Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)
TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. forces, alongside our Qatari partners, successfully defended against an Iranian ballistic missile attack targeting Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base near Doha, Qatar.
Thanks to the professional, competent, rapid and coordinated response of U.S. and Qatari forces, the ballistic missile attack was defeated by U.S. and Qatari Patriot batteries and there were no casualties to American or Qatari personnel.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
South Korea’s special prosecutor asked a court on Tuesday to issue an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, an investigator said, as a probe intensified over the ousted leader’s botched bid to impose martial law.
Yoon, who is already facing a criminal trial on insurrection charges for leading the martial law declaration, was arrested in January after resisting authorities trying to take him into custody, but was released after 52 days on technical grounds.
The martial law attempt shocked a country that had prided itself on being a thriving democracy after overcoming military dictatorship in the 1980s and triggered a snap presidential election to pick Yoon’s successor amid bitter political infighting.
The new warrant is on a charge of obstruction, a senior member of the special prosecutor’s team of investigators said.
Yoon had refused to respond to summons for questioning as required under criminal procedures and investigators would “not get dragged around” by him, Park Ji-young, a deputy to the special prosecutor, told a televised briefing on YTN TV.
Lawyers representing Yoon said in a statement they had not been served a proper summons after the special prosecutor was appointed and that the former president would respond once it was served in a legal manner. Yoon had been under investigation by the police and the state prosecutors’ office on a number of charges stemming from the failed attempt in December to impose military rule.
In January, Yoon initially resisted an attempt by investigators trying to execute a court warrant for his arrest, holed up in the presidential residence while his security service led by officials loyal to him barricaded the gates.
The special prosecutor was appointed just days after liberal President Lee Jae-myung took office on June 4 after winning the snap election called after Yoon’s ouster in April and has launched a team of more than 200 prosecutors and investigators to take over ongoing investigations against Yoon.
Yoon is fighting the charges against him that include masterminding insurrection, which is punishable by death or life in prison, claiming he had declared martial law on December 3 to sound the alarm over the threat to democracy posed by the then-opposition Democratic Party.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
A Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region on Tuesday killed at least nine people, damaged civilian infrastructure and wounded dozens of train passengers, officials said.
The two-wave strike killed seven in the regional capital of Dnipro, said governor Serhiy Lysak, where the blast wave also shattered train carriage windows and showered passengers with broken glass.
Nearly 70 people including 10 children were injured, he said, adding the numbers could still rise. Two people were also killed in the town of Samar, around 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Dnipro, the state emergencies service said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Kyiv’s Western partners to respond to the attack. NATO leaders are currently in The Hague for an alliance summit, where President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hopes to secure more military support against Russia’s full-scale invasionlaunched in 2022.
“It is a matter of credibility for allies to step up pressure on Moscow,” Sybiha wrote on X.
He added that schools, kindergartens and a hospital were also damaged in Dnipro. Officials did not provide details of damage in Samar.
Russia has stepped up air strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks, particularly its capital Kyiv, where 28 people were killed on June 17 in the deadliest such attack this year.
Another 10 people were killed in air attacks on Kyiv and the surrounding region on Monday.
(REUTERS)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The Kremlin on Tuesday pushed back against criticism that it had not done enough to back Iran, saying it had taken a “clear position” by condemning U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic.
President Vladimir Putin has condemned what he called “unjustified” U.S. attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, with which he signed a strategic cooperation treaty in January. He said on Monday that Russia would try to help the Iranian people, although he gave no specifics.
Iranian sources told media earlier this week that Tehran had not been impressed with Russia’s support so far.
Asked about comparisons to the toppling last year of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, when Moscow refused to send troops or more air power to keep its ally in power, the Kremlin said some people were trying to spoil the Russian-Iranian partnership.
“Russia actually supported Iran with its clear position,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had appreciated Moscow’s stance when he met Putin on Monday.
It was still too early to assess the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, Peskov said.
“Some information is coming through the appropriate channels, but it is still too early,” Peskov said. “Hardly anyone has a clear understanding right now.”
Asked about a Reuters report that Araqchi had brought a letter to Putin from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Peskov said there had been no written document handed over.
“The fact that there were certain messages from the Iranian leadership is true. But this Reuters report is not true,” Peskov said.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday a complete ceasefire between Israel and Iran, potentially ending the 12-day war that saw millions flee Tehran and prompted fears of further escalation in the war-torn region.
“If it has really been possible to achieve a ceasefire, then this can only be welcomed,” Peskov said, adding that Qatar had helped to broker the ceasefire.
“This is what the Russian Federation has been calling for since the very beginning of this conflict. Therefore, yes, this can and should be welcomed, and we hope that this will be a sustainable ceasefire.”
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, paid homage to the victims of the Air India Flight 182 tragedy at the Ahakista Memorial in Cork, Ireland, on Monday. The commemoration marked the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Air India Kanishka flight, which claimed 329 lives on June 23, 1985.
Minister Puri signed the Visitors Book at the memorial and led a high-level delegation comprising senior legislators from Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Delhi. The delegation represented the Government of India at the solemn commemoration event hosted by the Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Joe Carroll.
The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin, and Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree. Families of the victims also joined the ceremony, held in the coastal village of Ahakista, where debris from the ill-fated flight had been found.
Speaking at the event, Minister Hardeep Singh Puri laid a wreath at the memorial and paid tributes to the victims. “The bombing of Air India AI 182, an act of terrorism, was a stain on humanity,” he said. He also acknowledged the support extended by the people of Ireland during the aftermath of the tragedy. “We pay tribute to the community of Ahakista and the people of Ireland for the spirit with which they rose to the occasion in solidarity with the families of the victims,” the Minister noted.
Canadian Minister Gary Anandasangaree said, “The bombing of Air India Flight 182, 40 years ago, remains the single worst act of terrorism and mass murder in Canadian history.” Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin described the incident as “cruel and horrific,” stating that “the passing of time does not dim the scale of loss and that atrocity.”
As part of the visit, the Indian delegation also participated in a solemn ceremony organised at the Embassy of India in Dublin. The Minister addressed the gathering of victims’ families and members of the Indian diaspora, reiterating India’s unwavering support for the bereaved families.
Minister Puri emphasized the need for global unity in fighting terrorism. “India remains firm in its commitment to combating terrorism and calls for strong international cooperation and understanding on this global threat,” he said.
The Air India Flight 182, operating on the Montreal–London–Delhi route, was bombed mid-air by Canada-based Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa on June 23, 1985. The attack killed all 329 people on board, making it one of the deadliest aviation terror attacks in history.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India marks a significant milestone as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) completes 10 years since its launch on June 25, 2015. Introduced as a transformative initiative to improve the quality of life in urban areas, AMRUT has focused on delivering basic infrastructure and services—especially water supply, sewerage, urban mobility, and green spaces—to citizens across 500 cities and towns.
Over the past decade, AMRUT has redefined India’s urban development landscape. The Mission prioritized inclusive planning, targeting the urban poor with a strong focus on providing universal access to tap water and sewer connections. A notable feature was the allocation of up to 2.5% of project costs towards developing parks with amenities for children and the elderly, thereby enhancing the livability of cities.
A total of ₹77,640 crore worth of State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) have been approved under AMRUT, with ₹35,990 crore committed as Central Assistance. Projects worth ₹79,401 crore have already been completed, and ₹72,656 crore has been expended. The Mission’s core areas—water supply, sewerage, septage management, stormwater drainage, non-motorized urban transport, and the development of green spaces—have brought about tangible change in urban India.
In the area of water supply, the Mission has facilitated the augmentation of water systems, treatment plants, universal metering, and the rejuvenation of water bodies. Special provisions have been made for difficult areas, including hilly and coastal regions. Similarly, sewerage projects have focused on underground networks, rehabilitation of old systems, and reuse of treated wastewater. Faecal sludge management and the mechanical cleaning of septic tanks and sewers have also been addressed to improve sanitation outcomes.
Stormwater drainage projects have reduced urban flooding, while the urban transport component supported the development of footpaths, ferry services, cycle tracks, and multi-level parking. Capacity-building programs have strengthened both institutional and individual capabilities within Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), enabling better governance and service delivery.
Building on the foundation of AMRUT, the government launched AMRUT 2.0 on October 1, 2021. The expanded version covers all ULBs across the country and aims to ensure water security and self-reliance. It seeks universal coverage of sewerage and septage management in the original AMRUT cities, with a total indicative outlay of ₹2.99 lakh crore, including a Central share of ₹76,760 crore over five years.
Under AMRUT 2.0, 3,568 water supply projects worth ₹1,14,220.62 crore have been approved, including 181 lakh new tap connections and 10,647 MLD of water treatment capacity. Additionally, 1,487 projects have been equipped with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) technology for efficient monitoring.
In the sewerage and septage sector, 592 projects worth ₹67,607.67 crore have been approved, adding over 67.11 lakh new sewer connections and 6,739 MLD of sewage treatment capacity. Innovation has also been a key pillar, with the Technology Sub-Mission under AMRUT 2.0 shortlisting 120 start-ups for pilot projects across 82 cities.
Together, AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 have sanctioned 14,828 projects worth ₹2,73,649 crore, of which works worth ₹1,12,368 crore have been physically completed. The total Central Assistance allocated is ₹1,02,786 crore, with ₹47,625 crore already disbursed. Over 2.03 crore households have been provided with tap water connections and 1.5 crore with sewerage connections. Additionally, 544 water bodies covering 9,511 acres have been rejuvenated.
Innovative initiatives like ‘AMRUT Mitra’ have engaged over 10,000 women from Self-Help Groups in monitoring and awareness activities. The ‘Drink from Tap’ initiative has seen 381 projects worth ₹23,490 crore sanctioned, likely to benefit 8 lakh households. More than 90,000 individuals—including contractors, plant operators, plumbers, youth, and officials—have been trained to support capacity-building across states.
As AMRUT completes a decade, it represents a paradigm shift in India’s urban development narrative—one that combines infrastructure growth with inclusivity, sustainability, and improved quality of life. With its strong foundation and the launch of AMRUT 2.0, the Mission continues to pave the way for resilient, future-ready cities that cater to the needs of all citizens.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
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On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on Friday, June 27, 2025, as under:
2. Further, on a review of evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided not to conduct the 14-day main operation on Friday, June 27, 2025, for the ensuing fortnight. 3. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same. (Puneet Pancholy) Press Release: 2025-2026/584 |
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Promoting gender inclusion in cybersecurity: OSCE holds first expert workshop as part of Mentorship programme for women cyber professionals
Promoting gender inclusion in cybersecurity: OSCE holds first expert workshop as part of Mentorship programme for women cyber professionals | OSCE
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Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Promoting gender inclusion in cybersecurity: OSCE holds first expert workshop as part of Mentorship programme for women cyber professionals
Promoting gender inclusion in cybersecurity: OSCE holds first expert workshop as part of Mentorship programme for women cyber professionals | OSCE
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Home Newsroom News and press releases Promoting gender inclusion in cybersecurity: OSCE holds first expert workshop as part of Mentorship programme for women cyber professionals
Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
Control room integration supports community safety and police response
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Unit has integrated Drone as First Responder (DFR) technology to a police control room in the first trial of its kind in the UK.
For over a year the joint operations unit has been testing the DFR concept with trials at the Isle of Wight Festival and Victorious Music Festival in Portsmouth.
Drone as first responder (DFR) will see a network of drones positioned in urban areas providing 24/7 fast-response ‘eyes in the sky’ for incidents reported to the emergency services. Using the latest ‘drone in a box’ technology, drones will have take-off and landing boxes on the roofs of selected buildings. The drones sit waiting for a call to launch coming from the police control room. When the decision is made to deploy a drone, it will be remotely launched and fly to the incident in less than two minutes.
In Southampton, a drone is situated on a rooftop where it can be deployed from the force control room to give a real time picture of incidents. Not only does this enable the effective deployment of policing resources, but it can also track suspects leaving the scene and record footage for evidential purposes.
In future, the drone will be able to team with neighbouring DFR drones to keep watching the original scene while another drone undertakes other tasks, such as following a person of interest leaving the area. DFR drones can also conduct handovers when battery levels mean they need to return to their base to recharge.
At the end of the task, the DFR drone will return to its landing area and the weather-proof box will close so it can be charged and prepared for its next mission.
“Our DFR trials have gathered significant pace over the last year with each one testing out how we can best exploit the potential of drones to support policing and improve the safety of our communities.
“This latest trial shows how DFR integrates with ‘business as usual’ policing. The drone can be remotely deployed from the control room as a key resource in responding to incidents, supporting both community and officer safety.”
“We’ve already seen DFR enhancing our policing response to a number of live incidents and each one has further demonstrated its value for both now and the future in keeping our local communities safe.
“As we move forward, our focus remains on safety and integration, ensuring that our emergency response capabilities are not just effective but also safe and reliable when it matters most.”
Over the last year the NPCC has been running DFR trials in Norwich, Southampton, the West Midlands and Gravesend. The various trial sites have been testing different aspects of the overall DFR capability in differing environments:
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives in Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov Airport in Moscow.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives in Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov Airport in Moscow.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Taiwan has unveiled its Digital Nomad Visa, offering global talent a fresh opportunity to work remotely in a vibrant setting.
To promote this initiative and highlight Taiwan’s appeal for professionals, the National Development Council is hosting two online workshops. These sessions will cover eligibility, application procedures, and real-life insights from digital nomads in Taiwan. The first session targets Europe, while the second is tailored for Australia and New Zealand.
The Australia session is scheduled for July 11, 2025, at 11:30 AM (AEST). Join to explore Taiwan’s talent policies and TALENT TAIWAN services!
Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeACc2Fjhfjtcxu7IKb-FK7Wy8MVBFdcE5F6GZhpFo3ZVMeMw/viewform
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Dubai witnessed a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and women’s empowerment, as over 100 classical dancers performed Nari Shakti, a grand thematic dance spectacle that attracted a multinational audience of more than 2,000 both onsite and online. The production was entirely conceptualized, organized, and executed by women, with most props and costumes handmade. It was supported by several reputable organizations, including the Indian People’s Forum Cultural Council, Trescon, Indian Women in Dubai, Gulf Gelathiyaru, Karnataka Sangha Dubai, and UAE Tamil Sangam.
The production brought to life the story of Draupadi, a central figure in Mahabharata, dramatizing the war of Kurukshetra between the Kauravas and Pandavas. Through vivid costumes, dynamic choreography, and evocative narration, it conveyed the triumph of good over evil and the empowering strength of women. A highlight was Agni Kanye, an ambitious Bharatanatyam performance conceived by Guru Iswarya Bharadwaj, featuring 15 intergenerational acts with dancers aged five to fifty, celebrating the continuity and collaboration within the arts.
As part of the evening’s celebrations recognizing the contributions of women, the title of Nari Shakti was conferred on three women whose work and character embodied the spirit of feminine strength. The honourees were Karthika Vaidyanathan, a Carnatic singer and Filmfare Award winner; Puja Unni, a classical dancer; and Renuka Parameshwar, a Carnatic music teacher. They were honoured for their positive societal impact and for exemplifying the resilience and power symbolized by Draupadi.
Underlining the event’s inclusive spirit, the programme also featured performances by Divyangs alongside the main acts, highlighting the UAE’s ongoing commitment to fostering a tolerant and inclusive society where artistic expression transcends boundaries of age, nationality, and ability.The event reinforced Dubai’s growing stature as a global hub for culture and the arts. More than a platform for talent, the show served as a tribute to the UAE’s efforts to advance global artistic expression and provide spaces where creativity can thrive.The Nari Shakti festival demonstrated how cultural events can serve multiple roles, preserving traditional art forms, promoting cross-cultural harmony, and advancing social causes.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
“Today’s FSB report, “Windsor Framework Realities” confirms from an objective business standpoint the worsening economic consequences of the Irish Sea border – the very border some stooped to lies to try and pretend was gone!
“The findings that 58% of those trading from GB to NI report impeding frictions and 34% of firms having stopped trading between GB and NI, confirms how much by design the Protocol is reorientating our economy away from its natural and essential GB alignment. When 78% of NI businesses responding to the FSB survey declare negative impacts from the Protocol, then if government cared anything for the integrity of the UK and its internal market, it would act.
“When taken with the NISRA figures on trade diversion, it is clear we are long past the point when HMG should be acting under Article 16 of the Protocol. But, sadly, this government is so beholden to the EU that it will readily sacrifice NI business in favour of placating Brussels.
“Things need not be as they are. There is a ready made solution in ‘mutual enforcement’, but Starmer and co care only about edging the whole UK back under Brussels’ control.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government announced today (June 24) that the HKSAR Search and Rescue Team to quake-stricken areas in Myanmar in March 2025 and the Inter-departmental Preparation Team for Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) Commissioning were awarded a new round of the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, congratulated the two award-winning teams and expressed pride in their performance and contributions. He said, “The two award-winning teams reflected the outstanding competence of the civil service of the HKSAR and the efficiency of the Government, and exemplified Hong Kong’s second-place global ranking in the ‘Government efficiency’ factor of the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025. All these have confirmed and reinforced my belief in driving result-oriented policies for the Government.”
Congratulating the two award-winning civil service teams, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “The HKSAR Search and Rescue Team has demonstrated fearless professionalism and humanitarian care, while the Preparation Team for KTSP Commissioning has displayed efficient collaboration and precise planning of the civil servants. The two teams comprised outstanding civil servants across different departments and grades, who overcame numerous challenges and accomplished their tasks with utmost professionalism. I hope that this honour will inspire more colleagues to forge ahead and continue to serve the community with dedication.”
Source: Bank for International Settlements
A tokenised unified ledger incorporating central bank money, commercial bank deposits and government bonds will lay the foundations of a tokenised monetary and financial system based on the time-tested principles of sound money, the Bank for International Settlements said today, as it called on central banks and public authorities to pave the way for this next phase.
A special chapter of the BIS’s Annual Economic Report 2025 builds on the principles of the unified ledger by laying out a more detailed blueprint for how this concept can combine the “trilogy” of tokenised central bank reserves, tokenised commercial bank money and tokenised government bonds, while maintaining the core elements of a sound monetary system based on trust in central bank money.
Tokenisation – the digital representation of assets on programmable platforms – integrates messaging, reconciliation and settlement into a single seamless operation, and can transform cross-border payments and securities markets, ushering in a new era for the financial system.
Tokenisation of deposits and central bank money means that both the primary means of payment as well as the settlement function of central bank money can be integrated seamlessly on the same programmable platform. It has the potential to transform securities markets and its application to correspondent banking is especially promising.
Hyun Song Shin, Economic Adviser and Head of the Monetary and Economic Department
While stablecoins may eventually play a subsidiary role in the hinterland of the financial system if adequately regulated, they do not deliver singleness of money (acceptance for payment at par), elasticity (timely discharge of obligations, preventing gridlock) and integrity (safeguarding against financial crime). Therefore, besides acting as a gateway to the crypto ecosystem, their future role is unclear.
The next-generation monetary and financial system combines the time-tested principles of trust in money underpinned by central banks with the functionality unlocked by tokenisation. This system is poised to deliver substantial improvements to current practices and to enable entirely new economic arrangements. Realising the full potential of the system requires bold actions by central banks, which need to work in partnership with the private sector and other public authorities.
Agustín Carstens, General Manager
The BIS and central banks are already driving this vision with Project Agorá, a collaboration led by the BIS with seven central banks and 43 private sector institutions.
The BIS is not just theorising, it is working with central banks to test and develop tokenisation as the backbone of the future monetary and financial system. The BIS Innovation Hub’s Project Agorá harnesses tokenisation to improve cross-border payments in the banking system and make them seamless, more efficient and cost-effective. Project Pine explores how central banks can implement monetary policy operations in a tokenised world.
Andréa M Maechler, Deputy General Manager and Acting Head of the BIS Innovation Hub
Note to editors:
Source: Greenpeace Statement –
Exeter, UK – 24.06.2025 – A scientific survey of two areas targeted for deep sea mining in the Pacific Ocean by The Metals Company has confirmed the presence of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The news comes as world governments are about to attend a meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) next month, with 37 governments already voicing their opposition to deep sea mining. The ISA is the intergovernmental body charged with regulating deep sea mining in international waters. It has a mandate to protect the oceans from harmful effects.
The survey is published today in the scientific journal, Frontiers in Marine Science. It was conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories from Greenpeace International’s ship, Arctic Sunrise. It studied two exploration blocks held by The Metals Company in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (known as NORI-d and TOML-e).
Dr Kirsten Young of the University of Exeter and lead author of the study said:
“We already knew that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is home to at least 20 species of cetaceans, but we’ve now demonstrated their presence in two areas specifically earmarked for deep sea mining by The Metals Company.”
Following President Trump’s approval of a deep sea mining Executive Order in April, The Metals Company applied to the US government to give TMC unilateral permission to commercially mine the international seabed in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. According to reports, this application covers the NORI-d area. This bypasses and undermines the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator for deep sea mining and has been met with strong criticism from governments around the world. Scientists have previously warned of “long lasting, irreversible” impacts of deep sea mining on the region.
Cetaceans are known to be impacted by noise pollution caused by humans, and could be impacted by the significant noise expected to be created by deep sea mining operations. These operations would also generate sediment plumes, which could impact cetacean populations by disrupting deep ocean food systems.
Dr Kirsten Young continued:
“While more research is needed to build a complete picture of the impact of the noise and sediment plumes on cetaceans, it’s clear that deep sea mining operations will negatively impact ocean ecosystems in areas far out to sea where monitoring is particularly challenging.”
The survey provides a 13-day snapshot of cetacean activity in these two deep sea mining exploration areas. Using hydrophones, the research team confirmed 74 acoustic detections of cetaceans. This included a sperm whale, Risso’s dolphins and common dolphins.
Louisa Casson of Greenpeace International said:
“The Metals Company’s plans to mine the seabed in the Pacific are not only a slap in the face for multilateralism and international law, science confirms they would expose some of our most iconic, charismatic and beautiful marine life to noise and other forms of pollution if allowed to go ahead.
“The confirmed presence of cetaceans, including threatened sperm whales, in areas that The Metals Company is targeting for deep sea mining is yet another clear warning that this dangerous industry must never be allowed to begin commercial operations.
“If these species are present in TMC licence areas, it’s highly likely they’re across others too, like those sponsored through UK Seabed Resources by the UK Government. We already know from documents obtained via freedom of information requests that minke whales have been observed in UKSR1.
“This is no time for the UK and other governments to continue futile discussions about a set of rules to allow deep sea mining to start. The only sensible course of action at next month’s International Seabed Authority meeting would be to prioritise agreeing on a global moratorium.”
This study in the Pacific is mirrored by another recent piece of Greenpeace research in the Arctic. Researchers found cetaceans, including deep-diving and noise-sensitive sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales, in an area targeted for future mining. If the Norwegian government proceeds with deep sea mining in the area, noise and pollution pose severe consequences. Greenpeace researchers are in the Arctic right now further documenting the presence of cetaceans in the area to expose the risks of deep sea mining and to champion the protection of the Arctic’s vulnerable marine life.
Calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining grew at the recent UN Ocean Conference, with four new countries joining the group supporting a moratorium, bringing the total to 37. The UN Secretary General also issued a strong call to stop this dangerous industry. Momentum against deep sea mining will now be carried forward to the July ISA meeting.
Ends
Download whale and deep sea mining images here
The survey was published today in the Frontiers in Marine Science peer reviewed journal. A full copy of the paper is available on request.
Contacts:
Greenpeace International Press Desk: pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org, +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)
June 24 2025 – The volatile developments across the Middle East—culminating in a dramatic US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran—underscore, yet again, a powerful and urgent truth: diversification isn’t optional. It’s a necessity.
Markets around the world have been on a knife’s edge for nearly two weeks, reacting sharply to every twist in the conflict.
Brent crude tumbled nearly 5% after Iran’s missile strike on the Al Udeid air base, interpreted by markets as a restrained signal rather than an escalation.
With confirmation of the ceasefire, European stocks have surged—Germany’s DAX jumped 2%, the French CAC 40 climbed 1.8%, and futures for the S&P 500 in the US are pointing higher. Yet energy stocks have taken a hit as oil prices slide.
Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory deVere Group, said the “whiplash” in prices across commodities, equities, and safe-haven assets is not just a response to geopolitics—it’s a “flashing red warning light” for investors with narrow allocations.
“The events of the past two weeks are a textbook case for true portfolio diversification,” he says.
“One day oil is spiking on nuclear fears, the next it’s plunging on de-escalation. Stocks swing wildly depending on headlines out of Tehran or Tel Aviv. You can’t build or preserve wealth if your investment strategy is overly concentrated in one region, sector, or asset class. That’s not a strategy; that’s a gamble.”
As the conflict escalated, oil prices spiked on fears of supply disruption. Brent crude surged above $72 before crashing back to near $68 following signs of restraint and the ceasefire announcement. Defence stocks rallied while Middle East-exposed emerging markets sank. Gold flirted with $2,400 as investors scrambled for safety.
Nigel Green says that for investors, this sequence of events should trigger immediate action.
“Every global investor must ask themselves today: Am I protected against geopolitical shocks? Do I have meaningful exposure to counter-correlated assets? Am I truly diversified across sectors, geographies, currencies, and asset classes?”
He adds: “Diversification doesn’t mean owning five different tech stocks or parking all your money in a single bond fund. It means uncorrelated positions across the risk spectrum—think gold, infrastructure, dividend-paying stocks, green energy, and alternatives like real estate and digital assets.”
Nigel Green also warns that while the ceasefire offers relief, it doesn’t remove risk.
“This truce is fragile. It’s politically brokered and militarily uneasy. One wrong move and tensions could flare again, dragging markets down with them. That’s the danger of relying too heavily on a single narrative or region in your portfolio.”
The deVere CEO notes that while markets may breathe a sigh of relief in the short term, the deeper issue is structural instability in a critical region for energy, security, and global trade routes.
“The Middle East remains a geopolitical powder keg, and history tells us that calm doesn’t last.
“What does last is a properly diversified portfolio, one that absorbs these shocks without falling apart.”
With global equities rallying and oil prices sliding, some investors may be tempted to lean back into familiar strategies. Nigel Green says this would be a critical mistake.
“When markets are jittery, many investors double down on what they know—often increasing risk without realising it. What’s needed now is a measured, deliberate shift into broader exposure.”
He concludes: “You diversify when the skies are clear, so that you’re protected when the storm breaks.
“But after what we’ve just seen in the Middle East, the need for real diversification isn’t hypothetical, it’s immediate.”
deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.
Source: Government of Qatar
New York, June 24, 2025
The State of Qatar reaffirmed its continued support for the Afghan people in facing multiple challenges and its commitment to assisting them on the path toward achieving peace and stability. Qatar also expressed its keenness to continue working with regional and international partners to establish the foundations of peace in Afghanistan and strengthen the elements of development.
This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during the United Nations Security Council’s Quarterly Briefing on Situation in Afghanistan, held at the UN headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency emphasized that the humanitarian, economic, and political situations in Afghanistan require enhanced joint efforts to support and assist the Afghan people. She noted that the security and stability of Afghanistan positively impact regional and international security and peace.
HE further pointed out that the State of Qatar took the initiative to establish the Doha peace track for Afghanistan in 2013 in cooperation with international partners, and hosted a series of dialogues as part of a comprehensive political process involving all segments of Afghan society. She added that these efforts culminated in the signing of the Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between US and Taliban in Doha on Feb. 29, 2020, which the UN Security Council described in its Resolution 2513 as a significant step toward ending the war and opening the door to intra-Afghan negotiations.
Her Excellency said that since then, the State of Qatar has continued its contribution by coordinating international efforts and facilitating dialogue between the United Nations, concerned countries, and the Afghan caretaker government, adding that the State of Qatar takes pride in hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, starting with the meetings of the UN Special Envoys on Afghanistan convened by the UN Secretary-General in Doha in May 2023, February 2024, and July 2024, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive approach to facilitating initial international engagement in a more coherent and coordinated manner for the sake of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s aspiration to host the third meeting of the Working Group on Counter-Narcotics and the second meeting of the Working Group on Supporting Afghanistan’s Private Sector, both emerging from the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, which will be held in Doha from June 30 to July 1, with the participation of representatives from the Afghan caretaker government, countries involved in the Doha Process, and technical experts.
HE stressed that the State of Qatar continues its efforts through the Qatar Fund for Development, in cooperation with United Nations entities, to provide humanitarian support to the Afghan people, including food aid, supporting basic healthcare programs, improving Afghan children’s access to education, providing scholarships, supporting programs to economically empower Afghan women and enhance their resilience to crises, and backing programs that empower Afghan youth, HE added.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, June 24, 2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned on Tuesday HE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar Ali Salehabadi, and reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, considering it a blatant violation of its sovereignty and airspace, as well as of the international law and the United Nations Charter. It also affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond to this flagrant violation in accordance with international law.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi affirmed to the Iranian Ambassador that this violation is completely inconsistent with the principle of good neighborliness and the close relations that exist between the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran—especially considering that Qatar has always advocated for dialogue with Iran and has made considerable diplomatic efforts in this regard.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also emphasised the urgent need to immediately return to dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve disputes and outstanding issues, avoid escalation, and halt military operations in an effort to promote regional and international stability.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, June 24, 2025
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received a phone call on Tuesday from HE Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain Diego Martinez Belio.
During the phone call, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to other topics of mutual interest.
HE Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs expressed his country’s solidarity with the State of Qatar after the Iranian missile attack on Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Union Minister for Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Tuesday said India is fast becoming a global digital leader, with Wi-Fi expected to play a key role in bridging the digital divide. Speaking at a World Wi-Fi Day event organised by the Broadband India Forum in Delhi, Scindia called Wi-Fi an “invisible force capable of powering visible change.”
“Wi-Fi is not just about internet access; it’s about widespread inclusion,” the Minister said, adding, “Every hotspot must become a hope spot.”
Scindia noted that the Wi-Fi segment in India is projected to grow into a $22 billion industry by 2035, underscoring its transformative role in the country’s digital journey. He emphasised that connectivity today is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity — as crucial as access to capital and infrastructure was in the past.
Highlighting the government’s rural-first approach, Scindia said that India’s 5G use cases are being piloted in 13 villages across states like Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, rather than beginning in urban centres. “We must light up every rural home, empower every aspiring mind, and fortify public services with the power of Wi-Fi,” he said.
The Minister also spoke of India’s strides in telecom technology, noting that the country has joined a select group of five nations that have developed their own 4G technology stack. This, he said, was achieved through collaboration between public and private sector players like CDOT, Tejas Networks, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
“India today has become the leader of the digital world,” Scindia said, referring to the indigenous 4G stack developed domestically.
Citing data usage patterns, Scindia said India now accounts for 46 per cent of all digital transactions globally, outpacing the US, Europe, and China. He attributed this growth to India’s low-cost data model, which offers data at ₹9 per GB — far lower than the global average of $2.49.
He also lauded the PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) initiative, calling it a “game-changer” in expanding internet access in rural and underserved regions. Scindia stressed the importance of deregulating spectrum to enhance access further, noting that the recent de-licensing of the 6 GHz band will enable faster, more affordable connectivity. Guidelines for this policy, he said, would be announced before Independence Day 2025.
Calling on the industry to innovate in the hardware space, Scindia cautioned that device affordability must not become the next barrier to connectivity. “Connectivity is not a commodity; it is an act of nation-building,” he said.
The Minister urged a collective reflection on the power of wireless connectivity. “It gives us the freedom to connect, to create, and to rise,” he said.
ANI
Source: Channel Islands – Jersey
Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, and the Jersey Competent Authority, the Minister for Treasury and Resources, have succeeded in a landmark appeal before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
In a ruling handed down this morning, Jersey’s highest appellate court overturned the declaration made by the Court of Appeal last year under the Human Rights (Jersey) Law 2000 that the International Co-operation (Protection from Liability) (Jersey) Law 2018 is incompatible with human rights. This was the first declaration of incompatibility made by a Jersey court.
That Law, introduced in 2018, includes provisions that place limits on the costs and damages that can be awarded against public authorities in Jersey where public authorities have made decisions in good faith to fulfil a request from the authority of another country. The Court of Appeal had found that these provisions infringed Article 6(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) – ie the right to a fair trial in a civil case. However, the Attorney General and Jersey’s Competent Authority in tax information exchange cases have now succeeded, on appeal, in reversing that decision and other findings of the Court of Appeal.
Commenting on today’s judgment, Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC said: “I am pleased that the Judicial Committee has allowed this appeal and overturned the declaration of incompatibility. I explained at the hearing of the appeal that the matter was of great importance for Jersey and that the Court of Appeal’s decision was the first time that a declaration of incompatibility had been made by a court in Jersey. I am therefore also grateful to the Judicial Committee for providing authoritative guidance concerning applications for declarations of incompatibility under the Human Rights (Jersey) Law 2000 and whether legislation pursues a legitimate aim.”
Deputy Elaine Millar, Minister for Treasury and Resources, commented: “I also welcome this judgment. It is vital that Jersey has a robust domestic legal framework which enables the Island to comply with its international obligations – in this case Jersey’s obligations under the OECD Mutual Assistance Convention, which are important for our financial services industry – in a timely and effective way. The States Assembly enacted the 2018 Law to ensure that public authorities in Jersey should not be constrained by the threat of large, unexpected costs liabilities when they are acting to provide assistance in good faith to other countries.”
The Court of Appeal had made the declaration in proceedings brought by Imperium Trustees (Jersey) Limited to challenge a notice issued in 2022 by the office of the Comptroller of Revenue on behalf of the Minister as the Jersey Competent Authority to produce tax information, for exchange with the authorities of Belgium, concerning a Jersey law trust administered by Imperium.
The Judicial Committee has found, contrary to the Court of Appeal, that the essential nature of those underlying proceedings is a “tax matter” as the core issue to be resolved is the lawfulness of a notice to produce tax information, not one of the peripheral issues relating to confidentiality that were raised by Imperium.
In the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, tax matters form part of what is known as “the hard core of public authority prerogatives”, being areas of law involving the state’s exercise of its public authority, which fall outside the scope of what are considered “civil rights and obligations” within Article 6(1) ECHR.
As a result, Article 6(1) ECHR was found not to be engaged in the Imperium case, and this was sufficient for the Judicial Committee to uphold the whole appeal. The Judicial Committee chose, however, to make a number of further points in relation to the Court of Appeal’s wider decision and the procedure it had followed in the context of rights under the ECHR.
In particular, the Judicial Committee was critical of the declaration having been made in an abstract manner without any actual evidence of the infringement of the rights of the persons before the court, namely Imperium. The Board said it was not open for the Court to do so by reference to litigants and matters that were not before the Court.
The justices also took issue with how the majority of the Court of Appeal had approached the question of whether the 2018 Law pursued a legitimate aim. They approved the statement by Jersey Justice of Appeal James Wolffe KC, who had dissented on this point in the Court of Appeal, that the correct approach is to have regard to the Law’s underlying social purpose, to focus not on what the measure does but the reason why it was enacted. Therefore, it was permissible for the Court to look beyond the provisions of the Law itself; to examine materials such as the Projet de Loi and the speeches made by the Ministers and Scrutiny Panel members in the States Assembly as recorded in Hansard.
The judgment of the Judicial Committee is available here.
Source: City of Manchester
Manchester Council and the UK’s leading end of life charity Marie Curie are working together to ensure people in the city who are living with a terminal illness become exempt from paying Council Tax.
Carried out as part of a larger plan to support the most vulnerable residents in Manchester, the Council has looked at as many ways as possible to help those who know have been struggling over recent years.
Marie Curie’s recent ‘Dying in Poverty’ report found that in Manchester around 42% of working age and 30% of pension age residents die in poverty.
Addressing this profoundly important issue is at the heart of the Council’s strategy, with a number of key changes being made in recent years directed at tackling the root causes of poverty, and ensuring that people do not slip back into it.
This new proposal sets out a plan for the council to change its Discretionary Council Tax Policy (DCTP) to explicitly include a commitment to support people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
This form is completed by a clinician which confirms a person has a progressive disease, and consequently their patient is expected to pass away within a 12-month period.
Using DCTP the Council will make up the difference of any shortfall in CTS so that in any situation where a member of the household qualifies – whether an adult, child or non-dependant – the household will have nothing to pay. The support will then apply to the household’s council tax bill until the date of the persons death.
The Council will also be working to ensure that a “tell us once” protocol is in place so that, in the event of a claimant’s passing, no undue burden will fall upon their family. Steps will also be in place to retain the discount for the remainder of the financial year in the event of a person’s passing, to provide additional support for their family.
It is estimated that this scheme would support around 175 residents in Manchester, the majority of which would be of working age.
In addition to this change in policy, a great deal of work has already been carried out to alleviate the worst of the cost-of-living crisis for Mancunians.
To date the Council has:
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “The moment when you or your family member gets the devastating news of terminal illness is heartbreaking. The last thing you need to worry about money and bills, but we know for too many people it takes up too much time and stress.
“Too many people are living in poverty in our city and the council is committed to doing all it can to alleviate it in the short term, and build ways out of poverty in the long term. That’s why we are exempting people with a terminal illness from Council Tax alongside a wider package of support with the cost of living, doing everything in our power to ensure families have one less thing to worry about during such a difficult time.
“We want to thank Marie Curie for their vital work, and as a Council want to do all we can to ease the burden at the end of someone’s life.”
Jamie Thunder, Senior Policy Manager for Financial Security at Marie Curie, said: “The end of life should be a time to focus on what really matters – but for too many people, it’s dominated by financial difficulty as their income drops and costs rise.
“We’re therefore delighted that Manchester City Council are taking this pioneering step, which will make a real difference to people with a terminal illness at the time they need it most. We hope other councils in the North West and across the country will follow suit, and help to ensure that no-one dies in poverty.”
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The night bike festival will take place in the capital on July 5. Participation in one of the brightest summer events for fans of cycling and active recreation is free, but advance registration on the official website of the event is required.
“Residents and guests of the capital have come to love our cycling festivals. More and more participants join them each time. This year, Sergei Sobyanin has ordered two night cycling festivals to be held. Anyone interested can already register for the first night cycling race, which will take place on July 5,” said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry
The starting town will open at 20:00. The start of the race is divided into two time intervals: at 21:00 and at 22:00. Participants choose the time when registering. The 27-kilometer route will start from Luzhnetskaya Embankment and end near Sokolniki Park. The entertainment program will last four hours and end at midnight.
The organizers remind: to ensure that all participants are comfortable, it is important to arrive at the start within the selected time slot. For safety reasons, they are advised to use equipment: a helmet, elbow and knee protection, and bicycle lights. Details and registration are available atwebsite events.
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
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Eritrean nationals in Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, the United States, Russian Federation, South Sudan, Austria, and Finland have commemorated Martyrs Day with pride.
Eritrean communities in the Swiss cities of Geneva, Lausanne, Valais, Bern, Zurich, Chur, St. Gallen, Solothurn, Basel, Zug, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, and Ticino; Abu Dhabi and its environs in the UAE; Gothenburg, Sweden; Ohio, USA; Moscow, Russian Federation; Vienna, Austria; Aweil and Wau, South Sudan; as well as the Finnish cities of Helsinki, Jyvaskyla, Lahti, and Oulu commemorated Martyrs Day with patriotic zeal. Participants pledged to strengthen their engagement in supporting the Martyrs Trust Fund and the families of martyrs.
Nationals in Aweil, South Sudan, assumed responsibility for supporting 130 families of martyrs and contributed 3,500 US dollars. Nationals in Abu Dhabi and its environs contributed 5,150 Dirhams, while nationals in Finland contributed 2,830 Euros toward augmenting the Martyrs Trust Fund.
Nationals in Switzerland who had previously taken on the responsibility of supporting families of martyrs reaffirmed their commitment. Nationals in Canton Geneva and Canton Bern contributed 4,184 Swiss francs; Canton Schaffhausen, 1,320 Swiss francs; Canton St. Gallen, 2,920 Swiss francs; Canton Lausanne, 3,360 Swiss francs; Canton Lucerne, 5,000 Swiss francs; Canton Zurich, 5,565 Swiss francs; Canton Valais, 515 Swiss francs; and Canton Aargau, 500 Swiss francs. The Eritrean community in Biel/Bienne contributed 10,000 Swiss francs to the Martyrs Trust Fund.
Similarly, nationals in Bern contributed 5,000 Swiss francs in support of seven families of martyrs; nationals in Graubünden contributed 3,600 Swiss francs for five families; and nationals in St. Gallen contributed 10,800 Swiss francs in support of 15 families of martyrs.
Likewise, nationals residing in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, have pledged to assume responsibility for supporting 11 families of martyrs.
Events in all cities featured candlelight vigils and walkathon programs.
In related news, 114,000 Nakfa contributed by staff members of the Northern Red Sea Region administration and Foro sub-zone has been distributed to families of martyrs.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
An armed group linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) has ramped up abductions of children in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, Human Rights Watch said today. Most of the abducted children are being used for transporting looted goods, forced labor, forced marriages, and taking part in the fighting.
National civil society groups and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report that such kidnappings are on the rise. While the armed group, locally known as Al-Shabab, released some of the children they abducted earlier this year, a number of children remain missing; those who have returned to their communities struggle with reintegration.
“The surge in abductions of children in Cabo Delgado adds to the horrors of Mozambique’s conflict,” said Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Al-Shabab needs to spare children from the conflict and immediately release those who have been abducted.”
In May and June 2025, Human Rights Watch interviewed nine people in Mozambique, including residents of Cabo Delgado, journalists, civil society activists, and a UN official, all of whom expressed concern about the resurgence of kidnappings. “In recent days, 120 or more children have been abducted,” said Abudo Gafuro, executive director at Kwendeleya, a national organization that monitors attacks and provides support to victims.
On January 23, 2025, Al-Shabab attacked the village of Mumu, in Mocímboa da Praia district, and abducted four girls and three boys. During Al-Shabab’s subsequent retreat, two children were released, but five remain missing. In March, the armed group abducted six children in Chibau to carry looted goods; four were released the following day. On May 3, Al-Shabab abducted a girl in the village of Ntotwe, Mocímboa da Praia district; on May 11, they kidnapped six girls and two boys near Magaia village in Muidumbe district.
When Al-Shabab fighters “enter or attack certain areas, they tend to abduct children,” said Augusta Iaquite, coordinator at the Association of Women in Legal Careers in Cabo Delgado. “They take them to train them and later turn them into their own fighters.”
When children who have been abducted return to the community, there are few resources to help them reintegrate, Human Rights Watch said. “The country needs a clear strategy on what to do when a child, especially one that has been rescued, returns,” said Benilde Nhalivilo, executive director at the Civil Society Forum for Children’s Rights.
Civil society organizations have called on Mozambique’s government to fulfill the country’s obligations under domestic and international law to protect the nation’s children.
Mozambique’s Constitution and the 2008 Law for the Promotion and Protection of Children’s Rights enshrine the state’s duty to protect children from all forms of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Additionally, Mozambique is a party to various international and regional instruments that guarantee children’s rights, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Both explicitly prohibit the abduction, recruitment, and exploitation of children. The UN Optional Protocol to the Child Rights Convention on the involvement of children in armed conflict, ratified by Mozambique in 2004, prohibits non-state armed groups from recruiting or using children under 18.
Under customary international humanitarian law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, children are entitled to special respect and protection, and recruiting or using children under the age of 15 to participate actively in hostilities is a war crime.
Mozambican authorities should seek to prevent further abductions, investigate existing cases and fairly prosecute those responsible, and ensure proper support for victims, Human Rights Watch said. Rescued children need medical care, psychosocial assistance, and reintegration mechanisms that provide for their protection and well-being.
“Mozambique’s government needs to take concrete actions to safeguard children and prevent armed groups from using them as tools of conflict,” Budoo-Scholtz said. “There is a need to ensure that there are robust reintegration measures so that the children are not further ostracized when they come back to the community.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).