NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Proposes the Largest Expansion of Preschool Access in Connecticut History

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is urging the Connecticut General Assembly to approve legislation he is proposing this session that will implement the largest expansion of preschool access in Connecticut history, enabling thousands of additional children to enroll in high-quality, early childhood education services, which have been unattainable for many families.

    “I want Connecticut to lead on early childhood education, and that means making preschool affordable and accessible for all of our kids,” Governor Lamont said. “Access to early childhood services is massively important to the state’s success, not only because these programs provide valuable tools for children that will lead them to professional achievements in the future, but also because being able to enroll your child in care right now means that parents can join the workforce and earn an income that supports their family. Connecticut has an opportunity to make an investment in our future by expanding access to affordable preschool.”

    The governor’s proposal includes depositing a portion of the state’s anticipated surpluses over the next several years into a brand-new fund known as the Universal Preschool Endowment. The endowment will be seeded by $300 million from the fiscal year 2025 surplus, and in the following years any unappropriated surpluses from the General Fund will continue to be transferred into it. The endowment will be managed by the Office of the Treasurer, and the commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood may expend up to 10% of the balance of the endowment in any fiscal year.

    The proposed use of the endowment aims to expand affordable preschool options for families by:

    • Making preschool available at no cost to families earning up to $100,000 per year;
    • Limiting the cost-share for families earning between $100,000 per year and $150,000 per year to a maximum of $20 per day;
    • Creating 20,000 new preschool spaces by 2032;
    • Reducing the cost to families for approximately 19,000 existing preschool spaces; and
    • Being simple, easy to access, and flexible to meet family needs.

    “Governor Lamont’s historic action to establish a Universal Preschool Endowment will make preschool more accessible, affordable, and for many, free,” Connecticut Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said. “It will stabilize the early care and education industry by increasing compensation for teachers and staff. This investment builds on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care, which brought together voices from across child care providers, businesses, government, and parents to provide a roadmap to guide ongoing investments in early education.”

    “Governor Lamont’s proposal for universal preschool will make Connecticut a national leader among states because of its comprehensive approach to supporting children and families,” Walter Gilliam, executive director of the Buffet Early Childhood Institute, said. “It supports early learning and allows working families the ability to work. The focus on quality of care and options that meet family needs also stands out. Perhaps the most unique feature is that it protects the care of infants and toddlers while creating universal preschool for our threes and fours.”

    The governor’s legislative proposal is House Bill 6867, An Act Creating the Universal Preschool Endowment. It has been referred to the Education Committee.

    **Download: Fact sheet on Governor Lamont’s proposal to expand access to preschool

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Sam Kerr verdict: what it means for law in the UK and the star athlete’s soccer career

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan McElhone, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University

    A London court has found Sam Kerr not guilty of the racially aggravated harassment of Metropolitan Police officer Stephen Lovell.

    As captain of the Australian women’s national soccer team, Kerr was widely condemned when news broke she had used a “racial slur” against an officer during an altercation.

    The high-profile incident sparked debate across the globe.

    Initially, former Australian soccer player Craig Foster criticised Kerr’s behaviour before retracting it and publicly apologising to her.

    Meanwhile, politicians and academics argued her comments did not amount to racism given the power dynamics at play: not only is Kerr of Indian descent, but official inquiries have found the Metropolitan Police to be institutionally racist.

    Historically, police have played a role in sustaining colonialism, racism and white supremacy. Calling Kerr’s words racist overlooks that they don’t accord with an entrenched, global system of power.

    What happened that night?

    Kerr has maintained she and her partner – United States’ women’s national team player Kristie Mewis – believed they were being kidnapped by a cab driver.

    He refused to let them out of the cab after Kerr vomited, taking them to Twickenham police station instead of their destination.

    There, Mewis broke the cab window in an attempt to get out of the vehicle.

    At the station, Kerr reportedly appealed to officers to “understand the emergency that both of us felt”, referencing the 2021 abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a Metropolitan Police officer.

    The commissioned inquiry into Everard’s murder characterised the Metropolitan Police as institutionally racist, misogynistic and homophobic.

    However, Kerr soon faced an allegation of racism after becoming distressed and antagonistic towards the officers.

    Believing they were siding with the cab driver after forming negative preconceptions because of her skin colour, she repeated “you guys are stupid and white, you guys are fucking stupid and white”.

    What are the legal ramifications in the UK?

    Kerr pleaded not guilty to the offence of intentionally causing harassment, alarm, or distress to another by using threatening, abusive, or insulting words under Section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986, and to the racial aggravation of the offence per the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

    She faced a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

    Kerr accepted she used the words “fucking stupid and white”. But it still had to be proven she intended and caused harassment, alarm, or distress to Lovell and that the offence was racially motivated.

    Initially, the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was not enough evidence to charge Kerr.

    But after receiving a request from the Metropolitan Police to review the case, and a new statement from Lovell about Kerr’s words making him feel “belittled” and “upset”, they authorised police to charge the athlete.

    A jury found her not guilty after a seven-day trial.

    Broadly speaking, public order offences criminalise words and behaviour that might breach the peace. Police have significant discretion to use these offences as tools to regulate people’s uses of public space.

    In Australia and the UK, police have been shown to use these powers in discriminatory ways.

    Kerr has conceded her behaviour was regrettable but the charge against her is difficult to align with the purpose of public order legislation.

    What does it mean for Kerr’s soccer career?

    It is unclear what this verdict means for Kerr’s career.

    Her English club, Chelsea, is anticipating she will return from a long-term knee injury soon.

    It is possible the club was kept in the loop about Kerr’s altercation with police from the beginning, as she reportedly threatened to involve its lawyers in the body-cam footage shown at trial.

    The club is yet to make a statement about the trial or verdict.

    Football Australia is in a different position though, having been blindsided by the news Kerr had been charged by police.

    The fact Kerr is the captain of the Matildas, and the sport’s highest-profile marketing asset, adds layers of complexity to Football Australia’s decision-making.

    CEO of Football Australia James Johnson declined to weigh in on Kerr’s captaincy until her trial concluded.

    It is possible the governing body will impose a sanction, with Kerr falling afoul of clause 2.14 of their national code of conduct and ethics after being charged with a criminal offence.

    Kerr could return to the pitch later this month, but has been left out of the Matildas squad for the SheBelieves Cup in the US because of her fitness.

    With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon, interim Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni no doubt hopes her recovery stays on track.

    Meanwhile, Kerr is yet to play under Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor. She could prove crucial as the club chases an elusive UEFA Women’s Champions League title, but faces competition for her spot.

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

    – ref. Sam Kerr verdict: what it means for law in the UK and the star athlete’s soccer career – https://theconversation.com/sam-kerr-verdict-what-it-means-for-law-in-the-uk-and-the-star-athletes-soccer-career-249153

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Expanding Healthcare, Transforming Lives

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The end of January brought a landmark achievement for UConn’s School of Pharmacy, one that expands healthcare access and upholds the School’s commitment to patient care and community outreach. This success came after collective planning and action between the State of Connecticut and UConn’s School of Pharmacy – a big feat for a big cause.  

    Dean Hritcko addresses the audience

    Recognizing the shortage of primary care providers throughout the state, particularly among underserved populations, UConn Pharmacy developed a plan to create a pharmacy training program that would enable pharmacists to provide more comprehensive reproductive care by prescribing contraception to their patients.  

    “Allowing pharmacists to both prescribe and dispense hormonal birth control could help mitigate barriers and expand access to contraception for the citizens of our state.” – Dean Hritcko 

    Working with the Connecticut Pharmacists Association (CPA), the Department of Consumer Protection (Drug Control), and pharmacy employer entities across the state, faculty members worked to bridge the gap between this idea and the actions needed. Committed to making reproductive healthcare available to all, the UConn School of Pharmacy’s Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development developed the training and certification program, which equips pharmacists with the tools, resources, and knowledge, to provide their patients with these new services effectively and safely.  

    Acknowledging that excellence in pharmacy should be a nationwide standard, especially as many individuals across the country face barriers to affordable and accessible healthcare, this program is available to all pharmacists in every state.  

    Governor Lamont, understanding the transformative nature of this program and the current threats to reproductive healthcare, jumped on board. Working with the Connecticut Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli, the training program received final approval at the end of January. 

    This training program is expected to take four hours to complete and is optional for pharmacists. Available through the UConn School of Pharmacy website, this training counts toward the fifteen hours of annual continuing education required for pharmacists.  

    Second-year Pharm.D. student Rachel Antonelli gives her speech

    To celebrate this pivotal moment, Governor Lamont requested to hold a press conference at the School on January 31st to address faculty, staff, students, and the press. In fact, Governor Lamont’s visit marks the first time a Connecticut governor has visited UConn’s School of Pharmacy! After he spoke, other influential leaders followed, including Dean Hritcko who expressed his gratitude to the government officials who collaborated with the School: “We’re grateful to Governor Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz for their leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring Connecticut continues to lead the charge in healthcare innovation, protection of women’s health, and accessibility.”  

    Rachel Antonelli, a second-year Pharm.D. student  who is passionate about building meaningful patient connections, shared her gratitude for this stride in healthcare, “The passage of this legislation empowers more individuals to take an active role in their care, reducing accessibility barrier that too often stands in the way of essential healthcare services like providing contraception.” 

    In addition to pharmacists being able to prescribe contraception, this new legislation also includes the state’s first vending machines providing access to emergency contraception. The first of these vending machines can be found on the UConn, Storrs campus and is made possible by Dr. Peter Davis Smith, medical director of Student Health and Wellness (SHAW), and his colleagues and student advocates. 

    “This is just one of the many ways we’re working to expand access to contraception and other important medications in Connecticut.” – Governor Lamont   

    Governor Lamont talks with Sean Jeffery, Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice, and Nathan Rickles, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs

    This milestone in healthcare access comes in the UConn School of Pharmacy’s 100th year of excellence, exemplifying the continued efforts in education, research, and service to produce lasting change. With this latest effort, the impacts will transform communities in Connecticut and beyond, increasing healthcare access, reducing unintended pregnancies, and decreasing spending on our healthcare systems. Training the next generation of pharmacists, the School aims to inspire its students to continue to shape the future of healthcare and make a difference in the lives of Connecticut residents.   

    In times of need, UConn Pharmacy delivers – a testament to the School’s mission of building a better tomorrow through monumental actions that start today.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tarakanova Honored with Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    As the body ages, a network of proteins and other molecules may structurally change, leading to a loss of elasticity and tissue strength in skin, joints, and arteries. This can lead to reduced muscle mass, stiffness, and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases like osteoarthritis.

    Anna Tarakanova, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering, leads a research group in UConn’s College of Engineering (CoE) that uses advanced computer models to study the mechanical properties of proteins.

    In doing so, she’s developing nature-inspired materials that can mimic the flexibility of elastin or the durability of collagen. These designs could lead to innovations in medical devices, prosthetics, or even “repurpose” molecules for resilience in aging.

    Anna Tarakanova studies the mechanical properties of proteins.

    “Ultimately, our goal is to understand aging and disease at a basic, molecular level and how that fits into the bigger picture of how complex biological systems function,” Tarakanova explains.

    For her efforts “exemplifying the creative use and development of mechanics,” the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) awarded Tarakanova with the 2024 Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty. The award recognizes early-career researchers who’ve made impactful contributions to the field of mechanics and mechanics of materials.

    “We’re very proud Prof. Anna Tarakanova for her winning of this prestigious award in engineering,” says JC Zhao, dean of the College of Engineering. “Her innovative approach merges the fields of molecular mechanics, materials science, and bioengineering and advances molecular, multiscale, and data-driven modeling methods to study the mechanics of complex nanoscale and biological materials.” 

    Tarakanova received her BS in applied and engineering physics from Cornell University in 2011; and her MS and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

    She joined UConn’s CoE in 2018 following a one-year appointment as a postdoctoral scholar at MIT. Since then, she’s led a multi-disciplinary research program funded by NIH and NSF, among other sources, and is a recipient of various awards including the NSF Career Award, the University of Connecticut Excellence in Research and Creativity Early Career Award, the InCHIP Junior Faculty Research Excellence Award, and Mara H. Wasburn Early Engineering Educator Award. She also has co-authored more than 40 articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

    The Eshelby Mechanics Award was established in 2012 in memory of Professor John Douglas Eshelby to promote the field of mechanics among young researchers.

    Nominees must be in a tenured or tenure-track faculty position or an independent researcher in a national laboratory and not have reached their 41st birthday.

    Tarakanova will receive a commemorative plaque and a $1,500 cash award during ASME’s International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition in November. More information about the award is online here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Funding to strengthen First Nations arts and languages

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    First Nations arts and language organisations across the country will receive significant funding to support vital cultural practices thanks to the Albanese Labor Government.  

    83 First Nations-owned art centres, fairs, regional hubs and industry service organisations will receive a share of more than $38 million in funding over four years through the Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program. 

    The IVAIS program supports a professional, viable and ethical First Nations arts industry to enable artists and arts workers to earn income, develop professional skills and connect to the art market. Amongst the grant recipients are:

    • Arlpwe Artists Aboriginal Corporation – to support Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre’s newly established ceramics program through employment of an onsite ceramist to engage with First Nations artists in Ali Curung, Northern Territory.
    • Ardyaloon Art and Culture Centre Aboriginal Corporation – to support the Ingarlgalandji Arts and Culture Hub to provide visual arts services to Bardi Jawi artists on the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. 
    • Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh TSI Corporation – to support urgent upgrades to the art centre and refurbishment of the printmaking and textiles workspace for the Badu Art Centre on Badu Island in the Torres Strait, Far North Queensland.

    Additionally, nearly $30 million in funding will go toward 70 community-led First Nations language and arts activities through the Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) program. 

    The ILA program supports First Nations peoples to express, conserve and sustain their cultures through languages and arts activities. Amongst the grant recipients are:

    • Numburindi Development Aboriginal Corporation – to conserve and revitalise the Wuybuy language of the Numburindi people by employing community members to develop and produce a Wuybuy dictionary and become certified local language teachers and community linguists to facilitate community-led language workshops in Numbulwar, Northern Territory.
    • Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation – to commission, develop, rehearse and tour three new Aboriginal language-based theatre shows to be shared with children far and wide and to include Yamatji and Wongatha language in productions in Perth, Western Australia.

    Funding for the programs is delivered directly to community-led organisations.

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the funding demonstrated the government’s commitment to Revive.

    “We understand the importance of arts and language in community. It’s how stories and traditions are passed on from generation to generation.

    “The Albanese Labor Government is committed to investing now and into the future, so we can make sure the next generation has sustainable language and arts infrastructure supporting them.”

    Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said the programs played a vital role in supporting the First Nations arts sector and cultural practices. 

    “Investing in First Nations-owned art centres fosters connection to the world’s oldest living culture and enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to earn income from their works.

    “The First Nations-owned art centres provide an environment where people can learn about Indigenous culture and ethically purchase artworks.

    “Our investment in language centres also recognises the proud links First Nations people have to their language, community and Country.”

    More information about the programs, including other funding recipients, can be found here:

    • Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program | Office for the Arts
    • Indigenous Languages and Arts program | Office for the Arts

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Leading the way to a safer internet together

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Leading the way to a safer internet together

    Celebrate Safer Internet Day 2025 with Minecraft’s CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper. Promote online safety and practice responsible AI use with your class.

    Each year, Safer Internet Day unites people around the world to spotlight critical topics like cyberbullying, social networking, and digital identity. The need for cyber safety education and empowerment remains as important as ever. According to a November 2023 survey by the National 4-H Council supported by Microsoft, 75% of parents want schools to teach digital wellness and online safety. In addition, 72% of students seek guidance from adults on how to use AI tools responsibly.

    Safer Internet Day 2025 offers us an opportunity to “work together for a better internet” today and throughout the year. Join us to help students improve their digital literacy skills and explore the responsible use of AI with CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper and other exciting resources.

    Dig deeper into the world of AI with Minecraft

    Minecraft Education’s CyberSafe series uses game-based learning to help students boost their digital citizenship skills like recognizing common online threats, building strategies to protect themselves, and exploring ways to safeguard their personal information. In the latest installment, CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, learners develop skills to use AI tools responsibly by tackling real-world challenges and exploring questions of academic integrity, human oversight, data privacy, and deepfakes. Immerse your students in this fun Minecraft world and empower them to think critically and use AI responsibly. This collection includes an educator guide and classroom-ready PowerPoint and family toolkit for at-home learning.

    Discover CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper

    Keep the adventure going with more lessons in Minecraft’s CyberSafe series:

    • Home Sweet Hmm: Students learn to recognize common threats on the internet, build strategies for protecting themselves and their information, and to know where to go if they need help.
    • Privacy Prodigy: Students explore what personal data is, who should have access to their data, when it’s acceptable to share their data, and how to manage their personal data.
    • Good Game: Students build digital literacy and digital citizenship skills while learning the responsibilities, tools, responses, and strategies needed to foster digital well-being and build positive connections.
    Explore Minecraft’s CyberSafe series

    Teach cyber safety with Minecraft

    Created through partnerships with industry experts, Minecraft Education has lessons focused on cybersecurity, online safety, and digital citizenship aligned to Cyber.org and CSTA standards. The full cyber curriculum progression helps students of all ages build foundational skills and offers pathways and credentialing for careers in cyber.

    Explore Minecraft’s Cyber collection

    Built into age-appropriate bands, the activities build incrementally and give you easy entry points through lesson plans and video tutorials. Explore the curriculum collections that you can start using anytime:

    • CyberSafe: Teach students ages 7-11 cyber and digital safety skills with topics like online safety, spotting phishing scams, password protection, and cloud storage for photos. Introduce digital citizenship, data privacy, and data centers, aiming to protect personal data and raise career awareness in the digital world.
    • Cyber Fundamentals: Empower students ages 10-14 through hands-on experiences in building network components and encrypting data. Students will investigate malware and save the school’s network as part of the Incident Response Team.
    • Cyber Expert: Build digital fluency and cyber skills in students ages 13-18. They’ll explore encryption, social engineering, the effects of malware, and techniques to combat it. They’ll learn to prevent digital threats, fix affected systems, and explore cybersecurity careers.

    Cyber safety resources for educators

    Preparing your students to navigate the digital world starts with developing your own skills and confidence around tools and knowledge to teach cyber safety effectively. Microsoft Education offers resources designed to support educators, school leaders, and families, to build students’ cyber skills.

    Begin discussing internet safety with students with help from these resources from Microsoft Education:

    Explore Microsoft Learn modules designed to enhance your instructional strategies and cybersecurity proficiency:

    • Build cybersecurity resilience in K-12 classrooms: Gain skills to anticipate common cyber threats, implement security measures, and educate others to build a strong cybersecurity culture that helps protect yourself and your students.
    • Boost K-12 school cybersecurity leadership: Learn to apply Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommended cybersecurity practices to foster awareness and preparedness, safeguard schools, and counter cyber threats effectively.

    Expand your teaching toolkit with a deeper dive into Minecraft Education:

    Tackling abusive AI-generated content risks through education and empowerment

    For almost a decade, Microsoft has marked Safer Internet Day 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, as well as how well they can identify AI-generated content.

    Our findings show that while there’s been a global increase in active AI users (up to 51% compared to 38% 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.

    We’re committed to advancing AI responsibly to realize its benefits. Fundamental to this is the work we do to protect our users from potential harms. Last year, we launched a Family Safety Toolkit, which provides guidance on how to leverage Microsoft’s safety features and family safety settings to support and enhance digital parenting, plus guidance for families looking to navigate the world of generative AI together.

    Access the Family Safety Toolkit

    We’re announcing a new partnership with Childnet, a leading UK organization dedicated to making the internet a safer place for children. Together, we’re 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.

    Join us and celebrate Safer Internet Day on February 11, 2025. Online safety activities and resources from Microsoft and Minecraft Education can support and empower your school community. Get started today and help everyone navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders on the Senate Floor: “What the Oligarchs Really Want”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today gave remarks on the floor of the Senate regarding how Elon Musk and his fellow oligarchs are waging a war on the working class of America.
    Sanders’ remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and can be watched HERE:
    M. President, we are living in an extremely dangerous time. Future generations will look back at this moment – what we do right now – and remember whether we had the courage to defend our democracy against the growing threats of oligarchy and authoritarianism. They will remember whether we stood with President Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg who in 1863, looking out at a battlefield where thousands died in the struggle against slavery and stated that; “this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that a government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” Do we stand with Lincoln’s vision of America or do we allow this country to move to a government of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires?
    But it’s not just oligarchy that we should be concerned about, and the reality that the 3 richest people in America now own more wealth than the bottom half of our society – 170 million people. It’s not just that the gap between the very rich and everyone else is growing wider, and that we have more income and wealth inequality today than we’ve ever had.
    It is also that we are looking at a rapid movement, under President Trump, toward authoritarianism. More and more power resting in fewer and fewer hands.
    M. President, as we speak, right now, Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is attempting to dismantle major agencies of the federal government which are designed to protect the needs of working families and the disadvantaged. These agencies were created by the U.S. Congress and it is Congress’ responsibility to maintain them, reform them or end them. It is not Mr. Musk’s responsibility. What Mr. Musk is doing is patently illegal and unconstitutional – and must be stopped.
    M. President. Two weeks ago, President Trump attempted to suspend all federal grants and loans – an outrageous and clearly unconstitutional act. As I hope every 6th grader in America knows, under the Constitution and our form of government the president can recommend legislation, he can support legislation, he can veto legislation, but he does not have the power to unilaterally terminate funding passed by Congress. It is Congress, the House and the Senate, who control the purse strings.
    But it’s not just Congress that’s under attack. It’s our judiciary.
    This weekend, the Vice President, a graduate of Yale Law School, who clerked for a Supreme Court Justice, said that: “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” Really? I thought that one of the major functions of the federal courts is to interpret our Constitution and, when appropriate, serve as a check on unconstitutional executive power.
    Mr. Musk, meanwhile, has proposed that “the worst 1% of appointed judges be fired every year,” and demanded the impeachment of judges that have blocked him from accessing sensitive Treasury Department files. No doubt, under Mr. Musk’s rule, it will be him and his billionaire friends who determine who the “worst” judges are. And no, Mr. Musk, you don’t impeach judges who rule against you. You may or may not know this, but under the U.S. Constitution, we have a separation of powers, brilliantly crafted by the founding fathers of this country in the 1770s.
    So, we are seeing an organized attack on Congress and the courts.
    But Trump and his friends aren’t just trying to undermine two of the three pillars of our constitutional government – Congress and the courts. They are also going after the media in a way that we have never seen in the modern history of this country.
    Every member of Congress will tell you that people in the media, and media organizations, are not perfect. They, like everyone else, make mistakes every day. But I hope that every member of Congress understands that you cannot have a functioning democracy without an independent press – non-intimidated journalists who can write it and say it the way they see it. And in that regard, I want to remind my colleagues what this president has done in recent months.
    President Trump has sued ABC and received a $15 million settlement. He has sued Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and received a $25 million settlement. He has sued CBS, and its parent company Paramount, is apparently in negotiations over a settlement. He has sued the Des Moines Register, and his FCC is now threatening to investigate PBS and NPR.
    In other words, we have a President of the United States who is using his power to go after media in this country who are saying and doing things he doesn’t like. How are we going to have an independent media if journalists are looking over their shoulders, fearful that their reporting will trigger a lawsuit from the most powerful man in the world?
    M. President. Now is the time to ask a very simple question. What do Mr. Musk, Mr. Trump and their fellow billionaires really want? What is their endgame?
    And in my view, the answer is not complicated. It is not novel. It is not new. It is what ruling classes throughout history have always wanted and have always believed is theirs by right: more power, more control and more wealth. And they are determined to not allow democracy and the rule of law to get in their way.
    For Mr. Musk and his fellow oligarchs, the needs, the concerns, the ideas, the dreams of ordinary people are simply an impediment to what they, the oligarchs, are entitled to. That is what they really believe.
    This is not the first time we’ve seen this in our country’s history.
    In pre-revolutionary America, before the 1770s, the ruling class of that time governed through a doctrine called the “divine right of kings,” the belief that the King of England was an agent of God, God appointed him, and he was not to be questioned by mere mortals.
    In modern times we no longer have the “divine right of kings.” What we NOW have is an ideology being pushed by the oligarchs which says that as very, very wealthy people – often self-made, often the masters of revolutionary new technology and as “high-IQ individuals,” it is THEIR absolute right to rule. In other words, the oligarchs of today are our modern-day kings.
    And it is not just power that they want. Despite the incredible wealth they have they want more, and more and more. Their greed has no end. Today, Mr. Musk is worth $402 billion, Mr. Zuckerberg is worth $252 billion and Mr. Bezos is worth $249 billion. With combined wealth of $903 billion, these 3 people own more wealth than the bottom half of American society — 170 million people.
    Not surprisingly, since Trump was elected, their wealth has soared. Elon Musk has become $138 billion richer, Zuckerberg has become $49 billion richer and Bezos has become $28 billion richer – since Election Day.
    Meanwhile, while the very rich become much richer, 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, 85 million are uninsured or under-insured, 25% of seniors are trying to survive on $15,000 or less, 800,000 are homeless and we have the highest rate of childhood poverty of almost any major country on earth. And real, inflation adjusted wages for the average American worker have been stagnant for 50 years.
    Do you think the oligarchs give a damn about these people? Trust me, they don’t. Musk’s decision to dismember U.S. AID means that tens of thousands of the poorest people around the world will go hungry or die of preventable diseases.
    But it’s not just abroad. Here in the United States they’ll soon be going after the healthcare, nutrition, housing, and educational programs that protect the most vulnerable people in our country – all so that Congress can provide huge tax breaks for them and their fellow billionaires. As modern-day kings, who believe they have the absolute right to rule, they will sacrifice, without hesitation, the well-being of working people to protect their privilege.
    Further, they will use the enormous media operations they own to deflect attention away from the impact of their policies while they “entertain us to death.” Mr. Musk owns twitter. Mr. Zuckerberg owns Meta – which includes Facebook and Instagram – and Mr. Bezos owns the Washington Post. Further, they and their fellow oligarchs, will continue to spend huge amounts of money to buy politicians in both major political parties.
    Bottom line: The oligarchs, with their enormous resources, are waging a war on the working class of this country, and it is a war they are intent on winning.
    Now, I am not going to kid you — the problems this country faces right now are serious and they are not easy to solve. The economy is rigged, our campaign finance system is corrupt and we are struggling to control climate change — among many other important issues.
    But this is what I do know:
    The worst fear that the ruling class in this country has is that Americans — Black, White, Latino, urban and rural, gay and straight, young and old — come together to demand a government that represents all of us, not just the wealthy few.
    Their oligarch’s nightmare is that we will not allow ourselves to be divided up by race, religion, sexual orientation or country of origin and will, together, have the courage to take them on.
    Will this struggle be easy? Absolutely not.
    And one of the reasons that it will not be easy is that the ruling class of this country will constantly remind you that THEY have all the power. They control the government, they own the media.
    But our job right now, in these difficult times, is to not forget the great struggles and sacrifices that millions of people have waged over the several centuries to create a more democratic, just and humane society. Think about what people THEN were saying.
    Overthrowing the King of England to create a new nation and self-rule. Impossible.
    Establishing universal suffrage. Impossible.
    Ending slavery and segregation. Impossible.
    Granting workers the right to form unions and ending child labor. Impossible.
    Giving women control over their own bodies. Impossible.
    Passing legislation to establish Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, a minimum wage, clean air and water standards. Impossible.
    In other words, as Nelson Mandela told us, everything is impossible until it is done.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Reaching for the stars: ‘We know the answers’ to support women in STEM

    Source: United Nations 4

    Women

    Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are crucial to economic growth – yet gender inequality in these fields remains widespread. 

    “Despite the progress, women still make up only one-third of the global scientific community and face significant barriers in funding, publishing and leadership roles in STEM,” said Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for the day.

    As the world marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, the need to remove these barriers is more urgent than ever.

    This year’s theme, Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science, highlights the importance of empowerment and ensuring women have equal access to opportunities.

    The importance of education

    Education is key to achieving gender equality in STEM, yet 122 million girls worldwide are currently out of school, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

    Even for those who receive formal education, gender stereotypes and societal expectations discourage many from pursuing scientific careers.

    At the 10th anniversary celebration, President of the General Assembly, H.E. Philémon Yang, emphasised the need for action: “As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape the economy, women and girls must have the skills to seize these opportunities.”

    He pointed out that progress has stalled over the past decade, with only 15 percent of young female graduates choosing STEM disciplines, compared to 35 percent of their male peers.

    Overcoming barriers

    The lack of female participation, particularly in artificial intelligence, results in biased technologies and reinforces inequality, explained Mr. Guterres.

    Moreover, more diversity in STEM would not only create fairer systems but also drive economic growth.

    The World Economic Forum estimates that doubling the number of women in the technology workforce by 2027 could add 600 billion euros to the global economy.

    To address these challenges, UNESCO and UN Women call for gender-sensitive teacher training, mentorship programs and greater investment in STEM education for girls.

    One small step for womankind

    A key highlight of this year’s event was an astronaut-led panel discussion at UN Headquarters in New York, featuring 16 female astronauts – nearly 20 per cent of all women astronauts worldwide.

    Among them was Amanda Nguyen, astronaut and founder of Rise, an organization advocating for sexual assault survivors.

    “Women survivors’ dreams still matter, even the outrageous ones, like flying to space,” she told the Assembly.

    With over 50 per cent of women faculty and staff in STEM having experienced sexual harassment, according to the National Institutes of Health, her words carried weight throughout the Assembly.

    Meanwhile, talking about her experience in space, former astronaut Dr. Cady Coleman explained that “the only people who are going to help you, are the people next to you”, emphasising that the international community needs to act in unison.

    Building the future

    This year’s event is a reminder that tackling global challenges – from climate change to public health – requires the full participation of women and girls in science.

    As the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action turns 30, global leaders are being urged to move beyond symbolic commitments and take concrete action to close the gender gap in STEM.

    “We know the solutions,” said Mr. Yang, calling for targeted policies and sustained investment in STEM education. “Let us not just mark these milestones – let us honour them with action,” he concluded.

    The recently adopted Pact for the Future emphasises science as a driver of gender equality, aiming to remove systemic barriers and open more opportunities for women in STEM.

    Soundcloud

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor McKee, General Officers, State Legislators, Gun Safety Advocates Call for Action on Assault Weapons Ban

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Published on Tuesday, February 11, 2025

    PROVIDENCE, RI — Today, Governor Dan McKee was joined by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Secretary of State Gregg Amore, General Treasurer James Diossa, legislators, and gun safety advocates to call for the passage of an assault weapons ban during this year’s legislative session. Governor McKee included a ban on assault weapons in his FY26 budget proposal, and legislation is being sponsored by Representative Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren) and Senator Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton).

    “Gun safety remains a crucial public health issue here in Rhode Island and across the country,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Together, we’ve made important progress in passing gun safety laws, but our work is not over. That is why I chose to include an assault weapons ban in my budget to help move this issue forward. For the safety of our communities—let’s finally get this done.”

    The ban would prohibit the manufacture, purchase, sale, transfer, and possession of certain assault weapons including certain semi-automatic shotguns, rifles, and pistols. It also levies criminal penalties for anyone convicted of violating the ban; and provides exemptions to the ban for law enforcement agencies, federally licensed firearm dealers, and individuals who lawfully possess an assault weapon on the effective date of the ban.

    The federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004 and has yet to be reauthorized by Congress. Currently, ten states have statutes that ban certain assault weapons.

    Over the past several years, Governor McKee has proudly signed several key pieces of gun safety legislation into law including bills to: ban large-capacity gun magazines, require the safe storage of firearms, raise the legal age to purchase firearms or ammunition from 18 to 21, and prohibit the open carry of any loaded rifle or shotgun in public. 

    “We have made great strides to keep our communities safe from gun violence, and we must keep that momentum going by passing a ban on assault weapons,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “We have spent too long in fear of gun violence in our schools, in our places of worship, in our public spaces, and in our homes. This year, we can take action and get prevent these weapons of war from flowing into our communities.”

    “We deserve to move about our schools, places of worship, workplaces, and communities without fear of gun violence, and the simple truth is that assault weapons make gun violence even more deadly,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “Once again, I’m glad to stand with my colleagues in government, advocates, and community members as we call for additional commonsense gun safety legislation here in our state, and I sincerely hope that this is the year we achieve our goal.”

    “There is no need for civilians to own and operate military-style weapons,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “Over the years, my Office has helped pass, strengthen, and enforce common sense gun laws that keep Rhode Islanders safer. Mass casualty events are far too common in the United States, and so often they involve assault weapons. Rhode Islanders deserve to go to the movies, or to a concert, and not fear for their lives. Let’s get this done.”

    “As a state and as a country we have become numb to gun violence. It barely registers in the headlines. But make no mistake, gun-related violence continues to have a real impact on Rhode Islanders,” said Treasurer James A. Diossa. “As Mayor of Central Falls, I heard the stories, witnessed the grief, and felt the pain of families whose lives were irrevocably altered by the pull of a trigger. And I still see it firsthand through Treasury’s Crime Victim Compensation Program, which offers well-needed financial assistance to victims and their families. I commend Governor McKee on taking bold action and including this ban in his budget proposal, and Representative Knight and Senator DiPalma for their tireless advocacy year after year.”

    “High-powered weapons like AR-style rifles are the preferred weapons of mass shooters. Scores of Americans have died at the hands of killers wielding these weapons. There is no reason they should be allowed to circulate in the community,” said Representative Jason Knight. “Of course making them illegal doesn’t mean that they will all disappear overnight, but allowing their legal sale needlessly endangers the public. We are not powerless against gun violence, and Rhode Islanders deserve more than thoughts and prayers as an antidote. This bill gives us a common-sense way to mitigate the damage from the modern-day scourge of mass shootings.”

    “Banning assault weapons is a long overdue, common-sense step to address the serious public health issue of gun violence in Rhode Island. Research clearly shows a ban will save lives and make our communities safer. It is supported by a large majority of legislators, by each of the state’s general officers, and by most Rhode Islanders,” said Senator Louis DiPalma. “Our neighbors in Connecticut and Massachusetts have implemented an assault weapons ban, as have one-fifth of all states. Our federal government has done so previously. Strong state-level leadership is more critically needed than ever before, and I am proud to be sponsoring this legislation.”

    “In the absence of federal legislation regulating assault weapons, in Rhode Island, we must take it upon ourselves to protect our residents from mass shootings by banning these uniquely dangerous weapons,” said Melissa Carden, Executive Director of RICAGV. “We are grateful to the Governor for his commitment to gun safety and we look forward to working with him, General Assembly leadership and bill sponsors Senator DiPalma and Representative Knight on this important legislation.”

    “Our lawmakers and Governor McKee supporting this bill to ban assault weapons in Rhode Island goes to show that they’re making our safety a priority. This isn’t just about my generation either, it’s about the next generation of kids who are sitting in kindergarten classrooms right now,” said Mia Tretta, a volunteer leader with the Brown University Students Demand Action chapter and and gun shot wound survivor from the shooting at Saugus High School in California. “This is what real leadership looks like. Not just taking action in the wake of tragedy, but stepping up to prevent a tragedy in the first place. The introduction of this bill is just the beginning, and we’re committed to getting this to the finish line.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Helping teachers learn what works in the classroom − and what doesn’t − will get a lot harder without the Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nicole M. McNeil, Professor of Psychology, University of Notre Dame

    A U.S. flag and an Education Department flag fly outside the U.S. Department of Education building on Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Alex Wong/Getty Images

    The future of the Institute of Education Sciences, the nonpartisan research arm of the Education Department, is suddenly in jeopardy. The Department of Government Efficiency, a Trump administration task force led by Elon Musk, has announced plans to cancel most of the institute’s contracts and training grants.

    The institute’s annual budget is less that US$1 billion – or less than 1% of the Department of Education’s budget – but it advances education by supporting rigorous research and sharing data on student progress. It also sets standards for evidence-based practices and formalizes the criteria for evaluating educational research.

    In short, the Institute of Education Sciences identifies what works and what doesn’t.

    As cognitive scientists who engage in educational research, we believe this often overlooked institute is key to advancing national education standards and preventing pseudoscience from entering classrooms.

    Dissatisfaction with US education

    Getting education right can help address some of the nation’s biggest challenges, such as high school dropout rates and poverty.

    But throughout U.S. history, dissatisfaction with student achievement levels has spurred major education reform efforts.

    Russia’s launch of the Sputnik space satellite, for example, triggered the 1958 National Defense Education Act. That measure attempted to strengthen science and math instruction to bolster Cold War defense efforts.

    Concerns about educational inequality led to the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which funded schools serving students from low-income families.

    After President Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education in 1979, small-government conservatives, including Ronald Reagan, pledged to abolish it.

    As president, however, Reagan appointed former education commissioner Terrel Bell as secretary of education. Bell convened the National Commission on Excellence in Education. And in 1983 it produced A Nation at Risk, a report that warned of “a rising tide of mediocrity” in schools.

    It motivated national leaders to push for higher academic standards.

    In 1997, growing alarm over many students’ poor reading levels led to the National Reading Panel, which emphasized evidence-based reading instruction.

    In response to continuing concern about U.S. education, President George W. Bush partnered with U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy to pass the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002. The law attempted to raise standards by mandating testing and interventions for low-performing schools. It provided incentives for successful schools and punishment for failing ones.

    This law significantly improved achievement, particularly in math.

    President George W. Bush appears at the bill-signing ceremony of the No Child Left Behind Act at Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Ohio, on Jan. 8, 2002.
    Tim Sloan/AFP via Getty Images

    Institute of Education Sciences

    Just months after Congress approved the No Child Left Behind Act, it established the Institute of Education Sciences to provide independent education research, becoming the first federal agency dedicated to using scientific research to guide education policy.

    Before the institute, educational research was fragmented, ideologically driven and inaccessible to parents and teachers. Findings were buried in books or locked behind paywalls.

    The institute broke that cycle. Structured with statutory independence, it is led by a director and a board composed of researchers, not political appointees.

    It produces replicable results and makes them freely available to the public.

    For example, the What Works Clearinghouse, launched in 2003, provides educators with guidance on effective practices. A school board seeking to adopt a new curriculum can find answers on the site about effective approaches.

    The clearinghouse distills research into clear recommendations. It spares local decision-makers from having to wade through complex studies. The site also references original studies and offers descriptions for local decision-makers who want to examine the evidence for themselves.

    Since 2007, it has published 30 practice guides. They cover topics such as teaching fractions, improving reading and reducing high school dropout rates.

    These guides synthesize the best available evidence, rather than relying on one study, leader or political ideology.

    Yet, the clearinghouse may be one of the parts of the Institute of Education Sciences on the chopping block.

    Evidence increases freedom

    From the 20th-century belief that instruction should be tailored to students’ skull shape to the 1970s movement promoting unstructured learning in classrooms without walls, pseudoscience and fads have obstructed improvements in education.

    The Institute of Education Sciences protects educational freedom by countering these claims.

    Some argue that free markets should dictate educational choices. They believe parents and school boards will naturally gravitate toward effective programs while ineffective ones fade away.

    But education markets often reward programs with the best marketing, not the best results. Psychologists who study scientific thinking have documented how pseudoscientific programs gain traction through compelling narratives rather than evidence.

    Meanwhile, public trust in expertise is declining, and pseudoscientific products flood the market. Programs such as Brain Balance and Learning Rx thrive in the $2 billion brain training industry.

    Marketed directly to parents of children with learning difficulties, these products use slick advertising and claim to “rewire” children’s brains to boost learning. Families pay thousands for programs that lack credible, peer-reviewed evidence of lasting benefits.

    Programs designed by university scholars also aren’t immune to the allure of anecdote over hard data.

    Former Columbia professor Lucy Calkins downplayed the importance of teaching phonics, thus harming a generation of students’ reading development. Stanford professor Jo Boaler’s controversial ideas delayed Algebra I in some California schools until ninth grade and discouraged timed arithmetic practice.

    And Drug Abuse Resistance Education thrived for decades despite overwhelming evidence that it did not work.

    These examples reveal how well-intentioned but ineffective educational products gain traction through public appeal rather than rigorous research.

    The future of IES

    In 2007 the Office of Management and Budget awarded the Institute of Education Sciences the highest score on its program assessment rating tool, a distinction earned by only 18% of federal programs.

    But most Americans probably never heard of this.

    And that highlights the institute’s major weakness: insufficient emphasis on sharing its findings and practice guides with the public and policymakers.

    The institute would do well to publicize its findings more extensively so that parents and education leaders can better access rigorous research to improve education.

    Whatever changes are made to the Department of Education, preserving the institute’s role in providing research on what works best – and ensuring continuous exchanges between research and practice – will benefit the American public.

    Nicole M. McNeil has served as an investigator on projects funded by IES, including one current project on leveraging technology to improve children’s mathematical understanding. She has given invited talks to trainees in IES predoctoral training programs and has served on IES grant review and awards panels. She regularly supports educators in engaging with IES’s What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) and its Practice Guides as part of her capacity-building efforts to connect volunteer tutors to cognitive science through an AmeriCorps VGF grant.

    Robert Stuart Siegler has received funding from IES for four grants; the most recent of which ended in 2018. He also received funds from IES for heading the Fractions Practice Guide Panel and for writing a review for IES of findings from research that the institute funded.

    – ref. Helping teachers learn what works in the classroom − and what doesn’t − will get a lot harder without the Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences – https://theconversation.com/helping-teachers-learn-what-works-in-the-classroom-and-what-doesnt-will-get-a-lot-harder-without-the-department-of-educations-institute-of-education-sciences-247675

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Funding for Modul University Vienna – E-000458/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000458/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Harald Vilimsky (PfE)

    The Commission has withdrawn funding for Erasmus and research projects from Modul University Vienna. It is argued that the university’s new owner is ‘close to Orbán’. The Commission’s decision is based on a 2022 Council decision intended to protect EU funds against ‘systematic corruption’.

    • 1.To what extent, in the Commission’s view, should the education of young students and their further training abroad be regarded as a form of corruption?
    • 2.How often has funding been discontinued on the basis of the 2022 decision, and what countries and institutions have been affected?
    • 3.What body or Commissioner decided that funding for Modul University Vienna should be withdrawn, and were both the university and Hungarian representatives asked for their comments so that they could be taken into consideration in this process?

    Submitted: 3.2.2025

    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strengthening early childhood education and care in the EU – E-000464/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000464/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

    The latest report from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency highlights significant disparities in early childhood education and care (ECEC) systems across Europe. While some countries, such as Denmark, Germany and Finland, meet all key criteria – integrated governance, universal access, qualified staff and consistent educational guidelines – many others still face challenges in one or more areas.

    A key finding is that fully integrated ECEC systems, where a single ministry or authority oversees all services, achieve the highest scores. However, most countries still require reforms to improve governance, access and workforce qualifications.

    Notably, only Italy and Finland have recently introduced major initiatives to enhance staff qualifications, while the report calls for substantial investment across Europe.

    Given the crucial role of early education in child development and social equity, what concrete steps does the Commission plan to take to support Member States in addressing these gaps and ensuring high-quality ECEC for all children?

    Submitted: 3.2.2025

    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ROGS 2025: Government Funding for Private Schools Outpaces Public Schools

    Source: Australian Education Union

    The release of the Productivity Commission Report on Government Services 2025 (ROGS) highlights the growing disparity in government funding between public and private schools.

    “ROGS has shown once again that the gap in funding between public schools and private schools is increasing, with government spending in private schools outpacing government funding for public schools by 22% over the last decade,” said AEU Federal President, Correna Haythorpe.

    The data clearly shows the inequity that exists in school funding between the public and private sectors and reinforces the urgency of the current bilateral agreement negotiations between the Albanese Government and state and territory governments.

    “Resources delayed are resources denied. For too long, public schools have carried the burden of resource shortages, and yet public schools educate the vast majority of students with the greatest need.”

    The Productivity Commission Report On Government Services 2025 shows that private schools have received greater growth in real government investment than public schools over the last decade, in both total and per student funding.

    The report found that:

    • Over the last decade from 2012-13, total per student funding to public schools has increased by 24.5% at an average of 2.45% per year.
    • Private school per student government funding has increased by 30.2% over the last decade at an average of 3.0% per year – 1.22 times the rate of the public school increase.
    • Combined State/Territory and Commonwealth government funding to private schools has grown 22% faster than it has for public schools.

    Ms Haythorpe said that all governments have a fundamental responsibility to address the growing disparity in government funding between public and private schools.

    ROGS highlights the importance of the Albanese Government’s recent commitment to public schools to deliver full and fair funding of 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2034.

    “There must be bi-partisan support for full funding of public schools. We call on Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton to declare the Coalition’s position and commit to support for all public schools to be fully funded at 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by delivering a minimum 25 per cent from the Commonwealth,” Ms Haythorpe said.

    “We urge all governments to work together in the negotiations for new bilateral agreements with clear timelines that ensure this much needed funding is in public schools as soon as possible.”

    ENDS

    MEDIA CONTACT:

    Kylie Jensen – 0402 298 728

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Perrytown Coach Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Teenage Student

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A Perrytown ISD coach who sexually abused a 15-year-old student was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.

    Cole Underwood, 29, was charged via criminal complaint in June 2024 and indicted later that same month. In September 2024, he pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor. He was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk to 30 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. 

    According to court documents, Perryton ISD’s superintendent reached out to law enforcement in May 2024 to report a possible inappropriate relationship between Mr. Underwood and a female student. According to the superintendent, surveillance video allegedly showed Mr. Underwood meeting with the girl alone after hours, despite being given a specific directive not to be alone with her.

    Agents reviewed the footage and observed Mr. Underwood propping an exterior door open and then shutting off lights. Approximately 15 minutes later, the girl entered the darkened building through the propped door and walked into Mr. Underwood’s office.

    In interviews with law enforcement, the child said Mr. Underwood had sex with her in his office more than a dozen times between February and May.

    She said that after she added him as a contact on Snapchat, he established a personal friendship with her, and even invited her to his office to confide in him. She said that Mr. Underwood began messaging her in a flirtatious and sexual manner in December, and eventually used Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters.

    A search of the girl’s cell phone revealed multiple late-night conversations – some lasting more than six hours – between her and Mr. Underwood, who allegedly occasionally referred to the child as “wifey” and told her he loved her.

    At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, the student detailed how the situation escalated from the defendant acting as a confidant during a stressful period to isolating her and continually pressuring her for sex:

    “I had no idea that he was slowly in the process of grooming me, I genuinely thought that he actually cared about me,” she said in a victim impact statement. “I didn’t know how to stop it… He convinced me to shut everyone out. I felt like I seriously had no one but him.”

    “I hope if there is a girl out there who is going through what I have been through, she has the chance to hear my story to know it’s okay to speak up. There are people who want to help,” she bravely added. “Just because you have one bad chapter does not mean your story is over.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Amarillo Resident Agency, the Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office, and the Perrytown Police Department conducted the investigation with the full cooperation of the Perryton Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • 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.

     

     

     

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    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently. 

     

    CEDAW25.007E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • 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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: The Republican War on Students will close neighborhood schools, increase class sizes and raise property taxes to finance a $5 trillion tax giveaway to billionaires

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – February 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu were joined by Rep. Jahana Hayes, a former National Teacher of the Year, and Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, a former executive director of Michigan Head Start, to highlight the Republican War on Students that will eliminate the Department of Education to pay for tax giveaways to billionaires and corporations like Tesla that don’t pay any federal taxes.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. The chaos and the corruption at the White House continues unabated. Elon Musk has illegal access to sensitive personal information of every taxpayer in America. He’s setting his sights on cutting Social Security benefits for American seniors who have earned their benefits over a lifetime of work, just so Tesla can continue to pay zero dollars in federal taxes. And now, Donald Trump has directed him to launch a Republican war on students by dismantling the Department of Education. I’m grateful to be joined by Representative Jahana Hayes, a former teacher, a former National Teacher of the Year, and Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet, former director of Michigan Head Start. 

    President Trump and Elon Musk want to cut public education for our children and our neighborhood schools to finance a $5 trillion tax giveaway to billionaires and wealthy corporations. By eliminating the Department of Education, Republicans are sending a clear message that they don’t care about our children reaching their full potential. The American people did not vote for their neighborhood schools to be closed or class sizes to be larger. They did not vote to cut special education. The Republican war on students won’t lower the cost of eggs or groceries, but it will raise property taxes as the cost of Trump’s education cuts will be forced onto parents and homeowners. 

    House Democrats believe that education is the key to unlocking the American Dream. Our focus is on securing the resources needed to improve public education outcomes, raising test scores and lowering dropout rates. If House Republicans won’t stand up for our kids and end their war on students, then they should not ask for our votes to pass a government funding bill. Now, turning it over to Vice Chair Ted Lieu.

    VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar. The Trump Administration has engaged in a number of brazenly, undemocratic and illegal actions, and they are losing in court. 55 lawsuits have been filed, and judges appointed by Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Donald Trump himself, have issued injunctions or temporary restraining orders against the Administration’s actions. For example, a judge issued a nationwide injunction against the Birthright Citizenship Executive Order, which attempted to overturn the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment right to birth right citizenship. A judge halted the attempted freeze of federal funding. A judge halted the attempted cuts to NIH that would have affected cancer research. A judge halted DOGE access to your private Social Security numbers, and on and on. 

    At the same time, none of these actions by the Trump Administration are lowering costs. My wife and I recently went to a grocery store. We went to get some eggs, and we could see the prices of these eggs had now jumped to about $8, but there are no eggs. The shelves are completely empty. Nothing the President is doing is trying to lower costs for the American people, and the American people are now seeing this. A recent poll showed that nearly half of the American people say their costs are actually increasing now. So, we’re asking the Republicans and Donald Trump to focus on lowering costs, which they are ignoring right now. It’s now my pleasure to yield to Congressman Johanna Hayes, who, in addition to being an amazing Member of Congress, as Chairman Aguilar had said, she was also National Teacher of The Year prior to coming to Congress.

    REP. HAYES: Thank you, and thank you so much for being here. The Department of Education was created by an Act of Congress and can only be dissolved by an Act of Congress. This Administration knows that, and I suspect, based on what we’ve seen, that this chaos and confusion, this flooding zone, is going to reign down on the Department of Education, to try to convince the American people that we don’t need it, to strangle out funds meant to support public education and, ultimately, just turn off the lights. 

    It’s important to understand what it means by Republicans calling to end the Department of Education. The Department of Education does not handle curriculum, instruction or instructional materials. Those decisions are already made locally, by state and local boards of education, but what the Department of Education does handle is civil rights protections for all students. They handle support for low-income students through their Title 1 funding. They develop and prepare educators through Title 2 funding and professional development. They provide resources for English language learners, collect statistics on enrollment, staffing and crime in school, and the department is responsible for more than 1.6 trillion dollars in federal student aid. 

    49 million students attend public school in this country, and all of the services provided by the Department of Education are at risk. Of those, 7.5 million students receive special education or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. IDEA makes a free and appropriate public education available to all eligible students. That means the occupational therapist that helps a student just to hold a pencil—because in their brain, they have all the information, they just need to figure out a way to articulate that—is at risk.

    And I think people need to understand that an IEP is a legal document. It is not solely an education document. Ending federal funding or eliminating the department does not end our legal obligation to provide these services to kids. So, one of two things will happen, either local communities will have to make hard choices about what other resources they have to cut to meet their legal obligation to educate these children, or their taxes will go up to replace the funding that the federal government is no longer sending. 

    Now, I’ve seen the NAEP scores. I’m open to having any conversation to improve education and get better results for students, but I think if we’re looking at those scores, we have to be honest: the numbers are brought down by red states who have failed to invest in education over decades. But any real solution that we’re talking about for improving educational outcomes for our students cannot be limited to funneling money to private voucher programs, which only about 1 million students take advantage of. 

    What about the other 48 million students? Any real solution has to include solving for the barriers that impede education, the things that cause children to show up not ready to learn. Things like housing insecurity; things like empty bellies; things like a lack of health care; no access to FMLA for their families so that their parents can’t stay home with them when they’re sick; Birth to Three initiatives; pre- and post-natal care; gun violence in schools. If you want to have a real conversation about educational outcomes, let’s do it. I’m here for it. But Elon Musk, Donald Trump and the elites in this country don’t need public schools. They don’t have to send their children to public schools. They can afford to send their children somewhere else. I’m standing up for all the students who don’t come from those kinds of families, for all the parents who can’t afford to make those choices, for all the teachers who greet those students and try their best to give them the type of education that they see in other communities—because they deserve it. So, I remain committed to maintaining the integrity of the Department of Education and fighting back against all of these cuts because this smash and grab tactics and attempts to rob the penny bank of America’s children and their future is not something that House Democrats are going to stand for. And with that, my colleague Kristen McDonald Rivet.

    REP. MCDONALD RIVET: Thank you. Thank you so much. Good morning and thank you for joining us. And thank you to Congresswoman Hayes. Thank you to Chairman Aguilar and Vice Chair Lieu for highlighting this urgent issue. 

    So, education, specifically early childhood education, holds a really special place in my heart. First, I parented six kids. Second, I have a daughter who’s a special education teacher, particularly in the early years. But I started my career working in Head Start. I have seen firsthand the impact that early childhood education programs and special education programs play in the lives of children and families. I also served as the chief of staff at the State Department of Education in Michigan, and in the Michigan State Senate, served on the K–12 Appropriations Committee and the Education Policy Committee. So, I’ve spent a little time in education. I can tell you that we do need to improve our education in this country, and we’ve seen things that work. Things like decreasing class size, investing in new teachers, dramatic increases in math and reading programs and robust early childhood programs. These are the kinds of things that make our schools, our families and our kids stronger. 

    But eliminating the Department of Education would be disastrous for our kids. Special education classes would be gutted. Our most unserved communities unable to keep school doors open. Higher property taxes across the country as local districts are forced to pay for federally-mandated programming, and countless teachers losing their jobs due to a lack of funding. It’s simply unacceptable. 

    We can’t go back to a time where we ignore or leave behind our most vulnerable students. As Representative Hayes said, there are roughly 7.5 million students who benefit from the Department of Education’s special education programs, including students with learning disabilities, developmental delays, speech and language deficiencies and much more. If Mr. Musk gets his way, 15% of public school students in America will not receive the programming they need to reach their full potential, and every single classroom will be disrupted. So let me say that again. 7.5 million children. What’s more, state and local governments do not have the resources in place to administer these programs. I know what public school budgets look like. They do not work without federal support. If Mr. Musk slashes it, localities will be forced to cut services to kids. And let me be clear, raise your taxes to close the gaps. 

    To the families in my district working multiple jobs and still struggling to make it to the end of the work week, that’s more costly, not more efficient. Elon Musk’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education would devastate kids, schools and communities in my district and across the country at a time that we simply cannot afford it. Thanks again for joining us. With that, I will turn things back to Chairman Aguilar.

    Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Recognizes School Bus Drivers During School Bus Driver Week

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein Recognizes School Bus Drivers During School Bus Driver Week

    Governor Josh Stein Recognizes School Bus Drivers During School Bus Driver Week
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein issued a proclamation recognizing the week of February 10th – February 14th as School Bus Driver Week, recognizing the work they do to get students to school safely and the need to address driver vacancies across the state.

    “North Carolina’s bus drivers are a vital engine in our students’ success,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am pleased to dedicate this week to the hardworking bus drivers who, regardless of road or weather conditions, ensure that North Carolina’s students get to school safely. Let us also use this occasion to raise awareness of the need for increased pay and better benefits, so that we can better recruit and retain employees for this critical role.”

    “Every child in North Carolina deserves the opportunity to succeed academically, and that includes reliable transportation to and from school. Each day, thousands of students across North Carolina rely on bus drivers to make that happen,” said North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green. “I join Governor Stein in calling for increased pay and respect for our talented bus drivers.”

    In 2023, North Carolina school systems reported that about 13 percent of their bus driver positions were vacant. Bus driver vacancies have led to longer commute times, longer walks to bus stops for students, and less reliable schedules. Every day in North Carolina, over 10,000 school buses safely transport more than 620,000 students to and from school.

    Read the full proclamation here.

    Feb 11, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property solution for Wellington Girls’ College

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is providing Wellington Girls’ College certainty by confirming funding for the school’s long-term property solution.
    “Cabinet has approved funding for the next stage of the school’s redevelopment. It will deliver safe, warm and dry learning environments that will ensure Wellington Girls’ College continues to deliver a world-leading education for generations to come,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
    The next stage will deliver:

    A new two-storey building to deliver replacement classrooms and administration/resource space.
    A new replacement school hall.
    Earthquake strengthening works on Brook Block.
    Relocation of some of the modular classrooms on the school field and two-storey modulars to their permanent location to deliver new classrooms as part of this next stage of the project.
    Reinstatement of the school field.
    Removal of the end-of-life prefabricated classrooms that will no longer be required.

    This stage is on top of the investment to deliver one and two-storey modular classrooms, strengthening works on the Pipitea Block, and delivering covered courts. The new two-storey building and relocated modulars will deliver around 20 classrooms for the school. The total investment across both previous and future works is around $100 million.
    “This Government is developing a more efficient and sustainable solution for how we deliver school property. It is our expectation the Ministry of Education prioritises repeatable and modular buildings and is transparent when communicating with schools throughout the planning process.
    “The new two-storey modular classrooms delivered ahead of Term 1 are a great example of what we can do when we focus on speed, innovation, and working collaboratively with the market, and I expect to see more of this approach across the country.”
    Work is expected to begin on the new two-storey building and hall in 2026. Work on Pipitea Block is already underway and is expected to be completed mid-2025. Strengthening of Brook Block and other redevelopment works are planned to begin onsite by the end of 2025.
    “Improving education infrastructure is an important part of laying the foundation for New Zealanders to succeed. This Government is committed to delivering just that,” Ms Stanford says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Takahē released to grow wild population

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  12 February 2025

    After travelling from Burwood Takahē Centre near Te Anau and Orokonui Ecosanctuary Dunedin, takahē rangers paused briefly at Glenorchy Primary School for children to wave the birds on to the release site.

    Mana whenua Ngāi Tahu welcomed takahē with a mihi whakatau before they were released.

    The decision to release takahē into the Rees Valley was made after takahē released into Greenstone Valley in 2023 showed early signs of successfully adjusting to their new environment – raising offspring and remaining in a healthy condition.

    Thought to be extinct for 50 years, takahē are a taonga of Ngāi Tahu, unique to New Zealand and the largest flightless species of rail bird in the world. They were famously rediscovered in the Murchison Mountains in 1948.

    DOC’s Takahē Recovery Senior Ranger Glen Greaves says existing wild sites in the Murchison Mountains and the Greenstone Valley are reaching capacity, so the focus is now on establishing more wild populations elsewhere.

    “Finding wild sites with the right habitat, and with predator numbers low enough for takahē to thrive is a challenge – but the Greenstone, Rees, and wider Whakatipu areas likely provide high-quality habitat for takahē.”

    Glen says predator control has been a significant factor in ensuring the translocation can go ahead. However, like other large wild sites, predator threats and dispersal into less-protected areas remain.

    “Setting up new wild populations takes perseverance, and success is not guaranteed,” says Glen.

    “We hope people walking the Rees-Dart track and Routeburn tracks will soon have a good chance of seeing takahē thriving in their natural wild habitat.”

    Ngāi Tahu representative on the Takahē Recovery Group, Gail Thompson says the release of takahē into the Rees Valley is a welcome next step towards the goal of increasing the number of takahē roaming free in the wild.

    “It is my hope the manu will thrive in this valley as they have so far in the Greenstone Valley and that current and future generations will have the opportunity to see takahē in their natural environment.

    “Our tīpuna inhabited the valley to the west of Puahiri/Puahere awa/Rees River and this whenua was part of a well-known network of ara tawhito/trails to pounamu sources. It is heartening that these takahē can now make this place their home,” says Gail.

    Today the total takahē population is more than 500 and growing at about five percent a year. More than half the birds now live at wild sites.

    Kaiwhakahaere/co-chair of Southern Lakes Sanctuary, Greg Lind, says their organisation’s work has been to prepare the Rees Valley for takahē to hopefully thrive upon their return to this special area.

    “We have been servicing a network of more than 500 traps in suitable takahē habitats and have been focused on intensive feral cat control,” says Greg.

    “This takahē release is a great example of the power of collaboration, with each party making vital contributions to make this a reality. This includes everyone from donors, iwi, landowners, community groups and DOC.”

    A further two takahē releases into the Rees Valley are planned for later this year, with the aim of establishing a population of up to 80 takahē in the Rees Valley in 2025.

    DOC’s Takahē Recovery Programme, supported by National Partner Fulton Hogan and New Zealand Nature Fund, together with Ngāi Tahu and Southern Lakes Sanctuary have been working together to create one large self-sustaining population of takahē in the Upper Whakatipu – with the shared goal of restoring takahē to whenua they likely inhabited centuries ago. 

    Acknowledgments

    Ngāi Tahu

    Takahē have special cultural, spiritual, and traditional significance to Ngāi Tahu. Ngāi Tahu value takahē as a taonga (treasure) and continue to act as kaitiaki (guardians) of takahē by working with DOC to protect this precious species.

    Seven of the 18 Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga have a shared interest in and around Whakatipu Waimāori, Tāhuna and the inland Ōtākou region. Those seven rūnanga are: Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Hokonui Rūnanga, Oraka Aparima Rūnaka, Te Rūnaka o Awarua and Waihōpai Rūnaka. The release had their full support.

    DOC and the Takahē Recovery Programme

    Fulton Hogan joined with DOC as a national partner to the Takahē Recovery Programme in July 2016. The New Zealand Nature Fund has a long-standing association with the programme and joined the DOC and Fulton Hogan partnership in July 2016, providing administration and advocacy support. DOC and the Takahē Recovery Programme are also supported by Air New Zealand, and 18 sanctuary sites throughout the country that provide safe breeding places for takahē to grow their numbers to feed into wild sites.

    Southern Lakes Sanctuary

    The Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust is a consortium of six local groups that collectively represent 84 community groups, landowners, and businesses, who in turn have been working for many years to protect and restore the declining biodiversity of the Southern Lakes region. The consortium relies on the mahi of hundreds of committed and dedicated volunteers, throughout the district. Their tireless work, which has been quietly ploughing on for many years, is the foundation upon which the Southern Lakes Sanctuary is built. The group’s extensive predator trapping work in the Rees Valley has been supported by RealNZ, Impact100, Lotteries, Stout Trust, Patagonia, QLDC, CLT, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand and Heli Glenorchy.

    Takahē thrive in new wild home on Ngāi Tahu whenua in Ōtākou/Otago: Media release 15 August 2024

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Mini Rover Team Is Packed for Lunar Journey

    Source: NASA

    [embedded content]
    A team at JPL packed up three small Moon rovers, delivering them in February to the facility where they’ll be attached to a commercial lunar lander in preparation for launch. The rovers are part of a project called CADRE that could pave the way for potential future multirobot missions.. NASA/JPL-Caltech

    A trio of suitcase-size rovers and their base station have been carefully wrapped up and shipped off to join the lander that will deliver them to the Moon’s surface.
    Three small NASA rovers that will explore the lunar surface as a team have been packed up and shipped from the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, marking completion of the first leg of the robots’ journey to the Moon.
    The rovers are part of a technology demonstration called CADRE (Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration), which aims to show that a group of robots can collaborate to gather data without receiving direct commands from mission controllers on Earth. They’ll use their cameras and ground-penetrating radars to send back imagery of the lunar surface and subsurface while testing out the novel software that enables them to work together autonomously.
    The CADRE rovers will launch to the Moon aboard IM-3, Intuitive Machines’ third lunar delivery, which has a mission window that extends into early 2026, as part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative. Once installed on Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander, they’ll head to the Reiner Gamma region on the western edge of the Moon’s near side, where the solar-powered, suitcase-size rovers will spend the daylight hours of a lunar day (the equivalent of about 14 days on Earth) carrying out experiments. The success of CADRE could pave the way for potential future missions with teams of autonomous robots supporting astronauts and spreading out to take simultaneous, distributed scientific measurements.

    Construction of the CADRE hardware — along with a battery of rigorous tests to prove readiness for the journey through space — was completed in February 2024.
    To get prepared for shipment to Intuitive Machines’ Houston facility, each rover was attached to its deployer system, which will lower it via tether from the lander onto the dusty lunar surface. Engineers flipped each rover-deployer pair over and attached it to an aluminum plate for safe transit. The rovers were then sealed in protective metal-frame enclosures that were fitted snuggly into metal shipping containers and loaded onto a truck. The hardware arrived safely on Sunday, Feb. 9.
    “Our small team worked incredibly hard constructing these robots and putting them to the test, and we have been eagerly waiting for the moment where we finally see them on their way,” said Coleman Richdale, the team’s assembly, test, and launch operations lead at JPL. “We are all genuinely thrilled to be taking this next step in our journey to the Moon, and we can’t wait to see the lunar surface through CADRE’s eyes.”
    The rovers, the base station, and a camera system that will monitor CADRE experiments on the Moon will be integrated with the lander — as will several other NASA payloads — in preparation for the launch of the IM-3 mission.
    More About CADRE
    A division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, JPL manages CADRE for the Game Changing Development program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. The technology demonstration was selected under the agency’s Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative, which was established to expedite the development of technologies for sustained presence on the lunar surface. NASA’s Science Mission Directorate manages the CLPS initiative. The agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and its Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California, both supported the project. Motiv Space Systems designed and built key hardware elements at the company’s Pasadena facility. Clemson University in South Carolina contributed research in support of the project.
    For more about CADRE, go to:
    https://go.nasa.gov/cadre
    News Media Contact
    Melissa PamerJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-314-4928melissa.pamer@jpl.nasa.gov
    2025-018

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Mangham: A Warm Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session 

    Source: US State of Georgia

    We’re now a quarter of the way through the 2025 Legislative Session, and every day under the Gold Dome, I am reminded why I fight for the people of the 55th Senate District. We began the legislative session on Monday, January 13, and we have hit the ground running with committee meetings, bill hearings and debates. This week marked a major turning point as committees met to take up some of our state’s most pressing issues, from education to healthcare to economic opportunity.

    Over the remaining 30 legislative days, I’m committed to fighting for policies that create a more equitable and inclusive Georgia for all its residents. I am honored to serve on the Senate Committees on Banking and Financial Institutions, Health and Human Services, Interstate Cooperation, Retirement, State and Local Governmental Operations, and MARTOC where we will address pressing issues that affect all Georgians.

    During our first week of session, Governor Brian Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. While we may not always agree, I look forward to working on areas where we can find common ground, including pay raises for teachers, state employees and first responders, as well as efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce. Georgia must ensure that every resident has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions, and address the growing need for affordable housing. These priorities are critical for building a more prosperous and equitable Georgia.

    In January, the Senate Democratic Caucus announced several key legislative priorities for this session. We introduced Senate Bill 50, a bipartisan effort to close health insurance gaps, expand access to mental health and maternal care and ensure working families can afford quality healthcare. Too many Georgians rely on emergency rooms for primary care because they lack affordable insurance. Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, and we will continue advocating for policies that lower costs and expand coverage. In the coming weeks, our caucus will introduce bills to raise the state minimum wage, strengthen public schools, and improve access to affordable childcare.

    Beyond legislative work, it has been an honor to welcome so many incredible Georgians to the Capitol. Last month, we welcomed members of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the economic achievements of businesses in our district. Gwinnett is a vibrant hub of innovation and growth, and I am proud to support policies that strengthen our local economy. This week, we honored Rosa Parks and her legacy. Her courage and activism sparked the civil rights movement, and we remain deeply grateful for her contributions to justice and equality.

    I also want to encourage students between 12 and 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is a unique opportunity for young people to see how our government operates firsthand. I highly encourage students who are passionate about civic engagement to apply. You can find more details here.

    With the clock ticking for the remainder of the 2025 Session, I promise to keep fighting for a more just and equitable Georgia. I am grateful for your trust, and I urge you to stay engaged. Call, email, or visit my office with questions or concerns.

    # # # #

    Sen. Randal Mangham represents the 55th Senate District which includes portions of Gwinnett and Dekalb County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 657-4640 or by email at Randal.Mangham@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minecraft: a gamechanger for children’s learning

    Source: University of South Australia

    12 February 2025

    Minecraft has more than 141 million active players.

    It’s the globally popular video game that’s captured the attention of more than 141 million active players, but Minecraft can also play a significant role in shaping children’s development, social interactions, and cognitive learning, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

    Published in the new book Children’s online learning and interaction, the study found that when children engage in collaborative Minecraft play, they foster teamwork, communication, and social skills as players exchange ideas and problem-solve in real-time.

    As Minecraft Education Edition becomes more prevalent in school curricula worldwide, understanding how children interact within these digital spaces is critical for parents and educators.

    Author and UniSA researcher Dr Vincenza (Enza) Tudini, says Minecraft can be a powerful tool for learning, creativity and social development.

    “From what we see of children’s interactions on Minecraft, it’s far more than just a digital pastime; it’s a virtual playground where children can develop problem-solving skills, collaboration, and language abilities,” Dr Tudini says.

    “We also know that Minecraft is a pro-social game with players demonstrating greetings and positive play evaluations as they interact with each other. As they play or watch videos, they’re growing their language skills, and increasing their digital literacy.

    “Team and problem-solving skills are also prominent in Minecraft. Unlike traditional video games that tend to focus on competition and scoring points, Minecraft is an open-ended experience that encourages children to build, explore, and interact, with players often working together to achieve common goals.

    “We also see many instances where knowledgeable players are actively guiding less experienced players through challenges. Such scaffolded-learning supports creative thinking, motivation and growth, and because it’s peer-delivered, it builds team-skills and confidence.”

    Despite Minecraft offering rich learning opportunities, it also comes with challenges – especially in open online environments.

    “All online spaces have safety risks. While Minecraft promotes positive social interactions, public servers can expose children to online risks such as bullying or interactions with unknown players,” Dr Tudini says.

    “Ensuring children’s safety and maximising the game’s educational potential requires active involvement from both parents and educators. We need to teach children about safe gaming practices, encourage play with known friends, and monitor content to ensure a safe gaming experience.

    “By adopting safe gaming practices and integrating Minecraft into learning environments, we can help children harness its benefits while navigating the digital world responsibly.”

    Recommendations for Parents

    • Encourage collaborative play with known friends or siblings to enhance social skills and teamwork.
    • Opt for family-friendly or private servers to reduce risks associated with public multiplayer gameplay.
    • Monitor YouTube and online content to ensure channels are appropriate.
    • Teach online safety, set boundaries about sharing personal information, and encourage respectful online communication.
    • Ensure a healthy balance between screen time with other offline activities

    Recommendations for Schools:

    • Minecraft Education Edition offers structured lessons like coding, mathematics, and environmental science. Teachers can use the game to engage students in creative learning.
    • Promote digital citizenship by teaching online etiquette, cyber safety, and responsible gaming.
    • Encourage constructive collaboration that require teamwork and problem-solving.

    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview:  Dr Vincenza (Enza) Tudini E: Enza.Tudini@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Funds Allocation to Department of Agricultural Research and Education

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of funds allocated for the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) during the financial years 2014-2023 including BE, RE and Actual Spending are as below:

    (Rs. in crore)

    Year

    Budget Estimates (BE)

    Revised Estimates (RE)

    Actual Expenditure

    2014-15

    6144.39

    4884.00

    4840.03

    2015-16

    6320.00

    5586.00

    5572.90

    2016-17

    6620.00

    6238.00

    5995.21

    2017-18

    6800.00

    6992.00

    6989.92

    2018-19

    7800.00

    7952.73

    7943.59

    2019-20

    8078.76

    7846.17

    7844.98

    2020-21

    8362.58

    7762.38

    7685.52

    2021-22

    8513.62

    8513.62

    8439.94

    2022-23

    8513.62

    8658.89

    8578.17

    2023-24

    9504.00

    9876.60

    9804.39

     

    There has been a progressive increase in the budget outlay in successive years. However, there was a minor reduction in RE during 2019-20 & 2020-21 due to pandemic COVID-19.

    During the past decade, the Department has strived to deliver through optimum utilization of available resources and making maximum use of the marginal increase through prioritization of research activities. It has been able to meet the challenges towards carrying out its Research & Development and operational activities in the area of Agriculture and allied sectors and achieving its desired outcome by realigning its processes.

    Further, DARE being a scientific department works in collaboration with the mainline ministries viz Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Science & Technology etc. on number of research projects as Research Partner to achieve its desired goals and outcome in a collaborative manner.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1333

    (Release ID: 2101884) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Driving the Future: NASA Highlights Artemis at Houston AutoBoative Show 

    Source: NASA

    You would not expect to see NASA at a car show—but that’s exactly where Johnson Space Center employees were from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2025, driving the future of space exploration forward. 
    At the Houston AutoBoative Show, a fusion of the auto and boat show, NASA rolled out its Artemis exhibit at NRG Center for the first time, introducing motor enthusiasts to the technologies NASA and commercial partners will use to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before. 

    The Artemis exhibit stood alongside some of the world’s most advanced cars and boats, offering visitors an up-close look at lunar terrain vehicle mockups from Astrolab, Intuitive Machines, and Lunar Outpost. Later this year, NASA will select the rover that will fly to the Moon as humanity prepares for the next giant leap. 
    In addition to the rovers, the exhibit featured a mockup of JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) pressurized rover, designed as a mobile habitat for astronauts, and Axiom Space’s lunar spacesuit, developed for Artemis III astronauts. 
    These capabilities will allow astronauts to explore, conduct science research, and live and work on the lunar surface.  

    Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche visited the Artemis exhibit to highlight the importance of these technologies in advancing lunar exploration. Every lesson learned on the Moon will help scientists and engineers develop the strategies, technologies, and experience needed to send astronauts to Mars.  
    “By bringing the excitement of lunar exploration to the AutoBoative Show, NASA aims to inspire the next generation of explorers to dream bigger, push farther, and help shape humanity’s future in space,” Wyche said.  
    NASA’s Artemis campaign is setting the stage for long-term human exploration, working with commercial and international partners to establish a sustained presence on the Moon before progressing to Mars. 
    To make this vision a reality, NASA is developing rockets, spacecraft, landing systems, spacesuits, rovers, habitats, and more.  

    Some of the key elements on display at the show included:

    The Orion spacecraft – Designed to take astronauts farther into deep space. Orion will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, carrying the crew to the Moon on Artemis missions and safely returning them to Earth.

    Lunar terrain vehicles – Developed to transport astronauts across the rugged lunar surface or be remotely operated. NASA recently put these rover mockups to the test at Johnson, where astronauts and engineers, wearing spacesuits, ran through critical maneuvers, tasks, and emergency drills—including a simulated crew rescue.

    Next-gen spacesuits and tools – Through Johnson’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program, astronauts’ gear and equipment are designed to ensure safety and efficiency while working on the Moon’s surface.

    Guests had the chance to step into the role of an astronaut with interactive experiences like: 

    Driving a lunar rover simulator – Testing their skills at the wheel of a virtual Moon rover. 

    Practicing a simulated Orion docking – Experiencing the precision needed to connect to Gateway in lunar orbit. 

    Exploring Artemis II and III mission roadmaps – Learning about NASA’s upcoming missions and goals. 

    Attendees also discovered how American companies are delivering science and technology to the Moon through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. 

    “Everyone can relate to exploration, so it was great to teach people the importance lunar rovers will have on astronauts’ abilities to explore more of the lunar surface while conducting science,” said Victoria Ugalde, communications strategist for the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program, who coordinated the lunar rovers’ appearance at the show. 
    Check out the rovers contracted to develop lunar terrain vehicle capabilities below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Supports GoAERO University Awardees for Emergency Aircraft Prototyping

    Source: NASA

    With support from NASA, the international GoAERO Prize competition recently announced funding for 14 U.S. university teams to build innovative new compact emergency response aircraft. 
    The teams will develop prototype versions of Emergency Response Flyers, aircraft intended to perform rescue and response missions after disasters and in crisis situations. The flyers must be designed to deliver a first responder, evacuate victims, provide emergency medical supplies, and aid in humanitarian efforts. Teams will bring their test aircraft to a fly-off expected in 2027. 

    koushik datta
    NASA Project Manager

    “These awards will provide students with an opportunity that might have otherwise been difficult – a chance to design and build potentially lifesaving aircraft,” said Koushik Datta, University Innovation Project manager in NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “At NASA, we’re looking forward to seeing how these young innovators can contribute to our mission to advance futuristic aviation technologies that can benefit first responders and the public.” 
    With support from NASA’s University Innovation Project, GoAERO named 14 awardee teams at the following universities: 

    Auburn University, in Leeds, Alabama  

    California Polytechnic University, in Pomona  

    Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh  

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in Daytona Beach, Florida 

    Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta 

    North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, in Greensboro  

    North Carolina State University, in Raleigh 

    The Ohio State University, in Columbus  

    Penn State University, in State College  

    Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana  

    Saint Louis University  

    Texas A&M University, in College Station, and Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater  

    University of Texas, Austin  

    Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg 

    Student teams can utilize the funds to purchase parts, materials, batteries, and other components for building their aircrafts. 
    When naming the university awardees, GoAERO – in partnership with Boeing, RTX, and Honeywell – also announced 11 winners of Stage 1 of its competition. These include teams from the private sector and universities. These awardees were selected to build full- or smaller-scale flyers for evaluation. Eight entries will be selected for the next round of Stage 2 awards. The GoAERO Prize is still accepting new teams.  While prizes are awarded at Stage 1 and Stage 2, teams do not need to win prizes to continue on to the next stage or compete in the final fly-off.  
    In addition to the University Innovation Project support for the university teams, NASA has partnered with GoAERO through a non-funded Space Act Agreement to provide U.S. teams with mentorship, educational opportunities, and access to specialized software tools. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Beyond Emilia Pérez: 5 Mexican films that do justice to victims of the drug cartels

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luis Gómez Romero, Senior Lecturer in Human Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Theory, University of Wollongong

    Julieta Egurrola in _Ruido_ (Noise). Courtesy of Netflix ©2022

    Oscar frontrunner Emilia Pérez has received mixed reactions from the film industry, critics and general audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes it holds a 72% critic score – but a dismal 17% from viewers.

    Mexican audiences have been particularly harsh. On its opening weekend in Mexico, the film grossed only US$74,000. Scores of moviegoers even demanded refunds.

    French director Jacques Audiard presents Emilia Pérez as his bold yet compassionate take on Mexico’s drug war and the resulting enforced disappearances. The film, however, has been criticised for how it pities and condescends to Mexicans while lacking real understanding of the violence it claims to represent.

    Those seeking to understand the suffering caused by enforced disappearances in Mexico would do well to look beyond Emilia Pérez. Here are five films you should watch.

    Tempestad

    The 2016 documentary Tempestad (Tempest), directed by Mexican-Salvadoran filmmaker Tatiana Huezo, genuinely engages with suffering and atonement in Mexico’s violent landscape. It follows the experiences of two women with organised crime and the Mexican justice system.

    Miriam Carvajal, a former customs official and mother of a young child, is wrongfully convicted on spurious charges of human trafficking and sent to a prison run by a criminal organisation. To survive, she becomes complicit in the brutal violence inflicted on the most vulnerable inmates, such as migrants.

    Adela Alvarado is a professional clown. She has been searching for her daughter, who disappeared a decade before filming. Despite threats to her life from police officers likely involved in the disappearance, Adela continues her relentless quest to find her child against all odds.

    Both women are driven by love for their children. Miriam is heard but never seen; Adela’s life among circus folk unfolds on camera. This visually highlights that their stories mirror each other yet are not identical.

    Huezo recognises perpetrators can also be victims, but refuses to turn the harm they have caused into an instrument for their redemption.

    Devil’s Freedom

    Everardo González’s 2017 documentary La Libertad del Diablo (Devil’s Freedom) also explores the theme of atonement for perpetrators alongside the suffering of their victims.

    González presents a choral narrative of Mexico’s drug wars. Testimonies come from crime syndicate hitmen, soldiers involved in law enforcement, a mother whose children disappeared, young women whose mothers were taken, and a man tortured by police.

    Victims and perpetrators wear compression masks made for burn treatment, ostensibly to protect their identities. These masks, however, also serve as a haunting equaliser that exposes a society scarred by violence.

    In one powerful scene, a victim recalls pitying her children’s murderer after sensing his shame. She removes the mask following her account of forgiveness and hesitantly smiles at the camera – her trembling lips raising fundamental questions about Mexico’s struggle to heal from the wounds of its drug wars.

    Identifying Features

    Mexican filmmakers have long used fiction to “exorcise the pain” of enforced disappearances, as Mexican actor Giovanna Zacarías puts it. Fernanda Valadez’s debut film, Sin Señas Particulares (Identifying Features, 2020) exemplifies this powerfully.

    Valadez’s restrained narrative avoids the stereotypical passion often attributed to Latin Americans.

    Magdalena (Mercedes Hernández), a modest rural woman, searches for her missing son, Jesús (Juan Jesús Varela), who vanished en route to the United States. Magdalena’s soft voice and timid demeanour conceal quiet defiance – she refuses to be sidelined. We never see those she questions. We witness only the pain on her face and her stoic resolve.

    Mexico is no fairy tale. In the agonising final minutes, Magdalena gains a son even as she loses another – though she cannot be with any of them. Life goes on in Mexico: Magdalena has found a grave to mourn at, and we mourn with her.

    Prayers for the Stolen

    Noche de Fuego (Prayers for the Stolen, 2021) marked Tatiana Huezo’s first foray into fiction filmmaking. The film follows the story of three friends growing up together in the mountains of Mexico, amid normalised violence and enforced disappearances.

    The girls’ world is shaped by strategies for survival, with danger looming from both criminal organisations and the state, embodied by the army. Yet, even in this tense environment, they still experience the everyday joys and struggles of childhood and adolescence.

    Drug violence contextualises the girls’ world – but does not define them. Huezo does not portray them as mere victims. As they grow, we witness how their rural teachers and mothers have provided them with the necessary tools to foster critical thinking.

    Even though local criminals disappear one of the girls, we glimpse a future where her two friends may one day challenge the silence and brutality of the adult world. Despite the premature loss of many childhoods in Mexico, Huezo leaves room for hope.

    Noise

    Natalia Beristain’s Ruido (Noise, 2022) follows Julia (Julieta Egurrola), a middle-class woman in her late 60s. She is the mother of Gertrudis, “Ger,” a student who vanished while on vacation with friends. Confronted with bureaucratic inefficiency and state indifference, Julia is forced to “do the work of others” and investigate Ger’s disappearance herself.

    On her journey, she finds women willing to risk everything for the truth. Among them, she discovers compassion and solidarity, from young feminists demanding justice, to mothers who, having also lost loved ones, guide her through the legal and forensic processes involved in searching for clandestine graves.

    “You are not alone”, the women repeat like a mantra. As Pulitzer Prize-winning Mexican author Cristina Rivera Garza reminds us, grief indeed is never a solitary. We always grieve for and with someone.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Beyond Emilia Pérez: 5 Mexican films that do justice to victims of the drug cartels – https://theconversation.com/beyond-emilia-perez-5-mexican-films-that-do-justice-to-victims-of-the-drug-cartels-249160

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: There is declining trust in Australian unis. Federal government policy is a big part of the problem

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graeme Turner, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Studies, The University of Queensland

    Matej Kastellic/ Shutterstock

    As we head towards the federal election, both sides of politics are making a point of criticising universities and questioning their role in the community.

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accused unis of focusing on “woke” issues that “just aren’t cutting it around kitchen tables”.

    The Albanese government has also accused universities of being out of touch. A Labor-chaired Senate committee has just set up an inquiry into university governance, pointing to “an extraordinary range” of issues, including executive pay.

    Both the Coalition and Labor want to clamp down on international student numbers, arguing they drive up city rents and threaten the integrity of Australian higher education.

    The criticism goes beyond politics. Recent media coverage called the sector a “mess” and asked “is a university degree still worth it?”

    No wonder newsletter Future Campus says the “hottest topic” in Australian higher education is whether universities have lost their social licence.

    What is social licence?

    A social licence means a community has given tacit permission for an organisation to operate. It goes beyond simple laws or regulations, and extends to the idea that a community implicitly trusts and has confidence in an organisation.

    A social licence means businesses, in particular, should not ignore their responsibility to provide a social benefit to their communities. This needs to go beyond providing commodities or generating profits.

    It may be a bit of stretch to compare universities with multinational corporations. But they have come under scrutiny for systemic underpayment of staff, “excessive” vice-chancellor and senior executive salaries and a structural over-reliance on international student income.

    In December 2024, a state parliament review expressed concern the University of Tasmania was prioritising “commercial over community interests in its core functions”.

    At the same time, Australian surveys show declining levels of public trust in universities and community concerns that profits take precedence over education.

    Governments have played a role

    So there are many reasons to ask how well our universities benefit the national community, beyond their economic outputs.

    But while our politicians readily line up to express concern, it is highly disingenuous to only blame universities for their standing in the community.

    The situation politicians now lament is the result of a long-term, bipartisan political project, prosecuted by successive federal governments.

    As a 2023 Australia Institute report found, federal government funding for universities (excluding HECS/HELP) has fallen from 0.9% of GDP in 1995 to 0.6% of GDP in 2021. Both Coalition and Labor governments have sought to reduce the sector’s costs to the budget.

    Over a similar period, enrolments tripled.



    Read more:
    Tumult and transformation: the story of Australian universities over the past 30 years

    Behaving like businesses

    To compensate for this funding loss, universities have been coaxed into behaving more like businesses.

    The federal policy settings have shown them the way to go.

    Teaching foreign students is more profitable than teaching domestic students, research collaborations with business and industry are more profitable than collaboration with communities. Increasingly, in the search for new income sources, commercial, rather than academic, considerations have driven institutional decisions.

    In a competitive market, the interests of individual institutions rather than those of the nation inevitably prevail.

    There has been a succession of redundancies and knowledge, learning and personnel have been lost. The losses have wound back generations of accrued cultural and educational capital for the nation.

    It is no surprise public confidence in universities’ utility and legitimacy has diminished.

    The most significant problem

    This is not to say universities are blameless. University leaders and academics acknowledge there has been a loss of public confidence. There is also acknowledgement some of the damage is due to internal issues – such as governance failures.

    But the most significant problem is the corrosive effect of several decades of commercialisation, underpinned by a political disregard for the sector’s contribution to the public good.

    If political leaders are serious about arresting the erosion of our universities’ social licence, it would be helpful if they stopped behaving as if it has nothing to do with them.

    Graeme Turner’s book, Broken: Universities, politics and the public good, will be published by Monash University Press in July as part of its In the National Interest series.

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

    – ref. There is declining trust in Australian unis. Federal government policy is a big part of the problem – https://theconversation.com/there-is-declining-trust-in-australian-unis-federal-government-policy-is-a-big-part-of-the-problem-248770

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A fierce tussle over a Northern Territory river reveals Australia’s stark choice on water justice

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Quentin Grafton, Australian Laureate Professor of Economics, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

    The Roper River Chris Ison/Shutterstock

    Water is now a contested resource around the world. Nowhere is this more evident than in the fight playing out over the Northern Territory’s Roper River – one of the last free-flowing rivers in Australia, nurtured by the enduring presence of First Nations custodians.

    The territory government recently doubled water extraction allowances from the aquifer that feeds the Roper River, making billions of litres available to irrigators, for free. The change risks permanent damage not just to the river but to world-famous springs and sacred sites fundamentally important to Traditional Owners.

    Australia has a very poor track record on maintaining healthy river systems, and on respecting First Nations rights to access and use water.

    The Roper River represents a chance to change course on decades of water policy failure. It also shows we must transform how Australia’s water is valued, who uses it, and who decides how vital rivers should be managed.

    What’s happening on the Roper River?

    The Roper River runs east for 400 kilometres from the Katherine region to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

    First Nations people comprise 73% of the population in the Roper River area. Amid socioeconomic challenges, Country sustains them as it has done for 65,000 years. It is integral to maintaining cultural knowledge, as well as ceremonial practices, environmental care and traditional food systems. Traditional Owners’ rights are recognised through Aboriginal freehold land and native title across the area.

    Irrigated crops including melons, mangoes and cotton are grown over a small part of the river catchment.

    In a string of recent decisions – mainly the designation of regional “water allocation plans” – the territory government has vastly increased potential extraction from underground aquifers. This could allow agriculture and other industries to expand.

    The Mataranka plan, which applies to the Roper River, now allows irrigators to double the amount of water extracted from an underground aquifer crucial to the river’s dry-season flows. These new extraction amounts would fill 25,000 Olympic swimming pools a year. The groundwater also feeds thermal springs at Mataranka – a sacred site and tourism drawcard.

    The groundwater also feeds thermal springs at Mataranka, a tourism drawcard.
    Martin Helgemeir/Shutterstock

    The decision came despite staunch opposition from Traditional Owners. As Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan told SBS:

    Both the previous and the current NT Government have ignored the voices of Traditional Owners, who have repeatedly said that the health and viability of the Roper River and the springs at Mataranka are at great risk.

    Water is life. It is our most valuable resource and Traditional Owners have an obligation to take care of the land and areas of cultural significance.

    The Baaka: a sad story of degradation

    Sadly, this story is not new to Australia. We need only look to the Baaka (Lower Darling River) in New South Wales as a cautionary tale.

    More than a century of water extraction has left the river and its wetlands degraded. This was demonstrated in 2023 when up to 30 million fish died due to low levels of dissolved oxygen, caused by, among other factors, too much water extracted upstream.

    The ecological damage has harmed the health and wellbeing of river communities – especially Traditional Owners such as the Barkandji people, who have long relied on the river for sustenance.

    The problem is getting worse. As research late last year showed, an investment of more than A$8 billion to date has failed to prevent a stark decline in the health of the Murray-Darling Basin river system.

    Martuwarra: another river in peril

    Martuwarra, or the Fitzroy River, runs through Western Australia’s Kimberley region. It is the state’s largest Aboriginal Cultural Heritage site and is on the national heritage list. Evidence indicates human occupation along the Martuwarra for at least 35,000  years.

    Traditional knowledge indicates climate change – among other harms – is threatening the Martuwarra. Ecological and ground water systems are drying up, making traditional food and medicine harder to find.

    This harms Indigenous custodians reliant on the Martuwarra for their lifeways and livelihoods.

    But there is hope. The Indigenous-led Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council has united West Kimberley people, First Peoples and others, along with stakeholders. It seeks to foster joint decision-making on planning and management to take full account of the social, cultural, spiritual and environmental impacts of water allocation across the catchment.

    This world-leading example shows what can be achieved when Traditional Owners and their partners unite to defend nature, water and Country as sources of life, not just resources to be exploited.

    Finding answers

    Many of the world’s largest rivers are suffering from neglect and destruction. Last month, on the world’s inaugural Water Justice Day, people around the globe fighting for water justice came together in Canberra.

    Community members, researchers, Elders, advocates and decision-makers gathered to share stories from Argentina, Australia, India, Kenya, Brazil and Mexico.

    Each tale described people working together to push back against water injustice, whether it involved unequal access, theft, dispossession, pollution or post-truth claims about water.

    Participants also watched the premiere screening of the short film EveryOne, EveryWhere, EveryWhen. It highlights what is at stake for Australia’s living rivers – Baaka, Roper and Martuwarra – and tells of the struggle to bring justice to these rivers and their people.

    A trailer for the film EveryOne, EveryWhere, EveryWhen.

    A fork in the river

    Clearly, the time for water reform is now. So what does this mean in practice?

    First, the precautionary principle must be deeply embedded in all government decisions. This means the potential for serious environmental damage must be properly considered, and actions taken to avoid it, even when science is not certain.

    Second, permission from First Peoples should be obtained for any activity affecting their land or waters, following the principles of “free, prior and informed consent”.

    And finally, both Indigenous knowledge and Western science must be brought together to plan, monitor and regulate all water extraction, to ensure our precious rivers are managed for both the present and the future.

    Australians face a stark choice.

    We can keep gifting valuable water resources to powerful commercial interests, while ignoring the warning signs our rivers are sending.

    Or we can follow First Nations leaders and listen to what Country is telling us: to safeguard water for everyone, including non-human kin, to secure a liveable and thriving future for all.

    In response to issues raised in this article, the NT’s Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne, said the Mataranka water allocation plan provides certainty to the environment and the community and supports regional economic development.

    He said the plan was “precautionary, evidenced based, and developed with considered involvement from local community representatives” including Traditional Owners, and preserves more than 90% of dry season flows to the Roper River.

    Quentin Grafton receives funding from the Australian Research Council and is the Convenor of the Water Justice Hub.

    Anne Poelina is Chair, Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council. She is Professor, Chair and Senior Research Fellow Indigenous Knowledges and affiliated with Nulungu Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Broome. She is Project Lead for an Australian Research Council Funded Project.

    Sarah Milne has received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. A fierce tussle over a Northern Territory river reveals Australia’s stark choice on water justice – https://theconversation.com/a-fierce-tussle-over-a-northern-territory-river-reveals-australias-stark-choice-on-water-justice-248766

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Spacefarers may contaminate other worlds – but scientists have plans to keep the cosmos clean

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirsten Banks, Lecturer, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology

    Debris on the surface of Mars from the Perseverance mission, captured on April 19 2022. NASA/JPL-Caltech

    In his inauguration speech in January, United States President Donald Trump declared the US would “plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars”.

    This shouldn’t come as a surprise. In 2017, in Trump’s previous term of office, he promised to “establish a foundation for an eventual mission to Mars”. And his billionaire adviser Elon Musk is famously obsessed with colonising the red planet.

    The first spacecraft to successfully explore another planet was NASA’s Mariner 2 mission. It passed within 35,000km of Venus on December 14 1962. Since then, there have been many successful missions to explore various planets, moons, asteroids and comets in the Solar System.

    But in our quest to explore celestial bodies, we risk contaminating them. And if we were to inadvertently contaminate a world that has the potential to host life – either now or in the past – that could compromise all future scientific investigations. It could also affect any life that may currently exist there.

    Because of this, space agencies such as NASA take the issue of interplanetary contamination very seriously. To decrease the risk, it uses a range of methods. And scientists are developing new ways to ensure biological material from Earth doesn’t make its way onto another planet.

    Two types of contamination

    Interplanetary contamination refers to a scenario in which a spacecraft carries biological material from one planetary object to another. Research indicates previous missions to Mars may have contaminated it with bacterial spores from Earth.

    There are two types of interplanetary contamination.

    The first is when biological material from Earth is transported to another planetary object, resulting in contamination. This is known as forward contamination.

    The second type is when biological material from an extraterrestrial source is brought back to Earth and contaminates Earth’s environment. This is known as back contamination.

    An artist’s impression of Sputnik 1 in orbit.
    Gregory Todd, CC BY-SA

    Even before the first successful launch of a human-made object to space, scientists were talking about the importance of mitigating interplanetary contamination.

    For example, at the Seventh Congress of the International Astronautical Federation in Rome in September 1956, one year before the launch of Sputnik 1, concerns were raised about the possibility of contaminating the Moon and other planetary bodies in the Solar System.

    Since then, space agencies across the world have implemented strategies to safeguard missions against interplanetary contamination.

    High temperatures, clean rooms and death plunges

    There are several strategies to minimise forward contamination – for example, using high temperatures or chemicals to sterilise the components of a spacecraft.

    Scientists and engineers also assemble spacecraft in clean rooms before launching them into space.

    However, these methods have limitations. In particular, spacecraft materials can be sensitive to high temperatures. Chemicals can also tarnish metals and break down essential coatings.

    Strategies are also employed at the end of planetary missions to minimise the potential for forward contamination.

    For example, at the end of its 13-year journey exploring the environment around Saturn and its moons, the Cassini space probe plunged into the depths of Saturn’s atmosphere.

    This so-called “death plunge” alleviated the risks of contaminating moons that could potentially host life, such as Titan and Enceladus. The extreme heat experienced by Cassini essentially incinerated the probe. This likely sterilised any potential contaminants carried by the probe from Earth.

    Biological barriers

    Scientists must also reduce the risk of potential back contamination on sample return missions.

    For example, in the recent OSIRIS-REx sample return mission, a sample collected from near-Earth asteroid Bennu was sealed in an airtight container on its return to Earth.

    This ensured no extraterrestrial material could be released into Earth’s environment in an uncontrolled way. Once scientists retrieved the return capsule from the Utah desert, they carefully transported it to a specialised facility designed for handling potentially hazardous materials.

    Facilities such as these are designed with biological barriers to prevent the escape of materials or organisms into Earth’s environment.

    They also function as “cleanrooms” to prevent potential forward contamination of the samples from Earth-based organisms.

    The sample return capsule from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission pictured at the Utah Test and Training Range shortly after returning to Earth.
    NASA/Keegan Barber

    New methods

    Scientists are also developing new methods to reduce the risk of interplanetary contamination.

    For example, a recent paper in Nature described a method known as the “active plasma steriliser”.

    This system uses plasma at low temperatures to effectively decontaminate materials in as little as 45 minutes.

    This novel technology works on short timescales. And unlike previous methods that use high temperatures, it can be used on materials and spacecraft components sensitive to temperature.

    We can learn a lot about the potential impact of interplanetary contamination from present and future space missions by looking at our own backyard here in Australia.

    European colonisation led to the introduction of numerous invasive species, such as European rabbits in the 1800s. In turn, this led to widespread environmental damage.

    Similarly, the arrival of foreign diseases following colonisation caused devastating losses among Aboriginal communities.

    This demonstrates why mitigating interplanetary contamination is so important – not only to advance our understanding of the origins of life, but to protect any extraterrestrial environments that could harbour life.

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

    – ref. Spacefarers may contaminate other worlds – but scientists have plans to keep the cosmos clean – https://theconversation.com/spacefarers-may-contaminate-other-worlds-but-scientists-have-plans-to-keep-the-cosmos-clean-249135

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –