Category: Crime

MIL-OSI Security: Boston Woman Sentenced to Three Tears in Prison for Armed Robberies of Postal Workers

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BOSTON – A Boston woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for the armed robberies of United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carriers on Nov. 29, 2022 in Mattapan, Mass. and Dec. 16, 2022 in Hyde Park, Mass.

Myesha Lewis, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In October 2024, Lewis pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States, aiding and abetting and two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, aiding and abetting. In May 2023, Lewis was indicted by a federal grand jury along with co-defendant Kenneth Demosthene.

USPS has seen a rise in the use of arrow keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An arrow key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These arrow keys are the property of USPS and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. According to data from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service headquarters, from 2019 through 2022, there was a 512% increase year over year in arrow key robberies from letter carriers nationwide – rising from 64 robberies in 2019 to approximately 412 robberies in 2022. In 2023 the Postal Service reported 605 Arrow key robberies – a 49% increase in robberies over the previous year. In the last two years, 89 postal carriers were significantly injured during these robberies and at least one carrier was killed.

On Nov. 29, 2022, in Mattapan, Lewis and Demosthene forcibly robbed a USPS letter carrier of an arrow key. Demosthene approached the letter carrier and said, “I’m going to need your master key,” before reaching into the letter carrier’s mail satchel and grabbing the arrow key. The key was secured around the letter carrier’s belt with a brass chain. The force used to physically break the brass chain caused the letter carrier to be pulled off the front steps. Lewis and Demosthene then fled the scene in a rental vehicle.

On Dec. 16, 2022 in Hyde Park, Lewis and Demosthene robbed another USPS letter carrier of an arrow key at knife point. Demosthene approached the USPS letter carrier and said, “Give me your f****** arrow key.” The letter carrier put their hands in the air as the defendants attempted to remove the arrow key, at first by force pulling at the chain. Lewis and Demosthene then attempted to cut it with the knife, eventually breaking it loose and fleeing the scene on foot.

In October 2024, Demosthene was sentenced to three years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend Belize on Advancing Education for Women and Girls, Raise Questions on Gang Warfare and Gender-Based Violence and on Female Healthcare

Source: United Nations – Geneva

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the combined fifth to ninth periodic report of Belize, with Committee Experts commending the State for advancing education for women and girls, while raising questions on gender-based violence in the context of gang warfare and on access to healthcare for women and girls.

A Committee Expert commended the State party for advancing the rights of women and girls to education, including through the creation of the Belize Education Upliftment Programme launched to improve access to education for students from low-income households. Additionally, the Committee commended the State party for introducing compulsory psychosocial support sessions for children aged five and six, aimed at building their emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and positive behaviours for building relationships.

Another Expert said the pervasive gender-based violence in Belize needed to be considered in the context of high levels of insecurity, and of proliferation of firearms and their possession and use by criminal networks and armed gangs. About 65 per cent of women and girls who were murdered were victims of gender-related murders or femicide, and 50 per cent of these murders were committed with firearms. What measures would the State party undertake to guarantee quality support services for women survivors of gender-based violence? Another Expert said gang warfare had impacted many women in Belize, including putting them at risk of gender-based violence. How did the Government ensure services for gang-impacted women?

A Committee Expert said the Committee appreciated that the Government had removed all fees in public hospitals and was very impressed at the recent decision to waive all taxes on female sanitary products. Could statistics on minor girls’ pregnancies and births be provided? What did the State party plan to do to fight the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy? It was concerning that abortion was only permitted in a few circumstances. Did the State party plan to change its criminal law so women and girls could safely access services to terminate unplanned pregnancy? Could statistics on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS be provided? Was radiotherapy, including for breast cancer, still not available in the country?

The delegation said Belize was carrying out measures to tackle gun violence and drug imports, including through daily policing efforts and conducting regular border checks. There was a close connection between gangs, drugs and guns. Significant work was being done to reach out to vulnerable communities and youth, guiding them away from guns. Interventions and mediations between rival groups was carried out to enhance the security of citizens. Efforts had been made to strengthen reporting around gender-based violence and gun violence. While the data was available, there needed to be further analysis. The State would focus efforts on this.

The delegation said Belize had taken steps to address the legal and procedural barriers in women’s health services, particularly in regard to access to medical termination of pregnancy. The Government had invested over 200,000 USD in providing contraceptives. Mobile health clinics continued to be implemented within all villages. Mothers received counselling before contraceptives were provided, ensuring informed decision-making. The Government recognised the challenges faced by women in accessing comprehensive cancer care, including the lack of radiotherapy, requiring travelling abroad. Radiotherapy was not feasible for in-country infrastructure, and the Government therefore aimed to provide support and financial aid to women requiring these services. In 2023, Belize eliminated woman to child transmission of HIV and syphilis, which was a landmark medical achievement.

Introducing the report, Elvia Vega Samos, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs of Belize and head of the delegation, said the National Gender Policy 2024–2030 represented a landmark achievement in Belize’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, providing a comprehensive framework addressing gender-responsive healthcare, education, economic empowerment, institutional strengthening, women’s leadership, and the elimination of gender-based violence. While these achievements demonstrated progress, challenges persisted, including constraints in adequately staffing and retaining professionals in key gender and social service sectors, as well as insufficient investments and funding.

In closing remarks, Ms. Vega Samos expressed sincere appreciation for the meaningful dialogue. Belize was proud of the progress made. However, the State recognised that challenges remained, particularly when addressing gender-based violence, inequality and the disproportionate impact of climate change.

In her closing remarks, Nahla Haidar, Committee Chair, thanked Belize for the constructive dialogue which had provided further insight into the situation of women in the country.

The delegation of Belize was comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the National Women’s Commission.

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s ninetieth session is being held from 3 to 21 February. All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Meeting summary releases can be found here. The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

The Committee will next meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 12 February to begin its consideration of the eighth periodic report of Congo (CEDAW/C/COG/8).

Report

The Committee has before it the combined fifth to ninth periodic report of Belize (CEDAW/C/BLZ/5-9).

Presentation of Report

ELVIA VEGA SAMOS, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs of Belize and head of the delegation, said since the last review, Belize had made significant progress in advancing legal protections and rights for women and girls, including through the enactment of the National Women’s Commission Act in 2023, which formalised the Commission’s role in advancing gender equality and ensuring alignment with the principles of the Convention.

Other key pieces of legislation included the Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence (Prohibition) Act, which addressed gaps in access to justice and enhanced protections for survivors of gender-based violence; the passage of the Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2024, which raised the legal age of marriage to 18 and prohibited parental consent for minors to marry; a revised and stronger Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, which strengthened workplace protections against harassment; amendments to the Married Women’s Property Act, which expanded women’s economic rights; the Disabilities Act, which reinforced the rights of women and girls with disabilities; the Cybercrime Act 2021, which offered additional legal protections for women and girls in digital spaces; and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2013, which addressed labour and sex trafficking and forced marriage.

Belize had also acceded to the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of older women.

The National Gender Policy 2024–2030 represented a landmark achievement in Belize’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, providing a comprehensive framework addressing gender-responsive healthcare, education, economic empowerment, institutional strengthening, women’s leadership, and the elimination of gender-based violence.

Belize had developed and implemented gender-based violence multisectoral protocols alongside the gender-based violence referral mechanism and pathway, improving collaboration among law enforcement, healthcare providers, legal aid services, and social support agencies, and ensuring more timely and effective interventions. Gender-based violence hotlines now provided 24/7 crisis assistance, using multiple modalities such as regular calls, SMS, and WhatsApp. Belize had also advanced efforts to improve gender-based violence data collection, coordination, and reporting efficiency through the integrated data collection and reporting system.

Belize continued to make progress in increasing women’s representation in leadership across various sectors, strengthening governance and fostering inclusive policies. Promoting gender parity remained a national priority. Women now accounted for 22 per cent of Belize’s National Assembly, the highest representation in the country’s history. The establishment of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus in 2023 was a powerful step forward in creating an inclusive and equitable legislative environment, acting as a formal platform to discuss gender related issues, addressing legislative gaps, advocating for policy changes, and promoting women’s leadership.

Training programmes under the engaging men and boys initiative had fostered community dialogues and challenged harmful gender norms, supporting women’s participation in leadership roles. Women led major judicial and prosecutorial offices, including the naming of an acting female Chief Justice in 2019 and the appointment of a female Chief Justice in 2022.

The State had intensified efforts to enhance women’s economic participation through targeted initiatives and policy reforms. Over 1,000 women had received training in business strategy, digital skills, and entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Belize Women’s Economic Empowerment Project. The Decent Work Country Programme, launched in 2024, focused on women’s economic empowerment through skills training, labour rights awareness, and access to financial resources. Programmes such as BOOST (Building Opportunities for our Social Transformation) addressed multidimensional poverty and supported female-headed households through targeted cash transfers and vocational training.

Belize had made strides in integrating gender-sensitive approaches into education, including introducing a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math Academy to encourage girls’ participation in high-income careers. Comprehensive sexuality education had been integrated into the National Health Curriculum to address social norms and promote gender equality, and programmes targeting school dropout rates among girls due to early pregnancies or child marriage had been initiated, ensuring continuity in education for young mothers.

While these achievements demonstrated progress, challenges persisted, including constraints in adequately staffing and retaining professionals in key gender and social service sectors, as well as insufficient investments and funding. Gender-based violence remained prevalent, with Belize recording a five per cent increase in domestic violence cases in 2023. The National Gender-Based Violence Action Plan and its accompanying behavioural change communication campaign, “it ends with me,” aimed to challenge harmful norms and reduce violence against women and girls.

As a small island developing State, Belize faced disproportionate impacts of climate change, which heightened vulnerabilities for women, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. The National Climate Change Gender Action Plan addressed these intersecting challenges, promoting resilience and adaptation strategies. Indigenous women, women with disabilities, and lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender and intersex persons faced compounded barriers to accessing justice, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Initiatives like the Essential Services Package for Women Subject to Violence ensured holistic support for marginalised groups.

The Government of Belize remained steadfast in its dedication to fully realising gender equality. The roadmap for the future included expanding access to gender-responsive social services; enhancing data systems to ensure evidence-based policymaking; strengthening partnerships with civil society, development partners, and international organizations; advocating for removing of cultural and structural barriers that hindered women’s full participation; promoting initiatives targeting young women and girls; and strengthening the legislative framework. Ms. Vega Samos reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to the Convention and welcomed the Committee’s recommendations.

Questions by Committee Experts

RHODA REDDOCK, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Belize, said the dialogue was taking place in a context of extensive gang and gun violence linked to narco-trafficking which affected Belize and the wider Caribbean and Central America. What had been the implications of this for women’s rights and gender equality, and what were the State’s efforts in this regard? In 1990, Belize signed and ratified the Convention and in 2002, it acceded to its Optional Protocol, one of only three Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to do so. Unfortunately, there were reservations on articles 8 and 9, which removed access to the inquiry mechanism of the Optional Protocol, reducing its efficacy for Belizean women and Girls. Would the State party reconsider the reservations on articles 8 and 9 of the Optional Protocol to ensure the expansion of rights for Belizean women and girls?

Ms. Reddock commended the State party on developments since the last dialogue in 2007, including the 2011 amendment of the Labour Act Ch 297 to protect workers from unfair dismissal and unequal treatment due to pregnancy, HIV status, or filing a sexual harassment complaint; the 2013 Criminal Code amendments to strengthen penalties for sexual crimes; the 2016 decriminalisation of same sex unions; and in April 2023 – a waiver of general sales tax on feminine hygiene products, which was very important. However, the Committee remained concerned, at the lack of implementation of many of the important laws and mechanisms.

What mechanisms were in place to monitor and evaluate impact, and report on progress in the implementation of the new laws and mechanisms? In 2023, Belize enacted the Legal Aid Act to ensure legal assistance to improve access to justice. What was its implementation status?

Were there plans to domesticate the Convention into local legislation to ensure the applicability of all its provisions? Did the State party plan to incorporate indigenous rights into the Constitution or specific national legislation? Ms. Reddock commended the State party on the 2018 Gender Equality Protocol for Judicial Officers, and efforts to enhance the capacity of Magistrates Courts and the Family Court to enhance protection for women and girls. What had been the impact of these new legal mechanisms in improving access to justice for women and girls in rural and urban communities?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Belize retained its reservations to articles 8 and 9 but recognised the importance of accessing mechanisms for redress. Where allegations arose concerning the matters covered under the Convention, the State held that mechanisms could be established to ensure due process and accountability, within the country’s legal framework.

The National Women’s Commission provided ongoing education and support to women and girls. It also encompassed workshops, roundtables and community affairs. Special legal clinics were held twice a year targeting vulnerable populations.

As part of the process of the implementation of the laws, the National Women’s Commission was positioned as the policy and advisory arm in this regard and was supporting in terms of the implementation. The Commission took the lead in terms of advocacy and promoting the acts. There were also national gender and gender-based violence committees, comprised of members of Governments, non-governmental organizations and other partners, that also provided advocacy support and advice on the implementation of the laws. The State understood that more needed to be done to improve the monitoring and reporting in this regard.

Questions by Committee Experts

A Committee Expert congratulated Belize on the steps taken to transform the National Women’s Commission into an independent body, as well as steps taken to improve the Sub-Committees. What percentage of the budget of the institutions was covered from the regular budget of the State party, and what percentage depended on external financing? What steps were being taken to guarantee the participation of indigenous women in the drafting and assessment of policies which concerned them? When would Belize have a national human rights institution in place which was in line with the Paris Principles?

Another Expert said women faced persistent challenges during the reporting period, regarding the electoral process. The 2021 municipal elections marked significant progress with 22 per cent of female members of parliament, but this was far below the level of parity. When would the State party impose a gender quota for increasing the political participation of women? Would the State party consider adopting temporary special measures to increase access to education for rural women and girls?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said 60 per cent of the budget of the National Women’s Commission was provided by the Government while 40 per cent was provided by external funding. A roadmap had been approved for transforming the Office of the Ombudsman into the National Human Rights Institution, which was currently under implementation. There was no specific timeline, but a process was underway to expand the mandate of the Ombudsman and ensure the sustainability of the Human Rights Commission. A Committee, consisting of representatives of the Government, civil society, and academic and international partners was monitoring this process. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had offered technical capacity building in this regard.

Belize had a Women’s Parliamentary Caucus with a strategic plan. The State would continue to undertake advocacy and ensure changes were made to ensure more women were involved in politics at the higher level.

Questions by Committee Experts

A Committee Expert said research showed that half of the women in Belize experienced violence at some point in their life. Early marriages and unions still existed as a harmful practice. How would the State party ensure the monitoring of measures of tackling harmful gender stereotypes and cultural practices? The State party was commended for legislation and policy measures to combat gender-based violence. Despite these important steps, women and girls continued to be the main victims of both domestic and sexual violence, with 99 per cent of the victims of sexual violence being females.

The pervasive gender-based violence in Belize needed to be considered in the context of high levels of insecurity, and of proliferation of firearms and their possession and use by criminal networks and armed gangs. About 65 per cent of women and girls who were murdered were victims of gender-related murders or femicide, and 50 per cent of these murders were committed with firearms. What measures would the State party undertake to guarantee quality support services for women survivors of gender-based violence? Did the State party provide support to women’s non-governmental organizations which provided these services? How many shelters existed?

Was the practice of mobile women’s centres maintained? How many centres were available in rural and indigenous communities? What programmes were in place for controlling and eliminating the provision of weapons? What was the timeline for explicitly including the crime of femicide within the Penal Code?

Another Expert commended the State party for legal reforms in trafficking; however, no new prosecutions had been enacted within the last two years. What would be done to improve judicial efficiency? How would the State party ensure adequate sentencing in line with the severity of the crime? What was the timeline for the implementation of the National Action Plan on Trafficking? Would the State party allocate adequate resources to shelters for victim assistance?

Could information be provided on the new labour policy? What was being done to provide oversight on labour recruitment? How would Belize enhance victim identification and screening processes, including in groups such as Cuban medical workers? What actions did the State party take to address the trafficking and exploitation of Mayan girls? What was being done to prevent the sexual exploitation of children in tourist regions? How was the Government addressing the involvement of international actors in these crimes? What measures was the Government taking to address the underground nature of sex trafficking since the pandemic?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the engagement of the men and boys programme began in 2020 and involved men and boys as advocates. Men from all facets of society were trained all over the country, including from indigenous populations. Around 1,000 men and boys had been trained, and many more had expressed willingness to be involved in the programme. Uniformed services participated in the training and masculinity and femininity were key components of the training programme. The State was aiming to establish a national shelter strategy to cater to the different types of shelters necessary, to provide short- and long-term care, including emergency services.

The work of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council had been to strengthen overall operations and ability to convict. There had not been programmes which strategically targeted vulnerable groups. However, campaigns were being promulgated in rural and hard-to-reach areas to support victims and survivors.

In 2023 and 2024, there were 10 women killed as a result of femicide. The State needed a multisectoral analysis approach; this was currently a weak area which needed to be improved.

Gender training was provided at the Police Academy as part of the training requirements for police.

Questions by Committee Experts

A Committee Expert said the number of women candidates at the last elections was very low, at 14.8 per cent. In view of the upcoming elections this year, were there any concrete measures planned to increase the number of women in parliament? What were the plans and strategies of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus? How was it resourced?

The high number of women working in the judiciary in Belize was impressive and should be seen as an example for other countries. The current Governor-General of Belize was a woman; the first indigenous governor-general from the Americas in the Commonwealth. The Committee also welcomed the new gender policy which looked to advance women in politics and government. What measures were being taken to implement goal number five of the gender policy? Who was responsible for implementing the activity? How would the Government strengthen women’s advocacy groups? Could more information be provided about the representation of women, including indigenous women, in Belize’s diplomatic services? What was the percentage of women running in the 2025 elections?

Another Expert asked how stateless determination procedures were implemented in Belize? What kind of advocacy programmes were being developed in regard to birth registration? What plans were there to enhance birth registration processes, particularly for migrant women?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the implementation of the gender policy was the responsibility of all organizations which provided gender and gender-based violence services. The National Women’s Commission was responsible for the monitoring of the gender policy. Advocacy groups continued to be a treasured partner of the Government and were included in the trainings and in areas where legislation would be passed. Two indigenous forums had been hosted by women and girls to determine areas which needed improvement. Access to health, affordability of health care services and education were key issues which continued to be raised.

There had been a lot of work relating to birth registration, with key international partners, and numerous mobile clinics rolled out in this regard. In 2023, thousands of births were documented because of the mobile units. There had been a good uptake in the clinics to ensure there were no barriers in terms of access for indigenous persons due to language.

Thirty rural communities had benefitted from registration campaigns. Special efforts were made to reach indigenous and Mayan communities and migrant populations. There was a strong network on the ground for people who required support.

Questions by a Committee Expert

A Committee Expert commended the State party for advancing the rights of women and girls to education, including through the creation of the Belize Education Upliftment Programme launched to improve access to education for students from low-income households. Additionally, the Committee commended the State party for introducing compulsory psychosocial support sessions for children aged five and six, aimed at building their emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and positive behaviours for building relationships.

What concrete actions was the State party taking to increase enrolment rates and address teen pregnancies in schools. What was being done to support the physical and mental wellbeing of adolescent mothers to support their re-enrolment in school? Could information about the school meal programme be provided? How were nutritional standards being introduced in schools? How was it ensured that nutritious meals were provided at schools? How did the State party ensure the physical and mental safety of girls at school, as well as in the online sphere?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the State was committed to ensuring the continuation of education for all, including girls who became pregnant. The “lead like a girl” forum occurred every year, involving 100 high schools around the country whose students competed in challenges, before launching the “lead like a girl” pledge. Efforts were being made to provide nutritious meal options in schools. There was a zero-tolerance approach to bullying within the school environment and continued efforts were in place to strengthen legislation in this regard.

The child marriage and early union strategy was in place, and a data profile had been developed to understand the state of this phenomenon within the country. The Marriage Act had been amended to increase the age of marriage from 16 to 18. Specific institutional policies were being developed for schools in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and community education was promoted.

Recently, a master’s degree in social work had been launched from the University of Belize, and other approaches for strengthening social work were also in progress.

Questions by a Committee Expert

A Committee Expert commended the State party for its progress in labour and employment, including a decline in the unemployment rate and an increase in the minimum wage across all categories. However, persistent gender disparities remained in the labour force, with women’s participation at around 43 per cent compared to men’s 69 per cent, largely due to domestic and care giving responsibilities. Could the State party elaborate on the decent work programme? What strategies were in place to increase female workforce participation? What measures had been implemented to challenge gender norms which designated unpaid domestic work as a woman’s responsibility?

What was the current status of the equal opportunities bill and what were the next steps for its advancement? What was being done to enhance the national health insurance system? Was the State party considering accession to the International Labour Organization Convention 189? What specific measures were being implemented to accelerate the reduction of the gender pay gap? The Committee welcomed the new sexual harassment bill endorsed by the Cabinet in 2024. What was its current status and what mechanisms were in place for its implementation?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said there was a particular focus on vulnerable women, and all efforts within the Ministry had been mobilised in that direction. There was only a small percent of people covered by social security schemes, and the State was aiming to increase participation through targeted outreach and involvement in the social protection scheme. Two cohorts had been tested and piloted which were inclusive of direct training and employment services. The State was aiming to include elements such as free or subsided day care as part of the services provided.

There was increased access to education and skills training for women, particularly those in rural and indigenous areas. The State was looking at financial incentives for female entrepreneurs to decrease their dependence on low paying jobs. Environmental and social safeguards were being put in place to cater to indigenous communities and their livelihoods.

Questions by a Committee Expert

A Committee Expert said the Committee appreciated that the Government had removed all fees in public hospitals and was very impressed at the recent decision to waive all taxes on female sanitary products. Could statistics on minor girls’ pregnancies and births be provided? What did the State party plan to do to fight the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy? It was concerning that abortion was only permitted in a few circumstances. Did the State party plan to change its criminal law that so women and girls could safely access services to terminate unplanned pregnancy?

Were contraceptives subsidised by the State? If so, which ones and to what extent? What awareness campaigns were planned to enhance safe reproduction health literacy in Belize, especially to address issues such as unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted diseases? Could statistics on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS be provided? Was radiotherapy, including for breast cancer, still not available in the country? What steps were being taken to address maternal mortality? What were the main challenges in ensuring equitable access to health care services for elderly women?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Belize had taken steps to address the legal and procedural barriers in women’s health services, particularly in regard to access to medical termination of pregnancy. It was important to ensure parents, individuals and schools received the required information, and that contraception was accessible. The Government had invested over 200,000 USD in providing contraceptives. Mobile health clinics continued to be used within all villages. Mothers received counselling before contraceptives were provided, ensuring informed decision-making. Additional measures were being taken to improve the emergency response for survivors of sexual violence.

The Government recognised the challenges faced by women in accessing comprehensive cancer care, including the lack of radiotherapy, requiring travelling abroad. Radiotherapy was not feasible for in-country infrastructure, and the Government therefore aimed to provide support and financial aid to women requiring these services. There were oncology centres in different parts of the country. Human papillomavirus screening was available to women aged 30 to 49 and human papillomavirus vaccines were administered to adolescents, reducing the risk of cervical cancer to future generations.

An estimated 3,700 people were living with HIV in Belize, with the majority of them being males. In 2023, Belize eliminated woman to child transmission of HIV and syphilis, which was a landmark medical achievement.

When a pregnancy posed a risk to the life of the woman, medical termination was legally allowed. It was also allowed to preserve the mental and physical health of the woman, in cases of rape or incest, and in cases of foetal abnormality. Abortion was an area which was under consideration by the Government.

Questions by Committee Experts

A Committee Expert said the Committee welcomed the revised national gender policy, and its establishment of five priority areas. Was there gender-awareness training for loan officers? What training had been undertaken to increase women’s financial literacy? What social protections existed for self-employed women? What measures existed to ensure girls and women in rural areas enjoyed equal opportunity to participate in sports recreationally and professionally?

Another Expert said Belize contributed less than 0.001 per cent of global emissions, and was a model of the blue economy, which should be congratulated. What was the leadership role of women in the sustainable use of oceans, including women scientists in marine biology? Gang warfare had impacted many women in Belize, including putting them at risk of gender-based violence. How did the Government ensure services for gang-impacted women? How were the laws of gender-based violence made culturally specific for rural women?

What was the policy of Mayan women’s consent for companies to operate on Mayan land? The Mayans of Toledo lived in close proximity to land where logging had been permitted. What efforts was the State party taking to secure the land rights of the Mayan women? How many female sex workers were incarcerated? Would the State consider decriminalising prostitution? It was hoped that the State would consider some of the archaic language used in certain laws. What was the timeframe for the adoption of the Older Persons Act?

RHODA REDDOCK, Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Belize, asked if there was recognition of the special needs of women in detention, particularly regarding childbirth? Would the State consider implementing the Bangkok Rules?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Belize’s investment and climate action plan aimed at addressing several financial barriers for female entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas. Measures taken included mentorship programmes, capacity building initiatives, and financial literacy training. The plan mandated that 50 per cent of the training budgets be allocated to women entrepreneurs. The programme also encouraged financial institutions to increase small and medium enterprise lending. These measures collectively aimed to level the playing field, enabling women to access and maximise credit resources for sustainable business success.

The sports policy for 2025 highlighted areas in the expansion of sports, but the investment in women’s infrastructure needed to be reflected, including support for female athletes and the prevention of gender-based violence in sports. Part of the work of indigenous peoples’ affairs was to ensure that the consent of Mayan women was provided. The social policy took aging into consideration.

Belize was carrying out measures to tackle gun violence and drug imports, including through daily policing efforts and conducting regular border checks. There was a close connection between gangs, drugs and guns, and significant work was being carried out to reach out to vulnerable communities and youth, guiding them away from guns. Interventions and mediations between rival groups was carried out to enhance the security of citizens.

Belize had embraced the 30 per cent quotas but the Government now needed to implement these. It was hoped the State would eventually reach fifty-fifty parity. It was currently on paper, but the tangible changes were not yet being seen.

Efforts had been made to strengthen reporting around gender-based violence and gun violence. While the data was available, there needed to be further analysis. The State would focus efforts on this.

The State would look at the Bangkok Rules as an additional standard which could also be pursued.

Questions by a Committee Expert

A Committee Expert commended Belize for the steps taken to finetune its legal framework in the sphere of family relationships, including the new law on family and childhood and the new law on married persons. What were the most significant proposals contained in these draft laws? In what way did judges incorporate a gender perspective in cases of family violence? Were there any limitations based on women in care work when it came to inheriting from their deceased husbands?

What was being done to eradicate early and de facto unions? How was the Government engaging with ethnicities in rural areas in this regard? Would the State recognise same sex marriages and de facto unions going forward? What was being done with the general public, particularly men, to raise awareness about early unions?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Belize had recently increased the age of marriage to 18, with no exceptions. The courts looked at the best interests of the child, and ensured there was engagement of both parents in their parental ability, and also took into account the risk of harm to the child. There had been some recent work done in terms of inheritance and division of assets. Recognising same sex marriages was part of the continued work being undertaken by the Government. The child marriage and early union strategy aimed to work with young people to understand the implications of early unions, and the type of support available for them.

The State had engaged pastors and leaders when drawing up the child marriage bill, as they had been the ones responsible for marrying young girls. It was one thing to change the law, but another to change hearts and minds. The Government was striving to implement educational strategies, using the media, social media and posters, to foster behavioural change.

Closing Remarks

ELVIA VEGA SAMOS, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs of Belize and head of the delegation, expressed sincere appreciation for the meaningful dialogue. Belize was proud of the progress made. However, the State recognised that challenges remained, particularly when addressing gender-based violence, inequality and the disproportionate impact of climate change. The journey towards gender equality was ongoing, and Ms. Vega Samos thanked all those who had assisted Belize so far in strengthening human rights.

NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chair, thanked Belize for the constructive dialogue which had provided further insight into the situation of women in the country.

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.

CEDAW25.007E

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Welcome Croatia’s Anti-Discrimination Measures, Raise Issues Concerning Reported Exploitation of Migrant Workers and the Social Benefit Scheme

Source: United Nations – Geneva

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today concluded its review of the second periodic report of Croatia under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, with Committee Experts commending the State’s law and national action plan against discrimination, and raising issues concerning reported exploitation of migrant workers and the social benefit scheme.

Karla Vanessa Lemus de Vásquez, Committee Expert and Lead Member of the Taskforce on Croatia, welcomed Croatia’s law against discrimination and the national action plan on combatting discrimination and protecting human rights.

Joo-Young Lee, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce on Croatia, said migrant workers in Croatia were particularly vulnerable to poor working conditions, including non-payment for work, and failure to provide breaks or employment contracts. What measures had been taken to address labour exploitation of migrant workers?

Ms. Lee also cited reports that social assistance benefits were inadequate and often not sufficient to cover the cost of living. What measures had the State party taken to address this? Why had the number of beneficiaries decreased recently, and why did some regions require recipients of benefits to participate in community service?

Ivan Vidiš, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of Croatia and head of the delegation, introducing the report, said that the State party was proud of the reforms underway in Croatia. In early 2023, Croatia joined the Schengen area, and the euro was introduced as a national currency.

Mr. Vidiš said the National Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination for the period up to 2027 was adopted to ensure coordinated action by State administration bodies in the field of human rights protection and anti-discrimination, and to raise awareness of equality.

On protections for migrant workers, Mr. Vidiš said labour legislation provided for third-country nationals legally working in Croatia to have the same rights as national workers, and the new Act on Combatting Undeclared Work obliged the employer to pay six months of salary to unregistered workers as well as a fine.

On the social benefit scheme, the delegation said the number of recipients of the guaranteed minimum benefit had been dropping recently, in line with the reduction in unemployment. The benefit had been increased three times in recent years, and the State party had developed a new Social Welfare Act that would increase the minimum social benefit. The Act would also allow for persons to be excused from community service activities if they were unable to participate.

In concluding remarks, Ms. Lemus de Vásquez thanked the delegation for the information shared, which provided insight into the progress achieved and measures planned to give effect to the Covenant in Croatia. The Committee’s aim was to ensure the full realisation of economic, social and cultural rights for all persons in Croatia.

Mr. Vidiš, in his concluding remarks, said Croatia was passionate about its work, open about its challenges, and determined to address them. Economic, social and cultural rights were the cornerstone of the State party’s efforts. Mr. Vidiš thanked the Committee for its constructive approach to the dialogue.

In her concluding remarks, Laura-Maria Craciunean-Tatu, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for the open and constructive way in which it had participated in the dialogue. The Committee hoped that Croatia would address the Committee’s forthcoming recommendations with a constructive spirit.

The delegation of Croatia was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy; Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property; Ministry of Science, Education and Youth; Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities; Ministry of Finance; Croatian Employment Service; Ministry of the Interior; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition; Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation; and the Permanent Mission of Croatia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Committee’s seventy-seventh session is being held until 28 February 2025. All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here, and meetings summaries can be found here.

The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 12 February to begin its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Peru (E/C.12/PER/5).

Report

The Committee has before it the second periodic report of Croatia (E/C.12/HRV/2).

Presentation of Report

IVAN VIDIŠ, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of Croatia and head of the delegation, said that the State party was proud of the reforms underway in Croatia. In early 2023, Croatia joined the Schengen area, and the euro was introduced as a national currency. As part of the European Economic Area, Croatia was exposed to inflationary developments caused the pandemic and then the war in Ukraine. The Government intervened to a limited extent in energy prices and provided seven aid packages, all with the aim of protecting particularly vulnerable population groups.

The National Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination for the period up to 2027 was adopted to ensure coordinated action by State administration bodies in the field of human rights protection and anti-discrimination, and to raise awareness of equality.

The State party had implemented a series of measures to strengthen workers’ rights. The new Act on Combatting Undeclared Workers provided strict measures for employers who did not declare workers, including giving such workers the right to be registered and receive pay, pension and health insurance for the last six months, and foreign workers had access to the same protections as national workers. Active employment policy measures had resulted in a historically low number of unemployed people. Unemployment benefits had been increased and amendments had also been made to the labour legislation, laying down provisions on work through digital labour platforms and limiting the use of fixed-term contracts.

In 2024, the salaries of civil servants and public service employees financed from the State budget were reformed towards a more transparent and fairer system. The remuneration system for judges and prosecutors had also been revised to ensure that they could work smoothly and independently. The minimum wage was constantly increasing and had almost doubled compared to 2019.

To promote the social inclusion of vulnerable groups, the Government had provided increased rights and coverage for these groups in the Social Welfare Act and adopted the inclusive benefit, which significantly improved living standards. Further, the State party had implemented measures to support elderly people.

A new national plan for protection against violence against women and domestic violence, covering the period up to 2028, was under development. As part of this plan, in 2024, a package of regulations dedicated to combatting violence against women and domestic violence entered into force, which included amendments to the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Act on Protection from Domestic Violence. The legislative package tightened sentencing and strengthened protective measures for victims. The revised Criminal Code introduced a definition of “gender-based violence against women” that was in line with the Istanbul Convention and a new criminal offence of femicide.

There were 123,000 foreign workers in Croatia. The State party had introduced legislation to combat undeclared work, and existing labour legislation provided for third-country nationals legally working in Croatia to have the same rights as national workers.

After the 2020 earthquakes, many public facilities had been renovated, and multi-dwelling buildings and family replacement houses were being built. To ensure the availability of housing, especially for young families, Croatia’s first national housing policy plan up to 2030 had been drawn up. At the end of 2024, the Government adopted a programme for the construction and renovation of housing units in assisted areas to help young people and families access housing and to encourage population growth in these areas.

Significant measures had also been taken over the last three years to strengthen the free legal aid system. A call for funding for projects to provide primary legal aid was launched for a three-year period from 2023 to 2025. Funding for projects increased by 100 per cent in 2023.

Croatia expressed its strong commitment to the realisation of the human rights enshrined in the Covenant, demonstrated by its achievement of a high level of human rights protection.

Questions by a Committee Expert

KARLA VANESSA LEMUS DE VÁSQUEZ, Committee Expert, Country Rapporteur and Lead Member of the Taskforce on Croatia, asked about the number of cases in which the Covenant was invoked in domestic courts. What was the domestic legal status of the treaty bodies’ observations? Did Croatia plan to adopt the Optional Protocol? How had the legislature and civil society participated in implementing the Committee’s previous concluding observations and in drafting the State party’s reports? Did the State party have a national follow-up mechanism to coordinate follow-up activities?

Croatia had great potential, considering its location, resources and human capital. However, the State party was reportedly overdependent on the tourism industry, which hampered the productivity of businesses. What measures were in place to increase the productivity of the private sector and reduce dependence on tourism? Were there measures in place to build workers’ capacities?

Croatia did not have a national action plan on business and human rights and due diligence regulations were not sufficient. What measures had the State party implemented to transpose the European Union directive on due diligence into national law? What measures were in place to ensure due diligence in the private sector and to help victims of human rights violations to access justice?

Croatia had received low grades in greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, and climate policy in a recent review. Would Croatia be able to meet its climate commitments for 2030 and 2050? What were the main challenges in this regard? How would the State party rapidly cut greenhouse gas emissions? What plans were in place to eradicate subsidies for fossil fuels and to reallocate funds to renewable energy?

Official development assistance represented 0.2 per cent of gross domestic product, well below the 0.7 per cent recommended by the United Nations. Were there plans to increase the budget allocated to such assistance in the next few years?

The Committee welcomed the law against discrimination and the national action plan on combatting discrimination and protecting human rights. Had the 2024 and 2025 plans been implemented and to what extent?

The Roma had been facing discrimination regarding access to housing and healthcare in Croatia. What progress had been made in combatting hate crimes against the Roma and in implementing the national action plan on inclusion of the Roma? What measures were in place to address the gender gap in participation in the labour market and to combat stereotypes against women in the private sector? Were there any wage equality measures in place?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Croatia had one of the highest growth rates for gross domestic product in the European Union, at 3.6 per cent. The State party had been using European Union funds to increase skills for around 140,000 citizens. Judicial experts and judges had received training on the Covenant. Croatia was working to continuously train public officers on human rights, particularly the rights of the Roma and vulnerable women and girls.

Discussion on signing the Optional Protocol was ongoing, with public consultations being carried out. If stakeholders found that the Optional Protocol was relevant to Croatia, the State party would launch ratification procedures.

Croatia had working groups for developing legislation that included experts from line ministries and civil society representatives. Analyses were carried out to determine areas where legislation needed to be aligned with international law and the recommendations of treaty bodies.

Croatia had a strong tourism industry due to its location and natural and cultural heritage. The Government was promoting sustainable tourism, implementing accommodation and environmental policies to regulate development in the sector. There were around 270,000 pieces of property used for short-term renting to tourists. New regulations addressed this, encouraging owners to provide long-term rental schemes and permanent housing.

The State party was working on reforming vocational training to increase its availability, quality and relevance, and reduce school dropouts. A new modular curriculum had been developed to allow students to engage in work experience activities.

The new national action plan on the inclusion of the Roma covered the period of 2021 to 2027. Around 57 per cent of financing programmes were in the education field. The Government was also working on policies promoting access to healthcare and improved quality of life for the Roma population.

Croatia was a part of the European Union’s ambitious climate policy, which aimed to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. Under this policy, Croatia was working to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The national strategy on low carbon development and the national energy and climate plan had been developed to guide efforts to achieve climate objectives. The plan included a measure for gradually abolishing subsidies for fossil fuels. The State party had been monitoring national emissions using a database on emissions.

Croatia’s gender employment gap, at 11.4 per cent, was lower than the European Union average. Wage transparency policies were helping the State to achieve equal pay for equal work. Measures had been developed to support access to employment for women in rural areas and women over the age of 50.

There had been a spike in hate crimes following the increase in foreign workers in the State party. To combat this, the Government had developed educational measures to promote the integration of foreign workers in society.

Croatia was this year preparing to transpose the European Union directive on due diligence. The national action plan on responsible businesses, which was being drafted by experts, aimed to support the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on measures implemented to bolster the capacity of the Ombudswoman’s office to ensure that it could carry out its mandate; the composition of bodies monitoring the implementation of treaty body recommendations; plans to address challenges related to disparities in regional development; the legal status of the Covenant in domestic legislation; measures to address unequal distribution of free legal aid services across the country; plans to broaden awareness raising activities on economic, social and cultural rights; and whether the State party planned to draft national action plans on human rights protections.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said that in Croatia, the Covenant had legal status and was directly applicable. Public tender was provided to legal clinics to facilitate the provision of free legal aid across the State. Funds for free legal aid were increased by 100 per cent in 2023 and by a further 30 per cent in 2024. Transport fees were paid by the State when persons needed to travel more than 60 kilometres to attend courts.

The salary system for the civil service had been reformed, including salaries for staff of the Ombudswoman’s Office. On average, salaries for civil servants had been increased by around 30 per cent. The budget for the Office had increased gradually since 2022.

The Ministry of Labour, Pension System and Social Policy had a special service coordinating the implementation of the Covenant and other international documents. Policies related to implementation were discussed with representatives of trade unions and civil society.

The Federal Government was pursuing fiscal decentralisation and providing local and regional governments with funding to be used in regional development projects. It sought to address gaps between less and more developed regions.

The Social Housing Fund encouraged the population to live and work in rural areas, and a new programme on the construction of housing for young people focused on housing developments in rural areas.

The new national action plan on human rights had been prepared but was currently being discussed in the Government. The former plan was still in force. National action plans on combatting trafficking in persons, promoting the inclusion of the Roma, and fighting discrimination were also being implemented.

Questions by a Committee Expert

JOO-YOUNG LEE, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Croatia, said that the State party had implemented employment policy measures focusing on the integration of vulnerable people into the labour market. What impact had those measures had? What was the trend in rates of young people who were not in employment, education or training over the last five years?

What measures were in place to address the discrimination and prejudice faced by Roma persons in the workplace? The disability employment gap was around 23 per cent as of 2023, related to a lack of reasonable accommodation measures. How was the State party promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace?

The Committee noted legislation addressing unregistered, unpaid and precarious work, but such work remained prevalent in the State party. Migrant workers were particularly vulnerable to poor working conditions, including non-payment for work, and failure to provide breaks or employment contracts. What were the root causes of labour exploitation of migrant workers and what measures had been taken to address them? How was the State party working to improve the capacity of public officials to uphold migrant workers’ rights and impose appropriate sanctions on persons who violated those rights?

Social assistance benefits were reportedly inadequate and often not sufficient to cover the cost of living. What measures had the State party taken to address this? Why had the number of beneficiaries decreased recently? What budget had been devoted to social benefits in the last five years? What measures had been implemented to improve social services for persons with disabilities, older persons, and persons living in rural areas?

The “at risk of poverty” rate was around 42 per cent in Croatia. This was reportedly due to strict requirements limiting access to unemployment benefits. How did the State party ensure that unemployed persons did not fall into poverty?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the State party provided educational and training support to unemployed persons. Several hundreds of persons had found employment through the Government’s on-the-job training programme.

Legislative changes and State-funded support centres had led to an increase in the registration of persons with disabilities and their inclusion in the labour market. The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities was currently at a record low level. The Government financed up to two-thirds of the salaries of persons with disabilities, including self-employed persons, and financed the adaption of workplaces to the needs of persons with disabilities. The employment rate of persons with disabilities had increased by 70 per cent in recent years.

The new Act on Combatting Undeclared Work obliged the employer to pay six months of salary to unregistered workers as well as a fine of 2,600 euros. There was a public register of employers that had employed unregistered workers.

The Government also had a register of persons who were not in employment, education or training. It was planning programmes to involve these persons in education or the labour market. Only 13 per cent of young people were currently unemployed, down from a historic high of around 50 per cent. Croatia had removed many restrictions related to accessing unemployment benefits.

Foreign workers received materials informing them of their rights to State services, including health care, unemployment benefits and complaints mechanisms. The Government supported foreign workers to learn the Croatian language.

The guaranteed minimum benefit was provided to persons who did not have basic sustenance. More than 40,000 persons received this benefit. The number of recipients had been dropping in recent years, in line with the reduction in unemployment. The benefit had been increased three times in recent years, and there were plans to increase it further, along with other benefits. The Government was working to amend the Social Welfare Act to increase the base payment for single parents and their children by 25 per cent. The national allowance for the elderly provided support to persons who did not have sufficient pensions. The Government was strengthening the capacities of institutions to monitor poverty and better combat it.

Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

JOO-YOUNG LEE, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Croatia, said it was welcome that the Act on Foreigner Workers would be amended and that the basic social benefit had increased.

Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on the assessment of measures for housing provided to foreign workers; the methodology used to assess citizens’ risk of poverty; why some regions required recipients of benefits to participate in community service; the timeframe in which the minimum wage had increased and whether it covered the cost of living; whether rules regarding the renewal of temporary work contracts led to unemployment; measures being taken to promote entrepreneurship; the nationalities of migrant workers in the State party; and policies being implemented to enable women to enter the labour market and promote sharing of domestic work tasks.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said there were clear criteria in place regarding the accommodation of foreign workers. The Government was working with the embassies of foreign countries to inform migrant workers about their rights.

The percentage of persons at risk of poverty had not increased in recent years. The State party had developed a new Social Welfare Act that would increase the minimum social benefit and would allow for persons to be excused from community service activities if they were unable to participate. Community service often helped unemployed persons to enter the labour market.

Around two per cent of workers received the minimum wage. The Government had worked to ensure that all workers in vulnerable sectors such as manufacturing received at least the minimum wage. The nominal minimum wage had been increased by 130 per cent between 2016 and 2025. The real increase, taking inflation into account, was around 70 per cent. The minimum wage was calculated considering other benefits being received.

There were around 6,000 self-employed persons receiving State benefits. Most benefits were provided in the food and construction industries.

The State was developing a law to promote women’s return to work after childbirth. It was financing the construction of kindergartens and schools and providing parental leave for fathers, which more than 60 per cent of fathers were taking.

Questions by a Committee Expert

ASRAF ALLY CAUNHYE Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Croatia, said the escalation of violence against women in recent years in the State party was of great concern. What measures were in place to provide support for victims, particularly women with disabilities? How was the State party preventing the abuse of women with disabilities in institutions and addressing harmful practices affecting Roma women and children? What measures were in place to prevent all forms of trafficking in persons, identify victims, prevent reprisals against victims after they reported offences, and ensure that penalties for trafficking were commensurate with the seriousness of offences? How was the State party addressing the effects of inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable persons?

Croatia did not have a needs-based housing policy or an effective strategy for addressing homelessness. Approximately 6.5 per cent per cent of the population did not have access to the water supply network and many of the Roma lived in poor housing conditions. What measures were in place to improve access to housing and housing conditions for vulnerable persons, prevent evictions of the Roma, and tackle homelessness?

Some people in remote areas, particularly the Roma, had limited access to health services. There was a shortage in healthcare staff in rural areas and long waiting lists for specialised care. What measures were in place to provide timely access to quality healthcare in remote areas and to reduce waiting lists? How would the State party promote access to healthcare for asylum seekers and persons with disabilities? What steps had been taken to promote access to safe abortions when mothers’ lives were at risk? What resources had been allocated to setting up mobile health teams and community mental health care services, and to combatting the high suicide rate?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the national action plan on social services aimed to facilitate access to these services, secure a better regional distribution of services, including services for the elderly, and promote deinstitutionalisation and foster care. Payments to foster families had been increased and media campaigns had been carried out to highlight their importance. The act on personal assistance of 2023 regulated the recruitment of personal assistants for persons with disabilities. Over 5,000 assistants were currently employed, and the Government was working to recruit more.

The Government was conducting roundtables and workshops with employers to encourage the increased employment of the Roma and other vulnerable groups. Career management centres were being established in every region of the State to support their access to employment.

Croatia had issues with affordable housing, influenced by the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and inflation. Consultations were being carried out on a national housing plan, which would be adopted soon. Under the plan, settlement of vulnerable and young persons and settlement in underdeveloped areas would be encouraged. Croatia had a shortage of around 270,000 residential units compared to demand. There were also around 50,000 unused residential units; the Government planned to adopt legislation to allow the State to take over empty units and provide them to vulnerable persons. New laws would make it possible to build more affordable housing and expand land allocated for affordable housing. The procedure for obtaining permits for building family homes would soon be simplified.

The State party provided housing for victims of domestic violence and was also building family homes for the Roma community in rural areas. Housing had also been provided for persons under international protection, and for persons whose homes were destroyed in earthquakes. The State had also provided accommodation for over 600 homeless persons. Large cities and counties provided food to homeless persons through social kitchens.

Croatia had amended the Act on Water, which enhanced access to water for vulnerable groups. Local government units were obliged to provide water for human use and to install wells in public spaces. The State was investing heavily in the water distribution network to improve the quality and availability of water.

The Government had provided seven different support packages to reduce the prices of energy, food, fuel and gas. As a result, Croatia had the lowest energy prices in the European Union. Some 70 retail products had also been subsidised by the State to protect vulnerable groups, and cash supports had been provided for more than 700,000 retirees.

The Government was working to improve the legislative framework against gender-based violence. Gender-based violence was treated as an aggravating circumstance in the Criminal Code, and Croatia was one of the first countries in Europe to make femicide a stand-alone crime. The law against family violence had also been amended to increase sanctions for perpetrators and support for victims. Victims were examined via video-link unless they insisted on being in the courtroom. Training on gender-based violence was provided for judges, prosecutors and police officers.

A new national action plan on the prevention of sexual violence was currently being developed. Twenty-six shelters were available for victims of sexual and gender-based violence in all territories of the State. Ten million euros had been devoted to financing these shelters. A new media campaign was being carried out on preventing violence against women.

To increase access to primary healthcare, a new healthcare service network had been established that included mobile medical and psychiatric healthcare teams. These teams covered a wide geographical area and included emergency helicopter and maritime services. The Government had also increased the availability of telehealth services. Each county had at least one hospital. Croatia was close to the European Union average for the number of doctors per 100,000 inhabitants and the number of doctors was increasing. The Government provided funds for residencies for young doctors.

Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

One Committee Expert welcomed indicators developed by the State party on measuring poverty, while another praised the State party’s various initiatives promoting access to housing.

Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on progress in the implementation of the national strategy on reducing drug-related harm; measures to prevent house demolition and forced evictions of vulnerable groups, and remedies provided to affected persons; statistics on homelessness and the average period of stay in shelters; whether takeovers of unused units were temporary or permanent, and whether the Government planned to pay compensation to owners; how the State responded when people could not afford to pay utility bills or their mortgage; measures to prevent the discriminatory effects of reporting obligations required to receive health insurance; and plans to update poverty indicators from a multidimensional lens.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said that in 2023, the Government adopted the national strategy on addiction, which aimed to reduce harms and risks related to addiction. Every year, it implemented over 300 intervention programmes related to addiction. The Government primarily rehabilitated adults in the social welfare system, but some addicts were in the prison system. Non-governmental organizations provided counselling and intervention services for addicts. Around one-third of addicts in treatment were women. The Government was developing measures to support women addicts and provide social housing for them.

Under State guidelines on the provision of abortions, patients could demand terminations of pregnancy in all hospitals in the State. In cases of conscientious objection from doctors, patients were referred to other doctors or institutions.

The act on compulsory health insurance provided the right to healthcare for persons under international protection and asylum seekers and their family members, as well as unaccompanied minors. Many citizens who lived abroad used free telehealth services in Croatia, abusing the system. This was why the obligation of reporting to authorities once every three months to obtain health insurance had been introduced.

Croatia had adopted a strategy framework on the development of mental healthcare, which aimed to reduce the suicide rate and improve the mental health of children and workers in particular.

Courts applied the caselaw of the European Court of Human Rights regarding evictions, so it was very difficult to forcefully evict people from their homes. The Government was increasing fiscal pressures on unused properties and implementing measures that made long-term rent more beneficial for owners than short-term rent. The State would also rent and sublet private unused apartments at a reduced price; it would not forcefully take these properties away from owners. A new property tax had been developed to replace taxation on vacation homes. All properties used for long-term rent were excluded from the tax.

It was difficult to count homeless people who had not approached relevant service providers. Homeless persons could receive personal identification documents by registering at a local institute for social welfare. The Government was empowering homeless persons to gain employment.

Questions by a Committee Expert

ASLAN ABASHIDZE, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Croatia, asked for disaggregated data on school enrolment, completion and dropout rates at primary and secondary levels for the last 10 years. Which ethnic groups had high dropout rates? What progress had been made in promoting the inclusion of the Roma in the education system? All children, including Roma children, needed to attend preschool education. Who was responsible on collecting data on Roma children who were eligible to attend preschool? How many Roma children had attended preschool over the past five years and how many had progressed to primary and secondary education?

What measures were in place to ensure that refugees and migrants had access to quality Croatian language courses and higher education? Had a new programme been adopted to support these groups in 2025? Were there specific measures to support Serbian children’s education? There were reports of vandalism targeting Serbian monuments and Orthodox churches. Had these incidents been investigated and violators held responsible? How would the Government ensure that such violence did not occur in the future?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the dropout rate in Croatia was around two per cent, which was around the lowest rate in the European Union. There was a system that monitored students, but it did not record the national affiliation of students. Data on Roma students had been gathered since 2008, however. This data informed the Government’s activities for Roma students. Around 70 per cent of Roma students attended secondary school; this was lower than the national average. The national action plan on the inclusion of the Roma included activities encouraging education for Roma children, including scholarships for Roma pupils in secondary schools. Annually, between 50 and 100 Roma children dropout out of school. The number of Roma university students receiving scholarships had increased in recent years. “Roma assistants” were employed in primary schools to support Roma children. On average, around 400 Roma children were enrolled in kindergartens each year. Local governments funded kindergarten education for Roma children.

One year of preschool education was mandatory for all pupils. The Government funded preschool programmes for each child. Over the next three years, it would invest around 200 million euros in this public service. Croatian language courses were provided to all students who did not speak Croatian, starting from primary level.

Vandalism based on ethnicity was treated as a form of discrimination and a hate crime, and was punished with a harsher sentence. The State party was cooperating with civil society organizations representing ethnic groups to prevent such incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.

The Ministry of Culture and Media had secured funds to support the needs of national minorities. Funds were being devoted to cultural associations, libraries and there were other measures of protecting the cultural heritage of minorities. Public broadcasters were required to devote a portion of broadcasts to programmes for national minorities. The Government also helped fund the cultural activities of persons with disabilities.

Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on whether foreign students received free higher education; the number of foreign students in the State; steps taken to enhance inclusive education for persons with disabilities; whether indexation was used to calculate social assistance benefits; whether trade union rights were adequately granted to all workers, including police and military personnel; measures implemented to encourage reporting of racial discrimination offences and prevent such discrimination; the delegation’s response to reports of insufficient funding and will from authorities to address hate-related crimes; and statistics on crimes against Serbians.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said that in 2024, there were 531 foreign students enrolled in Croatian universities. The Government had adopted guidelines on supporting children with disabilities, who were entitled to specially trained teaching assistants.

Croatia used automatic indexation to calculate elderly benefits and pensions, based on cost-of-living indicators. There was no index system for the guaranteed minimum benefit, which was increased once per year by the Government, considering various factors. A project had been launched to better monitor poverty rates through the Central Population Register, which would be established this year.

Trade unions in Croatia could create their own networks, participate in the drafting of legislation and national policies, and participate in parliamentary debates. The Government was drafting an action plan to encourage all employers to conclude collective agreements. The scope of certain collective agreements was extended by the State to prevent unfair competition or restrictions on workers’ rights. Only active military personnel were restricted from forming trade unions in line with existing legislation; police officers could form and join unions. Property used by trade unions was formerly owned by the State, but legislation that entered into force last week transferred ownership to a trade union fund.

In 2023, the State party recorded 61 hate crimes against ethnic minorities. This was a decrease from the 67 crimes reported in 2021. Authorities needed to consider these as serious offences and respond appropriately. The judicial academy provided training for judges and judicial workers on the prohibition of discrimination, hate crimes and hate speech, including anti-Semitism. Thirteen workshops would be held in 2025. Police officers were also involved in workshops on preventing anti-Semitism, hate speech and all forms of discrimination.

Closing Remarks

KARLA VANESSA LEMUS DE VÁSQUEZ, Committee Expert, Country Rapporteur and Lead Member of the Taskforce on Croatia, thanked the delegation for the information shared, which provided insight into the progress achieved and measures planned to give effect to the Covenant in Croatia. The Committee’s aim was to ensure the full realisation of economic, social and cultural rights for all persons in Croatia. She thanked all persons who had contributed to the successful dialogue.

IVAN VIDIŠ, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of Croatia and head of the delegation, said Croatia was making every effort to make progress. The State party was passionate about its work, open about its challenges, and determined to address them. Croatia had faced aggression in its past, and the Committee needed to consider the difficult path the country had travelled. Economic, social and cultural rights were the cornerstone of the State party’s efforts. The cost-of-living crisis was a major concern currently, but the State party’s measures supporting energy and other costs had lightened the burden for residents. Croatia was facing a demographic decline, but incentives were in place to support a reversal of demographic trends. Parliament had recently agreed on a declaration regarding the rights of older people, who made up an increasingly large portion of the population. Mr. Vidiš thanked the Committee for its constructive approach to the dialogue.

LAURA-MARIA CRACIUNEAN-TATU, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for the open and constructive way in which it had participated in the dialogue. The dialogue with Croatia would continue, as the Committee would select three follow-up recommendations that it called on the State party to address within 24 months. It hoped that Croatia would continue to address the Committee’s recommendations with a constructive spirit.

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.

CESCR25.002E

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash at Elizabeth Downs

Source: South Australia Police

A woman has died following a motorcycle crash at Elizabeth Downs last night.

About 9.50pm on Wednesday 12 February, a Suzuki motorcycle collided with a parked car on Midway Road.

Sadly the rider, a 39-year-old woman from Elizabeth Downs, died at the scene.

Midway Road was closed for several hours while Major Crash Investigators examined the scene but has since been reopened.

The woman’s death is the 17th life lost on SA roads this year.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any other information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.

MIL OSI News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF Announce Charges in Firearms and Drug Trafficking Case
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

ALBUQUERQUE – A Roswell man is charged with federal firearms and drug trafficking offenses following a traffic stop.

According to the complaint, on February 4, 2025, Roswell Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. The driver, identified as Isaac Ivan Boccelli, 36, was accompanied by two juveniles aged 12 and 14. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed:
- Two firearms, one concealed on a juvenile and another in the vehicle
- 396.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- 147.0 grams of suspected fentanyl
Boccelli, previously convicted for 2nd Degree Murder and Battery Upon a Peace Officer, was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Boccelli will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Boccelli faces up to 40 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case.

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MIL Security OSI –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Preventing and responding to gender-based violence | Prévenir et combattre la violence sexiste
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While the strategy is in development, Alberta’s government is investing $15.7 million during 2024-25 to help prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. The funding builds on existing annual investments of more than $150 million across the Government of Alberta that deliver critical programs and services to support survivors.

“As we finalize Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-based Violence, we are not waiting to take action. We are making targeted investments to prevent gender-based violence in all its forms while providing support to survivors.”

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

This investment includes an additional $7.2 million to Children and Family Services with $3 million this year to support shelter resources in communities across the province. Funding women’s emergency shelters is one of the ways that Alberta’s government supports Albertans seeking safety from violence and abuse.

In addition to providing emergency accommodations, women’s shelters offer a wide range of other services and supports. This includes outreach services and help accessing other resources. To support the valuable work of women’s emergency shelters, Alberta’s government is providing almost $57 million in 2024-25.

“All vulnerable Albertans deserve to live free from family violence and domestic abuse. By investing a portion of the funding towards women’s shelters, Alberta’s government remains steadfast in its commitment to increase funding by $10 million over four years to ensure that survivors are protected and supported.”

Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services

“Everyone deserves to live free from violence, and survivors of gender-based violence deserve compassionate, timely and meaningful support. Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, we are investing in life-changing initiatives in Alberta that provide critical services and protection to those at risk and affected by violence. This is a testament to what we can achieve when governments and communities come together – building a safer, more inclusive and more equitable Alberta for everyone.”

Marci Ien, federal minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

“It is vital to have strong shelter resources available to meet the needs of survivors of domestic violence. By investing in women’s shelters and family violence prevention, Alberta’s government is ensuring that vulnerable Albertans will be able to access the supports they need.”

Catherine Champagne, executive director, Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters

“As demand for services grows, especially in rural communities where supports can be limited, this investment helps Rowan House Society provide essential shelter and community-based services. When survivors have a safe place to turn, they can begin rebuilding their lives – creating a stronger, safer community for everyone. We are grateful for this support as we continue working to ensure no one faces violence and abuse alone.”

Linette Soldan, executive director, Rowan House

The funding is part of Alberta’s $54-million bilateral agreement with the federal government.

Quick facts
- Funding for 2024-25 bilateral funding was distributed to support initiatives across the Government of Alberta to systemically address gender-based violence, such as:
- Women’s shelter programming to focus on access to safety, inclusive services and supports, as well as to support projects and initiatives that prevent family violence including targeted grants for community capacity building, prevention and Indigenous-led initiatives.
- Reporting and prevention efforts at post-secondary institutions and First Nations colleges to address campus sexual violence.
- Strengthening support for Albertans navigating the justice system, including developing more survivor-centered, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed services.
- Increasing access to education and resources related to elder abuse.
- Supporting academic research on gender-related injury and illness in the workplace.
- Implementing Indigenous-led initiatives that advance the Alberta Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Roadmap.
- Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It can take many forms, including physical assault, sexual assault, murder, femicide, family violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, stalking, financial control, threats, hate speech, cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking, pornography and coercive control.
- As of 2023, Alberta was identified as having the sixth highest per capita rate of police-reported sexual assault among other provinces.
Related information
- Family Violence Prevention Grant Program
- Gender-based violence prevention
- Women’s Hub
- Increasing safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people
Multimedia
- Watch the news conference
Le gouvernement de l’Alberta continue d’investir des fonds supplémentaires pour lutter contre la violence sexiste, la prévenir et soutenir les personnes survivantes dans la province.

La violence fondée sur le genre est un problème grave, et le gouvernement de l’Alberta s’emploie activement à élaborer sa stratégie décennale exhaustive pour y mettre fin en menant de vastes consultations auprès de centaines d’Albertaines, d’Albertains et d’organismes de la province.

De concert avec l’élaboration de la stratégie, le gouvernement de l’Alberta investit 15,7 millions de dollars au cours de la l’année financière 2024-2025 pour prévenir la violence fondée sur le genre et soutenir les survivantes et survivants. Ce financement s’ajoute aux investissements annuels de plus de 150 millions de dollars dans les ministères du gouvernement de l’Alberta, qui offrent des programmes et des services essentiels pour soutenir les survivantes et survivants.

« Nous n’attendons pas de terminer la stratégie décennale de l’Alberta pour agir et mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le genre. Nous faisons des investissements ciblés pour prévenir cette violence sous toutes ses formes et nous apportons du soutien aux survivantes et survivants. »

Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

Cet investissement comprend un montant supplémentaire de 7,2 millions de dollars au ministère des Services à l’enfance et à la famille, dont 3 millions de dollars servent cette année à soutenir les refuges de la province. Le financement des refuges d’urgence pour femmes est l’un des moyens dont le gouvernement s’est doté pour aider les Albertaines à se mettre à l’abri de la violence et des mauvais traitements.

En plus de fournir un hébergement d’urgence, les refuges pour femmes offrent un vaste éventail de services et de mesures de soutien, notamment des services de proximité et des services d’aide à la recherche d’autres ressources. En 2024-2025, le gouvernement de l’Alberta fournira près de 57 millions de dollars pour soutenir le travail important réalisé dans les refuges d’urgence pour femmes.

« En Alberta, toutes les personnes vulnérables méritent de vivre à l’abri de la violence familiale et de la maltraitance conjugale. En investissant une partie du financement dans les refuges pour femmes, le gouvernement de l’Alberta respecte son engagement d’augmenter le financement de 10 millions de dollars sur quatre ans pour garantir la protection et le soutien des survivantes et des survivants. »

Searle Turton, ministre des Services à l’enfance et à la famille

« Tout le monde mérite de vivre à l’abri de la violence, et les survivantes de la violence sexiste méritent d’être soutenues avec compassion, en temps opportun et de manière significative. Dans le cadre du Plan d’action national pour mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe, nous investissons dans des initiatives qui changent la vie en Alberta et qui offrent des services et une protection essentiels aux personnes menacées et touchées par la violence. Ce plan témoigne de ce que nous pouvons accomplir lorsque, en tant que gouvernements et communautés, nous nous unissons pour bâtir une Alberta plus sûre, plus inclusive et plus équitable pour tout le monde. »

Marci Ien, ministre fédérale des Femmes et de l’Égalité des genres et de la Jeunesse

« Il est essentiel de disposer de refuges sûrs pour répondre aux besoins des survivantes de la violence domestique. En investissant dans les refuges pour femmes et la prévention de la violence familiale, le gouvernement de l’Alberta veille à ce que les Albertaines vulnérables puissent avoir accès au soutien dont elles ont besoin. »

Catherine Champagne, directrice générale de l’Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters

« Alors que la demande de services augmente, en particulier dans les collectivités rurales où les services de soutien sont parfois limités, cet investissement aide la Rowan House Society à fournir de l’hébergement et des services communautaires essentiels. Lorsque les survivantes ont un endroit sûr vers lequel se tourner, elles peuvent commencer à refaire leur vie, ce qui rend leur communauté plus forte et plus sûre pour tout le monde. Nous sommes reconnaissants de ce financement et continuons à travailler pour que personne ne soit confronté seul à la violence et à la maltraitance. »

Linette Soldan, directrice générale, Rowan House

Le financement fait partie de l’accord bilatéral de 54 millions de dollars conclu entre l’Alberta et le gouvernement fédéral.

En bref
- Le financement bilatéral de 2024-2025 a été distribué pour soutenir des initiatives de lutte systématique contre la violence fondée sur le genre dans l’ensemble du gouvernement de l’Alberta. Voici quelques-unes de ces initiatives :
- La programmation des refuges pour femmes, qui met l’accent sur l’accès à la sécurité, aux services inclusifs et aux mesures de soutien, et qui appuie les projets et les initiatives de prévention de la violence familiale, y compris les subventions ciblées sur les initiatives liées au renforcement des capacités communautaires et à la prévention, et aux projets dirigés par les Autochtones.
- Le signalement et la prévention dans les établissements d’enseignement postsecondaire et les collèges des Premières Nations pour lutter contre la violence sexuelle sur les campus.
- L’amélioration du soutien aux Albertaines qui parcourent le système judiciaire, notamment grâce à la création de services mieux adaptés aux besoins des survivantes et de services qui tiennent compte des différences culturelles et des traumatismes vécus.
- L’amélioration de l’accès à l’éducation et aux ressources liées à la maltraitance des personnes âgées.
- Le soutien à la recherche universitaire sur les blessures et les maladies liées au sexe sur le lieu de travail.
- La mise en œuvre d’initiatives autochtones qui font progresser la feuille de route de l’Alberta sur les femmes et les filles autochtones disparues et assassinées.
- La violence sexiste désigne les actes préjudiciables dirigés contre une personne en raison de son genre. Elle peut prendre de nombreuses formes, notamment l’agression physique, l’agression sexuelle, le meurtre, le féminicide, la violence familiale, la violence entre partenaires intimes, la traite de personnes, le harcèlement, le contrôle financier, les menaces, le discours haineux, la cyberintimidation, le cyberharcèlement, la pornographie et le contrôle coercitif.
- En 2023, l’Alberta était au sixième rang des provinces ayant le taux le plus élevé d’agressions sexuelles déclarées à la police par habitant.
Renseignements connexes
- Programme de subvention pour la prévention de la violence familiale (en anglais seulement)
- Prévention de la violence fondée sur le sexe
- Carrefour des femmes (en anglais seulement)
- Amélioration de la sécurité des femmes, des filles et des personnes 2S+ autochtones (en anglais seulement)
Multimédia
- Regarder la conférence de presse
MIL OSI Canada News –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Tusli Gabbard Will Handle Classified Information Properly and Lawfully

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor ahead of voting to confirm Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence.
Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
“The Senate will soon vote on the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence.
“Congresswoman Gabbard has the right background, the right experience, and the right perspective to keep America safe and secure.
“Congresswoman Gabbard has served in uniform or more than 20 years. She deployed to the Middle East several times. She serves in the military today and was recently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
“As a member of Congress for eight years, Congresswoman Gabbard served on the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees.
“Her experience handling highly classified information is extensive.
“As Director of National Intelligence, she will handle classified information properly and lawfully.
“Congresswoman Gabbard is more than qualified to serve as our Director of National Intelligence.
“I’ve heard a lot of debate about Congresswoman Gabbard. Not one Senator has disputed a simple fact: She took a hard line on Russia and Iran.
“In 2013, Congresswoman Gabbard co-sponsored the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act.
“Congresswoman Gabbard wanted severe sanctions on Iran. Then-President Obama wanted to appease Iran.
“Congresswoman Gabbard opposed the Iran Deal. She viewed it as a threat to both America and Israel.
“She was right.
“In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea. President Obama rejected sending tank-busting missiles to Ukraine. He instead sent them blankets. The sanctions he imposed on Russia were weak.
“Congresswoman Gabbard argued for U.S. military assistance to Ukraine. She also called for painful sanctions against Russia.
“She never sought war with Russia. Yet she never kid herself about Russia’s aggressive ambitions.
“She worked to stop wars, even though she served and was ready to fight in them. She knows what it means when we talk about peace through strength.
“The Democrat attacks on her patriotism and loyalty are disturbing. There is no evidence to support them.
“The attacks on Congresswoman Gabbard are another case of Democrats equating political disagreement with disloyalty.
“If Washington wants Americans to trust our intelligence agencies again, we need to take an axe to the weaponization of those very agencies.
“Congresswoman Gabbard will keep politics out of intelligence gathering. She wants to return ODNI to its original size, scope, and mission.
“As she wrote in Newsweek, ‘I promise to provide unbiased, timely, and accurate intelligence for those making decisions to protect the people of our country.’ This is exactly what we need.
“Tulsi Gabbard is the right choice to be the Director of National Intelligence. I look forward to confirming her.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Security News: High-Ranking Affiliate of Sinaloa Cartel Charged with Drug Conspiracy in Chicago

Source: United States Department of Justice 2

A grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging a high-ranking affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the United States.

“As alleged, the defendant conspired to traffic dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States — and employed dozens of gunmen to protect his drug trafficking operation and the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Stopping Mexican cartels from poisoning our communities with fentanyl and other narcotics is a top priority of this Administration. Today’s indictment demonstrates that the Criminal Division is relentless in its pursuit of the drug traffickers who profit at the expense of the American people.”

“Our nation’s fentanyl crisis has devastated individuals and families in northern Illinois and throughout the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics before they can reach more victims.”

“From San Diego to Chicago to D.C., we are united to bring down the traffickers pushing these poisons into American communities,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “We are attacking at every level — from street dealers to cartel leaders.”

“This indictment reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Let this serve as a clear message: if you engage in cartel activity, we will pursue you and bring you to justice. Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we remain fully committed to protecting the American people and stopping the flow of these dangerous drugs into our nation.”

According to court documents, Ceferino Espinoza Angulo, 43, employed dozens of gunmen in Mexico to protect and support the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Ivan Guzman-Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar, Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman-Lopez, collectively known as “the Chapitos.” Espinoza Angulo allegedly conspired to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and to manufacture, distribute, and import into the United States fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Ceferino Espinoza also allegedly illegally possessed a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking scheme.

The Chapitos are the sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo,” who led the Sinaloa Cartel before being convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, and sentenced to life in prison. The Chapitos allegedly assumed their father’s role as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Chapitos have been charged with drug trafficking in other U.S. indictments.

Espinoza Angulo is charged with drug conspiracy and firearm offenses. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Espinoza Angulo is believed to be residing in Mexico, and a U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, and the Portland, Oregon, Police Bureau, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Interdiction Taskforce.

Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Parthum and Andrew C. Erskine for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – War in the Middle East – E-002364/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The EU is deeply alarmed by the situation in the Middle East. The EU has consistently called on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, put an end to all hostilities immediately and fully abide by international law, including international humanitarian law[1].

The EU welcomes the ceasefire agreements reached between Israel and Lebanon on 27 November 2024 and between Israel and Hamas on 19 January 2025.

The EU is constantly monitoring the humanitarian and human rights situation in the Middle East. Since the onset of the crisis in Gaza, the EU has deployed all available humanitarian instruments to ease the suffering of Palestinians, providing a total of EUR 330 million in aid, operated a humanitarian air bridge with 65 flights, and activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism[2] for medical evacuations.

The EU increased its humanitarian aid to Lebanon by EUR 40 million, bringing the total to over EUR 104 million for 2024. The EU also continues to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East with EUR 82 million and a top of EUR 10 million disbursed in 2024.

The EU raises its concerns about the human rights’ situation at bilateral and multilateral level. The EU deplores the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially women and children.

The EU remains committed to ending impunity and ensuring accountability for all violations of international law. The EU is active in upholding international justice, including supporting the International Criminal Court as an independent and impartial judicial body.

The EU is engaging with its partners to revitalise a political horizon and is ready to contribute to reviving a political process, on the basis of the two-state solution premise.

[1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/jhlenhaj/euco-conclusions-19122024-en.pdf

[2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
Last updated: 11 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye – B10-0100/2025
Source: European Parliament
with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

Isabel Serra Sánchez, Özlem Demirel
on behalf of The Left Group

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

Document selected :

B10-0100/2025

Texts tabled :

B10-0100/2025

Texts adopted :

B10‑0100/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

(2025/2546(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas after the 2024 municipal elections the Interior Ministry has ordered the appointment of “trustees” in place of eight mayors and municipalities from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, DEM (Ahmet Türk, Gülistan Sönük, Mehmet Karayılan, Cevdet Konak, Ayvaz Hazır removed in November 2024; Sıddık Akış removed in June 2024; and Hoşyar Sarıyıldız and Sofya Alağaş removed in January 2025), and two Kurdish mayors elected from the main opposition Republican People’s Party, CHP (Ahmet Özer, removed in October 2024 and Mustafa Sarıgül, removed in November); whereas two DEM mayors and one CHP mayor are currently in detention; whereas these actions have been widely criticized as politically motivated;

whereas Riza Akpolat, the mayor of Istanbul’s Besiktas district and a member of the CHP, has been controversially detained on allegations of tender rigging; whereas Ekrem Imamoglu, Mayor of Istanbul, is facing multiple legal challenges and faces possible political disqualification if his conviction for allegedly insulting members of Türkiye’s high electoral board, is upheld;

whereas these cases are part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and undermine democratic processes; whereas the replacement of mayors with “trustees” has happened twice before, first in the period 2016-17 and then in 2019;

Deplores the serious backsliding on fundamental freedoms, the human rights situation in Türkiye and the continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law;

Calls on the authorities to cease the practice of removing mayors and appointing trustees which eliminate the Kurds’ right to vote, to be elected and to representation, and is a violation of the right to free and fair elections and erode local democracy; urges the release and reinstatement of democratically elected mayors and officials;

Urges to put an end to the repression of political opponents, human rights defenders, civil servants, journalists, writers and academics; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all people arbitrarily detained such as Figen Yüksekdağ, Selahattin Demirtaş, Osman Kavala, Çiğdem Mater, Mine Özerden, Can Atalay, and Tayfun Kahraman, and that the charges against them be immediately dropped or cancelled;

Strongly condemns the use of the justice system for political purposes; requires to ensure the independence of the judiciary, and to guarantee the right to due process;

Urges the authorities to ensure that existing legislation – in particular the anti-terror Law, the Criminal Code, the law on assemblies and demonstrations and the law on disinformation– is revised to comply with international standards;

Condemns the repression faced by those demonstrating against these disqualifications and calls on the authorities to respect the right to freedom of assembly and association;

Requires to the Council to ensure that full implementation by Türkiye of its rule of law and fundamental rights obligations be an integral part of the EU-Türkiye relationship;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Türkiyes authorities.
Last updated: 11 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – B10-0134/2025

Source: European Parliament

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B10‑0134/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

(2025/2547(RSP))

The European Parliament,

− having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas since 2018, the Nicaraguan Government has systematically persecuted, repressed and incarcerated dissidents, political opponents, community and religious leaders, human rights defenders, civil society organisations and journalists;

B. whereas the regime has intensified its repression through the forced expulsion, arbitrary deprivation of nationality and confiscation of assets of over 400 Nicaraguans, with 135 deported to Guatemala in September 2024; whereas Spain has consistently offered its citizenship to Nicaraguan exiles;

C. whereas 46 people are reported to remain imprisoned in Nicaragua for political reasons; whereas families of detainees have denounced inhumane conditions;

D. whereas the regime has deployed a strategy of systematic repression against civil society and religious communities; whereas the government has closed at least 58 media outlets, and, according to the IACHR, has revoked the legal status of over 5,000 non-governmental organisations, with more than 1,500 shut down on 20 August 2024;

E. whereas in September 2024, the Criminal Code was amended to allow for prosecuting in absentia people outside the country, facilitating the persecution of dissidents in exile and the seizure of assets;

F. whereas in November 2024, the Constitution was amended, deepening the concentration of power in the executive, and providing legal cover to the arbitrary deprivation of nationality;

G. whereas in February 2025, Nicaragua announced its withdrawal from the Food and Agriculture Organization, adding to the increasing isolation of the country from the international community;

1. Strongly condemns the Nicaraguan government for its systematic persecution and repression, including through the use of forced exile and statelessness, of dissident voices, community and religious leaders, human rights defenders, civil society organisations and journalists;

2. Expresses its deep concerns over recent legislative and constitutional changes; strongly urges Nicaragua to repeal all repressive legislation passed since 2018;

3. Urges the Nicaraguan Government to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners; to ensure, in the meantime, that they have regular and unrestricted access to food, medical care, their family and lawyers of their choice; to withdraw all legal proceedings against them; to allow the safe return of refugees and exiles; to return all unduly seized assets; and to restore full respect for human rights;

4. Calls on the Nicaraguan authorities to stop unduly closing non-governmental organisations, to restore the legal personality of all organisations, political parties, universities and media outlets that have been arbitrarily shut down, and to return all unduly seized assets;

5. Calls on the EU and its Member States to provide support to the people that are detained, to strengthen support for civil society organisations, journalists and human rights defenders both in Nicaragua and in exile, and to intensify efforts to host, protect and assist those displaced and expelled from Nicaragua; welcomes the Spanish government’s initiative to offer nationality to exiles and their families;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Nicaraguan authorities, the Council, the Commission, and the HR/VP.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – B10-0126/2025

Source: European Parliament

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

Sebastião Bugalho, Željana Zovko, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Gabriel Mato, David McAllister, Vangelis Meimarakis, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
on behalf of the PPE Group

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B10‑0126/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

(2025/2547(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Nicaragua, in particular, the one of 15 September 2022 on the arrest of the bishop Rolando Álvarez,

– having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas since 2018, the Nicaraguan regime systematically and arbitrarily incarcerated and persecuted presidential pre-candidates, opposition leaders, religious leaders – mainly Catholic-, journalists, human rights defenders, civil society organisations (CSOs), business representatives, among others; whereas since 2018, 245 members of the clergy were either arbitrarily arrested or expelled, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez, Sakharov Prize finalist;

B. whereas on August 2024, the Ortega-Murillo regime disbanded 1,500 CSOs, among those affected are numerous religious groups mainly Catholic, bringing the total number of organisations that the regime has shut down by the regime to over 5000 since 2018;

C. whereas on 30 January 2025, constitutional reforms were approved, giving the Ortega-Murillo regime absolute power and further dismantling the separation of powers; whereas this reform allows the regime to strip the nationality dissident voices within the country and to impose tighter control over the media and the Church;

1. Strongly condemns the Nicaraguan regime’s widespread perpetration of systematic human rights violations against its population, democratic opposition, students, CSOs, and the persecution of the Catholic Church;

2. Rejects the constitutional reform, as it is regressive in terms of human rights, institutionalising a totalitarian regime that is incompatible with the characteristics of a modern democratic state;

3. Requests the Nicaraguan regime to implement the recommendations made by the GHREN, as well as those of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;

4. Calls for the EU and its Member States to include specific guarantees of compliance with human rights regarding European funds allocated, including through multilateral and financial institutions such as the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, and to carry out strict monitoring to ensure that they do not contribute to strengthening the Nicaraguan regime;

5. Urges the EU to increase support for members of the Nicaraguan opposition and CSOs in exile, and to support countries receiving migrants fleeing Nicaragua, like Costa Rica;

6. Highlights the key role played by CSOs, human rights defenders, the Church and journalists in Nicaragua; asks the EU to reinforce their regular dialogue with them and strengthen mechanisms to support their vital work;

7. Calls on the EU Member States and the UN Security Council, in accordance with the Rome Statute, to open investigations through the International Criminal Court into Nicaragua and Daniel Ortega for crimes against humanity;

8. Reiterates its demand that the democratic clause of the Association Agreement be triggered; rejects any prospect of holding any dialogue thought the Joint-Parliamentary Committee that includes members of the regime-controlled Nicaraguan National Assembly;

9. Reiterates its call to expand the list of sanctioned individuals and entities to include Ortega and his inner circle;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, Commission, the VP/HR, EU Member States, the Organization of American States, the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, the PARLACEN, and the Nicaraguan authorities.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu – B10-0117/2025
Source: European Parliament

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
on behalf of the Renew Group

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

Document selected :

B10-0117/2025

Texts tabled :

B10-0117/2025

Texts adopted :
B10‑0117/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

(2025/2548(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolution of 20 April 2023 on the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu,

– having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas in March 2020, Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was arrested and his family attacked following accusations of blasphemy over a song shared online;

B. whereas on 10 August 2020, he was sentenced to death by an Upper Sharia Court in Kano State without legal representation; whereas on 27 August 2020, the Kano State Governor publicly stated he would sign the execution warrant;

C. whereas following legal challenges citing procedural violations and constitutional concerns, the Kano State High Court ordered a retrial in January 2021; whereas in August 2022, the Court of Appeal upheld this ruling but affirmed the constitutionality of Sharia blasphemy laws;

D. whereas Yahaya Sharif-Aminu’s appeal to the Supreme Court remains pending; whereas in May 2024, UN human rights experts demanded his immediate release, condemning his detention as a violation of fundamental rights;

E. whereas in November 2024, his legal counsel petitioned Nigeria’s National Assembly to challenge the constitutionality of his detention and advocate for legislative reform;

F. whereas similar cases persist, including Deborah Yakubu, a student lynched in 2022, and Mubarak Bala, sentenced to 24 years in prison for blasphemy; whereas Rhoda Jatau was detained for two years before her acquittal in December 2024;

G. whereas religious freedom and freedom of expression are fundamental rights that must be upheld globally;

Condemns the continued imprisonment of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and calls for his immediate and unconditional release and the dismissal of all charges;

Welcomes Rhoda Jatau’s acquittal, but expresses grave concern over Mubarak Bala’s continued detention, and urges authorities to protect acquitted individuals from reprisals;

Calls on Nigeria to repeal blasphemy laws, including Section 204 of the Criminal Code, and align national laws with international human rights obligations;

Urges Nigeria to immediately impose a nationwide moratorium on executions and work towards full abolition of the death penalty for blasphemy and non-violent offenses;

Denounces impunity surrounding blasphemy accusations and calls for protection against mob violence;

Calls on the Nigerian police to ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of mob killings related to blasphemy;

Stresses Nigeria’s responsibility to lead by example in abolishing blasphemy laws that systematically endanger religious minorities, violate fundamental freedoms and fuel sectarian violence;

Reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in advancing human rights and urges diplomatic engagement on blasphemy laws;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Nigerian government, National Assembly, African Union, UN, and EU institutions.
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: High-Ranking Affiliate of Sinaloa Cartel Charged with Drug Conspiracy in Chicago

Source: US State of North Dakota

A grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging a high-ranking affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the United States.

“As alleged, the defendant conspired to traffic dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States — and employed dozens of gunmen to protect his drug trafficking operation and the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Stopping Mexican cartels from poisoning our communities with fentanyl and other narcotics is a top priority of this Administration. Today’s indictment demonstrates that the Criminal Division is relentless in its pursuit of the drug traffickers who profit at the expense of the American people.”

“Our nation’s fentanyl crisis has devastated individuals and families in northern Illinois and throughout the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics before they can reach more victims.”

“From San Diego to Chicago to D.C., we are united to bring down the traffickers pushing these poisons into American communities,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “We are attacking at every level — from street dealers to cartel leaders.”

“This indictment reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Let this serve as a clear message: if you engage in cartel activity, we will pursue you and bring you to justice. Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we remain fully committed to protecting the American people and stopping the flow of these dangerous drugs into our nation.”

According to court documents, Ceferino Espinoza Angulo, 43, employed dozens of gunmen in Mexico to protect and support the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Ivan Guzman-Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar, Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman-Lopez, collectively known as “the Chapitos.” Espinoza Angulo allegedly conspired to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and to manufacture, distribute, and import into the United States fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Ceferino Espinoza also allegedly illegally possessed a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking scheme.

The Chapitos are the sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo,” who led the Sinaloa Cartel before being convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, and sentenced to life in prison. The Chapitos allegedly assumed their father’s role as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Chapitos have been charged with drug trafficking in other U.S. indictments.

Espinoza Angulo is charged with drug conspiracy and firearm offenses. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Espinoza Angulo is believed to be residing in Mexico, and a U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, and the Portland, Oregon, Police Bureau, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Interdiction Taskforce.

Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Parthum and Andrew C. Erskine for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work is well underway on homes built at former Coventry garage sites

Source: City of Coventry

Work is progressing well on eight former garage sites across Coventry.

Housing association, Citizen, is working with Excelsior Land and LoCaL Homes with support from Coventry City Council to build 19 properties at eight sites across the city including Whoberley, Stoke Aldermoor, Bell Green, Holbrooks and Cheylesmore.

The homes are being built using timber frames which is a modern method of construction. The frames are built in the LoCaL factory in Walsall and are transported to the sites in Coventry where they are then assembled and built by Excelsior Land.

There are several benefits to using timber frames including speed of build and sustainability – a new tree is planted for every tree that is felled to build the timber frame and there is very little waste.

Councillor Naeem Akhtar from Coventry City Council said: “I was really impressed when I saw the way the homes are built. I visited the site on Henley Road in Bell Green and saw a derelict site now set to provide homes for families in Coventry.

“There is a real need for good homes in Coventry, and as a partnership with Citizen, this highlights our commitment to find innovative ways of building houses where they are most needed.

“Social housing is a real priority for the Council, and I’m delighted to see the progress that Citizen and other partners are making on the garage sites. I spoke to the workers on the site, and they are impressed with speed the properties go up and how little waste is generated.”

Executive Director of Development at Citizen, Nick Byrne, said: “Work is progressing really well on our garage sites across Coventry.

“We’re working with our partners to provide much needed housing in the area alongside transforming former garage sites.

“Using timber frames as a Modern Method of Construction at this site will help produce less carbon dioxide emissions as opposed to traditional brick. The homes are also assembled on site quickly which means they can be built at a much faster pace compared to traditional build.

“We also chose timber frames for the garage sites as they have limited access and space to store materials, so by using this construction method the homes were able to be built effectively.

“At Citizen we are committed to working with our partners to make a positive difference to our customers and are looking forward to seeing these homes progress.”

The homes at the sites will be a mix of one and three bed houses as well as one and two bed bungalows.

Katie O’Cearbhhaill from Excelsior Land said: “Excelsior Land are delighted to be partnering with Citizen to provide much needed homes in the Coventry area. All of the homes we create are low carbon and this scheme is no exception.

“We pride ourselves on working with our clients to regenerate local communities, and reduce crime hotspots by transforming these challenging garage sites into first class accommodation for the local residents. We are currently running 13% ahead of our programme schedule and attribute this to the positive partnership and proactive collaboration between Citizen Housing Group, LoCaL Homes and Excelsior Land.

“Regenerating local communities using brown field sites is important to Excelsior Land and we look forward to carrying out many more projects like this!”

Mike Doolan, Sales and Partnership Manager at LoCaL Homes added: “We are delighted to be working with Citizen, Coventry City Council and Excelsior Land to deliver 19 new, thermally-efficient home which will meet a variety of housing need across the city.

“Our off-site manufactured Eco-200 timber frame solutions, complete with brick slips, reduce construction time on site and produce less waste when compared to traditional building methods. This brings both environmental benefits and results in quicker handovers. The future occupants will be paying, on average, lower fuel bills thanks to the thermal-efficiency of our fabric-first approach.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking Affiliate of Sinaloa Cartel Charged with Drug Conspiracy in Chicago

Source: United States Attorneys General 2

A grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging a high-ranking affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the United States.

“As alleged, the defendant conspired to traffic dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States — and employed dozens of gunmen to protect his drug trafficking operation and the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Stopping Mexican cartels from poisoning our communities with fentanyl and other narcotics is a top priority of this Administration. Today’s indictment demonstrates that the Criminal Division is relentless in its pursuit of the drug traffickers who profit at the expense of the American people.”

“Our nation’s fentanyl crisis has devastated individuals and families in northern Illinois and throughout the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics before they can reach more victims.”

“From San Diego to Chicago to D.C., we are united to bring down the traffickers pushing these poisons into American communities,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “We are attacking at every level — from street dealers to cartel leaders.”

“This indictment reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Let this serve as a clear message: if you engage in cartel activity, we will pursue you and bring you to justice. Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we remain fully committed to protecting the American people and stopping the flow of these dangerous drugs into our nation.”

According to court documents, Ceferino Espinoza Angulo, 43, employed dozens of gunmen in Mexico to protect and support the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Ivan Guzman-Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar, Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman-Lopez, collectively known as “the Chapitos.” Espinoza Angulo allegedly conspired to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and to manufacture, distribute, and import into the United States fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Ceferino Espinoza also allegedly illegally possessed a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking scheme.

The Chapitos are the sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo,” who led the Sinaloa Cartel before being convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, and sentenced to life in prison. The Chapitos allegedly assumed their father’s role as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Chapitos have been charged with drug trafficking in other U.S. indictments.

Espinoza Angulo is charged with drug conspiracy and firearm offenses. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Espinoza Angulo is believed to be residing in Mexico, and a U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, and the Portland, Oregon, Police Bureau, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Interdiction Taskforce.

Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Parthum and Andrew C. Erskine for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Bay Roberts — Bay Roberts RCMP investigates break and enter at Harbour View Grocery in Clarke’s Beach

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Bay Roberts RCMP is investigating a break, enter and theft that occurred on February 9, 2025, at Harbour View Grocery and Confectionary in Clarke’s Beach.

Suspect(s) forced entry into the business at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. A quantity of rolled coins and a number of cartons of cigarettes were stolen from inside. A window was smashed, along with other forms of damage to the inside and outside of the property.

The investigation is continuing.

Bay Roberts RCMP asks the public to check for any possible surveillance footage obtained in the area around the time of the crime and to report any suspicious activity.

Anyone having information about this crime or the person(s) responsible is asked to contact Bay Roberts RCMP at 709-786-2118. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: CBP Officer Arrested in El Paso, Charged with Alien Smuggling and Drug Trafficking

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

EL PASO, Texas – A Customs and Border Protection officer was arrested in El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle undocumented noncitizens for financial gain and alleged drug trafficking activity.

According to court documents, between on or about Dec. 21, 2023 and Feb. 5, 2025, Manuel Perez Jr., 32, of El Paso, allegedly smuggled and attempted to smuggle undocumented noncitizens into the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain. The indictment alleges that, in multiple instances, Perez Jr. admitted a vehicle driven by an undocumented noncitizen at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso as part of human smuggling operations. Additionally, Perez Jr. allegedly conspired to possess a substance containing at least 5kg of cocaine from on or about Nov. 1, 2019 through and including Feb. 5, 2025, to distribute throughout Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina and elsewhere.

Perez Jr. is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States for financial gain, three counts of bringing aliens to the United States for financial gain, and one count of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces a up to five years in federal prison for the human smuggling conspiracy charge, three to 10 years in prison for each of the three additional human smuggling charges, and 10 years to life for the drug trafficking charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

This investigation was a joint effort by FBI El Paso, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, and Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, which comprise the FBI El Paso West Texas Border Corruption Task Force, along with the assistance of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division/Texas Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso and the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Johnston is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: On “Safer Internet Day” U.S. Attorney’s Office Encourages Parents to Talk Frequently and Openly with Children About Their Online Activity

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SIOUX FALLS – Each year on February 11, more than one hundred countries around the world celebrate “Safer Internet Day.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota takes this opportunity to remind the community that the Internet is often used for the sexual exploitation of children. In 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, prosecuted more than 50 cases involving child exploitation and/or the production or receipt of child pornography originating on the Internet.

For example, in April 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office secured a conviction against Tyler Grimes, a 26-year-old man from Aldie, Virginia, who used the Internet-based application Omegle and his cellular phone to entice a minor to engage in sexually explicit activity. The minor was born in February 2014, making her seven years old at all relevant times. During his communications with the minor, who lived in Rapid City, South Dakota, Grimes repeatedly asked her for nude photos and videos of herself. She complied. After Grimes’ communications were discovered by the minor’s father, the minor was forensically interviewed. Later, many images and videos of child pornography between Grimes and the victim were located on the victim’s iPad. In August 2024, Grimes was sentenced to ten years in federal prison.

In June 2024, October 2024, and February 2025, Justin Preuschl, age 27, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was indicted for federal charges involving the exploitation of minors. The Indictment alleges that starting in December 2022 and continuing into 2024, Preuschl engaged in sexually explicit communications over the Internet with multiple juvenile female victims. The Indictment further alleges that Preuschl pretended to be a 15-year-old male, pressured the victims into sending him sexually explicit materials, and sent pictures of male genitals to the victims. Preuschl was employed as a teacher at Whittier Middle School in Sioux Falls at the time of many of the charged offenses.*

It is of vital importance that parents and guardians talk frequently and openly with children about responsible Internet use. It is also essential that the community understands the warning signs of cyberbullying and sextortion, including:

Sudden changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, anxious, or secretive;
Abruptly deleting social media accounts or frequently creating new accounts;
Turning offs or hiding devices in the presence of a parent or other adult;
Clearing their web browser cache and/or history;
Unexplained money or gift cards; and
Spending less time with friends.

If you are concerned about particular online activity, please contact local law enforcement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are committed to ensuring a better Internet for all. Find great resources at: https://www.icactaskforce.org/Pages/InternetSafety.aspx and https://saferinternetday.us/

*The charges are merely accusations, and Preuschl is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty in Fraud Scheme That Illegally Generated $17 Million in Revenue for North Korea

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

WASHINGTON – Christina Marie Chapman, 48, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. in connection with a scheme that assisted overseas IT workers—posing as U.S. citizens and residents—in working at more than 300 U.S. companies in remote IT positions. The scheme generated more than $17 million in illicit revenue for herself and for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea).

The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; FBI Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez of the Phoenix Field Office, and IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick for IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office.

Chapman pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss scheduled sentencing for June 16, 2025. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the parties will jointly recommend that the Court impose a sentence of 94 to 111 months in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

According to court documents, Chapman, an American citizen, conspired with overseas IT workers from October 2020 to October 2023 to steal the identities of U.S. nationals and used those identities to apply for remote IT jobs and, in furtherance of the scheme, transmitted false documents to the Department of Homeland Security. Chapman and her coconspirators obtained jobs at hundreds of U.S. companies, including Fortune 500 corporations, often through temporary staffing companies or other contracting organizations.

Chapman received and hosted computers from the U.S. companies, creating a “laptop farm” at her home, so that the companies would believe the workers were in the United States. As a result of Chapman’s assistance, the overseas IT workers gained access to the internal systems of the U.S. companies.

Chapman’s overseas IT workers received more than $17.1 million for their work. Much of the income was falsely reported to the IRS and Social Security Administration in the names of actual U.S. individuals whose identities had been stolen.

As a result of the conduct of Chapman and her conspirators, more than 300 U.S. companies were impacted, more than 70 identities of U.S. person were compromised, on more than 100 occasions false information was conveyed to DHS, and more than 70 U.S. individuals had false tax liabilities created in their name.

This case was investigated by the FBI Counterintelligence Division, the FBI Phoenix Field Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, and IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office with assistance from the FBI Chicago Field Office.

It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Prosecutors Joshua Rothstein, Karen Seifert, Thomas Gillice, and Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. Trial Attorney Gregory J. Nicosia Jr. of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section provided valuable assistance.

24cr220

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Farmington Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud, Public Corruption Offenses

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that HELEN ZERVAS, 57, of Farmington, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in Bridgeport to health care fraud and public corruption offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Zervas, an optometrist, owned and operated Family Eye Care, located in Bristol, and was a participating provider in Medicaid and Medicare. Between approximately October 2015 and January 2020, Zervas repeatedly submitted claims to Medicaid and Medicare falsely representing that she had provided, or determined it was medically necessary to provide, certain treatment. For example, between approximately September 2016 and January 2020, Zervas made more than 300 false claims to Medicaid and more than 30 false claims to Medicare for insertion of an amniotic membrane to the eye surface of a patient when that treatment was either not provided or was not medically necessary.

In 2020, while the State of Connecticut was auditing Zervas’s and Family Eye Care’s Medicaid billings, Zervas conspired with both a senior official in the State’s Office of Policy and Management and a Connecticut State Representative to interfere with the audit. In exchange for payments from Family Eye Care, Zervas, and the state representative, the senior official agreed to advise and pressure other state employees to take official action concerning the pending Medicaid audit of Zervas and Family Eye Care.

Zervas pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Zervas is released pending sentencing, which is not yet scheduled.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and David E. Novick.

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Safer Internet Day 2025: Tackling abusive AI-generated content risks
Source: Microsoft

Headline: Safer Internet Day 2025: Tackling abusive AI-generated content risks

Every year, Safer Internet Day provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the state of online safety – how far we’ve come and how we can continue to improve. For almost a decade, Microsoft has marked the occasion by releasing research on how individuals of all ages perceive and experience risk online. Last year, we highlighted the growing importance of AI. This year, in our ninth Global Online Safety Survey, we’ve dug deeper to understand how people view and are using this technology, plus how well they can identify AI-generated content.

Our findings show that while there has been a global increase in AI users (51% have ever used compared to 39% in 2023), worries about the technology have also increased: 88% of people were worried about generative AI, compared to 83% last year. Further, our data confirms that people have difficulty in identifying AI generated content, which may amplify abusive AI content risks.

Announcing new resources to empower the responsible use of AI

At Microsoft, we are committed to advancing AI responsibly to realize its benefits. Fundamental to this is the work we do to build a strong safety architecture and to safeguard our services from abuse. Unfortunately, we know that the creation of harmful content is one of the ways in which AI can be subject to abuse, which is why we are taking a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue. That approach includes public awareness and education – and this year’s research underscored the need for media literacy and guidance on the responsible use of AI. Building on the launch of our Family Safety Toolkit last year, we’re pleased to announce new resources:
- Partnership with Childnet: We are proud to partner with Childnet, a leading UK organization dedicated to making the internet a safer place for children. Together, we are developing educational materials aimed at preventing the misuse of AI, such as the creation of deepfakes. These resources will be available to schools and families, providing valuable information on how to protect children from online risks. This partnership underscores our comprehensive approach to tackling non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) risks, including through education for teens.
- Minecraft “CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper”: We are thrilled to announce the release of “CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper,” a new educational game in Minecraft and Minecraft Education that focuses on the responsible use of AI. This game is designed to engage young minds and foster curiosity while teaching important lessons about AI in a safe and controlled game environment. Players will embark on exciting adventures, solving puzzles and challenges that highlight the ethical considerations of AI and prepare them to navigate real-world digital safety scenarios at home and at school. While the player doesn’t engage with generative AI technology directly through the game, they will work through challenges and scenarios that simulate use of AI and learn how to use it responsibly. “Dig Deeper” is the fourth installment in a series of CyberSafe worlds from Minecraft created in partnership with Xbox Family Safety that have been downloaded more than 80 million times.
- AI Guide for Older Adults: We are also proud to partner with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, whose programs and partners collectively engage over 500,000 older adults each year with free technology and AI training. As part of the partnership, OATS released an AI Guide for Older Adults that helps people age 50+ understand the benefits and risks of AI, including guidance on staying safe. Training for OATS call center staff to handle AI-related questions is also helping increase older adults’ confidence in their ability to use the technology and spot scams. 
Additional resources for educators to help students navigate the digital world can be found here.

A deeper dive into this year’s Global Online Safety Survey findings

As the digital landscape evolves, we adapt our global survey questions to reflect these changes. This year, we identified an opportunity to quiz people on their ability to identify AI-generated content using images from Microsoft’s “Real or Not” quiz. We asked respondents about their confidence in spotting deepfakes before and after looking at a series of images. We found 73% of respondents admitted that spotting AI-generated images is hard, and only 38% of images were identified correctly. We also asked people about their concerns: common worries about generative AI included scams (73%), sexual or online abuse (73%) and deepfakes (72%).

Our research also shows that people worldwide continue to be exposed to a variety of online risks, with 66% exposed to at least one risk over the last year. You can find the full results, including additional data on teen and parent experiences and perceptions of life online here.

Reaffirming our commitment to online safety

Our approach at Microsoft is centered on empowering users by advancing safety and human rights. We know we have a responsibility to take steps to protect our users from illegal and harmful online content and conduct, as well as to contribute to a safer online ecosystem. We also have a responsibility to protect human rights, including critical values such as freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information. At Microsoft, we achieve this balance through carefully tailoring our safety interventions across our different consumer services, depending on the nature of the service and of the harm.

Our approach to advance online safety has always been grounded in privacy and free expression. We advocate for proportionate and tailored safety regulations, supporting risk-based approaches while cautioning against over-broad measures that hinder privacy or freedom of speech. We will continue to engage closely with policymakers and regulators around the world on ways to tackle the biggest risks, especially to children, in thoughtful ways: productivity software like Microsoft Word, for example, should not be subject to the same requirements as a social media service. And finally, we will continue our advocacy for modernized legislation to protect the public from abusive AI-generated content in support of a safer digital environment for all.

Global Online Safety Survey Methodology

Microsoft has published annual research since 2016 that surveys how people of varying ages use and view online technology. This latest consumer-based report is based on a survey of nearly 15,000 teens (13-17) and adults that was conducted this past summer in 15 countries examining people’s attitudes and perceptions about online safety tools and interactions. Responses to online safety differ depending on the country. Full results can be accessed here.

Tags: AI, deepfakes, Microsoft Global Online Safety Survey, Online Safety, Responsible AI, Safer Internet Day
MIL OSI Economics –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Speaks Out Against Attorney General Bondi’s Actions To Weaponize DOJ

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
February 11, 2025
Durbin’s floor speech comes after the Trump Administration forced out dozens of DOJ and FBI officials and is now threatening additional action against thousands of employees across the country who worked on investigations related to January 6 and President Trump
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke out against Attorney General Pam Bondi forher work to undermine the integrity and credibility of the Department of Justice, including creating a so-called “Weaponization Working Group,” a task force to investigate “the activities of all departments and agencies exercising civil or criminal enforcement authority of the United States over the last four years.” Durbin’s concerns are especially pertinent as the Trump Administration purged dozens of senior career civil servants at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—including longtime nonpartisan leaders of the government’s counterterrorism and counterespionage efforts—further exemplifying the need for an independent DOJ. After Attorney General Bondi was confirmed, President Trump said, “I know I’m supposed to say she’s going to be totally impartial with respect to Democrats… I’m not sure if there’s a possibility of totally.”
Durbin said, “On day one in office, Attorney General Bondi created a so-called ‘Weaponization Working Group,’ a task force to investigate, ‘the activities of all departments and agencies exercising civil or criminal enforcement authority of the United States over the last four years.’ Bondi said that she would ‘investigate the investigators,’ and ‘prosecute the prosecutors,’ and now she’s doing exactly that to seek ‘retribution’ against his [Trump’s] political enemies—real and perceived.”
Durbin continued, “I wish I could say I am surprised by Attorney General Bondi’s actions, but last week, I stood in this very spot, sounding the same alarm just before her confirmation vote—the writing was on the wall. Attorney General Bondi has made it clear that her foremost loyalty is to one person—President Trump. And she kept her promise to him on day one after being sworn into office by Justice Clarence Thomas. Bondi’s directive is only one step in misusing the powers of government to carry out President Trump’s retribution against those he perceives to be his enemies.”
Durbin went on to outline that his concerns are even more pressing because, over the last 22 days, the Trump Administration has purged dozens of senior career law enforcement officials at the Department of Justice and FBI. This purge has been particularly focused on dedicated, nonpartisan prosecutors and investigators working in the National Security Division and the FBI. Last week, FBI law enforcement personnel across the country had little over 48 hours to answer a survey about their work on any case related to the January 6 attack on the Capitol—including whether they handled arrests, led operations, testified in trials, and more.
“The Acting Attorney General had also issued a memo firing a dozen career DOJ prosecutors, stating, ‘Given your significant role in prosecuting the President, I do not believe that the leadership of the Department can trust you in implementing the President’s agenda faithfully.’ The Bureau’s acting leaders are career FBI public servants who have reportedly resisted the push from Trump Administration officials to punish FBI agents who were simply doing the work that was assigned to them to investigate the January 6 attack,” Durbin said.
Last Friday, the FBI turned over the names of thousands of FBI personnel. A temporary court order was issued on Friday that is keeping DOJ from revealing those names for now. Tomorrow, FBI probationary agents and personnel stationed around the world are required to submit justifications for their continued employment. This could lead to firing up to 3,000 federal law enforcement officials.
“These mass layoffs, forced retirements, and involuntary reassignments of experienced DOJ and FBI officials represent an outright attack on public safety by President Trump—America will be less safe because of this political charade that’s going on in the Department of Justice… The purge is already leading to widespread disruption and delay in prosecutions, investigations, and sensitive operations. Joint-Terrorism Task Forces have been asked to focus on President Trump’s immigration-related initiatives, which means valuable resources and personnel have been shifted away from state, local, and federal partners fighting foreign and domestic terrorism,” Durbin continued.
“As America faces a heightened threat landscape, these removals and reassignments are crippling not only to the Justice Department and the FBI, but the 93 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 55 FBI Field Offices across the country. The loss of potentially thousands of federal law enforcement jobs will overburden local field offices; slow ongoing case work; increase the unemployment rates nationwide; and harm local economies. President Trump may claim to ‘back the blue,’ but apparently he is only interested in doing so when it is politically convenient for his political agenda,”Durbin said.
Durbin concluded, “Before Ms. Bondi’s confirmation, my concerns about how she would lead the Department were based on her history as President Trump’s lawyer. But the leadership of Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, is no longer hypothetical—her directives and actions are now impacting innocent people and good Americans who dedicate their lives to public service. We need to work together on a bipartisan basis to push back against these attacks on the Department of Justice and FBI to protect the national security of the United States.”
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Scott Introduce Legislation Sanctioning the Communist Cuban Regime

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) announced the reintroduction of the Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus (DEMOCRACIA) Act to hold the illegitimate communist Cuban regime accountable through severe sanctions and unprecedented financial pressure.
“Thanks to President Trump, we have strength in the White House again,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The United States will not stand by while the Cuban communist regime commits heinous human rights abuses and takes political prisoners. If Cuba wants to continue committing these crimes, they should be sanctioned. I am proud to join my colleagues in standing up against this evil regime.”
“Cuba is the root of instability in Latin America and a constant threat to the national security of the United States, only emboldened by the past four years of Biden-Harris appeasement policies,” said Sen. Scott.“The illegitimate, communist Castro/Díaz-Canel regime harbors terrorist groups, denies freedom and democracy to the Cuban people while providing a secret police force to Maduro to oppress the Venezuelan people, and hosts a Chinese Communist Party spy station 90 miles from Florida. The Cuban regime props up ruthless dictators and allows a foothold in Latin America for Russia, Iran and Communist China to spread their influence. President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have already taken action to hold the Cuban regime accountable, including reversing Biden’s dangerous decision to remove them from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List, but we must keep the pressure going. My DEMOCRACIA Act will build on their efforts by implementing severe sanctions against Communist Cuba and closes existing sanctions gaps. It will also authorize the president to provide unrestricted internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored by the Cuban regime. The United States continues to stand with the Cuban people, and this bill will send a powerful message as we work to bring a new day of freedom and democracy to Cuba and the entire western hemisphere.”
Read full text of the legislation here.
BACKGROUND:
Authorizes the president to impose sanctions—blocking assets and denying entry into the United States—on a foreign person if the president determines that the person knowingly engages in an activity with Cuba’s defense sector, security sector, intelligence sector, or any other sector involved in carrying out human rights abuses or providing support for international terrorism.
A foreign person or senior official that provides significant financial, material or technological support to, or engages in a significant transaction with Cuba’s defense, security or intelligence sector or any entity or individual affiliated with that sector (including their immediate adult family member),
Any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 25% or more by one or more designated persons are also subject to sanctions,
Any foreign person that is a military contractor, mercenary or paramilitary force knowingly operating in a military, security, or intelligence capacity for or on behalf of the Cuban regime.

Authorizes the President to impose sanctions with respect to human rights abuse and corruption in Cuba including:
Members of the Communist Party of Cuba, to include the Office of Religious Affairs and members of the Politburo and the Central Committee,
Members of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers,
Ministry of the Interior of Cuba, to include, the National Revolutionary Police Force,
Members of the committee for the Defense of the Revolution,
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba,
Office of the President of Cuba,
Any official of the Cuban regime who works with the Ministry of Justice or the Office of the Attorney General and who violates due process rights of an individual in Cuba,
The spouse and children of any of these blocked individuals are also subject to these sanctions.

Authorizes the President to terminate these sanctions only if he certifies to Congress that the Government of Cuba:
Has released all political prisoners,
Legalized all political parties,
Establishes a free press, and
Free, fair, multiparty internationally observed elections are scheduled in a timely manner.

Authorizes the president to immediately use all means possible to provide unrestricted, reliable internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored or blocked by the Cuban regime
Requires the President to establish a taskforce to develop long-term solutions for providing reliable internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored or blocked by the Cuban regime
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Manhattan Man Charged With Murder-For-Hire Plot Resulting In The Death Of His Husband In Brazil

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Antoinette T. Bacon, the Supervisory Official for the U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the filing of charges against DANIEL SIKKEMA in connection with his role in a murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of his husband in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The charges are contained in a Superseding Indictment unsealed today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. SIKKEMA was previously charged in the Southern District of New York for passport fraud. The case is pending before U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos.

U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “As alleged, Daniel Sikkema and his co-conspirator planned and carried out a cold-blooded plot to murder Sikkema’s husband, a United States citizen, in Brazil. This Office will doggedly pursue justice against those who murder United States citizens, whether at home or abroad.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “In the midst of a tense divorce, Daniel Sikkema allegedly financed the premature death of his estranged husband. The defendant allegedly hired a hitman to facilitate the international murder of his husband, and attempted to conceal his involvement in this callous plan. The FBI will continue to vigorously investigate any individual who selfishly and mercilessly orders the end to another’s life, regardless of where the crime may occur.”

According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment:[1]

In 2023, SIKKEMA agreed with another individual (“CC-1”) that SIKKEMA would pay CC-1 to kill SIKKEMA’s estranged husband (the “Victim”) in Brazil. At that time, SIKKEMA and the Victim were engaged in contentious divorce proceedings and the Victim regularly traveled to Brazil and owned property in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To facilitate the murder-for-hire plot, SIKKEMA, a U.S. and Cuban citizen, sent multiple payments to CC-1 and CC-1’s romantic partner in Cuba. SIKKEMA also concealed the source of each of these payments by using either a stolen identity or an intermediary to send them.

On January 14, 2024, CC-1 murdered the Victim in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the days that followed, SIKKEMA and CC-1 continued to communicate and SIKKEMA arranged for a payment of approximately $5,000 to be made to CC-1 and promised to make an additional payment at a later date.

On January 18, 2024, CC-1 was arrested by Brazilian law enforcement for his involvement in the commission of the Victim’s murder.

* * *

SIKKEMA, 54, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of murder-for-hire conspiracy resulting in death, one count of murder-for-hire resulting in death, one count of conspiracy to murder and maim a person in a foreign country, and one count of passport fraud. If convicted, he faces a mandatory penalty of life in prison or death.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI New York Field Office.

The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith C. Foster and Remy Grosbard for the Southern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.

The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact descried therein should be treated as an allegation.

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: New York Man Indicted for Role in Estranged Husband’s Murder in Brazil

Source: US State of California

A New York man was arrested and charged in a superseding indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of New York for hiring someone to kill his estranged husband, who was murdered in Rio de Janeiro in January 2024. Sikkema made his initial court appearance on the superseding indictment today in the Southern District of New York.

According to court documents, beginning in 2023, Daniel Sikkema, 54, of New York City, offered another individual (CC-1) money in exchange for CC-1 killing Sikkema’s estranged husband, with whom Sikkema was involved in contentious divorce proceedings. The victim, who was a U.S. citizen, had amassed a multi-million-dollar estate and often traveled to Rio de Janeiro where he maintained property. In advance of the victim’s murder, Sikkema sent CC-1 money using a stolen identity and intermediaries in an effort to conceal the source of the payments.

The victim was murdered by CC-1 on Jan. 14, 2024.

Sikkema is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a murder-for-hire, one count of murder-for-hire, one count of conspiracy to murder a person in a foreign county, and one count of passport fraud. If convicted, he faces a mandatory penalty of life in prison or death. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon for the Southern District of New York, and Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Foster and Remy Grosbard for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Indicted for Role in Estranged Husband’s Murder in Brazil

Source: United States Attorneys General 1

A New York man was arrested and charged in a superseding indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of New York for hiring someone to kill his estranged husband, who was murdered in Rio de Janeiro in January 2024. Sikkema made his initial court appearance on the superseding indictment today in the Southern District of New York.

According to court documents, beginning in 2023, Daniel Sikkema, 54, of New York City, offered another individual (CC-1) money in exchange for CC-1 killing Sikkema’s estranged husband, with whom Sikkema was involved in contentious divorce proceedings. The victim, who was a U.S. citizen, had amassed a multi-million-dollar estate and often traveled to Rio de Janeiro where he maintained property. In advance of the victim’s murder, Sikkema sent CC-1 money using a stolen identity and intermediaries in an effort to conceal the source of the payments.

The victim was murdered by CC-1 on Jan. 14, 2024.

Sikkema is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a murder-for-hire, one count of murder-for-hire, one count of conspiracy to murder a person in a foreign county, and one count of passport fraud. If convicted, he faces a mandatory penalty of life in prison or death. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon for the Southern District of New York, and Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Foster and Remy Grosbard for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Most animals have their own version of tree rings – here’s how we biologists use them to help species thrive

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Sturrock, Senior Lecturer, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Narwhal tusks reveal how they’re affected by declining Arctic ice. Saifullahphtographer

We have a natural fascination with time – how landscapes have been carved over millennia, how our bodies grow and sag with age, how the stars traverse the sky each night. Scientists probe the layers beneath our feet to understand the secrets of our past. Geologists and palaeontologists sample ice, rock and fossils to reconstruct past climates and species and archaeologists pick through ancient “dustbins” (middens) in excavation sites to reimagine our historical dinner time.

Similarly, most living things produce records of their own existence in layered body tissues – often in the form of daily or yearly growth bands. The most familiar of these so-called biochronologies are tree rings, which form every year in response to seasonal cycles in temperature and rainfall.

Dendrochronology – the art of tree-ring counting – allows us to precisely date trees. Based on the rings in its trunk, a bristlecone pine in eastern California known as Methuselah is said to be the world’s oldest living thing at 4,856 years old.

Methuselah, the world’s oldest living tree.
Xiaoling Sun

It’s not just the number of rings, either – their width tells us whether the tree was thriving in a particular year, or suffering due to drought. Chemical compounds locked into the wood offer clues about atmospheric changes, including those produced by volcanic eruptions.

Tree rings are famously detailed life records.
Veroja

Let’s not not stop at trees – your own tooth cement, nails and hair are forming chemical and visual records of your own life experience right now, storing traces of food, drink and drugs you have consumed. They can also produce “stress marks” during trauma or pregnancy, when a mother literally breaks her own body tissues to grow and nourish her baby.

Elsewhere in the natural world, some of the more surprising examples of biochronologies include whale earwax, narwhal tusks, bird feathers and the bony plates (scutes) on turtle shells.

Turtle power.
VLADIMIR VK

Recent studies, for instance, have applied forensic analyses of whale earwax to explore their stress levels during historic whaling days. Narwhal tusks, meanwhile, have helped explain how declining Arctic sea ice has affected their diet and exposure to pollution.

The importance of otoliths

In my lab, we work with aquatic animals – from fish scales and ear bones to squid eyes and beaks. Like decoding a biological black box, we analyse chemical constituents in the growth layers to reconstruct a detailed picture of the individual’s prior health, diet and movements.

Some biochronologies are more “fickle”, forming layers at unpredictable rates, including the eye lenses of fish and turtle scutes. Others, such as bird feathers, are shorter lived due to periodic moulting. Yet they all share the important feature of serial growth, producing valuable archives that we can probe to build a picture of the animal’s life.

Probably the best known biochronometer in the animal world – and my own personal obsession – is the fish otolith, or ear bone (Ancient Greek: oto is ear and líthos is stone). We humans have tiny ear stones (otoconia), whose primary function is to maintain balance, but fish otoliths are also crucial for hearing, as well as featuring specific properties that make them particularly valuable markers of biochronology.

Unlike “normal” bones, fish otoliths are composed of calcium carbonate crystals and are metabolically inert, meaning they never get broken down and rebuilt. Instead they keep growing – even during periods of starvation – producing daily and annual growth bands.

These beautiful crystalline structures are also highly resistant to degradation and vary in shape between species. This enables scientists to use a combination of “otolith atlases” and artificial intelligence to identify popular choices of fish from otoliths left behind in ancient human middens, as well as in the contemporary stomach contents or poop of predators such as seals, albatrosses and squid.

Otoliths have driven my research for almost two decades. I’ve been fascinated by animal migration and the ecological and evolutionary processes underpinning these long and dangerous journeys ever since taking a “movement ecology” class at the University of Edinburgh with the brilliant Professor Victoria Braithwaite in 2003.

I decided I wanted to track marine animals myself, and my lab now primarily uses otolith and eye lens chemistry to reconstruct fish habitat use and growth rates, and the temperatures they experienced through their lives. We are now also investigating how well these same structures track reproductive events, chronic stress and exposure to pollution.

And we are working with international teams to understand how hypoxia (low oxygen zones or “dead zones”) affect fish growth and reproduction. Ultimately, this data allows us to connect stressful events in a fish’s past to its lifetime health and survival, which is important for predicting a species’ persistence.

For example, a recent study used otolith-derived metabolic rates of Atlantic bluefin tuna to show their vulnerability to future climate change. Meanwhile in California, we used otolith chemistry to understand the impact of dams on salmon migration and survival, revealing that – on many rivers – dams have made it impossible for salmon to escape into the mountains during summer, which is essential for enabling them to resist the increasingly severe droughts afflicting the region.

Conservation

Fisheries managers read the rings on millions of otoliths each year to track individual cohorts and look for warning signs of overfishing, but I would argue that biochronologies are still underused in this field. For example, fisheries managers could use otoliths to track the movements of juveniles too small to be tagged (those under 4cm long), since chemical markers make it possible to identify where they grew up. This would allow these managers to earmark productive or struggling “nursery habitats” for protection or improvement, respectively.

We consistently find that rivers and estuaries play a critical role in the survival and growth of valuable species such as salmon, sea bass and anchovies. Juvenile fish often have such high natural mortality rates – often only 1% survive to their first birthday – that even small improvements to their survival can result in large boosts in abundance and make wild fisheries more sustainable.

Small improvements to survival of wild salmon could make a huge difference to their sustainability.
Jakub Rutkiewicz

As such, let’s keep up the momentum to clean and restore our rivers and beaches, and to embrace monitoring tools such as biochronologies to learn which actions produce the biggest benefits. Next time you think about banging the glass at an aquarium, just remember that the fish inside are listening – and recording you too.

Anna Sturrock receives funding from a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship

– ref. Most animals have their own version of tree rings – here’s how we biologists use them to help species thrive – https://theconversation.com/most-animals-have-their-own-version-of-tree-rings-heres-how-we-biologists-use-them-to-help-species-thrive-249507

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: What is Sudan virus and how similar is it to Ebola?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health, University of Southampton

The Ugandan government and the World Health Organization recently confirmed an outbreak of Sudan virus disease. The index (first-known) case of this outbreak is thought to be a 32-year-old male nurse from a hospital in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

The WHO reported two main clusters, related to the patient’s family and a hospital cluster. At the time of writing, the index case is the sole recorded death. The second case was the patient’s wife, and as of February 11, there were nine confirmed cases.

Outbreaks of this virus are relatively rare. This new outbreak is the ninth to have been recorded since 1976 when the virus was first identified and – as was practice at the time – named after the location where this first outbreak took place, southern Sudan.

A 2022 Sudan virus outbreak also in Uganda resulted in 164 cases and 77 deaths (a fatality rate of 47%). There are no treatments or vaccines against the Sudan virus.

Sudan virus disease is essentially a disease very similar to Ebola. The Ebola virus has caused several high-profile outbreaks. The west Africa 2014-16 outbreak was the largest with 28,600 cases and 11,325 deaths.

The Sudan and Ebola viruses both come from the orthoebolavirus family, but they have different proteins and genetic components, so the immune response to each virus is different. As such, it’s thought that the Ebola vaccines will not be effective against the Sudan virus.

For the current Sudan virus outbreak, there are efforts to deploy vaccine candidates and also monoclonal antibody medicines. These medicines create antibodies that aim to stop the virus from replicating.

In 2022, the WHO recommended two monoclonal antibodies for use against Ebola. There is enthusiasm for similar research related to treatments for the Sudan virus.

A phase 1 vaccine trial, the earliest phase of testing in humans, is underway.

The similarities in structure between these two types of orthoebolavirus mean that the symptoms in patients are similar. The illness for both viruses may typically begin with fever, aches and fatigue with potential progression onto diarrhoea, vomiting and unexplained bleeding.

Laboratory testing is needed to differentiate between the diseases, though the urgent need for isolation remains.

Early supportive treatment has been shown to reduce mortality rates of Sudan and Ebola virus disease, giving the patient time for their body to recover. This usually involves replacing fluids and treating pain, fever and other possible infections, such as malaria.

The reporting of the 2022 Sudan virus disease outbreak described how patients would first visit care facilities that were outside of the mainstream health service. There were many new infections across late August 2022 from within private health facilities that drove transmission early on in the outbreak. This suggested a low level of infection prevention and control, and quite possibly a lack of equipment and good practice to contain serious infections.

When cases were confirmed, most known contacts who developed symptoms were referred to specialist units for testing and hospital care. These referrals typically happened in October, and the outbreak was declared over by the end of November 2022. Although we lack vital tools such as effective vaccines and drugs, contact tracing and appropriate infection control can contain serious outbreaks such as these.

Climate change driving distribution

Climate change will have an effect on the geographical distribution of new and emerging infections, such as Ebola and Sudan virus disease and the Crimean-Congo virus. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever, will find new habitats while dengue and West Nile virus are already becoming more common in Europe and North America.

International cooperation for addressing global health threats is vital. However, these efforts will be hindered by the volatility and lack of coherence from key stakeholders such as the US government. The world faces uncertain times, and these are ideal circumstances for the Sudan virus and other infectious diseases to thrive.

Michael Head has previously received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Research England and the UK Department for International Development, and currently receives funding from the UK Medical Research Foundation.

– ref. What is Sudan virus and how similar is it to Ebola? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-sudan-virus-and-how-similar-is-it-to-ebola-249312

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Three Charged For Their Role In Major Theft Organization Targeting Luxury Vehicles

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return of an indictment charging Michel Serrano (34, Lehigh Acres) with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles and the sale and possession of stolen motor vehicles, as well as two counts of interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles. If convicted on all counts, Serrano faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Julio Sanchez (35, Redwood City, California) and Angel Mares (56, San Jose, California) were also charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles and the sale and possession of stolen motor vehicles. If convicted on this count, Sanchez and Mares each face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Serrano, Sanchez, and Mares that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture for any property, real or personal, which is traceable to the proceeds of the crimes, and an order of forfeiture in the amount of the proceeds of the crimes.

According to the indictment, beginning at least as early as June 2020 and continuing through May 2021, Serrano, Sanchez, Mares, and their co-conspirators stole high-end vehicles from throughout the state of Florida. Vehicles were stolen from car dealerships, residences and residential parking garages, and other businesses. The conspirators altered the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) on the stolen motor vehicles, then transported the stolen vehicles on semi-trucks across state lines with the intent to sell them. The conspirators then sold the stolen motor vehicles to purchasers. For an additional fee, the conspirators would provide the purchaser a full vehicle registration and title within the state of California. The conspirators were paid by the purchasers through cash and checks for the stolen vehicles.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Highway Patrol, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Dade City Police Department, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Bradenton Police Department, Cape Coral Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields.

MIL Security OSI –

February 12, 2025

Category: Crime

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Announcing new resources to empower the responsible use of AI

A deeper dive into this year’s Global Online Safety Survey findings

Reaffirming our commitment to online safety

Global Online Safety Survey Methodology

The importance of otoliths

Conservation

Climate change driving distribution