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Category: Child Poverty

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council sets out plans to raise pupil attainment

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The Council’s Learning and Families Committee approved the Raising Attainment Strategy for 2024-2027 when it met on Wednesday (Oct 23).

    This strategy builds upon the successes of the previous strategy from 2020-2023 and focuses on four main priorities:

    • Improvement in attainment, particularly in literacy and numeracy.
    • Closing the attainment gap between the most and least disadvantaged.
    • Improvement in health and wellbeing of children and young people.
    • Enhancement of employability skills and sustained, positive school leaver destinations.

    The strategy employs a range of measures and highlights several key achievements from 2023/24.

    These include 333 more A-C passes being achieved by Perth and Kinross pupils at National 5. The pass rate for National 5s in Perth and Kinross is also higher than both the Scottish average and comparator local authorities.

    Councillors also heard how the poverty-related attainment gap for primary pupils in P1, P4 and P7 has improved by 1% for reading and writing; grown by 1% in listening and talking and remained at the same level for numeracy, compared to last year`s figures.

    Councillors also heard how significant strides have been made in supporting children and young people affected by poverty and those who are care-experienced.

    The Scottish Attainment Challenge Funding Update 2024 highlights targeted improvement activities in literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing, aimed at closing the poverty-related attainment gap.

    The report outlines the measures implemented through Strategic Equity Funding (SEF), Pupil Equity Funding (PEF), and Care Experienced Children and Young People’s Funding (CECYPF).

    Learning and Families Convener Councillor John Rebbeck said: “We want every child and young person in Perth and Kinross to have the best start in life, which is why closing the attainment gap is a priority.

    “There have been significant successes made in Perth and Kinross to closing the attainment gap and it is important we recognise that good work.

    “But we will continue to strive to close the gap further and use Pupil Equity Funding, and other sources of funding, appropriately to make this happen.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on United Nations Day

    Source: Government of Canada News

    “Today we mark 79 years since the United Nations was founded based on peace, equality and the rule of law. Eight decades later, Canada firmly believes that the United Nations is still the only global institution capable of addressing the challenges of our time. There’s no alternative that brings together nations of all sizes on an equal footing to collectively address the complex issues we are all facing…”

    October 24, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

    “Today we mark 79 years since the United Nations was founded based on peace, equality and the rule of law. Eight decades later, Canada firmly believes that the United Nations is still the only global institution capable of addressing the challenges of our time. There’s no alternative that brings together nations of all sizes on an equal footing to collectively address the complex issues we are all facing.

    “We need this unique and essential forum more than ever. This year, we have seen the most armed conflicts since the United Nation’s inception. They have displaced millions, with women and girls often bearing the brunt of the violence and instability they bring. Climate change has led to more frequent and severe weather events, including flooding and droughts, and contributed to rising levels of extreme poverty, inequality and instability. In a rapidly changing world, the United Nations is critical in driving global solutions.

    “Canada is a key contributor to the United Nations and its sixth-largest donor. Our contributions are numerous and varied. We champion efforts to speed up the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs], with our prime minister serving as co-chair of the SDG Advocates. We firmly support sustainable development and climate change initiatives and strongly advocate for human rights and gender equality.

    “At the recent United Nations General Assembly, Canada reiterated that countries around the world are faced with a choice. We can choose a world where rules can be broken by the powerful, bringing us back to darker times of tension and conflict. Or we can choose a world that upholds human rights, opportunities for all, peace and prosperity—bringing us to a world where people solve problems by working together.

    “Canada remains committed to ensuring that the United Nations continues to be a force for good in the world. We are actively working with partners so that the organization remains fit for purpose now and in the future. This means a United Nations that embodies the principles on which it is founded. This should be reflected in the top leadership which is why Canada calls for the next secretary-general to be a woman and for countries intending to put forward candidates to give due consideration to women candidates.

    “As we look ahead, Canada is committed to working with the United Nations and its member states to consolidate the gains in gender equality made to date and to confront efforts to reverse the progress made on existing rights and principles and stifle further needed progress. Together, we will work toward a strong, effective United Nations as a pillar of the rules-based international system.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Coffee price volatility harms the mental health of farmers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Saurabh Singhal, Associate professor, Lancaster University

    Oleg Brusencev/Shutterstock

    Coffee is a drink that punctuates many of our lives. Millions of us depend on this dark liquid to start the morning, or to break up the day.

    It has also become quite an expensive habit. But before we baulk at paying £5 for a flat white, it’s worth thinking about the price paid by the coffee farmers who provide its base ingredient.

    For behind every latte and espresso lies the toil and stress of coffee farmers, who face serious challenges to bring their popular product to the rest of the world. Harvests can be devastated by extreme weather events or pests and plant diseases, while volatile market prices add another layer of worry, making future income uncertain.

    This volatility exists in other crops, but especially so for coffee, the price of which is extremely unpredictable. It can rise and fall frequently because of the weather, market demand and the state of the global economy.

    Coffee trees take up to four years to grow and produce beans, and cutting them down is expensive, so farmers can’t easily change how much coffee they produce based on price changes.

    But price volatility means that farmers can’t be sure about their income at harvest time, which can be incredibly stressful. And our research shows just how much that unpredictability affects farmers’ mental health.

    Our work focused on farmers in Vietnam, a country where coffee production has soared over the last three decades. From accounting for just 1.2% of world output in 1989, Vietnam is currently the second largest producer in the world (after Brazil) producing just under 30 million 60kg bags a year. Vietnam produces mainly “robusta” coffee beans, grown by small farmers in the central highlands region of the country.

    Using data from a long-running observational survey to assess mental health, we looked at how Vietnamese coffee farmers experienced symptoms of depression including sadness, hopelessness, lack of concentration and poor sleep – and how these were linked to monthly international robusta coffee prices.

    Using a range of techniques to interpret the data, we found clear evidence that being exposed to coffee price fluctuations increased depressive symptoms among farmers of the crop. They also had lower overall wellbeing because of greater mental stress and worry over their economic future – and drank more alcohol.

    A coffee farm in Vietnam.
    Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock

    The impact of all of this uncertainty is significant. According to the World Health Organization, poor mental health is a major contributor to the global burden of disease, especially in low-income countries where mental illness and poverty are closely linked.

    Estimates suggest that as much as 80% of the world’s depressive disorder burden is borne by low and middle income countries. But these issues are often overlooked, even though they are crucial to addressing poverty.

    What can coffee drinkers do?

    There are ways to tackle the mental health effects of coffee price volatility. Initiatives to promote price stability in the global coffee markets and financial literacy among farmers, would be worth pursuing. So too would work to improve mental health support within farming communities, providing resources for coping with stress and building resilience.

    Coffee lovers around the world can also play their part by choosing the their drink carefully. Fairtrade certification for example, was set up to help reduce coffee price volatility and the resulting poverty it caused.

    It guarantees a minimum price for certified coffee, covering the average cost of sustainable production and reducing the financial risks farmers face. Fairtrade-certified farmers also receive a premium to invest in projects that improve the quality of life for their communities.

    And research suggests it is succeeding. A 2005 study of coffee farmers in Nicaragua revealed that Fairtrade farmers are less concerned about the possibility of losing their farm in the coming year compared to conventional farmers. And using data from Costa Rica, research from 2022 has found fair trade certification was effective in increasing farmers’ income.

    So the next time you savour your morning cup of coffee, take a moment to consider the people who cultivated the beans which made the drink. Coffee farmers deserve our appreciation – but also our help in establishing fairer, more stable market conditions which safeguard their livelihoods and mental health.

    Saurabh Singhal received funding from the University of Copenhagen.

    Finn Tarp has over the years received funding from a variety of donors and research funding agencies for work in Vietnam on on development issues . This is relevant only in the sense that is has helped inform about living conditions in the country.

    – ref. Coffee price volatility harms the mental health of farmers – https://theconversation.com/coffee-price-volatility-harms-the-mental-health-of-farmers-236833

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Kim Highlights Youth Mental Health and Bullying Awareness Month at 80th Town Hall

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03)

    WILLINGBORO, N.J. – Yesterday, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) hosted a telephone town hall to hear directly from neighbors and share updates from his recent work in Congress, including raising awareness during National Bully Awareness Month and addressing the nationwide mental health crisis.

    To begin his 80th town hall, Congressman Kim highlighted his continued efforts to address youth mental health needs and close gaps to accessing care and resources. In recognition of National Bullying Awareness Month, he was joined by Jessica Smedley, LPC and Director of Counseling for West Windsor/Plainsboro Regional School District, who spoke about the role of school counselors to provide proactive mental health and academic support, collective efforts to prevent violence and bullying in schools, and resources available to students and families. 

    Congressman Kim spoke about his continued work in Congress to address the shortage of mental healthcare resources and workers, including voting to pass the largest gun violence prevention legislative package in 30 years that secured investment in programs to expand mental health and support services in schools as well as securing $1,000,000 to construct a new behavioral health clinic to serve children in Burlington County. He also addressed his “kids agenda” in Congress to combat child poverty with the Child Tax Credit, expand students’ access to nutritious meals, and deliver support to vulnerable communities, including direct support for LGBTQ+ youth.

    He also provided updates from his tour yesterday along the Northeast Corridor with NJ Transit and Amtrak leadership where he saw the successful progress of the Gateway Tunnel Project and urged the importance of continued upgrades and investigations to deliver the safe and reliable public transit New Jersey deserves.

    The Congressman answered questions from neighbors about issues on their mind, including his efforts to combat corruption, including through legislation to end the dominance of big money in politics, deliver mental health support to children with minority identities, and incentivize building to expand access to affordable housingoptions in New Jersey as well as provide emergency housing resources, like a new homeless shelter in Burlington County that he was able to secure funding for in 2022.

    To sign up for more updates from Congressman Kim, including the location and time of his next town hall, click here.

    Congressman Kim is the Ranking Member on the Military Personnel Subcommittee, and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. More information about Congressman Kim’s accessibility, his work serving New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District, and information on newsletters and his monthly town halls can be found on his website by clicking here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Our nuclear childhood’: the sisters who witnessed H-bomb tests over their Pacific island, and are still coming to terms with the fallout

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christopher Hill, Associate Professor (Research and Development), Faculty of Business and Creative Industries, University of South Wales

    Nuclear detonations were the backdrop to Teeua and Teraabo’s childhood. By the time the sisters were eight and four, the Pacific island on which they grew up, Kiritimati, had hosted 30 atomic and thermonuclear explosions – six during Operation Grapple, a British series between 1957 and 1958, and 24 during Operation Dominic, led by the US in 1962.

    The UK’s secretary of state for the colonies, Alan Lennox-Boyd, had claimed the Grapple series would put Britain “far ahead of the Americans, and probably the Russians too, in super-bomb development”. Grapple, the country’s largest tri-service operation since D-Day, also involved troops from Fiji and New Zealand. It sought to secure the awesome power of the hydrogen bomb: a thermonuclear device far more destructive than the atomic bomb.

    Britain’s seat at the top table of “super-bomb development” was emphatically announced in April 1958 with Grapple Y: an “H-bomb” 200 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. This remains Britain’s largest nuclear detonation – one of more than 100 conducted by the UK, US and Soviet Union in 1958 alone.

    More than six decades later, the health effects on former servicemen based on Kiritimati, as well as at test locations in South and Western Australia, remain unresolved. Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, has called the treatment of UK nuclear test veterans “the longest-standing and, arguably, the worst” of all the British public scandals in recent history.



    Read more:
    Nobel peace prize awarded to Japanese atomic bomb survivors’ group for its efforts to free the world of nuclear weapons

    Unlike the Post Office, infected blood and Grenfell Tower inquiries in 2024, there has been no UK inquiry into British nuclear weapon tests in Australia and the Pacific. Yet veterans and their descendants maintain these tests caused hereditary ill-health effects and premature deaths among participants. The British government has been accused of hiding records of these health impacts for decades behind claims of national security.

    Over the past year, the life stories of British nuclear test veterans have been collected by researchers, including myself, for an oral history project in partnership with the British Library. Whether from a vantage point of air, land or sea, the veterans all recall witnessing nuclear explosions with startling clarity, as if the moment was seared on to their memories. According to Doug Herne, a ship’s cook with the Royal Navy:

    When the flash hit you, you could see the X-rays of your hands through your closed eyes. Then the heat hit you, and it was as if someone my size had caught fire and walked through me. To say it was frightening is an understatement. I think it shocked us into silence.

    British servicemen describe their nuclear test experiences. Video: Wester van Gaal/Motherboard.

    But what of the experiences of local people on Kiritimati? I have recently interviewed two sisters who are among the few surviving islanders who witnessed the nuclear tests. This is their story.

    ‘A mushroom cloud igniting the sky’

    At the start of Operation Grapple in May 1957, around 250 islanders lived on Kiritimati – the world’s largest coral reef atoll, slap bang in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, around 1,250 miles (2,000km) due south of Hawaii. The island’s name is derived from the English word “Christmas”, the atoll having been “discovered” by the British explorer James Cook on Christmas Eve 1777.

    In May 2023, I visited Kiritimati for a research project on “British nuclear imperialism”, which investigated how post-war Britain used its dwindling imperial assets and resources as a springboard for nuclear development. I sought to interview islanders who had remained on the atoll since the tests, including Teeua Tekonau, then aged 68. In 2024, I visited her younger sister, Teraabo Pollard, who lives more than 8,000 miles away in the contrasting surroundings of Burnley, north-west England.

    Far from descriptions of fear and terror, both Teeua and Teraabo looked back on the tests with striking enthusiasm. Teraabo recalled witnessing them from the local maneaba (open-air meeting place) or tennis court as a “pleasurable” experience full of “excitement”.

    She described having her ears plugged with cotton wool before being covered with a blanket. As if by magic, the blanket was then lifted to reveal a mushroom cloud igniting the night sky – a sight accompanied by sweetened bread handed out by American soldiers. So vivid was the light that Teraabo, then aged four, described “being excited about it being daytime again”.

    An Operation Grapple thermonuclear test near Kiritimati, 1957-58. Video: Imperial War Museums.

    In view of the violence of the tests, I was struck that Teeua and Teraabo volunteered these positive memories. Their enthusiasm seemed in marked contrast to growing concerns about the radioactive fallout – including those voiced by surviving test veterans and their descendants. As children, the tests seem to have offered the sisters a spectacle of fantasy and escapism – glazed with the saccharine of American treats and Disney films on British evacuation ships.

    Yet they have also lived through the premature deaths of family members and, in Teraabo’s case, a malignant tumour dating from the time of the tests. And there have been similar stories from other families who lived in the shadow of these very risky, loosely controlled experiments. Teraabo told me about a friend who had peeked out from her blanket as a young girl – and who suffered from eye and health problems ever since.

    ‘Only a very slight health hazard’

    Kiritimati forms part of the impossibly large Republic of Kiribati – a nation of 33 islands spread over 3.5 million square kilometres; the only one to have territory in all four hemispheres and, until 1995, on either side of the international date line. Before independence from Britain in 1979, Kiribati belonged to the Gilbert and Ellice Island Colony, which in effect made Kiritimati a “nuclear colony” for the purpose of British and American testing.

    In 1955, Teeua and Teraabo’s parents, Taraem and Tekonau Tetoa, left their home island of Tabiteuea, a small atoll belonging to the Gilbert group of islands in the western Pacific. They boarded a British merchant vessel bound for Christmas Island nearly 2,000 miles away. Setting sail with new-born Teeua in their arms, the family looked forward to a future cutting copra on Kiritimati’s British coconut plantation.

    The scale of this journey, with four young children, was immense. Just how the hundred or so Gilbertese passengers “managed to live [during the voyage] was better not asked”, according to one royal engineer who described a similar voyage a few years later. “There were piles of coconuts everywhere – perhaps they were for both food and drink.”


    The Insights section is committed to high-quality longform journalism. Our editors work with academics from many different backgrounds who are tackling a wide range of societal and scientific challenges.

    Within two years of their arrival, the family faced more upheaval as mother Taraem and her children were packed aboard another ship ahead of the first three sets of British nuclear tests in the Pacific. Known as Grapple 1, 2 and 3, they were to be detonated over Malden Island, an atoll some 240 miles to the south of Kiritimati – but still too close for the comfort of local residents.

    According to Teeua, the evacuation was prompted by disillusioned labourers brought to Kiritimati without their families, who went on strike after learning how much the British troops were being paid. But the islanders’ perspectives do not feature much in the colonial records, which give precedence to British disputes about logistical costs and safety calculations.

    The Grapple task force resolved that the safe limit set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection should be reduced, to limit the cost of evacuations. A meeting in November 1956 noted that “only a very slight health hazard to people would arise from this reduction – and that only to primitive peoples”.

    Shocking as this remark sounds, it is typical of the disregard that nuclear planners appear to have had, both for Indigenous communities and the mostly working-class soldiers. These lives did not seem to matter much in the context of Britain’s quest for nuclear supremacy. William Penney, Britain’s chief nuclear scientist, had bemoaned how critics during tests in Australia were “intent on thwarting the whole future of the British Empire for the sake of a few Aboriginals”.

    Tekonau, Teeua’s father, was one of the 30 or so I-Kiribati people to stay behind on Kiritimati during the Malden tests in May and June 1957. As one of the only labourers to speak English, he had gained the trust of the district commissioner, Percy Roberts, who invited Tekonau to accompany him during inspections of villagers’ houses in Port London, then the island’s only village. On one occasion, Teeua said, the islanders did not recognise her father as he had been given a “flat top” haircut like the Fijian soldiers. “This means he had a nice relationship with the soldiers,” she told me. “Thank God for giving me such a good and clever dad.”

    Since the initial tests did not produce a thermonuclear explosion, the task force embarked on further trials between November 1957 and September 1958, known as Grapple X, Y and Z. In view of expense and time, these were conducted on Kiritimati rather than Malden Island – and this time, the residents were not evacuated to other islands. Rather, families were brought aboard ships in the island’s harbour and shown films below deck.

    After these tests, the islanders returned to find the large X and Y detonations had cracked the walls of their homes and smashed their doors and furniture. One islander found their pet frigate bird, like so many of the wild birds on Kiritimati, had been blinded by the flash of Grapple Y. No compensation was ever paid to the islanders, although the Ministry of Supply did reimburse the colony for deterioration of “plantation assets”, including £4 for every damaged coconut tree (equivalent to £120 today).

    A month before Grapple Y, Teraabo was born. Her earliest and most vivid childhood memories are of the US-led Operation Dominic four years later, by which time evacuation procedures had been abandoned altogether.

    This series of tests was sanctioned by Britain in exchange for a nuclear-powered submarine and access to the Nevada Proving Grounds in the US – regarded as pivotal to the future of British weapons technology ahead of the signing of the Test Ban Treaty in October 1963, which would prohibit atmospheric testing.

    Dominic’s 24 detonations on Kiritimati – which usually took place after sunset around 6pm, between April and November 1962 – were “awesome”, according to Teraabo. Recalling the suspense as the “tannoy announced the countdown”, she described “coming out of cover [and] witnessing the bomb [as] an amazing experience … When the bomb set off, the brilliance of the light was tremendous.”

    Each explosion’s slow expiration would re-illuminate the Pacific sky. One, Starfish Prime, became known as a “rainbow bomb” because of the multi-coloured aurora it produced over the Pacific, having been launched into space where it exploded.

    So spectacular were these descriptions that I almost felt I had to suspend disbelief as I listened. At one point in my interview with Teraabo, she leaned in to reassure me that she had no interest in exaggerating these events: “I’m a very proud person,” she whispered, “I would never lie.”

    ‘In our blood’

    More than six decades on from the Grapple tests, I was sitting in Teeua’s kitchen in the village of Tabwakea (meaning “turtle”), near the northern tip of Kiritimati. I had driven here in a Subaru Forester, clapped-out from the many potholes on the island’s main road, itself built by royal engineers over 60 years ago.

    Teeua Tekonau in her kitchen during the author’s visit to Kiritimati in 2023.
    Christopher R. Hill., CC BY

    Teeua’s home, nestled down a sand track, had a wooden veranda at the front where she would teach children to read and write under shelter from the hot equatorial sun. Handcrafted mats lined the sand and coral floor, fanning out from the veranda to the kitchen at the back.

    The house felt full of the sounds of the local community, from the chatter of neighbours to the laughter of children outdoors. No one could feel lonely here, despite the vastness of the ocean that surrounds Kiritimati.

    As Teeua cooked rice and prepared coffee, we discussed the main reason for my visit: to understand the impacts of the nuclear tests on the islanders, their descendents, and the sensitive ecosystem in which they live. Teeua is chair of Kiritimati’s Association of Atomic Cancer Patients, and one of only three survivors of the tests still living on Kiritimati. She pulled up a seat and looked at me:

    Many, many died of cancer … And many women had babies that died within three months … I remember the coconut trees … when you drank [from the coconuts], you [were] poisoned.

    Both Teeua’s parents and four of her eight siblings had died of cancer or unexplained conditions, she said. Her younger brother, Takieta, died of leukaemia at the age of two in November 1963 – less than a year after Operation Dominic ended. Her sister Teraabo, who discovered a tumour in her stomach shortly after the trials, was only able to have her stomach treated once she moved to the UK in 1981, by which time the tumour had turned malignant.

    Teeua’s testimony pointed to the gendered impacts of the nuclear tests. She referred to the prevalence of menstrual problems and stillbirths, evidence of which can be inferred from the testimony of another nuclear survivor, Sui Kiritome, a fellow I-Kiribati who had arrived on Kiritimati in 1957 with her teacher husband. Sui has described how their second child, Rakieti, had “blood coming out of all the cavities of her body” at birth.

    A rare military hospital record from 1958 – stored in the UK’s National Archives at Kew in London – also refers to the treatment of a civilian woman for ante-partum haemorrhage and stillbirth, though it is unclear whether this was a local woman or one of the soldier’s wives on the passenger ship HMT Dunera, which visited briefly to “boost morale” after Grapple X.

    Members of the Kiritimati Association of Atomic Cancer Patients.
    Courtesy: Teeua Taukaro., CC BY-ND

    Having re-established the Association of Atomic Cancer Patients in 2009, Teeua has continued much of the work that Ken McGinley, first chair of the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association, did after its establishment in 1983. She has documented the names of all I-Kiribati people present during the tests, along with their spouses, children and other relatives. And she has listed the cancers and illnesses from which they have suffered.

    In the absence of medical records at the island hospital, these handwritten notes are the closest thing on the atoll to epidemiological data about the tests. But according to Teeua, concerns about the health effects of the tests date back much longer, to 1965 when a labourer named Bwebwe spoke out about poisonous clouds. “Everyone thought he was crazy,” Teeua recalled.

    But Bwebwe’s speculations were lent credibility by Sui Kiritome’s testimony, and by the facial scars she bore that were visible for all to see. In an interview with her daughter, Sui explained how she was only 24 when she started to lose her hair, and “burns developed on my face, scalp and parts of my shoulder”.

    In a similar manner to claims made by British nuclear test veterans, Sui attributed her health problems to being rained on during Grapple Y – which may have been detonated closer to the atoll’s surface than the task force was prepared to admit.

    When I asked Teeua why her campaigning association was only reformed in 2009, she explained it had been prompted by a visit from British nuclear test veterans who “told us that everyone [involved in the tests] has cancer – blood cancer”. They had been told this in the past but, she said, “we did not believe it. But after years … after our children [also] died of cancer, then we remembered what they told us.”

    After some visiting researchers explained to Teeua and the community that the effects of the tests were “not good”, she concluded that “our kids died of cancer because of the tests … That’s why we start to combine together … the nuclear survivors, to talk about what they did to our kids”.

    I found Teeua’s testimony deeply troubling: not only because of the suffering she and other families have been through, but in the way that veterans had returned to Kiritimati as civilians, raising concerns among locals that may have lain dormant or been forgotten. The suggestion that radiation was “in her blood” must have been deeply disturbing for Teeua and her community.

    But I reminded myself that the veterans who came looking for answers in 2009 were also victims. They made the long journey seeking clues about their health problems, or a silver bullet to prove their government’s deception over the nuclear fallout.

    As young men, they were unwittingly burdened with a lifetime of uncertainty – compounded by endless legal disputes with the Ministry of Defence or inconclusive health studies that jarred with their personal medical histories. And, like the islanders, some of these servicemen died young after experiencing agonising illnesses.

    The scramble for the Pacific

    My research on British nuclear imperialism also sheds light on how imperial and settler colonial perceptions of “nature” shaped how these nuclear tests were planned and operationalised.

    British sites were selected on the basis of in-depth environmental research. When searching the site for Britain’s first atomic bomb (the Montebello Islands off the west coast of Australia), surveyors discovered 20 new species of insect, six new plants, and a species of legless lizard.

    Monitoring of radioactive fallout from nuclear tests fed into the rise of ecosystem ecologies as an academic discipline. In the words of one environmental specialist on the US tests, it seemed that “destruction was the enabling condition for understanding life as interconnected”.

    Since H-bombs would exceed the explosive yield deemed acceptable by Australia, Winston Churchill’s government in the mid-1950s had been forced to look for a new test site beyond Western and South Australia. British planners drew on a wealth of imperial knowledge and networks – but their proposal to use the Kermadec Islands, an archipelago 600 miles north-east of Auckland, was rejected by New Zealand on environmental grounds.

    So, when Teeua and her family landed on Kiritimati in 1955, their journey was part of “the scramble for the Pacific”: a race between Britain and the US to lay claim to the sovereignty of Pacific atolls in light of their strategic significance for air and naval power.

    The British government archives include some notable environmental “what ifs?” Had the US refused the UK’s selection of Kiritimati because of its own sovereignty claim, then it would have been probable, as Lennox-Boyd, Britain’s colonial secretary, admitted, that “the Antarctic region south of Australia might have to be used” for its rapidly expanding nuclear programme.

    Instead, this extraordinary period in global history recently took me to a Victorian mansion in the Lancashire town of Burnley, where I interviewed Teeua’s younger sister, Teraabo, about her memories of the Kiritimati tests.

    ‘No longer angry’

    Teraabo’s home felt like the antithesis of Teeua’s island abode 8,300 miles away: ordered instead of haphazard, private instead of communal, spacious instead of crowded. And our interview had a more detached, philosophical tone.

    Teraabo Pollard with her father’s nuclear test veteran medal.
    Christopher R. Hill., CC BY-ND

    Like her sister, Teraabo has worked to raise awareness about the legacy of the nuclear tests, including with the Christmas Island Appeal, an offshoot of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association that sought to publicise the extent of the waste left on Kiritimati from the nuclear test period.

    The appeal succeeded in persuading Tony Blair’s UK government to tackle the remaining waste in Kiritimati – most of which was non-radiological, according to a 1998 environmental assessment. The island was “cleaned up” and remediated between 2004 and 2008, at a cost of around £5 million to the Ministry of Defence. Much of the waste was flown or shipped back to the UK, where 388 tonnes of low-grade radioactive material were deposited in a former salt mine at Port Clarence, near Middlesbrough.

    Yet Teraabo’s views have evolved. She told me she is “no longer angry” about the tests, a stark contrast to her position 20 years ago, when she told British journalist Alan Rimmer how islanders had “led a simple life with disease virtually unknown. But after the tests, everything changed. I now realise the whole island was poisoned.”

    Whereas the Teraabo of 2003 blamed “the British government for all this misery”, she has since become more reflective. In the context of the cold war and the nuclear arms race, she even told me she could understand the British rationale for selecting Kiritimati as a test site. This seemed a remarkable statement from a survivor who had lost so much.

    Over the course of the interview, it became clear Teraabo had grown tired of being angry – and that she had felt “trapped” by the tragic figure she was meant to represent in the campaigns of veterans and disarmers. Each time Teraabo rehearsed the doom-laden script of radiation exposure, she admitted she was also suppressing the joy of her childhood memories.

    A turning point for Teraabo seems to have come in 2007, when she last visited Kiritimati and met her sister Teeua. By this time, the atoll’s population was 4,000 – quite a leap from the 300 residents she grew up with. “It is no longer the island I remember,” she said.

    The Kiritimati of Teraabo’s memory was neat and well-structured. The one she described encountering in 2007 was chaotic and unkempt. She had come to the realisation that the Kiritimati she had been campaigning for – the pristine, untouched atoll of her parents – had long since moved on, so she should move on with it. The sorrow caused by the test operations would not define her.

    Radioactive colonialism

    Not long after I left Kiritimati in June 2023, the global nuclear disarmament organisation Ican began researching the atoll ahead of a major global summit to discuss the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Descendants of Kiritimati’s nuclear test survivors were asked a series of questions, with those who provided the “right” answers being selected for a sponsored trip to UN headquarters in New York.

    The chosen representatives included Teeua’s daughter, Taraem. I wondered if the survivors of Kiritimati are doomed to forever rehearse the stories of their nuclear past – a burden that Teeua and Teraabo have had to carry ever since they stood in awe of atomic and thermonuclear detonations more than 60 years ago.

    They have had to deal with “radioactive colonialism” all their adult lives – the outside world demanding to see the imprint of radioactivity on their health and memories. But the sisters’ fondness for British order, despite all they have been through, prevails.

    Their positive memories of Britain may in part reflect the elevated role of their father, Tekonau Tetoa – a posthumous recipient of the test veteran medal – within the British colonial system. During my visit, I happened upon an old photo of Tekonau, looking immaculate as he hangs off the side of a plantation truck in a crisp white shirt. Knowing Teeua did not possess a photo of her parents, I took a scan and raced to her house down the road.

    “Do you recognise this man?” I asked, holding up my phone.

    She flickered with recognition. “Is that my father?”

    I nodded, and she shed a tear of joy.

    Tekonau Tetoa, father of Teeua and Teraabo, hangs off the door of a coconut plantation truck in Kiritimati.
    Courtesy: John Bryden., CC BY-ND

    Memories of Teeua and Teraabo’s father are preserved in the island landscape of their youth: pristine, regimented by the ostensible tidiness of colonial and military order.

    But such order masked contamination: an unknown quantity that would only become evident years later in ill-health and environmental damage. It was not only the nuclear tests: from 1957 to 1964, the atoll was sprayed four times a week with DDT, a carcinogenic insecticide, as part of attempts to reduce insect-borne disease. In the words of one of the pilots: “I had many a wave from the rather fat Gilbo ladies sitting on their loos as I passed overhead, and gave them some spray for good measure!” British tidiness concealed a special brand of poison.

    Today, the prospect of a meaningful response from the UK to the concerns raised by the islanders and servicemen alike seems slim. In October 2023, the UK and France followed North Korea and Russia in vetoing a Kiribati and Kazakhstan-proposed UN resolution on victim assistance and environmental remediation for people and places harmed by nuclear weapons use and testing.

    Over in Kiritimati, meanwhile, Teeua still tends to a small plot where Prince Philip planted a commemorative tree in April 1959, shortly after the British-led nuclear tests had ended. It is rumoured he did not drink from the atoll’s water while he was there.


    For you: more from our Insights series:

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    Christopher Hill receives funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, UK Cabinet Office. The research for this article was also supported by funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), UKRI. The author wishes to thank the following for their support with this article: Fiona Bowler, Ian Brailsford, Joshua Bushen, John Bryden, Jon Hogg, Brian Jones, Rens van Munster, Wesley Perriman, Maere Tekanene, Michael Walsh, Rotee Walsh and Derek Woolf. Sincere thanks to Teeua Tekonau and Teraabo Pollard for sharing their family stories.

    – ref. ‘Our nuclear childhood’: the sisters who witnessed H-bomb tests over their Pacific island, and are still coming to terms with the fallout – https://theconversation.com/our-nuclear-childhood-the-sisters-who-witnessed-h-bomb-tests-over-their-pacific-island-and-are-still-coming-to-terms-with-the-fallout-239780

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extensive support on claiming Pension Credit rolled out as city council ramps up help on ‘Cost of Living’ crisis

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council is committing further help to support people through the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ this winter.

    As the clocks go back later this week, the city council is renewing its pledge to help residents across Stoke-on-Trent meet their fuel and food bills.

    The measures include ensuring everyone who is entitled to Pension Credit is supported to claim it and providing six-figure funding to Citizens Advice, through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to offer financial MOTs to residents.

    At today’s city council meeting (October 24), Council Leader, Councillor Jane Ashworth, outlined the proactive approach the authority is taking to help eligible residents claim for Pension Credit.

    Among the measures are a letter which has been sent to all residents who the council has identified as potentially being eligible for Pension Credit, to encourage them to claim for the support.

    Pension Credit take-up has also been encouraged and promoted through social media and other council media channels and newsletters. Meanwhile, city council housing and revenue, benefits and financial assessment officers are helping to signpost people they come into contact with towards support, where appropriate.

    Flyers are also being printed to be distributed around the city in a targeted approach.

    In addition, The Department of Work and Pensions is undertaking its own advertising campaigns by joining forces with charities, broadcasters and a range of partners to encourage people to claim.

    Official statistics from February 2024 show that 6,233 people are claiming Pension Credit in the city, and a total of 42,661 residents are in receipt of state pension.

    According to the latest figures from the National Audit Office, it is estimated that three quarters of those eligible for Pension Credit are claiming it. This means that an estimated 2,000 people need to be identified in Stoke-on-Trent who are eligible but have not claimed.

    Cllr. Ashworth said: “We have sent letters to all residents who are potentially eligible for Pension Credit, based on the current council tax support and housing benefit data we hold, and we will continue to work with internal and external agencies to ensure all our residents are receiving the support they are entitled to.

    “Our officers are also regularly signposting households to support services, where appropriate.

    “Additionally, through our Help is at Hand campaign, which was launched to help support families through the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’, we have supported over 5,500 households in the city with advice and assistance to help alleviate fuel poverty, this includes referrals for grant support, fuel vouchers, debt advice and water tariff assistance.

    “This is all part of our commitment to make Stoke-on-Trent a healthier, wealthier and safer place to live.”

    The council is also providing funding to Citizens Advice, through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, so they can offer financial MOTs to residents. The funding for 2024/25 is £105,000 and that is on top of £70,000 provided in 2023/24.

    The measures come on the back of a whole raft of support the council has introduced over the last few months to help people through the ‘Cost of Living’ crisis.

    This includes:

    The Household Support Fund  – a £2.7 million fund received from Government, which the city council is using to help families with eligible children during the Christmas holidays along with support to residents with fuel costs and buying white goods, beds and hygiene supplies.

    The #Help Is at Hand campaign – launched to help support families through the ‘Cost of Living’ crisis. So far, more than 5,500 households in the city have been supported with advice and assistance to help alleviate fuel, food and financial poverty. This includes referrals for grant support, fuel vouchers, debt advice and water tariff assistance.

    A Benefits Calculator – which is available online (entitledto.co.uk). Residents can complete the form with their household details to discover if they would be entitled to any support.

    Regular Money Matters events –  Benefits Assessors have attended Money Matters events to enable residents to seek advice and support directly from a Benefits Officer.

    Community Lounges – The council has 18 community lounges. These offer welcoming spaces to connect with experts and receive helpful information and guidance on a wide range of topics, including financial stability, maximising benefits and overcoming fuel poverty.

    Council tax support and Council tax hardship relief fund –  set up to help residents pay their bill if they are unemployed on low income or in severe financial difficulties (subject to eligibility criteria). 

    Sustainable Food Network – a cross-sector partnership led by YMCA North Staffordshire and VAST which supports the health, wellbeing and prosperity of communities by prioritising food availability, food affordability and food sustainability.

    Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for education and anti-poverty, said: “There is a vast amount of co-ordinated advice around the city, from budgeting and energy efficiency advice to food support and sustainable healthy eating.

    “I would encourage anyone who is experiencing concerns to reach out and access support as early as possible to prepare for any financial or other difficulties over the winter months”

    For more details, visit the dedicated Cost of Living section on Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s website – stoke.gov.uk/help is at hand

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government funds food for additional 10,000 children in ECE

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that KidsCan Charitable Trust will be delivering the new Early Childhood Education (ECE) Food Programme, starting in February 2025. 

    “I would like to acknowledge KidsCan for their amazing work supporting children’s learning since 2005. In 2019 they launched a national early childhood programme which provides healthy lunches to over 6,000 early learners with the highest needs. From 2025 this number will increase to 16,000, with $4 million in additional funding from this government,” says Mr Seymour. 

    “KidsCan are experienced at effectively helping Kiwi children affected by poverty. They are the only large scale, national, not-for-profit, and non-governmental provider of food to ECE services. They already have the systems and relationships in place to supply food to ECE centres who need it, in a way that is cost effective.  

    “Sir Peter Gluckman’s research clearly demonstrates that good nutrition is one of the key factors affecting early brain development. The more we can do to support good nutrition from a young age, the more likely children are to reach their potential. 

    “This was possible because of this government’s financial prudence. The additional funding is realised capital from cost savings in the new healthy school lunch programme, which I announced earlier this week.

    “The first 1,000 days are key to a child’s development. I am proud this government can innovate to provide help for even more children who need it.”

    ECE service eligibility for the programme will be based on a number of factors, including information from the new Early Childhood Education Equity Index. The equity index, which is the most accurate it has been in nearly 20 years, measures the extent to which an ECE service draws its children from low socio-economic communities.  

    KidsCan will contact eligible services over the next couple of months so that the programme can begin early next year. All 2–5-year-olds attending eligible ECE services that opt in will be able to access KidsCan food.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Historic visit by UK Prime Minister paves way for closer economic ties for the Commonwealth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Commonwealth has a once in a generation chance to be a driving force for opportunity and growth in an increasingly contested world, the Prime Minister is set to say on a landmark visit to the Pacific this week.

    • Prime Minister to make the case that the Commonwealth has a once in a generation chance to be a driving force for opportunity and growth during visit to Samoa 

    • New UK Trade Centre of Expertise set to bolster economic ties across the grouping and unlock markets for UK businesses  

    • Keir Starmer makes history as first ever sitting UK Prime Minister to visit a Pacific Island country

    The Commonwealth has a once in a generation chance to be a driving force for opportunity and growth in an increasingly contested world, the Prime Minister is set to say on a landmark visit to the Pacific this week.  

    It comes as the government uses its foreign policy agenda to deliver for people at home, working with partners across the globe on issues such as climate change, growth and energy security. 

    Keir Starmer will arrive in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting today [Thursday 24 October], joining 55 other Commonwealth delegations to discuss the shared challenges and opportunities faced by its members.  

    In doing so, he will make history as the first UK Prime Minister to ever visit a Pacific Island country.   

    The Prime Minister will use the trip to make the case that Commonwealth countries, no matter where they are in the world, need resilient and thriving economies to face the global challenges of the day.  

    And he will tell delegates that he believes the Commonwealth offers a unique opportunity to be able to build those economies, combining major traditional markets with rapidly growing economies and resilient, innovative communities.  

    By 2027, the Commonwealth is expected be home to six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies – Guyana, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Uganda, India and Mozambique – and have a combined GDP exceeding $19.5 trillion, while more than 60% of the grouping’s 2.5 billion population will be under 30. 

    The Commonwealth, which includes some of the UK’s biggest trading partners such as India, Canada, Australia, Singapore and South Africa, already accounts for 9% of total UK trade, worth £164 billion in 2023. And its members benefit from a 21% average reduction in bilateral trade costs, as well as higher investment flows between Commonwealth members.  

    As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will announce a new UK Trade Centre of Expertise, operating out of the Foreign Office, to drive export-led growth across the grouping. Trade specialists will provide technical and practical assistance to developing countries to help them access and compete in global markets.  

    In turn, the partnership is expected to help UK businesses tap into some of the fastest growing economies in the world, such as Uganda and Bangladesh through strengthened economic ties. Over the long term, the project will also aim to lift economies out of poverty, reducing pressure on UK Aid and British taxpayers. 

    The Prime Minister is also expected to meet business leaders during CHOGM, as part of his personal campaign to drive investment into every corner of the United Kingdom. 

    The meeting, which will include business leaders such as Brian Moynihan, chairman and CEO of Bank of America, and John Neal, CEO of Lloyd’s of London, comes just 10 days after the UK hosted the International Investment Summit, which drove £63 billion of private investment and 38,000 jobs into the UK. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the foundations and change our country’s story to turn around the lives of everyday people in the UK, but we can’t do that with a protectionist approach.

    Under this government’s pragmatic and sensible approach, we must harness the opportunities to work with genuine partners – like our Commonwealth family – across the world to build resilient economies that offer real opportunity for our people, whether that is accessing untapped markets, or collaborating on grassroots innovations.

    The combined GDP of the Commonwealth is expected to exceed $19.5 trillion in the next three years, we cannot let that economic heft go to waste.

    Alongside the Commonwealth Secretary General, the Foreign Secretary is expected to convene Commonwealth foreign ministers to launch a new Commonwealth Investment Plan of Action to mobilise investment across the membership. 

    The plan will focus on small and vulnerable economies, easing barriers to trade and investment. The Foreign Secretary will also launch two new trade hubs to help female entrepreneurs in India and Sri Lanka access global markets.   

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

    The Commonwealth is a unique forum encompassing 56 countries and a third of the world’s population brought together through shared history and friendship.

    Representing some of the world’s fastest growing economies, forging stronger ties with these markets is crucial for delivering jobs and economic growth.

    This government is reconnecting Britain in the world and building partnerships that will unlock greater prosperity for all.

    During the three-day CHOGM summit, leaders will discuss some of the pressing issues facing Commonwealth nations, including climate change, education and democracy.  

    On Friday, the Prime Minister is expected to attend a lunch, hosted by the King for new heads of government, before attending two Commonwealth executive sessions, and the heads of government dinner.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Historic visit by UK Prime Minister paves way for closer economic ties for the Commonwealth

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Commonwealth has a once in a generation chance to be a driving force for opportunity and growth in an increasingly contested world, the Prime Minister is set to say on a landmark visit to the Pacific this week.

    • Prime Minister to make the case that the Commonwealth has a once in a generation chance to be a driving force for opportunity and growth during visit to Samoa 

    • New UK Trade Centre of Expertise set to bolster economic ties across the grouping and unlock markets for UK businesses  

    • Keir Starmer makes history as first ever sitting UK Prime Minister to visit a Pacific Island country

    The Commonwealth has a once in a generation chance to be a driving force for opportunity and growth in an increasingly contested world, the Prime Minister is set to say on a landmark visit to the Pacific this week.  

    It comes as the government uses its foreign policy agenda to deliver for people at home, working with partners across the globe on issues such as climate change, growth and energy security. 

    Keir Starmer will arrive in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting today [Thursday 24 October], joining 55 other Commonwealth delegations to discuss the shared challenges and opportunities faced by its members.  

    In doing so, he will make history as the first UK Prime Minister to ever visit a Pacific Island country.   

    The Prime Minister will use the trip to make the case that Commonwealth countries, no matter where they are in the world, need resilient and thriving economies to face the global challenges of the day.  

    And he will tell delegates that he believes the Commonwealth offers a unique opportunity to be able to build those economies, combining major traditional markets with rapidly growing economies and resilient, innovative communities.  

    By 2027, the Commonwealth is expected be home to six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies – Guyana, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Uganda, India and Mozambique – and have a combined GDP exceeding $19.5 trillion, while more than 60% of the grouping’s 2.5 billion population will be under 30. 

    The Commonwealth, which includes some of the UK’s biggest trading partners such as India, Canada, Australia, Singapore and South Africa, already accounts for 9% of total UK trade, worth £164 billion in 2023. And its members benefit from a 21% average reduction in bilateral trade costs, as well as higher investment flows between Commonwealth members.  

    As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will announce a new UK Trade Centre of Expertise, operating out of the Foreign Office, to drive export-led growth across the grouping. Trade specialists will provide technical and practical assistance to developing countries to help them access and compete in global markets.  

    In turn, the partnership is expected to help UK businesses tap into some of the fastest growing economies in the world, such as Uganda and Bangladesh through strengthened economic ties. Over the long term, the project will also aim to lift economies out of poverty, reducing pressure on UK Aid and British taxpayers. 

    The Prime Minister is also expected to meet business leaders during CHOGM, as part of his personal campaign to drive investment into every corner of the United Kingdom. 

    The meeting, which will include business leaders such as Brian Moynihan, chairman and CEO of Bank of America, and John Neal, CEO of Lloyd’s of London, comes just 10 days after the UK hosted the International Investment Summit, which drove £63 billion of private investment and 38,000 jobs into the UK. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the foundations and change our country’s story to turn around the lives of everyday people in the UK, but we can’t do that with a protectionist approach.

    Under this government’s pragmatic and sensible approach, we must harness the opportunities to work with genuine partners – like our Commonwealth family – across the world to build resilient economies that offer real opportunity for our people, whether that is accessing untapped markets, or collaborating on grassroots innovations.

    The combined GDP of the Commonwealth is expected to exceed $19.5 trillion in the next three years, we cannot let that economic heft go to waste.

    Alongside the Commonwealth Secretary General, the Foreign Secretary is expected to convene Commonwealth foreign ministers to launch a new Commonwealth Investment Plan of Action to mobilise investment across the membership. 

    The plan will focus on small and vulnerable economies, easing barriers to trade and investment. The Foreign Secretary will also launch two new trade hubs to help female entrepreneurs in India and Sri Lanka access global markets.   

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

    The Commonwealth is a unique forum encompassing 56 countries and a third of the world’s population brought together through shared history and friendship.

    Representing some of the world’s fastest growing economies, forging stronger ties with these markets is crucial for delivering jobs and economic growth.

    This government is reconnecting Britain in the world and building partnerships that will unlock greater prosperity for all.

    During the three-day CHOGM summit, leaders will discuss some of the pressing issues facing Commonwealth nations, including climate change, education and democracy.  

    On Friday, the Prime Minister is expected to attend a lunch, hosted by the King for new heads of government, before attending two Commonwealth executive sessions, and the heads of government dinner.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: My Vision for ADB: Strive Together to Attain Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in the Region with Innovative and Tailored Solutions – Masato Kanda

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    ADB has played a vital role in the development of the Asia and Pacific region not only helping it become the engine room of global growth today but ensuring the region is resilient and inclusive. The many crises and challenges currently confronting us, from climate change to digitalization and gender equality, require continually striving for ADB to remain the most trusted partner for all members. Throughout my nearly four decades as a government official, I have had the tremendous opportunity to work with many dedicated professionals in the region committed to a shared vision of economic stability and prosperity, and poverty eradication.

    If I am afforded the immense privilege of being the next President of ADB, I will steadfastly commit to ensuring ADB can achieve its vision of delivering sustainable and inclusive growth to the region with innovative and tailored solutions, in alignment with the updated Strategy 2030. I can only do this by working with each and every member and delivering the New Operating Model so the ADB remains a client-first bank that maximizes its development impact, underpinned by talented and diverse staff.

    1. Background

    Since its inception in 1966, ADB has played a vital role in supporting developing member countries (DMCs) in Asia and the Pacific. Throughout its history, it has worked unflinchingly on the arduous tasks, including, most notably, facilitation of the recovery after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Each time it faces a crisis, ADB has provided innovative solutions. The launch of the ADF (Asian Development Fund) and the bond issuance to enhance its support to DMCs after the oil shock in 1970s is a case in point. ADB also helped DMCs achieve a solid track record of growth through its financial and non-financial instruments. The real growth rate of Emerging and Developing Asia over the past 10 years was 5.6 percent, 2.5 percentage points higher than global growth.

    However, despite the clear progress toward sustainable and inclusive growth, significant challenges remain. The ongoing climate crisis and the risk of another pandemic as serious as COVID 19, indicate that ADB should be even bolder to address global public goods (GPGs) and regional public goods (RPGs). Moreover, while ADB needs to tackle these emerging tasks at a regional and global scale, it remains responsible for supporting DMCs address country-specific challenges, including not least poverty reduction. It is paramount that ADB remains the most trusted partner in the region.

    Over more than 60 years, Japan has been working with all member countries. As a former official at the Japanese Ministry of Finance, in particular during my time as Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs, I have had the privilege to work with inspiring leaders, dedicated professionals, and wonderful friends across Asia and the Pacific. Nothing could make me happier than the opportunity to continue to work with all of them to establish a clear pathway toward the ADB’s vision: to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.

    The rest of this Vision Statement is organized as follows. In the next section, I describe the challenges and unique opportunities for the region. In section 3, I elaborate on my suggested direction that ADB should head toward. Section 4 concludes with my unwavering commitment to help champion sustainable growth in the region.

    2. Challenges and opportunities

    Climate change. The DMCs, in particular Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific, are prone to natural disasters stemming from climate change, such as typhoons, cyclones, and rising sea levels. Moreover, Asia and the Pacific emits almost half of the world’s greenhouse gases, partly reflecting its high energy demand. However, its coal plants are relatively young, and its grid coverage is limited, complicating the transition to net-zero. Against this backdrop, ADB has spearheaded innovative climate change initiatives as the region’s climate bank. Nevertheless, bolder actions are still warranted, both on the mitigation and adaptation fronts.

    Infrastructure gap. Infrastructure lays a fundamental basis to eradicate poverty, boost potential growth and enhance regional connectivity. The region still faces a glaring gap in infrastructure. ADB has estimated that developing Asia will need $1.7 trillion annually to close the gap in infrastructure, and this figure could be larger given the modest growth over the past several years. At the same time, more actions are needed for boosting the quality of infrastructure investment, strengthening climate resilience, achieving high environmental and social standards, preserving biodiversity, and creating jobs. 

    Poverty. The number of people who are below the poverty line rose significantly after the COVID-19 crisis, setting back the fight against poverty in Asia and the Pacific by at least two years. Income poverty is often associated with poor health and lack of education, hampering human capital development and restraining growth. Rapid economic growth and a stable macroeconomic environment in the region would help address poverty across the region but this can only be achieved with certain policy actions such as those outlined below.

    Inequality. Economic growth in the region has come with widening inequality, in particular after the COVID-19 crisis. Inequality could damage social stability and cohesion and undermine economic dynamism. Also, while rapid urbanization has provided an increasing number of citizens with access to better public services (education, water and sanitary services, transportation), it can widen the gap with vulnerable people that do not have access to such basic services and the social safety net.

    Diversity. Asia and the Pacific boasts a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities. This has required, and will continue to require, ADB to tailor its supporting tools to country-specific circumstances, with due regard to size, income distribution, population dynamics, and social norms of each DMC. On procurement, while ADB remains committed to maintaining high environmental and social standards, it also needs to take country systems into account.

    Gender. ADB needs to further pursue gender equality in line with its vision. Our journey is yet to be completed: according to the United Nations, the participation of women in the labor force in Asia and the Pacific is below the global average, as is the promotion of women in leadership positions. ADB should continue to be the thought leader to transform the lives of women, by helping DMCs take decisive steps toward gender equality, while recognizing country-specific cultural and social circumstances.

    Private capital mobilization. One of the ADB’s New Operating Model (NOM)’s priorities is a shift toward the private sector. Yet, the amount of private capital mobilization has been significantly below the aspiration of various development agendas, including the Paris Agreement. Mobilizing private capital is easier said than done. The upcoming discussion on the ADB’s Private Sector Development Action Plan will lay a foundation for the ADB’s medium-term efforts to boost private capital mobilization and enable a stronger private sector in line with the ADB’s vision.

    Domestic resource mobilization. In many DMCs, tax revenues are still short of supporting their own sustainable development. The Asia Pacific Tax Hub, established in May 2021 under President Asakawa’s leadership, has helped DMCs modernize their tax systems through strategic policy dialogues, institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with development partners. The potential benefits of domestic resource mobilization include more private capital mobilization through blended finance.

    Digitalization. Digital technologies can be an enabler that brings transformational impacts, allowing DMCs to leapfrog the development process that advanced economies took much longer to go through. At the same time, rapid progress in digitalization comes with costs and risks, including a digital divide and cyber threats. With the approval of its Strategy 2030 Midterm Review, ADB is pursuing a more active role on digital transformation as one of the new strategic focus areas.

    3. Ways forward

    I will now elaborate how I would work toward achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific if I were elected as President of ADB. I will maintain the “client-first” principle as the organization’s highest priority by tailoring the role of ADB to specific challenges faced by all DMCs. Moreover, ADB should fully utilize its well-established collaboration between the sovereign and non-sovereign sectors, which is one of the ADB’s great strengths. My vision below is also crafted with a clear purpose to augment the updated Strategy 2030 with the organizational vision statement and the new strategic focus areas (climate action; private sector development; regional cooperation and public goods; digital transformation; and resilience and empowerment). For this purpose, I would ensure that the Capital Utilization Plan will be ambitious and fully utilize different financial resources.

    Providing innovative financial climate solutions to DMCs. ADB has established its reputation as an innovator in climate and development finance, exemplified by IF-CAP (Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific), which is expected to be officially launched soon. By focusing squarely on the development-climate nexus under the Climate Change Action Plan, ADB should continue to be the region’s climate bank, in line with climate as the first enhanced focus area. In the context of the ongoing MDB Evolution and the CAF (Capital Adequacy Framework) Review, ADB must be a role-model for other MDBs (Multilateral Development Banks) to foster climate mitigation and adaptation.

    Promoting private capital mobilization. With the new quantitative targets under Strategy 2030, ADB should pursue ambitious goals of mobilizing and enabling private capital, by taking concrete actions under the upcoming Private Sector Development Action Plan. Closer engagement with global and regional market participants and industry experts, as well as deepening of domestic capital markets, would help bring much needed private financial flows for sustainable growth.

    Supporting domestic resource mobilization. ADB should remain committed to helping DMCs strengthen their revenue base, paving the way for the achievement of self-sustained development over time. ADB should also make sure that this effort serves as a key ingredient for policy discussion in the context of policy-based loans (PBLs). The Asia Pacific Tax Hub should continue to play an instrumental role in this regard, by providing comprehensive diagnoses on and solutions to the underlying structural problems of revenue shortfalls.

    Fostering regional cooperation and integration. Trade and investment flows are increasingly interconnected within the region, and hence fostering regional cooperation will help garner needed development financial flows and create a favorable macroeconomic environment in the region. ADB should further promote cross-border connectivity, trade integration, and financial links, all of which are regional public goods. Regional procurement, which is being considered in line with the ADF14 agreement, is of particular importance.

    Striking the balance between GPG/RPG and country-specific demand. ADB must strategically calibrate its resource allocation so that it can help deliver GPGs/RPGs, such as air quality management, biodiversity, food and nutrition security, pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and pollution prevention, while still paying due regard to country-specific circumstances. Enhanced policy dialogue with DMCs, along with in-house analyses on externalities in the region, should be made a priority. Staff incentive structures could be also fine-tuned in line with such an organization-wide ambition.

    Prioritizing digital transformation in a cross-cutting manner. ADB should be responsive to high client demand for digital solutions, including digital connectivity and digital literacy, among others. ADB should actively pursue policies to bring the maximum benefits from digitalization across all different sectors and pursue synergies with other development priorities, such as private capital mobilization, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity. Strengthening its support to social start-up companies with cutting-edge digital technologies could complement these efforts.

    Mainstreaming gender in overall ADB operations. A pathway to gender equality is not uniform, differing from one country to another. The new commitment following the Midterm Review of Strategy 2030 must be attained with all possible measures. ADB should continue to be a champion of gender equality in its operations to empower women in DMCs. To lead by example, ADB should also continue to promote gender equality across the organization.

    Maximizing development impact by tailoring ADB solutions to country-specific development and climate needs. The ADB’s clients widely differ in their size, level of development, development needs, and risks of vulnerabilities and fragility. ADB should fully employ its diagnosis provided by regional VPs/Departments, while ensuring that Country Partnership Strategies benefit from various analytical works by the Sector Group, Governance Thematic Group, Economic Research and Development Impact Department, and other departments. Also, outcome orientation remains a necessary condition to better achieve the organizational vision. The new window to address fragility under ADF14 could be a successful example to address immense challenges faced by fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCAS), as well as SIDS.

    Utilizing knowledge products for operations on the ground. As a regional knowledge bank, ADB has produced a wealth of analytical and knowledge products. While they are undoubtedly used by research institutes in the regions, ADB needs to be more aggressive in disseminating its analytical expertise to country and sector operations on the ground, including lending activities and policy dialogue.

    Fully operationalizing the NOM. Implementing the NOM requires continuous efforts on a multi-year basis. ADB needs to accelerate the transition to a more climate-focused and private sector-oriented business model, particularly to address global and regional challenges at scale. Staff incentive structures should be designed to establish a critical link with organization-wide priorities, such as GPGs/PRGs as well as decentralization. Also, diversity of the staff should remain one of the ADB’s core values.

    Enhancing partnerships with MDBs and DFIs. The development challenges in front of us cannot be solved by ADB alone. ADB should enhance its collaboration with other MDBs and venture into new types of cooperation, such as exposure exchange, beyond traditional co-financing and knowledge sharing. ADB could also strengthen ties with bilateral DFIs (Development Finance Institutions) in the region to create synergies and improve administrative efficiencies while maintaining high environmental and social standards.

    4. Closing remarks

    The socio-economic environment surrounding Asia and the Pacific has drastically changed since the ADB’s inception: now, the region is suffering from chronic natural disasters more often, with severer magnitude; inequality is widening despite increased national income per capita; and uncertainty is looming in the global economy and financial markets. Worse, all these complex problems are inter-connected. ADB is the only organization in the region that helps tackle these challenges, with its unparalleled financial firepower, highly motivated and dedicated staff, and regional convening power.

    More recently, ADB performed immensely in the context of the MDB Evolution over the past two years. The international community is striving hard to redefine the roles of MDBs and update their financial and operational models. Undoubtedly, ADB is, and will continue to be, a frontrunner in this global goal: it has created lending headroom of US$100 billion over the next ten years through its rigorous CAF review, launched innovative financial instruments, and aligned its tools and environmental and social standards with its peers. I am confident that the ADB’s support to DMCs in the region can be a role-model for other MDBs.

    I would also like to emphasize that throughout its history, ADB has built trust among all stakeholders inside and outside the region, including DMCs, donors, civil society, development partners, staff, and management. It is this trust that has enabled ADB to shine as a long-standing home doctor, provide the highest value-add to its clients, and connect leaders and professionals in the region.

    With these strengths, ADB has positioned itself as the most trusted and dedicated organization in Asia and the Pacific. I would like to devote all my expertise and knowledge to this great organization and work toward its vision, together with colleagues and friends from the region and beyond. I am more than ready to serve to all members.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Voting Set to Open for Next ADB President

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    News Release | 24 October 2024
    Read time: 1 min

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    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (24 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has officially closed the nomination period for its next President, with voting by ADB’s Board of Governors set to begin on 28 October 2024.

    ADB Presidents are nominated from among its regional members and elected by the Board of Governors. Nominations for this election were accepted from 24 September to 23 October 2024.

    Mr. Masato Kanda, currently Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, is the sole candidate for the position. Read his vision statement.

    Governors will be invited to cast their votes on Mr. Kanda’s candidacy by 27 November 2024. The outcome will be announced on 28 November 2024.

    Read more about the election process.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    Media Contact

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on United Nations Day [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergr…

    The United Nations was built by the world, for the world.

    Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems.

    Solutions that ease tensions, build bridges and forge peace.

    Solutions to eradicate poverty, spur sustainable development, and stand up for the most vulnerable.  

    Solutions that deliver lifesaving relief to people living through conflicts, violence, economic hardship, and climate disasters.  

    Solutions that level the scales of justice and equality for women and girls.

    Solutions that tackle issues that were unimaginable in 1945 — climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space.

    In September, the General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

    Together, these milestone agreements will help ensure that the United Nations system adapts, reforms and rejuvenates, so it is fit for the changes and challenges around us and delivers solutions for all.

    But our work will always be rooted in the timeless values and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and in the dignity and human rights of every person.

    In today’s troubled world, hope is not enough.

    Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a thriving planet.

    Hope requires all countries working as one.

    Hope requires the United Nations.

    On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals, shining.

    *****
    L’ONU a été créée par le monde, pour le monde.

    Depuis 1945, elle permet aux pays de faire cause commune pour trouver des solutions mondiales à des problèmes mondiaux.

    Des solutions pour apaiser les tensions, jeter des ponts et bâtir la paix.

    Des solutions pour éliminer la pauvreté, stimuler le développement durable et défendre les plus vulnérables.

    Des solutions pour apporter une aide vitale aux personnes aux prises avec des conflits, des violences, des difficultés économiques et des catastrophes climatiques.

    Des solutions pour offrir les mêmes chances aux femmes et aux filles et ainsi assurer l’égalité et la justice.

    Des solutions pour aborder des questions inimaginables en 1945 : les changements climatiques, le numérique, l’intelligence artificielle et l’espace extra-atmosphérique.

    En septembre, l’Assemblée générale a adopté le Pacte pour l’avenir, le Pacte numérique mondial et la Déclaration sur les générations futures.

    Grâce à ces accords historiques, le système des Nations Unies pourra s’adapter, se réformer et se rajeunir, rester en phase avec les évolutions et les enjeux du monde qui nous entoure et apporter des solutions pour toutes et tous.

    Notre action restera cependant ancrée dans les valeurs et les principes intemporels de la Charte des Nations Unies et du droit international, et dans la dignité et les droits humains de chaque personne.

    Dans notre monde en proie à la tourmente, l’espoir ne suffit pas.

    L’espoir passe par des mesures fermes et des solutions multilatérales en faveur de la paix, d’une prospérité partagée et d’une planète florissante.

    L’espoir passe par une coopération entre tous les pays.

    L’espoir passe par l’ONU.

    À l’occasion de la Journée des Nations Unies, je demande à tous les pays d’entretenir cette flamme qui guide le monde, et de défendre ses idéaux.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message on United Nations Day [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergr…

    The United Nations was built by the world, for the world.

    Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems.

    Solutions that ease tensions, build bridges and forge peace.

    Solutions to eradicate poverty, spur sustainable development, and stand up for the most vulnerable.  

    Solutions that deliver lifesaving relief to people living through conflicts, violence, economic hardship, and climate disasters.  

    Solutions that level the scales of justice and equality for women and girls.

    Solutions that tackle issues that were unimaginable in 1945 — climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space.

    In September, the General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

    Together, these milestone agreements will help ensure that the United Nations system adapts, reforms and rejuvenates, so it is fit for the changes and challenges around us and delivers solutions for all.

    But our work will always be rooted in the timeless values and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and in the dignity and human rights of every person.

    In today’s troubled world, hope is not enough.

    Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a thriving planet.

    Hope requires all countries working as one.

    Hope requires the United Nations.

    On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals, shining.

    *****
    L’ONU a été créée par le monde, pour le monde.

    Depuis 1945, elle permet aux pays de faire cause commune pour trouver des solutions mondiales à des problèmes mondiaux.

    Des solutions pour apaiser les tensions, jeter des ponts et bâtir la paix.

    Des solutions pour éliminer la pauvreté, stimuler le développement durable et défendre les plus vulnérables.

    Des solutions pour apporter une aide vitale aux personnes aux prises avec des conflits, des violences, des difficultés économiques et des catastrophes climatiques.

    Des solutions pour offrir les mêmes chances aux femmes et aux filles et ainsi assurer l’égalité et la justice.

    Des solutions pour aborder des questions inimaginables en 1945 : les changements climatiques, le numérique, l’intelligence artificielle et l’espace extra-atmosphérique.

    En septembre, l’Assemblée générale a adopté le Pacte pour l’avenir, le Pacte numérique mondial et la Déclaration sur les générations futures.

    Grâce à ces accords historiques, le système des Nations Unies pourra s’adapter, se réformer et se rajeunir, rester en phase avec les évolutions et les enjeux du monde qui nous entoure et apporter des solutions pour toutes et tous.

    Notre action restera cependant ancrée dans les valeurs et les principes intemporels de la Charte des Nations Unies et du droit international, et dans la dignité et les droits humains de chaque personne.

    Dans notre monde en proie à la tourmente, l’espoir ne suffit pas.

    L’espoir passe par des mesures fermes et des solutions multilatérales en faveur de la paix, d’une prospérité partagée et d’une planète florissante.

    L’espoir passe par une coopération entre tous les pays.

    L’espoir passe par l’ONU.

    À l’occasion de la Journée des Nations Unies, je demande à tous les pays d’entretenir cette flamme qui guide le monde, et de défendre ses idéaux.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press Conference Apia, Samoa

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Look, can I say how wonderful it is to be here in Samoa as it hosts its first ever Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the first time this has been held in a Pacific Island country. And Australia has been really pleased to partner with Samoa, and we are really pleased – I’m really pleased to be here, and I know the Prime Minister is very pleased to be able to join us this evening.

    I want to thank a woman for whom I have such great regard, Prime Minister Fiamē, for her leadership, for her hospitality, for her thoughtful hosting of this meeting and, the way in which she has sought to elevate Pacific priorities and voices on the international stage.

    It’s certainly been a busy day today. It kicked off with a meeting about investment, finance and investment, hosted by David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary. And we recognise that economic integration and investment are central to development, are central to alleviating poverty and enabling opportunity. And we’re partnering with the United Kingdom to develop a new Commonwealth Investment Network to support Commonwealth members, particularly smaller states who often have challenges accessing finance, accessing investment, to do just that – to attract and access investment.

    I’ve also been at the first session of the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting. Obviously, that’s in preparation for the Leaders’ Meeting tomorrow. Top of the agenda is, as you would expect here in Pacific, climate. And as you would have heard me say from the first day I was – I stood in the Pacific as Foreign Minister, and I’ve consistently recognised this as I have travelled throughout the Pacific, climate change is an existential threat. It is the number one national security threat, it is the number one economic threat to the peoples of the Pacific and to many members of the Commonwealth.

    We heard today from a number of African countries, including Zambia, about the escalating impacts of climate change, the effects on food insecurity. And I’m really pleased that we are able to announce a new Africa-Australia partnership for climate responsive agriculture. This is to be developed by the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research, and it will address food insecurity in the region.

    Can I talk about what this means? One of the things Australia is good at is agriculture in very dry climates – for obvious reason. It is one of the areas we have an expertise, and this – I’m very excited about this partnership because it leverages a particular Australian expertise into a continent for which food insecurity is an ongoing and rising challenge. It’s another example of our commitment as a government to helping partners around the world in the fight against climate change. It’s about shaping the world for the better.

    I’ve also spoken to Pacific leaders about the ways in which Australia is transitioning our entire economy. It’s a big task, started later than it should have, but we are committed to making the very large change.

    I’ve had productive meetings with counterparts from Malta and Solomon Islands, and I’ve just returned from an event hosted by Samoa attended by Her Majesty the Queen, advocating for women and girls in the Commonwealth where we talked about the challenges facing women and girls, including violence against women, and we spoke about Australia’s progress in tackling cervical cancer.

    I’m looking forward to the rest of the program, and happy to take your questions shortly.

    I just want to make one comment about another matter, which is the deeply troubling news about North Korea’s contribution to Russia’s illegal and immoral war in Ukraine. This is a deeply concerning development to see not only Russia continue its illegal and immoral war but to see a state such as North Korea be invited by President Putin, encouraged by President Putin, to join or to support this illegal war. And Australia stands with the remained of the international community not only against Russia’s war but against North Korea’s involvement in what is an illegal and immoral and disruptive war.

    Happy to take questions.

    Journalist: My name is Deidre from TV1, a local reporter. I just wanted to ask, first question is: what kind of support has Australia provided for Samoa for CHOGM, aside from providing assistance in terms of police officers who have come and helped?

    Foreign Minister: Sure, yes, well, obviously that’s the more – most visible recent assistance, which I have to be really clear about is not just Australia. This is a multi-country initiative. It’s obviously contributions from many Pacific Island countries. When we announced the Pacific Policing Initiative at the Pacific Islands Forum I think the Prime Minister and certainly I’ve made the comment, you know, this is Pacific led. And that’s the approach we’ve seen in Samoa. So, it’s good to see these police cooperating on the ground.

    But the behind-the-scenes assistance or contribution obviously was primarily towards the arrangement of CHOGM and supporting – providing support at a diplomatic level. I can – we can talk to you about that in more detail.

    I want to say, though, to you, your country has done an extraordinary job. For a country of this size to be able to host a conference like this, you really all should be very proud. And I’ve no doubt knowing the Pacific and Samoa, this is a whole-of-nation effort, isn’t it? Like everybody steps up. I was talking to Prime Minister Fiamē, and she spoke about everybody stepping forward. And that’s what you see. And your diplomatic influence, your diplomatic standing, is far bigger than your population in terms of the proportion of the world. I see that at the UN when your Prime Minister speaks and your diplomats speak, and I see that in this conference.

    So, my congratulations to my very good friend Prime Minister Fiamē, but also to the people of Samoa for what has been a fantastic CHOGM, and I hope tomorrow goes as well. I’m sure it will.

    Journalist: Foreign Minister, just on the Falepili Union, Feleti Teo has said this morning that he believes that Australia does have a commitment or at least an implied commitment under the text of the Falepili Union to take a hard look at fossil fuel exports, not just Australia’s own internal commitments. What’s your response? Is there any sort of implied commitment in the Falepili Union towards fossil fuel exports? Do you disagree with that analysis?

    Foreign Minister: I think whether it’s the PIF declarations or the public statements we have made, I think we all understand the existential threat that climate change poses to the peoples of the Pacific. I think we all understand the effects of climate change in Australia which we have seen. We’re not a government like Mr Abbott’s and Mr Morrison’s or that has the views Mr Dutton has demonstrated where the science of climate change isn’t accepted, and the experience of Pacific peoples is diminished. Do you remember him saying – talking about making jokes about water lapping at the door?

    So, we understand the extent of this. I’ve spoken at length to the Prime Minister of Tuvalu about the transition in the Australian economy, and it is a very big transition. And I wish we had – you know, when we came to government, we had seen not just 30 per cent renewables but much more because we have to get to in excess of 80 per cent by the end of the decade. But that’s the transition we’re in and we will engage in it.

    On the broader issue of fossil fuel usage, not just in Australia but globally, of course we all have to, we all have to peak our emissions and reduce them, and Australia’s emissions peaked in 2005. We know that there are countries which are still increasing their supply, their coal-fired power stations. Of course, we all know that the whole world has to respond.

    The point I’ve made previously is that there are two emerging economies in the world which, you know, account for 40 per cent of global emissions – India and China. And in order for us to have a chance at restraining global temperature rise, we all have to commit to reducing emissions and to transitioning to cleaner energy. So, we’re up for that. It will take longer than I would have liked because, you know, obviously nothing was done for 10 years.

    Journalist: But can Australia shrug its shoulders in terms of those exports and simply say there is no problem with Australia expanding fossil fuel projects if there’s an appetite for it? The point that I think that Prime Minister Teo is making is that on the one hand Australia points to its own record, on the other hand, you’ve got countries like India and China continuing to expand fossil fuels. He doesn’t perhaps care who takes responsibility; the cycle has to be brought to a close.

    Foreign Minister: Yeah, I think we all have to take responsibility, which is why you also see Australia partnering with other countries to try and work with others to transition the global energy supply to renewable energy. You would have seen I work with Singapore; you’d see that we’re working with Germany. You know, Chris Bowen has spoken at length about the work that he is doing internationally.

    I wish we were – you know, when I was Climate Minister between 2007 and 2010, including the famous Copenhagen conference, I wish that what we were trying to get agreed then had been agreed and you and I would be having a very different conversation. But that isn’t what happened globally. That isn’t what happened in Australia, and we went backwards as a country. We know we have a lot of work to do. And I’ve been upfront with every partner in the Pacific. Of course, I listen, I hear what they say. And I think they also see in us a partner who wants to make this transition. And we will. We will.

    Journalist: Foreign Minister, in terms of Pacific Engagement Visa, I know our government does not want to participate in the first wave. So, my question is: have you received or has the government of Australia received any update from our government? And if the government did not, is Australia – will Australia be pushing for the Samoan government to support the visa?

    Foreign Minister: Yeah, Mr Dziedzic asked me those “if” questions, and I usually tell him off for doing that. But look, as a matter of principle, the Pacific Engagement Visa responds to a longstanding call from Pacific Island nations about wanting a different relationship with Australia. And you would have seen the fact demonstrated by the number of people who have sought to come to Australia in those countries where we have those arrangements. It’s been massive low oversubscribed and, you know, I understand that.

    I’ve also been very clear from the beginning, just like PALM, this is a question for the sending country. If people want it, we will work with whichever country, whichever Pacific Island nation, to set up the arrangements in ways they feel comfortable with. If countries don’t wish to go down this path, it’s not a compulsory path for us.

    We responded. A number of countries have very enthusiastically taken it up. It’s entirely a matter for others whether they choose to or not and, if they do, how they want it to work.

    Journalist: Just to follow up on that, if our government does not want to support it, is Australia willing to reconsider if individuals want to participate?

    Foreign Minister: No, we want this to be something – it’s a government-to-government arrangement for the process of it and the arrangements associated with it, so we wouldn’t want to see that. But, you know, we’re also – we’re not – there’s no deadline for – in the sense that we’re not saying, ‘unless you – you have to do it by this year or never at all.’ It’s a policy that’s in place. I anticipate that countries may work through some of the issues and then may decide that they want to be part of this in time to come. But that’s entirely a matter for them.

    Journalist: Just finally, if I might, Foreign Minister, on the question of Australia’s broader Pacific policy, can you give us a sense, when the Falepili Union was signed the Prime Minister and others made it clear that Australia was looking at if not signing similar agreements, then perhaps integrating more closely with the Pacific. There have been murmurs, obviously, about similar agreements with countries like Nauru and others. Can you give us a sense of where that program is up to and how Australia envisions this?

    Foreign Minister: That’s a good question. And it’s one that the whole country and both parties of government need to be part of. And unfortunately, we’ve not had an opposition that’s been willing, for example, to understand the importance of the Pacific Engagement Visa.

    Your question goes to the – is the right one though – how do you envisage the relationship? And we envisage the relationship as family, as close as we are able to be, recognising the sovereignty of all nations. And we see the benefit in different types of integration with the countries of the Pacific. Now, they’ll not always be the same. So, we have obviously a particular set of arrangements with some countries which are simply PALM or the Pacific Engagement Visa. With Tuvalu, we have a much deeper integration where there is much more that we have put on the table and that Tuvalu has put on the table as well.

    So obviously it will not be the same approach for each country. Countries will make their own decisions. But we see real benefit in responding to Pacific countries’, I suppose, aspirations for the relationship.

    Journalist: What are your expectations for the conference tomorrow? Regarding the continued fighting of the Pacific Islands towards climate change? What are your expectations of the outcome?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I hope that the leader’s communique or statement will be forward leaning on climate. I hope it will be collective in the sense that we recognise – I’ve seen a lot of things over the years – and it really goes to the question Mr Dziedzic asked earlier where we point the finger at each other but actually all of us have to respond on climate, all major economies, in particular. And I hope also that some of the progress that the Pacific has made in relation to sovereignty in the face of sea level rise, which we have backed in, I hope there is progress on that as well in terms of Leaders’ discussion. I know it’s a big step, but I think the Pacific has done a lot of quite innovative international legal work in ensuring that countries can retain sovereignty and retain their, you know, sovereignty over their EEZ, even in the face of sea level rise and that whatever we can do with the Pacific to continue to broaden that out I think is a good thing. And you would have seen that we’ve done that at the PIF and we’ve done that in the Falepili treaty.

    Journalist: One more question please –

    Foreign Minister: Last one.

    Journalist: What are your thoughts on Samoa’s government’s concerns of brain drain for RSE program and also – last one – have you visited one of the villages that is representing Australia in the rural area?

    Foreign Minister: No, no, I haven’t done – I haven’t been out of Apia, I’m afraid, on this visit. Some of the concerns that countries who are considering whether how to handle labour mobility programs, there are a range of concerns. You named one of them. What I have said at the PIF and privately and in meetings is we want these programs to work for you. So, we don’t offer access to the labour market because we are demanding labour; we see this as a partnership and as an economic development opportunity. So, we want the programs to work for you. So, however countries wish to have those programs designed within the limits of the program, we’ve sought to facilitate that. So, that’s how we do it. Okay? Thanks, everybody.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: War knocks Gaza back to 1950s: UNRWA chief

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    People fleeing from the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia are seen on a street in Gaza City, on Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    One year of the war between Israel and Hamas has set the Gaza Strip back to the early 1950s, the UN agency for Palestine refugees said on Wednesday.

    The war has devastated the Palestinian economy and left nearly all of Gaza’s population in poverty, with life indicators like health and education regressing by 70 years, Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said on social media platform X, citing a latest UN study.

    “The longer this goes on, the longer it takes to bring back hundreds of thousands of girls and boys to a learning environment, the more extreme the challenges will be to undo these huge losses,” he added.

    Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage.

    The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 42,792, the Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: BRICS leaders adopt joint declaration

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Leaders of BRICS countries pose for a group photo during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Oct. 23, 2024. The summit was hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (via video conference), Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BRICS leaders have issued a joint declaration covering a wide range of issues from the reform of the United Nations (UN) to ongoing global conflicts, following the association’s summit that took place on Wednesday in Kazan.

    The declaration included 134 provisions in total, one of which addressed the reform of the UN.

    “We reaffirm our support for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient,” the document read. This involves expanding the representation of developing countries to better respond to global challenges.

    In addition, leaders reiterated their absolute condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and called for the prompt adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN.

    Alongside essential reforms, BRICS members called for the UN to play an important role in the global governance of artificial intelligence.

    The declaration also focused on global conflicts including those in the Middle East and Ukraine.

    “We remain concerned about at the rise of violence and continuing armed conflicts in different parts of the world,” the declaration read. BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving dispute peacefully through diplomacy.

    Leaders expressed deep concern about the ongoing tensions in the Gaza Strip and called for an immediate ceasefire and a cessation of all hostilities.

    The leaders noted the importance of the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine within the internationally recognized borders of June 1967, and expressed support for Palestine’s full membership in the UN.

    Member states also recalled national positions on the Ukrainian crisis, and “noted with appreciation relevant proposals” aimed at a peaceful settlement of the conflict through diplomacy.

    The BRICS leaders further expressed grave concern over the harmful impact of illegal unilateral sanctions on the global economy, noting that they negatively affect economic growth, energy, food security, and exacerbate poverty.

    BRICS members stressed the need to prevent an arms race in space and called for the creation of a document ensuring space security.

    The provisions included various economic initiatives designed to strengthen the role of developing countries in the global economy and promote equitable conditions for all.

    BRICS members called for the reform of the Bretton Woods institutions to increase the contribution of the developing countries to the global economy.

    They welcomed the establishment of a new BRICS investment platform, which will use the existing institutional infrastructure of the New Development Bank to boost investment flows into BRICS countries and countries of the Global South.

    They called for the reform of the current international financial architecture so it can “meet the global financial challenges” and become more inclusive and just.

    Member countries also supported Russia’s proposal on the creation of a BRICS grain exchange, adding that the trading platform could later be expanded to include other agricultural sectors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Uganda commemorates the International Day for the Girl

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Peace Harriet Elly from Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, anchors ‘Girls takeovers’ initiative at the British High Commission Kampala in partnership with Plan Uganda.

    Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew poses with Peace Harriet Elly and Alim Daudut both Girls rights champions from Bidi Bidi refugee settlement and Phoebe Kasoga, the Plan International Country Director at the International Day of the Girl event,

    ‘Girls takeovers’ is an initiative of Plan International where girls are supported to work with senior leaders, particularly women from a range of sectors. It is intended to inspire girls to pursue their career goals and life aspirations albeit persisting socio-cultural and economic structural barriers. These individually tailored takeovers are created to have lasting impact for both the participating young girls and senior leaders to continue championing gender equality in workplaces. British High Commission Kampala has partnered with Plan International Uganda to host one of the ‘Girls Takeovers’ organised this year.

    As she assumed office of the Deputy High Commissioner in Uganda, Peace noted that refugee girls and girls living in conflict and post conflict areas face multiple deprivations including personal insecurity, poverty, hunger, school dropout inextricably linked to gender based and sexual violence, forced and child marriages and high teenage pregnancy among others.

    Peace however was grateful for such interventions as one delivered by Plan International Uganda which emboldens young girls to stand up to abuses, provide peer support amongst themselves and pursue their dreams.

    Peace Elly who arrived in Uganda together with her family 11 years ago completed her senior six in 2023. She scored 11 points having offered mathematics, physics, entrepreneurship and Computer. She has hopes of joining university soon to pursue her dream of becoming Information Technology Expert. Peace is an active champion of girls’ rights in her community. She is one the beneficiaries of a project implemented by Plan International Uganda with funding from the global programme ‘Education cannot Wait’ focusing on quality, safe and inclusive education in refugee and host districts in Uganda. The programme is geared towards Improving equitable and inclusive access to relevant learning opportunities; strengthening systems for effective delivery; and improving quality of education and training. The UK contributes over 25% of the total budget of the ECW programme globally.

    Peace noted that taking over office of the Deputy British High Commissioner is one of the symbols that girls in conflict still have a chance to utilise respective spaces to speak up on issues affecting them and to create a better world such as addressing insecurity, lack of access safe education, health services, basic needs and stability. 

    She said:

    Conflict threatens our future, but it does not take away our resilience or our hope. Today I am privileged to hold the flag not only for myself but also for the millions of girls around the world who are experiencing the same hardships and to remind the world of our strength and potential to change the world.

    Tiffany Kirlew, the British Deputy High Commissioner said:

    It’s been a privilege spending the day with Peace, and for her to be inspired by the work that senior female diplomats do. My message to her and to other girls is, live your full potential, never let your situation or circumstance define you.  I am hopeful that this experience today will demonstrate that girls have the potential to be anything they want to be, and that roadblocks can just be a mindset.

    Peace called upon Government and agencies like British High Commission who are at the centre of driving humanitarian agenda to:

    • support young girls in every community, in the schools, families and anywhere to rise and speak up and defend their rights to achieve their dreams
    • create safe environments for girls and boys by educating parents on child development
    • provide quality education and life skills for girls

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plaid Cymru demand fairness for Wales in Autumn Statement

    Source: Party of Wales

    Plaid Cymru call on the Labour Welsh Government to put pressure on the UK Labour Government to ensure five key asks are included in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

    Today (Wednesday 23 October 2024) Plaid Cymru will call on the Labour Welsh Government to put pressure on the UK Labour Government to ensure five key asks are included in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

    Plaid Cymru will call for:

    • HS2 to be re-classified as an England-only project, and for Wales to receive the £4 billion it is due from the project.
    • Fair funding for Wales – replacing the Barnett Formula with a needs-based formula that prioritises the needs of the people of Wales
    • Devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales, as has happened in Scotland.
    • An end to the two-child benefit cap which forces thousands of children into poverty in Wales.
    • Restoration of the Winter Fuel Payment.

    Plaid Cymru finance spokesperson, Heledd Fychan MS said:

    “For years in the run up to the UK General election, we were promised that things would be better once we had a UK Labour government. But this so-called ‘partnership in power’ hasn’t yet delivered for Wales.

    “Labour in the Senedd used to agree with Plaid Cymru on HS2 reclassification and the £4bn owed to us in consequential; on replacing Barnett; and on the devolution of the crown estate. But evidently, they are not able to persuade their London bosses on any of these matters.

    “In fact, on HS2, the Welsh Government claim to be making the case for HS2 cash, but only a few hundred million rather than the billions they were previously calling for.”

    She continued:

    “While Welsh pensioners are terrified that they won’t be able to heat their homes this winter; while a third of Welsh children are living in poverty; and while Wales is being robbed of billions of pounds in funding, Welsh Labour are happy enough staying quiet, putting party before country.

    “Our calls today represent the necessary steps towards securing fairness for Wales and the funding owed to us. Plaid Cymru is clear – Labour must now deliver on the promises made to the people of Wales!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Travelling Cabinet to visit South Ayrshire

    Source: Scottish Government

    Ayr to host public discussion with Cabinet.

    Residents of South Ayrshire will have the chance to put questions to First Minister John Swinney and his Cabinet on Monday 4 November when the 53rd Travelling Cabinet arrives in Ayr.

    The Cabinet will meet at Ayr Town Hall to discuss local issues and hear opinions from the community. Residents are invited to book their place for the meeting in advance.

    Ahead of the public discussion, the First Minister and Cabinet Secretaries will visit local businesses and community projects to highlight the Scottish Government’s four key priorities:

    • eradicating child poverty
    • building prosperity
    • protecting the planet
    • improving public services

    First Minister John Swinney said:

    “I am looking forward to visiting South Ayrshire and hearing directly from the community about the issues that matter most and how we can improve its future.

    “We will see first-hand the multitude of commendable projects that have made a positive impact on people’s lives in the area and match this Government’s key priorities.

    “I would encourage residents to get involved, ask questions, and share their insights. This is a moment for their voices to be heard.

    “Connecting with communities across the country enables us to make informed decisions as we strive to create a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland.”

    Background

    Registration details for the public discussion can be found on Eventbrite (Ministers Touring Scotland – Ayr Tickets, Mon, Nov 4, 2024 at 2:30 PM | Eventbrite)

    52 Travelling Cabinets have been held since 2008.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Drug-related deaths have risen by record numbers in England and Wales – latest data

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ian Hamilton, Honorary Fellow, Department of Health Sciences, University of York

    Cocaine is the second most-used drug in England. PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/ Shutterstock

    Deaths from drug use in England and Wales have risen by 11%, according to the latest annual data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In 2023, there were 5,448 fatalities (93 deaths per million people) – the highest number of drug-related deaths since records began in 1993.

    Over half these deaths involved opiates, such as heroin and morphine. The highest rate of deaths from opiate misuse was among those aged between 40 and 49 years old.

    It’s unknown how many opiate deaths last year were due to synthetic opiates, such as nitazenes. Delays in when the data on synthetic opiate deaths was published meant it could not be included in this latest report. But while these drugs remain of serious concern, and related deaths may be being under-counted, heroin remains the opiate associated with most harm.

    Those born in the 1970s (referred to as “generation X”) are more likely to die from drug misuse than any other age group. It’s not entirely clear why drug deaths are higher in this age group, but it could be due to people beginning to develop a number of physical and mental health problems in their forties that make them more vulnerable to a fatal overdose. For example, breathing problems could make someone more vulnerable to an opiate overdose, as these drugs have a depressant effect on the respiratory system.

    Men of any age outnumber women two-to-one in deaths from drug misuse – a finding which has been true since records began. Men are more likely to use drugs than women, which may account for the difference in fatalities.

    There are also stark regional differences in drug-related deaths. For example, the north-east of England continues to have much higher rates of deaths from drug misuse, compared with other parts of the country.

    There were 174.3 drug-related deaths per million people in the north-east, compared with 58.1 drug-related deaths per million people in London. The rate of drug-poisoning deaths reported in the north-east were the highest they have been for the past 11 years. In the main, these deaths will have been due to an instant fatal overdose, while other deaths will have been cumulative.

    The stark regional differences in all drug-related deaths align with socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and deprivation. There’s a strong link between socioeconomic deprivation and problematic drug use.

    As the popularity of cocaine has increased over the past decade – it is now the second-most used drug in England after cannabis – so too have fatalities. Although it’s not possible to distinguish from the data whether these fatalities were from crack or powder cocaine, the ONS recorded the 12th consecutive rise in deaths due to cocaine, with such deaths rising almost 31% year-on-year. This is a large rise, even in the context of increasing drug-related deaths over the past 20 years.

    One possible explanation for this sharp increase could be that the purity of cocaine has been increasing without the cost going up. This makes cocaine not only more potent, but more affordable to more people than it was. Yet despite high levels of cocaine use throughout England, there have been no coordinated prevention and harm reduction campaigns. Treatments also remain underdeveloped compared with other drugs.

    Many of the drug deaths deaths published in the ONS’s report involved multiple substances, including alcohol. So we can’t be certain in many cases which drug was the cause of a death.

    And some of these deaths occurred in people who had other physical health problems – such as respiratory problems, heart issues and liver disease. These health problems are exacerbated by use of drugs such as heroin and cocaine. This again makes it hard to attribute some deaths entirely to drug use.

    What can be done?

    The UK government is funding research to explore whether artificial intelligence could help reduce drug overdoses. Some of the projects that have received funding involve using wearable devices that would alert emergency services if signs of an overdose are detected.

    Existing interventions could also be more widely adopted. Naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of opiates, should be made more widely available. While some emergency services carry Naloxone, there’s scope to broaden this so those most at risk have timely access to this life-saving medication.

    Making Naloxone more accessible could save lives.
    Elena Berd/ Shutterstock

    There’s also a pressing need to change how health services are provided to people struggling with drug misuse – and the kind of services they can access. For example, people that use heroin daily can find it difficult to keep appointments with health services. Tailoring when and where health support is provided could help engage this group of people.

    Stigma around drug use can also prevent people seeking help – or when they do, they can feel judged by others. But there are ways of providing these necessary services that would make it easier for people who are struggling to get the help they need without judgment.

    Improving the knowledge and skills of staff in specialist drug treatment services about physical health problems would be one positive step. Being able to directly intervene by assessing and treating cardiac and respiratory issues, for instance, would eliminate the need for drug users to attend multiple appointments in different locations. This would make them more likely to continue accessing services.

    The Labour government has made it clear that it will be difficult to ensure public services receive all the resources they need. Yet every year, we are seeing record levels of drug-related deaths across the UK.

    It’s clear that what is currently being done is not enough. More money needs to be invested in specialist drug treatment services, both to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those who face problems with drugs. This will provide economic savings in the long term, and reduce the suffering that too many families experience.

    Harry Sumnall receives funding from public grant awarding bodies for alcohol and other drugs research, and fees from (international) not-for-profit organisations and government departments for consultation work. He is an unpaid member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Mind Foundation, the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals, an unpaid advisor to the UK Drug Education Forum, and an unpaid co-opted member of the UK Government Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) Working Groups.

    Ian Hamilton does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Drug-related deaths have risen by record numbers in England and Wales – latest data – https://theconversation.com/drug-related-deaths-have-risen-by-record-numbers-in-england-and-wales-latest-data-241180

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: A Proclamation on United Nations Day,  2024

    Source: The White House

         Nearly 80 years ago, our forebearers gathered for the first United Nations General Assembly.  With the horrors of World War II weighing on their hearts and the hopes of humanity resting on their shoulders, they opened the General Assembly by declaring, “The whole world now waits upon our decisions… looking to us to show ourselves capable of mastering our problems.”  Today, we reflect on the history of this storied institution.  And together, we recommit to sustaining and strengthening it to master the challenges of our time.

         Under my Administration, the United States has been a leader at the United Nations — rallying global action to advance democratic values, safeguard human rights, and address the issues our world faces.  That includes standing against Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine and Hamas’ despicable terrorist attack on Israel.  At the United Nations, we have been working to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, with the release of hostages, and we have been pushing to expand humanitarian access and assistance.  The United States has also played a key role in helping bring security to the people of Haiti and addressing the conflict and dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, where millions are displaced and facing famine.

         But we know people need more than the absence of war.  They need the chance to live with dignity.  They need to be protected from the ravages of climate change, hunger, and disease.  That is why my Administration has invested over $150 billion to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, eliminating hunger, promoting health and well-being, and promoting gender equality.  We also forged a historic consensus on the first-ever General Assembly Resolution on Artificial Intelligence to help people everywhere seize the potential — and minimize the risks — of this technology.

         As we look ahead, countries need to work together to continue reforming the United Nations to be more effective.  The United States will keep pushing for a stronger, more inclusive United Nations, including a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council.  And the Security Council, like the United Nations itself, needs to focus on making peace, brokering deals to end wars and suffering, stopping the spread of the most dangerous weapons, and stabilizing troubled regions.

         Finally, the United Nations’ work is carried out by brave and committed United Nations humanitarian workers, development professionals, peacekeepers, and members of special political missions.  And every day, they risk their own lives to save the lives of others, undertaking often dangerous work.  Like nations around the world, the United States honors their sacrifices and those of their families.

         Today and every day, let us remember that the forces holding us together are stronger than those pulling us apart.  Let us continue to work together to unleash the power of humanity and give people the opportunity to live freely, think freely, breathe freely, and love freely.  And in the face of difficult challenges, let us prove that we are capable of building a better world together.

         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 24, 2024, as United Nations Day.  I urge the governors of the United States and its territories, and the officials of all other areas under the flag of the United States, to observe United Nations Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
    twenty-third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
     
     
                                   JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beatty & Waters Lead Call for Stronger, More Accountable IFIs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee announced plans this week to introduce a legislative package aimed at strengthening and reforming the International Financial Institutions. With the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group underway, this bill will help initiate reforms related to transparency, accountability, and institutional management. Specifically, this bill seeks to hold accountable the persons involved in the child sexual abuse scandal at the Bridge Academies project in Kenya, eliminate onerous loan conditions on developing or distressed countries, improve the debt forgiveness efforts of the IFIs, reduce reliance on Russian agriculture, combat corruption, and more.

    “Countries around the world continue to face significant social and economic challenges, from corruption and human rights abuses to debt sustainability crises and the disastrous effects of climate change,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “International Financial Institutions (IFIs) have done substantial work to promote financial stability, poverty reduction, and economic development, but they can do more to address systemic inequities and facilitate debt relief for distressed countries. I am proud to join Ranking Member Waters in introducing this package of meaningful reforms to increase transparency and accountability at the IFIs, strengthen support for low-income countries, and establish robust human rights protections.”

    “Over the years, our International Financial Institutions (IFI) have played a crucial role in establishing international order and addressing some of the most pressing economic challenges across the globe,” said Congresswoman Waters. “Despite this success, there have been troubling instances of child abuse, corruption, discrimination, and mismanagement that has hindered IFIs from reaching their full potential. I am eager to advance this bill to the President’s desk and look forward to working across the aisle on ways to strengthen the IMF, World Bank and other Development Banks so that they can create a more equitable and prosperous global economy.”

    Key provisions in the legislative package include:

    • Treasury Report on Accountability of the World Bank in Child Sexual Abuse – This provision would mandate that Treasury report to Congress on a quarterly basis on actions completed by the World Bank to compensate survivors of child sexual abuse, including with financial compensation and other relief, and to hold accountable those involved in the Bridge Academies project. The quarterly report to Congress must also include details of reforms adopted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to prevent such failures in the future, as well as any steps taken by the IFC to impede Treasury from sharing any information around this report or the Bridge Academies case with Congress.
    • Anti-corruption measures in lending agreements – This provision states that the US press for the incorporation of anti-corruption measures in lending agreements at the IMF to build sustainable economies. Such measures must include ensuring that governments receiving loans make specific, measurable, and time-bound commitments as part of the loan agreements, with consequences for noncompliance. 
    • Protections for human rights, including LGBTQ+ persons – This provision would mandate that Treasury oppose the World Bank providing financial assistance to countries that engage in the human rights abuses as reported in the State Department’s Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, including those of people who identify as LGBTQ+.
    • Loan Conditions – This provision states that the U.S. encourage the reduction or elimination of loan conditions that: limit spending on key social needs such as health, education, or climate action; weaken environmental, labor, public health regulations; or increase taxes or reduce subsidies in such a way that falls regressively on recipient country populations.
    • Reporting on Human Rights Abuses in For-Profit Healthcare – This provision mandates that Treasury report to Congress on a biannual basis on any known accusations made by community groups, CSOs, media, or other credible actors, of human rights abuses at MDB-funded, for-profit hospitals, included those funded by the IFC, and on actions completed by the MDB private sector arms to investigate and address or respond to these accusations. This provision also mandates that the U.S. advocate for the MDBs to examine their investments in healthcare to determine contribution to universal health coverage, the strengthening of national health systems, and the reduction of health inequities.
    • Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) Financing – This provision would amend the most recent appropriations law so that U.S. money could be used to finance loans to the RST in addition to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust. This is important because the Republicans cut the RST out from potentially receiving loans. 
    • Quota Increase – This provision would authorize an equiproportional increase in quota at the IMF consistent with the increase Treasury negotiated with the IMF Member countries. If Congress passes this provision the US would retain its veto power and percent of shareholding at the IMF and China’s share would not increase (even though it probably should based on its growth). At the IMF, Member countries’ maximum financial commitments to the Fund are called “quota.” Quota is broadly matched to a Member country’s relative position in the world’s economy, and voting shares at the IMF are in line with how much quota a country pays. This was in President Biden’s most recent budget request.

    Read the full bill here.
    Read the Section by Section here.

    For media inquiries, please contact Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Submit Your 2025 Event Proposal to NASA

    Source: NASA

    NASA is making event plans for the 2025 calendar year, and we want to pencil you in! We are looking for the Midwest’s biggest and best community events with the broadest audiences to share NASA’s content and raise awareness of the agency’s most exciting aeronautics and space missions. NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is leading the agency’s efforts to inspire the Midwest through engagement.

    Interested organizations can submit an event proposal to Glenn now through Nov. 18, 2024. Those selected will receive notification via email by Dec. 31, 2024. Through this collaboration, selected organizations will gain access to NASA exhibits and artifacts, hands-on demonstrations, STEM and internship opportunities for students and educators, NASA’s innovative technology, and experts that align to the topics and themes of their events.

    NASA is seeking:

    Organizations with direct community connections and an established event that reaches diverse audiences. 
    Events scheduled to occur between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025.
    Events that are mutually beneficial – where a NASA presence will enhance the event experience and raise awareness of NASA’s contributions to the advancement of aeronautics and space exploration.

    Selected organizations must agree to the following:

    Attend virtual planning meetings through an online business communication platform.
    Work with NASA Glenn’s Office of Communications when coordinating marketing, media communications, and logistics as described in the event proposal.
    Adhere to NASA Media Usage Guidelines for NASA media and logos.
    Provide final attendance data within two weeks of the conclusion of the event including the following:

    Number of attendees
    Estimated percentage of attendees from underrepresented audiences

    All proposals are to be submitted through the online proposal form. Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 18, 2024. Only proposals submitted online will be accepted.
    Proposal Review Process
    Proposals will be evaluated and scored, and selections will be made using the following criteria:

    Estimated audience size.
    Percentage of audience from underserved and/or underrepresented communities as defined below.

    For purposes of this solicitation, underserved and/or underrepresented communities include Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality. (Source: NASA’s Mission Equity).

    Alignment of the program’s goals and objectives to those of this opportunity.
    Plans to maximize audience participation through marketing and media communications.
    Evidence of historical attendance at this or similar events hosted by the proposing organization.

    Proposing organizations will be notified of their selection status by Dec. 31, 2024.

    If you have questions about this opportunity or the online proposal form, contact NASA Glenn’s Office of Communications: GRC-Public-Engagement@mail.nasa.gov.

    Solicitation posted: Oct. 23, 2024Proposal form URL: https://osirris.grc.nasa.gov/request/request.cfmProposal submission deadline: Nov. 18, 2024Notification of event selection: Dec. 13, 2024 

    NASA’s Glenn Research Center designs, develops, and tests innovative technology to revolutionize air travel, advance space exploration, and improve life on Earth. As one of 10 NASA centers, and the only one in the Midwest, Glenn is a vital contributor to the region’s economy and culture. Many NASA missions have Glenn contributions, and every U.S. aircraft has NASA Glenn technology on board, making flight cleaner, safer, and quieter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Why actor Edward Norton champions biodiversity | United Nations Goodwill Ambassador | Awake at Night

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Acclaimed actor, filmmaker and three-time Academy Award nominee Edward Norton has long been raising his voice on behalf of the planet and its most vulnerable communities. As a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, he is championing the protection of biodiversity for the well-being of all.

    “It’s quite heartbreaking. I started diving, when I was 14, in the Caribbean. The change to the reef environments in the Caribbean in my adult lifetime is staggering and really upsetting. Reefs are in just terrible shape, terrible shape. Bleached, covered with algae, fish a fraction of what they were. What was vibrant and colorful and rich is just sort of denuded. It looks like a burnt forest or something. It’s just not, it’s not as alive.”

    Working closely with communities in East Africa and around the world, Edward Norton is pushing for conservation that also tackles poverty by providing sustainable sources of income for local communities.

    In this special episode, the Hollywood star reflects on his activist upbringing, his hopes for his children, and on balancing a successful acting career with a rich, varied and meaningful life.

    #podcast #unitednations #awakeatnight #biodiversity #edwardnorton
    ——————-
    About Awake at Night:

    Hosted by Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps, to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change.

    For more information on Awake at Night, visit Awake at Night: https://www.un.org/en/awake-at-night

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GOvX4wbriY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Rights of the Child Praise Ecuador’s Social Expenditure for Children, Ask about December 2024 Child Murders and Excessive Use of Force against Child Demonstrators

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Rights of the Child today concluded its consideration of the seventh periodic report of Ecuador, with Committee Experts praising the State’s social expenditure for children and adolescents, and raising questions about the murder of four children in December 2024 and excessive use of force against child demonstrators by the police.

    Mary Beloff, Committee Expert and Coordinator of the Country Taskforce for Ecuador, praised the efforts made by the country to enhance social expenditure aimed at children and adolescents.  She said it was a pleasure to hear the focus being placed on resource allocation to guarantee rights in early childhood.

    However, she said the examination was marked by the atrocious events that took place in Guayaquil in December 2024, related to the illegal detention, forced disappearance and subsequent murder of four children.  Investigating the social conditions that led to these events was an essential part of the Committee’s work.

    Velina Todorova, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said that in October 2019, in the context of the national strike, the personal integrity of at least 12 children was severely impacted by the public forces.  During the June 2022 strike, violence was also used against children. How was the State safeguarding the rights of children to freedom of assembly?

    Marcelo Vázquez Bermúdez, Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations Office at Geneva, presenting the report, said Ecuador had several cash transfers for social protection for children or adolescents in situations of poverty and vulnerability, including the human development bonus, the Joaquín Gallegos Lara bonus, and the lifetime pension.

    The murder of four minors in December 2024 had profoundly shocked the Government and the people of Ecuador, the delegation said. The Ecuadorian State had acted immediately following these events and had been carrying out due actions to investigate and punish the perpetrators.  Investigations had begun and 16 members of the armed forces were now in pretrial detention.

    Measures had been taken to prevent cases of excessive use of force by the police against children from reoccurring, the delegation said. Institutional guidelines had been developed to protect the rights of citizens involved in demonstrations, and an organic law regulating the legitimate use of force had been developed and disseminated.  The State party recognised that all children and adolescents had the right to protest peacefully.

    In closing remarks, Ms. Beloff said that the dialogue had provided insight on the issues faced by Ecuador and areas that needed to be focused on in public policies.  The Committee hoped that the State party would be able to achieve its goals for the benefit of all Ecuadorian children.

    Zaida Rovira, Minister of Economic and Social Inclusion of Ecuador, in concluding remarks, said that the State party was committed to taking on its challenges by increasing the budget for children, and developing robust standards and laws and an institutional system with sufficiently trained staff.  The topics discussed in the dialogue would inform the State’s future efforts for children and adolescents.

    The delegation of Ecuador consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Women and Human Rights; Ecuador Grows without Child Malnutrition; the National Comprehensive Care Service for Adults Persons Deprived of Liberty and Adolescent Offenders; and the Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue the concluding observations on the report of Ecuador at the end of its ninety-eighth session on 31 January.  Those, and other documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, will be available on the session’s webpage.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Thursday, 30 January at 3 p.m. to hold an informal meeting with States.

    Report

    The Committee has before it the seventh periodic report of Ecuador (CRC/C/ECU/7).

    Presentation of Report

    MARCELO VÁZQUEZ BERMÚDEZ, Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Ecuador was fully committed to fulfilling its international obligations under the Convention.  In May 2024, the organic law for the support and reparation for relatives of victims of femicide and violent deaths for gender reasons was adopted. Between 2023 and 2024, the Attorney General’s Office issued seven key technical instruments to strengthen the protection and care of victims, especially children, adolescents and persons affected by gender-based violence.  These instruments included guidelines on complaints and protective measures against physical, psychological, or sexual violence; guidelines to avoid revictimisation; and operational guides for the investigation of crimes such as human trafficking and the recruitment of children and adolescents for criminal purposes. 

    Through the Child Development Centres and the “growing with our children” programme, the Government provided comprehensive care to 289,000 children and adolescents in vulnerable situations in 2024.  In addition, there was close collaboration with indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Montubio communities and children on the move.  There were also several cash transfers for social protection for children or adolescents in situations of poverty and vulnerability, namely the human development bonus, the Joaquín Gallegos Lara bonus, and the lifetime pension.

    One of the most outstanding achievements was the creation of the Technical Secretariat for the “Ecuador grows without child malnutrition” policy and the implementation of its strategy, as well as the intersectoral strategic plan for the prevention and reduction of chronic child malnutrition.  These allowed effective collaboration between various government entities, focusing on the prevention and reduction of chronic malnutrition in children under two years of age.  Due to the implementation of the strategy, by 2024, the indicator on prevalence of chronic malnutrition in children under two years of age was reduced to 19.3 per cent, from the previous level of 24.8 per cent.  The programme was expected to achieve the goal of reducing the malnutrition rate to less than 15 per cent. 

    As an important component of the strategy, there was a cash transfer called the “1,000 days voucher”, which consisted of a fixed transfer and payments conditional on the commitment to attend prenatal check-ups and early registration of the birth in the Civil Registry.  Furthermore, all beneficiaries of the “1,000 days bonus” had the right to receive weekly family counselling services from specialised educators of the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion.

    ZAIDA ROVIRA, Minister of Economic and Social Inclusion of Ecuador, said Ecuador guaranteed access to quality vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, ensuring that every child received the appropriate vaccine to prevent diseases. As of August 2024, 95 out of every 100 Ecuadorian children had completed their vaccination schedule.  Between 2020 and 2023, maternal mortality was almost halved. The suicide prevention manual had been issued, which focused on the construction of support networks, from 10 years of age onwards.  Around 2,724 people had been trained in using the manual for the early identification of suicidal ideation, and 21 community support networks had been established for the prevention of suicide. 

    The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, had implemented a tool called the child labour risk identification model, which made it possible to identify the territories most prone to child labour and estimate the impact of various associated factors.  More than 1,000 labour inspections took place between January 2023 and July 2024.  In addition, 217 dialogue tables had been held with key actors, such as decentralised autonomous governments and civil society organizations, to design local intervention strategies. 

    Digital literacy campaigns had been carried out to educate the population on the safe and effective use of information technologies; 919 digital points had been opened nationwide.  Between 2023 and 2024, more than 9,000 visas were issued for children and adolescents seeking refuge, with particular focus on the Venezuelan population.  Between 2023 and 2024, Ecuadorian Consulates had handled 10,668 cases of children and adolescents in vulnerable conditions abroad, managing to resolve the majority of these cases. 

    The National Service for the comprehensive care of adults deprived of liberty and adolescent offenders, through the horizon of change work plan, had strengthened the comprehensive development of socio-educational measures by strengthening care for more than 739 adolescents in conflict with the law.  In addition, awareness-raising talks and trainings were carried out in educational units, reaching more than 7,000 adolescents.  Ms. Rovira hoped the exchange with the Committee members would help the country delve deeper into progress made and provide clarity on any issues. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    MARY BELOFF, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator, said the Committee was aware that the national context in which the dialogue was taking place was complex in many ways, especially since the declaration of an internal armed conflict.  The examination being carried out by the Committee was inevitably marked by the atrocious events that took place in Guayaquil in December 2024, related to the illegal detention, forced disappearance and subsequent murder of four children: Saúl Arboleda (15 years old); the brothers Josué Arroyo (14 years old) and Ismael Arroyo (15 years old); and Steven Medina (11 years old).  Investigating the social conditions that led to these events was an essential part of the work of the Committee in order to contribute to ensure that similar events never happened again in the country.

    There were more than 50 norms and standards to do with the rights of the child and adolescents which required legislative amendments.  What was the timeline for this?  Where did the difficulties lie in this regard?  The Committee praised the efforts made by the country to enhance social expenditure aimed at children and adolescents.  However, there had been a regressive trend after the pandemic in this respect.  How did the State plan to draw up a budget which considered the specific needs of children and adolescents in the country?  If a crisis were to occur again, how would expenditure on child-related matters be protected?  What were the State’s plans to ensure there was a coordination body at the national and local levels in order to facilitate missing data?  How was the State planning to extend its scope to cover the entire population, particularly those at the greatest risk of social disadvantage?

    Ecuador faced a situation described as one of structural discrimination, which had a direct link to poverty.  This affected indigenous populations, Afro-indigenous populations, and children in State custody.  What were the comprehensive policies which the State was planning to establish to put an end to structural discrimination?    How was the monitoring of centres where children were deprived of their liberty carried out, particularly during the state of emergency? How was it ensured that legislation relating to child labour was enforced?  The Committee was aware of the number of instruments relating to child participation.  However, it was indicated that children’s voices were not really being heard.  How was Ecuador going to include the voices of children and adolescents, particularly when it pertained to their rights? 

    VELINA TODOROVA, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said in October 2019, in the context of the national strike, the personal integrity of at least 12 children was severely impacted by the public forces.  Children suffered from injuries, as well as what could be as considered acts of torture. During the June 2022 strike, violence was also used against children, which was serious and unjustifiable.  How was the State safeguarding the rights of children to freedom of assembly?  Could the Committee be informed of investigations, prosecutions and reparations relating to these events?  Over the past few years, there had been acts of cruelty towards children by the Ecuadorian State.  Ecuador was in a state of deep regression of children’s rights, which the Committee had expressed concern about in 2016.  There were many reasons for this, and the State had failed to address the root causes. 

    The Committee understood that children in Ecuador did not feel safe in their families, neighbourhoods, and schools due to the increase presence of gangs in schools.  Many children had witnessed violent acts by gangs, including shootings.  Was this a real concern for the Government?  There had been a shocking increase in the number of deaths of children by 640 per cent, between 2019 and 2023, as well as enforced disappearances and acts of torture.  The Committee was informed that children in marginalised communities were most affected by security operations.  What progress had been made in investigations into these events?  How could the Government guarantee that perpetrators would face justice and convictions?   

    Another worrying trend was the use of children and adolescents by organised crime groups.  Boys as young as eight years old were recruited, as well as indigenous children and those from remote communities.  There were also many reports of illiteracy in these areas. Could the delegation explain the actions by the State to approve legislation trying children as adults in certain cases, such as murder?  In 2023, the forced recruitment of children and adolescents in the context of armed conflict was criminalised in Ecuador, which was highly commendable.  However, to date there had been no convictions under this crime.  What was the Government doing to address the human rights of children? 

    Every second child in Ecuador between 0 and five years of age suffered violence at home.  Did high profile politicians or celebrities in Ecuador ever condemn this kind of violence publicly?  Would the Government implement a programme for respectful parenting? What were the plans for the proper implementation of the law on femicide?  What measures had been taken to implement an early warning system on femicide?  How many children reported violence to the Public Defenders Service?  The levels of sexual abuse were a disgrace for Ecuador; girls were often victims of rape within their close circles of trust, including fathers, brothers and teachers.  Many cases were not reported and there was a high degree of impunity. Why was there such a high level of impunity for perpetrators?  Could this be attributed to the lack of trained prosecutors?  How were victims interviewed with the view to avoid harmful repetitive interviews? 

    One of the greatest issues in Ecuador was teenage pregnancy.  Six girls under 14 became mothers every day.  Although abortion was decriminalised, it was understood that the legal restrictions on abortion violated the rights of pregnant women. How did the State guarantee that rape victims could access safe abortions without obstacles?  What measures had been adopted to guarantee the non-criminalisation of doctors who performed abortions? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said when it came the murder of the four minors, this case had profoundly shocked the Government and the people of Ecuador.  The Ecuadorian State had acted immediately following these events and had been carrying out due actions to investigate and punish the perpetrators. These events took place in December 2024, when the disappearance of the minors was reported.  The competent authorities then took all necessary actions to locate the children.  Investigations had begun and 16 members of the armed forces were now in pretrial detention.  All actions were being undertaken to ensure that the perpetrators were punished for this serious crime.

    Ecuador was a country with limited resources but it had focused on addressing childhood issues. There had been a delay concerning the Code of Children and Adolescents, which would end the scattered pieces of legislation that were a cause for concern.  The early childhood law was before the Assembly, as was the law on malnutrition.  Chronic malnutrition was high in Ecuador, and this had been a key focus of the State since 2018.  Many ministries were involved in this process and a system allowed information to be received from all ministries, allowing work to be honed into the vulnerable territories and ascertain where the greatest vulnerability level lay. Chronic malnutrition had been reduced by four points, which showed that the strategies were working.  The strategy focused on ages 0 to two, as well as pregnant mothers, and it was hoped this could be extended to other ages. 

    “Ecuador grows without malnutrition” was the pilot project being rolled out to address one of the main problems of the enjoyment of the rights of children and adolescents in the country.  Follow-up was carried out on each of the households for all families living in poverty and extreme vulnerability.  It was ensured that all care services for children and adolescents had a budget for the entire year.  Each of the State’s services had been and would be monitored continually to ensure their efficiency with funds. 

    More than 20,000 new families had been included in the “human development voucher” cash programme. In Ecuador there were money transfers for children who had no parents due to violent deaths.  They received support from several Government ministries to provide them with priority, comprehensive reparations.  The Ombudsman law ensured anyone could defend their rights without discrimination.  Ecuador had conducted around 1,000 annual inspections for child labour.  These were conducted on the ground and online to ensure a nationwide reach. 

    Ecuador had received an award for best practices because of work being done with the youth. The programme “horizon of change” aimed to be a worldwide reference point by 2035.  Currently, the programme was working with high-level methodologies, including a therapeutic system used with the youth.  The State was also investing heavily in occupational vocational activities, including through a programme which covered topics, including baking and juvenile fashion, among other areas. 

    In centres with young offenders, there was a whole staff of psychologists and medical professionals on hand.  The State was also working to bolster the self-esteem of young offenders through art and culture.  A life skills programme aimed to teach young offenders how to handle depression and anxiety, and work in this area had also been carried out in schools. 

    There were approximately 40,000 children and adolescents who were not in the education system.  The Government had identified them and was encouraging them to go back to school. School dropout had dropped between 2021 and 2023.  Children within the educational system had the right to participation.  There was a participation model which placed children and adolescents closer to the centre on issues which related to them.  A campaign had been drafted to reduce racial discrimination, and another to address violence in the education system. The shared responsibility of families was promoted throughout the education system, and child rearing skills programmes were offered, including on communication skills, emotional sympathy, learning support, preventing sexual violence, and teenage pregnancy, among others.  Over one million families benefited from these sessions in 2024. 

    Teen pregnancy was an issue of concern in the country, particularly the health of the baby due to malnutrition.  The teen fertility rate had decreased.  There were many communications strategies which addressed the issue of teen pregnancy. There was a law in force for abortion in cases of violence.  Pregnancy in the case of rape could be terminated up to 12 weeks. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    VELINA TODOROVA, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked if the malnutrition of the baby was really the key issue when it came to teen pregnancy?  Could examples of the messaging to pregnant girls be provided? Had it been considered that boys or men who were responsible for the pregnancy also needed to receive messages? The Committee had received many reports that the phenomenon of child marriage existed, and was underrated by the Government.  Information had been received that around 30,000 girls lived in early unions, particularly in Amazon communities.  There was an increase in early unions between girls 12 and 14 years old.  Many of these adolescent girls remained in these unions until they were 18 and then they married.  Did the delegation not consider this a trend which needed the attention of the Government? 

    Had the State ever considered the reason for the high number of missing girls?  Was it likely that some of these girls were sold by parents or were involved in prostitution?  One form of using children in prostitution was the so-called “prepaid” with contact being made discreetly and in advance.  What were the policies of the Government regarding this issue? 

    MARY BELOFF, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator, said it was a pleasure to hear the focus being placed on resource allocation to guarantee rights in early childhood. This trend was promising, and it was hoped it would be consolidated in coming years.  What would the budgetary allocation be for the new Code of Children and Adolescents?  Were there any plans to increase the investment per capita amongst children? What was the State planning to do to reach out to all vulnerable populations to grapple with the issue of recruitment proactively?

    A Committee Expert said between January and November 2024, there had been nine complaints of enforced disappearance, 80 complaints of torture, and 145 complaints of excessive use of force.  It would appear the poorest neighbourhoods were the most impacted.  What was the State doing to prevent this pattern?  Afro-Ecuadorians, migrants and trans children were groups which faced discrimination.  There were two cases before the court on trans children.  What was the State doing to address this issue of discrimination? 

    Another Expert asked if the consent form was used in cases of all children in terms of abortion?  Could a minor give their consent for abortion? Were parents informed if their child requested an abortion?  Was there any special support put in place for young girls to ascertain if the pregnancy was the result of a rape?  What was being done to protect the young girls in this context?

    An Expert asked if a young girl who was over the age of 14 who was pregnant due to rape was required to bring the pregnancy to term? 

    VELINA TODOROVA, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked about the inclusiveness of policies for children with disabilities in the areas of care and education?  Did Ecuador implement a policy of inclusive education and community-based care for children who could not stay with their families? What was the difference between comprehensive child development services and specialised comprehensive rehabilitation centres of the Ministry of Health? 

    ZARA RATOU, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said in the case of children deprived of a family environment, the technical standard was part of the strategy for the deinstitutionalisation of children and promoted their reintegration into the family environment.  What progress had been made in terms of ending institutionalisation and the adoption of a strategy and action plan for the deinstitutionalisation of children and adolescents to take into account judicial proceedings?  Was there information on the effective implementation of the technical standard of family support, family custody, and foster care?  Had a framework been set up by the Government to guarantee extended coverage for children?  What measures had been taken to facilitate the rehabilitation and social reintegration of children?  What measures had been taken to strengthen the capacity of professionals working with families and children, including judges, law enforcement, and social workers to ensure alternative care solutions?

    What measures had been taken by the Government to speed up the national adoption process, including by increasing the number of family judges and ensuring that properly trained professionals worked in foster care centres? Could information be provided on the implementation and results of the application of the technical standard of family support, family custody, and foster care placement to expedite the adoption process?

    What steps was the Government taking to adopt a comprehensive strategy to ensure equal access to essential health services for children living in marginalised situations?  How did the State maintain and strengthen measures to achieve universal immunisation coverage, such as the 2023 national immunisation campaign for a polio-free, measles-free, and rubella-free Ecuador?  What measures had the Government implemented to maintain and strengthen Ecuador’s national strategy to ensure that children grow up free of child malnutrition?  What was the Government doing to improve prevention strategies on anaemia, diarrhoea, and respiratory diseases?  What support was given to breastfeeding campaigns?  What measures was the Government taking to provide appropriate support to mothers through counselling structures in hospitals and the implementation of the baby-friendly hospitals initiative throughout the country? 

    According to the information received, the suicide rate had increased from 1.7 per cent in 2018 to 7.2 per cent in 2022.  Could information be provided on the adoption and implementation of the national mental health policy and the national suicide prevention strategy?  Ms. Ratou commended the Government for the efforts of the intersectoral policy for the prevention of pregnancy among girls and adolescents, which had achieved remarkable results in 2019-2022.  However,

    could more information on the implementation of the policy for the prevention of pregnancies be provided?  How was the Government providing children and adolescents with accurate and objective information on the prevention of substance abuse, such as tobacco and alcohol?

    What steps had been taken to improve the follow-up treatment of HIV/AIDS-infected mothers and their children?  Were there revised and harmonised laws and policies on HIV/AIDS to ensure access to confidential HIV testing services?  What measures had been taken to provide counselling to adolescents without the need for parental consent?  Was there specific data on government strategies to protect intersex children?  What steps were being taken to fully guarantee the rights of inter-sex children?

    MARY BELOFF, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator, asked if any mechanism had been implemented to allow children who were not registered to benefit from cash transfers?  What strategy could be used to reach these children who lived in remote areas?  What was the State’s responsibility in terms of the oil and mining industry and its impact on the environment, which could violate the rights of children and adolescents? What mechanisms were there for oversight and sanctioning?  What were the mitigation measures used to address the environmental impacts felt by the country?  Was there any policy on this issue?  How often were the most affected communities consulted? 

    BENYAM MEZMUR, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, acknowledged the efforts made by the State party despite the challenges.  Significant resources went to the education of children between the ages of five and 17. How would early childhood education be addressed?  What had been the impact of interventions to address school dropout?  Had there been improvements to the water and sanitation systems in schools?  The intersectoral policy for the prevention of pregnancy in girls and adolescents was positively noted.  Why were all complaints not transferred to the Ombudsman’s office?  What was the criteria to establish which complaints were transferred?  The State should be congratulated on progress in learning outcomes since the COVID-19 pandemic.  What was the Government doing to move beyond this? 

    Some school bus drivers were recognised as committing sexual violence against children.  How was the State addressing this?  There were concerns about access to justice for asylum seeking migrants and children.  How would this be addressed?  There were also concerns around the regularisation process in the State party. To what extent were temporary residents’ visas being issued to individuals?  How would the Government address shortcomings faced by migrant children, particularly those from Venezuela?  To what extent were efforts to combat xenophobic speech against migrant and refugee children effective?  Could information be provided on children in street situations, including violence faced at the hands of law officials?  There were concerns around the lack of resources for monitoring of rehabilitation centres, where children were deprived of their liberty.  What was the State party doing to address this challenge?  Would 14 be maintained as the criminal age of responsibility?   

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said over 37,000 members of the armed forces and 57,000 police officers were trained on the principles of human rights, and manuals, protocols, and training modules had been developed on protecting the rights of children and adolescents.  There were internal investigation units that could issue sanctions against police officers and armed forces personnel who committed human rights violations.  The Attorney-General also conducted investigations of such cases and could pursue criminal proceedings.

    An inter-sectoral prevention policy was in place to reduce incidences of teenage pregnancy. Personalised school curricula and virtual learning platforms had been developed for girls who fell pregnant. The State had sexual and reproductive health education programmes, manuals on adolescent health, and over 1,000 health centres providing reproductive health care for adolescents. The Ministry of Health was working to properly implement the law on the voluntary termination of pregnancy and had trained over 5,000 public health workers on the law.

    The State party was working to use online tools to identify and prevent cases of gender-based violence.  There was a national plan in place to prevent violence against children and a safe schools project.  The State sought to guarantee clear paths of redress for victims of ill treatment. More than 33,000 teachers had been trained in early detection of incidences of violence.

    The bill on the rights of boys, girls, and adolescents, which sought to establish a governing body on the rights of children and adolescents, was being debated in the National Assembly.  The budget for children and adolescents had significantly increased in recent years. For example, from 2021 to 2025, the budget for early childhood education had increased by more than 20 per cent. In 2024, there was a 1.5 per cent reduction in the poverty rate from 2023, from 26 to 24.5 per cent.  The State party had implemented various actions, including cash transfers and vouchers, to reduce the poverty rate.

    State law guaranteed comprehensive care for all children with HIV, who were entitled to free treatment.  Programmes promoting screening for HIV and child prophylaxis had helped to reduce mother-to-child transmission. 

    The State party also aimed to improve the availability and quality of mental health care clinics across the country. The organic law on mental health established processes for diagnosis, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community.

    Ecuador had established support groups for mothers that encouraged breastfeeding.  The breastfeeding rate had recently increased from 51 to 53 per cent. Over 3,000 breastfeeding-friendly areas had been certified by the State.  A book on baby nutrition had been produced and breast milk banks had been set up.

    Ecuador had a national immunisation project that was based on World Health Organization guidelines.  Eighteen vaccinations were provided to children and adults by public health care clinics.  The rate of children who were vaccinated before the age of one had increased to 91 per cent.  Vaccinations were voluntary and free of charge.  Interventions in remote provinces had been carried out to promote vaccination.  In the second half of 2025, the State party would start to provide cellular vaccinations against various diseases.

    One of the pillars of the State’s strategy to tackle malnutrition was to improve access to safe water supplies. The national Government was supporting decentralised governments to bolster the development of water filtration. The prevalence of acute diarrhoea and respiratory infections in children under two had decreased in recent years.

    Alternative care modalities, including institutional and foster care, had been established to provide care to children who were victims of violence.  A national guardianship programme was also in place to bolster family ties and reduce institutionalisation.  Over 19 million United States dollars had been invested in the protection system in 2024.  The State party focused on deinstitutionalisation and family integration.  Placement in foster homes was a measure of last resort. An independent committee was monitoring the implementation of child protection policies.  There were two specialised units working to care for child victims of trafficking and reinsert them into family environments.

    Ecuador had regulated the adoption process and was working to reduce delays in the process.  Registration of adoptive families was now done online. An entry interview was conducted and families were assessed, then they underwent a four-week training course. Adoption units monitored the situation in adoptive families for two years after children were adopted.

    Ecuador recognised the right of children and adolescents to live in a safe environment.  The State’s second nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement for 2026 to 2035 was approved yesterday.  It highlighted indigenous knowledge as key to combatting climate change, and aimed to ensure social protection for children, encouraging them to engage in climate action. A roundtable on the protection of environmental human rights defenders had been set up and was drafting a public policy on their protection.  Standards on free, prior and informed consent had been developed and were considered in court cases relating to development projects.

    The Constitution, the Organic Law on Disability, and the Code on Children and Adolescents promoted the rights of children with disabilities.  Over 1,400 caregivers participated in a support network for children with disabilities.  Subsidies, vouchers, and pensions were provided to families caring for persons with disabilities to lighten the economic burden.  Around 34 million United States dollars was allocated to this annually.  In 2023 and 2024, there were over 38,000 students with disabilities in the regular school system, while around 3,000 were enrolled in special schools.  A public policy was in place to prevent violence against children with disabilities.  Around 1,300 civil servants had been trained to improve care for children with disabilities.  The State party sought to broaden programmes for children with disabilities in remote areas and ensure that they could fully enjoy their rights.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    MARY BELOFF, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator, asked whether the worsening security situation in the country would affect public opinion regarding proposed legislation on the rights of children and adolescents.  The various reforms of the social protection sector were very welcome.  Why was there such a high number of persons behind bars?  What measures were in place to provide alternatives to detention for adolescents?

    VELINA TODOROVA, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked why no information had been provided on cases of the use of force by State officials against children in 2017 and 2022?  A commission had been established to investigate allegations of sexual abuse against children by members of the Catholic Church in 2017, which identified several cases of cover-ups of such abuse.  Did the State party plan to establish a Truth Commission related to this issue?  How were teachers, parents, and children prepared to support children with disabilities in inclusive education?  What was meant by the concept of “care by agreement”?

    BENYAM MEZMUR, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, cited concerns regarding the potential abuse of children’s rights in the implementation of the state of emergency.  How would the State party prevent this?  Were there plans to develop distinct legislation addressing the recruitment of children by non-State armed groups?  There had reportedly been a decline in vaccination coverage recently; why was this?

    ZARA RATOU, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked whether cellular vaccines, which could have undesired effects on children, would be administered to them.

    Other Committee Experts asked questions on strategies to address high rates of child murders and suicides; measures to protect children from structural violence and organised crime; plans for full vaccination against the pneumococcal virus and polio; the coverage of the sexual and reproductive health education programme; measures to protect children in the Galapagos islands from abuse; plans to restore speciality to the juvenile justice system; why children vaccinated in the public sector did not receive the same vaccines as in the private sector; when the State party would update the national vaccination schedule; measures to ensure all births were registered; whether pregnant girls’ parents needed to consent to abortions; whether the national preventive mechanism provided specialised oversight of the detention of children; and inquiries into human rights violations occurring in international intercountry adoptions.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said thousands of institutions were providing inclusive education for children with disabilities, and over 126,000 teachers had received training on providing inclusive education.  A new national curriculum had been developed to encourage inclusive education, and there were also models of education tailored to the needs of children with various disabilities.  A programme had been developed to support children whose education had been delayed and there were policies in place to promote reinsertion for children who had dropped out of school.  Around one per cent of educational institutions were in a state of disrepair. The State party was investing more funds in refurbishing schools.  A voluntary early childhood education system had been developed, and 18,000 children were enrolled in the system. 

    All complaints of sexual violence occurring in schools needed to be reported to the police. Health services provided psychological care to child victims.  Schools were required to report complaints of abuse of students by bus drivers, which prosecutors duly investigated.  Data on violence in schools was collected to inform public protection policies and to provide specialised care to students.  A plan of action to prevent gender-based violence against children with disabilities in the education system was being implemented.

    Ecuador had growing rates of violence and terrorist crimes, which were an affront to the State’s sovereignty.  Given this situation, the Government declared a state of emergency in 2024.  All states of emergency were reviewed by the Constitutional Court, which had found them to be lawful.  All policies administered under states of emergency respected the rights of children and adolescents and promoted peace and human rights.

    The Constitution banned discrimination based on migration status.  The organic law on people on the move and other legislation ensured the rights of all migrant children in Ecuador and the provision of comprehensive care to them.  A specialised policy had been developed on caring for and regularising the status of unaccompanied minors.  Between 2021 and 2025, more than 4,900 children and adolescents were granted international protection by Ecuador.  Single parent migrant families had access to free legal representation.  There was an awareness raising campaign in place aiming to prevent discrimination against migrants on the northern border.  Guides had been developed that promoted the inclusion of migrant children in society and the education system.  All foreign persons had the same access to education and healthcare as Ecuadorian nationals.

    Ecuador had stepped up efforts to combat trafficking in persons.  It had produced guidance booklets against these crimes and was implementing preventive checks at border points.  The State party had managed to prevent over 3,000 irregular exits by children in recent years.  Training had been provided to border officials on detecting victims of trafficking, and an interactive map had been developed that displayed patterns in criminal activity.  Funding in the response to trafficking had been boosted in recent years.

    The police had a unit that was investigating illegal intercountry adoptions and taking measures to prevent such adoptions.  A protocol for the searching for the origins of adoptees had been developed.

    Measures had been taken to prevent cases of excessive use of force by the police against children from reoccurring.  Institutional guidelines had been developed to protect the rights of citizens involved in demonstrations, and an organic law regulating the legitimate use of force had been developed and disseminated.  The State party recognised that all children and adolescents had the right to protest peacefully.

    The State party was raising awareness of the importance of juvenile justice.  Measures imposed on adolescents aimed to ensure that they could rehabilitate and return to society.  These measures could be applied on adolescents for a minimum period of one year and a maximum of eight, depending on the severity of the crime. There were custodial and non-custodial socio-educational measures.  Units for social reintegration had bedrooms instead of cells, recreational areas, canteens, and educational workshops.  Around 430 adolescents were housed in these units, around half of whom had committed rape. The “good citizenship” programme was addressing the issue of adolescent rape.  No young persons had passed away in these centres in 2024.

    Parents did not need to give permission for girls to seek abortions.  Babies needed to be registered within 45 days of birth.  The cellular vaccine that the State would use had been scientifically tested and found to be safe for children aged six months and over.

    Concluding Remarks 

    MARY BELOFF, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator, thanked the delegation for its efforts to answer the Committee’s questions.  The dialogue had provided insight on the issues faced by Ecuador and areas that needed to be focused on in public policies.  Ecuador had expressed its commitment to implementing the Convention.  The Committee hoped that the State party would be able to achieve its goals for the benefit of all children.

    ZAIDA ROVIRA, Minister of Economic and Social Inclusion of Ecuador, said that the dialogue had been sincere and candid.  The delegation had provided information on the implementation of the Convention through public policies, plans, and programmes aimed at protecting the rights of children and adolescents.  It had submitted official, verified information that it hoped had dispelled the Committee’s concerns.  It called for the Committee’s support to build a system for the protection of all children and adolescents.  It hoped to make its policies a reality in a short space of time.

    The State party had a debt to children and adolescents in the country.  It was committed to taking on its challenges by increasing the budget for children, developing robust standards and laws and an institutional system with sufficiently trained staff, and promoting cooperation with civil society.  The topics discussed in the dialogue would inform the State’s future efforts for children and adolescents.

     

    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.

     

    CRC25.008E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Reaffirming that Acts of Terrorism Constitute among Most Serious Threats to International Peace, Security

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement reaffirming that acts of international terrorism constitute one of the most serious threats to international peace and security in the twenty-first century, calling on all Member States to summon the requisite political will to denounce all acts of terrorism.

    Through the text (to be issued as document S/PRST/2025/2), the Council — recognizing that terrorism will not be defeated by military, security, law-enforcement and intelligence measures alone — underlined the need to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.  This includes strengthening efforts for the successful prevention and peaceful resolution of prolonged conflicts and promoting the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, good governance, tolerance and inclusiveness.

    The Council also underlined the importance of supporting socioeconomic development for sustaining peace in Africa, including through transnational and transregional infrastructure development, industrialization, poverty eradication, job creation, agricultural modernization and promotion of entrepreneurship.  The organ also expressed the need for continued support to African countries that accounts for their national priorities and needs.  Further, it recognized civil society’s importance in increasing awareness of — and more effectively tackling — the threat of terrorism.

    Expressing concern over the alarming increase in terrorist attacks, fatalities and geographic spread of terrorism — particularly in the Sahel and West African coastal States — the Council also underscored the need for Member States to strengthen their criminal-justice, law-enforcement and border-control capacities.  Further, such States need to develop their capacity to investigate, prosecute, disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks to address the linkages between terrorism and organized crime.

    By the statement, the Council reiterated Member States’ obligations to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts, suppress terrorist recruitment and eliminate the supply of weapons to terrorists.  Additionally, it urged States to consider the effects of counter-terrorism measures on exclusively humanitarian activities carried out by impartial humanitarian actors in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law.  The organ also reaffirmed that Member States must ensure that any measures taken to counter terrorism comply with the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

    Acknowledging African Union efforts to strengthen institutional counter-terrorism architecture and enhance intelligence-sharing, the Council encouraged Member States and relevant international organizations to contribute to bolstering the capacity of the Union in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict stabilization.  It also commended the progress made in the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations, stressing that this should further develop into a systematic, operational and strategic partnership.

    Further, the Council — recognizing the terrorist threat in Africa — underlined the importance of prompt, effective implementation of its resolutions related to the fight against terrorism, as well as all sanctions measures against designated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates.  Additionally, it recognized the significant need to build and strengthen Member States’ capacities — on their request and with a view to supporting national ownership — to more effectively counter terrorism and terrorist financing.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mpox in the DRC: residents of the slum at the centre of Kinshasa’s epidemic have little chance of avoiding this major health crisis

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Yap Boum, Professor in the faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology

    Walking through the crowded streets of the Pakadjuma neighbourhood in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I am struck by the vibrant atmosphere around me.

    Children play happily in puddles, surrounded by piles of plastic bags and open ditches of sewage. Shacks patched together from pieces of corrugated iron crowd the settlement. Loud rumba music blasts through the air as young people enjoy themselves in open bars, waiting for grilled pork or chicken to be served. Sex workers sit outside tin shacks in narrow alleyways, calling for customers.

    Nearby a Médecins Sans Frontières triage centre is the only reminder that this slum area is the epicentre of the mpox epidemic in Kinshasa. There are no posters, no pamphlets or banners warning residents of the dangers of this viral disease that was declared a continental and global emergency in August last year.

    At the clinic, patients suspected to have mpox are sent to one of three dedicated mpox centres in the city. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache, chills, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes and lesions. With symptomatic care most patients get better in 7 to 35 days, depending on the severity of the case.

    As an epidemiologist co-leading the response to mpox for Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, I visited Pakadjuma to get a better sense of the situation on the ground.

    Mpox has historically been a rural disease in the DRC. This microcosm of Kinshasa sheds light on the complex challenges of managing the outbreak in a city.

    Fighting on two fronts

    With a population of more than 17 million, Kinshasa is Africa’s biggest megacity. Pakadjuma is one of the city’s many overcrowded areas where people live in extreme poverty.

    Kinshasa, often called “Kin la Belle”, faces a unique crisis in the fight against mpox. Both strains of the virus, clade Ia and clade Ib, are circulating in the city simultaneously. This is first time this has happened.

    Clade Ia, which is primarily transmitted from animal to human and then within households through touch, has been endemic to Africa for decades.

    Clade Ib is a new strain and contracted predominantly through sexual contact. It is the strain that has spread rapidly across 21 African countries during the current epidemic in east and central Africa.

    Grilled meat for customers.

    This dual transmission makes the fight against mpox even more complicated: how does one tackle a public health crisis rooted in both intimate human connections and structural inequities such as living in overcrowded areas?

    Although the strains are treated similarly clinically, their spread and transmission differ.

    Clade Ia is mainly associated with zoonotic transmission (from animals to humans) in rural areas. Animal surveillance and community education are required to control spillovers.

    Clade Ib, with higher human-to-human transmissibility, necessitates intensified contact tracing, vaccination, and preventive measures in urban and peri-urban areas.

    Tailoring strategies to these differences is key to containing the outbreak.

    When condoms don’t work

    Pakadjuma, in the north-east of the city, is known for poverty and high crime rates. For many girls and young women the sex trade is their only option if they want to survive.

    One of the most pressing challenges to combat the virus in the area is curbing sexual transmission.

    Unlike HIV, where condoms can significantly reduce the risk of spread, mpox poses a different challenge: because the virus is spread by touch there is no practical preventive measure for sexual transmission apart from complete abstinence.

    Mpox lesions start in the groin, making any movement excruciating. For these sex workers, though, abstinence is not an option. It would mean losing their livelihood and the ability to feed their children.

    For their clients, who come from all over the city, it would require altering a core aspect of their lives for a disease they perceive as less lethal than Ebola. There are no easy answers to this dilemma.

    Patients are tested for mpox at this Médecins Sans Frontières triage centre

    Tracing the spread

    Contact tracing, a cornerstone of outbreak control, is another hurdle.

    Identifying and tracing the contacts of sex workers is complex. As a result only a fraction of mpox cases are confirmed with laboratory analysis.

    On average, each mpox case has about 20 contacts, yet tracing clients in a highly confidential sexual network is next to impossible.

    Without effective contact tracing, infected individuals remain in the community, often seeking treatment only when their condition worsens. From discussions with Médecins Sans Frontières staff in the triage zone, it emerges that suspected mpox cases usually arrive in advanced stages of the disease, when symptoms are clearly visible. Many patients first attempt other remedies such as traditional healing methods, before seeking medical care.

    Fortunately Kinshasa benefits from a strong laboratory network led by the Institut National de la Recherche Biomédicale and test results are available within 48 to 72 hours. This state-of-the-art institute was pioneered by Dr Jean Jacques Muyembe, the microbiologist who first discovered Ebola.

    In the first week of January 2025 there were 1,155 confirmed cases and 27 deaths in the city, according to the DRC Ministry of Health.

    Even for those who seek care at the dedicated mpox centres, navigating the chaotic, congested roads is a nightmare. Yellow minibuses – ominously known locally as the “Spirit of Death” – are crammed and it can take hours to get to a destination.

    With increasing patient numbers, mpox centres in the city are overwhelmed.

    Pakadjuma, one of the poorest districts in the city.
    A goods train passing through.

    The fight on all fronts

    Addressing the mpox outbreak in Kinshasa requires a multifaceted approach which includes:

    Vaccination: Blanket vaccination drives offer the strongest hope for controlling the outbreak in hotspots such as Pakadjuma where contact tracing is almost impossible. In these cases the whole community needs to be vaccinated.

    This could break transmission chains while allowing individuals at risk, such as sex workers, to continue plying their trades.

    Prevention and control: Home care is essential, particularly in informal settlements like Pakadjuma. Providing food and material support to patients and their families and encouraging the isolation of infected relatives will help to limit the spread of the disease.

    These measures require new thinking, however, when people are trying to survive from day to day.

    Talking to the community: This is difficult because of the stigma around the disease, but it must be at the heart of the response.

    Amplifying the message: The media, local leaders and trusted community members need to be engaged to spread the word loud and clear.

    This all needs to happen immediately or the epidemic will be almost impossible to contain in this vast, sprawling city. The consequences would be dire.

    – Mpox in the DRC: residents of the slum at the centre of Kinshasa’s epidemic have little chance of avoiding this major health crisis
    – https://theconversation.com/mpox-in-the-drc-residents-of-the-slum-at-the-centre-of-kinshasas-epidemic-have-little-chance-of-avoiding-this-major-health-crisis-247809

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mpox in the DRC: residents of the slum at the centre of Kinshasa’s epidemic have little chance of avoiding this major health crisis

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Yap Boum, Professor in the faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology

    Walking through the crowded streets of the Pakadjuma neighbourhood in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I am struck by the vibrant atmosphere around me.

    Children play happily in puddles, surrounded by piles of plastic bags and open ditches of sewage. Shacks patched together from pieces of corrugated iron crowd the settlement. Loud rumba music blasts through the air as young people enjoy themselves in open bars, waiting for grilled pork or chicken to be served. Sex workers sit outside tin shacks in narrow alleyways, calling for customers.

    Nearby a Médecins Sans Frontières triage centre is the only reminder that this slum area is the epicentre of the mpox epidemic in Kinshasa. There are no posters, no pamphlets or banners warning residents of the dangers of this viral disease that was declared a continental and global emergency in August last year.

    At the clinic, patients suspected to have mpox are sent to one of three dedicated mpox centres in the city. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache, chills, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes and lesions. With symptomatic care most patients get better in 7 to 35 days, depending on the severity of the case.

    As an epidemiologist co-leading the response to mpox for Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, I visited Pakadjuma to get a better sense of the situation on the ground.

    Mpox has historically been a rural disease in the DRC. This microcosm of Kinshasa sheds light on the complex challenges of managing the outbreak in a city.

    Fighting on two fronts

    With a population of more than 17 million, Kinshasa is Africa’s biggest megacity. Pakadjuma is one of the city’s many overcrowded areas where people live in extreme poverty.

    Kinshasa, often called “Kin la Belle”, faces a unique crisis in the fight against mpox. Both strains of the virus, clade Ia and clade Ib, are circulating in the city simultaneously. This is first time this has happened.

    Clade Ia, which is primarily transmitted from animal to human and then within households through touch, has been endemic to Africa for decades.

    Clade Ib is a new strain and contracted predominantly through sexual contact. It is the strain that has spread rapidly across 21 African countries during the current epidemic in east and central Africa.

    This dual transmission makes the fight against mpox even more complicated: how does one tackle a public health crisis rooted in both intimate human connections and structural inequities such as living in overcrowded areas?

    Although the strains are treated similarly clinically, their spread and transmission differ.

    Clade Ia is mainly associated with zoonotic transmission (from animals to humans) in rural areas. Animal surveillance and community education are required to control spillovers.

    Clade Ib, with higher human-to-human transmissibility, necessitates intensified contact tracing, vaccination, and preventive measures in urban and peri-urban areas.

    Tailoring strategies to these differences is key to containing the outbreak.

    When condoms don’t work

    Pakadjuma, in the north-east of the city, is known for poverty and high crime rates. For many girls and young women the sex trade is their only option if they want to survive.

    One of the most pressing challenges to combat the virus in the area is curbing sexual transmission.

    Unlike HIV, where condoms can significantly reduce the risk of spread, mpox poses a different challenge: because the virus is spread by touch there is no practical preventive measure for sexual transmission apart from complete abstinence.

    Mpox lesions start in the groin, making any movement excruciating. For these sex workers, though, abstinence is not an option. It would mean losing their livelihood and the ability to feed their children.

    For their clients, who come from all over the city, it would require altering a core aspect of their lives for a disease they perceive as less lethal than Ebola. There are no easy answers to this dilemma.

    Tracing the spread

    Contact tracing, a cornerstone of outbreak control, is another hurdle.

    Identifying and tracing the contacts of sex workers is complex. As a result only a fraction of mpox cases are confirmed with laboratory analysis.

    On average, each mpox case has about 20 contacts, yet tracing clients in a highly confidential sexual network is next to impossible.

    Without effective contact tracing, infected individuals remain in the community, often seeking treatment only when their condition worsens. From discussions with Médecins Sans Frontières staff in the triage zone, it emerges that suspected mpox cases usually arrive in advanced stages of the disease, when symptoms are clearly visible. Many patients first attempt other remedies such as traditional healing methods, before seeking medical care.

    Fortunately Kinshasa benefits from a strong laboratory network led by the Institut National de la Recherche Biomédicale and test results are available within 48 to 72 hours. This state-of-the-art institute was pioneered by Dr Jean Jacques Muyembe, the microbiologist who first discovered Ebola.

    In the first week of January 2025 there were 1,155 confirmed cases and 27 deaths in the city, according to the DRC Ministry of Health.

    Even for those who seek care at the dedicated mpox centres, navigating the chaotic, congested roads is a nightmare. Yellow minibuses – ominously known locally as the “Spirit of Death” – are crammed and it can take hours to get to a destination.

    With increasing patient numbers, mpox centres in the city are overwhelmed.

    The fight on all fronts

    Addressing the mpox outbreak in Kinshasa requires a multifaceted approach which includes:

    Vaccination: Blanket vaccination drives offer the strongest hope for controlling the outbreak in hotspots such as Pakadjuma where contact tracing is almost impossible. In these cases the whole community needs to be vaccinated.

    This could break transmission chains while allowing individuals at risk, such as sex workers, to continue plying their trades.

    Prevention and control: Home care is essential, particularly in informal settlements like Pakadjuma. Providing food and material support to patients and their families and encouraging the isolation of infected relatives will help to limit the spread of the disease.

    These measures require new thinking, however, when people are trying to survive from day to day.

    Talking to the community: This is difficult because of the stigma around the disease, but it must be at the heart of the response.

    Amplifying the message: The media, local leaders and trusted community members need to be engaged to spread the word loud and clear.

    This all needs to happen immediately or the epidemic will be almost impossible to contain in this vast, sprawling city. The consequences would be dire.

    Yap Boum does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Mpox in the DRC: residents of the slum at the centre of Kinshasa’s epidemic have little chance of avoiding this major health crisis – https://theconversation.com/mpox-in-the-drc-residents-of-the-slum-at-the-centre-of-kinshasas-epidemic-have-little-chance-of-avoiding-this-major-health-crisis-247809

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Signs New Exposure Exchange Agreements with African Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (26 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed two new sovereign exposure exchange agreements (EEAs), strengthening ADB’s ability to lend to borrowing members.

    ADB signed a $1 billion agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and a $1.5 billion agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). These two new exchanges bring to five the number of EEAs signed by ADB with these multilateral development banks (MDBs) since 2020, for a total of $6 billion.

    “Regularly exchanging exposures with other MDBs is a key feature of our balance sheet optimization efforts, allowing us to reduce concentration risk and extend greater assistance to our developing member countries,” ADB Vice-President for Finance and Risk Management Roberta Casali said. “The increasing use of this risk transfer method is a great example of the enhanced cooperation across MDBs and our willingness to work together as a system.”  

    A sovereign exposure exchange is a risk management tool to reduce portfolio concentration risks. It provides capital relief for sovereign-focused MDBs by exchanging concentrated loan exposures with exposure to countries where their credit exposure is less or nonexistent. By lowering exposure concentration, ADB reduces its capital usage, thereby increasing its lending capacity. It also lowers the net exposure to borrowers included in the exchanges, providing additional borrowing headroom under ADB’s limits framework.

    For more information about EEAs, refer to the Q&A article.

    ADB continuously explores ways to effectively manage its capital to help the region address simultaneous crises. In 2023, it unlocked $100 billion in additional lending capacity over the next decade by updating its Capital Adequacy Framework.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by President  Biden on the Biden-⁠ Harris Administration’s Record of Delivering for Tribal Communities, Including Keeping His Promise to Make this Historic Visit to Indian Country | Laveen Village,  AZ

    Source: The White House

    Gila Crossing Community School
    Laveen Village, Arizona

    10:44 A.M. MST

    PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I’m Joe Biden.  I’m Jill Biden’s husband  (Laughter.)

    Gov, thank you for that introduction and to the Gila Indian River Community — the — Gila — yeah, Gila — nothing wrong with me — (laughter) — Gila River Indian Community for welcoming me today. 

    You know — (applause) — I say this with all sincerity, this, to me, is one the most consequential things I’ve ever had an opportunity to do in my whole career and as president of the United States.  It’s an honor — a genuine honor to be in this special place on this special day. 

    Thank you to Senator Mark Kelly, a great friend, who also is married to an incredible woman who is my friend. 

    Please have a seat, by the way.  (Laughter.)

    And Congressman Greg Stanton.  I saw Greg when I came in.  He’s over there somewhere.  Greg, thank you.

    And I’m putting these glasses on because I’m having trouble seeing this. 

    And all the elected leaders and the Tribal community leaders for being here. 

    You know, I can’t tell you what a special thanks I have for Deb Haaland, my Interior secretary.  I was determined — (applause) — I was determined — I made a commitment when I became president to have an administration that looked like America.  Except you’re America, and there’s — never has been — never has been a Native American, an Indigenous person who was on — in the Cabinet or in a — in the secretary’s job or any consequential job in a presidential administration.

    She’s the first — but it’s clearly not the last — Native American Cabinet secretary ever.  (Applause.)  And her historic and dedicated leadership is strengthening the relationship between the Tribal Nations and the federal government — is unlike ever happened before. 

    That’s why we’re here today. 

    You know, when I got to the Senate, I was only 29 years old.  I had to wait 17 days to be eligible.  And I had — after I got elected, w- — while I waiting, my wife and daughter were killed and my two boys were badly injured.

    And a guy that came to my assistance was a guy named Danny Inouye.  And the first thing he taught me — not a joke — was, “Joe, it is not ‘Indians.’  It’s ‘Indian Nations’ — Indian N-” — (applause) — No, I — he was serious, deadly earnest about it.

    It’s been 10 years since a sitting president — president came and visited Indian Country.  That’s simply much too long.

    And that’s why I am here today not only to fulfil my promise to be a president that — first president to visit Indian Country but, more importantly, to right a wrong, to chart a new path toward a better future for us all.

    I am also here because, as I said, my wife Jill has been here 10 times in Indian Country, literally.  The first lady sends her love and said, “Joe, make sure you come home.”  (Laughter.)  Because every time she goes — she spent a lot of time in, excuse me for saying this, the Navajo Nation.  I’m worried — (applause) — every time she goes, I’m worried she’s not coming home.  (Laughter.)

    I watched that beautiful performance just now, and it moved me deeply.  It’s a reminder of everything Native people enjoy and employ: sacred traditions, culture passed down over thousands of — thousands of years.  (Applause.)  

    Long before there was a United States, Native communities flourished on these lands.  They practiced democratic government before we ever heard of it, developed advanced agriculture, contributed to science, art, and culture.  (Applause.)

    But eventually, the United States was established and began expanding, entering treaties with sovereign Tribal Nations.  But as time moved on, respect for s- — for Tribal sovereignty evaporated, was shattered, pushing Native people off their homelands, denying — denying their humanity and their rights, targeting children to cut their connection to their ancestors and their inheritance and their heritage. 

    At first, in the 19- — 1800s, the effort was voluntary, asking Tribes to sell their children — to send their children away to vocational schools.  But then — then the federal government mandated — mandated the removal of children from their families and Tribes, launching what’s called the Federal Indian Boarding School era — era.  Over a 150-year span — 150 years — from the early 1800s to 1870 — to 1970.  One of the most horrific chapters in American history.  We should be ashamed.  A chapter that most Americans don’t know about.  The vast majority don’t even know about it. 

    I was — I was at my hotel today.  I told the pe- — the hotel staff, as we were leaving.  They said, “Where are you going?”  I told them.  They said, “What are you doing?”  I told them.  They said they’re Natives here.  They said, “I never knew that.  I never knew that.”  Think of how many people don’t know.

    As president, I believe it’s imper- — important that we do know — know generations of Native children stolen, taken away to places they didn’t know with people they never met who spoke a language they had never heard.  Native communities silenced.  Their children’s laughter and play were gone. 

    Children would arrive at schools.  Their clothes taken off.  Their hair that they were told was sacred was chopped off.  Their names literally erased and replaced by a number or an English name. 

    One survivor later recounted her days when taken away.  She said, quote, “My mother standing on that sidewalk as we loaded into a green bus.  I can see the image of my mom burned into my mind and my heart where she was crying.”

    Another survivor described what it was like at the boarding school, and I quote, “When I would talk in my Tribal language, I would get hit.  I lost my tongue.  They beat me every day.”

    Children abused — emotionally, physically, and sexually abused.  Forced into hard labor.  Some put up for adoption without the consent of their birth parents.  Some left for dead in unmarked graves. 

    And for those who did return home, they were wounded in body and in spirit — trauma and shame passed down through generations. 

    The policy continued even after the Civil Rights Act, which got me involved in politics as a young man.  Even after the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, it continued. 

    All told, hundreds and hundreds of Federal Indian Boarding Schools across the country.  Tens of thousands of Native children entered the system.  Nearly 1,000 documented Native child deaths, though the real number is likely to be much, much higher; lost generations, culture, and language; lost trust. 

    It’s horribly, horribly wrong.  It’s a sin on our soul.

    I’d like to ask, with your permission, for a moment of silence as we remember those lost and the generations living with that trauma. 

    (A moment of silence is observed.)

    After 150 years, the United States government eventually stopped the program, but the federal government has never — never — formally apologized for what happened until today. 

    I formally apologize — (applause) — as president of the United States of America, for what we did.  I formally apologize.  And it’s long overdue.

    At the Tribal school — at a Tribal school in Arizona, a community full of tradition and culture, and joined by survivors and descendants to do just that: apologize, apologize, apolo- — rewrite the history book correctly.  (Applause.)

    I have a solemn responsibility to be the first president to formally apologize to the Native peoples — Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, Native Alaskans — and [at] Federal Indian Boarding Schools. 

    It’s long, long, long overdue.  Quite frankly, there’s no excuse that this apology took 50 years to make. 

    The Federal Indian Boarding School policy and the pain it has caused will always be a significant mark of shame, a blot on American history. 

    For too long, this all happened with virtually no public attention, not written about in our history books —

    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Yeah, what about the people in Gaza?

    THE PRESIDENT:  — not taught in our schools.

    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  What about the people in Palestine, huh?

    (Cross-talk.)

    AUDIENCE:  Booo —

    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

    THE PRESIDENT:  Let her talk.  Let her talk.

    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible) empty promise for our people.  How can you apologize for a genocide while committing a genocide in Palestine?

    Free Palestine!  Free Palestine!

    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Get out of here!

    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Free Palestine!

    THE PRESIDENT:  No, no.  Let — let her go.  There’s a lot of innocent people being killed. 

    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

    THE PRESIDENT:  There’s a lot of innocent people being killed, and it has to stop.

    For those — (applause) — for those who went through this period, it was too painful to speak of.  For our nation, it was too shameful to acknowledge.  But just because history is silent doesn’t mean it didn’t take place.  It did take place.  (Applause.)

    While darkness can hide much, it erases nothing.  It erases nothing.  Some injustices are heinous, horrific, and grievous.  They can’t be buried, no matter how hard people try. 

    As I’ve said throughout my presidency, we must know the good, the bad, the truth of who we are as a nation.  That’s what great nations do.  We’re a great nation.  We’re the greatest of nations.  We do not erase history; we make history.  We learn from history, and we remember so we can heal as a nation.  It takes remembering.

    This formal apology is the culmination of decades of work by so many courageous people, many of whom are here today: survivors and descendants, allies and advocates — like the nation’s Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition and other — (applause) —

    All of you who are part of that, stand up.  Stand up.  (Applause.)  As my grandfather would say, you’re doing God’s work.

    And other courageous leaders who spent decades shining a light on this dark chapter.  And leaders like Secretary Haaland, whose grandparents were children at one of those boarding schools. 

    U.S. Interior Department, the same department that long ago oversaw Federal Indian Boarding Schools — guess what? — the extensive work on the — breaking ground, it’s happened with her.  It’s appropriate that she is bringing an end to what that very agency did.  (Applause.)  Groundbreaking report documenting what happened. 

    We owe it to all of you across Indian Country.  The truth — the truth must be told.  And the truth must be heard all across America. 

    But this official apolocy [apology] is only one step toward and forward from the shadows of failed policies of the past.  That’s why I’ve committed to working with Indigenous communities across the country to write a new and better chapter of our — in our history, to honor the solemn promise the United States made to Tribal Nations, to fulfill our federal trust and treaty obligations.  It’s long, long, long overdue.  (Applause.)

    And I say this with all sincerity, from day one, my administration, Jill and I, Kamala and Secretary Haaland, our entire administration have worked to include Indigenous voices in all we do.  Along with Secretary Haaland, I’ve appointed Native Americans to lead across the federal government.

    I signed a groundbreaking executive order to give Tribes the — more autonomy to make your own decisions — (applause) — requiring federal agencies to streamline grant appro- — grant appropriations and applications, to comanage federal programs, to eliminate heavy-handed reporting requirements.  It’s about representing your autonomy.  And, I might add, it’s a hell of a lot more efficient when you do it too.  (Applause.)

    Folks, I’m proud to have reestablished the White House Council on Native American Affairs — (applause); relaunched the White House Tribal Na- — Tribal Nations Summit — (applause); and taken historic steps to improve Tribal consultation.  (Applause.) 

    With the historic laws I’ve signed, we’re making some of the most significant investments in Native communities ever — ever in American history. 

    It’s part of my Invest in America agenda, and it’s helping all Americans from every state and every Tribe, and that’s good for all America. 

    Helping Native communities get through the pandemic with vaccine shots in arms and checks in pockets. 

    I’m proud this helped cut child poverty in Native communities by more than one third.  (Applause.) 

    I’m proud our economy — our economic plan has created 200,000 jobs for Native Americans, record-low [un]employment in Native communities. 

    With the strong support from Secretary Haaland and all of you, we’re finally modernizing Tribal infrastructure, for God’s sake — (applause) — building new roads, new bridges; delivering clean water, affordable high-speed broadband in every Native community; and so much more. 

    Folks, we’re just getting started.  We’re making historic climate investments in clean energy, conservation, and clean water [for] Native communities, including co-stewardships of our land and waters. 

    We just des- — designated the first National Marine Sancrutary — Sanctuary proposed by Indigenous communities, which is off the coast of California.  We just got that done.  (Applause.)  And I have restored and designated multiple national monuments to honor Tribal Nations, including the Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon, right here in Arizona, where I had the honor of visiting.  (Applause.)  It was breathtaking.  It was breathtaking.

    I secured the first-ever advanced funding for Indian Health Services — (applause) — so Tribal hospitals can plan ahead, order supplies, hire doctors and know that the money will be there.  (Applause.)  

    We’re also preserving ancestral Tribal homelands, restoring salmon and other native fish, recognizing the value of Indigenous knowledge and languages, especially those damaged in the boarding school era. 

    In fact, my administration was proud to defend the Indian Child Welfare Act — (applause) — an act that was passed in 1970 [1978] in no small part to remedy the harms of 150 years of taking Native children away from their families. 

    But you all know, that act was challenged just a few years ago in the summer of 2023.  Those who opposed us challenged — challenged on the grounds that Native families should not have priority over everyone else in adopting Native children.  Well, I took that all the way to the Supreme Court and we won.  We won.  (Applause.)

    We also extended mental health programs through the Bureau of Indian Education so young people have the tools to end cycles of generational trauma. 

    As an educator, this is something Jill cares deeply about, my wife, just as she’s traveled across Native communities to increase access to health care and so much more, including helping open the first cancer cure [care] center in Navajo Nation.  (Applause.)

    And more to do — a lot more to do.

    And, by the way, the infrastructure bill is over a trillion dollars.  It’s not a decade.  I mean, it’s not a quarter.  It’s going to be there for a decade.  Much, much more to come, and you got to get your fair share.   

    By [re]authorizing the Violence Against Women Act — an Act I took great pains in writing 30 years ago, we also — (applause) — we also reasirmed [reaffirmed] Tribal sovereignty and expanded Tribal jurisdiction in cases where outside predators [perpetrators] harm members of your Nation. 

    And as we mark Native Americans History Month in November — this November, we recognize the contributions of Indigenous people in — to American history.  You — you are the first Americans.  I might add, you’re among the most patriotic Americans.  (Applause.)  Well, that’s a fact.  The whole of America should know, all Americans should know Indigenous people volunteer to serve in the United States military five times more than any other single group.  (Applause.)  Five times.  Five.  Five.  Five.  (Applause.)  Many having paid the ultimate sacrifice in every war since our founding. 

    To all of you, thank you — thank you for serving in so many ways — as first responders, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, doctors, scientists, and so much more — sharing your culture and your knowledge for the good of future generations, believing in possibilities — the possibility to usher in a new era to a nation-to-nation relationship grounded in dignity and respect.  It matters. 

    My dad used to have an expression.  He’d say, “Joey, everyone — everyone — is entitled to be treated with dignity.  Everyone.”  “Everyone is enti-” — he meant it.  (Applause.)

    Well, let me close with this.  It’s about restoring your dignity.

    I know no apology can or will make up for what was lost during the darkness of the Federal Boarding School policy.  But today, we’re finally moving forward into the light. 

    As president of the United States, I’ve had the honor to bestow our nation’s most prestigious medals to distinguished people and organizations all across America.  That includes Native Americans who survived the boarding school era. 

    Early in my term, I bestowed the Medal of Freedom — our highest civilian honor — on a man my grandfather, who was an Irish immigrant and was not treated very well because he was an Irish Catholic in the coal-mine era in Scranton — but he went on to be an all-American football player at Santa Clara.  And every time they’d talk about all-Americans, he’d say, “Joey, the greatest athlete in American history is Jim Thorpe.”  (Applause.)  Oh, I’m seri- — I knew a lot about Jim Thorpe before some of you probably even knew.  (Laughter.)

    As a child, Jim was taken from his home but went on to become one of the greatest athletes ever, ever, ever in all of American history. 

    And earlier this week, I bestowed two other revere- — revered medals — the National Medals of Arts and the National Medal of the Humanities — to 39 extraordinary Americans and organizations, including Roseta Wrol [Rosita Worl], an Alaskan Native.  (Applause.) 

    More than 80 years ago, she was a six-year-old when she was taken to a federal boarding school.  She spent three years without her family, her family not knowing if she’d ever come home.  Nine years old, she was one of those who did come home. 

    Over the next seven decades, she became a leading anthropologist and advocate, building a new era of understanding.  Her story, from being taken from her home as child to standing in the Oval Office receiving one of the nation’s most consequential medals, is a story of the truth, the power of healing. 

    When Roseta [Rosita] sees young people signing tradi- — singing traditional songs, just like we heard today, she says, and I quote, “We will hear the voices of our ancestors, and we are now hearing it through our children.”

    For too long, this nation sought to silence the voices of generations of Native children, but now your voices are being heard.    

    That’s the America that we should be.  That’s the America we can all be proud of.  That’s who we are.  For God’s sake, let’s make sure we reach out and embrace, because you make us stronger.  You are America.

    God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops. 

    Thank you.  (Applause.)

    11:07 A.M. MST

    MIL OSI USA News –