development. It is anticipated more than 9,000 homes for middle-income households will be built through this program.

    The 18-storey mass timber building will include the new North Shore Neighbourhood House, a community services provider, on the lower levels and rental housing on the floors above. The rental homes will range in size from studios to three-bedroom units.

    “Breaking ground on the new North Shore Neighbourhood House affirms our commitment to creating affordable, inclusive communities,” said Linda Buchanan, mayor, City of North Vancouver. “Rising housing costs have made it harder for people to live where they work. This redevelopment is a transformative solution – delivering affordable homes, while enhancing vital services, ensuring a thriving community for years to come.”

    The North Shore Neighbourhood House will provide an extensive range of community services, including 37 child care spaces, food programs such as the North Shore Food Bank, wellness and recreation activities, and youth and seniors’ programs. This facility will ensure these crucial services will continue to support people and families.

    The new building, part of the second phase of the North Shore Neighbourhood House Hub development, is a partnership between the Province (through BC Housing), the City of North Vancouver, and Catalyst Community Developments Society. The Province, through BC Builds at BC Housing, is investing $24.5 million in construction through a BC Builds grant, while the City of North Vancouver is contributing the land and $49.5 million in funding for the North Shore Neighbourhood House.

    This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including nearly 1,200 homes in North Vancouver.

    Quotes:

    Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale –

    “Even as personal circumstances change and families grow, people in North Vancouver have told me they want to stay in their communities in homes they can afford. That’s why our government is playing an active role in enabling affordable homes in North Vancouver. This development is an example of how BC Builds is meeting this moment by fast-tracking developments so people in North Vancouver and across the province can be delivered the homes they need.”

    Scott Dutchak, president, Catalyst Community Developments –

    “Catalyst is thrilled with our continued role on this project and in partnerships that leverage city-owned land and provincial investment vital to developing housing affordable to the incomes of diverse communities like the city of North Vancouver.”

    Lisa Hubbard, executive director, North Shore Neighbourhood House –

    “Our new homes will result in better supports for all individuals and families; combining child care, housing, food services, health programs and a welcoming, safe space for all will benefit everyone in this community.”

    Quick Facts:

    • The funding information shows only part of the budget for each project and does not include other funding sources.
    • Catalyst Community Developments Society has a long-term lease with the City of North Vancouver for the rental housing and will operate the homes.
    • Construction is expected to complete in 2028.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the BC Builds program, visit: https://www.bcbuildshomes.ca/

    To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

    To learn more about the City of North Vancouver and the North Shore Neighbourhood House Hub Redevelopment, visit:
    https://www.cnv.org/City-Hall/About/Capital-Projects/North-Shore-Neighbourhood-House-Site-Redevelopment

    To learn more about Catalyst Community Developments Society, a BC-based not-for-profit real estate developer, dedicated to building vibrant, affordable, and inspiring rental properties for living and working, visit: https://catalystcommdev.org/

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan Leads Bipartisan Coalition Demanding the Trump Administration Reverse Pay Cuts for Federal Correctional Officers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of House Democratic leadership, led a bipartisan group of 36 lawmakers in writing a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Associate Deputy Director Kathleen Toomey urging them to rescind the Trump administration’s cuts to the retention pay of BOP correctional officers (COs) and healthcare professionals while simultaneously eliminating all future BOP recruitment incentives.
    “We write to express our serious concern regarding the Bureau of Prison’s decision to cut the retention pay of hardworking Bureau of Prisons correctional officers and healthcare professionals and cancel all future BOP recruitment incentives. The decision to reduce or eliminate entirely the retention pay of over 23,000 BOP employees is dangerous and will cause our federal prison system to buckle under the weight of increasing numbers of incarcerated individuals and major staffing shortages. The brave correctional officers and healthcare professionals who show up to work each day play an integral part in ensuring the safety of employees, inmates, and our communities,” wrote the lawmakers.
    In late February, more than half of the BOP workforce was told that their retention pay would be significantly reduced or eliminated entirely, with some employees seeing a pay decrease of up to 25%. Retention incentives serve as a crucial mechanism for upholding staffing levels at understaffed facilities. The U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) annual report, issued last November, revealed that every BOP facility in the nation lacked sufficient staffing. The report also revealed that staffing shortages are directly tied to the safety of correctional officers, impairing their capacity to prevent inmate fatalities and leading to higher recidivism rates, which in turn threatens public safety.
    “To make matters worse, BOP does not have an acting director or an acting deputy director. In fact, since President Donald Trump took office, the Director of BOP was fired, the Acting Director who took her place subsequently resigned, and five other senior leaders resigned. The lack of leadership and oversight from senior leaders at the agency further proves these cuts are counter to the agency’s stated mission. With some impacted correctional officers and healthcare professionals expecting to see a pay decrease of up to 25% of their current income, we are extremely alarmed by the lack of plan to address the increased staffing shortages these decisions will cause,” the lawmakers continue. 
    Massachusetts’ sole federal corrections facility, Federal Medical Center (FMC) Devens in Ayer, houses 1,130 inmates and is just one of seven prisons across the country capable of caring for extremely ill inmates. However, a December 2024 report from the DOJ’s Inspector General found that just 81 percent of FMC Devens’ positions were filled, including 161 of 201 (80 percent) positions in the Correctional Services Department and 113 of 149 positions (76 percent) in the Health Services Department. The same report stressed the importance of recruitment and retention initiatives needed to fill these positions amid looming retirements likely to exacerbate the facility’s staffing shortage.
    A copy of the letter sent yesterday can be accessed HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IMPORT OF STEEL AND ITS DOMESTIC PRODUCTION

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of import of finished steel in India for the last five years, country-wise and year-wise is placed at Annexure.

    The details of domestic crude steel production for the last five years, year-wise is given below:-

     

    Domestic Crude Steel Production

    Year

    Quantity (in MnT)

    2019-20

    109.14

    2020-21

    103.54

    2021-22

    120.29

    2022-23

    127.20

    2023-24

    144.30

    Source: Joint Plant Committee (JPC); MnT=million tonnes

     

    Steel is a deregulated sector and the government acts as a facilitator by creating a conducive policy environment for the development of steel sector in the country. The decision regarding import and export are taken by steel companies based on techno-commercial considerations and market dynamics.

    Government has taken steps to ensure that only quality steel is produced in the country or imported from outside. In this direction, 151 BIS standards have been notified and have been covered by Quality Control Orders (QCOs) by Ministry of Steel to ensure that only quality steel is made available to the end users & the public at large.

    The Government has taken following steps to encourage domestic steel production:-

    1. Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy for promoting ‘Made in India’ steel for Government procurement.
    2. Implementation of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel to promote the manufacturing of ‘Specialty Steel’ within the country and reduce imports by attracting capital investments.

     Country-wise and Year-wise import of finished Steel during last five year

     

    IMPORT OF FINISHED STEEL (‘000 tonnes)

    Country

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    ARGENTINA

    26

    7

    1

    0

    0

    AUSTRALIA

    4

    2

    1

    0

    1

    AUSTRIA

    13

    71

    9

    10

    52

    BAHARAIN

    10

    14

    5

    1

    3

    BELGIUM

    74

    56

    28

    33

    17

    BRAZIL

    23

    5

    6

    3

    1

    CANADA

    20

    17

    10

    11

    6

    CHINA

    1207

    843

    833

    1407

    2687

    CZECH REP

    2

    0

    1

    2

    4

    DENMARK

    3

    2

    2

    1

    1

    FINLAND

    9

    5

    5

    7

    6

    FRANCE

    56

    121

    58

    77

    15

    GERMANY

    135

    146

    151

    112

    80

    INDONESIA

    464

    79

    241

    148

    94

    ITALY

    81

    33

    34

    31

    23

    JAPAN

    1018

    560

    664

    841

    1274

    KAZAKHSTAN

    3

    11

    1

    6

    0

    KOREA

    2687

    1947

    2009

    2228

    2670

    KUWAIT

    8

    3

    3

    3

    9

    MALAYSIA

    51

    42

    8

    20

    6

    NEPAL

    6

    6

    9

    59

    120

    NETHERLANDS

    11

    20

    13

    4

    3

    NEWZELAND

    1

    1

    0

    1

    1

    OMAN

    4

    12

    5

    7

    11

    POLAND

    8

    5

    7

    6

    3

    PORTUGAL

    2

    1

    2

    2

    0

    ROMANIA

    3

    1

    1

    2

    17

    RUSSIA

    71

    63

    55

    313

    53

    SAUDI ARABIA

    8

    36

    14

    9

    39

    SINGAPORE

    139

    43

    8

    6

    4

    SLOVENIA

    11

    7

    6

    4

    1

    SOUTH AFRICA

    22

    15

    8

    5

    7

    SPAIN

    32

    20

    27

    21

    5

    SWEDEN

    23

    27

    39

    48

    20

    SWITZERLAND

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    TAIWAN

    165

    186

    194

    163

    185

    THAILAND

    52

    50

    25

    53

    58

    TURKEY

    5

    8

    2

    3

    3

    U.K.

    17

    11

    6

    5

    4

    UAE

    21

    21

    24

    12

    52

    UKRAINE

    84

    31

    22

    7

    1

    USA

    65

    54

    29

    17

    20

    VIETNAM

    86

    133

    75

    320

    737

    OTHERS

    39

    39

    26

    11

    27

    TOTAL

    6768

    4752

    4669

    6022

    8320

    Source: Joint Plant Committee (JPC)

     

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    *****

    TPJ/NJ

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s Address at the Releaseof Book ‘AI on Trial’ Authored by Shri Sujeet Kumar, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Good evening, all of you.

    Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, his description goes beyond an IAS officer of 1987 batch. He’s an alumnus of IIT Kanpur. Shri Sujeet Kumar, a member of the Upper House, the Council of States, House of Elders, popularly known as Rajya Sabha. I have had the good occasion and benefit to know the Hon’ble Member of Parliament inside out. He’s a lawyer, he’s an academician, he’s a positive thinker, he acts subterranean, but makes very effective contribution in the Council of States, and equally impactful contribution as part of international delegation of Bharat to global institutions.

    I had the good fortune to interact with him briefly while he was invited to the banquet when we had the presence of Chilean president a decade younger to you. He’s 49, the president of Chile happens to be about 39. I must recognise a very distinguished presence of Smt. Sudha Murthy, has been accoladed for her simplicity, contribution to society, and captivating smile, ever positive. I remember in Rajya Sabha when the time came for her to ask a supplementary, it was 12 noon, which means Question Hour starts that was Zero Hour. I said, I’ll give you precedence.

    A veteran member reacted, she is always in public domain. I said, well earned, well deserved, public spirited, for a public cause. We had the occasion also, me and Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, when we were at the coronation of King Charles in London in that ceremony, we found a slim, simple looking girl coming to us and discovered she was then a spouse of the Prime Minister of UK, her son-in-law, and it was her daughter.

    So the traditions of what we say, sanskar, rightly filtered to the next generation. Shri Haris Beeran, he shares one thing in common with Sudha Ji, a charming smile. Rekha Sharma recently became a member of Rajya Sabha from the state of Haryana, but has all India perspective, having occupied a very significant position of Chairperson of National Women’s Commission.

    Mithlesh Kumar, well grounded to real politics, and also his presence at this function reveals he is very forward looking. Well, these constitute the, if I may say, contingent from the Upper House. We are enormously benefited by Tapir Gao, a member in the House of People, popularly known as Lok Sabha, from the state of Arunachal. Me and Dr. Sudesh Dhankar had the occasion to attend a very important programme just a month or two back in his state, a great state, a state with many tribes, culture and his colleague, Kiren Rijiju Ji is our minister for Minority Affairs.

    Ladies and gentlemen, it is for the first time in this country that a person professing Buddhism is a Cabinet Minister that indicates our inclusive approach. The world must learn from India, Bharat, the concept of inclusivity. Yet, some try to impart lessons to us. It does happen on occasions that those who are to learn quickly become your teachers. But then, they learn fast if they are in positive frame.

    Shri Pradeep Gandhi, I share something very different with him. He’s an ex-MP, I’m also one. But I am an ex-MP with a difference. My category of MPs in 89 to 91, 96 to 97, 98. axed-MP, we did not have the occasion to complete our term. We have amongst us Shri Rajit Punhani, an IAS officer of 1991 batch, Secretary to the Council of States, alumnus of Doon School, alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, President of the Union of St. Stephen’s, Harvard. IIM Bangalore, and he’s from the State of Bihar.

    I must commend his role in human resource transformation in Rajya Sabha, and for crafting a very innovative skill for Rajya Sabha interns. Alongside, Sumant Narain, another Harvard product, Indian Audits and Accounts Service. We have Mahaveer Singhvi, Indian Foreign Service.

    We have a journalist here who is more seen on television, like some of our parliamentarians. Because our parliamentarians are drawn from my one-time fraternity. I say one-time fraternity because, when I took oath of office of Governor of the State of West Bengal, my son as a senior advocate had to be suspended. So, I parted company with the jealous mistress. I see him. He’s extremely fond of young lawyers and promoting them on television.

    There’s another journalist also, nearly having the same size as he has, with a little more height. I was having you in mind. Then, of course, Tosif Alam, the co-author.  Well, I greet each and everyone present in this hall. But my real greetings to team Sujeet Kumar.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I was extremely, all my life, benefited from intelligence. That intelligence, I call it SDI, Sudesh Dhankar Intelligence. That intelligence has always held me in good state, generating in me transparency, accountability, and has a very strong sense of disciplining. I dare not reveal the rest of it.

    AI on Trial is a fascinating, illuminating book on a subject of huge contemporaneous relevance. Artificial intelligence invasion, incursion in our daily life is being felt by all of us. Its seismic impact is on every part of our activity. Disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain, machine learning, used to be just words but now, artificial intelligence is the buzzword. On a lighter note, let me tell you, a member of the Parliament from journalistic category, did not reflect due diligence while sending a notice to get suspension of the working of the house, so that her subject, I have revealed the gender inadvertently, gets precedence. She sent it on a particular date and wanted suspension of the house that had already taken place five days ago.

    I lamented that even artificial intelligence cannot help me to suspend which has already fructified but we never know, there may be a time when artificial intelligence couldn’t go that far also. While I congratulate the authors for their dedication to this critical field and for contributing in an area that will define not only our economic trajectory, in a sense guide our ethical compass for decades to come, but also impacts every societal activity. Artificial intelligence has got such fast traction. It is known to one and all, be it a village, be it semi-urban, urban, or highly urbanised areas, the meadows. It has agitated our minds, also generated concerns but ladies and gentlemen, let me remind you, last 10 years, India is defined as the nation that has had the highest growth amongst large nations.

    Its exponential economic upsurge, phenomenal infrastructure growth have been accoladed by global institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. But the greatest certification has emanated from global institutions in respect of technological penetration. India’s landscape is now dotted with technological footprint everywhere and that is why the World Bank President reflected what India has achieved in technologically spread out in about six years that is not possible even in four decades.

    We as a Nation have tested accessibility of technology and revealed to the world high degree of adaptability resulting in transparency, accountability of services. Youngsters would not even know that to pay an electricity bill or a water bill or a telephone bill. One was compelled to take a day’s leave. The queue was long. Getting a railway ticket or a platform ticket. All this is now in your hand, your mobile. Our mobile coverage, I can say, is reaching nearly saturation point.

    The visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi was reflected. When he thought of banking inclusion and brought about 550 million people, mostly in the villages, into banking service industry. In the shortest time that has stood us in good state during COVID. And also, imagine a Nation where farmers, hundred million in number, get three times a year, direct transfer into their bank accounts but we have to be extremely worry also. AI, the gene, is out of the bottle and it can be extremely destructive. It can create havoc if not regulated, in the age of defects, working of deep state, wokeism. These menacing trends can get wings if this gene of artificial intelligence is not regulated.

    To put it for young minds, a nuclear power can give you energy. Nuclear power can lighten houses, run industry but it can also be destructive. Therefore, we have both the possibilities before us. This calls for something on which the book has deeply focused. The author, Shri Sujeet Kumar, has given illustrations. If you see one of the most widely propagated on social media, one was taking a route using artificial intelligence but the road was broken in between. AI did not show it and it was a disaster.

    It can be a challenge to nations, organised societies, because it is a power that is now available to all. India, being the fastest growing country in the last 10 years, is no longer a nation with a potential. Our objective is well set out to be a developed nation by 2047, if not before. And that requires for us to harness every available area and vista of opportunity because our income has to go eightfold per capita and that being the situation, we must look to harness artificial intelligence for our benefit and that surely can be done.

    I would say India is amongst the few nations in the world that have focused on this aspect, much before others. But we are the most populous country, largest, oldest, most vibrant democracy. Regulating artificial intelligence is daunting, frightening, but imperative. Right balance will have to be struck between regulating artificial intelligence and fostering innovation, this is fundamental. Overregulation can choke like over disciplining a child. We don’t have to impede the spirit of entrepreneurship but at the same time, we have to be extremely cognisant of the evil effects. Underregulation can endanger public safety, perpetuate bias, and erode trust.

    The author in his address had reflected on these problems. One of the greatest challenges that we face these days is, and let me come to the institution which I preside, every word is spoken in the Council of States by a member of Parliament. The Member of Parliament has the immunity from civil prosecution, criminal prosecution. The constitutional protection given to the member, even if the observations are slanderous, malicious, defamatory, damaging reputations of people, setting narratives that are anti-national, not factually well-premised, no citizen of the country can take action. Therefore, action has to be taken by the Council of States, self-regulation. But then, the quickest we can do is, if an Hon’ble Member makes an objectionable observation, it can be expunged. That is expunged only from the record. That is expunged only for posterity. But it gets the widest traction, how to deal with it.

    I have tasked a committee headed by a senior parliamentarian, Ghanshyam Tiwari Ji. He heads a committee on ethics, to devise ways and means. One is counselling members. Secondly, calling upon the political parties that put their people in these institutions to discipline them, sensitise them but the critical question is, how do we save the damage? Artificial intelligence has an answer. Machine learning for me, to begin with, was only machine plus learning but it’s a mechanism that can deal with this menace in split seconds. So technology will have to be availed to make things a little more soothing to society.

    We must therefore design regulation as a scaffold, not a cage. Our goal should be to enable a framework where responsible innovation thrives and sinister designs, pernicious designs, are neutralised. A risk-based, sector-specific, and principle-driven approach may serve us well in this regard. For instance, the level of scrutiny required for AI used in medical diagnostics should differ from the artificial intelligence creating social media feeds. We must assert India’s cyber sovereignty as much as we do the sovereignty understood in common parlance. But we have to be aligned to global standards. There can be no stand-alone activity in such kind of situations. There will have to be global convergence. All stakeholders will have to come on one platform so that we have a global, rule-based order in the field of artificial intelligence.

    India is a unique country, our civilisational depth is more than 5,000 years. Our ethos, our culture, our values, our knowledge is reflected in our Vedas, our epics. India has been a thought leader for centuries. A global centre of culture. Our institutes of excellence were thrown by scholars from all over the world Takshashila, Nalanda, to name only two. They came, gave us much, took away much, shared it, our treasure.

    In G20, India has taken a great initiative to generate a global community and that was reflected in India’s G20 motto, “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It was the vision of the Prime Minister that brought in the fold of G20 nations of the African Union. European Union was already represented. Global South in neglect for quite long. A word not even known to many. But an important segment of countries in global polity and economy was put on the centre stage. We need to work out something where artificial intelligence can be on that level. The first step has been taken through our India Stack Programme. We are making many of our digital governance solutions open source so the journey of other developing nations gets this facility. Most importantly, the impact of artificial intelligence on ordinary citizens must be at the heart of regulatory regime.

    An ordinary person will not be able to find solutions on his own. The system must provide automatic, inbuilt relief to ordinary citizens. To protect our citizens from the hazards of artificial intelligence, we need enforceable rights, such as right to explanation, the right to contest automated decisions. Decisions are automated. How to contest them, we are not aware and the right to opt out of algorithmic processing, especially when decisions impact livelihoods, liberty, and dignity.

    Artificial Intelligence has generated a compulsive scenario for us. It has forced us to re-examine existing jurisprudence. Traditional legal concepts like liability, or even personhood come under pressure when actions are carried out by autonomous systems. Artificial intelligence opacity challenges legal transparency and accountability principles. Delegating legal interpretation to unexplainable systems undermines judicial trust.

    Current legal artificial intelligence use lacks, this use is not complete. If we use current legal artificial intelligence, we find one deficiency. It lacks comprehensive regulation and oversight. There is urgent need for standards and safeguards to prevent consequences of unregulated artificial intelligence. Debate continues to raise all over whether artificial intelligence promotes legal consistency or perpetuates historical biases.

    Justice at the risk, and the risk is great, justice at risk when algorithms lacking human qualities influence law, judgments can’t be robotised. There can be no artificial intelligence replication. Sometimes the distinction is too fine to be detected even by artificial intelligence. It is the brain of the judge, the discerning brain, that finds a resolution.

    This book, friends, provides a road map for responsible artificial intelligence integration through case studies and regulation proposals. To put it in layman’s language, if you wish to know a gentleman, Google has enough to give you. You can assimilate it, but trust me, you will be ignorant of the person.  You have to go much beyond Google, you have to go much beyond artificial intelligence to know the man.

    Future of legal artificial intelligence requires deliberate shaping by professionals and policy makers. Friends, if artificial intelligence is not regulated, we will face trial by artificial intelligence. That will be a tough trial. The fundamentals of legal jurisprudence, like opportunity of hearing, a fair process, are its first casualty. Therefore, to prevent that, time is now to focus on ‘Artificial Intelligence on Trial’.

    Every person now has power in his hand because of smartphones. Media has come to be defined very differently.

    People are increasingly focused. The focus is intense on social media. The news sharing is the fastest on social media but what happens if it is moderated? It is manipulated? It is inspired by interests inimical to Bharat? It is aimed at destroying our constitutional institutions? Let me give you a highly alarmingly concerning aspect.

    Access to judiciary is a fundamental right and when it comes to challenge to individual’s fundamental rights, the doors of the highest court are open under Article 32 petitions but what we have seen of late?

    Access to judiciary has been weaponised by forces in a systemic manner, fuelled by extra-legal mechanisms, dubiously financed, and the object being to destroy core values of Bharat. We have to be extremely worried.

    I must share a deep concern with you, while institutions have to self-regulate themselves but parliamentary institutions and judiciary blossom only when they self-regulate. We must have respect for these institutions’ inter se, and I hold every institution in high regard. But I firmly believe if there is an incursion in the domain of an institution, be it executive, judiciary, or legislature, by another institution, the doctrine of separation of powers will be stressed.  The stress will be severe. The consequences may be huge.

    Therefore, time has come. These institutions also, one, to apply technology like artificial intelligence to enhance, to secure cutting-edge in their administrative working, and in delivering in their core areas, like judiciary has to deliver through judgments, legislature has to do it through legislation, and holding the executive accountable.

    But similarly, and it is undoubtedly a considered proposition, in all democratic nations, executive governance is the only way of life, because people elect their representatives for governance and for legislation but those who have the numbers get into executive seat from governments. If executive function is performed not by the government but by legislature or by judiciary, where is the accountability? Executive governance by another institution other than government is antithetical to our constitutional values.

    It is negation of power of the people, ‘We the People’, who gave us this constitution. Therefore, such kind of technologies can really get into even-handedness working, equitable working. The equilibrium can be maintained. I strongly advocate that we must be extremely sensitive to institutional domains. But at the same time, we must have highest regard for our institutions. 

    We as a nation are proud for our Parliament, that we are proud of our judiciary. We are equally proud of our executive and you have to look back for last 10 years, our performance, and you will know the statement is well thought out, well premised.

    I must also advert to another aspect. India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, much is being talked about it. People are having varying opinions, and that is the essence of democracy. Because a dialogue requires varying opinions. No one can be judgmental that I alone am right in democracy. Our Digital Personal Data Protection Act is a landmark step, but it now has to evolve in tandem with artificial intelligence regulation. Consent must be meaningful, those who are lawyers know it. A consent that is not free is no consent in law. And free means real freedom to give your consent. Consent cannot be buried in opaque and abstruse terms of service. I am sometimes surprised when I use my mobile phone, go to some application, there is pressure, I agree.

    Now in utter helplessness, you concede a very personal ground. Unknowingly, you are lured or forced. Otherwise, the utilisation doesn’t fructify with ease. Consent cannot be in opaque and abstruse terms of service. Anonymisation, data minimisation, and purpose limitation must be rigorously enforced.

    The regulation of artificial intelligence must be very transparent. It must go hand in hand with re-skilling and workforce planning. As artificial intelligence displaces certain tasks, it will. Because it has come to your house, come to your office. It does jobs sometimes better than normal resource and then an impression is gathered. Are we risking the jobs of people who work? Maybe in some situations, but then it does offer the stars of involvement. We must look in that direction. This requires that we must invest very heavily in education, vocational training, digital literacy, particularly for those who are marginalised, who are vulnerable, who need hand-holding situations.

    Artificial intelligence, the governance part of it, I see it after deep thought, cannot be left only to technocrats or corporations. Democratic oversight is quintessence of democracy. Citizen engagement and transparency are essential. India’s parliamentary committees, judicial forums, and civil society, all are stakeholders. They must converge to secure the citizen against ill effects, evil effects of artificial intelligence.

    Now, artificial intelligence, disruptive technologies are like another industrial revolution. There is paradigm shift every moment.  We seem to be on quicksand when it comes to technological changes. Changes are taking place by the hour, I can say by the seconds. Therefore, to regulate something that is as dynamic as artificial intelligence, we need an agile and empowered institutional framework.

    A national artificial intelligence authority or commission, independent but accountable with representation from government, industry, academia, and civil society could serve as a think tank. Let me give a simple illustration. This is turning out into a huge problem.  People are losing the money from their banks. Now, artificial intelligence must find a solution that once something is stolen by electronic means on account of an inadvertent error or whereas citizen becomes prey to mischief in technology to neutralise and ensure traction of money is controlled. We are still very conventional.

    The person has to go to a police station, and we find the area is in another state, so a physical visit has to be made. By that time, the crooks, the rogues who get themselves this kind of unjust enrichment move their working pattern. We need to do something about it.

    I greatly appreciate the effort of Sujeet Kumar and his young colleague, Tosif Alam, and I have carefully gone through, having had the benefit of book in advance, of the comments that emanated from Justice Ranjan Gogoi and our N. R. Narayana Murthy, Justice T. S. Sivagnanam. He was a judge when I was governor of the state of Bengal.

    Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a technocrat with deep belief, I share one thing in common with our young friend, Tauseef Alam. Salman Khurshid is a dear friend of mine, a distinguished senior advocate, and you have to learn a lot from his style. He absorbs everything which is a challenge by way of thought process, but makes his point in a subtle manner.

    Friends, in conclusion, the topic of regulation of AI will determine the kind of society we aspire to be. It has become a most important factor where we will be. Do we wish to become a digital dystopia where humans serve algorithm or a humane artificial Indian society where technology serves the people? The choice is ours. The choice is well known. There is nothing in artificial intelligence, it is far away from the human mind, so we must use capacity of human mind to regulate this artificial intelligence.  It is on trial as per the book.

    Let artificial intelligence not put us on trial. I’m extremely happy to release this book. It will be an eye-opener to everyone in all spheres of life. I wish the authors success for their next venture.

    Thank you so much.

    ****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2119066) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AYUSH Chair in foreign universities to promote and strengthen traditional Indian medicine systems globally

    Source: Government of India

    AYUSH

    AYUSH Chair in foreign universities to promote and strengthen traditional Indian medicine systems globally

    50 Institute-to- Institute Memorandum of Understanding with foreign institutions to facilitate research and academic exchange in AYUSH

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Chair Programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, to promote and strengthen traditional Indian medicine systems (AYUSH) globally. Under this program, AYUSH Chairs are established in foreign universities and institutions to facilitate academic collaboration, research, and awareness about AYUSH systems. The Ministry of Ayush, has established AYUSH academic chairs in Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia and Malaysia.

    These chairs are part of a broader strategy to promote AYUSH systems of medicine internationally. The specific objectives being pursued through this initiative are as under:

     

    1. Undertake academic and research activities related to AYUSH Systems of Medicine.
    2. Design and finalize the curriculum for the short term/ medium term courses as per need of the University and AYUSH education guidelines in India.
    3. Take tutorials/ lectures / practical sessions as per the curricular requirements of the University and will take part in the activities such as departmental seminars, conferences, faculty meetings, etc. as mutually agreed between University and the Chair.
    4. Explore feasibility of undertaking collaborative research.
    5. Act as credible source of information related to AYUSH systems of medicine for the host country and other neighboring countries.
    6. Liaise with Indian Embassy/ High Commission of India, host University and Ministry of AYUSH.
    7. Conduct workshops/ seminars on AYUSH Systems in cooperation with the host organization.
    8. Identify existing academic/ research programmes on AYUSH systems, their strength & gaps and provide inputs to the Ministry of Ayush and concerned institute in India.
    9. Carry on other incidental responsibilities as may be determined by the host University such as providing clinical services for practical demonstration / clinical trainings at the attached Hospital/ Clinic.
    10. Undertake any other activity as assigned by the Ministry of Ayush from time to time.
    11. Deliver at least 2 public lectures in a year to be arranged by the University, which would be termed as AYUSH Lectures.

     

    The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India has signed 50 Institute-to-Institute Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with foreign institutions to facilitate research and academic exchange in AYUSH. The details of the Institutes with whom the Ministry of Ayush has signed the MoUs are placed at Annexure.

    -3-

    These initiatives help to enhance global propagation, recognition, and acceptance of AYUSH systems of medicines. For assessing the impact of AYUSH Chair, a monthly report on activities undertaken is obtained from the chair. The evaluation of the chair’s impact is being conducted based on the report.

    Annexure

     

    Sl.

    No.

    Details of MoU

    Country

    1.

    MoU between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH (on behalf of all the research councils- CCRAS, CCRUM, CCRS, CCRH, CCRYN) and the University of Mississippi, USA, on behalf of National Centre for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) for cooperation

    in the field of traditional medicine

    USA

    2.

    MoU between CCRH and Royal London Hospital for

    Integrated Medicine, UK

    United

    Kingdom

    3.

    MoU       between      Central      Council      for     Research                in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and College of Homeopaths of

    Ontario (CHO), Canada

    Canada

    4.

    United         States       Pharmacopoeia          Convention                    and

    Pharmacopoeia Commission of Indian Medicine

    USA

    5.

    MoU on cooperation in the field of Research and Education in Homeopathy Medicine was signed between CCRH and Universidad Maimonides, Buenos

    Aires, Argentina

    Argentina

    6.

    MoU on Cooperation in Research and Development in the field of Ayurvedic Science was signed between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and the Medical Research Infrastructure and Health Services fund of the Tel Aviv Sourasky medical

    Institute (TASMC), Israel

    Israel

    7.

    MoU between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science, on Behalf of All Research Councils, Ministry of AYUSH(Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India located in New Delhi, (“CCRAS”) and The Governors of the University of Alberta  as  Represented  by  the  Integrative  Health

    Institute Located in Edmonton, ALBERTA, Canada

    Canada

    8.

    MoU between National Institute of Ayurveda and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia in the field of Education, Training, Research, Publication  and  Popularization  of  Ayurveda  in

    Malaysia

    Malaysia

    9.

    MoU between Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) and Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) with Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the

    United States (HPCUS)

    USA

    10.

    MoU between Scientific Society for Homoeopathy (WissHom), Germany and Central Council for

    Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)

    Germany

    11.

    Agreement on cooperation in the field of Research and Education in Homoeopathy between Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Federal

    University of Rio De Janerio (FURJ), Brazil

    Brazil

    12.

    MoU on cooperation and collaboration in the field of Ayurveda between the All India Institute of Ayurveda, (AIIA), Ministry of AYUSH and European Academy

    of Ayurveda (Birstein), (REAA) Germany

    Germany

    13.

    MoU on Cooperation in the field of Research in Homeopathic Medicine was signed between Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Centre for Integrative Complementary Medicine,

    Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel

    Israel

    14.

    MoU on cooperation in the field of Research in Homeopathy was signed between Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM), Australia

    Australia

    15.

    MoU on Establishment of an Academic Collaboration in Ayurveda between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and College of Medicine (UK) was signed during the visit of Hon’ble PM of India to UK

    United Kingdom

    16.

    MoU on collaboration in the field of Ayurveda was signed between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and the Medical University of Graz, Graz Austria

    Austria

    17.

    MoU on cooperation in the field of Unani medicine was signed between Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) and State Educational Establishment“ Tajik State Medical University named

    AbualiIbn Sino”

    Tajikistan

    18.

    MoU        on      the      establishment         of      an                 academic

    collaboration in Ayurveda has been signed between All India       Institute      of    Ayurveda      (AIIA),     Ministry               of

    USA

    AYUSH and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, USA

    19.

    MoU CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH and Department of Neurology and Complementary Medicine, Lutheran, Hospital Hattingen, Germany for Cooperation in the field of Research and Education in Ayurveda

    Germany

    20.

    MoU between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and Wester Sydney University (WSU), Australia

    Australia

    21.

    MoU between MORARJI DESAI NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF YOGA (MDNIY) MINISTRY OF AYUSH, GOVT OF INDIA NEW DELHI and DIVINE VALUES SCHOOL, ECUADOR (DVSE)

    Ecuador

    22.

    MoU between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, (CCRAS) Ministry of AYUSH Government of the Republic of India and University of Debrecen, Hungary (UD) on the Intention of Establishment of European Institute of Ayurvedic Sciences (EIAS), Hungary

    Hungary

    23.

    MoU between NIA & the University of West Indies for Collaboration in the field of Education, Training, Research, Treatment, Publication etc

    West Indies

    24.

    An Agreement signed between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Ministry of Ayush and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK for undertaking research on Ashwagandha for promoting recovery from Covid-19 in the UK.

    United Kingdom

    25.

    MoU between Shimane University, Japan and All India Institute of Ayurveda

    Japan

    26.

    MoU between Fizz, Frankfurt, Germany and All India Institue of Ayurveda

    Germany

    27.

    MoC with Japan

    Japan

    28.

    MoU       between      CCRUM      and     Hamdard               University Bangladesh

    Bangladesh

    29.

    MoU between CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH and OCCAM, National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health Department of Health and Human Services, Government of the United States of America

    USA

    30.

    Memorandum of Understanding between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH, and The Institute for Social medicine, Epidemiology and the Health Economics, Charite University Medical Centre, Berlin Germany

    Germany

    31.

    Institute for the History of Medicine, Robert Bosch Foundation,                            Stuttgart,                                                Germany on Cooperation in the Field of Development of Museum on AYUSH System and Archives on Homoeopathy

    Germany

    32.

    MoU between MORARJI DESAI NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF YOGA (MDNIY) MINISTRY OF AYUSH, GOVT OF INDIA NEW DELHI and Leaders

    Development Institute (LDI), Ministry of Sports Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabia

    33.

    MoU between Rashtriya Ayurved Vidyapeeth (RAV) and Fundacion De Salud Ayurveda Prema, Argentina

    Argentina

    34.

    MoU between AIIA and Future Vision Institute, Brazil and University of Sao Paulo Brazil

    Brazil

    35.

    MoU between AIIA and The University General Hospital in La Reunion – CHU de La Reunion in the field of Ayurveda

    Chu      de             La Reunion

    36.

    MoU between AIIA, The Fedral University of Rio De Jenerio (UFRJ) and The Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN), Brazil

    Brazil

    37.

    MoU between National Institute of Ayurveda Jaipur

    and Philippines institute of traditional and Alternative Healthcare, (PITHAC)Philippines

    Philippines

    38.

    MoU between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and University Health Netwrok (UHN), Canada

    Canada

     

    39.

    Agreement on Co-operation in collaborative research in the field of Ayurveda and Siddha between CCRAS,       Romanian               Society                                   of Medicine and Suraj Ayurveda Clinic and Research Centre Pune.

    Romania

    40.

    MoU between CCRAS and PHFI for Ayush- WHO- PHFI collaborative project entitled Assessment of integration of AYUSH System into the public health system for combating COVID-19.

    WHO

    41.

    India Yoga Center (IYC), Korea

    Korea

    42.

    MoU between AIIA and UCMH, Havana Cuba The Establishment of an Academic Collaboration In Ayurveda

    Cuba

    43.

    MoU        between       AIIA     and     National       Institute      of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

    Japan

    44.

    MoU Between MDNIY and Sarv Yoga International Italy

    Italy

    45.

    MoU Between ITRA and National Institute of Health,

    Republic of Peru

    Peru

    46.

    MoU between AIIA and Kvarner Health Tourism

    Cluster, Croatia

    Croatia

    47.

    MoU between NIA and Department of Thai Traditional

    and Alternative Medicine

    Thailand

    48.

    MoU between All India Institute of Ayurveda and Sri

    Vajera Foundation and Associated Institutions

    Brazil

    49.

    MoU Between CCRUM and Allied Health professions

    Council of South Africa (AHPCSA)

    South Africa

    50.

    A Tripartite MoU between Charles University Czech Republic with NIA, Jaipur and MDNIY New Delhi was signed on 17.07.2024 on the Establishment of

    Academic Collaboration in Ayurveda and Yoga

    Czech Republic

     

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2118854)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GLSC Invited to Demonstrate Key Fishery Research Techniques at an Angler Workshop

    Source: US Geological Survey

    GLSC technicians Olivia Mitchinson and Jacob Bulich (Oswego, NY) were recently invited to share their expertise on spring prey fish research at the Lake Ontario Fisheries Biology for Anglers Workshop on March 22, 2025, hosted by NY Sea Grant at State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego).Mitchinson and Bulich led hands-on demonstrations of aging alewife through otolith extraction, offering local professional and recreational anglers a unique opportunity to engage with essential fishery research practices. Their presentation highlighted key techniques used during the annual Spring Prey Fish Cruise, a critical survey conducted by the Lake Ontario Biological Station and partner agencies. This survey provides vital data on the life history and age structure of prey fish populations—information that directly informs sustainable fisheries management.The workshop also featured a presentation by Dr. Nick Sard (SUNY Oswego), who shared his groundbreaking genetic research on Chinook Salmon and Coregonines, conducted in partnership with USGS, partner agencies and Lake Ontario charter captains.By collaborating with NY Sea Grant and SUNY Oswego, GLSC continues to play a vital role in advancing fisheries science and fostering connections with the angling community. 

    MIL OSI USA News –