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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ecuador’s tough on crime approach is popular, but major challenges remain

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Robert Muggah, Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow na Bosch Academy e Co-fundador, Instituto Igarapé

    Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa moved quickly to impose the rule of law immediately after his surprise election victory in 2023. In the short-term, the results of the country’s youngest ever leader were impressive, including a reported 18% decline in murder in 2024. The president’s administration also reportedly increased drug seizures by over 30% – up from 188 tons in 2023 to 250 tons last year. Despite what some observers describe as a year of chaos, this has made him popular among many Ecuadorians.

    A central thrust of the president’s tough-on-crime strategy involves the imposition of states of emergency and the consolidation of security institutions under his control. Launched in early January 2024, the so-called Bloque de Seguridad strategy integrates the police, armed forces and ministries of interior and national defence. Prisons have also been declared “security zones” and are firmly under the control of the police and military. The president promises to do more of the same if he is re-elected on Feb. 9, 2025.

    The risks of militarized security

    While the militarization of public security has helped reduce sky-high homicide rates, this is only part of the story. Incidents of extortion and kidnapping actually increased last year, suggesting that far from being dismantled, several criminal organizations may be changing their tactics. The head of the national agency responsible for fighting violent crime, DINASED, claims that criminal groups are diversifying into new illicit economies in order to survive.

    One of the limitations of the Ecuadorian government’s response to organized crime is the absence of preventive measures to keep young people from joining criminal groups in the first place. While there is ample support to crack down on criminals, there is appetite for social, educational, and economic initiatives to encourage at-risk to avoid crime altogether. If there is any home of weakening the structures and networks of crime in the longer-term, more comprehensive strategies are needed.

    Another concern is that militarized security responses could give rise to new armed groups, including paramilitaries. While there is still limited evidence of paramilitary activity in Ecuador, the risk is real. Afterall, there is a tradition of so-called “autodefense” and “militia” across the Americas. Meanwhile, researchers have documented over 160 “criminal sanctuaries” (especially in the country’s Guayas and Esmeraldas provinces) where local gangs offer protection in return for “law and order”.

    A related worry among analysts is that harsh crackdown on criminal groups while improving some aspects of public security, may unintentionally contribute to structural transformation of the organized crime landscape. In Ecuador, as in other parts of Latin America, the risks appear to be particularly acute within the prison system itself. Indeed, over the past five years, criminal groups embedded in the penitentiary system have expanded operations nationwide.

    As in countries like Colombia and Mexico, Ecuador’s criminal networks are using violence to coerce and corrupt local politicians. In some cases, crime groups force local authorities to pay them in return for “protection”. Over time this degrades the latter’s authority and legitimacy and entrenches a kind of criminal governance. The so-called “Metastasis scandal” is revealing. Last year, Ecuador’s Attorney General accused 13 people, including politicians and prosecutors, of being involved in the largest case of corruption and drug trafficking in the country’s history.

    Despite repeated police and military interventions to assert control over Ecuador’s penitentiaries, there are still signs of lively criminal economies within the prison walls. Some of these appear to persist on account of involvement of corrupt police and prison guards officials. And even as the Noboa administration cracks down on criminal entities such as Los Choneros, Los Lobos and Los Tiguerones, their fragmentation has resulted in hyper-violent internal power struggles.

    Resorting to states of emergency

    While controversial, the Ecuadorian authorities have issued roughly half a dozen states of emergency since 2022. Some of these are restricted to specific provinces where crime “hotspots” persist. Ecuador’s Constitutional Court recently curbed Noboa’s emergency decrees, citing lack of justification for “internal armed conflict” and unconstitutional restrictions on rights. These rulings likewise stressed the need for lawful security measures rather than resorting to emergency decrees.

    Ecuador was under a state of emergency for more than 250 days in 2024. The latest state of emergency, issued in January this year, grants broad powers to security forces and calls for the deployment of the national police and armed forces into affected areas and prisons. It also permits inspections, searches, and seizures without a warrant, curbs privacy controls and facilitates arbitrary surveillance. Curfews between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. are enforced in over 22 municipalities.

    Not surprisingly, human rights groups have sounded the alarm, linking the government’s hardline approach to violations of civil liberties on the street and in prisons. Social movements in Guayaquil and towns along the coast have carried-out protests, even as criminal violence escalates. Working in highly insecure conditions, rights activists and defenders continue to mobilize, though public support for Noboa’s law and order approach remains high.

    The enduring appeal of ‘mano dura’ in the Americas

    The spread and influence of transnational organized crime is generating complex challenges across Latin America. On the one hand, it is contributing to rising violence in countries with historically low homicide rates including Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru. On the other hand, it is generating rising insecurity in countries that are experiencing stable or declining homicide rates such as Brazil, Colombia, Panama and across Central America and the Caribbean.

    The hyper-aggressive response of certain governments to organized crime is getting considerable attention. The approach adopted by Nayib Bukele in El Salvador since 2022 is widely admired, including by officials in the new Trump administration in the U.S. Similar approaches were also put in place in neighboring Honduras as well as by Noboa in Ecuador. As admiration of Bukele grows, so to the attraction to so-called “mano dura” – or “iron fist” – measures across the region, including the imposition of states of emergency.

    Ecuador’s states of emergency are already generating reverberations across South America. On the one hand, they are being watched closely by political authorities in neighboring countries: if they are seen to be effective, then they will likely be emulated. On the other hand, they are also being monitored by civil society and human rights activists who are deeply concerned that such approaches may be emulated in ways that undermine basic freedoms and liberties.

    There are other practical ways in which Ecuador’s states of emergency are generating regional impacts. The fragmentation of criminal organizations means that some are relocating to areas far from state control, including near frontiers and neighboring countries. This could lead to so-called “contagion”, “displacement” or “balloon” effects, including across international borders. This could lead to a surge in criminal economies, as well as other externalities such as population displacement and migration.

    Ecuador’s next president must adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling organized crime. Disrupting the country’s 22 criminal groups will require cooperation with international partners to take-on the Colombian, Mexican, and Albanian drug trafficking and money laundering networks that back them. It will also involve reversing the infiltration of criminal networks into politics, many of which are corrupting politicians, prosecutors, police and prison guards. Preventive measures targeting impacted communities and poorly managed prisons are likewise essential if Ecuador stands a chance of changing course.

    Os autores não prestam consultoria, trabalham, possuem ações ou recebem financiamento de qualquer empresa ou organização que se beneficiaria deste artigo e não revelaram qualquer vínculo relevante além de seus cargos acadêmicos.

    – ref. Ecuador’s tough on crime approach is popular, but major challenges remain – https://theconversation.com/ecuadors-tough-on-crime-approach-is-popular-but-major-challenges-remain-249441

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Responsible Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence Critical, Speakers Say, as Economic and Social Council Concludes Its Coordination Segment

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Amid the fourth industrial revolution, responsible global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) is paramount, the Economic and Social Council heard today as speakers at its 2025 coordination segment explored the transformative potential of data, science, technology and innovation to advance sustainable development.

    The first of the four panel discussions held today — moderated by Mahlet Zeleke Redi, Focal Point of Global Youth Caucus on Decent Work and Sustainable Economies Major Group for Children and Youth — focused on “Creating employment and decent work opportunities for all”.

    It began with a fireside chat featuring José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for the United Nations.

    Mr. Salazar-Xirinachs, spotlighting the challenge of job creation, said that in the era of technological and AI revolutions, one of the key drivers of investment flows to countries is not just cheap but skilled labour.  Therefore, he stressed, the quality of education and vocational training systems and the digital skills of the labour force are essential for people to get good jobs and for countries to thrive.

    Ms. Samuel-Olonjuwon underscored that prioritizing decent work for young people pays back “sustained and multifaceted dividends” for their families and nations.  Technological transformation is rapidly driving change in the world of work and beyond, she observed, adding that “skills have become a priority”.  Noting the importance of education, training and entrepreneurship for young businesses, she said that policy actions should be guided by the actual needs of young people and “put them in the driver seat”.

    The panel began with Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), who underscored — via video message — that “creating decent jobs is the core of our mission” to fight poverty and hunger worldwide.  While spotlighting AI’s massive opportunities — including to improve productivity and competitiveness — he underlined the need to “close the existing digital divides”.  More specifically, it is crucial to address the potential downsides of digitalization and automation, including the risk of job losses and shifting production away from developing countries, he stressed, pointing to UNIDO’s projects which equip young people and women in developing countries with technical skills for decent jobs.

    Abdulaziz M. Alwasil (Saudi Arabia), Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women on its sixty-ninth session, stressed that an inclusive society cannot be built without gender equality.  The empowerment of women and girls is paramount, he said, adding that in many countries, women and girls are deprived of equal access to economic opportunities and leadership roles.  “This undermines the resilience of societies,” he stated, underscoring the need to push for policy outcomes that are “not just ambitious in rhetoric but transformative in practice”.

    “We gather here at a moment of profound reckoning” — from the devastating impacts of conflict and rise of authoritarianism to the assaults on fundamental human rights, said Veronica Brown, Women’s Major Group Coordinator for the Women’s Environment and Development Organization.  Warning against forces that aim to roll back hard-won gains in gender equality, she observed:  “Gender equality is too often treated as an add-on rather than a prerequisite for sustainable development.”

    Echoing her concerns, Jemimah Njuki, Chief of the Economic Empowerment section at the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), said the empowerment of women and girls is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for achieving all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring a resilient economy.  Nevertheless, women face a 20 per cent gender pay gap and, in many countries, informal employment — where mostly women are to be found — is as high as 90 per cent.  Accordingly, she called for sustainable financing, ensuring that “gender equality remains at the heart of financial systems”.

    Georges-Simon Ulrich, Director General of the Federal Statistical Office of Switzerland and Chair of the Statistical Commission on its fifty-fifth session, speaking via videoconference, called for comprehensive data and statistical systems which permit evidence-based decision-making and detailed the Commission’s work towards supporting inclusive growth strategies and building resilient economies.

    The second panel, moderated by Quintin Chou-Lambert, Senior Adviser to the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, focused on “Harnessing data, science, technology and innovation to advance digital progress”.

    The fireside chat included Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, and Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

    Ms. Fraser-Moleketi said public administration is responsible for ensuring that AI is used to improve lives.  Governance frameworks must leverage scientific expertise to do this, she said, calling for targeted interventions to address the digital divide and technological exclusion.

    Mr. Lamanauskas said:  “Done right, [AI] can mitigate 5-10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030”, and highlighted the “AI for Good summit” which showcases responsible innovation and spotlights AI solutions for each SDG.  He also drew attention to the UN System White Paper on AI Governance, which identifies pre-existing instruments that could also cover AI, from broad ethics to sector-specific technical guidelines. 

    The panel began with Muhammadou M.O. Kah (Gambia), Chair of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development on its twenty-eighth session, who stressed that “when we establish transparent and consistent data governance frameworks, we create an environment of legal certainty that empowers innovators, businesses and consumers alike”.  It is also crucial to establish clear avenues for redress, he said, underscoring the importance of interoperability — “by aligning our legal and technical standards, we could create pathways for seamless data flows that enhance cooperation and facilitate the global exchange of ideas and best practices”.

    Next, Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), highlighted its efforts to facilitate trade by streamlining trade-related processes and digitalizing the exchange of information.  ECE hosts the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business, which develops interoperable data exchange standards and policy recommendations, enabling seamless data exchange across systems, borders and value chains.  “Today, many products have AI embedded.  Ensuring their conformity and safety presents new challenges,” she said, adding that ECE has released guidance for regulatory compliance of products and services using embedded AI or other digital technologies.

    Julia Glidden, Group President of Ipsos Public Affairs, said that “it is easy to talk about sexy data-driven topics like GenAI, Edge Computing [and] geospatial intelligence”, but it is also essential to combine established technologies with sophisticated data analytics.  As an example, she said, her organization worked with Mondelez, a multinational food producer, to use data to understand cocoa farmers’ working conditions and economic growth.  Collecting reliable data meant reaching communities in remote areas, often traveling by foot, donkey and canoe to capture and transmit data from areas that often lack electricity, let alone Wi-Fi.  They did so “by using tablet devices enabled by Ipsos’s iField” technology, she added.

    Fernand Bale, Director of the Geographic and Digital Information Center of Côte d’Ivoire, said that because geospatial information integrates diverse data and scientific approaches, it “enables policymakers to process large amounts of data, thereby strengthening the interface between policy and science”.  Communities and Governments can use geospatial information and maps to visualize locations where critical infrastructure is needed, or areas affected by disasters, pollution or biodiversity loss.  By enhancing policies and capacities related to geospatial information, “we democratize access to data and knowledge”, he said.

    Moderated by Lok Bahadur Thapa (Nepal), Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council and co-facilitator of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the sixth panel focused on “Financing and investment solutions for sustainable development in countries in special situations”.

    The speakers for the fireside chat were Jose Antonio Ocampo, Professor at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, and Robert Powell, Special Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Mr. Ocampo noted that levelling the playing field is not enough for countries in special situations.  Debt and tax cooperation are “pressing problems”, he said, calling for interaction between regional and global institutions and urging the fulfilment of historical commitments for developing countries.  He observed that interaction with Governments and monitoring of graduating countries will uncover systemic inequalities on the ground. 

    Mr. Powell, stating that coordination and trust are critical for efficiency across the UN system, said that Member States in New York are responsible for ensuring that “messaging remains consistent”.  Noting that major financial reforms are already taking place, he spotlighted the Fund’s “historic” special drawing rights (SDRs) allocation of $650 billion and the creation of the Resilience and Sustainability Trust.

    The panel began with Rabab Fatima, High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, stressing that the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development must deliver a renewed global financing framework.

    For her part, Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), pointing to the term “countries in special situations”, observed that States’ perseverance and transformation potential make them “truly special”.  However, there is nothing “special” about small island developing States defaulting on their development to not default on their debt, she said, calling for maximizing the impact of development on technological progress.

    Mathew Gbonjubola, Co-Chair of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, said that developing countries widely adopt the UN Model Double Taxation Convention.  The Committee also supports capacity-development activities and reviews standards — designed from the point of view of developed economies — through the prism of developing countries.  He added that giving the developing countries the ability to sit at the table in designing the world tax system is key.

    “Although Africa has integrated into the global financial system, its economies remain constrained by limited access to stable financing,” observed Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).  The continent’s debt exceeds $1 trillion, and its countries annually spend millions in debt servicing — “resources that could have been invested in other development priorities”, he noted.  Through the African High-Level Working Group, the Commission works to scale up bank financing and ensure better returns.

    “Over the past two days, we have witnessed the [Economic and Social Council] ecosystem in action, providing ideas and solutions on how to turbocharge implementation as we approach the 2030 deadline of the SDGs,” said Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in his closing remarks.  Noting that this year’s coordination segment was the first since the adoption of the Pact for the Future, he said it has delivered “a clear call to strengthen coordination within the UN system, reduce duplication and address misalignment of partnerships”.

    Anatolio Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea), Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council and Chair of the Coordination Segment, said that this year’s meeting has demonstrated that political will can elevate international cooperation to new heights and deliver concrete solutions. “The coordination segment is not just about reflection; it is about action and charting the way forward”, he stated, urging those present to carry forward the momentum and translate discussions into action.  He added:  “We have a responsibility to the people we represent.  The time for bold and coordinated leadership cannot be postponed anymore.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Cowsert Column: Week Three Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has concluded, and we remain focused on advancing commonsense legislation that prioritizes Georgia’s families, businesses and communities.

    The General Assembly has been hard at work, carefully reviewing agency budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are allocated responsibly. As I mentioned last week, passing a balanced budget is our constitutional duty—and the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

    This week, our focus shifted to committee meetings. As legislative committees ramp up their work, we are addressing issues that matter most to our communities, from safeguarding our schools to strengthening local infrastructure. I was pleased to participate in meetings of the Senate Rules, Finance, Health and Human Services and Insurance and Labor Committees. I have also been reviewing bills assigned to the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee, which I chair, to determine which bills should receive committee hearings.

    Tort reform is a key issue that will take center stage in this legislative session. Governor Brian Kemp has made it his top priority for 2025—for good reason. Georgia businesses and their employees are being unfairly burdened by civil lawsuits that result in excessive payouts and create a legal environment that is anything but fair and welcoming to businesses that provide jobs to our citizens. The Governor’s proposals aim to pass meaningful reforms to our civil justice system to make the rules fair for both parties. I’m proud to stand with Gov. Kemp as we work to level the playing field and protect businesses from skyrocketing insurance rates resulting from continued outlandish court rulings and crippling financial judgments.

    But what exactly is tort reform? A tort is a civil wrong for which an aggrieved or injured party can seek monetary compensation through litigation. The most common type of tort is based upon the negligence or carelessness of a person or company that causes harm. The “reforms” are changes in the civil justice system aimed at reducing frivolous lawsuits and limiting excessive damages in personal injury and other civil cases. This complex issue has plagued our state for far too long, and as a result, Georgia has been labeled a “judicial hellhole” by the American Tort Reform Association.

    Consider a few examples of how our current legal system is tilted against hardworking Georgians. Under existing rules of evidence, Georgia jurors are prohibited from knowing whether an injured party in an automobile accident was wearing a seatbelt—a crucial piece of information when evaluating the full context of a case. This is especially important when a person is thrown from a vehicle and killed or severely injured, or when a person slams into the windshield and sustains disfiguring facial scars or a closed head injury. There is a criminal law that requires you to wear your seatbelt for your personal safety. It is negligent for a person to disregard this law and place themselves in danger of injury. However, this information is hidden from the jury and cannot be mentioned by the defense in court. This evidentiary rule will be changed to allow juries to hear evidence of seatbelt use at trial.

    Similarly, under rules of evidence, jurors are often led to believe that plaintiffs are paying medical bills entirely out of pocket when, in reality, insurance may have already covered significant portions of their medical expenses. All Americans are now required to have medical insurance under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The cost of premiums is subsidized if they cannot afford them, and this coverage applies to pre-existing injuries. Medical providers negotiate with insurers to accept discounted payments from insurers as full compensation for their services. However, juries are only informed of the inflated original amounts of the bills. This allows plaintiffs and their attorneys to receive windfalls by recovering damages for expenses never incurred. This rule will be changed to allow juries to hear the truth about medical expenses actually incurred by plaintiffs and reflect the true amount of their damages awarded in verdicts.

    Another important provision of the civil justice reform bill is relief for businesses from lawsuits brought to recover for injuries while on the premises of a business open to the public. Existing laws allow persons injured by criminal actions committed on business premises to hold the business responsible if the business failed to make their premises safe for customers. This duty to keep the premises safe for customers arises when the property owner is aware of criminal activity in the area and fails to take reasonable steps to protect the safety of its customers. The result is that businesses end up having to spend significant amounts on private security to protect customers from criminal harm since if someone is injured or killed they sue both the property owner and the criminal actor. The jury is allowed to apportion the verdict between the defendants in accordance with their respective percentage of fault. However, juries know that the business has the deep pockets to pay a verdict whereas the criminal probably doesn’t. As crazy as it seems, skillful trial attorneys have been able to persuade juries that the business is 95% at fault while the criminal is held to be only 5% at fault. This bill will guarantee that business owners are not responsible for criminal acts occurring off of the premises. In addition, under no circumstances shall a business be held more than 50% responsible for the defendant’s injuries caused by a criminal on its property. These, and other changes, will help make sure that businesses do not close in high crime (often primarily minority) neighborhoods. This is one reason that Democratic legislators will join with Republicans in protecting all Georgians from business closings caused by the current legal environment.

    I was honored to stand alongside Gov. Kemp this week as these issues were addressed at one of the largest press conferences ever held under the Gold Dome. There were citizens from many professions (truck drivers, factory workers, medical professionals and business owners) that came to the Capitol to express their support for this civil justice reform legislation. This issue is critically important to countless hardworking Georgians. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to advance meaningful civil justice reform throughout this legislative session in an effort to restore balance and fairness for the civil justice system.

    As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please do not hesitate to reach out. It is an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we continue working together throughout the 2025 legislative session.

    # # # #

    Sen. Bill Cowsert serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. He represents the 46th Senate District which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Oconee and Walton Counties. He may be reached at (404) 463-1366 or via email at bill.cowsert@senate.ga.gov

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Presses USTR Nominee for Commitments to Protect Georgia’s Green Energy Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Presses USTR Nominee for Commitments to Protect Georgia’s Green Energy Economy

    During a Thursday Finance committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Jamieson Greer during his nomination to be the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
    Senator Reverend Warnock highlighted the importance of Georgia’s clean energy economy and the thousands of jobs that support it 
    Greer is a partner in the International Trade team at King & Spalding, which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “I’m excited about the investments in solar energy in Georgia. I’m also proud that Georgia, in many ways, is leading the country in building electric cars entirely in the United States, employing thousands of Georgians”

    Watch video of Senator Reverend Warnock’s questioning HERE
    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, during a Senate Finance committee hearing on Jamieson Greer’s nomination to be the United States Trade Representative (USTR), U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) pressed Greer on his commitment to protecting and bolstering Georgia’s clean energy economy.
    During Senator Warnock’s line of questions, he also highlighted the importance of the boon to Georgia’s economy that the clean energy market provides.
    “Down near my hometown where the Kia plant opened, we’ve got about 9,000 more jobs that have been created in that area. A major economic boon,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. 
    Senator Warnock has continuously fought to deliver robust clean energy investments to communities across Georgia. Last year, heannounced over $700,000 in federal investments to help farmers, ranchers, and rural business owners upgrade their energy systems with sustainable solar and electric energy alternatives to help lower their energy costs. Additionally, the Senator played an instrumental role in securing landmark investments to expand the nation’s fleet of clean electric school buses, including delivering over $60 million for electric school buses for Georgia. In the Inflation Reeducation Act, Senator Warnock secured incentives for domestic solar manufacturing, which will help create more clean energy jobs, as well his plan to promote the creation of sustainable aviation fuel. 
    Watch the Senator’s full remarks and line of questioning HERE.
    See below a transcript of key exchanges between Senator Warnock and nominee Jamieson Greer:
    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “In our meeting, we discussed the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and its clean energy investments in Georgia. I enjoyed our conversation very much. Welcome and congratulations to you, and to your family.”
    “We talked about these provisions in the IRA. The state of Georgia has seen growth in our advanced manufacturing sector, with both domestic companies and foreign companies making significant investments, due in large measure to the IRA’s clean energy investments, bringing a lot of jobs to Georgia.”
    “One of the things I’m very proud of as a lifelong native of Georgia is that little Dalton, Georgia known as the carpet capital of the world. If you are walking on a floor anywhere, there is a good chance you are walking on something that was created in Dalton, Georgia. But who would have imagined that Dalton, Georgia would become such a leader in the manufacturing of solar panels? This is due to the Korean solar manufacturer, Qcells, bringing thousands of jobs to Georgia, creating a domestic solar industry, almost entirely free of Chinese supply chains.” 
    “However, it needs trade protections to compete against a heavily subsidized Chinese industry. If confirmed as the nation’s trade representative, how would you work to protect and grow domestic solar and clean energy manufacturing to ensure our supply chain does not depend on China?” 
    Jamieson Greer (JG): “Thank you, senator. I’m glad to hear you express concern and interest in this, these are things I am concerned about too.”
    “To the extent that there is going to be energy products manufactured and used in the United States, it would be great to have them made here. And that we’re not using panels that come from China, and in some instances might include products of subsidies or forced labor. The first Trump Administration did a safeguard tariff. The Commerce Department for many years has had other tariffs in place and I think that those can be effective tools.”
    “You have testified to this, that we have new protections in the United States. Europe did not have these protections in place and they saw their solar industry go away. I’m very interested in maintaining and exploring those possibilities to ensure we have that production here.”
    SRW: “I appreciate that, and I look forward to continuing to have that conversation. I’m excited about the investments in solar energy in Georgia. I’m also proud that Georgia, in many ways, is leading the country in building electric cars, entirely in the United States, employing thousands of Georgians. Down near my hometown where the Kia plant opened, we’ve got about 9,000 more jobs that have been created in that area. A major economic boon.” 
    “President Trump and congressional Republicans have bragged about repealing federal investments in the green economy that have created these jobs. Jobs that have bipartisan support in my state. I support what we’re doing there, the Republican Governor supports it. This is a top bipartisan economic issue in Georgia. It’s about American manufacturing.” 
    “If confirmed, how will you use your position to protect the investments and thousands of jobs, jobs that foreign car companies have brought to Georgia?” 
    JG: “My role and my jurisdiction in the administration is to negotiate trade deals where appropriate and do trade enforcement as necessary which is certainly an area where I want to make sure any manufacturing you have doesn’t have to compete unfairly with foreign product.”
    “With respect to other incentives or other legislation, that is something that I believe the Treasury Department and the Energy Department, the President and Congress will determine the path forward.” 
    SRW: “Would you agree that if we seed that space, that it is not a net positive result for American businesses?”
    JG: “We need to have advance manufacturing in the United States as much as possible whether it is traditional or electric vehicles or solar panels.” 
    SRW: “So ideology around clean energy should not stop us from doing what is necessary.”
    JG: “If we are going to have manufacturers making clean energy, that makes sense, and broader energy policy, we should be making those things here.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: After FEV Closure, Schools and Families Turn to Libraries for Reliable Tutoring

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the sudden closure of FEV Tutor, schools and families are facing an urgent need for stable, high-quality tutoring services. As districts work to minimize disruptions, many are finding a solution already in place: their local public library.

    Through partnerships with libraries nationwide, Brainfuse HelpNow offers free, one-on-one online tutoring, providing a seamless academic support system for students impacted by recent provider shutdowns. Schools are now encouraging families to take advantage of this ready-to-use resource, ensuring that learning continues without interruption.

    Libraries: An Immediate and Free Tutoring Solution

    Many school districts may not realize that their students already have access to expert tutors through local libraries. Brainfuse HelpNow, available at hundreds of public libraries across the U.S., offers:

    • Live Tutoring in Core Subjects – Math, science, reading, and writing support from professional educators.
    • Essay Review & Writing Help – Expert feedback on essays, reports, and college applications.
    • Skill-Building & Test Prep – Targeted practice resources, including SAT/ACT prep and AP coursework.
    • Bilingual Support – Tutoring available in English and Spanish.

    “With so much uncertainty following the closure of FEV Tutor, it’s critical for schools to guide families toward reliable resources,” says Francesco Lecciso, CEO of Brainfuse. “Many students can continue receiving high-quality tutoring today—simply by using their library card.”

    Beyond the Library: Long-Term Solutions for Schools

    While libraries provide a free and immediate safety net, Brainfuse also works directly with school districts to develop customized, scalable tutoring programs. Districts looking for high-dosage tutoring, structured intervention, or year-round support can implement proven solutions tailored to their students’ needs.

    For schools and districts seeking a smooth transition from FEV Tutor, Brainfuse offers flexible, sustainable academic support models that work beyond short-term funding cycles.

    Take Action Now

    Educators and parents can check with their local library or visit www.brainfuse.com to see if Brainfuse HelpNow is available in their area. Schools interested in custom tutoring programs can contact Brainfuse directly for partnership opportunities.

    Visit: www.brainfuse.com

    About Brainfuse

    Brainfuse is a leading provider of online tutoring and academic support, serving schools, colleges, and libraries for over 25 years. The award-winning HelpNow platform provides live tutoring, writing assistance, and college readiness tools to help students succeed.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Senate Passes Resolution to Remember the Victims of DCA Plane Crash

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to honor and remember the victims of the collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and U.S. Army Aviation Brigade Priority Air Transport 25 on January 29, 2025, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

    The resolution reads:

    “The tragic collision resulted in the loss of 67 lives, including passengers, airline personnel, and members of the Armed Forces from Kansas, Virginia, North Carolina, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and several countries.

     

    “The nation, and the world mourn the loss of those on board and recognize the profound impact this tragedy has on the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims.

     

    “Be it resolved, that the Senate commemorates the 67 lives lost in the tragic collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and United States Army Aviation Brigade Priority Air Transport 25 on January 29, 2025; offers heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, and friends of the victims; and expresses gratitude to the brave law enforcement and emergency medical personnel who responded to the collision.”

    The senators spoke on the Senate floor to recognize the victims of the crash. Their remarks can be found here. Read the full text of the resolution here.

    The senators were joined by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jon Husted (R-Ohio).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Congratulations from the Rector of SPbPU, Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy on the Day of Russian Science

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Dear friends, colleagues, students and postgraduates! Today, February 8, we celebrate Russian Science Day. Please accept our sincere congratulations on this holiday, to which each of you is a part. We have been privileged to work and study at one of the best universities in the country, a place of concentration of intellect, a concentration of advanced thoughts, tireless scientific research, research impulse and, as a result, important discoveries and inventions.

    The Polytechnic University has always been and remains a leader in various fields of science. The results of the research of polytechnics are implemented in production, attract the attention of business and become the basis for the creation of innovative projects. We remember the contribution of previous generations of polytechnic scientists to the scientific and technical development of the country and are proud of the achievements of our contemporaries.

    Today, four academicians and 11 corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 394 doctors and 1,314 candidates of sciences conduct research and teach at SPbPU.

    In 2024, the university received 44 patents for inventions and utility models and registered 236 computer programs.

    In 2024, 778 articles were published in journals included in the “White List” of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. In total, 2198 scientific articles were published in RSCI journals.

    In 2024, another scientific journal of Polytechnic University, Technology and Language, was included in the international Scopus database.

    Elsevier publishing house included 13 highly cited Polytechnic scientists in the list of the most influential scientific experts in the world.

    In 2024, 12 doctors and 88 candidates of science defended their dissertations and received academic degrees in 51 dissertation councils of SPbPU.

    I would also like to note that the Polytechnic University also deserves great credit for expanding the activities of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences: our academicians, corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, made every effort to unite the academic community of the city. The new branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences includes 185 corresponding members and academicians of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who are now working on programs for the development of the region and the country together with representatives of the city’s authorities and industry.

    Dear friends, comrades. Let me thank you today for your work, your love for science, wish you good health, inexhaustible energy and unquenchable creative search. May all your hypotheses be confirmed, ideas be realized, and new discoveries serve the good of humanity and our planet.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Global forum suggests fresh ideas for 21st century UN peacekeeping

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    UN peacekeeping must be fit for purpose as the nature of conflict evolves in the 21st century along with new weapons technology, more than 60 nations heard this week at a global forum on the future of peace operations, taking place in Indonesia.

    “Our thinking should be grounded by the fact that we have more conflicts today than at any time since World War Two and by the evolving nature of conflict,” said Catherine Pollard, UN Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, in her opening remarks to the two-day meeting held 4 and 5 February.

    “We are seeing an increase in conflicts within and between States,” she warned. “The drivers of these conflicts are not limited by borders. Transnational organized crime, the exploitation of natural resources, non-State armed groups and terrorism overlap in many of these contexts.

    “Technology is helping to solve and exacerbate conflict, including through misinformation and disinformation.”

    UN Photo/Sylvain Liechti

    An unmanned aerial vehicle or drone is prepared for flight in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (file)

    ‘Blue Helmets’ need 21st century tools

    Delegates offered up some recommendations to give UN peacekeepers better tools they need to face multiple challenges.

    These include the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by peacekeepers for situational awareness and self-defence, streamlined decision-making mechanisms, more informal briefings to the Security Council and strengthened training in urban warfare.

    In preparation for a ministerial meeting on UN peacekeeping in Germany in May, civilian, military and police experts came together at the Peacekeeping Training Centre of the Indonesian Armed Forces to help deliver on the vision of the UN Secretary-General to make peacekeeping “fit for the needs of the 21st century”.

    Today’s challenges require adapting the UN’s approach to peacekeeping and the way peacekeeping operations are put in place, panelists said.

    Defensive drones

    Such adaptation includes authorizing the use of new technologies some of which are already used by adversaries, such as UAVs that carry weapons.

    Colonel Ismael Andrés, Deputy Director of Uruguay’s National System of Peacekeeping Operations, recalled that major UN missions operating today were initially authorised to only use UAVs for surveillance and intelligence gathering. That must change, her argued.

    “We need to get Security Council authorisation for the use of drones for self-defence as well,” he added, emphasising new threats to peacekeeping linked to UAVs.

    Shamala Kandiah Thompson, executive director of Security Council Report, an independent think tank, said regular briefings to the Security Council on the challenges faced by operational missions and the availability of peacekeeping models – a sort of menu of options to fit different situations – could speed up decision making and make peacekeeping more effective.

    “There are undoubtedly geopolitical tensions that influence decision making in the Security Council, but more informal briefings and engagement could help the Council response better to realities on the ground,” she said.

    Cost-effective solutions

    The UN’s peacekeeping missions combine unique capabilities and capacities honed through decades of lessons learned from UN operations around the globe.

    Over their long history, UN peacekeeping missions have created space for political dialogue between parties to a conflict, facilitated and acted as guarantors of peace agreements, fostered regional stability by containing the spread of violence, protected civilians, built sustainable institutions of rule of law and worked with host countries to help rebuild governance structures.

    “Many studies have shown that UN peacekeeping is a very cost-effective tool to stop armed conflicts and maintain peace, particularly when complex, multidimensional missions are involved,” said El-Ghassim Wane, lead author of a study on the future of peacekeeping, commissioned by the UN Department of Peace Operations.

    “As a case in point, see what happened in countries like Haiti and Sudan after the pull out of UN peacekeeping forces.”

    Sharing ideas and adapting new models

    The global forum, co-hosted by the governments of Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Netherlands and the United States, aimed to bring together Member States and other stakeholders in advance of the ministerial meeting in Germany to share ideas and propose courses of action for adapting new models, structures, processes and responsibilities.

    The gathering also aimed to identify resources and Member State capabilities to ensure that UN peacekeeping can respond to evolving multidimensional challenges and remain fit for purpose.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five best articles in Russian for 07.02.2025

    MIL Analysis : Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis consists of five articles that are the priority at the moment.

    In today’s analysis, the economy is still performing well, with the ruble strengthening in December and January. The Moscow Exchange is thriving and growing, posting new record highs for January.

    University and college education is gaining momentum in computerization. Russian science is stable and successful.

    The environmental field continues to improve control and recent developments.

    Below you can read one of the articles.

    1. Financial news: Ruble strengthened in December – January, shares of all sectors rose.

    In December – January, the ruble appreciated against the US dollar by 9% despite the rise of the US currency in the global market. The ruble strengthened against the background of adaptation to the new structure of foreign trade settlements after the sanctions imposed on Russian banks in November.

    2. Financial news: Private investors’ investments in bonds on the Moscow Exchange in January amounted to a record 104 billion rubles.

    Moscow Exchange.

    The number of private investors with brokerage accounts on the Moscow Exchange (MOEX) exceeded 35.5 million (+389,000 in January 2025), with 65.4 million accounts opened by them. 3.8 million people concluded transactions on the Moscow Exchange.

    3. Polytechnic teams have been selected for the national robotics championship.

    St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Peter the Great –

    St. Petersburg Polytechnic University of Peter the Great hosted the regional qualifying stage of the international robotics competition FIRST Tech Challenge – St. Petersburg. In Russia they are held under the name “League of Engineers”. Based on its results, the teams of KTM and VR roboticists from SPbPU received quotas for participation in the national championship of the League of Engineers, which will be held in March in our city.

    4. “The situation in Russian science looks stable and positive.”

    © Higher School of Economics

    On the eve of the Day of Russian Science, TASS hosted a press conference dedicated to the results of the third round of the comprehensive study “Doing Science in Russia”. It was conducted by the Institute for Statistical Research and Knowledge Economy (ISIREZ) of the Higher School of Economics. The authors of the study and experts representing higher education, scientific institutes and industry spoke about the state of domestic science, drivers of its development, the dynamics of change and barriers that need to be overcome.

    5. Yury Trutnev held the first meeting of the Organizing Committee of the International Arctic Forum “Arctic – Territory of Dialogue”.

    Yury Trutnev held the first meeting of the Organizing Committee of the International Arctic Forum “Arctic – Territory of Dialogue”

    Moscow hosted the first meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the VI International Arctic Forum “Arctic – Territory of Dialogue” (IAF), which will be held in Murmansk on March 26-27, 2025. The meeting was held by Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Far Eastern Federal District, Chairman of the IAF Organizing Committee.

    Learn more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 07.02.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    7 February 2025 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 07.02.2025

    Espoo, Finland – On 7 February 2025 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 1,400,000 4.64
    CEUX – –
    BATE – –
    AQEU – –
    TQEX – –
    Total 1,400,000 4.64

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 7 February 2025 was EUR 6,492,780. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 242,303,874 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU-supported human rights violations against asylum seekers – E-002476/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The protection of human life and the respect for human rights and human dignity are fundamental principles of migration management, in line with obligations under EU and international law.

    In EU funded programmes, the Commission adopts a human rights-based approach, with human rights being considered in each phase of the project cycle.

    The Commission monitors EU funded programmes through several means, including regular reports from implementing partners, on the spot verifications, results oriented monitoring exercises and external evaluations.

    Furthermore, all contractual obligations include clauses, which entitle the Commission to suspend or terminate any contract if it has evidence that, or needs to verify whether, the beneficiary has breached any of its obligations. Respect of human rights is also reflected in the Commission’s dialogue with partner countries.

    The Commission, in close cooperation with the European External Action Service and EU Delegations, is currently reflecting on ways to further reinforce internal tools to strengthen the implementation of the human rights-based approach in all its interventions.

    In line with the President of the Commission political guidelines[1], the Commission will further reflect on new ways to counter irregular migration, while respecting international law and ensuring sustainable and fair solutions for the migrants themselves.

    Particular attention will be paid to the respect of fundamental rights, including the respect of the principle of non-refoulement.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU counter-disinformation strategy – E-002504/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The High Representative/ Vice-President and the European External Action Service (EEAS) are aware of Russia’s use of disinformation in its hybrid campaigns against the EU and its partners.

    The EEAS has been instrumental for EU level efforts to counter this external security threat since 2015. It built up capability to detect, analyse and respond in collaboration with EU institutions, Member States and international partners, including via its Rapid Alert System.

    Building on this experience and aligned with the European Democracy Action Plan[1], Council conclusions on democratic resilience[2] and objectives set out in the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence[3], the Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) Toolbox[4] reinforces EU situational awareness, resilience and response, and international partnerships to tackle this threat. Exposing and responding to Russian FIMI operations and restrictive measures are part of the FIMI Toolbox.

    Regulation 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act)[5] along with the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation[6] provide tools to address FIMI while upholding fundamental rights including freedom of expression.

    The Commission and the EEAS conduct proactive information campaigns, including on EU support to Ukraine and countering Russia’s narratives on food security and energy issues.

    The Commission operates an internal Network Against Disinformation. The EEAS exposed Russian FIMI activities[7] and coordinates with international partners in G7, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and Ukraine.

    The new Democracy Shield[8] will strengthen EU situational awareness and its collective ability to detect, analyse and proactively counter threats.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_2250
    • [2] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10119-2024-INIT/en/pdf
    • [3] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-1-2022-INIT/en/pdf
    • [4] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/tackling-disinformation-foreign-information-manipulation-interference_en
    • [5] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1-102.
    • [6] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/code-practice-disinformation
    • [7] See for instance https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/1st-eeas-report-foreign-information-manipulation-and-interference-threats_en; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/2nd-eeas-report-foreign-information-manipulation-and-interference-threats_en
    • [8] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2024)767153
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Georgia’s law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and its compliance with EU law and fundamental values – E-002521/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has been following the developments in Georgia, including the adoption of the law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and its entry into force, with great concern.

    As underlined in the June and October 2024 European Council conclusions[1], Georgia’s democratic backsliding — marked notably by the adoption of the law ‘on transparency of foreign influence’ — has led to de facto halting Georgia’s accession process.

    This was also highlighted in the 2024 Enlargement report[2], which calls on Georgia to recommit to the nine steps and to repeal problematic laws, including the one on ‘transparency of foreign influence’.

    The EU has reacted with concrete measures. Direct assistance to the authorities and assistance to the armed forces under the European Peace Facility assistance measure 2024 have been suspended and political contacts with the Georgian authorities have been downgraded.

    The Foreign Affairs Council of November 2024[3] confirmed that the measures remain in place until the Georgian authorities recommit to the EU path with concrete actions, including by repealing the law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’.

    Developments in Georgia were discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 December 2024[4] and on 27 January 2025[5]. Several new measures were discussed and are being implemented.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/qa3lblga/euco-conclusions-27062024-en.pdf,
      https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/2pebccz2/20241017-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
    • [2] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/7b6ed47c-ecde-41a2-99ea-41683dc2d1bd_en?filename=Georgia%20Report%202024.pdf
    • [3] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/foreign-affairs-council-press-remarks-high-representative-josep-borrell-after-meeting-17_en
    • [4] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2024/12/16/
    • [5] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2025/01/27/
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU funds used to deport asylum seekers and refugees from Türkiye to unsafe countries – E-002378/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    While Türkiye remains fully responsible for the situation and management of removal centres, in line with international and European standards, the Commission and the EU Delegation to Türkiye regularly carry out monitoring missions in the reception centres receiving EU financial assistance.

    The focus of the monitoring missions, which must be announced in advance, is on the delivery of EU-funded supplies and the efficiency of assistance provided.

    The findings of these missions, as well as the allegations from the press about the situation in the reception centres, were shared with the Turkish authorities in order for them to carry out investigations and take corrective measures where needed.

    The Council of Europe Special Rapporteur on Migration and Asylum[1] reported that EU financial assistance has contributed to improve the physical and material conditions in the reception centres.

    Respect for international and human rights law, including the principle of non-refoulement, are embedded in EU policies. The Commission remains firmly committed to these principles in the framework of policy dialogue with Türkiye and is monitoring very closely the human rights situation in the country, including the situation of refugees and migrants.

    • [1] https://rm.coe.int/report-of-the-fact-finding-mission-to-turkey/1680a4b673
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Spanish Government’s dereliction of duty in applying for aid and other instruments to compensate the victims of the natural disaster in Valencia – P-002462/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the context of the devastating floods in eastern Spain, Spain proactively requested the activation of the EU Copernicus satellite mapping system[1] on 29 October 2024 and over 80 satellite maps have been produced.

    Spain also activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism[2] on 8 November 20 24 and s everal other Member States offered support in that framework. The Commission also deployed two liaison officers.

    Spain can also apply for a financial contribution from the EU Solidarity Fund[3]. If and when adopted by co-legislators, Spain may also benefit from the flexibilities proposed under the cohesion policy framework in the framework of the recent legislative proposal on the Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction[4].

    Within the European Social Fund Plus[5], flexibilities are proposed to provide immediate support for food and basic assistance, access to healthcare and financing of short-time work schemes .

    Support may be provided from other EU funding instruments, such as those under the common agricultural policy[6] including the mobilisation of the Agricultural Reserve or under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development[7] for which the recent legislative proposal[8] also provides additional liquidity support to farmers, forest holders and small and medium-sized enterprises affected by natural disasters, still to be implemented under the Rural Development Programmes 2014 — 2022.

    The recovery and resilience plan of Spain can also be modified in line with the procedures of the Recovery and Resilience Facility[9] to introduce measures covering reconstruction efforts.

    It is the prerogative of the Member State concerned to decide whether and when to request EU assistance.

    • [1] https://emergency.copernicus.eu/mapping/#zoom=2&lat=13.56036&lon=33.82273&layers=0BT00
    • [2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/solidarity-fund_en
    • [4] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council RESTORE — Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 and Regulation (EU) 2021/1057, COM(2024) 496 final.
    • [5] https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en
    • [6] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy_en
    • [7] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-agricultural-fund-rural-development-eafrd_en
    • [8] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A495%3AFIN
    • [9] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU response to the Scirtothrips aurantii infestation and citrus fruit imports from South Africa – E-000438/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000438/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE)

    Scirtothrips aurantii is a pest that was first found in the EU in 2020. Since 2024, it has spread rapidly and is now infesting key crops such as citrus fruit, persimmon, grape and pomegranate in 325 Valencian municipalities. This pest, originally from South Africa and now found in other African countries, Australia and Yemen, most likely arrived in the EU through citrus fruit imports. It hits farmers in the pocket since the fruit now has a lower value, and increased plant health costs are currently borne by producers. Scirtothrips aurantii is included on EPPO’s A1 list and is classified as a quarantine pest in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072.

    In light of this:

    • 1.What urgent measures will the Commission take to increase plant health checks on imports of plants from countries in which Scirtothrips aurantii is endemic, such as South Africa?
    • 2.Will a mandatory refrigeration be imposed for these imports and will Scirtothrips aurantii be added to the EU’s list of priority pests to ensure a more coordinated approach?
    • 3.Which clauses in the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement will be activated to require more stringent certifications and treatments or checks at the point of origin for citrus imports?

    Submitted: 31.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – D-BR Delegation meeting of 6 February 2025 – Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil

    Source: European Parliament

    The next meeting of the Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil (D-BR) took place:

    Thursday 6 February 2025, 15.00-17.00, Room SPAAK 4B1

    The main points of the agenda were:

    • Exchange of views on artificial intelligence regulations and digital diplomacy in the European Union and in Brazil;
    • Exchange of views on the situation of the bilateral relations between the European Union and Brazil;

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Changes to Commissioner Jørgensen’s mission letter – E-000416/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000416/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Borchia (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Filip Turek (PfE), András László (PfE), András Gyürk (PfE), Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE), Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Jana Nagyová (PfE), Auke Zijlstra (PfE)

    Considering that the Energy and Housing Commissioner, Dan Jørgensen, as stated in the updated version of his mission letter, has been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing a new target for renewable energy to be achieved by 2040;

    Taking into account that this update was introduced after the parliamentary approval of the Commissioner, without prior political consultation;

    Recalling that the principle of technological neutrality is a fundamental policy pillar that ensures an equitable and science-based approach to decarbonisation;

    Recalling that such a principle entails the full use of all available technologies, including low-carbon technologies such as nuclear energy and particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), and provides greater energy supply security while protecting industrial competitiveness;

    Can the Commission explain:

    • 1.Why a political debate was not held prior to the above-mentioned modification to Commissioner Jørgensen’s mission letter;
    • 2.Whether it plans to adopt an integrated approach to include specific and complementary targets for low-carbon technologies, in order to ensure a realistic and sustainable pathway toward decarbonisation;
    • 3.What measures it intends to promote to encourage the development and application of nuclear technologies such as SMRs, in line with the need for diversification of energy sources and the need to promote the industrial growth of the EU.

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The Commission’s response to the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement – E-000403/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000403/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE), Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE), Ondřej Kovařík (PfE), Klara Dostalova (PfE), Kateřina Konečná (NI), António Tânger Corrêa (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE), Tomasz Froelich (ESN), Angéline Furet (PfE), Erik Kaliňák (NI), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Andreas Schieder (S&D), Dominik Tarczyński (ECR), Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik (ESN), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE), Monika Beňová (NI), Anna Bryłka (PfE), Fernand Kartheiser (ECR), Ondřej Krutílek (ECR), Piotr Müller (ECR), Jana Nagyová (PfE), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Christine Singer (Renew), Filip Turek (PfE), Tom Vandendriessche (PfE), Roberto Vannacci (PfE), Anders Vistisen (PfE), Anna Zalewska (ECR), Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE), Branko Grims (PPE), Alexandr Vondra (ECR), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Hermann Tertsch (PfE)

    On 20 January 2025, the re-elected President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, signed an executive order to implement the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change[1]:

    It is expected that, as a result, energy-intensive industries and citizens in the United States will be relieved of the bureaucratic burdens and legal requirements associated with previous climate policy.

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to react to this step?
    • 2.How can it be ensured that industry in the EU Member States, in particular energy-intensive industry, is not put at a disadvantage compared to its US competitors?
    • 3.In response to this executive order, is the Commission considering withdrawing or at least mitigating EU laws that place a particular burden on industry and citizens in the EU Member States as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package?

    Submitted: 29.1.2025

    • [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/putting-america-first-in-international-environmental-agreements/.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Meta’s recent decision to end fact-checking on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp in the United States – E-000423/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000423/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Lucia Annunziata (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Alex Agius Saliba (S&D), Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D), Maria Grapini (S&D), Evin Incir (S&D), Pierre Jouvet (S&D), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Maria Noichl (S&D), Leire Pajín (S&D), Chloé Ridel (S&D), Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus (S&D), Andreas Schieder (S&D), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Dario Nardella (S&D), Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D)

    On 7 January 2025, Mark Zuckerberg announced that fact-checking would no longer be carried out for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp in the United States.

    If this decision were applied to the EU, it would violate the Digital Services Act[1], which imposes obligations on online platforms to counter disinformation. It could facilitate the spread of fake news and hate speech, undermining trust in online information and compromising public safety. Young people, who mainly inform themselves on social media, are particularly highly exposed to fake news and manipulation, making the platforms’ obligation to ensure transparency and reliability all the more urgent.

    These concerns were expressed by Reporters Without Borders and the European Federation of Journalists, who sent a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging decisive action. In a context where platforms such as X manipulate algorithms to amplify divisive content and political narratives, the EU must ensure that citizens’ rights and democratic principles are protected.

    In the light of these developments, the Commission is asked:

    • 1.What action will it take, including sanctions under the Digital Services Act, to counter the new policy adopted by Meta?
    • 2.Will it open an investigation to assess whether this decision would violate Article 35 of the Digital Services Act if applied in the EU?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Entry Into the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Antonio Bayarri-Barrera, 35, a citizen of Spain, pleaded guilty to a criminal complaint charging him with illegally entering the United States at a time or place other than designated for entering the country by immigration authorities.

    According to court records, on January 31, 2025, at approximately 2:52 a.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents were notified of a single individual walking south towards the United States-Canada international border near the Haskell Free Library in Derby Line, Vermont. Minutes later, a Border Patrol Agent stopped the individual, who had crossed into United States, and conducted an immigration inspection. In response to the agent’s questions, Bayarri-Barrera admitted that he was a citizen of Spain and that he had just walked over the border near the library.

    During his initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on February 3, 2025, Bayarri-Barrera entered his guilty plea and received a time-served sentence. Bayarri-Barrera had faced up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Bayarri-Barrera is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joines Legislation to help Expand Congressional Oversight of Foreign Assistance  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Legislation would require Director of Foreign Assistance to be confirmed by the Senate 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and their colleagues to introduce the Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act, legislation to expand congressional oversight of foreign assistance decision-making. The bill would require the State Department’s Director of Foreign Assistance to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate and for all foreign assistance funding provided to the State Department or U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to be used as directed within 90 days of its appropriation by Congress. The Director of Foreign Assistance is currently not confirmed by the Senate, and the Trump Administration has refused to publicly identify the individual currently occupying this powerful position. 
    “President Trump and Elon Musk—making wildly false and defamatory accusations— have made it clear that they could care less about the thousands of dedicated American aid workers and millions of people around the world who depend on USAID’s life-saving work. They are trying to destroy as much of USAID as they can get away with, and the fact that it’s illegal and unconstitutional is of no concern to them. We will not stand by while an agency that plays a unique and indispensable role in protecting U.S. interests and security is dismantled,” said Senator Welch. “This bill will strengthen our foreign assistance programs and help ensure that the will of Congress prevails.”  
    “Foreign assistance is not a handout. It is a critical part of our national security strategy and a key tool to keep Americans safe from disease, narcotics and instability. China has rapidly expanded its foreign assistance over the past decade, and would like nothing more than for the United States to retreat on the global stage. The Trump Administration’s recent attempts to destroy USAID and U.S. foreign assistance programs emboldens China, Russia, and Iran, makes Americans less safe, puts thousands of Americans out of work, and is already causing cause immense human suffering for millions of people around the world,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill to force congressional oversight of this lawless and damaging behavior.” 
    The legislation expresses the sense of Congress that foreign assistance is critical to U.S. national security, reiterates USAID’s status as a legally independent agency, specifies the exact authorities of the Office of Foreign Assistance, and creates an extra layer of review for personnel decisions within the Office of Foreign Assistance. 
    In addition to Sens. Welch and Kaine, the legislation was cosponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patti Murray (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). 
    Read the full text of the bill.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend Luxembourg for Eliminating the Gender Pay Gap, Ask about Pension Payments for Women and Penalties for Traffickers

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the eighth periodic report of Luxembourg, with Committee Experts congratulating the State on eliminating the gender pay gap, and raising questions about pension payments for women and penalties for human traffickers.

    Ana Peláez Narváez, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, congratulated Luxembourg on becoming the first country in the European Union to have eliminated the pay gap between men and women.  One Expert said Luxembourg’s wage gap was the lowest in the world.

    One Expert called for further efforts to achieve wage equality for women in part-time work and in the informal sector. Almost one-third of women worked part time; this affected the pension gap.  How was the State party working to address this gap?

    A Committee Expert said the State party’s sentences for trafficking were often lenient and judges rarely took away traffickers’ profits.  How would the State party ensure that penalties for trafficking reflected the gravity of the crime?  The Expert said the State party had not identified child trafficking victims for three years.  Would the State party include civil society in efforts to identify child victims?

    Introducing the report, Yuriko Backes, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Defence, Mobility and Public Transport of Luxembourg, said the Luxembourg Government remained determined to stand up for women’s and girls’ rights, safety, freedom and access to equal opportunities.  The Committee could count on Luxembourg’s determination and support.

    On wage equality, Marc Bichler, Permanent Representative of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said Luxembourg was the only country in the European Union to have eliminated wage inequality, but there was still a pay gap in favour of men for annual wages.  More efforts were needed to address this economic inequality, particularly regarding the high proportion of part-time work among women.  The role of equality officers in private companies with more than 15 employees was particularly important.

    The delegation added that the gender pension gap was large; to address this, a major reform of the pension system was underway.

    On trafficking, the delegation said that training had been provided to State officials and non-governmental organizations to improve the identification of and support for trafficking victims. Victims were officially identified by a specialised unit of the police, but non-governmental organizations could help identify victims.

    In concluding remarks, Mr. Bichler said the dialogue had been a valuable exercise that helped the State party to make progress in implementing the Convention and upholding the rights of women and girls.  There were pushbacks against women and girls’ rights globally, but Luxembourg was resolute in defending these rights.

    In her concluding remarks, Corinne Dettmeijer-Vermeulen, Committee Vice-Chair and acting Chair of the meeting, said that the dialogue with Luxembourg had provided further insight into the situation of women in the State party.  The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and called on it to implement the Committee’s recommendations for the benefit of all women and girls of Luxembourg.

    The delegation of Luxembourg consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity; Chamber of Deputies; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees; Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; Ministry of Education, Children and Youth; Ministry of Internal Affairs; and the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue the concluding observations on the report of Luxembourg at the end of its ninetieth session on 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 in public at 3 p.m. on Monday, 10 February to hold an informal meeting with representatives from non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions from Belize, Congo, Sri Lanka and Liechtenstein, whose reports will be considered by the Committee next week.

    Report

    The Committee has before it the eighth periodic report of Luxembourg (CEDAW/C/LUX/8).

    Presentation of Report

    YURIKO BACKES, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Defence, Mobility and Public Transport of Luxembourg, said women’s rights, gender equality and diversity were essential to the wellbeing and healthy functioning of society.  Ms. Backes said she tried very hard to make sure that both gender and diversity aspects were considered throughout her Government portfolios.  She was the first woman to hold the positions of Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance in Luxembourg.  This demonstrated that there was work ahead when it came to shaping a world where equality was a reality on all levels. 

    Women and girls were differently and disproportionally affected by climate disasters, armed conflicts and pandemics.  The only way to sustainably change this was to opt for gender-responsive policymaking across all fields.  The empowerment of women and girls and Sustainable Development Goal five needed to be front and centre across all areas of action.  The Luxembourg Government remained determined to stand up for women’s and girls’ rights, safety, freedom and access to equal opportunities.  The Committee could count on Luxembourg’s determination and support.

    MARC BICHLER, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said Luxembourg had had a Ministry in charge of equality issues for 30 years.  It had adapted over time, expanding its mandate to address lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and diversity.  The 2023-2028 coalition agreement maintained the promotion of equality between women and men as a cross-cutting priority of the Government’s political action.  This work would be guided in the coming years by the national action plan for equality between women and men.

    Luxembourg was currently placed seventh in the European Union in the Gender Equality Index. The proportion of women on the management boards of public institutions was 38.64 per cent, an increase of more than 10 points since 2015.  The rate of women representing the State on these boards stood at 43.61 per cent in 2024, exceeding the initial target of 40 per cent.  The private sector had only 23 per cent women on the boards of large companies, but the trend was upward and indicated improvements to come.  The Government remained firmly committed to continuing its efforts to promote balanced representation.  It was also working with civil society to include men as actors and beneficiaries of equality policies. 

    Luxembourg was the only country in the European Union to have eliminated wage inequality, but there was still a pay gap in favour of men for annual wages.  More efforts were needed to address this economic inequality, particularly regarding the high proportion of part-time work among women. The role of equality officers in private companies with more than 15 employees was particularly important.

    The fight against domestic violence and gender-based violence remained priorities of the Luxembourg Government.  Despite political and legislative progress, this was a daily reality in Luxembourg, affecting women and girls, as well as men and boys in all their diversity.  The total number of victims had increased significantly over the years, from 2,882 in 2015 to 4,793 in 2023.  Women accounted for an average of 71 per cent of victims each year.  In 2023, their number reached 3,218, which represented an increase of more than six per cent compared to 2022.  Luxembourg adopted a strategy in November 2021 to improve the protection against domestic violence and to strengthen the national machinery.  It had created an integrated national centre for victims of all forms of violence, which would facilitate their holistic care, bringing together legal aid, medical aid and psychological assistance.  The centre would open in April and would provide assistance to victims 24/7.

    Luxembourg was in the process of developing a national action plan on gender-based violence, which would support more comprehensive care to victims of different forms of gender-based violence.  It was, in collaboration with civil society, convening several awareness raising campaigns on this topic, including the annual “Orange Week” event, which brought together many actors to stand in solidarity with women and girls who were victims of violence.  A specific system had also been set up to provide consultations and therapeutic care to perpetrators to break the cycle of violence.  Since ratifying the Istanbul Convention, Luxembourg had been firmly committed to monitoring its implementation in a cross-cutting manner.

    A new Grand-Ducal regulation of 2023 strengthened the role of the “Prostitution Commission” to monitor prostitution and to combat pimping and trafficking in human beings. The inclusion of State experts as well as civil society would allow the commission to carry out timely and comprehensive follow-up.  Luxembourg had approved a bill on the prohibition of virginity examinations and certificates, the ban on hymenoplasty, and the abolition of the reflection period for the voluntary termination of pregnancy.  In addition, in 2023, an adaptation to the Penal Code introduced a new definition of rape based on the notion of consent.  The State was currently finalising its second action plan on women, peace and security.

    Luxembourg aimed to uphold a modern and egalitarian society in which every citizen could find their place, regardless of their gender.

    MANDY MINELLA, Deputy Head of the Committee Department, Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, said the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg was a crucial actor in combatting discrimination against women.  The Chamber supported Orange Week, lighting its buildings in orange during the week.  Meetings on gender equality were held regularly.  A working group on gender equality had been set up to develop a strategy for promoting gender equality within the Chamber.  The status of members of parliament had been reformed to recognise the status of pregnant members.  The Chamber needed to represent and respect the rights and opinions of all and meet the expectations of its people.

    LAURA CAROCHA, Human and Social Sciences Expert, Consultative Commission of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg on Human Rights, welcomed the efforts made by the Luxembourg State to combat discrimination against women since the last report, while noting persistent shortcomings, including a social system that kept women in a subordinate position to men.  Luxembourg’s policy favoured a “neutral” approach that was not gender sensitive.  Ms. Carocha urged politicians to openly acknowledge this systemic patriarchal domination and to make the deconstruction of this mechanism a priority. 

    It was imperative that the Government implemented the principle of gender mainstreaming in a cross-cutting manner in all its policies.  Luxembourg’s equality efforts lacked an intersectional approach and the Government rarely addressed multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.  To implement such an intersectional approach, it was essential to have detailed data, disaggregated by gender, age, ethnicity, disability and education level.  This would allow the State to identify shortcomings in policies and better understand and target the needs of women.

    Questions by a Committee Expert 

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, said that Luxembourg ranked twentieth in the Human Development Index and was the first country in the European Union to have eliminated the pay gap between men and women. The State party had ratified the Istanbul Convention and the International Labour Organization Convention on forced labour, and introduced legislation to combat multiple forms of discrimination over the reporting period.  However, the revised Constitution of 2021 drew a distinction between Luxembourg nationals and non-nationals and lacked protections against forced labour and trafficking.  How did the State party justify the amendments to the Constitution? Would the State party eliminate the distinction between Luxembourg nationals and non-nationals?

    Luxembourg had adopted a law creating the position of a family judge, an act on the provision of legal aid, and an act amending the Criminal Code to strengthen the response to sexual abuse of minors.  The Committee was concerned about the barriers inhibiting access to justice for women.  What measures were in place to overcome these barriers?  Why had the Centre for Legal Treatment not been given the power to initiate legal proceedings on behalf of victims?

    The Committee commended the State party’s national action plan on business and human rights. However, funds deposited in certain banks in Luxembourg may have come from the exploitation of human beings overseas, particularly women.  What rules were imposed on companies domiciled in the State party?  How did the State party address extraterritorial violations?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Luxembourg adopted a neutral approach in its legislation on discrimination. The State believed that women’s rights were human rights.  The neutral approach was grounded on the principle of gender equality.

    Each person in Luxembourg who was subject to criminal proceedings benefited from procedural guarantees, regardless of their residence status or nationality.  These guarantees covered access to a lawyer, the presumption of innocence and, to an extent, legal aid.

    Civil suits could be filed in Luxembourg by victims of discrimination by private enterprises. Luxembourg was transposing European Union guidelines on its supply chains, promoting due diligence for companies and organising public events related to business and human rights. Since 2017, Luxembourg had been working to implement and align with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, conducting consultations with private entities and civil society.  Companies in the banking and insurance sector had provided positive feedback regarding the implementation of the Guiding Principles.  The financial sector was aware of its obligations.  The State was working to address its extraterritorial obligations to provide remedies to the victims of human rights violations occurring overseas.

    The revised Constitution stated that people in Luxembourg were equal before the law. Non-Luxembourg nationals could not vote in legislative elections but could vote in municipal elections.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert commended Luxembourg’s commitment to gender equality, human rights, and to dismantling stereotypes.  The State party had demonstrated its commitment to the women, peace and security agenda through its women, peace and security national action plan.  What was the status of the second iteration of the plan? Was feminism still a part of foreign policy?

    Various sources had criticised the Ministry of Gender and Equality’s neutral approach.  The Committee hoped that its policies would address structural gender inequalities.  There were concerns regarding the depth of the analysis of the Observatory for Gender Equality.  What measures were in place to increase the depth of its analysis?

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, said that the State party had established voluntary quotas in some areas, including minimum quotas of 40 per cent representation of one sex on political bodies and 30 per cent representation on the boards of State agencies.  There were concerns that these measures were gender-neutral and not mandatory, and that they did not encourage the representation of vulnerable groups of women.  What efforts were being taken by the State party to improve its temporary special measures and to make its quotas mandatory?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party was striving to eliminate gender equality with ad-hoc programmes targeted at underrepresented genders.  There were programmes targeting violence against women and preparing women to defend themselves.  The legal framework was neutral but the actions taken by the Government were not.

    Luxembourg would work proactively on gender mainstreaming in the field of defence. The second iteration of the women, peace and security national action plan would be adopted this year in March. It would promote the role of women in peace and security initiatives.

    If political parties did not meet the 40 per cent representation quota for each sex, their funding was reduced.  The State party was raising the awareness of political parties and candidates on the importance of equality.  A database with profiles of women who wished to become board members of associations would soon be launched to promote women’s representation.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert congratulated the State party on its plan to launch the second iteration of the women, peace and security initiative this March.  No non-governmental organizations from Luxembourg had interacted with the Committee during this review process.  How would the State party encourage civil society to provide alternative reports in future sessions?

    Another Committee Expert said that gender stereotypes in the media had not been sufficiently addressed, and women accounted for only around one fourth of all media workers. How was the Government addressing these issues?  How was the State party conducting gender impact assessments, as recommended by the Committee in 2018?  How did legislation and policies address sterilisation and irreversible medical procedures against intersex children?  Had the State party considered broadening the statute of limitations for rape, which was limited to 10 years?  Did the State party plan to establish psychological violence as a stand-alone crime?  Training on gender-based violence was not provided to judges.  How would the State party improve data collection on court cases involving gender-based violence?  Why had retrospective analysis of femicides not been conducted?

    One Committee Expert said that the State party’s definition of trafficking in persons did not align with international standards.  Would it amend this legislation?  Sentences were often lenient and judges rarely took away traffickers’ profits or granted remedies to victims.  How would the State party ensure that penalties for trafficking reflected the gravity of the crime and ensure that victims received adequate compensation?  What was the timeline for implementation of the national action plan on trafficking in persons?  How would the plan integrate gender-specific aspects of trafficking?  The State party had not identified child trafficking victims for three years.  Would the State party include civil society into efforts to identify child victims, and prevent the inappropriate penalisation of trafficking victims?  The Committee welcomed the State party’s policies addressing prostitution.  Were there plans to decriminalise prostitution?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that the State party valued permanent collaboration with civil society. The Ministry of Equality paid 80 per cent of its budget to civil society to promote the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women.  Luxembourg hosted around 100 non-governmental organizations, despite its small population of 600,000, and these groups had contributed to various Government policies. Non-governmental organizations did not always have the resources needed to travel overseas to participate in dialogues with the Committee.

    An internal assessment of the first women, peace and security national action plan had been conducted and lessons learned would be included in the second plan.  The second plan would place greater emphasis on cooperation with civil society.

    The Government was engaging in dialogue with the media sector to improve the representation of women. The Advertising Ethics Commission received complaints related to discrimination and sexism.  Awareness raising campaigns were being carried out on sexism, discrimination and violence in the media.  A working group on hate speech had been set up that cooperated with the police force and associations working with perpetrators.  The digital service act strived to combat illicit content and encouraged platforms to delete such content swiftly.

    The law on femicide was revised in 2023.  There had yet to be any rulings handed down based on this legislation.  There were plans to collect statistics on femicide. The national action plan on gender-based violence was based on the Istanbul Convention and had been developed to strengthen protections and services for victims, as well as training on gender-based violence.  The State party would address psychological violence in the national action plan on all forms of gender-based violence and would consider establishing a law on this form of violence.

    The Government was working to protect the gender identity of intersex persons and was following Council of Europe regulations on the prevention of irreversible medical procedures against intersex persons.

    In Luxembourg, it was enough to prove that a person had the potential of exploiting an individual to hold them criminally liable for trafficking.  Training had been provided to State officials and non-governmental organizations to improve the identification of and support for trafficking victims.  Victims were officially identified by a specialised unit of the police, but non-governmental organizations and the labour inspectorate could help identify victims.  Street walks were carried out to identify victims of trafficking and provide support to women in prostitution.  Sex workers were not criminalised; clients were criminalised if they knew that the sex worker was a minor or a victim of trafficking.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    Another Committee Expert commended the efforts Luxembourg had made to promote gender equality, including its quota of 40 per cent representation in political bodies. Despite high representation at the national level, women’s representation in municipal governments was around 20 per cent.  What measures were in place to bridge the gender gap in municipalities?  The 2022 law aiming to enhance the participation of foreign nationals in elections was note-worthy.  How did the State party ensure that foreigners were meaningfully included in public life?  Were there targeted initiatives encouraging women to pursue careers in Luxembourg’s foreign service?  Women only made up around 12 per cent of Luxembourg’s military.  What measures were in place to increase their representation in security and military sectors?  Women also accounted for just 23 per cent of board members of private companies.  Were there plans to extend quotas to private sector boards?

    One Committee Expert commended the State’s progress in advancing the rights of women and girls in education.  Primary and secondary education was free for all children in Luxembourg, and compulsory education had recently been extended to 18 years.  Could the State party provide disaggregated data on women working in science, technology, engineering and maths fields?  How was the State party encouraging study in these subjects? The Committee welcomed that the State party had endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration.  How was the State party supporting the international community in the effective implementation of the Declaration?  What measures were in place to support vulnerable women in education? How was the State preventing online violence, ensuring the responsible use of digital technology, and working to close the digital gender gap?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said underrepresentation of women in decision making fora was a key challenge for the Government.  Funding was reduced for political parties that did not uphold quotas.  Individuals could nominate themselves to political positions in smaller municipalities; this led to greater gender imbalances. The State party aimed to achieve gender parity in Government, and better representation of women and wage equality in the private sector, and recruitment campaigns for the armed forces targeted at women.  The diplomatic corps was made up of around 150 agents, 76 per cent of whom were men. In recent years, the number of female diplomats had increased and this trend was likely to continue.

    The State had a service providing training for children on cyberbullying.  When it identified sexual harassment material online, it referred the material to legal services.  Raising awareness about online risks was a priority for the Government. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert 

    A Committee Expert commended the State party for eliminating the pay gap between men and women.  Luxembourg’s wage gap was the lowest in the world.  The Committee called for further efforts to achieve wage equality for women in part-time work and in the informal sector. Almost one-third of women worked part time; this affected the pension gap.  How was the State party working to address this gap?  The Committee was concerned that the act on persons with disabilities excluded persons with disabilities who did not meet requirements for support to access the labour market.  Had Luxembourg criminalised workplace sexual harassment and adopted measures to implement appropriate sanctions?  Would it ratify International Labour Organization Convention 190?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Luxembourg considered sexual harassment to be a serious form of violence.  It would be addressed in the national action plan against gender-based violence.  Victims of gender-based violence and discrimination in the workplace could seek support from a specialised service within the labour inspectorate.  Measures were in place to support single parents, who were prioritised in the provision of affordable housing.  The gender pension gap was large; to address this, a major reform of the pension system was underway.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert said Luxembourg had an admirable universal healthcare system.  To access free services, individuals needed to prove their identity and that they had lived in Luxembourg for at least three months. How many applications were objected to and on what grounds?  The Expert welcomed the national programme for the promotion of sexual and reproductive health.  What progress had been made in strengthening this programme?  The Committee welcomed the national action plan on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, but was concerned that involuntary surgeries continued to be imposed on intersex persons.  When would the State party abolish this practice?

    The high rate of tobacco use among women was a major issue in the State party, leading to various health complications. What public health measures had been taken to discourage smoking, especially for women?

    One Committee Expert commended the State party’s financial support for women and support for women investors. What measures were in place to educate self-employed women on the pension regime?  Were there digital tools that facilitated women’s integration in pension programmes?  More than one in seven workers in Luxembourg was at risk of poverty.  How was the State party addressing this?  Were there measures to help unemployed women to access benefits and training?  Did the State party have regulations on safeguarding women’s rights in investments?  How did the State party ensure adequate reparation for human rights violations by companies?  What steps had been taken to promote women-owned businesses?  What strategies were planned to boost women’s access to financial services, bonds and loans?  What percentage of businesses were owned by women?  How was the State party helping women and girls to strengthen their digital competencies, collecting disaggregated data on access to loans and credit, and providing financial support services that reached women who lacked digital skills?

    The State party was commended for promoting women’s participation in sports entrepreneurship.  What measures were in place to prevent gender stereotypes in sport?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said all individuals in Luxembourg had access to the universal health coverage system.  The Government worked to streamline gender in all healthcare policies.  It was raising awareness amongst healthcare practitioners regarding differences in treatment between men and women.

    The national action plan on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons would address the issue of involuntary sterilisations.  The State party would assess legal provisions that addressed this issue in other countries. A national action plan to prevent smoking that considered the specific needs of women was being drafted.

    Sport was an area in which there was inequality between men and women in terms of renumeration and presence in the media.  The Government was drafting a national strategy on equality in sport.  Violence against women in sport was being addressed by the National Centre for Victims of Violence.

    A gender finance taskforce had been set up to support women to access the finance sector and loans.  Schools were educating girls on the financial sector. The Ministry of the Family funded a project that supported women’s incorporation into business networks and entrepreneurship support programmes.

    Luxembourg had around 20 observatories collecting disaggregated data on various topics.  The Government was stressing the importance of collecting data disaggregated by sex.  A digital gateway had been setup that promoted women’s and girls’ digital skills. An annual day of digital inclusion was also held to promote the inclusion of women and girls in the digital sphere.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert thanked the State party for its legal advocacy on behalf of Afghan women.  Luxembourg was Europe’s first financial centre.  Several businesses in Luxembourg continued to make investments in the fossil fuel industry.  Would the State party adopt stricter environmental regulations for businesses?  The State party had thus far contributed eight million euros to the Loss and Damage Fund.  Investments needed to be made with a human rights approach, including investments in green bonds.  The State party needed to contribute more to the Loss and Damage Fund in a way that addressed the needs of women.

    Women in solitary confinement had meagre access to education and work, despite legislation enshrining the rights of such women to State services.  How would the State party address this?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the financial sector was one of the biggest contributors to Luxembourg’s gross national income.  It was one of the first sectors to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.  The Government had called on the Union of Luxembourg Businesses, which included businesses from the financial sector, to implement the Guiding Principles.  The European Union had adopted a directive on business and human rights that Luxembourg was transposing into law. Employers in the financial sector were aware of regulations related to women’s rights and sanctions that were implemented when those regulations were not respected.

    The Government was committed to supporting climate action in developing countries; it had pledged 120 million euros toward this at a recent Conference of the Parties.  Funds dedicated to climate action included a gender perspective. In 2016, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange decided to open a “green exchange”, which applied stringent criteria for green investment.  This exchange today had over one trillion United States dollars’ worth of sustainable climate assets.  Many sustainable assets addressed the protection of women’s rights.  The Stock Exchange had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Nations Women in 2022 to advance projects and investments that promoted women’s empowerment.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert asked how many women had requested the grant provided to women divorcees.  Had the State party conducted studies into the effectiveness of shared custody agreements?  Same-sex couples experienced barriers to accessing adoption services.  How was the State party addressing this?  The practice of surrogacy was not sufficiently regulated.  How did the State party protect surrogate mothers and children?  How did the State party support such children to investigate their origins?

    The legal distinction between “legitimate” and “natural” children created discrimination.  Were there plans to remove this distinction?

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, asked how many children of Luxembourg lived in institutions and foster families in the State and abroad.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said a draft bill on adoption was currently being assessed.  It addressed adoptions by cohabiting couples and investigations into the lineage of children who were abandoned by their parents.  There were around 1,000 children and adolescents of Luxembourg in institutions and foster families, including 76 children and adolescents who had been placed in institutions abroad.  The distinction between legitimate and natural children still existed in legislation but in reality, there was little difference between these.  The draft bill on the right to lineage removed the distinction. Assessments of this bill were still underway.

    Concluding Remarks 

    MARC BICHLER, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the interactive dialogue.  This had been a valuable exercise that helped the State party to make progress in implementing the Convention and upholding the rights of women and girls.  There were pushbacks against women and girls’ rights globally, but Luxembourg was resolute in defending these rights.  The State party would continue to work to implement the Convention.

    MARYSE FISCH, First Government Counsellor, Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, thanked the Committee for its advice, which helped the State party to improve.  Luxembourg highly valued the Convention, which was mentioned in the coalition agreement and the national action plan on equality.

    MANDY MINELLA, Deputy Head of the Committee Department, Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, said the Chamber of Deputies was committed to equality and would conduct a gender audit and develop a strategy to promote gender equality, inclusive language, and gender mainstreaming.  The Chamber was discussing issues, including childcare and provisions for breastfeeding women.  There were plans to overhaul the Chamber’s regulations with a gender perspective. The Committee’s recommendations would be carefully reviewed in the Chamber.

    CORINNE DETTMEIJER-VERMEULEN, Committee Vice-Chair and acting Chair of the meeting, said that the dialogue with Luxembourg had provided further insight into the situation of women in the State party.  The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and called on it to implement the Committee’s recommendations for the benefit of all women and girls of Luxembourg.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CEDAW25.005E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: High Commissioner for Human Rights: Civilians in the East Democratic Republic of the Congo are Trapped in a Spiral of Violence in this Crushing Conflict

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Human Rights Council Opens Special Session on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    The Human Rights Council this morning opened its thirty-seventh special session on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said since the beginning of the year, the M23 armed group, supported by the Rwanda Defence Forces, had intensified its offensive in the provinces of North and South Kivu.  If nothing was done, the worst may be yet to come for the people of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, but also beyond the country’s borders.  Once again, civilians were trapped in a spiral of violence in this crushing conflict.  Since 26 January, nearly 3,000 people had lost their lives and 2,880 had been wounded.  Sexual violence had been an appalling feature of this conflict for a long time and was likely to worsen in the current circumstances.  The fighting had exacerbated a chronic humanitarian crisis, which was the upshot of persistent human rights violations.  

    Mr. Türk called on all parties to lay down their weapons and resume dialogue within the framework of the Luanda and Nairobi processes.  In the meantime, all parties to the conflict must respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law.  The M23, Rwandan forces and all those supporting them must facilitate access to humanitarian aid.  Air, land and lake routes must be reopened to establish humanitarian corridors and guarantee the safety of humanitarian actors.  In these circumstances, it was crucial to establish the facts and bring the perpetrators to justice.  An independent and impartial investigation must be opened up into human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law, committed by all parties 

    Surya Deva, Chair of the Coordination Committee of the Special Procedures, said the intensification of hostilities, particularly in North Kivu, following the renewed offensive by the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group, had led to widespread violence, forced displacement and serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.  The scale and severity of the violence had reached unprecedented levels.  The humanitarian consequences were devastating.  Mr. Deva called for all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law; for the immediate cessation of attacks against civilians; for the protection of civilian infrastructure; and for unimpeded access for humanitarian actors to deliver assistance to those in need.  

    Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chief of the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), said this conflict had continued for 30 years, and the population continued to live in fear.  The attacks and pillaging against the United Nations and the Blue Helmets were condemned.  It was urgent to restore peace and allow for a lasting rebuilding of the region.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda must pursue diplomatic negotiations, particularly in the context of the Luanda process.  Unless compelling measures were taken to cease the escalation of violence, there would be grave consequences.  Ms. Keita hoped the session would pave the way to an end to the conflict and inclusive and sustainable development.

    Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Media of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking as a country concerned, expressed deep gratitude to the Human Rights Council for holding the Special Session, a response to the urgent situation and massive human rights violations and attacks on civilians in North and South Kivu.  Acts of unacceptable brutality compounded by unspeakable brutalities, like attacks against civilians, forced displacement, murders, rape, forced conscription of children and others were the responsibility of Rwanda as it supported its proxies.  Peacekeeping forces, as well as humanitarian facilities, had been targeted, undermining their ability to protect civilians.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo called for the establishment of an international commission of inquiry to investigate the human rights violations in the country, establish the truth as to who was responsible, and issue recommendations for holding them to account.  

    James Ngango, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations Office at Geneva, speaking as a country concerned, said the current session was called for at a time when the situation was evolving rapidly.  A chance should be given to regional initiatives to bear fruit before taking up the situation in the United Nations.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo had unilaterally decided to expel the East African Community Force, a peacekeeping force, replacing it with the Southern African Development Community Mission with an offensive mandate.  The current situation was due to imposing a military solution to a political problem.  Rwanda opposed the attempts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at portraying Rwanda as being responsible for the instability in that country, as this was a well-known deflection tactic used to escape being accountable for the atrocities Kinshasa and its allied armed forces were perpetrating against its own citizens.  Rwanda would respond appropriately to the actions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Speaking in the discussion, some speakers said they were deeply concerned about the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and urged the M23 to stop its advance and withdraw immediately.  Alarm was expressed about reports of widespread violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law by multiple actors, including sexual and gender-based violence, the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and extrajudicial executions.  Innocent civilians, including women and children, were enduring extreme suffering due to widespread violence, displacement, and deprivation of essential services such as food, water, and healthcare.  Many speakers spoke in support of the establishment of an independent fact-finding mission to investigate serious human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law. 

    Speaking in the discussion were Sweden on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, European Union, Morocco, Kenya, France, North Macedonia, Spain, Ghana, Germany, Switzerland, Albania, Cyprus, Belgium, Costa Rica, Burundi, Japan, Brazil, Republic of Korea, China, Ethiopia, Mexico, Netherlands, South Africa, Algeria, Gambia, Kyrgyzstan, Bulgaria, Malawi, Bolivia, Colombia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Ireland, Russian Federation, Republic of Moldova, United Kingdom, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Italy, Holy See, Austria, Ukraine, Cameroon, Uruguay, Uganda, Canada, Australia, Paraguay, Türkiye, Guatemala, Zambia, Pakistan, India, Mauritania, Angola, Malta, Peru, Zimbabwe, Timor-Leste, Slovenia, Tanzania, and South Sudan. 

    Also speaking were Human Rights Watch, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, World Organization against Torture, Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme, Interfaith International, Centre du Commerce International pour le Développement, Amnesty International, International Bar Association, International Federation of ACAT (Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture), International Catholic Child Bureau, International Human Rights Council, and TRIAL International. 

    The session was called for by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was supported by 27 Member States of the Council and 21 Observer States.

    The next meeting of the special session of the Human Rights Council will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, 7 February, when it will conclude the session after adopting a resolution on the situation of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    Keynote Statements

    VOLKER TÜRK, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said his Office had long been sounding the alarm about this crisis, and he was deeply disturbed to see the violence escalate once again.  Since the beginning of the year, the M23 armed group, supported by the Rwanda Defence Forces, had intensified its offensive in the provinces of North and South Kivu.  If nothing was done, the worst may be yet to come, for the people of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, but also beyond the country’s borders.  There had been attacks by the M23 and their allies, with heavy weapons used in populated areas, and intense fighting against the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and their allies.  This raised serious concern in terms of respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. 

    Once again, civilians were trapped in a spiral of violence in this crushing conflict.  Since 26 January, nearly 3,000 people had lost their lives and 2,880 had been wounded.  Sexual violence had been an appalling feature of this conflict for a long time and was likely to worsen in the current circumstances.  According to judicial authorities, during the prison break from Muzenze Prison in Goma on 27 January, at least 165 female prisoners were raped.  Most of them were subsequently killed in a fire, the circumstances of which remain unclear.  The High Commissioner said his team was also currently verifying multiple allegations of rape, gang rape and sexual slavery throughout the conflict zones.  Hundreds of human rights defenders, journalists and members of civil society had reported that they had been threatened or were being pursued by the M23 and Rwandan forces.  

    Mr. Türk was also very concerned about the proliferation of weapons and the high risk of forced recruitment and conscription of children.  The fighting had exacerbated a chronic humanitarian crisis, which was the upshot of persistent human rights violations.  More than 500,000 people had been displaced since the beginning of January, in addition to the more than 6.4 million already displaced.  The risk of violence escalating throughout the sub-region had never been higher.  All those with influence over the parties involved, be they States or non-state actors, must step up their efforts to avert a conflagration and to support peace processes. 

    Mr. Türk called on all parties to lay down their weapons and resume dialogue within the framework of the Luanda and Nairobi processes.  In the meantime, all parties to the conflict must respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law.  The M23, Rwandan forces and all those supporting them must facilitate access to humanitarian aid.  Air, land and lake routes must be reopened to establish humanitarian corridors and guarantee the safety of humanitarian actors. 

    In these circumstances, it was crucial to establish the facts and bring the perpetrators to justice.  An independent and impartial investigation must be opened up into human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law, committed by all parties.  The military path was not the answer to the roots of this conflict.  States must ensure that any support, financial or otherwise, did not fuel serious human rights violations.  All those with influence must act urgently to put an end to this tragic situation.

     SURYA DEVA, Chair of the Coordination Committee of the Special Procedures, said the intensification of hostilities, particularly in North Kivu, following the renewed offensive by the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group, had led to widespread violence, forced displacement, and serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.  The scale and severity of the violence had reached unprecedented levels.  The humanitarian consequences were devastating, as those displaced often found themselves with no access to shelter, water, sanitation, food, medical care or education.  Women and children were particularly at risk, facing heightened exposure to gender-based violence and trafficking for purposes of sexual slavery. There was also concern for the devastating impact on children, who were at serious risk of all six grave violations against children in armed conflict.

    Mr. Deva called for all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law; for the immediate cessation of attacks against civilians; for the protection of civilian infrastructure; and for unimpeded access for humanitarian actors to deliver assistance to those in need.  All parties involved in the conflict should refrain from supporting or using mercenary-related actors, as they would prolong the conflict. 

    The international community had a moral and legal obligation to act decisively. Member States should increase humanitarian funding to ensure the continued provision of essential services and assistance to displaced populations.  Coordinated diplomatic efforts must be intensified to support peace negotiations and to hold accountable those responsible for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. 

    The international community should step up efforts to support humanitarian operations, ensuring that adequate resources were allocated to assist displaced populations and those affected by violence.  Women should be fully included in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. There must be independent investigations into all reported human rights violations, including attacks on civilians, sexual and gender-based violence, and other abuses perpetrated during the conflict. 

    BINTOU KEITA, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chief of the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), said this conflict had continued for 30 years, and the population continued to live in fear.  The attacks and pillaging against the United Nations and the Blue Helmets were condemned.  Since the beginning of the year, an unprecedented advance of the M23 and the Rwandan forces had been seen, preceded by violent clashes between the two sides, injuring thousands, and with alarming mid- and long-term consequences.  The risks of gender-based violence and violence against children were of great concern.  Violations and abuse of human rights had increased, and the humanitarian situation declined.  Agricultural and mining activities were paralysed. 

    Fighting impunity against the serious crimes committed could be impeded due to the damage done to the judicial forces in Goma.  It was urgent to restore peace and allow for a lasting rebuilding of the region.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda must pursue diplomatic negotiations, particularly in the context of the Luanda process.  Unless compelling measures were taken to cease the escalation of violence, there would be grave consequences. 

    The clashes in densely settled areas, including Goma, had had devastating consequences on the human population, with an increase in crime and violence.  Civil society actors and human rights defenders were a major population at risk.  The suspension of social networks was an infringement of the right to information. In a region with a sensitive history, ethnically motivated attacks remained a serious concern.  The humanitarian situation in Goma was catastrophic.  The international community must advocate for humanitarian access to Goma immediately. Ms. Keita hoped the session would pave the way to an end to the conflict and inclusive and sustainable development. 

    Statements by Countries Concerned

    PATRICK MUYAYA KATEMBWE, Minister of Communication and Media of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking as a country concerned, expressed deep gratitude to the Human Rights Council for holding the special session, a response to the urgent situation and massive human rights violations and attacks on civilians in North and South Kivu, the result of attacks and offenses by the Rwandan Defence Forces and their M23 and AFC proxies. Indiscriminate attacks had deliberately targeted the vulnerable, a flagrant violation of international obligations.  Areas of shelter had been turned into military targets, imperilling the lives of thousands of innocent people.

    Acts of unacceptable brutality compounded by unspeakable brutalities, like attacks against civilians, forced displacement, murders, rape, forced conscription of children and others were the responsibility of Rwanda as it supported its proxies.  Peacekeeping forces, as well as humanitarian facilities, had been targeted, undermining their ability to protect civilians.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo called for the establishment of an international commission of inquiry to investigate the human rights violations in the country, establish the truth as to who was responsible, and issue recommendations for holding them to account. 

    It was vital to strengthen early-warning mechanisms and prevent further escalations of violence.  There must be immediate and unfettered humanitarian access to evacuate the injured and reduce the risk of the spread of epidemics. The Council must hold Rwanda accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.  It was vital that international pressure be applied to Rwanda so that it ceased to support the armed groups and withdrew from Congolese territory. 

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo remained ready to work with all regional and international actors to put a stop to this crisis and an end to the suffering in the east of the country, calling on Rwanda to act responsibly and take immediate measures to cease supporting armed groups. 

    JAMES NGANGO, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations Office at Geneva, speaking as a country concerned, said the current session was called for at a time when the situation was evolving rapidly.  A chance should be given to regional initiatives to bear fruit before taking up the situation in the United Nations.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo had unilaterally decided to expel the East African Community Force, a peacekeeping force, replacing it with the Southern African Development Community Mission with an offensive mandate.  The current situation was due to imposing a military solution to a political problem. This was due to the preservation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda that had perpetrated genocide in Rwanda and then fled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they continued to spread their genocidal ideology, and also to the marginalisation of the Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities, particularly Tutsi, by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    There had been no condemnation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo leadership.  There was no special session of the Human Rights Council when a Special Rapporteur had warned about war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo previously.  Rwanda opposed the attempts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at portraying Rwanda as being responsible for the instability in that country, as this was a well-known deflection tactic used to escape being accountable for the atrocities Kinshasa and its allied armed forces were perpetrating against its own citizens.  Rwanda would respond appropriately to the actions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    Discussion

    Some speakers said they were deeply concerned about the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and urged the M23 to stop its advance and withdraw immediately.  Rwanda must cease its support for the M23 and withdraw its armed forces.  Rwanda’s military presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was strongly condemned as a clear violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Alarm was expressed about reports of wide-spread violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law by multiple actors, including sexual and gender-based violence, the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and extrajudicial executions.  Innocent civilians, including women and children, were enduring extreme suffering due to widespread violence, displacement, and deprivation of essential services such as food, water, and healthcare.  Reports of explosive weapons used in populated areas and attacks on internally displaced person sites were particularly alarming.

    Some speakers said all sides must prioritise the protection of civilians, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and fully respect their obligations under international law, including human rights law and international humanitarian law.  For decades, the area had witnessed instability and conflict, for a range of causes.  Reports of grave human rights violations, including summary executions, demanded immediate attention.  The attacks on peacekeepers constituted violations of international law.  The Rwandan Government must respect the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which latter must cease cooperation with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. 

    All parties must reopen negotiations, respect international law, and honour their commitments made under the Nairobi and Luanda process, committing fully to the peace process.  All allegations of human rights violations and abuses must be investigated, and perpetrators held accountable for their crimes.  An independent fact-finding mission must be established to investigate all accounts.  Acts of violence targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure were condemned, and must come to an end. 

    The role of the Blue Helmets was essential, speakers said, and they must be protected, with several speakers expressing condolences to the families of those Blue Helmets who paid the ultimate price in defence of the fundamental rights of the Congolese people.  The United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) must ensure the protection of civilians, and a speaker called for its mandate to be supported and renewed further. The international community must strengthen its support for peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance. A sustainable solution demanded coordinated efforts, including dialogue, reconciliation, and development initiatives that fostered stability and social cohesion.

    A number of speakers said this was a critical juncture in the region, with a potential for over-spill in the region as a whole. Dialogue and cooperation must be encouraged and supported, including through the Luanda and Nairobi processes. The deliberations in the Council must not undermine these, and instead support a return to peace, with the discussions aimed at building consensus and agreement.  Political fragmentation must be addressed in Rwanda, with an end put to public negative ethnic discourse, and the international community must work together to build a just and peaceful world.  The Council must address the challenges under its mandate.  Members of the Council must work to ensure that there was no further deterioration of the situation. 

    The M23 must immediately withdraw from the territories under its control, a speaker said, and there must be a return to the negotiating table: all efforts must be made to put an end to the humanitarian disaster. All those involved in the conflict must put an end to human rights violations and protect the rights and lives of civilians.  The population was exhausted from the decades of suffering.  Rwanda must withdraw its support for the M23, which must immediately cease its attacks and withdraw. 

    Some speakers said the sovereignty and territoriality of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be protected and supported, and many speakers supported this, urging all sides to respect it and for the international community to support it.  All armed groups must lay down their weapons and withdraw from the sovereign territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and respect the United Nations Charter, engage in dialogue, and work towards re-establishing peace and stability in the country.  There was a risk of this igniting the Great Lakes region, a speaker said, supporting the peaceful coexistence of nations. 

    Many speakers spoke in support of the establishment of an independent fact-finding mission to investigate serious human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law committed in North and South Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as stipulated in the proposed resolution.  The humanitarian community must rally support to protect the most vulnerable segments of the population, in particular women and children.   The fact-finding mission must be fully funded and staffed appropriately, a speaker urged.  Given the sheer scale of human suffering, the Council could not afford to turn a blind eye to the earnest appeal of the country concerned to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes were held accountable.

    Profound alarm was expressed with regard to the increasing risk of violence against women and girls and the recruitment of children into the conflict.  It was imperative that those responsible for human rights violations and atrocities were brought to justice.  There was no military solution to the crisis, and only a political, negotiated solution could bring an end to the situation.  Those who put their economic interests above human dignity must cease to do so.  Peace and security must be brought to the region. 

    At this critical juncture, all parties must exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and prioritise dialogue to prevent further loss of life, uphold international humanitarian law and human rights, ensure the protection of civilians, and safeguard fundamental freedoms.  It was vital to ensure immediate and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population. 

    It was crucial that the Human Rights Council provided necessary support for thorough investigations into grave human rights violations and abuses, with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring comprehensive accountability.  A sustained and inclusive dialogue was crucial to achieving a long-term and peaceful resolution to the crisis.  Diplomatic negotiations were, a speaker said, the only way to resolve the situation. All parties must respect international humanitarian law, and must support the mediation efforts made both internationally and regionally.  A political solution must be found that respected the independence and territoriality of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    The need for the Council to make efforts to alleviate the sufferings of victims of human rights violations and abuses was crucial, and all parties involved must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.  There must be an immediate end to hostilities and a permanent solution found through peaceful means and inclusive dialogue among all parties concerned, and speakers pointed out the need for “African solutions to African problems”, supporting the Luanda and Nairobi processes.  African regional solutions were fully supported by several speakers, who spoke of the efforts of the Southern African Development Community Mission. 

     

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    HRC25.002E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: London ETO welcomes Year of Snake with joyous celebrations (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    London ETO welcomes Year of Snake with joyous celebrations (with photos)
    London ETO welcomes Year of Snake with joyous celebrations (with photos)
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         ​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) greeted the Year of the Snake in the United Kingdom (UK) by hosting an evening reception in London on February 6 (London time) and supporting a large-scale London Chinatown celebration at Trafalgar Square, Chinatown, and Charing Cross Road on February 2.     The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, welcomed over 450 guests at a Year of the Snake reception on February 6 at The Orangery, Kensington Palace, in London. Among the guests were UK government officials, parliamentarians, borough mayors in London, senior diplomats, leading figures in the business sector, academics, media representatives, and members of the Chinese community.           Speaking at the reception, Mr Law introduced the latest developments in Hong Kong on its economic and cultural fronts. Mr Law elaborated, “Hong Kong continues to flourish as a global business hub. Ranked the world’s freest economy, the city welcomed a record 9 960 non-local companies last year, including 720 from the UK, surpassing pre-COVID levels. This reaffirms Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super connector’ for British businesses. Beyond the economic sphere, we also saw the bilateral ties between Hong Kong and the UK reinforcing and deepening, from enhanced government-to-government dialogue to cultural and creative collaboration.”     On February 2, the London ETO supported the grand annual Chinese New Year celebration in London’s Chinatown, drawing audiences in the hundreds in some places and in the thousands in others, along the streets of Central London. Mr Law, alongside esteemed guests such as the Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice of London, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard; Member of Parliament for the Cities of London and Westminster Ms Rachel Blake; and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Robert Rigby, greeted the crowds in London from an open-air double-decker bus and onstage. Furthermore, a range of cultural and music performances took place at Trafalgar Square.           The London ETO will organise further events to celebrate the Year of the Snake in the countries under its purview in the coming weeks.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 22:05

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Embark on a transformative story-telling journey with the Animation Filmmakers Competition – “WAVES ORIGINALS: A platform where creativity meets opportunity

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Embark on a transformative story-telling journey with the Animation Filmmakers Competition – “WAVES ORIGINALS: A platform where creativity meets opportunity

    From Vision to Reality: Students, amateurs and professionals to get a chance to showcase their projects to film and TV producers, investors, and industry leaders

    Overwhelming response received with over 1,200 registrations & 400 creative submissions from more than 15 countries; Winning projects to get cash prizes of up to 5 lakhs

    Advancing Talent: Over 75 storytellers shortlisted for Round 2 of AFC, set to Join WAVES 2025 with Masterclasses from Global Cinema Icons

    Promoting Women in Animation: WAVES featuring talented women participants whose creative works are reshaping storytelling norms

    WAVES – International Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC) sets new benchmark in Global Animation Community Engagement

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 7:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The inaugural edition of the WAVES – International Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC) has emerged as a groundbreaking initiative, offering a global platform for creators across animation, VFX, AR-VR, and virtual production.

    Animation Filmmakers Competition – “WAVES ORIGINALS”

    Launched on September 8, 2024, as part of the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), the competition has captivated participants and industry leaders alike, solidifying its reputation as a leading destination for creative storytelling and technological innovation.

    The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has partnered with Dancing Atoms for Animation Filmmakers Competition, the flagship event of the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). This marks a historic collaboration, paving the way for a new era in India’s creative industry and heralding the beginning of Create in India Season 1.

    Overwhelming participation

    Since its launch, AFC has received overwhelming participation, with over 1,200 registrations and over 400 creative submissions from more than 15 countries.

    Crafting Pathways for Creative Excellence and Opportunity

    The true essence of this initiative is to empower participants by giving them exposure and the wings to bring their stories to life. AFC has created an ecosystem where creativity meets opportunity, enabling storytellers to craft compelling narratives and transform their visions into reality.

    This is achieved through:

    1. Online Masterclasses: Led by renowned industry experts like Pilar Alessandra, Sergio Pablos, and Saraswathi Buyyala.
    2. In-Person and Hybrid Workshops: Conducted at premier institutions across India, covering essential skills such as creative pitching, personal development, effective networking, and understanding the evolving creative economy. In recent months, Saraswathi Buyyala, Writer, Creative Director, and Founder of Dancing Atoms, conducted storytelling sessions for students and professionals at premier institutions like IIT Hyderabad, JNAFAU Hyderabad, IIT Mumbai, IIMC Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia Delhi, and NFDC Mumbai. These sessions covered essential skills such as creative pitching, personal development, effective networking, and understanding the evolving creative economy.

     

     

    Hybrid events featured interactive workshops where participants learned how to navigate the global animation landscape, pitch their ideas confidently and explore transmedia storytelling — transforming stories into toys, games, comic books, and more. These initiatives underscore AFC’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded creators who can thrive across multiple entertainment formats.

     

    1. Global Presence and Unparalleled Networking Opportunities: AFC’s active participation in prestigious events, both domestically and internationally, has further amplified its mission and provided invaluable networking opportunities for participants. . In India, AFC made its presence felt at Mela Mela in Delhi, Comic Con Hyderabad, the VFX Summit, IGDC, Cinematica, AGIF in Mumbai, and IFFI Goa.

    On the global stage, AFC showcased its vision at the Writers Retreat and Producers Workshop in Spain, Lightbox Expo in Pasadena, Animation World Summit in Los Angeles, Unreal Fest 2024 in Seattle, Siggraph 2024 in Denver, the Ottawa International Film Festival 2024 in Canada, and MIPCOM & MIP.JR 2024 in Cannes. These events and roadshows led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in Los Angeles and San Francisco have positioned AFC as a pivotal initiative within the global media ecosystem.

     

    Selection of Top Creators for WAVES Summit 2025

    As the competition advances to Round 2, AFC proudly announces the selection of over 75 shortlisted candidates. These top storytellers will be further shortlisted and invited by the MIB to attend the physical WAVES Summit 2025.

    All selected creators will gain access to an exclusive series of masterclasses featuring some of the world’s most renowned industry figures, including:

    • Peter Ramsey, Oscar-winning director
    • Guneet Monga, Oscar-winning producer
    • Shobu Yarlagadda, visionary producer of the Baahubali movies
    • Arnau Olle Lopez, Director of Character Animation from Skydance Animation Studios
    • Kris Pearn, director of acclaimed animated films
    • Anu Singh Chaudhary, celebrated writer and many more.

    This phase aims to equip participants with invaluable insights and tools to refine and pitch their projects at the highly anticipated WAVES Summit 2025.

    From IDEA to IMPACT – Bridging the Gap

    Winners of the competition will present their creative concepts to top producers and leading OTT platforms in India and internationally. With the MIB team aggressively bridging the gap from IDEA to IMPACT and IDEA to INVESTMENT, AFC is creating unparalleled opportunities for creators to collaborate with global entertainment giants.

    Empowering Women and Promoting Diversity

    Dancing Atoms, led by Saraswathi Buyyala, has been at the forefront of promoting diversity and empowering women in the animation and AVGC sectors. Through targeted initiatives, the studio has supported women creators, providing them with platforms to showcase their talents and contribute meaningfully to the industry. The WAVES AFC competition proudly features numerous talented women participants whose creative works are reshaping storytelling norms.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New milestone in indigenous development of gaseous detector important for mega science FAIR project in Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Researchers have developed an innovative technique using a radioactive source that can simplify the study of radiation effects on Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors, a crucial step in nuclear and particle physics experiments.

    Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector are particle detectors used as tracking devices in high-energy physics experiments that utilizes a thin, perforated foil with a high electric field to amplify particles produced by ionizing radiation, allowing for precise detection of particles like muons by significantly multiplying the initial signal generated by the particle’s interaction with the gas within the detector.

    They are also strong candidates for diagnostic applications in medical technology because of their good position resolution. First introduced by Prof. Fabio Sauli in 1997, GEM detectors consist of a 50 μm thick Kapton foil, with 5 μm copper cladding on both sides.

    Despite their advantages, the inclusion of Kapton, a radiation-resistant polyimide film with excellent insulating properties, in the active volume makes these detectors sensitive to radiation-induced effects, particularly the charging-up of the dielectric medium. During operation, ionizing radiation deposits energy into the detector, initiating electron avalanche formation.

    This process results in charge accumulation on the Kapton foil, which in turn enhances the electric field within the GEM holes—the primary region for electron multiplication. This increase in the electric field boosts the detector’s gain and efficiency. Over time, a dynamic equilibrium is established, stabilizing the gain and ensuring consistent detector performance.

    India has the full responsibility of building all the GEM chambers that will be used in the future Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at FAIR and will be operated at very high radiation environment. For this, it is important to enhance the understanding of the charging-up effect in GEM detectors, a phenomenon that remains inadequately understood.

    Fig 1: Schematic of the charge accumulation on the Kapton foil inside GEM hole. The dynamical accumulation of the charges on the surface of the Kapton increases the electric field thence the gain of the chamber.

    To investigate this phenomenon, Dr. Saikat Biswas and his PhD student, Dr. Sayak Chatterjee along with the other collaborators from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, conducted an in-depth investigation into the charging-up effect on the Kapton foil and its subsequent impact on detector performance.

    The team from Department of Physical Sciences at Bose Institute, developed a specialized experimental setup to study the charging-up effect in triple GEM detectors by studying its gain variation as a function of time.

    Analysis of the charging effect indicated that as either the detector gain (the ratio of the primary charges to the charges detected by the readout board) or irradiation rate increased, the charging-up time decreased significantly. This behavior was attributed to higher particle densities, which facilitated faster charge equilibrium within the GEM holes.

    Fig 2: (a) Variation of the normalized gain as a function of time fitted with a polynomial function to extract the charging-up time (p2) of a DM triple GEM chamber. (b) Variation of charging-up time of the DM triple GEM chambers as a function of the irradiation rates from a Fe-55 source at a fixed detector gain of ~ 5000.

    The findings from this study provide valuable insights for predicting behavioral changes in GEM detectors, critical components in high-rate experiments, when subjected to external radiation. These insights will inform design considerations and operational parameters for GEM chambers in radiation-intensive environments such as the CBM experiment at FAIR, Germany. These results are not only important for CBM experiment only but also for other high-rate experiments where GEM will be used.

    Fig 3: Variation of charging-up time of the DM & SM triple GEM chambers as a function of the gain of the chambers for different irradiation rates using the Fe-55 X-ray source.

     

    The researchers plan to extend their work to investigate the impact of GEM foil geometry on the charging-up effect and to explore behavioral changes under various types of irradiations, extending beyond the capabilities of laboratory setups. The studies published in the Journal of Instrumentation & Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A, are crucial milestones for indigenous gaseous detector development.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Future of EU long-term financing: Post-2027 needs and how to finance them – 07-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The adoption of the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the period from 2028 will be one of the second von der Leyen Commission’s defining projects. Striking a delicate balance between the EU’s growing financial needs and many Member States’ reluctance to shoulder higher payments to the EU has always been a challenging task. However, never before have the EU’s many financial needs been greater – and, at the same time, Member States’ budgets are under heavy constraints. On the expenditure side, several costly projects are on the horizon. The EU’s next long-term budget will have to finance the principal repayment of Next Generation EU (NGEU) grants from 2028 onwards, as well as borrowing costs that are higher than originally planned owing to a rise in interest rates. Other major expenditure items will include further financial support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s war of aggression and the subsequent contribution to recovery and reconstruction, the need to enhance the EU’s defence, security and preparedness, and the cost of EU enlargement. In addition, the EU must continue to invest in high-growth projects and its green and digital transformation in order to remain competitive, as recently underlined by the former president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, in his high-level report on competitiveness. To finance the repayment of the NGEU debt, the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission have agreed to introduce new own resources. However, although the Commission presented a proposal, approved by Parliament, no significant progress has so far been made on new own resources in the Council. Some Member States consider increased gross national income-based own resources as a simpler and fairer solution, which they want to combine with savings in existing areas as a way to balance the budget. Parliament has started shaping its position for the forthcoming debate on the next MFF with a draft initiative report, ‘A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world’, presented by co-rapporteurs Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, Romania) and Carla Tavares (S&D, Portugal).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Recovery and Resilience Facility: State of play and way forward – European Implementation Assessment – 07-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This paper has been drafted to assist the European Parliament’s Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and on Budgets (BUDG) in the context of their work on an implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Based on publicly available information, it provides a literature review of EU reports and academic papers on the state of play of the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. It also summarises the main topics of recent parliamentary resolutions and questions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Outcome of the EU leaders’ retreat on 3 February 2024 – 07-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    European Union leaders met in Brussels on 3 February 2025, for their first-ever meeting dedicated solely to defence issues. In the current challenging geopolitical context, the purpose of this first meeting of EU Heads of State or Government in 2025 – described as an ‘informal retreat’ – was to make ‘progress in discussions on building the Europe of defence’. The ‘frank, open, and free discussion’ covered three main issues: i) defence capabilities, ii) financing EU defence priorities, and iii) strengthening EU defence partnerships, with a focus on cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the transatlantic partnership, and the relationship with the United Kingdom (UK). The informal retreat was not intended to produce formal conclusions, but rather to provide the European Commission President and the High Representative with political guidance for the upcoming white paper on defence due on 19 March 2025. It also aimed at preparing the ground for important decisions on defence to be taken by the EU and the Member States in the coming months. Following recent statements by the President of the United States (US) Donald Trump, discussions also covered Greenland, and trade relations with the US in the context of the transatlantic partnership.

    MIL OSI Europe News –