NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why experts expect Russian interference in upcoming election on Ukraine’s borders

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    When Moldovans go to the polls in parliamentary elections on September 28, it will be the third time in less than a year – after a referendum on future EU membership and presidential elections last autumn.

    In both of the recent elections pro-European forces scraped to victory, thanks to a strong turnout among Moldovan diaspora voters, primarily in western Europe and north America. And in both elections, Russian interference was a significant factor. This is unlikely to change in the upcoming parliamentary vote. Moldova is too important a battleground in Russia’s campaign to rebuild a Soviet-style sphere of influence in eastern Europe.

    Wedged between EU and Nato member Romania to the west and Ukraine to the east, Moldova has its own aspirations for EU accession. But with a breakaway region in Transnistria, which is host to a Russian military base and “peacekeeping force” and whose population is leaning heavily towards Russia, this will not be a straightforward path to membership.

    What’s more, a Euro-sceptic and Moscow-friendly government after the next elections might allow the Kremlin to increase its military presence in the region and thereby pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Romania. While not quite equivalent to Russia’s unsinkable aircraft carrier of Kaliningrad, a more Russia-friendly Moldovan government would be a major strategic asset for Moscow.

    Unsurprisingly, Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, and her Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky have little doubt that further destabilisation is at the top of Russia’s agenda. Fears about a Russian escalation in the months before the elections are neither new nor unfounded.

    There were worries that Moldova and Transnistria might be next on the Kremlin’s agenda as far back as the aftermath of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. These worries resurfaced when Moscow, rather prematurely, announced the beginning of stage two of its war against Ukraine in late April, 2022.

    Russia’s hopes of capturing all of southern Ukraine may not have materialised yet, but they are not off the Kremlin’s agenda. And a track record of false-flag operations in Transnistria and a coup attempt in Moldova do not bode well in the run-up to the elections.

    Knife-edge elections are nothing new in Moldova. The country is not only physically divided along the river Nistru, but even in the territory controlled by the government, opinions over its future geopolitical orientation remain split.

    With no pre-1991 history of independent statehood, parts of Moldova were part of Ukraine, Romania and the Soviet Union. Russian is widely spoken and, while declining in number, Moldovan labour migrants to Russia remain important contributors of remittances, which accounted for over 12 percent of the country’s GDP in 2023.

    A large number of Moldovans are, therefore, not keen on severing all ties with Russia. This does not mean they are supporters of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine or opponents of closer relations with the European Union. But as the referendum and presidential elections in October 2024, if pushed to make a choice between Russia and Europe and manipulated by Russian fear-mongering and vote buying, pro-European majorities remain slim.

    This is despite the significant support that the EU has provided to Moldova, including €1.9 billion (£1.6 billion) in financial support to facilitate reforms as part of the country’s efforts to join the EU. And there’s also nearly €200 million in military assistance over the past four years, including a €20 million package for improved air defences announced in April.

    Russian interference in the 2024 election was well documented.

    The EU has also provided several emergency aid packages to assist the country’s population during repeated energy crises triggered by Russia. Since then, the Moldovans and Brussels have agreed on comprehensive energy strategy that will make the country immune to Russian blackmail.

    This pattern of competitive influence seeking by Russia and the EU is long-standing and has not produced any decisive, lasting breakthroughs for either side.

    When the current president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, won in 2020, she defeated her opponent, Igor Dodon, by a decisive 58% to 42% margin, equivalent to some 250,000 votes that separated the candidates in the second round. Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) obtained almost 53% of votes in the 2021 parliamentary elections and gained 63 seats in the 101-seat parliament. Not since the 2005 elections, won by the communist party under then-president Vladimir Voronin, had there been a a majority single-party government in Moldova. According to current opinion polls, PAS remains the strongest party with levels of support between 27% and 37%.

    In a crowded field of political parties and their leaders in which disappointment and doubt are the prevailing negative emotions among the electorate, Sandu and PAS remain the least unpopular choices. They have weathered the fall-out from the war in Ukraine well so far – managing the influx of refugees, keeping relations with Transnistria stable, and steering Moldova through a near-constant cost-of-living and energy crisis. Anti-government protests in 2022-23 eventually fizzled out.

    Russia’s election interference in 2024 was ultimately not successful in cheating pro-European voters out of their victories in the presidential elections and the referendum on future EU membership. But this is unlikely to stop the Kremlin from trying again in the run-up to parliamentary elections in September.

    Moscow will try to disrupt and delay Moldova’s already bumpy road to EU membership. A weakened pro-European government after parliamentary elections would be a very useful tool for Russia. Moldova and its European allies are in for an unusually hot summer.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. Why experts expect Russian interference in upcoming election on Ukraine’s borders – https://theconversation.com/why-experts-expect-russian-interference-in-upcoming-election-on-ukraines-borders-258445

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: China is constructing a new hero cult – here’s why that matters

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Vincent K.L. Chang, Assistant Professor of the History and International Relations of Modern China, Leiden University

    A tour guide competition was held in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late May. This was not some fun contest. According to Chinese state media, it was a carefully conceived effort to “attract and cultivate a group of politically firm and professionally skilled storytellers of heroes and martyrs in the new era”.

    It symbolises the ambitious and far-reaching campaign launched by the Chinese state to revive the country’s pantheon of national heroes and martyrs. The aim is to unite and mobilise the nation in what Chinese leadership see as the crucial final phase in the quest to become a modern global superpower.

    On the same day as the Wuhan competition, but 750 miles further inland in Sichuan province, children from a kindergarten gathered with martyrs’ family members to engage in traditional crafts. The official newspaper of the Chinese Communist party, the People’s Daily, explained how this activity helped “pass on the torch of heroes” to young generations.

    And two weeks earlier, in China’s eastern province of Shandong, representatives from the official state news agency, Xinhua, attended an immersive training session on hero spirit. By coming “face to face” with heroes of the past, the trainees were able to grasp the “spirit” that had guided the extraordinary deeds of these ordinary people.

    This “facing up” to past heroes increasingly takes place through digital means. Thanks to developments in AI, and with the help of universities, museums and various government units, numerous Chinese people have now been “reunited” or become “acquainted” with family members martyred decades ago.

    Activities such as these have become commonplace in recent years. They are encouraged, guided and overseen by an expanding architecture of laws and regulations. There are at least two reasons why the campaign to build a new “spirit” of heroism and sacrifice requires attention beyond China-watchers.

    Chinese memory politics

    The first reason is the increasingly global reach of the campaign. Just as China’s economic statecraft is affecting global trade and finance, so too are Chinese memory politics spreading across the globe and reshaping the transnational memory landscape.

    Beijing has become an active sponsor of commemorations that are concerned more with shaping the future than looking into the past. Recent examples include Victory Day celebrations in Moscow and Minsk, and joint commemorations in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, of the Chinese “martyrs” of Nato’s bombing of the Chinese embassy there in 1999.



    Read more:
    Russia-China ties on full display on Victory Day – but all is not as well as Putin is making out

    China is also fostering bilateral memory partnerships in south-east Asia and Africa. And it has even resorted to memory diplomacy in seeking improved relations with the US by invoking the spirit of Sino-US cooperation during the second world war.

    China’s historical statecraft operates globally in the legal realm, too. Laws have come into effect that aim to promote patriotism and spread “core socialist values” among Chinese communities worldwide.

    Chinese embassies and consulates are required to locate Chinese martyrs buried in their host jurisdictions, and erect and maintain memorials for them. They are also expected to organise commemorations involving local Chinese diasporic and expat communities.

    Recent laws have been used to detain Chinese citizens living abroad. One example is Chinese artist Gao Zhen. Gao had been a permanent US resident for 13 years when he was detained in China in 2024 for his critical depictions of Mao Zedong a decade earlier.

    Gao was charged with the crime of “slandering China’s heroes and martyrs” under a law that did not exist when he created and exhibited his artwork.

    The second reason why China’s martyrs and heroes campaign matters globally is possibly more disturbing. China has become an example of a growing body of cases where state actors seek to shape and control historical memory.

    With several democracies beginning to show signs of democratic backsliding, the Chinese case is one of many that show that polar distinctions between “liberal” and “illiberal” systems are untenable.

    Perhaps the most obvious example of a democracy in democratic recession is the US. Donald Trump, a constitutionally elected president, is relying on a series of executive orders to consolidate power and hamper critical debate.

    One such directive, issued late in Trump’s first term, entails a proposal to build a so-called “national garden of American heroes”. The proposal was revived recently with an executive order on “restoring truth and sanity to American history”.

    The order aims to remove what the administration deems divisive and anti-American ideologies from national museums and public monuments.

    Washington’s efforts to control how history is presented seem to come straight out of Beijing’s playbook. In 2020, during his July 4 address, Trump claimed: “Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children.”

    These words eerily resemble those used previously by Chinese president Xi Jinping to justify his campaign against what he calls “historical nihilism” – attempts to “destroy” the Chinese nation by eradicating its history.

    Memory laws have also been adopted across Europe. The European Parliament, for example, has codified its own historical interpretations of the causes of the second world war in an attempt to counter what it labels Russian disinformation.

    The causes and consequences of war have always been and will continue to be hotly debated among historians, and there is no need for the EU’s bureaucracy to unilaterally “resolve” these debates.

    A problem with these bureaucratic efforts to codify historical interpretation is that they feed memory wars and fuel escalation. Even more damaging is that they emulate authoritarian practices of “dictating” history and restricting debate.

    These examples show that distinctions between authoritarian and democratic regimes are not as pristine as is often claimed. Increasingly, global memory practices are evolving and possibly converging on a fluid spectrum between these two poles.

    China’s new hero cult is an important case for shedding light on these dynamics.

    Vincent K.L. Chang receives research funding from the Dutch government.

    – ref. China is constructing a new hero cult – here’s why that matters – https://theconversation.com/china-is-constructing-a-new-hero-cult-heres-why-that-matters-259075

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: China is constructing a new hero cult – here’s why that matters

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Vincent K.L. Chang, Assistant Professor of the History and International Relations of Modern China, Leiden University

    A tour guide competition was held in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late May. This was not some fun contest. According to Chinese state media, it was a carefully conceived effort to “attract and cultivate a group of politically firm and professionally skilled storytellers of heroes and martyrs in the new era”.

    It symbolises the ambitious and far-reaching campaign launched by the Chinese state to revive the country’s pantheon of national heroes and martyrs. The aim is to unite and mobilise the nation in what Chinese leadership see as the crucial final phase in the quest to become a modern global superpower.

    On the same day as the Wuhan competition, but 750 miles further inland in Sichuan province, children from a kindergarten gathered with martyrs’ family members to engage in traditional crafts. The official newspaper of the Chinese Communist party, the People’s Daily, explained how this activity helped “pass on the torch of heroes” to young generations.

    And two weeks earlier, in China’s eastern province of Shandong, representatives from the official state news agency, Xinhua, attended an immersive training session on hero spirit. By coming “face to face” with heroes of the past, the trainees were able to grasp the “spirit” that had guided the extraordinary deeds of these ordinary people.

    This “facing up” to past heroes increasingly takes place through digital means. Thanks to developments in AI, and with the help of universities, museums and various government units, numerous Chinese people have now been “reunited” or become “acquainted” with family members martyred decades ago.

    Activities such as these have become commonplace in recent years. They are encouraged, guided and overseen by an expanding architecture of laws and regulations. There are at least two reasons why the campaign to build a new “spirit” of heroism and sacrifice requires attention beyond China-watchers.

    Chinese memory politics

    The first reason is the increasingly global reach of the campaign. Just as China’s economic statecraft is affecting global trade and finance, so too are Chinese memory politics spreading across the globe and reshaping the transnational memory landscape.

    Beijing has become an active sponsor of commemorations that are concerned more with shaping the future than looking into the past. Recent examples include Victory Day celebrations in Moscow and Minsk, and joint commemorations in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, of the Chinese “martyrs” of Nato’s bombing of the Chinese embassy there in 1999.



    Read more:
    Russia-China ties on full display on Victory Day – but all is not as well as Putin is making out

    China is also fostering bilateral memory partnerships in south-east Asia and Africa. And it has even resorted to memory diplomacy in seeking improved relations with the US by invoking the spirit of Sino-US cooperation during the second world war.

    China’s historical statecraft operates globally in the legal realm, too. Laws have come into effect that aim to promote patriotism and spread “core socialist values” among Chinese communities worldwide.

    Chinese embassies and consulates are required to locate Chinese martyrs buried in their host jurisdictions, and erect and maintain memorials for them. They are also expected to organise commemorations involving local Chinese diasporic and expat communities.

    Recent laws have been used to detain Chinese citizens living abroad. One example is Chinese artist Gao Zhen. Gao had been a permanent US resident for 13 years when he was detained in China in 2024 for his critical depictions of Mao Zedong a decade earlier.

    Gao was charged with the crime of “slandering China’s heroes and martyrs” under a law that did not exist when he created and exhibited his artwork.

    The second reason why China’s martyrs and heroes campaign matters globally is possibly more disturbing. China has become an example of a growing body of cases where state actors seek to shape and control historical memory.

    With several democracies beginning to show signs of democratic backsliding, the Chinese case is one of many that show that polar distinctions between “liberal” and “illiberal” systems are untenable.

    Perhaps the most obvious example of a democracy in democratic recession is the US. Donald Trump, a constitutionally elected president, is relying on a series of executive orders to consolidate power and hamper critical debate.

    One such directive, issued late in Trump’s first term, entails a proposal to build a so-called “national garden of American heroes”. The proposal was revived recently with an executive order on “restoring truth and sanity to American history”.

    The order aims to remove what the administration deems divisive and anti-American ideologies from national museums and public monuments.

    Washington’s efforts to control how history is presented seem to come straight out of Beijing’s playbook. In 2020, during his July 4 address, Trump claimed: “Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children.”

    These words eerily resemble those used previously by Chinese president Xi Jinping to justify his campaign against what he calls “historical nihilism” – attempts to “destroy” the Chinese nation by eradicating its history.

    Memory laws have also been adopted across Europe. The European Parliament, for example, has codified its own historical interpretations of the causes of the second world war in an attempt to counter what it labels Russian disinformation.

    The causes and consequences of war have always been and will continue to be hotly debated among historians, and there is no need for the EU’s bureaucracy to unilaterally “resolve” these debates.

    A problem with these bureaucratic efforts to codify historical interpretation is that they feed memory wars and fuel escalation. Even more damaging is that they emulate authoritarian practices of “dictating” history and restricting debate.

    These examples show that distinctions between authoritarian and democratic regimes are not as pristine as is often claimed. Increasingly, global memory practices are evolving and possibly converging on a fluid spectrum between these two poles.

    China’s new hero cult is an important case for shedding light on these dynamics.

    Vincent K.L. Chang receives research funding from the Dutch government.

    – ref. China is constructing a new hero cult – here’s why that matters – https://theconversation.com/china-is-constructing-a-new-hero-cult-heres-why-that-matters-259075

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Policy review on the use of council property assets in the voluntary and community sectors

    Source: City of Preston

    A new Policy Statement has been introduced by Preston City Council to back the use of some Council-owned assets, buildings and land, to be used to support the voluntary and community sectors to deliver greater community benefit and social value.

    Preston City Council owns a number of building and land assets across the city, many of which are used to bring in money to support the essential services that the Council provides to residents and businesses.

    An extensive review has highlighted that some of these assets are of limited commercial value and can play a much more significant role supporting our voluntary, charities and faith sectors (VCFS) in our communities and local neighbourhoods.

    A decision has been made that a number of these assets become community centre assets on a long-term lease. VCFS organisations can benefit from a long-term lease to strengthen their bid applications to funding streams from organisations such as the National Lottery.

    Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources at Preston City Council said:

    “Community and voluntary organisations across the city are doing and excellent job of delivery vibrant and essential centres of activity. Had these groups and organisations not stepped in, these vital community facilities would have been closed and lost for good. We want to thank these organisations for the support they give to our community and offer long term support to enable this to continue”

    The Council has also made the decision that 11 community sports pitches will also be agreed on a long-term peppercorn rental agreement of 10 years, when any current lease arrangement expire, provided operators can demonstrate that they meet the necessary management and maintenance requirements.

    Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building said:

    “Using assets to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits and to contribute to the development of a sustainable and resilient local economy, is a key priority in Preston Council’s Community Wealth Building strategy.

    “This an important move to ensure Council owned buildings and land can remain viable, support and to best serve the community in which they are located to improve the overall health and wellbeing of our residents.”

    Other underused Council owned space in the city is also under consideration for VCFS uses for community benefit, subject to business plans and evidence of value for money. Similarly, the Council recognises there are other community organisations not occupying Council-owned properties who are delivering equally valuable services to our communities and the Council will explore ways to continue to support these organisations.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sunderland Honours Armed Forces with City Hall Flag Raising Ceremony

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Sunderland marked Armed Forces Day with a flag raising ceremony at City Hall this morning (Friday 27 June), paying tribute to the courage and commitment of service personnel, past and present.

    The event, attended by veterans and members of the armed forces, civic leaders, and members of the public, began with a formal welcome from the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque. The Mayor praised the vital role of the armed forces and spoke of the city’s deep gratitude for their sacrifices.

    Mayor Councillor Haque said: “Today’s ceremony provides us all with the opportunity to pay tribute to all of those within the armed forces including their families and support organisations. Who continue to make a huge sacrifice and contribution for all of us.”

    Speeches followed from Councillor Harry Trueman, Armed Forces Champion at Sunderland City Council. Colonel Christopher Tearney, Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, also paid tribute to the enduring values of service, dedication, and unity.

    Canon Clare MacLaren, Provost of Sunderland Minster and Mayor’s Chaplain, offered a blessing and led attendees in prayer before the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag.

    As part of the celebrations, residents are being invited to a free weekend of family fun at Seaburn Recreational Ground on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June. The Armed Forces Weekend event will feature military displays, live entertainment, and opportunities to meet service personnel—making it an unforgettable celebration for all ages.

    To find out more information about Armed Forces Weekend, visit Sunderland Armed Forces Weekend – MySunderland

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging announcements. 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging announcements. 

    2025 base fees, fee modulation policy statement, regulatory position statement and interim strategy available.

    In a significant step forward for industry, PackUK has released several publications central to the delivery of the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme today (27 June 2025): 

    Confirmed 2025 Base Fees 

    PackUK has published the 2025 base fees for the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme, providing crucial certainty to producers ahead of the first invoices in October 2025.  

    Following three previous illustrative publications of estimated fees, these confirmed base fees represent a significant milestone in the implementation of the UK’s circular economy transition.  

    Nearly all fees have reduced compared with the illustrative base fees published in December, with glass down by 20 per cent. The reductions result from high levels of industry compliance with reporting obligations and extensive work across the regulators and PackUK to assure and validate the data provided. The 2025 base fees are calculated using packaging tonnages reported by producers for 2024 and local authority waste management costs. The methodology has been rigorously tested with stakeholders including producers, compliance schemes, and local authorities.  

    Alongside the confirmed base fees, PackUK has also published the Modulation Policy Statement, which outlines how fees will be adjusted from 2026 onwards to incentivise the use of more recyclable packaging.  

    The pEPR scheme forms the cornerstone of the UK’s packaging reforms, which the leaders of the UK’s largest waste management companies have said will support 25,000 jobs, stimulate more than £10 billion investment in recycling capability over the next decade and fund improvements to household recycling services across the UK.  

    Producers can access further guidance on the gov.uk website to understand how these fees will affect their businesses.

    PackUK will hold a Base Fees themed webinar on Thursday 10 July 2025 – You can sign-up to register your attendance.  

    Fee Modulation Policy Statement 

    PackUK has published its first Producer Fee Modulation Policy Statement for the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme. This policy represents a significant step forward in incentivising the use of environmentally sustainable packaging across the UK.  

    The new modulation policy establishes a clear three-year framework that will adjust producer fees based on packaging recyclability, as assessed through the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) ratings. Starting from the 2026/27 financial year, the policy will apply escalating modulation factors of 1.2x, 1.6x, and 2.0x over consecutive years.  

    What this means in practice:  

    • producers of RAM Green-rated (highly recyclable) packaging will benefit from steadily decreasing fees  

    • producers of RAM Red-rated (poorly recyclable) packaging will face progressively higher fees  

    • special provisions apply for medical packaging where regulatory requirements limit recyclability options  

    This approach maintains the total revenue generated by pEPR fees while creating meaningful financial incentives for producers to switch to more recyclable packaging options. By setting out a three-year plan, the policy provides industry with the certainty needed to make informed investment decisions and operational changes.  

    The modulation policy directly supports the core principles underlying the pEPR scheme – ‘polluter pays’, rectification at source, and prevention. It ensures that producers creating less environmentally sustainable packaging bear appropriate financial responsibility, while rewarding those making positive choices.  

    PackUK is committed to further research to potentially incorporate additional environmental sustainability factors in future policy iterations, continuing to drive innovation and improvement in packaging design across the UK.  

    Regulatory Position Statement  

    In response to industry feedback regarding the time and resource required to meet their 2025 recyclability assessment obligations, the four nations environmental regulators have published a Regulatory Position Statement (in Wales, a Regulatory Decision) providing additional flexibility for producers during this transition.  

    This aims to ease the burden while maintaining the commitment to introduce modulated pEPR fees from the 2026–2027 assessment year. While producers must still report tonnages for the first half of 2025 including flexible and rigid plastics separately, their recyclability assessment obligations for this period can be extrapolated from second-half data.  

    The initial modulation policy statement covers the three years from assessment year 2026/27 until 2028/29. During this period, fee modulation will be initially based on recyclability only through the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).    

    Following this and in line with the requirement for a review of modulation after three years, PackUK will research how modulation might incorporate additional sustainability factors, with the possibility of incorporating these into modulation after this period.  

    PackUK interim strategy 

    In setting up the pEPR scheme PackUK, as Scheme Administrator, is required to publish a strategy meeting the requirements set out in Paragraph 11 of Schedule 7 to the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024.  

    This is an interim strategy, which has been approved by approved by officials from all four nations and devolved ministers in parallel for agreement.   

    A long-term strategy will be launched later in 2025 to include:  

    • long-term structures and arrangements (imminent appointments of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Strategy Officer)

    • developments to UK-wide policy objectives over the coming months e.g. work in reuse, the Local Government Outcomes Framework for England

    • planned appointment of a Producer Responsibility Organisation by March 2026. 

    Together, these measures mentioned outlined above represent a cornerstone of the government’s wider packaging initiatives, which collectively aim to support 25,000 jobs and stimulate more than £10 billion in recycling infrastructure investment over the next decade.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Piero Cipollone: The quest for cheaper and faster cross-border payments: regional and global solutions

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the BIS Annual General Meeting

    Basel, 27 June 2025

    Cross-border retail payments are the subject of increasing attention. This is for two main reasons.

    First, they play a growing role in the world economy, as international transaction volumes have been increasing at a faster pace than GDP growth. However, despite some improvements in recent years, many payment corridors remain poorly served, which results in slow transaction times and high costs and ultimately hinders economic growth and social cohesion. Moreover, this inefficiency undermines the benefits of globalisation, as the economic gains from lower trade barriers are diverted into rents within cross-border payment markets, rather than benefiting the businesses and households that make use of them.

    Second, new risks are emerging. Geopolitical tensions, for instance, could lead to further fragmentation of global payment systems. Moreover, the expansion of stablecoins could introduce several additional challenges, including currency substitution risks and over-reliance on a limited number of dominant private issuers.

    This is not a situation we can accept passively. We need continuous efforts to enhance cross-border payments, in line with the G20 Roadmap.[1] And central banks, given their role in ensuring the smooth functioning of payment systems, have a major role to play. Significant work has already been undertaken at international level, notably by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB).

    Today, I would like to share our experience with cross-border payments from a regional perspective, emphasising how regional payment infrastructures can be part of the solution. I will then discuss our vision for advancing cross-border payments at the global level.

    The case for enhancing cross-border retail payments

    Let me begin by underscoring the costs and risks of inaction.

    Over the past few decades, the world has witnessed a surge in cross-border payments, driven by the globalisation of trade, capital and migration flows. According to some estimates, the value of cross-border retail payments could grow from close to USD 200 trillion last year to USD 320 trillion by 2032.[2]

    Yet, the average cost of international retail payments remains high. For nearly one-quarter of global payment corridors, costs exceed 3%. And in too many cases, they are slow – one-third of retail cross-border payments took more than one business day to be settled in 2024.[3]

    Worryingly, there are signs that progress is stalling. The FSB’s 2024 progress report revealed no improvements in costs and noted a deterioration in both costs and speed compared with 2023.[4]

    Geopolitical tensions further compound these challenges, as they risk fragmenting global payment systems and undermining the rules-based international order. This could challenge established correspondent banking networks and lead to greater complexity, higher costs and, in a worst-case scenario, the splintering of the global payment system into multiple, non-communicating blocs.

    This raises three pressing issues.

    First, high costs and slow transaction times are hampering economic integration and growth, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) bearing the brunt. For SMEs operating on tight margins, exorbitant fees discourage them from participating in cross-border trade.

    Second, the world’s most vulnerable groups – such as migrant workers sending remittances home – shoulder a disproportionate share of these costs. In many regions, sending money internationally remains prohibitively expensive. For example, the average costs of remittances to sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia stand at 7.7% and 6.2% respectively.[5] As it stands, the global Sustainable Development Goal target of lowering remittance costs to 3% remains a distant goal. The impact that reducing these fees would have on financial inclusion and well-being cannot be overstated.

    Third, inefficiencies in cross-border payments have created a gap that alternative players, particularly in the crypto-asset space, are eager to fill. However, many of these solutions come with significant risks. Unbacked crypto-assets, for instance, are highly volatile and speculative in nature, creating risks for unsuspecting households and businesses and lending themselves to illicit activities.[6]

    Furthermore, stablecoins come with their own set of challenges, which the BIS described in detail in a special chapter of its Annual Economic Report published this week.[7] Stablecoins carry credit risk, making them susceptible to runs, and pose fragmentation risks due to the multitude of stablecoins being issued. Some of these could end up trading at a discount, undermining the singleness of money.[8] Moreover, because a small number of issuers currently dominate the market, this could also give rise to concentration risks. Lastly, a key concern is the prevalence of US dollar stablecoins, which currently account for 99% of the global stablecoin market.[9] These stablecoins provide an easy way to store value in dollars, considerably increasing the risk of currency substitution in the form of “digital dollarisation”.[10] This phenomenon could have destabilising effects, particularly on emerging markets and less developed economies by impairing the effectiveness of domestic monetary policy. It may also increase the risk of capital flight in response to adverse economic shocks.

    Enhancing cross-border retail payments at the regional and global level

    To address inefficiencies in cross-border payments, we must offer an alternative that connects various parts of the global payments system and delivers tangible benefits in terms of speed and cost. At the same time, this solution must respect the integrity, sovereignty and stability of all countries involved.

    At the ECB, we are pursuing this on two levels – regional and global.

    Regional cross-border payments: the European experience

    At the regional level, Europe serves as a compelling example of what an interconnected payments landscape might look like.

    Of course, this has been facilitated by the creation of a single European market and the establishment of a monetary union. One of the key reasons for creating the euro was to support trade and investment by facilitating cross-border transactions. And the launch of our single currency offered a first solution to pay throughout the euro area – in the form of euro cash.

    The logical next step was to develop European instruments for electronic euro payments. The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) emerged from close cooperation between the public and private sector to harmonise electronic euro transactions. As a result, individuals and businesses can make payments across the euro area at very low costs using credit transfers or direct debit.

    The success of SEPA led to its expansion beyond the euro area and even beyond the European Union. Today, customers in 41 European countries can make euro payments quickly, safely and efficiently via credit transfer and direct debit, just as they would for domestic transactions.

    We have also developed the TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) service, which enables the settlement of instant payments across the euro area. Instant payments are further supported by a payment scheme – the SEPA Instant Credit Transfer scheme – that provides harmonised rules, standards and protocols. Moreover, EU legislation has made it mandatory for banks to allow their customers to send and receive instant payment at low cost.

    A key feature of TIPS is that it’s a multi-currency platform. Taking advantage of this, Sweden and Denmark are using TIPS to facilitate fast payments in their respective currencies.[11] Norway will do the same as of 2028.[12] Furthermore, we are implementing a cross-currency settlement service that will allow instant payments initiated in one TIPS currency to be settled in another. Initially, this service will support cross-currency payments between the euro area, Sweden and Denmark.[13]

    Within Europe, we are also supporting the Western Balkans in developing a regional fast payment system.[14] As a service provider for TIPS, the Banca d’Italia is collaborating with the central banks of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro to develop an instant, multi-currency payment system based on TIPS software. North Macedonia may join the initiative at a later stage.[15] The new platform will facilitate instant payments both within each participating country and across borders.

    Going global: interlinking fast payment systems

    This shows the potential for strengthening regional integration in payments. However, let me be clear: regional integration must not come at the expense of global connectivity. It should not be used as a means to sever ties with global payment networks.

    Our approach is that regional and global integration can go hand in hand through the interlinking of fast payment systems across regions and countries. Today, over 100 jurisdictions worldwide have implemented their own fast payment systems.[16] Interlinking these systems has the potential to address inefficiencies and build lasting connections that are rooted in trade openness and balanced relationships between partners.

    This approach offers several advantages. It would reduce costs, increase the speed and transparency of cross-border payments and shorten transaction chains. It would also enable payment service providers to conduct transactions without having to use multiple payment systems or a long chain of correspondent banks. Moreover, it would ensure that the platform for connecting and converting currencies is managed as a public good, thus avoiding closed loops and discriminatory pricing. Accordingly, the G20 Roadmap for Enhancing Cross-border Payments has identified interlinking as a key strategy for enhancing cross-border payments.[17] In this respect, the excellent work the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) is carrying out on payee verification could make a significant difference.

    Last October, the ECB’s Governing Council decided to take concrete steps towards interlinking TIPS with other fast payment systems to improve cross-border payments globally.[18]

    We will implement a cross-currency settlement service for the exchange of cross-border payments between TIPS and other fast payment systems worldwide.[19] This will allow us to explore interlinking TIPS with fast payment systems that have a compatible scheme, are interested in being involved and fully comply with the standards set by the Financial Action Task Force for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

    In addition, we are exploring the possibility of creating bilateral and multilateral links with other fast payment systems.

    One possibility under consideration is connecting TIPS to a multilateral network of instant payment systems through Project Nexus, led by the BIS.[20] By joining Nexus, TIPS could serve as a hub for processing instant cross-border payments to and from the euro area and other countries that use TIPS.[21]

    We are also currently assessing the feasibility of creating a bilateral link between TIPS and India’s Unified Payments Interface[22], which handles the highest volume of instant payment transactions in the world[23].

    Interlinking fast payment systems has the potential to solve the shortcomings related to the messaging leg of cross-border transactions, by facilitating the message that the payer’s bank in country A sends to the payee’s bank in country B about the incoming transfer of funds. This would already go a long way towards improving the efficiency of cross-border payments.

    However, what interlinking does not fully resolve is the settlement leg, through which money moves from the payer’s to the payee’s account. This still requires a bank that has access to both payment systems that are interlinked, or a credit relationship between a bank in country A and a bank in country B. This is particularly challenging, given the increasing retrenchment of the correspondent banking model.

    In this context, we need to collectively exercise our creativity. I do not envisage a solution that could cover all possible corridors and use cases: there may be scope for tokenised forms of money, as well as a revival of the correspondent banking model, especially if we can reduce the associated risks.

    In the realm of sovereign money, jurisdictions could agree to use their respective central bank digital currencies as settlement assets. In this respect, the current draft legislation on the digital euro provides for an approach that respects the sovereignty of non-euro area countries and mitigates potential risks for them. It does so by opening the possibility for residents of a partner country to use the digital euro, subject to an agreement with that country, complemented by an arrangement between the ECB and the respective central bank.[24]

    Appropriate safeguards – such as individual holding limits for users – would ensure that the digital euro is used primarily as a means of payment and does not fuel currency substitution. Furthermore, the digital euro’s design would include multi-currency functionality, similar to that of TIPS. In practice, this means that non-euro area countries could use the digital euro infrastructure to offer their own digital currencies, thereby facilitating transactions across these currencies.

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude.

    We find ourselves at a pivotal moment for cross-border payments. If we want to make decisive progress and increase their efficiency, we need to work together to develop new solutions. We must, however, be aware of the risks that some of the alternatives on offer may pose.

    I would like to thank the BIS – and in particular the CPMI – for the active role they play in this area, not least by bringing us all together today, with representatives from A (Angola) to Z (Zambia). Each of us brings different needs and circumstances to the table. This raises two fundamental questions. What do we have in common? And what principles can guide our collective efforts?

    First, we must harness responsible innovation to solve persistent challenges while mitigating the risks I have noted today. Central banks – by ensuring the safety and integrity of payment systems – play an important role in this regard. And by interlinking fast payment systems and exploring the use of central bank digital currencies, we can address settlement inefficiencies while safeguarding monetary sovereignty and financial stability.

    Second, regional solutions can serve as a foundation for global progress. I have argued that regional payment integration can be an important part of the solution – provided it remains open to, and actively facilitates, interlinking at a global level. We firmly believe that this open, multi-currency interlinking approach can lay the groundwork for cheaper, faster and more transparent cross-border payments – without compromising the integrity, stability or sovereignty of the countries involved. By designing payment systems that are open, interoperable and multi-currency ready, we can ensure that regional initiatives contribute to global integration rather than fragmentation.

    Finally, collaboration is central to our collective success. Forums such as the CPMI community of practice, as well as today’s workshop, provide valuable opportunities for sharing knowledge and experiences. We will continue to find ways to work together to build resilient, inclusive and interconnected payment infrastructures that meet the needs of our people and economies. And we at the ECB remain committed to sharing our expertise and collaborating wherever we can add value.

    Thank you for your attention.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Piero Cipollone: The quest for cheaper and faster cross-border payments: regional and global solutions

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the BIS Annual General Meeting

    Basel, 27 June 2025

    Cross-border retail payments are the subject of increasing attention. This is for two main reasons.

    First, they play a growing role in the world economy, as international transaction volumes have been increasing at a faster pace than GDP growth. However, despite some improvements in recent years, many payment corridors remain poorly served, which results in slow transaction times and high costs and ultimately hinders economic growth and social cohesion. Moreover, this inefficiency undermines the benefits of globalisation, as the economic gains from lower trade barriers are diverted into rents within cross-border payment markets, rather than benefiting the businesses and households that make use of them.

    Second, new risks are emerging. Geopolitical tensions, for instance, could lead to further fragmentation of global payment systems. Moreover, the expansion of stablecoins could introduce several additional challenges, including currency substitution risks and over-reliance on a limited number of dominant private issuers.

    This is not a situation we can accept passively. We need continuous efforts to enhance cross-border payments, in line with the G20 Roadmap.[1] And central banks, given their role in ensuring the smooth functioning of payment systems, have a major role to play. Significant work has already been undertaken at international level, notably by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB).

    Today, I would like to share our experience with cross-border payments from a regional perspective, emphasising how regional payment infrastructures can be part of the solution. I will then discuss our vision for advancing cross-border payments at the global level.

    The case for enhancing cross-border retail payments

    Let me begin by underscoring the costs and risks of inaction.

    Over the past few decades, the world has witnessed a surge in cross-border payments, driven by the globalisation of trade, capital and migration flows. According to some estimates, the value of cross-border retail payments could grow from close to USD 200 trillion last year to USD 320 trillion by 2032.[2]

    Yet, the average cost of international retail payments remains high. For nearly one-quarter of global payment corridors, costs exceed 3%. And in too many cases, they are slow – one-third of retail cross-border payments took more than one business day to be settled in 2024.[3]

    Worryingly, there are signs that progress is stalling. The FSB’s 2024 progress report revealed no improvements in costs and noted a deterioration in both costs and speed compared with 2023.[4]

    Geopolitical tensions further compound these challenges, as they risk fragmenting global payment systems and undermining the rules-based international order. This could challenge established correspondent banking networks and lead to greater complexity, higher costs and, in a worst-case scenario, the splintering of the global payment system into multiple, non-communicating blocs.

    This raises three pressing issues.

    First, high costs and slow transaction times are hampering economic integration and growth, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) bearing the brunt. For SMEs operating on tight margins, exorbitant fees discourage them from participating in cross-border trade.

    Second, the world’s most vulnerable groups – such as migrant workers sending remittances home – shoulder a disproportionate share of these costs. In many regions, sending money internationally remains prohibitively expensive. For example, the average costs of remittances to sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia stand at 7.7% and 6.2% respectively.[5] As it stands, the global Sustainable Development Goal target of lowering remittance costs to 3% remains a distant goal. The impact that reducing these fees would have on financial inclusion and well-being cannot be overstated.

    Third, inefficiencies in cross-border payments have created a gap that alternative players, particularly in the crypto-asset space, are eager to fill. However, many of these solutions come with significant risks. Unbacked crypto-assets, for instance, are highly volatile and speculative in nature, creating risks for unsuspecting households and businesses and lending themselves to illicit activities.[6]

    Furthermore, stablecoins come with their own set of challenges, which the BIS described in detail in a special chapter of its Annual Economic Report published this week.[7] Stablecoins carry credit risk, making them susceptible to runs, and pose fragmentation risks due to the multitude of stablecoins being issued. Some of these could end up trading at a discount, undermining the singleness of money.[8] Moreover, because a small number of issuers currently dominate the market, this could also give rise to concentration risks. Lastly, a key concern is the prevalence of US dollar stablecoins, which currently account for 99% of the global stablecoin market.[9] These stablecoins provide an easy way to store value in dollars, considerably increasing the risk of currency substitution in the form of “digital dollarisation”.[10] This phenomenon could have destabilising effects, particularly on emerging markets and less developed economies by impairing the effectiveness of domestic monetary policy. It may also increase the risk of capital flight in response to adverse economic shocks.

    Enhancing cross-border retail payments at the regional and global level

    To address inefficiencies in cross-border payments, we must offer an alternative that connects various parts of the global payments system and delivers tangible benefits in terms of speed and cost. At the same time, this solution must respect the integrity, sovereignty and stability of all countries involved.

    At the ECB, we are pursuing this on two levels – regional and global.

    Regional cross-border payments: the European experience

    At the regional level, Europe serves as a compelling example of what an interconnected payments landscape might look like.

    Of course, this has been facilitated by the creation of a single European market and the establishment of a monetary union. One of the key reasons for creating the euro was to support trade and investment by facilitating cross-border transactions. And the launch of our single currency offered a first solution to pay throughout the euro area – in the form of euro cash.

    The logical next step was to develop European instruments for electronic euro payments. The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) emerged from close cooperation between the public and private sector to harmonise electronic euro transactions. As a result, individuals and businesses can make payments across the euro area at very low costs using credit transfers or direct debit.

    The success of SEPA led to its expansion beyond the euro area and even beyond the European Union. Today, customers in 41 European countries can make euro payments quickly, safely and efficiently via credit transfer and direct debit, just as they would for domestic transactions.

    We have also developed the TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) service, which enables the settlement of instant payments across the euro area. Instant payments are further supported by a payment scheme – the SEPA Instant Credit Transfer scheme – that provides harmonised rules, standards and protocols. Moreover, EU legislation has made it mandatory for banks to allow their customers to send and receive instant payment at low cost.

    A key feature of TIPS is that it’s a multi-currency platform. Taking advantage of this, Sweden and Denmark are using TIPS to facilitate fast payments in their respective currencies.[11] Norway will do the same as of 2028.[12] Furthermore, we are implementing a cross-currency settlement service that will allow instant payments initiated in one TIPS currency to be settled in another. Initially, this service will support cross-currency payments between the euro area, Sweden and Denmark.[13]

    Within Europe, we are also supporting the Western Balkans in developing a regional fast payment system.[14] As a service provider for TIPS, the Banca d’Italia is collaborating with the central banks of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro to develop an instant, multi-currency payment system based on TIPS software. North Macedonia may join the initiative at a later stage.[15] The new platform will facilitate instant payments both within each participating country and across borders.

    Going global: interlinking fast payment systems

    This shows the potential for strengthening regional integration in payments. However, let me be clear: regional integration must not come at the expense of global connectivity. It should not be used as a means to sever ties with global payment networks.

    Our approach is that regional and global integration can go hand in hand through the interlinking of fast payment systems across regions and countries. Today, over 100 jurisdictions worldwide have implemented their own fast payment systems.[16] Interlinking these systems has the potential to address inefficiencies and build lasting connections that are rooted in trade openness and balanced relationships between partners.

    This approach offers several advantages. It would reduce costs, increase the speed and transparency of cross-border payments and shorten transaction chains. It would also enable payment service providers to conduct transactions without having to use multiple payment systems or a long chain of correspondent banks. Moreover, it would ensure that the platform for connecting and converting currencies is managed as a public good, thus avoiding closed loops and discriminatory pricing. Accordingly, the G20 Roadmap for Enhancing Cross-border Payments has identified interlinking as a key strategy for enhancing cross-border payments.[17] In this respect, the excellent work the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) is carrying out on payee verification could make a significant difference.

    Last October, the ECB’s Governing Council decided to take concrete steps towards interlinking TIPS with other fast payment systems to improve cross-border payments globally.[18]

    We will implement a cross-currency settlement service for the exchange of cross-border payments between TIPS and other fast payment systems worldwide.[19] This will allow us to explore interlinking TIPS with fast payment systems that have a compatible scheme, are interested in being involved and fully comply with the standards set by the Financial Action Task Force for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

    In addition, we are exploring the possibility of creating bilateral and multilateral links with other fast payment systems.

    One possibility under consideration is connecting TIPS to a multilateral network of instant payment systems through Project Nexus, led by the BIS.[20] By joining Nexus, TIPS could serve as a hub for processing instant cross-border payments to and from the euro area and other countries that use TIPS.[21]

    We are also currently assessing the feasibility of creating a bilateral link between TIPS and India’s Unified Payments Interface[22], which handles the highest volume of instant payment transactions in the world[23].

    Interlinking fast payment systems has the potential to solve the shortcomings related to the messaging leg of cross-border transactions, by facilitating the message that the payer’s bank in country A sends to the payee’s bank in country B about the incoming transfer of funds. This would already go a long way towards improving the efficiency of cross-border payments.

    However, what interlinking does not fully resolve is the settlement leg, through which money moves from the payer’s to the payee’s account. This still requires a bank that has access to both payment systems that are interlinked, or a credit relationship between a bank in country A and a bank in country B. This is particularly challenging, given the increasing retrenchment of the correspondent banking model.

    In this context, we need to collectively exercise our creativity. I do not envisage a solution that could cover all possible corridors and use cases: there may be scope for tokenised forms of money, as well as a revival of the correspondent banking model, especially if we can reduce the associated risks.

    In the realm of sovereign money, jurisdictions could agree to use their respective central bank digital currencies as settlement assets. In this respect, the current draft legislation on the digital euro provides for an approach that respects the sovereignty of non-euro area countries and mitigates potential risks for them. It does so by opening the possibility for residents of a partner country to use the digital euro, subject to an agreement with that country, complemented by an arrangement between the ECB and the respective central bank.[24]

    Appropriate safeguards – such as individual holding limits for users – would ensure that the digital euro is used primarily as a means of payment and does not fuel currency substitution. Furthermore, the digital euro’s design would include multi-currency functionality, similar to that of TIPS. In practice, this means that non-euro area countries could use the digital euro infrastructure to offer their own digital currencies, thereby facilitating transactions across these currencies.

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude.

    We find ourselves at a pivotal moment for cross-border payments. If we want to make decisive progress and increase their efficiency, we need to work together to develop new solutions. We must, however, be aware of the risks that some of the alternatives on offer may pose.

    I would like to thank the BIS – and in particular the CPMI – for the active role they play in this area, not least by bringing us all together today, with representatives from A (Angola) to Z (Zambia). Each of us brings different needs and circumstances to the table. This raises two fundamental questions. What do we have in common? And what principles can guide our collective efforts?

    First, we must harness responsible innovation to solve persistent challenges while mitigating the risks I have noted today. Central banks – by ensuring the safety and integrity of payment systems – play an important role in this regard. And by interlinking fast payment systems and exploring the use of central bank digital currencies, we can address settlement inefficiencies while safeguarding monetary sovereignty and financial stability.

    Second, regional solutions can serve as a foundation for global progress. I have argued that regional payment integration can be an important part of the solution – provided it remains open to, and actively facilitates, interlinking at a global level. We firmly believe that this open, multi-currency interlinking approach can lay the groundwork for cheaper, faster and more transparent cross-border payments – without compromising the integrity, stability or sovereignty of the countries involved. By designing payment systems that are open, interoperable and multi-currency ready, we can ensure that regional initiatives contribute to global integration rather than fragmentation.

    Finally, collaboration is central to our collective success. Forums such as the CPMI community of practice, as well as today’s workshop, provide valuable opportunities for sharing knowledge and experiences. We will continue to find ways to work together to build resilient, inclusive and interconnected payment infrastructures that meet the needs of our people and economies. And we at the ECB remain committed to sharing our expertise and collaborating wherever we can add value.

    Thank you for your attention.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: JAMining launches AI multi-currency cloud mining platform to prepare for the next cryptocurrency bull market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, the price of Bitcoin has successfully broken through $105,000, and Ethereum has also stabilized at the $2,400 mark. Mainstream currencies such as Solana, XRP, Litecoin and Dogecoin have all ushered in a strong rebound, and investors’ attention has reached an all-time high. JAMining’s AI-driven cloud mining solution provides a reliable entry point for investors to seize this round of market conditions.

    AI drives mining decisions to optimize returns

    Different from the single mining strategy of traditional cloud mining platforms, JAMining platform relies on advanced AI algorithms to automatically optimize mining portfolios based on real-time market conditions and the performance of various currencies. This technology can significantly improve the performance of investment portfolios and greatly reduce the difficulty of manual management for users, truly maximizing passive income around the clock.

    Flexible contracts, stable returns, and low barriers to entry

    The platform has launched a variety of flexible contract plans. Whether investors are pursuing short-term gains or long-term stable returns, they can choose a suitable investment plan based on their own financial situation and risk preferences:

    Affiliate program and new user benefits to enhance investment experience

    In order to further encourage investors to share and participate, the JAMining platform has specially launched a multi-level alliance program, where users can get up to 5% referral commission for successful referrals. At the same time, new users can receive a cloud mining experience package worth $100 for free after completing registration and enjoy daily income.

    Real feedback from users

    “I never thought that investing in cryptocurrency could be so simple and efficient. JAMining’s AI system allows me to avoid spending time managing equipment or analyzing the market, and the income is credited to my account on time every day. This experience is far beyond my expectations!” —— Sophia R., JAMining senior user, Germany

    The industry has broad prospects, and smart mining has become the mainstream trend

    As cryptocurrencies enter the mainstream, more and more investors are turning to cloud mining, which does not require equipment or expertise. The launch of JAMining marks a milestone in the deep integration of artificial intelligence and crypto investment, providing a replicable intelligent investment paradigm for the next wave of crypto asset investment.

    About JAMining

    Dedicated to providing simple, secure and stable cloud mining services. and currently has millions of users around the world. It provides users with industry-leading intelligent cloud mining solutions through AI algorithms and security technologies.

    Take Action Now

    For more details and to register for free cloud mining packages, please visit the official link: https://jamining.com/

     

    Media Contact:
    JAMining PR Department
    Email: info@jamining.com
    Official website: https://jamining.com/

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Eavor Announces Leadership Transition: John Redfern to Step Down as CEO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eavor Technologies Inc., a leader in next generation geothermal technology, today announced that John Redfern will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer for personal reasons. Redfern, as an eight-year company veteran and co-founder, will continue his association with the company in a strategic advisory role. As CEO, Redfern has led the company from inception through numerous major accomplishments, including raising over half a billion in equity, overseeing first of a kind technology development through several demonstrations globally, and driving the team to its first commercial project in Geretsried, Germany which is scheduled to come on stream later this year.  

    “I am immensely proud of all my colleagues at Eavor and what they’ve accomplished,” said Redfern. “We’ve gone from having this initially counter-intuitive idea for a closed-loop geothermal system, to now implementing the technology on a commercial-scale. It has been a privilege to be part of such an extraordinary team and its mission. You can be certain I will continue to support the Eavor team in any way I can as it embarks on this next stage of its journey and again redefines what is possible.”

    In the interim, Robert Winsloe, currently serving as EVP Origination, will assume the role of CEO while the company conducts its search for a permanent successor. Winsloe has been with Eavor for eight years, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision, making him well-positioned to guide the organization during this transitional period.

    “We are grateful for John’s leadership and dedication to Eavor,” said Doug Beach, Chair of the Board. “John’s vision has been instrumental in driving our success, and we are pleased he will continue his work with us in an advisory role. As we begin the search for our next CEO, we are confident that Robert will provide the requisite leadership and stability.”

    Winsloe, one of Eavor’s co-founders and the architect behind Eavor’s market development strategy and the pipeline of Eavor-Loop™ projects around the world, also expressed his appreciation for Redfern’s significant contribution and the opportunity to step in as CEO: “I would like to thank John for his visionary leadership and dedication to Eavor in bringing us to within touching distance of first power at our commercial project in Germany. It’s an exciting time to step into the role and lead our incredibly talented team as we continue to focus on our long-held mission of making geothermal power development possible at scale, everywhere.”

    Additional Information

    • In June 2025, Eavor secured up to C$138 million to support the global scale-up of our proprietary Eavor-Loop™ system.
    • Located in Bavaria, the Geretsried project is the first commercial deployment of the Eavor-Loop™ system. It is designed to deliver approximately 8.2 MW of electricity and 64 MW of thermal energy for district heating, with a projected annual offset of over 44,000 tonnes of CO₂.
      • The project was awarded €91.6 million from the EU Innovation Fund.
      • Named “Geothermal Deal of the Year” by IJGlobal (2024).
    • For more, read our 2024 Year in Review and learn about Eavor’s technology developments here.

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Tracy Larsson
    Senior Communications Specialist
    368-338-8154
    tracy.larsson@eavor.com

    About Eavor Technologies Inc.
    Eavor (pronounced “Ever”) is a next-generation geothermal technology company led by a team dedicated to creating a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future on a global scale. Eavor’s solution (Eavor-Loop™) represents the world’s first truly scalable form of clean, dispatchable, baseload capable, and flexible heat and power. Eavor achieves this by mitigating or eliminating many of the issues that have traditionally hindered geothermal energy. Eavor instead circulates a benign working fluid that is completely isolated from the environment in a closed-loop, through a massive subsurface radiator. This radiator simply collects heat from the natural geothermal gradient of the Earth via conduction. Eavor has been supported by equity investments made by several leading global energy producers, investors, developers, and venture capital funds including Vickers Venture Partners, bp Ventures, Chubu Electric Power, BDC Capital, Temasek, BHP Ventures, OMV, Canada Growth Fund, Kajima Corporation, and Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund. Learn more at Eavor.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Overchuk met with First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Nyam-Osoryn Uchral

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On the sidelines of the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Minsk, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk held a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Nyam-Osoryn Uchral, during which the parties discussed key issues of bilateral and multilateral trade and economic cooperation.

    Alexey Overchuk congratulated Nyam-Osoryn Uchral on his appointment to the high post and expressed confidence that his professional experience will contribute to further strengthening of friendly ties between Russia and Mongolia.

    Both sides stressed the importance of prompt ratification of the temporary free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Mongolia, signed in Minsk at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. The parties discussed in detail a range of issues, the solution of which will create conditions for the effective implementation of the signed agreement.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that bilateral cooperation is also developing dynamically. Mongolia is an important trading partner of Russia. According to the results of 2024, bilateral trade turnover increased by 17.8% to $2.59 billion. In January-April 2025, mutual trade increased by 5.9% and amounted to $861.2 million. The agreement will bring trade and economic relations between Russia and Mongolia to a qualitatively new level and will contribute to improving the trade balance between the EAEU member states and Mongolia.

    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 Russia: China urges relevant party to avoid inciting or using forces advocating for ‘Taiwan independence’ – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) — China urges the relevant party to avoid inciting or using “Taiwan independence” forces, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Friday.

    Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a Czech media report that Chinese embassy officials closely followed the car of Taiwanese politician Xiao Meiqin while she was in Prague last year.

    By allowing the visit of Xiao Meiqin, who is a die-hard supporter of “Taiwan independence”, the Czech Republic has seriously violated the one-China principle and political commitments to China, grossly interfering in its internal affairs. The Chinese side has expressed serious dissatisfaction and resolute protest over this, Guo Jiakun added.

    “Let me emphasize that Chinese diplomats always abide by the laws and regulations of the host country,” Guo Jiakun said, noting that China urges the relevant side to avoid instigating or taking advantage of “Taiwan independence” forces, making unnecessary scandals and malicious noise, and not disrupting or undermining interstate relations.

    No matter how Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party administration seeks “independence” by securing foreign support in any form, it cannot hide its evil intentions and will certainly fail in its attempts, a Chinese diplomat said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Monument to Xian Xinghai reopened in Almaty

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ALMATY, June 27 (Xinhua) — A grand ceremony was held in Almaty on Friday to reopen the Xian Xinghai monument and its adjacent square after restoration.

    In his welcoming speech, Zhanibek Abdrashov, head of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s office in Almaty, noted the strong friendship between Xian Xinghai and Kazakh composer Bakhytzhan Baikadamov. “The monument we are unveiling today is not just a symbol of the memory of the great composer. It is a symbol of friendship, mutual understanding and cultural unity. It is a reminder of how, in difficult times, music can unite hearts, overcome borders and become the voice of humanity,” said Zh. Abdrashov.

    Deputy Head of the Almaty City Culture Department Arman Khalbekov said in his speech that the event is of great importance for the cultural life of Kazakhstan and China. “Friendly relations between Kazakhstan and China have deep historical roots… These historical ties are being revived today. This friendship continues to develop not only in the economy and partnership, but also in cultural ties,” he noted.

    Gulaim Zhumabekova, director of the State Museum of Arts of Kazakhstan, said that this monument is not just a sculptural object, but also a symbol of historical memory, gratitude and cultural ties between the two nations. “Today we are not just opening a renovated monument — we are once again emphasizing the importance of cultural ties between Kazakhstan and China,” said G. Zhumabekova.

    In her ceremonial speech, Chinese Consul General in Almaty Jiang Wei called for the preservation and strengthening of friendly ties between the two countries. “Let us together preserve and continue the friendship between China and Kazakhstan, embodied in the music of Xian Xinghai and Baikadamov, strengthen mutual understanding and closeness between the peoples of the two countries, and jointly build an even closer community of shared destiny between China and Kazakhstan,” she concluded.

    Following the unveiling ceremony of the monument, a retrospective screening of the film “Composer,” released in 2019, was held. It is the first Chinese-Kazakh joint film that won the prestigious 18th Huabiao Film Award and other awards. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Joint projects of Russia and Belarus will provide more opportunities for self-realization of youth

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The forum participants were greeted by the Presidents of Russia and Belarus, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko. Thus, President Vladimir Putin thanked the participants for their tangible contribution to strengthening the Russian-Belarusian strategic partnership, the Union State and good-neighborly relations between citizens of both countries.

    Also speaking at the plenary session were the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko and the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Natalia Kochanova.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked them for their great contribution to the formation of unified approaches to the youth agenda of the two countries.

    He also stated the importance of joint efforts between Russia and Belarus to preserve historical memory and patriotic education of youth.

    “Our leaders – Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko – always emphasize the importance of developing humanitarian ties between our fraternal peoples. This year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Therefore, joint efforts to combat the glorification of Nazism, the falsification of history and the patriotic education of our youth are of particular importance,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    This year marks 30 years since the conclusion of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Sphere of Youth Policy between Russia and Belarus. During the anniversary year, large-scale events were organized in Russia and Belarus: the Victory Parade, the Immortal Regiment and Belarus Remembers campaigns, and the Memory Train project was implemented.

    “For the coming year, we see two important tasks assigned by our heads of state: to develop a strategy for the youth policy of the Union State, to update the Agreement on Cooperation in the Sphere of Youth Policy. This will further strengthen our fraternal ties and will allow us to raise cooperation to a qualitatively new level, as well as provide additional opportunities for the self-realization of the youth of Russia and Belarus,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    In December last year, a “road map” of joint events for the coming years was approved in Moscow. It included more than 60 different initiatives. The first significant event was the gathering of student brigades of the Union State in the youth capital of Russia – Perm.

    Within the framework of international youth cooperation, a number of joint projects are being implemented to familiarize young people with other countries. For example, a program of familiarization trips to Russia is being implemented – “New Generation”. Last year, 570 delegates from CIS countries took part in them, including 96 citizens of the Republic of Belarus.

    The legacy of the World Youth Festival (WYF), which was held in Russia last year with the support of President Vladimir Putin, is also preserved and expanded. The WYF’s flagship project has become international friendship clubs, of which there are 90 in all 89 regions of the Russian Federation. They help children from all over the world maintain contacts after the festival.

    The main event of this year in the field of international youth cooperation will be the gathering of the World Youth Festival in Nizhny Novgorod, which will bring together 2 thousand participants from 130 countries, including the Republic of Belarus.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the effectiveness of efforts depends on the quality of implementation of specific programs and projects. It is necessary to constantly analyze the results of the events held, identify shortcomings and develop recommendations for improving existing interaction mechanisms. This is the only way to guarantee the achievement of the goals set by the presidents and ensure the further development of youth cooperation within the Union State.

    Also, within the framework of the XII Forum of Regions of Russia and Belarus, Dmitry Chernyshenko and Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin took part in a meeting with heads of state authorities of the regions of Russia and Belarus chaired by the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko and the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Natalia Kochanova. In addition, they assessed the exposition of the forum exhibition as part of the delegation. Among the developments presented are implants for surgery, neurosurgery, traumatology, an industrial robot, lasers and much more.

    During the tour of the exhibition, Dmitry Chernyshenko and Gleb Nikitin also examined a three-section tram and an electric bus with a single name “MiNiN”. This is the product of the joint Russian-Belarusian enterprise “Nizhekotrans”, located in the city of Vorsma in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Over the years, more than 90 “MiNiN” trams and more than 60 electric buses have been assembled at the site. Such equipment is already running in Nizhny Novgorod, and a batch of trams was also delivered to Krasnodar. The plans include expanding the geography of deliveries and producing new types of public transport.

    The XII Forum of Regions of Russia and Belarus “Youth of Belarus and Russia – Heirs of the Great Victory and the Future of the Union State” is taking place in Nizhny Novgorod on June 26-27. As part of the forum, a large package of agreements between the two countries is planned to be signed.

    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 Russia: Financial news: Procedure for drawing up forms submitted upon request in relation to life insurance contracts related to accounting groups 18-21 in accordance with the requirements for the financial stability and solvency of insurers

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

    The XBRL taxonomy of the Bank of Russia for the presentation of information on requests (version 6.1.0.6) is intended for use by insurers for the purpose of sending information to the Bank of Russia on interperiod reporting dates, i.e. reporting dates other than 31.01, 28.02, 31.03, 30.04, 31.05, 30.06, 31.07, 31.08, 30.09, 31.10, 30.11, 31.12, starting from the reporting date of 01.09.2025, according to reporting form 0420150 “General information about the insurer” (section 1 and section 7), reporting form 0420154 “Report on the assets and liabilities of the insurer” (sections 1-10) and reporting form 0420156 “Report on the solvency of the insurance company” organizations” (all sections).

    The procedure for compiling and submitting information on the above-mentioned reporting forms is established by Bank of Russia Instruction No. 6805-U dated 15.07.2024 “On the forms, deadlines and procedure for compiling and submitting reports of insurers to the Bank of Russia, on the procedure for insurers to notify the Bank of Russia of information on persons entrusted with identifying, simplifying identification, updating information on clients, client representatives, beneficiaries and beneficial owners, on the procedure for insurers to notify the Bank of Russia of information on the publication of the annual accounting (financial) statements of the insurer, as well as on the procedure and deadlines for insurers to submit information and documents to the Bank of Russia regarding their branches, representative offices and other separate divisions.”

    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 Security: Conditions imposed as part of protest policing plan

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met has released the details of its policing plan ahead of another busy weekend in London.

    Officers will be deployed across the city to respond to incidents and keep the public safe. In particular, there will be a significant police presence in the Westminster area on Saturday ahead of two planned protests, the details of which are outlined below.

    We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to impose conditions on a number of events in order to prevent serious disruption to the life of the wider community.

    Conditions have been imposed on a protest organised by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) due to take place on Friday evening.

    For many months since October 2023, the protest took place on a weekly basis in Swiss Cottage. Recognising the impact of cumulative protest at a time when fear and concern among many in London’s Jewish communities was heightened, a decision was taken to review the extent to which the weekly protests were causing serious disruption.

    As a result of that review, conditions were imposed preventing anyone involved in the IJAN protest assembling in the area shown on the map below. Those conditions are in force this evening (Friday 27 June).

    Conditions have also been imposed on a protest organised under the banner ‘For the Children’ that is due to take place on Saturday afternoon.

    Anyone participating in the protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below until the procession commences.

    Anyone participating in the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain on the approved route shown on the map below which goes from Russell Square to Whitehall, via Southampton Row, Kingsway and the Strand.

    Anyone participating in the assembly that follows the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain in the shaded area shown on the map below.

    The stage for the assembly must be positioned in the space shown in blue.

    The assembly must conclude by 17:30hrs.

    A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism, will take place at the south end of Whitehall, in Parliament Street.

    Anyone participating in the Stand Up To Racism protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below.

    The stage must be positioned in the space marked in dark blue.

    The assembly must conclude by 15;00hrs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conditions imposed as part of protest policing plan

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met has released the details of its policing plan ahead of another busy weekend in London.

    Officers will be deployed across the city to respond to incidents and keep the public safe. In particular, there will be a significant police presence in the Westminster area on Saturday ahead of two planned protests, the details of which are outlined below.

    We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to impose conditions on a number of events in order to prevent serious disruption to the life of the wider community.

    Conditions have been imposed on a protest organised by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) due to take place on Friday evening.

    For many months since October 2023, the protest took place on a weekly basis in Swiss Cottage. Recognising the impact of cumulative protest at a time when fear and concern among many in London’s Jewish communities was heightened, a decision was taken to review the extent to which the weekly protests were causing serious disruption.

    As a result of that review, conditions were imposed preventing anyone involved in the IJAN protest assembling in the area shown on the map below. Those conditions are in force this evening (Friday 27 June).

    Conditions have also been imposed on a protest organised under the banner ‘For the Children’ that is due to take place on Saturday afternoon.

    Anyone participating in the protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below until the procession commences.

    Anyone participating in the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain on the approved route shown on the map below which goes from Russell Square to Whitehall, via Southampton Row, Kingsway and the Strand.

    Anyone participating in the assembly that follows the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain in the shaded area shown on the map below.

    The stage for the assembly must be positioned in the space shown in blue.

    The assembly must conclude by 17:30hrs.

    A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism, will take place at the south end of Whitehall, in Parliament Street.

    Anyone participating in the Stand Up To Racism protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below.

    The stage must be positioned in the space marked in dark blue.

    The assembly must conclude by 15;00hrs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conditions imposed as part of protest policing plan

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met has released the details of its policing plan ahead of another busy weekend in London.

    Officers will be deployed across the city to respond to incidents and keep the public safe. In particular, there will be a significant police presence in the Westminster area on Saturday ahead of two planned protests, the details of which are outlined below.

    We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to impose conditions on a number of events in order to prevent serious disruption to the life of the wider community.

    Conditions have been imposed on a protest organised by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) due to take place on Friday evening.

    For many months since October 2023, the protest took place on a weekly basis in Swiss Cottage. Recognising the impact of cumulative protest at a time when fear and concern among many in London’s Jewish communities was heightened, a decision was taken to review the extent to which the weekly protests were causing serious disruption.

    As a result of that review, conditions were imposed preventing anyone involved in the IJAN protest assembling in the area shown on the map below. Those conditions are in force this evening (Friday 27 June).

    Conditions have also been imposed on a protest organised under the banner ‘For the Children’ that is due to take place on Saturday afternoon.

    Anyone participating in the protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below until the procession commences.

    Anyone participating in the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain on the approved route shown on the map below which goes from Russell Square to Whitehall, via Southampton Row, Kingsway and the Strand.

    Anyone participating in the assembly that follows the ‘For the Children’ procession must remain in the shaded area shown on the map below.

    The stage for the assembly must be positioned in the space shown in blue.

    The assembly must conclude by 17:30hrs.

    A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism, will take place at the south end of Whitehall, in Parliament Street.

    Anyone participating in the Stand Up To Racism protest must remain in the shaded area on the map below.

    The stage must be positioned in the space marked in dark blue.

    The assembly must conclude by 15;00hrs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia produces hundreds of thousands of fiber-optic drones every month.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    As part of a working visit to the Novgorod Region, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, together with Acting Governor of the Region Alexander Dronov, familiarized himself with the activities of industrial enterprises in the region.

    “Our industry demonstrates sustainable growth from year to year. Thank you and the Federal Ministry of Industry and Trade for your support, all our requests find a response from your colleagues,” stressed Acting Governor of the Novgorod Region Alexander Dronov.

    The First Deputy Prime Minister visited one of the production sites of the fiber-optic drones “Prince Vandal Novgorodsky”. The drone, developed in Novgorod land, was first used in the SVO in August 2024 in the Kursk direction and is currently the most effective fpv drone in the world in terms of cost/effectiveness. During its use in the SVO zone, the KVN drone destroyed enemy equipment worth more than $2 billion. The production of fiber-optic drones in Russia is growing, and today domestic enterprises can produce hundreds of thousands of such drones per month, fully satisfying any needs of the Armed Forces.

    During a visit to JSC Special Design and Technology Bureau for Relay Technology, part of the Ruselectronics holding company of the Rostec state corporation, the First Deputy Prime Minister was presented with innovative serial products of the enterprise, as well as promising projects for the creation of modern domestic electronic components based on materials and components manufactured in Russia.

    Among the new products of SKTB RT is a line of microwave modules. The devices, which will replace American, German and French analogues, are capable of withstanding multiple impacts with acceleration up to 50g and operating at temperatures from -60 to 85 degrees Celsius. It is important to note that the use of a modern domestic electronic component base reduces the price of new microwave modules by 40-55% compared to foreign analogues.

    Another enterprise included in the working trip was the branch of the scientific and production corporation “Precision Instrument-Making Systems” in Veliky Novgorod, which is involved in the development and production of electronic modules and units for systems for measuring the parameters of space objects’ movement, hardware and software systems for providing the GLONASS global navigation system, as well as inter-satellite laser systems for exchanging broadband information.

    The First Deputy Prime Minister, in particular, was shown other products of the enterprise: serial production of microprocessor knee modules “Active-2” for people with lower limb amputations has been launched here.

    Denis Manturov visited the site of the innovative scientific and technological center “Intelligent Electronics – Valdai”, created on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin in 2021. The territory of the INTC houses the advanced engineering school of Novgorod University, the programming school from Sber “School 21”, as well as about 60 residents of the center, including companies from the fields of radio electronics, control system software, and the industrial Internet of things.

    As part of the construction of the new stage of the ISTC, which is planned to be completed in 2026, a new laboratory building for semiconductor materials science will be created. Research and development of high-performance heterostructures for the modern electronics industry based on semiconductor materials will be organized there, as well as a full cycle of production of microassemblies and microcircuits – from processing silicon substrates to casing and packaging finished products.

    “Novgorod enterprises are involved in the production of products for the implementation of special military operation tasks. As part of the diversification of production, these same enterprises are actively developing the production of civilian products, and the university where we are today works in close cooperation with them,” Denis Manturov noted, summing up the results of the working trip.

    The First Deputy Prime Minister also instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to study the possibility of recapitalizing the regional industrial development fund of the Novgorod region to support projects for the production of high-tech products.

    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: Central African Republic at ‘Delicate Juncture’ ahead of Election Cycle, Peacekeeping Chief Tells Security Council, Urging International Support to Strengthen Democracy

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    As it prepares to hold elections, the Central African Republic stands at a delicate juncture, and international support is key to consolidate its unique opportunity to strengthen democracy and national reconciliation, the Security Council heard today from the top UN peacekeeping official, as well as the country’s representative.

    “This year is of particular significance for the Central African Republic as the country is preparing to organize local, presidential and legislative elections,” Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations said.  He highlighted the efforts of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) to assist the Government’s electoral preparations.

    Elections are a key component of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, he pointed out.  However — and despite significant political will — local elections were postponed on several occasions due to financial, technical and logistical challenges.  “The electoral process is at a turning point and there’s a critical need to safeguard and preserve the progress that has been achieved.”  The international community must mobilize resources to prevent any backsliding. 

    Mistrust, Tensions Remain Despite Efforts to Implement 19 April Peace Agreement

    “The political situation remains punctuated by mistrust and tensions” between the majority in power and the opposition, he said, while noting efforts to implement the peace agreement reached on 19 April between the Government, and the Unité pour la paix en Centrafrique, or UPC and Retour, Réclamation, Réhabilitation, or 3R. Despite progress in expanding the authority of the State, violence by armed groups and militias continues to compromise stability.  The Government is collaborating with MINUSCA to improve border security, he said, noting the spillover of the Sudanese conflict in the north-east.  He also noted an attack on 28 March near Tabane, Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, which took the life of a Kenyan military observer.

    On the humanitarian front, “urgent needs continue to outpace available resources”, he said, noting the suspension of critical services of some of the most vulnerable populations.  Also noting persistent conflict-related sexual violence and violations of children’s rights, he said the Government, supported by the Mission, is making efforts to advance transitional justice mechanisms. Further, the Special Criminal Court is playing a significant role in the fight against impunity and transitional justice, and requires financial and human resources to sustain its activities.

    Calling on the Council to help consolidate the gains made by the country, he said:  “If these efforts are sustained in the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility, the Central African Republic has the potential to become a true success story, not only for Central Africans, but also for peacekeeping and for this Security Council.”

    He also recalled the tragic fire that occurred on Wednesday at Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui and expressed condolences to all the affected families.  Further, six days ago a MINUSCA patrol was attacked during an operation in response to signaling of attacks by armed Sudanese elements, resulting in the tragic loss of a Zambian blue helmet, he said, condemning that attack.

    Delegates Urge Investigation into Deadly Attack on MINUSCA Patrol

    In the ensuing discussion, speakers expressed their condolences for both events, and several called for an investigation into the attack on the MINUSCA patrol.

    Central African Republic’s Representative Points to National Reconciliation Efforts, ‘Promise of Rebirth’

    The representative of the Central African Republic called for a moment of silence in honor of the victims of these incidents.  “Recent progress reflects steadfast political will to end the cycle of violence” in his country, he said.  The inclusive political dialogue supported by the President and the 19 April ceasefire agreement providing for the dissolution of certain armed groups are examples of this.  Also detailing Government efforts to re-establish authority throughout the country, he said that the “triptych” of State authority, security and justice “represents our vision for national reconstruction”.  Further, he said, the lifting of the arms embargo in July 2024 was a “turning point”, which allowed national forces to be equipped through a legal, transparent framework.

    “However, force alone is not enough,” he observed, detailing additional Government efforts to establish peace, hold elections, uphold the rule of law and assist victims of sexual violence.  Nevertheless, the Sudanese conflict is a “genuine” threat, he said, reporting that a joint force established by his country and Chad in March aims to address its spillover.  “This mechanism,” he stated, “is part of a new generation of bilateral African cooperation in the service of collective security.”  For its part, he called on the Council to provide political, institutional, security and financial support.  He added that his country is not an “emergency situation”; rather, “it is a promise of rebirth”.

    Council members welcomed these positive developments, with the representative of Guyana, Council President for June, speaking in her national capacity and also for Somalia, Algeria and Sierra Leone, hailing the ongoing implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, the integration of 9 of 14 armed groups and the continued expansion of State authority across the country.  Also underscoring “the importance of the upcoming local and national elections as a milestone for democratic consolidation”, she said the international community must help address the significant funding gap affecting the electoral process.

    Unpaid Assessed Contributions for MINUSCA Raises Concern

    However, she also expressed concern about the ineffective implementation of the arms embargo and the persistent insecurity in various regions.  This is “exacerbated by armed groups competing over natural resources and trade routes”, she said, calling on non-signatory armed groups to join the peace process.  Noting the spillover effects from the Sudan conflict, she condemned the incursions by the Rapid Support Forces into Central African Republic territory and their reported collaboration with local armed groups. MINUSCA’s resource constraints, including unpaid assessed contributions, stand at over $400 million, she said, stressing that adequate and timely financing is essential for the Mission to deliver on its mandate, especially during this critical electoral period.

    Agreeing, the speaker for Slovenia, welcoming MINUSCA’s “proactive peacekeeping posture”, said it should be equipped with adequate support to ensure the safety of civilians and its own personnel.  The representative of Pakistan said that his country is proud to have 1,400 troops serving in MINUSCA.  “We will soon deploy a level-two field hospital in the Mission, which will provide medical facilities to uniformed personnel, civilian staff, Government officials and the local population,” he added.  However, pointing out that MINUSCA’s operational capacity is “crippled” by unpaid contributions, he urged Member States to pay in full and on time.

    Panama’s delegate added:  “Experience has taught us that withdrawing from a peace mission too soon may end up being more costly than sustaining it.”  Welcoming the Government’s efforts towards security sector reform, he urged finalization of the “military programming law”, which will “allow for clearer articulation of the needs of the defence sector”.

    Focus on Fighting Arms Trafficking and Combatants

    “The Central African Republic is on the path of returning to peace and security,” said France’s representative, as he asked the Council to continue assisting the Government in its fight against arms trafficking and combatants.  He pledged that his country would work together with all Council members and the Central African Republic on the renewal of the coercive measures against the armed groups outlined in resolution 2745 (2024).

    The representative of the United States said his delegation looks forward to engaging with Member States on renewing that sanctions regime.  He also expressed concern that Government regulations on fuel imports restrict MINUSCA’s operations, emphasizing that forcing the Mission to rely solely on Government-designated importers results in inflated fuel prices.  “This must stop,” he declared, urging the Government to uphold the status-of-forces agreement.

    International Support Must Respect Central African Republic’s Sovereignty

    “There is no room here for the obsolete, discredited colonialist practices, nor for their contemporary manifestations thereof,” warned the representative of the Russian Federation.  She voiced confidence in Bangui’s ability to translate security gains into socioeconomic progress, emphasizing that normalization — supported by the UN and international financial institutions — can become “irreversible” if grounded in respect for sovereignty and non-interference. The Government now controls nearly the entire national territory and the capabilities of the national armed forces are growing.  Armed groups must seize this opportunity to engage constructively with the authorities.  “The abandonment of armed struggle is the only path,” she said, warning:  “The alternative to this is well known — that is a one-way ticket.”

    Elections Must Be Timely, Orderly, Inclusive

    “The Central African Republic stands at a pivotal point in its transition from post-conflict recovery to sustainable development,” said the representative of the Republic of Korea, urging the Government to uphold its commitment to ensure timely, orderly and inclusive local, legislative and presidential elections, a call taken up by several speakers today.

    The representative of Denmark commended the work of the Government, National Elections Authority, MINUSCA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in advancing preparations for elections.  She added:  “It is essential that all groups in society — especially women, young voters and internally displaced persons — can participate fully and freely.”  The representative of the United Kingdom, called on the Government — with MINUSCA’s support — to ensure a safe environment during all stages of the electoral cycle.  Greece’s delegate pointed out that “an expanding political and civic space is the most trustworthy pathway towards a demonstrated commitment by all stakeholders for further implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation.”

    While the Central African Republic is entering a critical phase of economic recovery, China’s delegate said, it continues to face significant challenges, including a widening fiscal deficit, high inflation and power shortages.  The international community should prioritize helping countries, like this, achieve sustainable development by providing support in key areas, such as infrastructure, education and employment — aligned with the priorities outlined in the country’s National Development Action Plan.  “This,” he emphasized, “will in turn help consolidate the foundation for peace”.  At the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Beijing announced zero tariffs on 100 per cent of products from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, he added.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Central African Republic at ‘Delicate Juncture’ ahead of Election Cycle, Peacekeeping Chief Tells Security Council, Urging International Support to Strengthen Democracy

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    As it prepares to hold elections, the Central African Republic stands at a delicate juncture, and international support is key to consolidate its unique opportunity to strengthen democracy and national reconciliation, the Security Council heard today from the top UN peacekeeping official, as well as the country’s representative.

    “This year is of particular significance for the Central African Republic as the country is preparing to organize local, presidential and legislative elections,” Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations said.  He highlighted the efforts of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) to assist the Government’s electoral preparations.

    Elections are a key component of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, he pointed out.  However — and despite significant political will — local elections were postponed on several occasions due to financial, technical and logistical challenges.  “The electoral process is at a turning point and there’s a critical need to safeguard and preserve the progress that has been achieved.”  The international community must mobilize resources to prevent any backsliding. 

    Mistrust, Tensions Remain Despite Efforts to Implement 19 April Peace Agreement

    “The political situation remains punctuated by mistrust and tensions” between the majority in power and the opposition, he said, while noting efforts to implement the peace agreement reached on 19 April between the Government, and the Unité pour la paix en Centrafrique, or UPC and Retour, Réclamation, Réhabilitation, or 3R. Despite progress in expanding the authority of the State, violence by armed groups and militias continues to compromise stability.  The Government is collaborating with MINUSCA to improve border security, he said, noting the spillover of the Sudanese conflict in the north-east.  He also noted an attack on 28 March near Tabane, Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, which took the life of a Kenyan military observer.

    On the humanitarian front, “urgent needs continue to outpace available resources”, he said, noting the suspension of critical services of some of the most vulnerable populations.  Also noting persistent conflict-related sexual violence and violations of children’s rights, he said the Government, supported by the Mission, is making efforts to advance transitional justice mechanisms. Further, the Special Criminal Court is playing a significant role in the fight against impunity and transitional justice, and requires financial and human resources to sustain its activities.

    Calling on the Council to help consolidate the gains made by the country, he said:  “If these efforts are sustained in the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility, the Central African Republic has the potential to become a true success story, not only for Central Africans, but also for peacekeeping and for this Security Council.”

    He also recalled the tragic fire that occurred on Wednesday at Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui and expressed condolences to all the affected families.  Further, six days ago a MINUSCA patrol was attacked during an operation in response to signaling of attacks by armed Sudanese elements, resulting in the tragic loss of a Zambian blue helmet, he said, condemning that attack.

    Delegates Urge Investigation into Deadly Attack on MINUSCA Patrol

    In the ensuing discussion, speakers expressed their condolences for both events, and several called for an investigation into the attack on the MINUSCA patrol.

    Central African Republic’s Representative Points to National Reconciliation Efforts, ‘Promise of Rebirth’

    The representative of the Central African Republic called for a moment of silence in honor of the victims of these incidents.  “Recent progress reflects steadfast political will to end the cycle of violence” in his country, he said.  The inclusive political dialogue supported by the President and the 19 April ceasefire agreement providing for the dissolution of certain armed groups are examples of this.  Also detailing Government efforts to re-establish authority throughout the country, he said that the “triptych” of State authority, security and justice “represents our vision for national reconstruction”.  Further, he said, the lifting of the arms embargo in July 2024 was a “turning point”, which allowed national forces to be equipped through a legal, transparent framework.

    “However, force alone is not enough,” he observed, detailing additional Government efforts to establish peace, hold elections, uphold the rule of law and assist victims of sexual violence.  Nevertheless, the Sudanese conflict is a “genuine” threat, he said, reporting that a joint force established by his country and Chad in March aims to address its spillover.  “This mechanism,” he stated, “is part of a new generation of bilateral African cooperation in the service of collective security.”  For its part, he called on the Council to provide political, institutional, security and financial support.  He added that his country is not an “emergency situation”; rather, “it is a promise of rebirth”.

    Council members welcomed these positive developments, with the representative of Guyana, Council President for June, speaking in her national capacity and also for Somalia, Algeria and Sierra Leone, hailing the ongoing implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, the integration of 9 of 14 armed groups and the continued expansion of State authority across the country.  Also underscoring “the importance of the upcoming local and national elections as a milestone for democratic consolidation”, she said the international community must help address the significant funding gap affecting the electoral process.

    Unpaid Assessed Contributions for MINUSCA Raises Concern

    However, she also expressed concern about the ineffective implementation of the arms embargo and the persistent insecurity in various regions.  This is “exacerbated by armed groups competing over natural resources and trade routes”, she said, calling on non-signatory armed groups to join the peace process.  Noting the spillover effects from the Sudan conflict, she condemned the incursions by the Rapid Support Forces into Central African Republic territory and their reported collaboration with local armed groups. MINUSCA’s resource constraints, including unpaid assessed contributions, stand at over $400 million, she said, stressing that adequate and timely financing is essential for the Mission to deliver on its mandate, especially during this critical electoral period.

    Agreeing, the speaker for Slovenia, welcoming MINUSCA’s “proactive peacekeeping posture”, said it should be equipped with adequate support to ensure the safety of civilians and its own personnel.  The representative of Pakistan said that his country is proud to have 1,400 troops serving in MINUSCA.  “We will soon deploy a level-two field hospital in the Mission, which will provide medical facilities to uniformed personnel, civilian staff, Government officials and the local population,” he added.  However, pointing out that MINUSCA’s operational capacity is “crippled” by unpaid contributions, he urged Member States to pay in full and on time.

    Panama’s delegate added:  “Experience has taught us that withdrawing from a peace mission too soon may end up being more costly than sustaining it.”  Welcoming the Government’s efforts towards security sector reform, he urged finalization of the “military programming law”, which will “allow for clearer articulation of the needs of the defence sector”.

    Focus on Fighting Arms Trafficking and Combatants

    “The Central African Republic is on the path of returning to peace and security,” said France’s representative, as he asked the Council to continue assisting the Government in its fight against arms trafficking and combatants.  He pledged that his country would work together with all Council members and the Central African Republic on the renewal of the coercive measures against the armed groups outlined in resolution 2745 (2024).

    The representative of the United States said his delegation looks forward to engaging with Member States on renewing that sanctions regime.  He also expressed concern that Government regulations on fuel imports restrict MINUSCA’s operations, emphasizing that forcing the Mission to rely solely on Government-designated importers results in inflated fuel prices.  “This must stop,” he declared, urging the Government to uphold the status-of-forces agreement.

    International Support Must Respect Central African Republic’s Sovereignty

    “There is no room here for the obsolete, discredited colonialist practices, nor for their contemporary manifestations thereof,” warned the representative of the Russian Federation.  She voiced confidence in Bangui’s ability to translate security gains into socioeconomic progress, emphasizing that normalization — supported by the UN and international financial institutions — can become “irreversible” if grounded in respect for sovereignty and non-interference. The Government now controls nearly the entire national territory and the capabilities of the national armed forces are growing.  Armed groups must seize this opportunity to engage constructively with the authorities.  “The abandonment of armed struggle is the only path,” she said, warning:  “The alternative to this is well known — that is a one-way ticket.”

    Elections Must Be Timely, Orderly, Inclusive

    “The Central African Republic stands at a pivotal point in its transition from post-conflict recovery to sustainable development,” said the representative of the Republic of Korea, urging the Government to uphold its commitment to ensure timely, orderly and inclusive local, legislative and presidential elections, a call taken up by several speakers today.

    The representative of Denmark commended the work of the Government, National Elections Authority, MINUSCA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in advancing preparations for elections.  She added:  “It is essential that all groups in society — especially women, young voters and internally displaced persons — can participate fully and freely.”  The representative of the United Kingdom, called on the Government — with MINUSCA’s support — to ensure a safe environment during all stages of the electoral cycle.  Greece’s delegate pointed out that “an expanding political and civic space is the most trustworthy pathway towards a demonstrated commitment by all stakeholders for further implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation.”

    While the Central African Republic is entering a critical phase of economic recovery, China’s delegate said, it continues to face significant challenges, including a widening fiscal deficit, high inflation and power shortages.  The international community should prioritize helping countries, like this, achieve sustainable development by providing support in key areas, such as infrastructure, education and employment — aligned with the priorities outlined in the country’s National Development Action Plan.  “This,” he emphasized, “will in turn help consolidate the foundation for peace”.  At the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Beijing announced zero tariffs on 100 per cent of products from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, he added.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: With Child Rights Violations at Record High, Speakers Urge Course Correction in Day-Long Security Council Debate

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    In the wake of unprecedented violence against children in 2024, the Security Council heard today that the world is failing to protect them from the horrors of war — and that urgent action is needed to correct this course — during a day-long debate on children and armed conflict.

    “The year 2024 marked a devastating new record,” reported Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, as the UN verified 41,370 grave violations against children — a “staggering” 25 per cent increase from 2023.  “Behind these numbers are the shattered stories, dreams and futures of 22,495 children, each of them profoundly affected by war, displacement and the collapse of protection systems that should have served as their shield,” she stressed.  Spotlighting the “sharp” rise in the number of children subjected to multiple grave violations — 3,137 in total — she said this is a “stark reminder of the compounded vulnerabilities children face in conflict settings”.

    Nearly 12,000 Children Killed or Maimed in 2024

    Detailing “the six grave violations the Security Council entrusted to my office”, she said that, in 2024, 11,967 children were killed or maimed — the highest number “since this mandate was established over two decades ago”.  Further, there were 7,402 cases of recruitment and use; 1,982 cases of sexual violence; 2,374 cases of attacks on schools and hospitals; thousands of children were forcibly abducted; and denied humanitarian access is now one of the greatest obstacles to protecting children in conflict zones.  “These atrocities against children span the globe,” she underscored, which demonstrates the universal, indiscriminate nature of these grave violations.

    Also noting that Government forces “remained the principal perpetrators” of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access, she stressed:  “We cannot continue to stand by and watch with no action what is happening to the children globally — and especially in Gaza.”  She therefore urged the international community, inter alia, to call on all parties to conflict to engage with the UN to develop, sign and fully implement action plans that end and prevent these violations.  Adding that the children and armed conflict mandate has proven its value, she urged:  “Let us prove that it matters — that they, our children, matter.”

    Explosives Leading Cause of Child Casualties

    Also briefing the Council was Sheema Sen Gupta, Director of Child Protection and Migration of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), who stated that today’s report “once again confirms what too many children already know — that the world is failing to protect them from the horrors of war”.  She highlighted two “deeply disturbing” trends.  First, the increased use of explosive weapons in populated areas is now the leading cause of child casualties in many of the world’s conflicts, accounting for over 70 per cent of all incidents of killing and maiming. Second is the surge in sexual violence, and she reported that verified cases of such violence against children increased by 35 per cent in 2024.

    On that, she noted that nearly 10,000 cases of sexual violence were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the first two months of 2025, with children constituting over 40 per cent of those affected.  Nevertheless, this agenda “remains a source of hope”, with over 16,000 children receiving protection and reintegration support in 2024.  Calling on all parties to conflict to stop the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, she also underlined the need to protect and expand humanitarian space.  “Fund this agenda,” she added, stressing:  “Children are not collateral damage.”

    Growing Up in War

    Next, Sila — a 17-year-old girl from Idlib, Syria — said that she is part of a generation of thousands of children that has lived through war and knows nothing of safety.  “Rather, I know nothing but smoke, shelling, displacement and fear,” she said.  Stating that she came to the Council to talk about the pain that remains after war, she described a childhood in which her home was a suitcase as bombings forced her family to constantly move.  “My childhood was full of fear and anxiety, and I was deprived of people I loved,” she said.  She added: “Imagine that you go to school, and you hear the sound of the plane over your head, and you don’t know if the projectile will hit your school or your home.”

    War does not end when the bombing stops, she added.  “The real danger remains after the war — the landmines, the unexploded shells and the life that turns into death traps,” she said, pointing out that “many people lost their limbs — or even their lives — without participating in any battle”.  Now, she works with a humanitarian organization to raise awareness about the dangers posed by remnants of war.  “It’s our turn to speak and raise our voices, and to educate others,” she said. She stressed:  “Today, I did not come as a victim — I came as a witness.” As such, she asked for the international community’s support so that children can achieve their dreams and opportunities.

    “It is my fervent hope that today’s debate will be an opportunity not just to express outrage, but to follow through with tangible action,” stressed Vindhya Vasini Persaud, Minister for Human Services and Social Security of Guyana and Council President for June, speaking in her national capacity as the floor opened.  Similarly, Greece’s representative, Chair of the Working Group on this agenda item, welcomed today’s report as a call “not just for reflection on one of the gravest affronts to international law, but also for action”.  He asked those present:  “Do we live up to our promises to children?”

    Mandate Holder’s Response Muted

    Most statements suggested otherwise.  Algeria’s representative posed his own question: “How can we ignore the 7,188 verified grave violations attributed to Israeli forces?”  Stressing that the response of the Special Representative’s office to this matter has been “strikingly insufficient”, he said that its statements “fall critically short of the decisive and sustained condemnation warranted by the immense scale of the crisis”.  He concluded:  “The protection of children in conflict demands a more vigorous — a more vocal — response to the unparalleled crisis in Gaza.”

    The representative of the United Kingdom, for his part, pointed to the Palestinians killed trying to reach “the few aid sites permitted by Israel”.  “This is unacceptable,” he stated, calling on Israel to abide by its obligations to protect children and to enable aid to enter Gaza at scale.  China’s representative also called on Israel to lift its humanitarian blockade.  The representative of Sierra Leone — expressing similar concern over the “appalling humanitarian situation confronting children in Gaza” — emphasized that it is States — especially those exercising territorial control — that must ensure the protection of civilians.

    The representative of the Russian Federation also emphasized States’ leading role in this context, emphasizing:  “This is why this theme — more than any other theme — requires intergovernmental cooperation and must, under no circumstances, be politicized.”  However, he said that the structures assisting the Council in this regard “have not demonstrated themselves to be paragons of impartiality”, as the report continues to include “unverified figures about children in Ukraine”.  Further spotlighting a “continuous reduction in Russian child victims in the report”, he said that it does not include figures of the children killed or maimed by Ukraine’s armed forces.

    Pakistan’s representative, meanwhile, pointed out that it took the killing of thousands of Palestinian children in Gaza for the situation to be included in the last year’s report.  And while welcoming this year’s removal of references to his country as a situation of concern — “a long-overdue correction” — he expressed regret that the previously documented plight of children in “the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir” was omitted without justification.

    Report Offers ‘Sobering Snapshot’

    Nevertheless, the representative of the United States said that the report is a “sobering snapshot”, which “serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency and necessity of strengthening the international community’s child-protection capacity”.  Observing that “alarm bells should be ringing everywhere”, Slovenia’s representative stressed:  “We need to do better.”  Panama’s representative said that there is an “urgent need to broaden social-integration programmes with a focus on young people to rebuild their futures”.  The representative of France called for capacity-building to protect children in peacekeeping operations.

    Offering another proposal, the representative of the Republic of Korea said that “listening to and empowering survivors must be the starting point of any survivor-centred response”, for which he expressed support.  To that end, Seoul has contributed $8.6 million to prevent gender-based violence and assist survivors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  In that vein, Denmark’s representative urged that all monitoring, prevention and response efforts account for the gendered impact of grave violations, as they have “distinct and profound effects on girls and boys”.

    Somalia’s representative, however, concluded:  “It is only by striving to end wars — and by investing earnestly in the prevention of new ones — that we can hope to guarantee a world where no child is left to bear the wounds of war.”  Similarly, Ukraine’s representative said that “one simple thing” is needed to stop the Russian Federation from killing and maiming children in Ukraine — “a full, unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days as a first step towards just and lasting peace”.  The representative of Lebanon, too, said that children have suffered from the ravages of numerous wars that have broken out on Lebanese territory:  “They pay a hefty toll for the mistakes of adults.”

    He, along with other Member States, also drew attention to the high number of violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  “What is happening in Gaza now is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and humanitarian values,” said Saudi Arabia’s representative.  However, Israel’s representative — pointing to “one of the most outrageous statements I have ever seen in official UN documents” — noted that the Secretary-General has called on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to develop action plans with the UN, and on Israel to sign a matching one. Adding that the report “switches the roles of victim and aggressor”, he rejected the “grotesque false equivalence between a sovereign democracy and a terror regime”.

    Success Stories

    Yet, there were positive notes.  The observer for the African Union reported that the bloc has adopted a comprehensive legal and policy framework for protecting children, particularly in conflict situations.  El Salvador’s representative pointed to her country’s “drastically” reduced homicide rates and provision of psychosocial care, education and reintegration programmes to victims of violence.  The representative of the Philippines, for her part, welcomed the removal of her country as a situation of concern in the next report, which is a testament to its whole-of-Government approach and sustained, strategic collaboration with the UN.  She stated:  “We hope that the Philippines’ story will serve as an inspiration of what we, as a global community, can do for children everywhere — to let children be children.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: With Child Rights Violations at Record High, Speakers Urge Course Correction in Day-Long Security Council Debate

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    In the wake of unprecedented violence against children in 2024, the Security Council heard today that the world is failing to protect them from the horrors of war — and that urgent action is needed to correct this course — during a day-long debate on children and armed conflict.

    “The year 2024 marked a devastating new record,” reported Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, as the UN verified 41,370 grave violations against children — a “staggering” 25 per cent increase from 2023.  “Behind these numbers are the shattered stories, dreams and futures of 22,495 children, each of them profoundly affected by war, displacement and the collapse of protection systems that should have served as their shield,” she stressed.  Spotlighting the “sharp” rise in the number of children subjected to multiple grave violations — 3,137 in total — she said this is a “stark reminder of the compounded vulnerabilities children face in conflict settings”.

    Nearly 12,000 Children Killed or Maimed in 2024

    Detailing “the six grave violations the Security Council entrusted to my office”, she said that, in 2024, 11,967 children were killed or maimed — the highest number “since this mandate was established over two decades ago”.  Further, there were 7,402 cases of recruitment and use; 1,982 cases of sexual violence; 2,374 cases of attacks on schools and hospitals; thousands of children were forcibly abducted; and denied humanitarian access is now one of the greatest obstacles to protecting children in conflict zones.  “These atrocities against children span the globe,” she underscored, which demonstrates the universal, indiscriminate nature of these grave violations.

    Also noting that Government forces “remained the principal perpetrators” of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access, she stressed:  “We cannot continue to stand by and watch with no action what is happening to the children globally — and especially in Gaza.”  She therefore urged the international community, inter alia, to call on all parties to conflict to engage with the UN to develop, sign and fully implement action plans that end and prevent these violations.  Adding that the children and armed conflict mandate has proven its value, she urged:  “Let us prove that it matters — that they, our children, matter.”

    Explosives Leading Cause of Child Casualties

    Also briefing the Council was Sheema Sen Gupta, Director of Child Protection and Migration of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), who stated that today’s report “once again confirms what too many children already know — that the world is failing to protect them from the horrors of war”.  She highlighted two “deeply disturbing” trends.  First, the increased use of explosive weapons in populated areas is now the leading cause of child casualties in many of the world’s conflicts, accounting for over 70 per cent of all incidents of killing and maiming. Second is the surge in sexual violence, and she reported that verified cases of such violence against children increased by 35 per cent in 2024.

    On that, she noted that nearly 10,000 cases of sexual violence were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the first two months of 2025, with children constituting over 40 per cent of those affected.  Nevertheless, this agenda “remains a source of hope”, with over 16,000 children receiving protection and reintegration support in 2024.  Calling on all parties to conflict to stop the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, she also underlined the need to protect and expand humanitarian space.  “Fund this agenda,” she added, stressing:  “Children are not collateral damage.”

    Growing Up in War

    Next, Sila — a 17-year-old girl from Idlib, Syria — said that she is part of a generation of thousands of children that has lived through war and knows nothing of safety.  “Rather, I know nothing but smoke, shelling, displacement and fear,” she said.  Stating that she came to the Council to talk about the pain that remains after war, she described a childhood in which her home was a suitcase as bombings forced her family to constantly move.  “My childhood was full of fear and anxiety, and I was deprived of people I loved,” she said.  She added: “Imagine that you go to school, and you hear the sound of the plane over your head, and you don’t know if the projectile will hit your school or your home.”

    War does not end when the bombing stops, she added.  “The real danger remains after the war — the landmines, the unexploded shells and the life that turns into death traps,” she said, pointing out that “many people lost their limbs — or even their lives — without participating in any battle”.  Now, she works with a humanitarian organization to raise awareness about the dangers posed by remnants of war.  “It’s our turn to speak and raise our voices, and to educate others,” she said. She stressed:  “Today, I did not come as a victim — I came as a witness.” As such, she asked for the international community’s support so that children can achieve their dreams and opportunities.

    “It is my fervent hope that today’s debate will be an opportunity not just to express outrage, but to follow through with tangible action,” stressed Vindhya Vasini Persaud, Minister for Human Services and Social Security of Guyana and Council President for June, speaking in her national capacity as the floor opened.  Similarly, Greece’s representative, Chair of the Working Group on this agenda item, welcomed today’s report as a call “not just for reflection on one of the gravest affronts to international law, but also for action”.  He asked those present:  “Do we live up to our promises to children?”

    Mandate Holder’s Response Muted

    Most statements suggested otherwise.  Algeria’s representative posed his own question: “How can we ignore the 7,188 verified grave violations attributed to Israeli forces?”  Stressing that the response of the Special Representative’s office to this matter has been “strikingly insufficient”, he said that its statements “fall critically short of the decisive and sustained condemnation warranted by the immense scale of the crisis”.  He concluded:  “The protection of children in conflict demands a more vigorous — a more vocal — response to the unparalleled crisis in Gaza.”

    The representative of the United Kingdom, for his part, pointed to the Palestinians killed trying to reach “the few aid sites permitted by Israel”.  “This is unacceptable,” he stated, calling on Israel to abide by its obligations to protect children and to enable aid to enter Gaza at scale.  China’s representative also called on Israel to lift its humanitarian blockade.  The representative of Sierra Leone — expressing similar concern over the “appalling humanitarian situation confronting children in Gaza” — emphasized that it is States — especially those exercising territorial control — that must ensure the protection of civilians.

    The representative of the Russian Federation also emphasized States’ leading role in this context, emphasizing:  “This is why this theme — more than any other theme — requires intergovernmental cooperation and must, under no circumstances, be politicized.”  However, he said that the structures assisting the Council in this regard “have not demonstrated themselves to be paragons of impartiality”, as the report continues to include “unverified figures about children in Ukraine”.  Further spotlighting a “continuous reduction in Russian child victims in the report”, he said that it does not include figures of the children killed or maimed by Ukraine’s armed forces.

    Pakistan’s representative, meanwhile, pointed out that it took the killing of thousands of Palestinian children in Gaza for the situation to be included in the last year’s report.  And while welcoming this year’s removal of references to his country as a situation of concern — “a long-overdue correction” — he expressed regret that the previously documented plight of children in “the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir” was omitted without justification.

    Report Offers ‘Sobering Snapshot’

    Nevertheless, the representative of the United States said that the report is a “sobering snapshot”, which “serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency and necessity of strengthening the international community’s child-protection capacity”.  Observing that “alarm bells should be ringing everywhere”, Slovenia’s representative stressed:  “We need to do better.”  Panama’s representative said that there is an “urgent need to broaden social-integration programmes with a focus on young people to rebuild their futures”.  The representative of France called for capacity-building to protect children in peacekeeping operations.

    Offering another proposal, the representative of the Republic of Korea said that “listening to and empowering survivors must be the starting point of any survivor-centred response”, for which he expressed support.  To that end, Seoul has contributed $8.6 million to prevent gender-based violence and assist survivors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  In that vein, Denmark’s representative urged that all monitoring, prevention and response efforts account for the gendered impact of grave violations, as they have “distinct and profound effects on girls and boys”.

    Somalia’s representative, however, concluded:  “It is only by striving to end wars — and by investing earnestly in the prevention of new ones — that we can hope to guarantee a world where no child is left to bear the wounds of war.”  Similarly, Ukraine’s representative said that “one simple thing” is needed to stop the Russian Federation from killing and maiming children in Ukraine — “a full, unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days as a first step towards just and lasting peace”.  The representative of Lebanon, too, said that children have suffered from the ravages of numerous wars that have broken out on Lebanese territory:  “They pay a hefty toll for the mistakes of adults.”

    He, along with other Member States, also drew attention to the high number of violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  “What is happening in Gaza now is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and humanitarian values,” said Saudi Arabia’s representative.  However, Israel’s representative — pointing to “one of the most outrageous statements I have ever seen in official UN documents” — noted that the Secretary-General has called on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to develop action plans with the UN, and on Israel to sign a matching one. Adding that the report “switches the roles of victim and aggressor”, he rejected the “grotesque false equivalence between a sovereign democracy and a terror regime”.

    Success Stories

    Yet, there were positive notes.  The observer for the African Union reported that the bloc has adopted a comprehensive legal and policy framework for protecting children, particularly in conflict situations.  El Salvador’s representative pointed to her country’s “drastically” reduced homicide rates and provision of psychosocial care, education and reintegration programmes to victims of violence.  The representative of the Philippines, for her part, welcomed the removal of her country as a situation of concern in the next report, which is a testament to its whole-of-Government approach and sustained, strategic collaboration with the UN.  She stated:  “We hope that the Philippines’ story will serve as an inspiration of what we, as a global community, can do for children everywhere — to let children be children.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Responsibility to Protect More Than a Principle — It Is a Moral Imperative’, Secretary General Tells General Assembly

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    As the General Assembly marked the twentieth anniversary of the responsibility to protect, the UN Chief emphasized that the principle remains a moral imperative amid growing global turmoil, escalating identity-based violence, widespread breaches of international law and deepening impunity.

    Opening the session, Philémon Yang (Cameroon), President of the General Assembly, recalled that, 20 years ago, at the 2005 World Summit, world leaders affirmed the responsibility of individual States to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.  Born from the horrors of Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, that commitment represented a pledge that “never again would the international community stand silent as innocent lives were destroyed by the gravest crimes”.

    Nevertheless, today, two decades later, “we must ask ourselves how we have allowed ourselves to fall short”, he said.  From Gaza to Ukraine, from Sudan to Myanmar, there is blatant disregard for human rights, early warnings are ignored and the Security Council is failing to act.

    Also acknowledging commendable gains, he noted the establishment of international mechanisms for atrocity prevention.  Prevention and protection strategies have been implemented across peacekeeping operations.  “We must find ways to deliver on the promise of ‘never again’,” he stressed.

    Picking up that thread, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the world is witnessing the highest number of armed conflicts since the end of the Second World War.  Further, conflicts are becoming more protracted, complex and interconnected, while emerging threats such as the weaponization of new technologies and the proliferation of advanced weaponry require a constant adaptation to prevent the commission of atrocity crimes and to protect populations.

    However, he continued, too often, early warnings go unheeded, and alleged evidence of crimes committed by States and non-State actors is met with denial, indifference, or repression.  “Responses are often too little, too late, inconsistent or undermined by double standards,” he said, adding that “civilians are paying the highest price”.

    “We must recognize that the responsibility to protect is more than a principle — it is a moral imperative, rooted in our shared humanity and the UN Charter,” he emphasized, spotlighting the seventeenth report of the Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect.

    The report highlights efforts achieved through national prevention mechanisms or under regional leadership, demonstrating that early diplomacy, early warning and institutional innovation can be effective in preventing and responding to atrocity crimes.  It also underscores the need to mainstream atrocity prevention across the United Nations system — from humanitarian action to peacekeeping to human rights.  Additionally, it calls for integrating early warning, supporting national prevention mechanisms and embedding atrocity prevention in the broader agendas of sustaining peace, human rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    “No society is immune from the risk of atrocity crimes,” he asserted, emphasizing that “prevention must begin at home — with leadership that protects rights, embraces diversity and upholds the rule of law”. And it must be supported globally through multilateral cooperation, principled diplomacy, and early and decisive action to effectively protect populations.  Two decades on, the responsibility to protect remains both an urgent necessity and an unfulfilled promise.  “Let us keep the promise, deepen our commitment, strengthen our cooperation and ensure that atrocity-prevention and protecting populations becomes a permanent and universal practice,” he stated.

    In the ensuing debate, numerous Member States emphasized that — amid growing violence against civilians and worsening humanitarian crises — the responsibility to protect must remain central to efforts aimed at promoting peace and security.

    Speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Responsibility to Protect, the representative of Morocco expressed concern that, despite unanimous support for ending atrocity crimes, serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law persist.  “This growing gap between rhetoric and action is especially concerning given the international community’s improved understanding of risk factors and increased capacity to respond,” he pointed out.  He also acknowledged the key role of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect in advancing this principle.

    Expressing concern about the increased use of the veto in the Council, the representative of the European Union, speaking in its capacity as observer, said all Member States — especially those holding veto power — must support both the Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, as well as the French-Mexican initiative on refraining from the use of veto in the case of mass atrocities.

    “While some advances in military technology can bring increased precision and a reduction of civilian harm,” she said, the recent evolution of warfare, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), may lead to diluted human control and increased brutality in conflict.  Further, “when prevention fails, we need to make every effort to ensure that the perpetrators of atrocity crimes are held accountable,” she said, reaffirming support for the International Criminal Court.

    Relatedly, Denmark’s delegate, also speaking for Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden, urged the Council “to renew and strengthen its focus on prevention” and acknowledged the efforts of the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, as well as civil society experts.  Stressing the importance of the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, she added:  “Independent and impartial international courts and tribunals, in particular the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, are central to accountability for the most serious crimes.”

    Slovenia’s delegate stressed that the veto power in the Council should not be used in situations where there is a clear threat of mass atrocity crimes, as it hinders effective decision–making and prevents action that would help to protect populations in a timely and effective manner. Her country was among the first to appoint a national Responsibility to Protect Focal Point, she said, highlighting the Ljubljana-Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and Other International Crimes.  “This is the first major international treaty in the field of international criminal law since the Rome Statute that enables States to cooperate effectively internationally in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes by filling legal gaps in the fields of international legal assistance and extradition,” she pointed out.

    The representative of France, speaking also for Mexico, said that while civilians worldwide are victims of large-scale violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, “the Council is too often paralysed by the use of the veto”.  He welcomed the mention in the Secretary-General’s report of the French-Mexican initiative on the voluntary regulation of the use of the veto in the Council in cases of mass atrocities.  “The veto is not a privilege but a responsibility,” he said, noting that this proposal is already supported by over 100 States and inviting all other States to join this commitment, starting with the Council’s elected and permanent members.  He also emphasized the crucial role of national human rights institutions, civil society and the Human Rights Council’s mechanisms as essential tools for early warning, prevention and accountability.

    “Now, more than ever, we must continue to promote and defend our collective political commitment to [the] responsibility to protect and its implementation,” said Australia’s delegate, speaking also on behalf of Canada and New Zealand.  The world is facing the highest level of conflict since the Second World War, with reported violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen.  “We cannot allow impunity,” he asserted, calling for full accountability for atrocity crimes through appropriate national and international investigative and justice mechanisms, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

    However, other delegates voiced concern that the responsibility to protect principle is increasingly being instrumentalized to justify interventions under a humanitarian pretext, or to undermine States’ sovereignty through the application of unilateral coercive measures.

    Among them was the representative of Venezuela, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, who cited the notion as “non-consensual and controversial”.  Accordingly, he voiced concern over the principle “selective and politically motivated” application.

    Paradoxically, at the same time, the world is witnessing a “resounding failure” to ensure the protection of civilians caught in the armed conflict in Gaza, where the Palestinian people are suffering an increasingly brutal Israeli occupation, which represents a systematic violation of international law and requires urgent action to protect and save civilian lives, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

    Poland’s representative emphasized that invoking the responsibility to protect to justify military aggression — such as the Russian Federation’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine — constitutes a deliberate distortion of the principle.  In March 2022, the International Court of Justice issued a preliminary ruling finding that Moscow did not have grounds to attack Ukraine based on claims of genocide, he noted.  He also expressed support for the mandates of the Special Advisers on Genocide Prevention and on the Responsibility to Protect.

    Other delegates highlighted their countries’ experiences with genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

    “The crisis in Myanmar is the heartbreaking case in point,” said that country’s representative, adding that the military junta continues to commit widespread atrocities with impunity, violating the core principles of the responsibility to protect.  Noting that the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court applied in 2024 for an arrest warrant against Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, he said a swift decision is vital.  He also called for the issuance of the arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing “to save lives and protect the people of Myanmar from the military junta’s further heinous crimes”.  The Security Council must act decisively, he asserted, noting that a follow-up to resolution 2669 (2022) should include monitoring and enforcement.

    Noting that the application of the responsibility to protect principle “remains uneven”, Burundi’s delegate emphasized that it “cannot be selective on the basis of temporal or material considerations”.  Drawing attention to the 1972 genocide committed against the Hutu ethnic group, he said that, during this “massacre of terrible proportions”, which occurred between April and July 1972, hundreds of thousands of Burundians of the Hutu ethnic group were hunted down, arrested, executed without trial and very often buried in mass graves.

    “This has a name in international law:  genocide,” he said.  And while Burundi’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission officially described the events of 1972 as such, identifying over 4,000 potential mass graves and collecting thousands of witness testimonies, “no international body has recognized this crime as such”.  Citing this silence as “a form of abandoning innocent victims whose souls need to be put to rest”, he underscored that “the responsibility to protect is not a slogan”, but a “legal, moral and political commitment”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Responsibility to Protect More Than a Principle — It Is a Moral Imperative’, Secretary General Tells General Assembly

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    As the General Assembly marked the twentieth anniversary of the responsibility to protect, the UN Chief emphasized that the principle remains a moral imperative amid growing global turmoil, escalating identity-based violence, widespread breaches of international law and deepening impunity.

    Opening the session, Philémon Yang (Cameroon), President of the General Assembly, recalled that, 20 years ago, at the 2005 World Summit, world leaders affirmed the responsibility of individual States to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.  Born from the horrors of Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, that commitment represented a pledge that “never again would the international community stand silent as innocent lives were destroyed by the gravest crimes”.

    Nevertheless, today, two decades later, “we must ask ourselves how we have allowed ourselves to fall short”, he said.  From Gaza to Ukraine, from Sudan to Myanmar, there is blatant disregard for human rights, early warnings are ignored and the Security Council is failing to act.

    Also acknowledging commendable gains, he noted the establishment of international mechanisms for atrocity prevention.  Prevention and protection strategies have been implemented across peacekeeping operations.  “We must find ways to deliver on the promise of ‘never again’,” he stressed.

    Picking up that thread, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the world is witnessing the highest number of armed conflicts since the end of the Second World War.  Further, conflicts are becoming more protracted, complex and interconnected, while emerging threats such as the weaponization of new technologies and the proliferation of advanced weaponry require a constant adaptation to prevent the commission of atrocity crimes and to protect populations.

    However, he continued, too often, early warnings go unheeded, and alleged evidence of crimes committed by States and non-State actors is met with denial, indifference, or repression.  “Responses are often too little, too late, inconsistent or undermined by double standards,” he said, adding that “civilians are paying the highest price”.

    “We must recognize that the responsibility to protect is more than a principle — it is a moral imperative, rooted in our shared humanity and the UN Charter,” he emphasized, spotlighting the seventeenth report of the Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect.

    The report highlights efforts achieved through national prevention mechanisms or under regional leadership, demonstrating that early diplomacy, early warning and institutional innovation can be effective in preventing and responding to atrocity crimes.  It also underscores the need to mainstream atrocity prevention across the United Nations system — from humanitarian action to peacekeeping to human rights.  Additionally, it calls for integrating early warning, supporting national prevention mechanisms and embedding atrocity prevention in the broader agendas of sustaining peace, human rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    “No society is immune from the risk of atrocity crimes,” he asserted, emphasizing that “prevention must begin at home — with leadership that protects rights, embraces diversity and upholds the rule of law”. And it must be supported globally through multilateral cooperation, principled diplomacy, and early and decisive action to effectively protect populations.  Two decades on, the responsibility to protect remains both an urgent necessity and an unfulfilled promise.  “Let us keep the promise, deepen our commitment, strengthen our cooperation and ensure that atrocity-prevention and protecting populations becomes a permanent and universal practice,” he stated.

    In the ensuing debate, numerous Member States emphasized that — amid growing violence against civilians and worsening humanitarian crises — the responsibility to protect must remain central to efforts aimed at promoting peace and security.

    Speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Responsibility to Protect, the representative of Morocco expressed concern that, despite unanimous support for ending atrocity crimes, serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law persist.  “This growing gap between rhetoric and action is especially concerning given the international community’s improved understanding of risk factors and increased capacity to respond,” he pointed out.  He also acknowledged the key role of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect in advancing this principle.

    Expressing concern about the increased use of the veto in the Council, the representative of the European Union, speaking in its capacity as observer, said all Member States — especially those holding veto power — must support both the Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, as well as the French-Mexican initiative on refraining from the use of veto in the case of mass atrocities.

    “While some advances in military technology can bring increased precision and a reduction of civilian harm,” she said, the recent evolution of warfare, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), may lead to diluted human control and increased brutality in conflict.  Further, “when prevention fails, we need to make every effort to ensure that the perpetrators of atrocity crimes are held accountable,” she said, reaffirming support for the International Criminal Court.

    Relatedly, Denmark’s delegate, also speaking for Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden, urged the Council “to renew and strengthen its focus on prevention” and acknowledged the efforts of the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, as well as civil society experts.  Stressing the importance of the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, she added:  “Independent and impartial international courts and tribunals, in particular the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, are central to accountability for the most serious crimes.”

    Slovenia’s delegate stressed that the veto power in the Council should not be used in situations where there is a clear threat of mass atrocity crimes, as it hinders effective decision–making and prevents action that would help to protect populations in a timely and effective manner. Her country was among the first to appoint a national Responsibility to Protect Focal Point, she said, highlighting the Ljubljana-Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and Other International Crimes.  “This is the first major international treaty in the field of international criminal law since the Rome Statute that enables States to cooperate effectively internationally in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes by filling legal gaps in the fields of international legal assistance and extradition,” she pointed out.

    The representative of France, speaking also for Mexico, said that while civilians worldwide are victims of large-scale violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, “the Council is too often paralysed by the use of the veto”.  He welcomed the mention in the Secretary-General’s report of the French-Mexican initiative on the voluntary regulation of the use of the veto in the Council in cases of mass atrocities.  “The veto is not a privilege but a responsibility,” he said, noting that this proposal is already supported by over 100 States and inviting all other States to join this commitment, starting with the Council’s elected and permanent members.  He also emphasized the crucial role of national human rights institutions, civil society and the Human Rights Council’s mechanisms as essential tools for early warning, prevention and accountability.

    “Now, more than ever, we must continue to promote and defend our collective political commitment to [the] responsibility to protect and its implementation,” said Australia’s delegate, speaking also on behalf of Canada and New Zealand.  The world is facing the highest level of conflict since the Second World War, with reported violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen.  “We cannot allow impunity,” he asserted, calling for full accountability for atrocity crimes through appropriate national and international investigative and justice mechanisms, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

    However, other delegates voiced concern that the responsibility to protect principle is increasingly being instrumentalized to justify interventions under a humanitarian pretext, or to undermine States’ sovereignty through the application of unilateral coercive measures.

    Among them was the representative of Venezuela, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, who cited the notion as “non-consensual and controversial”.  Accordingly, he voiced concern over the principle “selective and politically motivated” application.

    Paradoxically, at the same time, the world is witnessing a “resounding failure” to ensure the protection of civilians caught in the armed conflict in Gaza, where the Palestinian people are suffering an increasingly brutal Israeli occupation, which represents a systematic violation of international law and requires urgent action to protect and save civilian lives, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

    Poland’s representative emphasized that invoking the responsibility to protect to justify military aggression — such as the Russian Federation’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine — constitutes a deliberate distortion of the principle.  In March 2022, the International Court of Justice issued a preliminary ruling finding that Moscow did not have grounds to attack Ukraine based on claims of genocide, he noted.  He also expressed support for the mandates of the Special Advisers on Genocide Prevention and on the Responsibility to Protect.

    Other delegates highlighted their countries’ experiences with genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

    “The crisis in Myanmar is the heartbreaking case in point,” said that country’s representative, adding that the military junta continues to commit widespread atrocities with impunity, violating the core principles of the responsibility to protect.  Noting that the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court applied in 2024 for an arrest warrant against Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, he said a swift decision is vital.  He also called for the issuance of the arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing “to save lives and protect the people of Myanmar from the military junta’s further heinous crimes”.  The Security Council must act decisively, he asserted, noting that a follow-up to resolution 2669 (2022) should include monitoring and enforcement.

    Noting that the application of the responsibility to protect principle “remains uneven”, Burundi’s delegate emphasized that it “cannot be selective on the basis of temporal or material considerations”.  Drawing attention to the 1972 genocide committed against the Hutu ethnic group, he said that, during this “massacre of terrible proportions”, which occurred between April and July 1972, hundreds of thousands of Burundians of the Hutu ethnic group were hunted down, arrested, executed without trial and very often buried in mass graves.

    “This has a name in international law:  genocide,” he said.  And while Burundi’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission officially described the events of 1972 as such, identifying over 4,000 potential mass graves and collecting thousands of witness testimonies, “no international body has recognized this crime as such”.  Citing this silence as “a form of abandoning innocent victims whose souls need to be put to rest”, he underscored that “the responsibility to protect is not a slogan”, but a “legal, moral and political commitment”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Concluding Second Resumed Session, Fifth Committee Approves Budget Covering Peacekeeping Missions, Service Centres, Headquarters Support Staff

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today approved a budget of nearly $5.4 billion to cover the financing needs of about a dozen peacekeeping missions, two service centres and support staff at Headquarters from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.  As it wrapped up its second resumed session, the Committee sent to the General Assembly 19 resolutions and 1 decision.  All but one of these texts were adopted without a vote.  The exception dealt with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its financing document (document A/C.5/79/L.36/Rev.1), which the Committee approved by a recorded vote of 134 in favour, to 3 against (Argentina, Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Paraguay).

    That was after the Committee rejected, also by a recorded vote, an oral amendment proposed by Israel to delete four paragraphs referring to the shelling of a UNIFIL compound in Qana, Lebanon, by the Israeli forces on 18 April 1996.  The oral amendment was rejected by a vote of 5 in favour (Argentina, Canada, Paraguay, Israel, United States) to 70 against, with 53 abstentions.

    Chandramouli Ramanathan, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller, Management Strategy, Policy, thanked the delegates for finishing the session before the end of June and recognized their power of consensus as they find common ground three times a year to approve crucial resolutions that keep the Organization running.  Yet, as much as the world needs peacekeeping, the Committee needs to solve a financing problem that has been plaguing the United Nations for 80 years.  “The UN staff is progressively losing confidence in the entire budget process,” he said, referring to cash shortages that have led to severe spending and hiring restrictions.  The United Nations needs to find a compromise that allows the Organization to function effectively, he added.

    Fifth Committee Chair Egriselda Aracely González López (El Salvador) recognized the time, effort and dedication that delegates displayed in recent weeks as they worked through days, nights and weekends to achieve today’s results.  She noted the Committee’s unique working methods and thanked delegates for exercising the political will to achieve results.  The Committee’s work, on the eve of the Organization’s eightieth anniversary, helps establish policy and lets the Organization operate and carry out its mandates.

    In closing remarks, many delegates welcomed the adoption of the peacekeeping budgets for the 2025/26 financial year and the agreement to move forward with the Strategic Heritage Plan for the UN offices in Geneva.  Yet, many regretted that agreements were not reached on cross-cutting policy issues or on a mechanism to improve the Organization’s financial situation.

    The representative of Egypt, speaking on behalf of the African Group, expressed concern about the Committee’s inability to agree on a cross-cutting policy resolution, as well as the lack of agreement on mission-specific policy directives.  “Unfortunately, this year, the Committee has chosen to abandon its duty to provide overall guidance to missions as well as specific provisions based on their unique context and operational requirements,” he said.  This is an alarming regression that risks eroding the trust between host countries and the UN, he cautioned.

    The United Kingdom’s delegate echoed this sentiment and said her delegation was disappointed that the Committee iron out a solution to provide predictable financing for the Organization.  The representative of the United States said his delegation was pleased that the $5.38 billion peacekeeping budget for 2025/26, $110 million less than the Secretary-General’s proposal, ensured the core functions of international peacekeeping would be met.

    The representative of the European Union, speaking in its capacity as observer, stressed that the outcome of the budget approval can only be meaningful if all States pay their assessed contributions in full and on time.  She also noted the agreement reached to fund and maintain the full scope of the Strategic Heritage Plan in Geneva and the adoption of the report of the Board of Auditors.  However, “a non-constructive approach to negotiations by some delegations hampered our ability to reach meaningful compromises, resulting in skeletal resolutions on several agenda items”, she said.  For the fifth consecutive year, the Committee was unable to provide any guidance on the support account, the Global Service Centre and the Regional Service Centre.

    “Most disappointing was our handling of the financial situation agenda item, together with the liquidity aspects of closed peacekeeping operations,” she said, adding that the proposals on the table would have contributed meaningfully to the long-term financial health of the Organization.  The Fifth Committee’s strength lies in its ability to engage in dialogue collectively and constructively and reach decisions by consensus.  It is essential to begin substantive engagement earlier in the session because consensus requires sufficient time and space for meaningful dialogue, she said.

    Japan’s delegate agreed, stating:  “Unfortunately, we were unable to give the necessary guidance to the Secretariat in tackling the liquidity crisis.”  The Fifth Committee must work together with the Secretariat to resolve these outstanding fiscal challenges.

    The representative of Iraq, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, said the bloc was pleased to reach consensus on the Strategic Heritage Plan in Geneva, the Board of Auditors and peacekeeping mission budgets.  Yet, it was concerning that consensus could not be achieved on a plan to address the Organization’s recurring financial problems.

    As the second-largest contributor to the Organization’s budget, the representative of China said his delegation stands for the allocation of necessary resources to achieve its peacekeeping goals.  He hoped the Secretariat would cherish these resources as it works to maintain peace and security.  He noted that the Organization’s largest contributor remains in arrears and was the main cause of the liquidity crisis.

    Action on Draft Resolutions

    The Committee first approved the draft resolutions “Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors” (document A/C.5/79/L.51) and “Strategic heritage plan of the United Nations Office at Geneva” (document A/C.5/79/L.52).

    The Committee then approved draft resolution I, “Support account for peacekeeping operations” (document A/C.5/79/L.50); draft resolution II, “Financing of the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda” (document A/C.5/79/L.40); and draft resolution III, “Financing of the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda”(document A/C.5/79/L.39).

    The Committee then approved the draft “Financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei” (document A/C.5/79/L.41).

    The Committee the approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic” (document A/C.5/79/L.42).

    It then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus” (document A/C.5/79/L.43).

    The Committee then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo” (document A/C.5/79/L.44).  It then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo” (document A/C.5/79/L.45).

    The Committee then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali” (document A/C.5/79/L.38).

    Turning to “Financing of United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in the Middle East”, the Committee approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force” (document A/C.5/79/L.46).

    It then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan” (document A/C.5/79/L.47).

    The Committee then approved draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara” (document A/C.5/79/L.48).

    Next it approved the draft resolution “Financing of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur” (document A/C.5/79/L.37).

    It then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 1863 (2009)” (document A/C.5/79/L.49).

    The Committee then took notes of the Secretary-General contained in documents A/C.5/79/L.33 and A/C.5/79/L.34.

    Finally, it approved the draft decision “Questions deferred for future consideration” (document A/C.5/79/L.53).

    __________

    * The 37th Meeting was covered in Press Release GA/12685.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Concluding Second Resumed Session, Fifth Committee Approves Budget Covering Peacekeeping Missions, Service Centres, Headquarters Support Staff

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today approved a budget of nearly $5.4 billion to cover the financing needs of about a dozen peacekeeping missions, two service centres and support staff at Headquarters from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.  As it wrapped up its second resumed session, the Committee sent to the General Assembly 19 resolutions and 1 decision.  All but one of these texts were adopted without a vote.  The exception dealt with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its financing document (document A/C.5/79/L.36/Rev.1), which the Committee approved by a recorded vote of 134 in favour, to 3 against (Argentina, Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Paraguay).

    That was after the Committee rejected, also by a recorded vote, an oral amendment proposed by Israel to delete four paragraphs referring to the shelling of a UNIFIL compound in Qana, Lebanon, by the Israeli forces on 18 April 1996.  The oral amendment was rejected by a vote of 5 in favour (Argentina, Canada, Paraguay, Israel, United States) to 70 against, with 53 abstentions.

    Chandramouli Ramanathan, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller, Management Strategy, Policy, thanked the delegates for finishing the session before the end of June and recognized their power of consensus as they find common ground three times a year to approve crucial resolutions that keep the Organization running.  Yet, as much as the world needs peacekeeping, the Committee needs to solve a financing problem that has been plaguing the United Nations for 80 years.  “The UN staff is progressively losing confidence in the entire budget process,” he said, referring to cash shortages that have led to severe spending and hiring restrictions.  The United Nations needs to find a compromise that allows the Organization to function effectively, he added.

    Fifth Committee Chair Egriselda Aracely González López (El Salvador) recognized the time, effort and dedication that delegates displayed in recent weeks as they worked through days, nights and weekends to achieve today’s results.  She noted the Committee’s unique working methods and thanked delegates for exercising the political will to achieve results.  The Committee’s work, on the eve of the Organization’s eightieth anniversary, helps establish policy and lets the Organization operate and carry out its mandates.

    In closing remarks, many delegates welcomed the adoption of the peacekeeping budgets for the 2025/26 financial year and the agreement to move forward with the Strategic Heritage Plan for the UN offices in Geneva.  Yet, many regretted that agreements were not reached on cross-cutting policy issues or on a mechanism to improve the Organization’s financial situation.

    The representative of Egypt, speaking on behalf of the African Group, expressed concern about the Committee’s inability to agree on a cross-cutting policy resolution, as well as the lack of agreement on mission-specific policy directives.  “Unfortunately, this year, the Committee has chosen to abandon its duty to provide overall guidance to missions as well as specific provisions based on their unique context and operational requirements,” he said.  This is an alarming regression that risks eroding the trust between host countries and the UN, he cautioned.

    The United Kingdom’s delegate echoed this sentiment and said her delegation was disappointed that the Committee iron out a solution to provide predictable financing for the Organization.  The representative of the United States said his delegation was pleased that the $5.38 billion peacekeeping budget for 2025/26, $110 million less than the Secretary-General’s proposal, ensured the core functions of international peacekeeping would be met.

    The representative of the European Union, speaking in its capacity as observer, stressed that the outcome of the budget approval can only be meaningful if all States pay their assessed contributions in full and on time.  She also noted the agreement reached to fund and maintain the full scope of the Strategic Heritage Plan in Geneva and the adoption of the report of the Board of Auditors.  However, “a non-constructive approach to negotiations by some delegations hampered our ability to reach meaningful compromises, resulting in skeletal resolutions on several agenda items”, she said.  For the fifth consecutive year, the Committee was unable to provide any guidance on the support account, the Global Service Centre and the Regional Service Centre.

    “Most disappointing was our handling of the financial situation agenda item, together with the liquidity aspects of closed peacekeeping operations,” she said, adding that the proposals on the table would have contributed meaningfully to the long-term financial health of the Organization.  The Fifth Committee’s strength lies in its ability to engage in dialogue collectively and constructively and reach decisions by consensus.  It is essential to begin substantive engagement earlier in the session because consensus requires sufficient time and space for meaningful dialogue, she said.

    Japan’s delegate agreed, stating:  “Unfortunately, we were unable to give the necessary guidance to the Secretariat in tackling the liquidity crisis.”  The Fifth Committee must work together with the Secretariat to resolve these outstanding fiscal challenges.

    The representative of Iraq, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, said the bloc was pleased to reach consensus on the Strategic Heritage Plan in Geneva, the Board of Auditors and peacekeeping mission budgets.  Yet, it was concerning that consensus could not be achieved on a plan to address the Organization’s recurring financial problems.

    As the second-largest contributor to the Organization’s budget, the representative of China said his delegation stands for the allocation of necessary resources to achieve its peacekeeping goals.  He hoped the Secretariat would cherish these resources as it works to maintain peace and security.  He noted that the Organization’s largest contributor remains in arrears and was the main cause of the liquidity crisis.

    Action on Draft Resolutions

    The Committee first approved the draft resolutions “Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors” (document A/C.5/79/L.51) and “Strategic heritage plan of the United Nations Office at Geneva” (document A/C.5/79/L.52).

    The Committee then approved draft resolution I, “Support account for peacekeeping operations” (document A/C.5/79/L.50); draft resolution II, “Financing of the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda” (document A/C.5/79/L.40); and draft resolution III, “Financing of the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda”(document A/C.5/79/L.39).

    The Committee then approved the draft “Financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei” (document A/C.5/79/L.41).

    The Committee the approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic” (document A/C.5/79/L.42).

    It then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus” (document A/C.5/79/L.43).

    The Committee then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo” (document A/C.5/79/L.44).  It then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo” (document A/C.5/79/L.45).

    The Committee then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali” (document A/C.5/79/L.38).

    Turning to “Financing of United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in the Middle East”, the Committee approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force” (document A/C.5/79/L.46).

    It then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan” (document A/C.5/79/L.47).

    The Committee then approved draft resolution “Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara” (document A/C.5/79/L.48).

    Next it approved the draft resolution “Financing of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur” (document A/C.5/79/L.37).

    It then approved the draft resolution “Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 1863 (2009)” (document A/C.5/79/L.49).

    The Committee then took notes of the Secretary-General contained in documents A/C.5/79/L.33 and A/C.5/79/L.34.

    Finally, it approved the draft decision “Questions deferred for future consideration” (document A/C.5/79/L.53).

    __________

    * The 37th Meeting was covered in Press Release GA/12685.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK UK Parliament marks Armed Forces Week

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Armed Forces personnel, Members and colleagues from across the House marked Armed Forces Week with a flag raising ceremony in New Palace Yard.

    The Armed Forces regulars, veterans and reservist community in Parliament is strong and this week I was proud to launch the Armed Forces Parliamentary Network – showcasing the role they play both in practicing, and protecting, democracy.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCcLrPSWEug

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: WTO General Council February 2025: UK Statements

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    WTO General Council February 2025: UK Statements

    Statements delivered by Simon Manley, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, 18 – 19 February 2025 at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.

    Item 2: Practical Steps to Enhance the Process for the Appointment of Officers to Certain WTO Bodies. Communication from Canada, Chile, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Singapore and Switzerland

    Thank you, Chair. The UK adds our congratulations to the new Chairs, and also extends our thanks to you, Chair, in particular, for your work in the General Council. Your leadership and tireless drive, which we can already see this morning, to take forward our work with both good humour and astute steering of the meetings has been hugely appreciated. On this item, the UK does support pragmatic initiatives that can help improve processes for all of us here at the WTO, so we are grateful to the countries who have put this forward. We do support reform by doing, and as this document says, this is reform by doing. It solves issues around the appointment of Chairs, which when they are delayed leads to gaps that effect all of us and the efficiency of the organization. It is practical steps that we should all be able to agree to and the UK supports it.

    Item 4: Incorporation of the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement

    Thank you, Chair. The UK is disappointed with the objections this morning to the incorporation of the E-commerce agreement as an annex 4 plurilateral. It is even more disappointing to see the failure to reach agreement on an investment facilitation and development on the previous item and I would just like to acknowledge the large number of very eloquent and well-reasoned interventions, especially from developing countries, on how they, like all WTO numbers, stand to benefit from the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA). Both the IFDA and E-commerce agreements are in the category of things the WTO can and should do now, and in good time, before MC14. Speakers this morning, especially from developing countries, have clearly set out the benefits which the E-commerce agreement offers. I’m just going to briefly recap a few. First, that this is the first set of global digital trade rules, in a sector which already by 2020 represented 25% of global trade worth almost 5 trillion USD; it has a key role in global economic growth. It is an agreement which not just increases digital trade and lowers trade barriers, it also enhances trust in an open digital environment. In all these ways it can unlock opportunities for businesses, jobs and their consumers all around the world. It is also an agreement that has been inclusive in its preparation. The vast majority of the 91 countries originally involved in the negotiation are developing countries. It is inclusive in its benefits as so many developing countries have set out. It is not just the delegations in this room who say all of these things, just in the last few weeks. For example, we heard directly from businesses at the World Economic Forum about the benefits of unleashing digital trade for MSMEs, in particular. Then, very importantly, my last point to support the implementation of the agreement includes a multi-avenue support package comprising implementation periods, technical assistance and capacity building.

    The UK is committed to continuing our support for various technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives, such as a Digital Access Programme. We are ready to work with all members on the E-commerce agreement to make progress and reach agreement swiftly, hopefully well in advance of MC14.

    Item 5: Report by the Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations Committee and Report by the Director General

    Thank you for your Report, in particular for reminding us of the measurable benefits traders have brought to economic growth and development and for your commitments driving forward all our work. The UK is ready to cooperate with all members to ensure meaningful progress across all the areas you mentioned in the run up to MC14, including things we can and should agree before MC14. We recognise that, as you said Director General, it is a challenging time for global trade. We are grateful for your efforts. As our Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security said in the UK parliament last week, the UK stands behind your exemplary leadership. We agreed that the WTO is a forum to listen and to discuss differences on trade with a review to resolving them; for calm responses and constructive dialogue as we look ahead to MC14.

    As we look ahead to MC14, we support the particular priority to deliver for development. For the UK this includes the things we can and should do before MC14. On the development benefits of IFDA and E-commerce, I refer to the points I and others, including so many developing countries, made this morning. On the fisheries subsidies agreements and, through them, realising SDG target 14.6, we hope both enter into force, and Fish One and adoption of Fish Two could be secured before the UN Ocean Summit in France in June. That these agreements are so close is actually a tribute to the hard work and readiness to listen with compromises by so many in this room. Completing that work will also help us form a clear pathway to MC14, including space to work on agriculture and other important areas already under discussion. On agriculture, our thanks also to outgoing Chair, Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy of Türkiye, for his work. Achieving a breakthrough on agriculture is more essential than ever. We cannot lose time, including to agree a new Chair, and then to work for successive MC14. Director General, thank you again for your leadership. We of course recognise the challenges. Trade is not always straightforward. The UK continues to support the WTO in the multilateral trading system; the benefits for trade for all of us, for growth, for development, are real. We are committed to working with you, with Members, to realise them. Thank you.

    Item 9: Follow-up to the WTO Off-Site Retreat on Trade as a Tool for Development and Way Forward. Request from Barbados and South Africa

    Thank you, Chair and the Secretariat for giving us a quick readout of the discussions. Already today we have heard several times about the importance of high ambition on development for MC14, and more widely, and the UK fully agrees. We would particularly like to thank South Africa and Barbados for bring in this discussion and helping to set out a path forward and welcome your particular collaboration when we think about what can be achieved. Development is cross cutting in so much of our work, and that is why, for the UK, the best way to maintain short-term momentum is with the early agreement on outcomes that are already in reach. That is why in earlier interventions today we have stressed the development benefits from early conclusion on investment facilitation for development, fisheries and E-commerce. We add to this, the development opportunities around LDC graduation and indeed the opportunities through new accessions to the WTO, that we will hear about tomorrow. Equally, to make a success of this we want to hear ideas, and we urge developing country members in particular to deliver their priority proposals as soon as possible, so that we really can work together to achieve progress in the timeframe of MC14.

    Finally, the UK is committed to wider initiatives supporting developing countries, working in partnerships, listening to needs, and with this in mind we note that as the only fund dedicated to LDC trade, the UK wants to ensure that the enhanced integrated framework continues to deliver impact for LDCs. We have just made available this year an additional £100,000 into the interim facility, which brings our total contribution to £1,000,000 and we hope this will help ensure continuity while the future of the fund is discussed. As Members are aware, we hope the EIF taskforce will make its recommendations very soon as a basis for further improvement, meeting the expectations of LDCs and donors. Thank you.

    Item 11: WTO Accessions: 2024 Annual Report by the Director General

    The UK is closely engaged in this work and supports prospective Members to secure the benefits of the global trading system by progressing their accessions. We particularly note the positive development impact of WTO accession and underline that we are keen to welcome more developing countries, particularly LDCs, to the WTO. We support the strategic focus for 2025 on the accession of Uzbekistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina who have made significant progress. The UK for example recently held constructive bilateral discussions with Uzbekistan to help advance the accession and we encourage all Members to work with Uzbekistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina to support their ambitions for early WTO accession. We also very much welcome Somalia’s first Working Party and Ethiopia’s renewed energy behind their accession as specific examples of LDC interest and with this in mind we would like to reconfirm the UK’s commitment to chairing the Working Party on the accession of Ethiopia, but are also grateful to the Deputy Director General for temporarily standing in the coming meeting. Finally, the UK is a provider of technical support in this area, and we note that the Enhanced Integrated Fund is open to LDCs post accession, so we encourage Timor Leste and Comoros to use the facility where it is helpful.

    Item 13: Stocktaking of Work on the Operationalization of paragraph 21 of the MC13 Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration. Communication from Pakistan

    Thank you, Chair. We will be brief, but we just wanted to add thanks to Pakistan for bringing this important issue back to the General Council’s attention. Unfortunately, if anything, it is becoming increasingly relevant and urgent, and the UK does see the role of trade in this area. We will publish a full statement but just to acknowledge, in particular, Pakistan’s proactivity and thinking of areas like services, financial services and trade debt and finance work to identify where, as a Membership, we can take things forward and we look forward to continuing to contribute.

    Item 14: WTO at 30. Statement by the Director General

    Thank you. I want to be short. We set out yesterday commitment to the WTO in the multilateral trading system and the opportunities we have at work to benefit all Members. Of course, that includes WTO reform by doing, and we set out our confidence in your leadership, Director General. Like Australia, we encourage further work on this proposal. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Humanitarians need safe, sustained and unhindered access to all those in need across Sudan: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Humanitarians need safe, sustained and unhindered access to all those in need across Sudan: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

    I will make three points.

    First, civilians, especially women and girls, are bearing the brunt of this devastating conflict. 

    They deserve action and accountability. 

    Last week, a hospital was attacked in West Kordofan, reportedly killing 40 civilians. 

    The Fact-Finding Mission recently highlighted increasing sexual and gender-based violence. 

    And the Secretary-General’s latest Children and Armed Conflict report documents appalling cases of abduction, recruitment and violence against children.

    Such violations need to be investigated, and perpetrators held accountable.

    The United Kingdom calls on both parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, in line with international law and the commitments they made at Jeddah.

    Second, Sudan is among the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and among the most dangerous environments for humanitarians. 

    Just this month, a UN convoy was attacked and five humanitarian workers tragically killed.

    In April, the United Kingdom co-hosted the London Sudan Conference, which raised over $1 billion in humanitarian funding. 

    But without access and security, aid cannot reach those whose lives depend on it.

    As the upcoming rainy season brings increased risk of famine and disease, humanitarians must urgently be given the space to operate.  

    So we support ASG Pobee’s calls for humanitarian pauses. Humanitarians need safe, sustained and unhindered access to all those in need across Sudan.

    We call on the parties to provide security guarantees for humanitarians, lift bureaucratic impediments and ensure these steps translate to real access improvements on the ground.

    Third, President, there is no military solution to this conflict.

    Parallel governing structures and unilateral changes to the constitution will only deepen this crisis. 

    Progress depends on respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

    We welcome continued efforts by the UN, the African Union and countries of the region to advance an inclusive political process. 

    We underline the importance of engaging with a broad spectrum of Sudanese actors, especially civilians.

    The UK will continue to support efforts towards a genuine, civilian-led transition that restores peace, protects Sudan’s sovereignty and lays the foundation for a democratic future. 

    We look forward to working constructively as a Council to achieve this goal.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –