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  • MIL-OSI Russia: New exhibition in Zaryadye Park will tell about Glazunov Academy

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On February 20, the Parking Gallery art space in Zaryadye Park will host the exhibition “Graduation. History. Glazunov Academy. Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. Two Epochs on Myasnitskaya.” It is dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Ilya Glazunov’s birth and continues Zaryadye Park’s flagship project “Graduation” — an unprecedented experience of representing the young generation of artists who work in different genres and directions: from historical painting and academic school to conceptual installations and new media. In addition to the annual exhibition of graduates’ works, Zaryadye is presenting an exposition about the history of one of the country’s leading art schools for the second time. The first was the exhibition dedicated to the Moscow State Academic Art Institute named after V.I. Surikov, which took place in 2024.

    The modern and technological art space “Parking Gallery” will become an allusion to the Yushkov House – an old mansion on the corner of Myasnitskaya Street and Bobrov Lane – an architectural monument, the authorship of which is attributed to one of the outstanding masters of the 18th century Vasily Bazhenov. The exhibition will show two significant periods in the history of the building – from the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture to the creation of the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Ilya Glazunov based on the traditions of the past.

    The Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture (1843–1918) was one of the leading centers of art education in pre-revolutionary Russia. Its progressiveness consisted in a special approach to working with students and innovative methods of the pedagogical system. On the one hand, it adopted the best traditions of classical European art education from the Imperial Academy of Arts, on the other hand, it did not deny the national characteristics of Russian art, and was receptive to the latest trends in painting. Later, the school became the center for the formation of a unique phenomenon in Russian art of the mid-19th – early 20th centuries – the Moscow school of painting.

    The first section of the exhibition will feature works by famous teachers and graduates of the school, including works by Evgraf Sorokin, Illarion Pryanishnikov, Ivan Shishkin, Konstantin Korovin, Valentin Serov, and Boris Ioganson, whose student was Ilya Glazunov.

    After the revolution, the school ceased to exist, and in its place were created first the Higher Artistic and Technical Workshops, and then the Higher Artistic and Technical Institute, which was closed in 1930. In the following decades, the building repeatedly changed owners. In 1987, the academy created by the artist and public figure Ilya Glazunov was located here. In 1988, the university received its current name – the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, and since 2009 it has borne the name of its founder.

    Ilya Glazunov carried out a huge amount of work on the restoration of the Yushkov House and the return of this building to art. His son, the rector of the academy, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, candidate of art history, professor Ivan Glazunov, completed the scientific restoration of the facades, the current appearance of which corresponds to the original design of the house.

    Today, the Academy is one of the leading art universities in Russia. The building on Myasnitskaya Street houses the faculties of painting, architecture, sculpture, restoration, and art history. The scientific and pedagogical staff consists of dozens of masters of art and research staff.

    In the second part of the exhibition “Graduation. History. Glazunov Academy. Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Two Epochs on Myasnitskaya” you can see the works of Ilya Glazunov himself: paintings from the cycle “Kulikovo Field” from the collection of the Tula Museum Association, as well as sketches for famous works from the collection of the artist’s family. In addition, here will be placed the works of the successors of the artistic dynasty – Ivan and Olga Glazunov, as well as students of Ilya Glazunov Pavel Ryzhenko, Dmitry Slepushkin and Vladimir Shtein, graduates and teachers of the academy of different years Andrei Korobtsov, Mikhail Filippov, Yuri Savelyev and others.

    The exhibition will present for the first time paintings from a large-scale art project dedicated to the future thousandth anniversary of Kursk, which will be celebrated in 2032. The central idea is to understand the traditions and historical heritage of the Kursk land, its significance for Russian culture.

    A separate section is devoted to the restoration of icons and oil paintings – how the academy’s students, already in the process of studying, work with exhibits from museums in Moscow, Dmitrov, Kostroma and Pereslavl-Zalessky.

    The exhibition is attended by 25 museums from Russia, including the State Historical, Artistic and Literary Museum-Reserve “Abramtsevo”, the State Memorial Historical, Artistic and Natural Museum-Reserve of the artist Vasily Polenov, the State Museum-Reserve “Peterhof”, the State Research Museum of Architecture named after A.V. Shchusev, the Museum of V.A. Tropinin and Moscow Artists of His Time, and the Museum of Moscow.

    The exhibition is designed for visitors over six years old and will run until April 6.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149980073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Almost a hectare of undeveloped land in TiNAO will be brought into economic circulation

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In TiNAO, a land plot of almost one hectare, which was previously provided to an investor for the construction of a production and warehouse complex, will be brought into economic circulation. By a court decision, the city terminated the lease agreement with the entrepreneur, since he did not develop the site and did not begin construction. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “The capital provides investors with land for the implementation of various projects, taking into account the already existing development of the area and the needs of residents. The use of land with violations does not allow the development of the capital’s infrastructure and the creation of jobs. Thus, the city decided to terminate the lease agreement for a land plot of almost one hectare near the LMS settlement of the Voronovo district, this decision was supported by courts of several instances. Thanks to this, the land will be involved in economic turnover,” said Maxim Gaman.

    The land was provided for the construction of a production and warehouse complex about 10 years ago, but construction never began. Instead, the entrepreneur placed non-capital facilities on the site and operated them, violating the terms of the lease agreement.

    By involving land plots in economic circulation, the city creates conditions for business development and implementation of investment projects. As a result, the urban environment improves and jobs are created.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149982073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/11/2025 Blackburn, Ernst Bill Pursuing $200 Billion in COVID Fraud Advances

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) Complete COVID Collections Act to extend the life of the watchdog tasked with tracking down criminals who stole COVID relief designed for small businesses.

    “During the pandemic, small business owners in need of financial assistance were turned away because criminals, gang members, and drug traffickers stole money from the relief program,” said Senator Blackburn. “This legislation would help ensure we recoup every penny of funding that was wrongly awarded to criminals who gamed the system.”

    “I will not allow fraudsters to get away with stealing hundreds of billions of dollars from taxpayers,” said Senator Ernst. “We are going to recoup every cent and end the cycle in Washington of shrugging off a few billion here and a few hundred million there. That irresponsible mindset is why the federal government is more than $36 trillion in debt. I’m proud to lead this step forward to treat tax dollars like a family treats its budget instead of like a bottomless slush fund.”

    “Programs designed to provide relief to our small businesses were repeatedly taken advantage of, leaving small businesses hurting and taxpayers on the hook,” said Senator Young. “I’m glad to see this effort to recover taxpayer dollars and protect Americans from fraud and abuse pass out of committee. I look forward to voting for this bill on the Senate floor.”

    “Family-owned businesses in Utah played the rules and used COVID-19 relief funds as intended, but bad actors exploited the system and defrauded taxpayers,” said Senator Curtis. “By extending oversight authority over these programs, our legislation strengthens enforcement efforts and holds criminals accountable for stealing from the American people. I’m proud to see our bill pass out of the Small Business Committee.”

    BACKGROUND:

    • While SBA ran the relief programs on a “first come, first serve” basis, the money ran out quickly, and many qualifying businesses were turned away as felons, gang members, and drug traffickers raked in cash. Some swindlers uploaded pictures of Barbie dolls as photo identification on SBA loan applications that were approved.
    • One alleged fraudster took home $8 million while nearly 2,000 struggling restaurants in Iowa were left empty-handed. 

    • Senators Blackburn and Ernst led several of their Republican colleagues in introducing the bill after the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR) warned its authority was expiring and con artists would get away with stealing more than $200 billion.

    CO-SPONSORS: 

    • The bill is cosponsored by Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and John Curtis (R-Utah).

    Click here to view the bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Lebanon: UNHCR chief issues urgent aid appeal to stem humanitarian catastrophe

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The UN High Commissioner for Refugees called on Sunday for greater international support to stem the “humanitarian catastrophe” now engulfing Lebanon following a massive escalation in Israeli airstrikes and a “limited” ground invasion there targeting Hezbollah militants.

    According to the Lebanese health ministry over 2,000 Lebanese have been killed and nearly 10,000 wounded since the start of Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Gaza a year ago.

    Israel intensified its bombing campaign across the whole of Lebanon following the killing of Hezbollah’s leader last month, and Iran’s ballistic missile assault on Israeli cities, in a bid to allow some 60,000 Israelis to return to their homes in the north where rocket fire across the UN-patrolled Blue Line of separation has caused mass evacuations on both sides.

    UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi, who arrived in the capital Beirut on Saturday, said hundreds of thousands have been made destitute in recent days and appealed for an immediate ceasfire.

    Two weeks of deadly Israeli airstrikes have forced over a million people to flee their homes. Mr. Grandi visited Beirut to express his solidarity with Lebanon and to mobilize more support for all those affected, both Lebanese and refugees.

    © UNHCR

    UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visits Lebanon on a solidarity mission as humanitarian needs grow.

    Tragic toll

    The conflict ravaging the country is disrupting urgently required supply shipments, said UNHCR, calling for supply routes within and into Lebanon to be preserved, so the flow of relief items can continue.

    During his visit, Mr. Grandi met Prime Minister Najib Mikati and other senior officials, together with senior humanitarians, UNHCR staff, and displaced families.

    “I’ve witnessed today the tragic toll this war is taking on entire communities,” said Mr. Grandi.

    “International humanitarian law must be respected and cannot be ignored. Families have been left homeless, stranded in the open air with traumatized children unable to understand what’s happening. They all told me how desperate they are to feel safe, and for the airstrikes to stop so they can return to their towns and villages.”

    He said it was an “urgent moral imperative to help the people affected by this recent escalation. They should not pay the price for the abysmal failure to find political solutions and end this vicious cycle of violence. Now, in this hour of overwhelming need, the world must come to Lebanon’s aid.”

    With large numbers displaced within the country in just two weeks, government-run shelters are overwhelmed and UNHCR is working with humanitarian partners and the authorities to urgently find safe shelter for those forced to flee.

    UNHCR relief

    UNHCR is also providing people with essential relief items, cash assistance, shelter assistance, medical care and other support. But the international community must significantly increase funding in order for humanitarians to respond adequately, the agency said on Sunday.

    UNHCR has launched an appeal for $111 million to assist one million displaced people in Lebanon through the end of 2024, as part of a wider UN appeal for $425.7 million.

    Mr. Grandi’s visit to Lebanon included meeting displaced Syrian refugees in Beirut’s Nabaa neighbourhood.

    “I deeply appreciate Lebanon’s generosity in hosting so many refugees over the years – including those forced to flee Syria – despite the considerable challenges the country has faced. These refugees are now forced to flee again with scant resources and nowhere safe to go.”

    UNIFIL alert

    The UN peacekeeping mission that patrols the Blue Line and offers support to civilians in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, has expressed deep concern over military activity by the Israeli Defense Forces close to one of the mission’s positions inside Lebanese territory.

    UNIFIL has said all its Blue Helmets are remaining in place at observation points and bases along the line of separation in accordance with their UN mandate.

    “The IDF has been repeatedly informed of this ongoing situation through regular channels. This is an extremely dangerous development,” said UNIFIL in a tweet.

    “It is unacceptable to compromise the safety of UN peacekeepers carrying out their Security Council-mandated tasks.”

    UNIFIL reminded all combatants of their obligations to protect UN personnel and property.

    In an update on the situation facing Irish military personnel serving with UNIFIL, the Irish Defence Forces said in a post on X that despite the “tough conditions”, personnel remain steadfast in their determination and resilience to fulfill the mission.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Families ran for their lives’: Syria receives 250,000 refugees fleeing Lebanon

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Migrants and Refugees

    The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has concluded an urgent visit to Syria, highlighting the plight of 250,000 people who have crossed into the country fleeing airstrikes in Lebanon.  

    “Families I spoke with had run for their lives and have no idea what tomorrow may bring after an exhausting, dangerous journey to the border. They arrive with few means and in need of urgent relief,” UNHCR chief Mr. Grandi said, visiting the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing.  

    The exodus comes as the conflict between Israel and Lebanon escalates, forcing Lebanese refugees to seek safety across the border.

    The arrival of refugees in Syria adds another layer of complexity to an already strained humanitarian situation. The Syrian civil war which began in 2011 has resulted in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.

    The country continues to face significant challenges which the UN human rights office, OHCHR, warns is falling deeper into a humanitarian crisis that threatens to spiral out of control.

    Only a quarter of this year’s humanitarian needs in Syria have been funded, while needs are at their highest since the start of the conflict: 13 million Syrians face acute food insecurity and over 650,000 children show signs of stunting from severe malnutrition.

    Dangerous journey amid destruction

    With the main road between Lebanese and Syrian border posts destroyed by an airstrike, refugees are forced to make the journey on foot, with their children and whatever belongings they can carry.

    UNHCR – in collaboration with the Syrian Red Crescent, other UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), and NGOs – are providing immediate assistance at the border, including water, food items, and blankets. Teams are also supporting the new arrivals with legal assistance, documentation and advising them on administrative and other procedures.

    Calls for increased support

    Mr. Grandi emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that: “The new influx of people comes at a time when millions of Syrians are living in hardship and themselves need humanitarian assistance. We must scale up support for the new arrivals and the vulnerable host communities receiving them”. 

    The High Commissioner underlines the critical need to mobilise humanitarian aid and substantial resources for early recovery activities, as stipulated in Security Council Resolution.

    Emergency Appeal

    Earlier in Damascus, Mr. Grandi launched an inter-agency emergency appeal for $324 million to support all those fleeing into Syria and their host families over a six-month period.

    UNHCR is expanding its humanitarian programmes across Syria to address the needs of both new arrivals and host communities. The agency is also strengthening its legal support programmes.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Trailblazing women win top UNHCR award for life-changing work

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Migrants and Refugees

    Five trailblazing women – a nun, an activist, a social entrepreneur, a volunteer aid worker, and an advocate for ending statelessness – have been named the winners of this year’s UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award.

    This year’s global laureate for the UN refugee agency award, Sister Rosita Milesi, is a Brazilian nun, lawyer, social worker and movement builder who has championed the rights and dignity of people on the move for nearly 40 years. The four others have been named regional winners.

    “All too often, women face heightened risks of discrimination and violence, especially when forced to flee,” said UNHCR Filippo Grandi.

    “But these five winners show how women are also playing a critical role in the humanitarian response and in finding solutions,” he underscored.

    Mr. Grandi praised their dedication to driving action in their own communities, building grassroots support and even shaping national policies.

    Sister Rosita has personally assisted thousands who have either been forced from the homes or gone in search of new opportunities – helping them access legal documentation, shelter, food, healthcare, language training and access to the labour market in Brazil.

    As a lawyer, she has also been instrumental in shaping public policy, the refugee agency said. 

    Her work on Brazil’s 1997 refugee law, for example, helped to amplify refugee rights in line with the 1984 Cartagena Refugee Declaration, ensure that it does more to protect, include and empower people forced on the move within the Central America region, in line with international standards.

    Life of dedication

    “I decided to dedicate myself to migrants and refugees. I’m inspired by the growing need to help, to welcome, and to integrate refugees,” said Sister Rosita, aged 79.

    “I’m not afraid to act, even if we don’t achieve everything we want to. If I take something on, I will turn the world upside down to make it happen,” she added.

    Regional winners

    Maimouna Ba, the regional winner from Africa this year, is an activist from Burkina Faso. She has helped more than 100 displaced children return to the classroom and put over 400 displaced women on a path to financial independence.

    Meanwhile, Jin Davod, the winner from Europe, drew on her own experience as a Syrian refugee to build an online platform that has connected thousands of trauma survivors with licensed therapists providing free mental health support.

    Sudanese refugee Nada Fadol, the winner from the Middle East and North Africa region, has mobilized essential aid for hundreds of refugee families fleeing to Egypt in search of safety.

    Lastly, Deepti Gurung, the winner from the Asia-Pacific region, campaigned to reform Nepal’s citizenship laws after learning that her two daughters had become stateless – opening a path to citizenship for them and thousands more in similar straits.

    The people of Moldova will also receive honourable mention for acting as a beacon of humanity. Setting aside their own economic challenges, they rapidly transformed schools, community spaces and homes into sanctuaries for more than one million people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

    © UNHCR/Etinosa Yvonne

    UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award, 2024 Regional Winner for Africa, Maimouna Ba, from Burkina Faso.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: UNAMA concern over migrant deaths, ‘war tactics’ in the West Bank, UN political chief underscores support for Somalia

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Migrants and Refugees

    The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed its deep concern over disturbing reports that Iranian border police opened fire on a group of Afghan migrants, resulting in deaths and injuries. 

    The alleged attack occurred on 14 to 15 October in the Kala Gan border area of Iran’s Sistan Province near the Iran-Pakistan border. 

    The organisation Haalvsh, which focuses on Baloch rights in Iran, has claimed that up to 260 civilians may have been killed or wounded. However, these figures remain unconfirmed. 

    Afghanistan’s de facto authorities stated that an investigation into the incident has begun. UNAMA’s Human Rights Service is in contact with the DFA regarding the matter. 

    UNAMA has called for a “thorough and transparent investigation” into the reported attack. The mission emphasised that the  “rights, of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are protected by international law.”

    © UNICEF/Alaa Badarneh

    Families are being displaced from their homes in Jenin in the northern West Bank due to an escalation of violence.

    West Bank Palestinians facing deadly ‘war-like tactics’, warns OCHA

    Palestinians continue to face “war-like tactics” used against them by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said on Friday.

    According to OCHA, from 8 to 14 of October, Israeli forces in the West Bank killed nine Palestinians, including a child. Another 104 were injured, including nine youngsters. 

    “Israeli forces accused most of those fatalities of being involved in attacking Israelis,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke.

    The olive harvest which takes place during October and November and is “an economic lifeline for tens of thousands of Palestinian families in the West Bank” has also been targeted, Mr. Laerke warned, with hundreds of olive trees and saplings “vandalized, sawed off, or stolen”. 

    Killed picking olives

    “Yesterday, a Palestinian woman was reportedly killed while she was harvesting olives in Jenin. This follows 32 attacks by Israeli settlers this month on Palestinians engaged in the ongoing olive harvest happening right now.”

    The woman was with her family and other community members on land near the Wall separating Israel and the West Bank. 

    According to information gathered by the UN rights office, OHCHR, the harvesters were not posing any threat whatsoever when Israeli security forces fired multiple shots at them without prior warning.

    The arbitrary killing comes in the context of intensified, organized attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian harvesting teams to sabotage the olive harvest, along with use of force by Israeli security forces to block Palestiniansˈ access to their lands in an apparently arbitrary manner. 

    During the first week of the official Palestinian olive harvest season OHCHR recorded dozens of incidents of violence against Palestinian harvesters and disruption of access to olive groves.

    Among other alarming incidents, on 13 October, Palestinian landowners from Qusra, Nablus, found 115 of their trees cut down with a chainsaw after resisting harassment and threats by settlers and security forces to vacate their groves.

    Mr. Laerke said that although there has been settler violence for “a very long time, this year is extraordinary”.

    He noted that about 160,000 people have had their work permits for Israel cancelled, depriving families of livelihoods and income.

    Senior official underscores UN support for Somalia

    The UN political affairs chief concluded a two-day visit to Somalia on Friday where she reaffirmed the world body’s support for the country’s efforts towards peace- and state-building.

    Rosemary DiCarlo said the UN has been a longstanding partner to Somalia and remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Government and people.

    “Together, we aim to build on the commendable achievements and priorities agreed upon to address key development challenges facing the country – we stand ready to work alongside the Federal Government of Somalia to accomplish this,” she added.

    Achievements and transitions

    While in the capital, Mogadishu, Ms. DiCarlo met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and senior members of his team for wide-ranging discussions, in addition to meeting with representatives of civil society, international partners and the diplomatic community.

    In her meeting with the President, Ms. DiCarlo noted Somalia’s many achievements in the past year, including debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, the accession to the East African Community, and the lifting of the arms embargo.

    Looking forward, she offered her congratulations on Somalia taking up a seat on the UN Security Council starting next year. She also underscored the commitment of the UN to continue to support Somalia in the period ahead and to work closely on the proposed transition of the UN mission in the country, UNSOM.

    Ms. DiCarlo also met with Ambassador Mohammed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission for Somalia and Head of the AU Transition Mission there, ATMIS. 

    They discussed ATMIS’s upcoming transition to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) which begins in January. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Nigeria: UN agencies assist families affected by floods

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Humanitarian Aid

    UN agencies and their humanitarian partners are providing life-saving relief to families in Nigeria who lost their homes during recent flooding.

    Heavy rains have ravaged 30 of the country’s 36 states, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Tuesday.

    The Government has reported 269 deaths so far, while over a million people have been affected and more than 640,000 are now displaced.

    Major dam breach

    Nigeria is among a handful of West African countries that have been hit by torrential rains that have triggered devastating flooding, impacting millions across the region.

    The northeastern town of Maiduguri, capital of Borno state and a major humanitarian hub, is at the epicentre of the crisis there.  

    Rains caused a breach in nearby Alau Dam, causing severe flooding that has uprooted more than 400,000 people in recent days. 

    Half of Maiduguri has been submerged and most residents have lost everything. Many had already been displaced by conflict or the effects of climate change.

    Displaced once again

    The UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Arjun Jain, said the floods have compounded years of prior displacement, food insecurity and economic hardship, with disastrous consequences.

    “Communities which, after years of conflict and violence, had started rebuilding their lives were struck by the floods and once again displaced,” he told journalists attending the regular UN humanitarian briefing in Geneva.

    Assistance to families

    In response to the crisis, UNHCR and partners have been working tirelessly to support those affected. 

    Staff are providing tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and other essential items. Emergency cash assistance is also being given to single-parent families, people with disabilities and families with young children to help them purchase food and other necessities. 

    Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has set up food kitchens in four camps in Maiduguri, where families can get nutritious meals of rice and beans.

    WFP is ramping up support across West Africa, where torrential rains have unleashed catastrophic floods impacting over four million people in 14 countries.

    The agency is providing people in hard-hit areas in Chad, Liberia, Mali and Niger with emergency cash and food assistance.

    At the same time, WFP is calling for investments in early warning systems, disaster risk financing and other measures to help mitigate flood and climate risks.

    Urgent action required

    Back in Nigeria, UNHCR warned, however, that supplies there are quickly depleting meaning the agency can only meet less than 10 per cent of the urgent needs.

    “When the floodwaters finally recede, thousands of families will face the daunting task of returning to homes that have been destroyed. They will need significant support to rebuild homes, livelihoods, and a sense of normalcy,” said Mr. Jain.

    In the meantime, the UN and partners are collecting more data to help assess and address the overall needs.

    “But we cannot afford to wait,” he warned. “The urgency of this crisis requires immediate action and increased support for flood-affected families, in Maiduguri and elsewhere in Nigeria.”

    Mr. Jain said there are currently 3.6 million internally displaced people in Nigeria, mostly in the northeast, and the country hosts almost 100,000 asylum-seekers and refugees.

    UNHCR is seeking $107.1 million for operations there this year, but he said the appeal was just 28 per cent funded by the end of August.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB’s North American Representative Office Celebrates 30 Years of Partnership

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    SUPERS

    ADB logo
    Asian Development Bank
    North American Representative Office
    30 Years of Partnership

    Samuel Tumiwa, NARO Representative:

    [Music] The North American Representative Office was established 30 years ago, in 1995. Our main job is to maintain a strong relationship with the US government and the Canadian government. One of the things that’s become more and more important is that we also share with the people here in the US and Canada what we do in the developing countries in Asia and the Pacific.  

    Alain Borghijs, NARO Deputy Representative:

    It’s crucial that we work closely with our government partners because they guide us on their development policy priorities. I should also mention our close collaboration with other financial institutions based here in DC: the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Our corporate-level work here complements the on-the-ground collaboration that we have in the developing countries.  

    Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific):

    If I look at the US in particular, they have been a key architect of the broader MDB Evolution agenda, which is enabling us as an institution to up our game and provide more resources to these countries. When I look to Canada, I see critical intellectual leadership, particularly in providing us a course to follow on a gender-based strategy.  

    Roberta Casali, Vice-President (Finance and Risk Management):

    Thought leadership and important policy dialogues in the US and Canada have strengthened our innovative finance and balance sheet optimization solutions.  

    Yingming Yang, Vice-President (South, Central and West Asia):

    Both the US and Canada have worked to support telecommunication activities and small businesses. US and Canadian technology and innovation have been essential to our work in Asia and the Pacific.  

    Xinning Jia, Director General of Strategy, Policy, and Partnerships:

    The United States is a founding member of ADB and the co-largest shareholder, promoting excellence in ADB’s strategy and policy direction. Canada is a founding member of ADB, always promoting gender equality. Canada is supporting ADB’s climate finance through the Canadian Climate Fund for the private sector in Asia.  

    Suzanne Gaboury, Director General of Private Sector Operations:

    Both the US and Canada are great supporters of the private sector, which is really important for us. As a consequence, we have many Canadian clients and many US clients that come to visit us in the Philippines. It’s also really important that we come here to North America to visit them in their home countries. Last year, for every dollar that we invested, we mobilized another $2.7. I think that’s remarkable because we need to mobilize capital into the private markets and help capital market development. Part of our job is to be a financial intermediary in these markets.  

    Steve Goldfinch, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist:

    NARO provides an important link across ADB’s developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific and the governments of the US and Canada. Partners and organizations such as the World Bank and think tanks based here in DC make DC not only a center of development finance but also of development thinking. From the MDBs headquartered here to the think tanks and policy centers, NARO’s role is really that of a convener, broker, and connector. This is critical in serving ADB’s member countries.  

    Natasha Mooney, NARO Senior External Relations Officer:

    When I think about the theme of partnerships in line with the 30th anniversary, I see that as not just financial partnerships but also knowledge collaboration. We can do more in terms of coming together and convening power, bringing networks together, whether it be academia, civil society, government, private sector, or diaspora communities. I think there’s a lot that we can do in terms of the theme of partnerships, but again, really trying to drive progress on our shared goals within the region. The last 30 years have seen incredible innovation with partnerships between Canada, the US, and the ADB, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what the future holds. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: On the Edge of Food Security: Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture in Bhutan

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    To ensure Bhutan’s food security, it is essential to adopt strategies to increase farm productivity and decrease food loss in the supply chain. The study proposed three pilot solutions: (i) adoption of best practices to improve crop productivity, (ii) creation of modern greenhouse farms, and (iii) improvements in post-harvest management (Figure 2).

    Figure 2. Proposed Solutions for Food Security Challenges in Bhutan

    ICT = information and communication technology.
    Source: Author.

    Adoption of best practices to improve crop productivity

    Improving self-sufficiency through increased productivity of staple crops is a top priority. In particular, increasing the productivity of main crops, such as rice and potatoes, is critical.

    Rice is an important cereal in Bhutan and its availability directly impacts national food security and stability. However, rice production is continuously decreasing due to the reduction in cultivated areas, labor shortages, limited irrigation water, and climate change. To address this, an integrated approach is needed, involving the following:

    • farmland configuration (farmland consolidation and mechanization)
    • research and development on new seed variety and seed system development
    • promotion of mechanization and information and communication technology (ICT), such as use of drones for sowing, pesticide spraying, remote diagnosis of diseases
    • water-saving irrigation systems to ensure sustainable water management, mitigate drought risks, and improve crops
    • harvest and post-harvest management through effective and efficient implementation of harvesting techniques
    • establishment of proper storage facilities (e.g., warehouses and silos equipped with climate control systems to maintain grain quality and prevent pest infestations)

    It is also important to promote gender and youth capacity development through specialized training programs focused on gender-sensitive and youth-friendly agricultural practices.

    Potatoes are one of Bhutan’s cash crops, but production has suffered a significant drop due to the aging and declining quality of potato seeds. Mainstreaming disease-free potato seeds is essential because potato is a highly degenerated crop easily infected with virus. Immediate interventions should focus on the following:

    • improve agricultural practices (e.g., adequate irrigation, fertilization, and pest management)
    • intensify disease-free potato seed production systems and seed supply
    • introduce post-harvest management system
    • adoption of new varieties

    Creation of modern greenhouse farms

    The establishment of modern greenhouse farms are proposed to reduce dependency on imported vegetables. Traditional farming methods limit year-round production and hinder competitiveness, forcing the country to rely on imported vegetables during the winter season.

    Modern greenhouse farms—integrated with ICT—can produce and supply vegetables year-round and reduce import dependence. ICT, such as sensor systems, automated control systems, remote monitoring and control, fertilizer application systems, and weather forecasting would help monitor and control temperature, irrigation, and fertilizer application.

    Development of farm operational manuals customized to Bhutan’s conditions is also an innovative and systematic approach of knowledge transfer. While greenhouse infrastructures are being built, enhanced capacity development through trainings and workshops, collaboration with industry partners, technology providers, agricultural experts and study tours are crucial technical assistance components.

    Improvements in post-harvest management

    Effective post-harvest management is crucial to minimizing food loss and ensuring food supply. Food loss occurs due to inadequate management of the value chain, from crop harvesting to storage, processing, and packaging. To tackle these issues, several steps are necessary:

    • activation of an agricultural products processing center, which would play a key role in the efficient production and distribution of local crop production areas and post-harvest management. The center can supply foods that meet the needs of consumers, using facilities for pre-cooling, sorting, packaging, processing, storage, and carrying out shipping and distribution.
    • development of post-harvest management manuals for each crop to ensure a more aligned and systematic approach
    • commercialize customized products by route, grade, specification, and packaging materials to meet the needs of various consumers

    Sales and delivery management should also be enhanced through strategic marketing segmentation, expanded market channels (e.g., wholesale markets, large distributors, and exporters), and integrated value chain logistics (e.g., installation of cooling transportation facilities linked to cold storage to maintain marketability, unit load system, and traceability system).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is Elon Musk taking over the US government? Here’s how ‘state capture’ works – and why we should be concerned

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lee Morgenbesser, Associate Professor, School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University, Griffith University

    Many Americans have watched in horror as Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, has been permitted to tear through various offices of the United States government in recent weeks. Backed by President Donald Trump, and supported by a small team of true believers, he has successfully laid siege to America’s vast federal bureaucracy.

    On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order giving Musk even more power. It requires federal agencies to cooperate with his “Department of Government Efficiency” (known as DOGE) in cutting their staffing levels and restricting new hires.

    In his first comments to the media since joining the Trump administration as a “special” government employee, Musk also responded to criticism that he’s launching a “hostile takeover” of the US government.

    The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what people are going to get.

    Are Musk’s actions akin to a “hostile takeover” of government, or a coup? I argue it’s more a form of “state capture”. Here’s what that means.

    Why it’s not a coup or self-coup

    Under the pretence of maximising government efficiency and productivity, DOGE has amassed quite a bit of power. It has:

    Musk’s blitzkrieg across Washington – carried out in apparent violation of numerous federal laws – has not only stirred confusion, but defied explanation.

    A popular argument, supported by some historians and commentators, is that Musk’s actions amount to a coup. They argue this is not a coup in the classic sense of a takeover of the physical centres of power. Rather, it’s a seizure of digital infrastructure by an unelected group seeking to undo democratic practices and violate human rights.

    This term, however, is not technically correct. The most widely accepted definition of a coup is:

    an overt attempt by the military or other elites within the state apparatus to unseat the sitting head of state using unconstitutional means.

    Since Musk and Trump are bedfellows in this plot, the tech billionaire is clearly not trying to violently unseat the president.

    Another possible explanation: this is a self-coup. This describes a situation in which

    the sitting national leader takes decisive illegitimate action against countervailing institutions and elites to perpetuate the incumbent’s power.

    In December, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted a self-coup when he declared martial law in order to ostensibly protect the country from opposition forces. He quickly reversed his decision amid elite defections and mass public demonstrations.

    Though self-coups are becoming more common, Musk is doing the dirty work in the US – not Trump. Also, Musk’s chief target – the bureaucracy – does not nominally offset presidential power (except in conspiracy theories).

    What is ‘state capture’?

    More accurately, Musk’s siege amounts to a form of “state capture”. This refers to:

    the appropriation of state resources by political actors for their own ends: either private or political.

    By this logic, Musk’s aim could be to capture different pieces of the US government and turn the state into a tool for wealth extraction.

    State capture is a relatively simple but extremely destructive process. This is how it has played out in countries like Indonesia, Hungary, Nigeria, Russia, Sri Lanka and South Africa (Musk’s birthplace):

    First, political and corporate elites gain control of formal institutions, information systems and bureaucratic policy-making processes.

    Then, they use this power to apply rules selectively, make biased decisions and allocate resources based on private interests (rather than the public good).

    In captured states, strongman leaders often use economic policy and regulatory decisions to reward their political friends. For instance, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Russian President Vladimir Putin and former South African President Jacob Zuma have helped their allies by:

    • making government anti-trust decisions
    • issuing permits and licenses
    • awarding government contracts and concessions
    • waiving regulations or tariffs
    • conferring tax exempt status.

    State capture is fundamentally a predatory process.

    By taking over how the American government does business, Musk could be seeking to enrich a small but powerful network of allies.

    The first beneficiary would be Trump, who is no stranger to using his office to expand his family’s business empire. With a more fully captured state, Trump can take an active role in determining how public wealth is dispersed among corporate and political elites. This decision-making power often goes hand-in-hand with “personalist” regimes, in which everything is a transaction with the leader.

    The second beneficiary would be Musk himself and other Silicon Valley mega-billionaires who have bent a knee to Trump. By positioning their tech companies as the solution to what allegedly ails the federal government, particularly when it comes to the use of artificial intelligence, they stand to secure lucrative contracts handed out by the “new” state.

    The third beneficiary would be the small army of engineers and technicians working with Musk to upend the American government. As loyal foot soldiers, these individuals will be compensated with career advancement, financial gains and networking opportunities, while also enjoying legal impunity. This kind of quid pro quo is how authoritarian regimes work.

    What this could mean for the US

    As Musk continues his assault on the federal bureaucracy, the American people will suffer the consequences.

    The most immediate impact of state capture: worse decisions are made. By purging experienced civil servants, cancelling government contracts and accessing sensitive information systems, Musk’s actions will likely degrade the standard of living at home and endanger American lives abroad.

    State capture also means there would be less accountability for the Trump administration’s public policy decisions. With a lack of congressional and independent oversight, key decisions over the distribution of economic benefits could be made informally behind closed doors.

    Finally, state capture is inseparable from corruption. Doing business with the US federal government could soon require one to pass a loyalty test rather than a public interest test.

    Trump’s enemies will encounter more hurdles, while his allies will have a seat at the table.

    Lee Morgenbesser receives funding from the Australian Research Council (DP220103214). He is also a member of the Australian Labor Party.

    – ref. Is Elon Musk taking over the US government? Here’s how ‘state capture’ works – and why we should be concerned – https://theconversation.com/is-elon-musk-taking-over-the-us-government-heres-how-state-capture-works-and-why-we-should-be-concerned-249471

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan’s displaced have endured ‘unimaginable suffering, brutal atrocities’

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Migrants and Refugees

    Sudan’s displaced have endured “unimaginable suffering” in their search for shelter from the country’s ongoing war, UN humanitarians warned on Friday.

    Nineteen months since conflict erupted between rival militaries the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the transfer of power to civilian rule, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) expressed deep concern that more than three million people have now been forced to flee the country in search of safety.

    “It’s been over a year and a half of unimaginable suffering, brutal atrocities and widespread human rights violations,” said Dominique Hyde, UNHCR Director of External Relations. “Every day of every minute, thousands of lives are shattered by war and violence away from the world’s attention.”

    Speaking in Geneva after visiting displaced communities sheltering in neighbouring Chad, Ms. Hyde described Chad as “a sanctuary, a lifeline” for 700,000 war refugees.

    Unimaginable testimony

    “I spoke to people who watched while their families were murdered,” she said. “People are targeted on the basis of their ethnicity. Men and boys are killed and their bodies are burned. Women raped while fleeing. People told me over and over again how they remember the bodies they saw abandoned by the road as they were fleeing.”

    The UNHCR official explained that in the face of massive needs, the UN agency and partners had relocated more than 370,000 refugees in Chad “to six new-build settlements and 10 extensions of pre-existing settlements, all completed in record time. But tens of thousands of families are still waiting for that opportunity to start over”.

    Forgotten emergency

    The exodus from Sudan has put pressure on surrounding countries to provide assistance to all those in need of shelter and basic services.

    “Other countries neighbouring Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Central African Republic have gone above and beyond their means, not only providing safety for people to flee, but extending a chance to refugees to start rebuilding their lives while in exile,” the UNHCR official said.

    “Continuing bloodshed” in Sudan’s Darfurs and across the country has created the world’s worst civilian protection crisis in decades, but “the world is not paying any attention”, Ms. Hyde insisted.

    In October alone, some 60,000 Sudanese arrived in Chad following an escalation of fighting in Darfur and as floodwaters receded.

    The border town of Adre used to be home to 40,000 people, but it now hosts around 230,000 Sudanese refugees; many spend months in harsh conditions while waiting to be relocated inland.

    “The exodus from Sudan continues, reaching levels not seen since the beginning of the crisis,” explained Ms. Hyde. “People are arriving in desperate conditions, carrying nothing but memories of unimaginable violence they witnessed and survived – things no one should have to endure.”

    As UNHCR continues to register new arrivals in Chad, it reported that a full 71 per cent of suffered human rights violations in Sudan while fleeing.

    Of 180 people who fled the Darfur city of El Geneina towards Chad, all but 17 were “massacred”, Ms. Hyde said, recounting the testimony of one young woman who escaped. “Of the 17 that survived, all of the women were raped…six of the women who survived the rape committed suicide.”

    The $1.5 billion Refugee Response Plan for Sudan’s displaced which aims to assist 2.7 million people in five neighbouring countries is only 29 per cent funded. “Chad and its people…have been more than generous, more than welcoming,” Ms. Hyde said.

    “I heard over and over again that they felt one with the Sudanese community. But we need that support. We need support now.”

    Soundcloud

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNHCR amplifies voices of displaced on frontlines of climate change

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Climate and Environment

    UN refugee agency, UNHCR, on Thursday launched the Refugees for Climate Action initiative in a bid to mobilise the world’s forcibly displaced to join the fight against global warming. 

    Actor and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Theo James kicked the campaign off at the COP29 Climate Conference in Baku, alongside a group of eight displaced people with first-hand knowledge of how the climate crisis is impacting families.

    The actor has been lending his voice to UNHCR’s urgent call to address the impact of record rising temperatures on displaced communities.

    Passionate about climate activism, the refugees taking part in the initiative will be advocating for climate justice and demanding a voice in policy discussions.

    The Refugees for Climate Action group was initially convened in 2023 by UNHCR to create a space where refugees and displaced communities on the frontlines of climate change could share their unique experiences and knowledge.

    Theo James calls for more action

    Following a recent visit to Mauritania, Mr. James said he was committed to supporting their efforts. His own grandfather was a refugee who fled Europe for the safety of Syria during World War Two: “I’ve seen the profound injustice of the climate crisis on refugees, and the urgency is real,” he said.

    “Yet, I’ve also seen the resilience of those affected – refugees are finding solutions, and they must be heard”, he added, calling on leaders to put the displaced at the centre of the conversation.

    Refugee climate activists

    The network brings together refugees and displaced people from countries including Afghanistan, Yemen, Haiti, Bangladesh and Brazil, each with lived experiences of displacement interlinked with conflict and climate change, and who are already driving climate action initiatives in their communities.

    “We refugees are on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” said Najeeba Wazefadost, a member of the group and founder of the Asia Pacific Network for Refugees (APNOR) who empowers Afghan women through solar energy to support their businesses.

    “For us, climate change is not an abstract threat. It is a daily fight for survival, stability and dignity. We urge leaders to listen to our stories and to take decisive action that includes us, supports our resilience and empowers refugee-led solutions”, added Ms. Wazefadost, who fled Afghanistan in 2000.

    © UNHCR/Markel Redondo

    Najeeba Wazefadost, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Pacific Network of Refugees.

    Impacts or war and climate emergency

    Other members of the group include Mohammed Anowar, a Rohingya refugee based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, who trains fellow refugees on flood resilience; Eman Al-Hamali, an internally displaced woman from Yemen, who leads a solar microgrid project providing affordable energy to vulnerable households in her community; and Ermano Prévoir, from Haiti, now living in Brazil, who is an agronomist looking at sustainable farming techniques to improve food security.

    “As refugees and displaced people, we have intimately witnessed the profound impacts of war on our lives and communities – and now a global climate emergency,” said Opira Bosco Okot, a refugee climate activist living in Uganda, who uses communication technologies to advocate for refugee access to climate policy discussions.

    In its first ever climate report released on Tuesday, UNHCR said three out of four forcibly displaced people worldwide – 90 million out of 120 million – lived in countries exposed to high to extreme climate change impacts.

    UNHCR commitment

    The initiative embodies UNHCR’s commitment to place displaced communities at the centre of climate action. The group will serve as a consultative body on climate issues, contribute to key global and local climate events, and work to ensure that the voices and perspectives of refugees and displaced people are integrated into UNHCR’s work and international climate discussions.

    UNHCR provides members of the group with opportunities for training and capacity building, helping them sharpen their advocacy skills and expand their influence in key climate events such as COP29.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNHCR launches $10 billion appeal to address global refugee crisis in 2025

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Migrants and Refugees

    The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has launched a $10 billion appeal for 2025 to meet critical needs and implement sustainable solutions for millions of refugees, displaced persons and stateless people worldwide.

    Announced earlier this week, the agency’s Global Appeal comes amid escalating humanitarian crises, as conflict, persecution and the growing impacts of climate change continue to force millions from their homes.

    “We live in an era of relentless emergencies. Of crises without end,” High Commissioner Filippo Grandi said, emphasising the scale of the challenges in a foreword accompanying the appeal.

    He highlighted recent and ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and Lebanon, which have driven massive displacement, while also noting the protracted nature of many refugee situations, including those involving displaced populations from Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    Fully funded, the appeal aims to support more than 139 million refugees and other vulnerable groups in some 136 countries and territories.

    Three primary areas

    The appeal focuses on three primary areas: emergency response, inclusion, and long-term solutions.

    UNHCR remains committed to its frontline role in emergencies, providing life-saving aid to displaced individuals, Mr. Grandi said, adding: “When conflict breaks out, UNHCR is among the first to respond.”

    The appeal also goes beyond immediate assistance, calling for sustainable approaches that integrate displaced individuals into local and national systems.

    UNHCR aims to work with governments, civil society and development actors to promote inclusion in education, healthcare, and employment.

    Numbers breakdown

    Of the 139.3 million targeted beneficiaries, 34 million (24 per cent) are refugees, 68 million (48 per cent) internally displaced, 12 million are returnees, and about 4.5 million are stateless people under the agency’s mandate.

    Around $2.1 is required for UNHCR programmes in Middle East and North Africa, $1.2 billion in Europe, $957 million in Asia and the Pacific, and $815 million in the Americas.

    Across the African continent, $2.1 billion is needed in East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes, $1.2 billion in West and Central Africa and $451 million in Southern Africa.

    Worries for Asia and the Pacific

    UNHCR anticipates that the Asia-Pacific region in 2025 could face increased displacement due to conflict, persecution, climate change impacts and yet more disasters. It projects a rise in the complexity and scale of emergencies, compounded by diminishing donor support, which threatens to fall short of escalating needs.

    In response UNHCR will focus on fulfilling the pledges from the Global Refugee Forum, including more than 60 commitments from States to strengthen protections and find solutions for Afghan refugees and stateless Rohingya populations.

    Afghanistan remains the top country of origin for the region’s displaced, where over nine million forcibly displaced are located. Neighbouring nations Iran and Pakistan bear the brunt, sheltering 3.9 million and 2.4 million Afghan refugees respectively.

    Similarly, Bangladesh continues to host over one million stateless Rohingya driven from their homes in neighbouring Myanmar over several years.

    Other regional overviews can be found by clicking here: Americas, East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes,  Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Southern Africa, and West and Central Africa.

    © UNICEF/Maria Spiridonova

    Driven from their homes in Myanmar, over a million Rohingya refugees have sought refuge in Bangladesh.

    Working together

    Mr. Grandi also highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration, reiterating that addressing forced displacement requires a united global effort.

    “We do not work alone. Reaching those in need – both displaced people and their hosts – requires partnerships with governments, local actors, academia, and the private sector.”

    UNHCR plans to build on the progress made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, where thousands of pledges were made to support displaced populations.

    A key focus for 2025 will be turning these promises into tangible action, supported by technical expertise and funding from the international community.

    Unpredictable times

    Mr. Grandi also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of global crises, expressing confidence in UNHCR’s readiness.

    “Our determination and experience enable us to face the future – as uncertain as it may be – with conviction,” he said.

    With forced displacement reaching record levels, he stressed the importance of global solidarity, urging governments, donors, and the private sector to contribute to the $10 billion target.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Major milestone’ on solutions to internal displacement: Top adviser

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Migrants and Refugees

    There have been significant advances in addressing the worldwide internal displacement crisis, but urgent action is still needed as numbers continue to rise, topping 76 million people worldwide, the top UN official on the issue said on Wednesday.

    UN Special Adviser on Solutions to Internal Displacement Robert Piper was delivering his final press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York before concluding his mandate.

    “There are around 76 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in the world today, 76 million people who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their assets, their community because of wars, because of disasters, because of criminal violence,” he told correspondents.

    Internally displaced people are “relatively invisible despite their numbers, unlike refugees and migrants,” Mr. Piper emphasised. Their numbers have doubled in the last ten years.

    “Tens of millions of displaced people do not get home quickly, especially when they’ve been displaced by conflict,” Mr Piper emphasised, adding that “they get stuck in displacement”.

    ‘Major milestone’ in investments

    The Secretary-General commissioned a high-level panel to advise him in 2021, focusing on this growing pattern of protracted displacement. To fix this issue, the panel insisted that only national governments can provide long term fixes.

    “The right kind of investments, more development, more capacity building, less substitution, less short-term fixes,” said Mr. Piper.

    In a positive development, governments have demonstrated increased commitment to addressing the crisis, he continued.

    Iraq, Libya, Columbia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Somalia have collectively pledged to help over 11.5 million internally displaced persons find solutions. Some countries have backed these commitments with substantial funding – Iraq and Libya will fully fund their solutions processes, while Columbia is committing approximately $1 billion annually.

    Reaping the rewards

    “We are starting to see the results when governments take that responsibility seriously,” the Special advisor noted, pointing to recent initiatives such as Somalia’s commitment of $140 million for land purchases to facilitate displaced people’s integration.

    In Nigeria’s northeastern states, governances have allocated specific portions of their revenue to address displacement, with the Governor of Borno state, committing 15 per cent of revenue for the next five years to this cause.

    New laws and policies on internal displacement have been implemented in various countries – from Chad to Nigeria to the Philippines – demonstrating growing national ownership of the issue.

    Challenges amid rising numbers

    Despite progress, significant issues remain. The number of IDPs has doubled in just a decade with approximately 20 million new IDPs joining the long-term displaced since 2019.

    The Special Adviser also highlighted specific areas where solutions cannot currently be implemented: “We cannot apply our model in Myanmar at the moment, for example, or in Gaza, where 85 percent of the population has been deliberately, repeatedly displaced by Israeli government acts”.

    Strengthened response

    Prevention tools need strengthening, particularly in light of climate change impacts and the need for better conflict prevention and disaster risk reduction.

    Mr Piper said new ideas were being put into motion to address internal displacement including a solutions fund, strengthened country teams and increased development and peacebuilding assets. International financial institutions have also stepped up their involvement, with both the World Bank and The African Development Bank introducing IDP solutions indicators into their corporate scorecards.

    The issue has gained increased visibility in international forums, including the climate COPs, the World Bank’s Fragility Forum, and the World Urban Forum. A group of 30-member states has formed to support these efforts, while Children’s Fund, UNICEF, and UN migration agency, IOM, have released new analyses on children and climate displacement.

    Return to normal

    Additionally, the humanitarian response remains robust, with UN operations reaching 50 million IDPs with assistance in 2023, while country-based pool funds assisted nearly 12 million displaced people.

    However, reflecting on his tenure and the path forward, the Special Advisor warned that “we need to get better at preventing new displacements. Our prevention tools are not up to task”.

    He concluded that “the core task is to keep saving lives, while we also help governments wherever possible, to build exit ramps for their displaced citizens back from crises to some sense of normality and stability”. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Yaz and Yasmin contraceptive pills will be cheaper from March. How are they different from other pills?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University

    Miriam Alonso/Pexels

    The oral contraceptive pills Yaz and Yasmin will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from March 1 2025, meaning Australian women will pay less for them.

    This listing follows advice from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, which recommended adding these pills to the PBS so women who find other contraceptive pills unsuitable have more options. These contraceptives also help manage acne and some other hormone-related conditions.

    So how do Yaz and Yasmin work? And how much will they cost once they’re on the PBS?

    What makes Yaz and Yasmin different?

    From March, a three-month box of Yaz or Yasmin will cost $31.60 (or $7.70 with a concession card).
    Nial Wheate

    Oral contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation – the release of an egg from the ovaries.

    They also thicken mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. And they thin the lining of the uterus, reducing the likelihood of implantation.

    Most combination oral contraceptive pills contain an oestrogen-based hormone (typically ethinylestradiol) and a progestogen hormone.

    Both Yaz and Yasmin contain ethinylestradiol and a synthetic progestogen, called drospirenone. They both contain 3 milligrams of drospirenone.

    They differ from each other in the amount of ethinylestradiol they contain. Yaz has 20 micrograms and Yasmin has 30 micrograms of the hormone. They also differ in the number of active and placebo pills a pack contains. Yaz has 24 active pills and 4 placebo pills while Yasmin has 21 active pills and 7 placebos.

    Both contraceptives are just as effective in preventing pregnancies as other oral contraceptives. The chance of getting pregnant while taking either medication is around 9%.

    In deciding which one is most suitable, a doctor will consider how their patient has responded to hormone treatment in the past and any other hormone-related conditions they have.

    Both Yaz and Yasmin have benefits beyond birth control. Drospirenone is thought to help reduce hormone-related acne and hirsutism (excessive facial hair growth).

    Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes intense mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability before menstruation. The hormonal stability provided by Yaz, with its short hormone-free interval, can help alleviate PMDD symptoms.

    Things to look out for if taking them

    All combined oral contraceptive pills have common side effects that women may experience, including nausea, vomiting, break-through bleeding, absent or missed periods, headaches, irritability and breast tenderness.

    There are some additional risks for the Yaz and Yasmin products. The drospirenone in the contraceptives has been associated with a slightly higher risk of blood clots when compared with other progestogens. The risk is low but may be higher in women who smoke, are over 35, or have other risk factors for clots.

    All contraceptive pills can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches and irritability.
    Mart Production/Pexels

    Drospirenone can also cause a build up of potassium in the blood. This is a particular risk for women with kidney problems, and for those who also take diuretics or blood pressure medications, which can also raise potassium levels.

    Elevated potassium can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness and an irregular heart rhythm.

    What’s changing? How much will they cost?

    These approvals are the first contraceptive pills to be added to the PBS in 30 years and are part of a larger package of women’s health measures the government announced on the weekend.

    The government will also provide incentives for doctors and nurses to bulk bill services for implanting long-term contraceptives such as IUDs (intrauterine devices).

    Currently, pharmacies advertise three-months’ supply of Yaz and Yasmin for around A$79 dollars ($316 per year).

    Come March, the price women will pay will drop to $31.60 per box, or $126.40 per year. Concession card holders will pay $7.70 per box, or $30.80 per year.

    But the price of Yaz and Yasmin will still be higher than other combined oral contraceptives (containing the hormones levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol) on the PBS, which start at $22 for a four-month supply or $66 per year.

    How can you switch?

    If you are considering Yaz or Yasmin, speak to your doctor. They will take your medical history and discuss your lifestyle and any other specific health needs.

    They will also explain the potential side effects to watch out for and any precautions you may need to take.

    If you proceed, your doctor will outline a process for transitioning to the new medication, including timing and where to start in the pill sequence.



    Read more:
    What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder? And how is it different to PMS?

    Nial Wheate in the past has received funding from the ACT Cancer Council, Tenovus Scotland, Medical Research Scotland, Scottish Crucible, and the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, a member of the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Nial is the chief scientific officer of Vaihea Skincare LLC, a director of SetDose Pty Ltd (a medical device company) and was previously a Standards Australia panel member for sunscreen agents. Nial regularly consults to industry on issues to do with medicine risk assessments, manufacturing, design, and testing.

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

    – ref. Yaz and Yasmin contraceptive pills will be cheaper from March. How are they different from other pills? – https://theconversation.com/yaz-and-yasmin-contraceptive-pills-will-be-cheaper-from-march-how-are-they-different-from-other-pills-249480

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Gaza ceasefire to end if hostages not returned by Saturday

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People welcome a released Palestinian prisoner in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that if the Israeli hostages held in Gaza were not returned by Saturday, the ceasefire with Hamas will be canceled, and Israel will resume “intensive fighting” in the war-torn enclave.

    In a video statement, Netanyahu said the move was unanimously approved by his Cabinet ministers during a four-hour meeting held in the afternoon.

    Under the decision, “if Hamas does not return our hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will resume intense fighting until Hamas is decisively defeated,” he said.

    All of Israel’s Cabinet ministers welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza takeover plan and his ceasefire ultimatum, the prime minister added.

    Netanyahu’s remarks came a day after Hamas announced that the handover of hostages scheduled for Saturday would be postponed until further notice.

    On Monday, Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said in a statement that during the past three weeks, the resistance leadership had monitored Israel’s failures to abide by the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

    Accordingly, the handover of the hostages will be postponed until further notice and until Israel ensures adherence to the deal and compensates for the past weeks retroactively, Obeida noted. “We affirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement as long as the occupation commits to them.”

    In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday in a statement that Hamas’ announcement is “a complete violation of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.”

    Katz said he had ordered the IDF to “prepare at the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and to defend the communities near the enclave.”

    The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it would increase its forces near the Gaza Strip and call up reservists after the Israeli Cabinet decided to cancel the ceasefire with Hamas if the Israeli hostages were not returned by Saturday.

    A military spokesperson confirmed in a statement, “It was decided to reinforce the area with additional troops, including reservists.” The spokesperson emphasized that this decision was made “in accordance with the situational assessment.”

    The spokesperson further explained, “The reinforcements and mobilization of reservists are being implemented to prepare for various scenarios.”

    Trump also issued an ultimatum to Hamas on Monday, saying if all Israeli hostages were not released from Gaza by noon on Saturday, he would propose canceling the ceasefire agreement and letting “all hell break loose.”

    These developments came after an Israeli delegation returned from Qatar, where indirect talks were held regarding the next phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and amid continuous regional and international outcry against Trump’s and Netanyahu’s remarks made recently concerning Gaza.

    On Feb. 4, Trump announced a controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians from the enclave during a joint press conference with Netanyahu in Washington.

    Two days later, Netanyahu suggested during an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 that “Saudis can establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have plenty of land there.”

    On Monday, when being asked in an interview with Fox News if the Palestinians now residing in Gaza, who under Trump’s proposal will face forced displacement to make way for the rebuilding of the enclave, would “have the right to return,” Trump said, “No, they wouldn’t.”

    Reacting to Trump’s and Netanyahu’s remarks, many countries have voiced their rejection of displacing Palestinians from their homeland and their support for the two-state solution.

    Under the current ceasefire, which took effect on Jan. 19 after 15 months of war, 21 hostages — 16 Israelis and five Thais — were released from Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees freed from Israeli jails. During the first phase of the agreement, which spans six weeks, 33 Israeli hostages and about 2,000 Palestinian detainees are expected to be released.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Rights of Palestinians to Self-Determination

    Source: ASEAN

    We reaffirm our longstanding support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the rights to self-determination, and to their homeland. We call on the international community to ensure respect for international law, international humanitarian and human rights law.We urge all parties concerned to engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve a comprehensive and peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict based on the two-State solution in accordance with international law and the relevant UNSC and UNGA resolutions, including UNGA resolution A/RES/ES-10/23 on the Admission of New Members to the UN dated 10 May 2024 which we all voted in favour.

    Download the full statement here.
    The post ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Rights of Palestinians to Self-Determination appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Financial Accounts Workshop

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Provisional Timetable PDF PDF
    Session 1. New Recommendations in the 2025 SNA pertaining to financial accounts    
    Session 1: Video recording Link Link
    Recommendations in the 2025 SNA pertaining to the financial accounts (IMF) PDF PDF
    Session 2. Use of financial accounts for analytical purposes    
    Session 2: Video recording Link Link
    Use of Financial Account Balance Sheet in the EU (Eurostat) PDF PDF
    Use  of Financial Accounts for Analytical Purposes (Central Bank of The Republic of Türkiye) PDF PDF
    Use of financial accounts for analytical purposes. Private Sector Debt with a focus on NFCs (National Bank of Belgium) PDF PDF
    Session 3. Issues related to non-financial corporations    
    Session 3: Video recording link link
    Analyzing Non-Financial Corporation Using Institutional Sector Accounts (IMF) PDF PDF
    Financial Accounts in Armenia (Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia) PDF PDF
    Compilation of Financial Accounts for Non-Financial Corporations (Central Bank of The Republic of Türkiye) PDF PDF
    Compilation and Utilisation of the Financial Account of the Non-financial Corporations (NFC) Sector: Experience, Challenges, and Opportunities (Bank Indonesia) PDF PDF
    Non-financial corporations: compilation process in the Belgian financial accounts matrix (National Bank of Belgium) PDF PDF
    Non-financial Corporations (Statistics Iceland) PDF PDF
    Session 4. Issues related to household sector    
    Session 4: Video recording link link
    Household Sectors Issues Using Institutional Sector Accounts (IMF) PDF PDF
       Exercise 1 XLSX, PDF XLSX, PDF
       Exercise 1 – Solution XLSX XLSX
       Exercise 2 XLSX, PDF XLSX, PDF
       Exercise 2 – Solution XLSX XLSX
    The household sector (Statistics Iceland) PDF PDF
    Recording Crypto Assets in Macroeconomic Statistics (IMF) PDF PDF
       F.18 The Recording of Crypto Assets in Macroeconomic Statistics PDF PDF
    Challenges with Cryptocurrencies in Georgia (National Statistics Office of Georgia) PDF PDF
    Foreign currency held by Households (National Bank of Moldova) PDF PDF
    Session 5. Issues related to financial instruments and specific transactions    
    Session 5: Video recording link link
    Financial instruments (ECB) PDF PDF
       Exercises on  Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) XLSX XLSX
       Exercises on  Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) – Solutions XLSX XLSX
    Statistical measurement of illicit financial flows (UNCTAD) PDF PDF
    Non-financial Corporations equity liabilities (National Bank of Moldova) PDF PDF
    Session 6. Who-to-whom, consistency and balancing    
    Session 6: Video recording link link
    Recommendations to improve the Vertical Consistency of EU Sector Accounts (ECB) PDF PDF
    Combining sources and balancing the accounts (ECB) PDF PDF
       Exercises on balancing XLSX XLSX
       Exercises on balancing – Solution XLSX XLSX
    Financial Accounts in Kyrgyzstan (National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic) PDF PDF
    From-whom-to-whom – practical solution for compiling FA statistics, NBRNM case (National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia) PDF PDF
    Who-to-whom, consistency and balancing (Statistics Iceland) PDF PDF
    Session 7. Conclusions and recommendations    
    Session 7: Video recording link link
    Conclusions and way forward PDF PDF

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Migrants Day, hunger in the Arab world, arbitrary arrests in South Sudan

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Migrants and Refugees

    Migration patterns continue to be shaped by conflicts, climate disasters, and economic pressures, with 2024 marking record levels of internal displacement, the UN reported on Wednesday, marking International Migrants Day.

    Tragically, the year also saw the highest death toll of migrants in transit.

    “These challenges are made worse by the rising tide of mis- and disinformation and hate speech which sows division and distorts the valuable contributions migrants are making each and every day,” said Secretary-General António Guterres.

    The potential of safe and well-managed migration remains clear, as migrants boost economies, address labour shortages in aging societies and drive innovation globally.

    The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration third report underscores the urgency of addressing migrant safety. Since 2014, nearly 70,000 migrants have died or gone missing, with the true numbers likely higher.

    The report calls for stronger international cooperation to prevent migrant deaths, enhance identification efforts, and support affected families.

    Meanwhile, the issue of migrant smuggling continues to pose severe risks. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), smugglers exploit barriers to legal migration, profiting from the desperation of those fleeing conflict or poverty.

    Ending migrant ‘smuggling’

    The UN Protocol against Smuggling of Migrants serves as the primary legal framework to combat this crime. Efforts by UNODC include supporting countries to implement the protocol, prosecute smugglers, and protect migrants’ rights.

    This year, two UN Committees stressed the urgent need to address the compounded challenges faced by migrants with disabilities, often overlooked by available policies and services.

    As migration remains a global reality, these initiatives emphasise the need for collective action to create pathways that prioritise safety and opportunity, the UN says.

    Hunger deepens in Arab region amid conflicts and economic struggle

    Hunger in the Arab region has intensified amid escalating crises in 2023, according to a new report released by the UN on Wednesday.

    The report, titled 2024 Near East and North Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, was launched by several UN agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

    It reveals that 66.1 million people, or approximately 14 percent of the Arab region’s population, faced hunger in 2023.

    Access to adequate food remains a significant challenge, with 186.5 million people experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity, an increase from the previous year. Alarmingly, 72.7 million people faced severe food insecurity.

    Conflict is identified as the primary driver of food insecurity and malnutrition in the region, the report says.

    Rising prices

    Economic challenges, high income inequalities, and climate extremes further exacerbate the situation. Rising food prices have also worsened the crisis, with undernourishment rates in conflict-affected countries soaring to 26.4 per cent, compared to 6.6 per cent in non-conflict areas.

    The report warns that food security and nutrition indicators are likely to deteriorate further due to ongoing conflicts and persistent droughts.

    Economic access to healthy diets remains a critical issue, affecting over one-third of the population. In 2022, 151.3 million people could not afford a healthy diet, with the highest rates in conflict-affected countries.

    The Arab region continues to suffer from the triple burden of malnutrition, including rising trends in obesity, wasting, and nutrient deficiencies. Despite some progress in reducing stunting rates, achieving nutrition targets remains a challenge.

    Adult obesity rates in the Arab States are also alarmingly high, the report warns, with a prevalence of 32.1 per cent in 2022, more than double the global rate. Upper-middle-income countries, particularly Egypt, Qatar, and Kuwait, have the highest rates of obesity.

    The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address food insecurity and malnutrition across the region.

    South Sudan: arbitrary arrests and detentions include 87 children

    South Sudanese women and girls who are refusing to accept an arranged marriage are among those being arrested and detained unlawfully, UN human rights investigators said on Wednesday.

    A new report from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNSMISS) found that a total of 1,140 civilians were arbitrarily arrested and detained between January 2023 and May this year; most were men, but that number also included at least 162 women and 87 children.

    In many cases their detention was on the orders of a customary court presided over by a traditional chief, for refusing an arranged marriage, seeking divorce, or for alleged adultery, the report’s authors said.

    Cash incentive

    Women and girls are often detained to compel the bride’s family to return her dowry to her future husband.

    Other detainees have included those with disabilities – who “have often been detained without having committed an offence – and political opposition members.”(?) End quote was missing, so I asumed it coes here.

    UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, appealed to the South Sudanese authorities to release all those held arbitrarily and to continue efforts to reform the country’s judicial system.

    Cause for concern

    “It is concerning that individuals have been arrested and detained – in many cases for alleged conduct that does not amount to criminal offences,” the UN rights chief said.

    The report’s authors highlighted how the rule of law remains “weak” in South Sudan where State institutions “have been weakened” amid ongoing targeted killings, conflict-related sexual violence that disproportionately affects women and girls, along with looting and movement restrictions.

    Most of the arrests were carried out by Government security agencies – the National Security Service, the National Prison Service and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.

    Other arrests were carried out by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army – In Opposition and the National Salvation Front armed groups, as well as on the orders of state and county officials.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNHCR urges greater support for people fleeing post-election violence in Mozambique

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Migrants and Refugees

    The UN refugee agency, UNHCR is deeply alarmed by the ongoing situation in Mozambique, where post-election unrest has forced thousands to flee their homes, including to seek safety in neighbouring countries. 

    The violence comes after the top court in Mozambique confirmed on 23 December that the ruling Frelimo party won the disputed presidential election held in October, sparking protests.

    The southern African country is also still recovering from the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido, which hit just weeks ago. 

    The current situation is hampering vital humanitarian efforts for communities who lost everything in the storm, while challenging the response to assist them.

    Fleeing to Malawi and Eswatini

    UNHCR and the Government of Malawi have identified around 2,000 people who crossed the border during the past week, while another 1,000 entered Eswatini.

    Among the new arrivals are refugees and asylum seekers of various nationalities who have been living in Mozambique, and the agency is raising concerns over the escalating displacement and its impact on t affected populations.

    Chansa Kapaya, UNHCR’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, said refugees and civilians are both facing immense risks, losing their livelihoods and relying on humanitarian assistance.

    “While we are grateful for the generosity of Malawi and Eswatini, immediate support is crucial to tackle the worsening crisis and prevent further suffering,” she said.

    Overcrowded shelters, insufficient food

    People who fled to Malawi reported that they escaped attacks and looting in their villages. Many walked long distances and crossed the Shire River on foot or by small boats. Among them are pregnant women, elderly persons and children who have had little to eat.

    UNHCR has provided tents, blankets and hygiene kits to assist the most vulnerable, but noted that significant humanitarian assistance gaps remain. 

    Shelters are overcrowded, sanitation facilities are inadequate, and access to food and clean water is insufficient, the agency said. Furthermore, over 1,000 people are sharing a single latrine at some sites, significantly increasing the risk of disease.

    Additional resources essential

    In Eswatini, many of the new arrivals report losing their shops and businesses due to the violence. 

    The Malindza refugee reception centre, originally designed for 250 people, is now housing over 1,000. UNHCR is collaborating with local authorities and partners to provide assistance, but said additional resources are urgently needed to sustain the response and prepare for more newcomers.

    The agency warned that the situation in both Malawi and Eswatini is becoming critical, with the rising number of refugees and asylum-seekers straining already overstretched resources. 

    While underlining its commitment to work with local authorities and partners, UNHCR urged the international community to provide support to host countries and affected populations. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Over 115,000 Syrians have returned home since end of Assad dictatorship

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Migrants and Refugees

    More than 115,000 people have reportedly returned to Syria from countries such as Türkiye, Jordan and Lebanon since 8 December – the fall of the Assad regime – the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Thursday. 

    The information is based on public statements by host countries, contacts with immigration services from inside Syria, and border monitoring by the agency and partners.

    UNHCR said the Turkish Minister of Interior reported that 35,113 Syrians have voluntarily returned home.

    Jordan returnees’ demographic shift

    For its part, Jordan noted that more than 22,000 people have entered Syria through its territory, 3,100 of whom were registered refugees.

    UNHCR teams noticed a shift in demographics of returnees from Jordan this week, with more women and children returning rather than men travelling alone. 

    “When interviewed, some families reported that the head of household would stay in Jordan for several more months in order to earn money that will support the family’s re-integration inside Syria before joining them,” the agency said.

    Displaced within Syria

    Approximately 664,000 people remain newly displaced across Syria, mainly in Idlib and Aleppo governorates. The majority, 75 per cent, are women and children.

    Moreover, nearly 486,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their areas of origin, mainly in Hama and Aleppo governorates.

    “Prevailing insecurity – including armed clashes, increased criminal activity, and unexploded ordnance – continues to present challenges for civilians and will likely influence the potential decision to return home faced by Syrians living outside the country,” UNHCR said.

    Figuring out needs

    The agency continues to engage with caretaker authorities, which includes a meeting held this past Sunday with the Governor’s Office in Dar’a to discuss humanitarian needs there.

    UNHCR also continues to visit active border crossings, monitor processes, and listen to Syrians crossing back into the country about their priorities and needs.

    Furthermore, rehabilitation of 200 partially damaged houses in Rural Damascus has resumed, with completion expected by the end of this month. 

    Core relief and winter items have also been distributed to returnee families in Damascus, Homs and Idlib governorates as well as to IDPs living in collective centres and unfinished buildings across Ar-Raqqa and Al-Hassakeh governorates.

    The view from Lebanon

    Meanwhile, the number of Syrians departing Lebanon through official border crossings remains “low but steady”.  

    These journeys are predominantly through the Masnaa crossing and include people who may be making short trips to assess the situation in Syria.

    Over the last 10 days, a maximum of 100 to 200 people have been in the no-man’s land area at any one time, UNHCR said, either being processed to enter Lebanon or going back into Syria. 

    A small number of families who were stranded over the New Year period were assisted by UNHCR and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) while waiting to be processed for entry.

    Iraq: Crossings from Kurdistan Region

    The movement of Syrians through the Peshkabour border crossing with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has also continued, reaching approximately 300 to 400 daily.

    Most of those making the crossing into Iraq are of Kurdish ethnicity and indicate that they are either coming to the Kurdistan Region temporarily for family visits or using it as a transit point – planning to return to Syria afterwards. 

    Over the past three weeks, 948 Syrians have permanently returned through official processes, and 105 were refugees registered with UNHCR.

    Seeking assistance in Egypt

    In Egypt, UNHCR continues to see a higher-than-average number of case closure requests from Syrian refugees. 

    Between 8 and 29 December, a total of 1,448 closure requests involving 2,695 individuals have been submitted, averaging 97 per working day compared to the November average of seven closure requests.

    UNHCR Egypt continues to provide counseling support to Syrians seeking information about the situation in their homeland.

    Of most concern is whether the agency can assist with repatriation support; whether fines for overstays and delayed residence permits can be waived upon exit; if returning to Syria is safe; and which routes should be avoided. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Dignity for migrants should be our guiding light, insists ‘Cabrini’ film star

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    By Daniel Johnson

    Migrants and Refugees

    ‘Cabrini’ film lead and Gomorrah star Cristiana Dell’Anna travelled to Geneva on Friday to highlight the age-old dangers confronting migrants – and the astonishing Italian missionary who travelled to New York City’s slums at the turn of the last century, determined to protect them.

    “Being from southern Italy, the migration issue is very close to my heart. Southern Italians have always emigrated throughout history, especially during the Second World War and I have in my family people who have emigrated and I am an emigrant myself,” Ms. Dell’Anna said, ahead of a special screening of her film at the Palace of Nations in the Swiss city.

    Inspired by the true story of Italian nun, Mother Francesca Cabrini, who Pope Leo XIII tasked with helping vulnerable migrants arriving in the United States at the turn of the last century, her gripping account offers an uncomfortable perspective on the discrimination and racism reserved for impoverished and dark-skinned Italian migrants yet to learn English in the already booming city – where Italian street children are denigrated as “monkeys”.

    Painfully accurate

    “It is very accurate – in fact, this one particular shot I’m thinking of, of some children, sitting on just by a little wall – it’s inspired by a picture that was taken during those times,” Ms. Dell’Anna said.

    “So, it is very accurate and everything you see in the movie’s actually happened at some point.”

    Despite serious lifelong sickness and with the help of other Italian nuns and volunteers in the notorious and often dangerous Five Points slum, Mother Cabrini took in orphans, fed, clothed and educated them.

    She was canonized for her work in 1946 – the first US citizen to be made a saint.

    “We’ve forgotten how to be inspired and I just think that Cabrini could very much aid that idea because it’s a true story, it’s a very compelling one,” Ms. Dell’Anna told UN News at the event, co-organized by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), the Permanent Mission of Italy and the Permanent Observer of the Holy See. 

    “And I just thought that starting a dialogue in that sense and being here, it could be a good starting point to maybe try and ground again certain ideas, or ideals and principles that should be our guidance through our daily life for everyone.”

    Trading places

    She added: “I often ask myself, ‘Where does the migrant stand today in a world where we – it’s easier to trade merchandise and it’s easy for things to travel around the world rather than human beings?’ We should probably reflect on these issues and understand where we place humankind compared to objects.”

    Latest UN estimates indicate that there are at least 281 million international migrants around the world, a number that has increased over the past five decades, with people continuing to move from their homelands driven by poverty, conflict and climate change.

    To accept the divisive and hateful rhetoric that this age-old phenomenon continues to generate is to forget our humanity, Ms. Dell’Anna maintains.

    “I think we should probably learn a lesson from this movie: migrants are not really doing well, especially in southern Italy, in the whole country, I’m afraid to say. The way we treat migrants has changed radically and they’ve become more of a threat rather than an integral part of society.”

    Dignified approach

    Thanks to a painstakingly researched backstory that covers the arc of Mother Cabrini’s life and campaigning work in rural northern Italy to her struggles against authority – and rank hostility in New York, Cabrini “gives us an opportunity – gave me an opportunity – to tell a little bit of what we went through when we were the ones migrating. Now, we are the ones actually denying the right of dignity, which in my opinion, is a universal right and should be recognized as such”, Ms. Dell’Anna explained.

    Asked what Mother Cabrini herself might have made of the film depicting her mission, with its sumptuous and at times soul-destroying cinematography, Ms. Dell’Anna replied confidently: “She would be really pleased that we are telling the story. Not because of her, but because of the other huge main character that is in the story, which is the migrant.

    “She’d be really pleased, because this is a very pertinent and contemporary issue…she was very pragmatic [so] she probably would say something like, ‘Press on.’”

    Soundcloud

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Holding the frontline against desertification

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    By Dan Dickinson in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Climate and Environment

    Some one billion people globally under the age of 25 live in regions where they depend on the land and natural resources for jobs and livelihoods, according to the UN, but their future is increasingly under threat due to desertification and land degradation.

    Across the world young and old are responding to this threat by adopting new approaches to working on the land that may not only prevent more degradation but may also provide new livelihood opportunities.

    The issue of desertification, drought and land restoration are being discussed at a global meeting of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which continues in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, until 13 December.

    UN News/Daniel Dickinson

    Communities in southern Madagascar are planting sisal to protect the land from erosion and degradation.

    Drawing a line in the sand in Madagascar

    In the south of the island of Madagascar off the east coast of Africa, productive land has been lost at an alarming pace to sand driven inland across farmland by powerful seasonal winds.

    The communities that live here are amongst the most vulnerable in Madagascar and as the sandy soils they farm become ever more degraded, they can no longer cultivate their land and their livelihoods are threatened.

    But now, with the support of the UN, communities have been growing sisal plants, which are resistant to severe conditions and well adapted to a more arid environment.

    When cultivated in grids, they can help to secure the topsoil and prevent further erosion.  This means fewer sandstorms and more opportunities to work the land.

    “Before on the land where we are standing there was nothing here, just sand. So, we could not grow our crops. But now, we have planted sisal which has been good for the village,” said Lydia Monique Anjarasoa.

    Listen to The Lid is On podcast from UN News to find out more about how communities are holding back the winds of change.

    © UNEP/Duncan Moore

    Thadiq National Park manager Abdullah Ibrahim Alissa surveys saplings at a tree nursery in a desert area of central Saudi Arabia.

    Regreening the desert in Saudi Arabia

    In Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Ibrahim Alissa described how the arid land he grew up on to the north of the country’s capital, Riyadh, deteriorated and suffered the effects of desertification.

    The land falls within the rocky Thadiq National Park, known for its sweeping valleys. As its current manager, Mr. Alissa took on a project to rehabilitate the 660-square-kilometre-park. This has involved planting 250,000 trees and one million shrubs as well as the construction of terraced dams to catch the area’s sparse rainwater.

    “Through afforestation projects, protection and care, the area has completely changed,” said Mr. Alissa.  

    Restoring Thadiq National Park is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider plan to re-green huge swathes of desert at home and abroad. The push is designed to tackle drought, desertification and land degradation, which are threatening countries across West Asia and North Africa.

    Three quarters of the arable land in the region is already degraded, and 60 per cent of the population is already experiencing water scarcity, a number set to increase by 2050.  

    Saudi Arabia has partnered with UNCCD to launch the G20 global land initiative, which aims to cut land degradation by 50 per cent by 2040.

    WFP/Pamela Gentile

    In Niger, 1.8 million people are benefitting from World Food Programme (WFP) integrated resilience initiatives..

    Harvesting hope in Niger

    Climate change, land degradation, soaring price and conflict have made the already challenging lives of farmers in the Sahel region of Africa even more precarious, but communities have come together, with the support of the World Food Programme’s (WFP) integrated resilience programme, to cultivate a better life.

    Foureyratou Saidou, a single mother of four and recent widow from the Tilaberi area of Niger, is one of around three million people in the region who have benefitted from the initiative, which promotes land rehabilitation, livelihood diversification, school meals, nutrition interventions and improved agricultural production and market access.

    “In this garden, we now grow and harvest onions, tomatoes, lettuce and other vegetables that we eat and that we can sell in the local market,” she said. “Before, we didn’t have much to live for. Now we do, and we don’t want to leave.”

    With better access to markets, Ms. Saidou is able to sell the food she does not consume at home and provide for her children.

    WFP/Souleymane Ag Anara

    An aerial view of WFP-supported community gardens in Niger’s Tillaberi region, which are part of a broader, multi-partner Sahel resilience initiative.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Six bold environmental leaders named 2024 Champions of the Earth

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Climate and Environment

    Brazil’s first-ever Minister of Indigenous Peoples and an initiative promoting sustainable agriculture in Egypt are among the six recipients of the 2024 Champions of the Earth award, announced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday. 

    The laureates were honoured for their outstanding leadership, brave actions and sustainable solutions to tackle land degradation, drought and desertification.

    Protecting people and the planet

    The Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour and recognizes trailblazers from the public and private sectors, civil society and academia who are at the forefront of efforts to protect both people and the planet.

    It has been presented annually since 2005, with122 laureates to date.

    This year, nominations focused on finding champions who are restoring degraded land, increasing drought resilience and preventing desertification.

    Honouring ‘extraordinary individuals’

    UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen noted that almost 40 per cent of the world’s land is already degraded.  At the same time, desertification is on the rise and devastating droughts are becoming more regular.

    “The good news is that solutions already exist today, and around the world, extraordinary individuals and organizations are demonstrating that it is possible to defend and heal our planet,” she said.

    “The efforts of the 2024 Champions of the Earth stand tall as a reminder that the fight to protect our land, our rivers and our oceans is a fight we can win. With the right policies, scientific breakthroughs, system reforms, activism, as well as the vital leadership and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, we can restore our ecosystems.”

    Meet the Champions

    Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples, was honoured in the Policy Leadership category.

    Ms. Guajajara has been advocating for Indigenous rights for more than two decades. She became Brazil’s first Minister of Indigenous Peoples and the country’s first female Indigenous minister in 2023. Under her leadership, 10 territories have been recognized as Indigenous land to ward off deforestation, illegal logging, and drug traffickers.

    Amy Bowers Cordalis, an Indigenous rights advocate, received the award in the Inspiration and Action category

    Ms. Cordalis is using her legal expertise and passion for restoration to secure a better future for the Yurok tribe and the Klamath River in the United States. UNEP said her work to restore the river ecosystem and encourage the adoption of sustainable fishing practices demonstrate how bold environmental action can bring significant positive change, while upholding Indigenous Peoples’ rights and livelihoods.

    Gabriel Paun, a Romanian environmental defender, was honoured in the Inspiration and Action category.

    Mr. Paun is the founder of Agent Green, a non-governmental organization (NGO) which has been helping save thousands of hectares of precious biodiversity in the Carpathians since 2009 by exposing the destruction and illegal logging of Europe’s last old growth forest.

    He has received death threats and been physically attacked for his work in documenting deforestation in an area that is vital for the ecosystem and supports unique biodiversity such as endangered lynx and wolves.

    Chinese scientist Lu Qi was honoured in the Science and Innovation category.  He has worked in science and policy sectors for three decades, helping China reverse degradation and shrink its deserts

    As Chief Scientist of the Chinese Academy of Forestry and founding President of the Institute of Great Green Wall, Mr. Lu has played a key role in implementing the world’s largest afforestation project, establishing expert research networks and partnerships, and boosting multilateral cooperation to stem desertification, land degradation and drought.

    Madhav Gadgil, an Indian ecologist was named as the laureate in the Lifetime Achievement category.  He has spent decades protecting people and the planet through research and community engagement.

    “From landmark environmental impact assessments of state and national policies to grassroots environmental engagement, Gadgil’s work has greatly influenced public opinion and official policies on the protection of natural resources.

    “He is renowned for his seminal work in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region of India, which is a unique global biodiversity hotspot,” said UNEP.

    The SEKEM initiative in Egypt was honoured in the Entrepreneurial Vision category for helping farmers transition to more sustainable agriculture.

    Its promotion of biodynamic agriculture plus afforestation and reforestation work has been transforming large swathes of desert into thriving agricultural business, advancing sustainable development across the country. 

    © World Bank/Andrea Borgarello

    A woman carries a baby and a water container as she walks across arid land in Niger.

    Restoring the world’s ecosystems

    Roughly 3.2 billion people worldwide are currently threatened by desertification, according to UNEP. Additionally, by 2050, more than three-quarters of the world’s population is expected to be affected by droughts. 

    In March 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2021–2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. 

    Led by UNEP and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and supported by partners, it aims to prevent, halt, and reverse the loss and degradation of ecosystems worldwide to revive billions of hectares of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. 

    The announcement of the 2024 Champions of the Earth on 10 December coincides with Human Rights Day and the Resilience Day at the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Lime-flavoured memories drive innovation on Saudi farm

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    By Daniel Dickinson in Saudi Arabia

    Climate and Environment

    Farmers in Saudi Arabia are being encouraged to adopt new irrigation techniques as water and land resources are put under increasing pressure.

    Mohamed Alnwairan stands in front of a verdant citrus tree which four months hence will bear his first harvest of limes.

    A former businessman turned farmer, he has been cultivating land in Al Ahsa, in the eastern deserts of Saudi Arabia, for the last 15 years. Now, due to climate change and dwindling supplies of water, he is adopting new technology as well as a new crop.

    “We are very proud of our limes in this part of Saudi Arabia. You can feel the citrus oil on your hands when you touch them,” he told UN News. “They remind us of our childhood, and now I have the chance to grow them commercially.”

    Mr. Alnwairan looks across his small farm which is located in an oasis near the city of Hofuf. It is approximately a thousand square metres, and the sandy soil is dotted with some 120 two-metre-high trees that have been growing for almost four years.

    UN News/Daniel Dickinson

    A farm worker tends to a lime tree irrigated through smart technology.

    Smart irrigation

    “On my left are trees which have been irrigated using innovative techniques and to the right are the ones I have been hand watering using traditional methods,” he said. “The irrigated trees are thriving more.”

    The difference in colour, shape and sturdiness is noticeable, and their robust health is largely due to the way they have been watered.

    Mr. Alnwairan’s farm is piloting what is known as smart irrigation, a resource-efficient approach to growing crops, which is being promoted in this region by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

    He uses an app on his smartphone to monitor the soil and track and deliver the water his lime trees need to flourish. When it rains, sensors register the damp conditions and pause scheduled water provisions. If the trees are not getting enough water, the app can instruct a greater water flow, if necessary, all remotely.

    UN News/Daniel Dickinson

    Mahmoud Abdelnabby is an irrigation extension expert with FAO.

    Water stress

    Water used to be plentiful in the oasis farmland, but reduced rainfall due to climate change and the cultivation of water-thirsty rice, a local specialty, has driven the water table lower making water more problematic and pricier to access.

    Mr. Alnwairan had to stop farming rice on another nearby plot when the water in his well fell to 300 metres below ground.

    Mahmoud Abdelnabby, an irrigation expert with FAO, said that “smart irrigation can reduce water consumption by 70 per cent and is more sustainable for the environment.”

    Farmers don’t currently have to pay for water, but automation provides other savings as fewer farm workers are needed to water the trees, a time consuming and onerous job during the intense heat of the Saudi growing season.

    The technology whilst advanced is readily available on the local market and although financial investment is required, “it pays off in higher yields and a lower wage bill,” according to FAO’s Mr. Abdelnabby.

    FAO/Mohammed Saud Alhumaid

    Mohamed Alnwairan (centre) explains how his farm has benefited from smart irrigation techniques.

    Land lost

    As the climate continues to change across the desert lands of Saudi Arabia and drought conditions increase in frequency, farmers are also fighting desertification and the loss of productive land.

    Jaffar Almubarak, who works for the Saudi Irrigation Organization, an FAO partner, said, “smart irrigation is part of an integrated response to climate change, which includes soil management and the choice of crops,” adding that “such an approach can maximise the use of water, but also help to rehabilitate land and work against desertification.”

    In December 2024, global leaders from governments, international organizations, the private sector and civil society came together in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, under the auspices of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to discuss solutions to drought, land loss and land restoration.

    Globally, up to 40 per cent of the world’s land is degraded, which has dire consequences for the climate, biodiversity and people’s livelihoods.

    Like farmers across the world, Mr. Alnwairan exercises his long experience and expertise to increase his crop yields, driven by necessity and opportunity.

    “I’m considering adopting smart irrigation across my farm to focus on mainly the cultivation of lime, for which I have a ready market,” he said.

    If other farmers follow his lead, water supplies will go further in these arid lands while cultivation will help to slow down desertification.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Successful localization of disaster risk reduction efforts in Nepal is supported through well-coordinated UN partners present at the provincial levels, and innovative research partnership

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Nepal is exposed to a range of natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, droughts, and severe weather events including lightning storms. Nepal’s population is very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as it largely relies on agriculture, tourism and natural resources, with a shift towards services and away from agriculture in recent years. The accelerated melting of the glaciers in the Himalayas increases the risk from related hazards such as glacial lake outburst floods and avalanches. It also impacts the availability of water and hydropower for 2 billion people downstream of major Asian rivers originating in the Himalayas in the longer term. Nepal is further prone to earthquakes as it is located above the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Environmental sustainability, climate and disaster resilience are a priority of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 for Nepal, including a focus area on the reduction of vulnerabilities, disaster risk reduction, preparedness and effective response and recovery. The Results Group on Disaster Risk Reduction is co-chaired by WFP and UNDP, who coordinate closely with the Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Humanitarian Country Team. Leaving no-one behind and the localization of sustainable development efforts cut across the four priorities of the Framework and translates into targeting the most vulnerable through household-level data gathering and supporting social protection systems.

    The United Nations organizations are supporting Nepal’s localised approach to resilience building and disaster risk reduction at the federal, provincial, and local levels of government. Close and sustained cooperation at all levels of government since the federalisation in 2017 has led to the creation of disaster risk reduction plans that are implemented with government resources, with the United Nations organizations mainly being requested to provide specialised technical support.

    An innovative system of providing single entry points for government officials is the Provincial Focal Point Agencies concept, which nominates one of the UN organizations present at the provincial level as the focal point to liaise with provincial governments, relay information, convene development partners around the request for support, and hold coordination meetings. The Provincial Focal Point Agencies are supported in their function through a direct line of communication with the UN Resident Coordinator. This concept has already demonstrated its efficiency for disaster risk governance and emergency management. For example, during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when travel restrictions were in place and around 100,000 migrant workers were returning to Nepal at once, the conditions in more than 1,000 quarantine sites were assessed by locally-based development partners. At the request of the Government of Nepal, the Provincial Focal Points Agencies reached out to the partners, trained them on the survey provided by the Government, and the assessment of quarantine sites was completed within two weeks.

    In 2023, the Promoting Action for Disaster Risk Governance and Working to Achieve Preparedness for Risk Reduction through Technical Assistance in Nepal (PARIWARTAN) project concluded. It was implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in consortium with the National Society for Earthquake Technology – Nepal, Practical Action Consulting, and Lutheran World Federation. It provided technical assistance to the three tiers of government (federal level, 7 provinces, 753 local levels) in implementing the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act in a coordinated and inclusive manner. The Disaster Risk Management Localization Manual: An Operational Training Manual for Disaster Risk Management Capacity Building of Local Governments was developed in close coordination with the Government of Nepal. More than 19,900 government officials were trained on disaster risk reduction and management in all 753 local level municipalities that supported strengthening community resilience. The training has spurred local government actions such as the formulation or amendment of legal documents, standards and guidelines to implement disaster preparedness and response activities, the increase of budgets allocated for disaster risk management, the formation of disaster risk management committees, as well as a shift in focus from response to preparedness prioritizing multiple hazards prevalent in the local context.

    Over the last 10 years the United Nations Country Team has built a unique and innovative research partnership with a consortium of universities to provide new forms of evidence to guide disaster risk governance. This consortium, called Sajag-Nepal, includes organisations in Nepal, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. Working together, the consortium and the Resident Coordinator’s Office have pioneered a new scenario ensemble[1] approach to understanding hazards, enabling risk-informed contingency planning for both the annual monsoon and for infrequent large earthquakes. For earthquakes, the Resident Coordinator’s Office worked with researchers to develop an ensemble of possible impacts in a future earthquake, irrespective of where that earthquake occurs. This ensemble now forms the basis of both cluster contingency plans and provincial preparedness planning. For the monsoon, Sajag-Nepal researchers are using data on past monsoon impacts recorded in the government’s portal to anticipate the possible pattern of impacts in the next monsoon, helping the humanitarian clusters and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to develop a more informed preparedness plan. The research has also developed a novel way of anticipating landslide impacts during the monsoon using 14-day rainfall forecasts. The Resident Coordinator’s Office is exploring the use of this approach as a readiness trigger for possible anticipatory action. The project is also using participatory mapping in several landslide-prone areas of Nepal to understand how people move and how their exposure to landslides varies over different time scales – with the ultimate goal of being able to better map the risks that residents face in these communities.

    The Strengthening Urban Preparedness, Earthquake Preparedness and Response in Western Regions of Nepal (SUPER) project is being implemented by a UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women consortium along with local implementing partners across three provinces and four municipalities in Western Nepal. The project works in close coordination with the NDRRMA at the federal level, as well as with provincial and local level decision makers. The project uses the earthquake scenario ensembles that were co-created by the Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Sajag-Nepal team. It enhances and institutionalizes municipal and provincial preparedness for urban and earthquake risks in 3 provinces and 4 municipalities in the western regions of Nepal. It does so by enhancing the understanding of risk, preparedness measures, reducing risk, including through reinforcing building codes and retrofitting practices. The project works with multiple stakeholders at all three federal tiers, including the community, private ector, academia, international governmental organizations, UN organizations, the Nepal Red Cross Society, and international and national non-governmental organizations.

    As the government has ownership of the project and provides it with a budget in its annual plans the sustainability of the work is ensured. The project results are delivered under the leadership of respective government authorities and include impact modelling of potential earthquake scenarios, vulnerability and capacity assessments, strengthening Emergency Operation Centres and capacity building – for example supporting the development of earthquake contingency plans for clusters (such as Health, Protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), which were developed with the leadership of relevant provincial ministries and were referred to extensively during the 2023 Jajarkot earthquake response.

    The SUPER consortium collaborates with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and partners such as WHO, WFP, and IFRC to strengthen humanitarian architecture and cluster mechanisms in provinces, also through the development of cluster contingency plans. This strengthening proved very effective in response to the Jajarkot earthquake in 2023. For example, the implementation of the Health Contingency Plan was endorsed within the same day, and all sectoral information was efficiently relayed by WFP as the Provincial Focal Point Agency. The project has been working towards enabling gender equality, disability and social inclusion mainstreaming in disaster risk reduction through developing a checklist for disaster preparedness, as well as a gender-responsive costing framework for earthquakes and urban flooding, conducting a women’s safety audit together with women-led community-based organizations, and a simulation exercise on resource pooling with gender-responsive considerations.

    UNICEF’s Child-Centred Disaster Risk Reduction Programme emphasizes the importance of disaster and climate risk assessments to take children’s vulnerabilities and special needs into account. This includes raising children’s awareness of hazards and what to do as prevention and preparedness measures and empowering them to act as multipliers within their communities.

    Nepal has a UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) Anticipatory Action pilot framework to provide collective anticipatory humanitarian action to people at risk of predicted severe monsoon flooding with delivery planned through UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, WFP and WHO in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) and national NGOs and in close collaboration with the federal, provincial and local authorities.

    Also, IOM, jointly with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Population Studies (CDPS) and the National Planning Commission have established a Migration School in 2023, a two-week academic forum to foster collaboration among educational institutions, policymakers and experts on human mobility, including climate and disaster displacement.

    [1] scenario ensembles: estimation of the likelihood and scale of future hazard impacts, determining locations where impacts are most likely to occur, along with the average and worst-case impacts for all locations, so that both emergency relief and disaster risk reduction activities can be prioritized; source: Robinson, T.; Rosser, N.; Densmore, A.; Oven, K.; Shrestha, S.; Guragain, R. (2018) Use of scenario ensembles for deriving seismic risk

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative drives risk reduction and resilience building activities that are aligned with local, national, and regional priorities in Moldova

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Moldova is highly vulnerable to landslides, droughts, extreme temperature and severe weather events and floods, exacerbated by climate change, with droughts posing the greatest risk to communities and the economy. Water scarcity and forest fires are increasingly posing a threat to natural ecosystems, agriculture, and human settlements. Economic losses due to climate-induced disasters have caused economic losses of an estimated US$ 4 million per year, with scenarios indicating that the country could progressively trend towards a more arid environment, with the possibility of intensified droughts and fires.[1] Moldova was affected by 16 major earthquakes within the past 200 years. The area of its capital Chisinau is particular vulnerable to seismic risks due to its location and the structural vulnerability of its older buildings.[2]

    Chisinau municipality has been part of UNDRR’s Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative aimed at enhancing local resilience through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and city-to-city learning networks since 2021 and is committed to increasing its resilience and readiness for forthcoming challenges, encompassing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Building on several multi-stakeholder workshops,[3] Chisinau municipality, in February 2023, initiated the development of a Resilience Strategy for the period of 2024-2030, including an action plan for 2024-2027. Over the course of the remainder of the year, local authorities, in collaboration with UNDRR, organized an interactive and participatory process involving diverse stakeholders, including central authorities, civil society, citizens, the private sector, and representatives of international development partners such as the International Organization for Migration, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. These discussions and workshops helped to better understand the needs and of the local community, and to identify priority areas for resilience building: (1) strengthening governance, (2) enhancing critical infrastructure, and (3) fostering societal resilience. Chisinau is offering assistance and policy guidance to other cities and towns, both domestically and internationally. For example, within the framework of Making Cities Resilient 2030, Chisinau has already shared its experiences in resilience-building efforts with cities in Ukraine and Kazakhstan and has engaged in knowledge exchange with Portuguese municipalities.[4] The resilience building activities of Chisinau municipality align not only align with local and national priorities, but also with regional ones as strengthening disaster risk governance is prioritized in the National Implementation Plan of the European Union-Moldova Association Agreement. Since 2023, Moldova has access to the UN-supported INFORM Risk Index, a comprehensive assessment of subnational risk that facilitates the implementation of data-driven strategies for risk reduction, guiding decisions on prevention, preparedness, and response measures effectively.

    Given that early warning 24 hours before an event can reduce the ensuing damage by 30 per cent[5], multi-hazard early warning systems are crucial to reducing losses from hazard events. Such early warnings need to be broadcast through a public alert system that effectively transmits and reaches people with these warnings regarding imminent emergencies and disasters. The United Nations Country team is supporting the establishment by 2027 of an Early Warning System tailored to the requirements of the Moldova Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. For example, ITU undertook a feasibility study on the deployment and implementation of a Cell Broadcast Service solution for sending alert messages in Moldova in 2023.

    In 2023, Moldova implemented legislative reforms and policies to address climate change, with substantial support from UNCT. The adoption of the National Climate Change Adaptation Programme along with its Action Plan signifies a strategic commitment towards sustainable environmental governance, particularly in agriculture, forestry, health, energy, water and transport. Climate resilience was prioritized in the newly adopted National Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development and the Migration and Asylum Programme.

    UN organizations in Moldova bolstered governance capacity by producing a guidance document on addressing human mobility challenges in the context of climate change, as well as a comprehensive analysis of disaster risk reduction in the agriculture sector, and a study on the role of migration role in climate adaptation in Moldova. Policy makers, statistical data producers, national experts, technical staff from public institutions, and academia representatives in Moldova have enhanced their knowledge and skills for sustainable resource management, energy efficiency, and climate resilience within the agriculture sector through diverse capacity-building activities supported by FAO, IFAD, IOM, UNDP, UNDRR, UNECE, UNESCO, ITU and UNIDO.

    UN expertise in disaster risk reduction and resilience building supported public and private institutions in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainable natural resource management, which resulted in photovoltaic panels of 600 kW capacity installed in five district hospitals. Six Farmer Field Schools promoting climate-smart agriculture enabled more than 700 farmers to apply their skills in sustainable agriculture practices across 5,700 ha of land, resulting in improved soil health and increased productivity. Moldovan farmers now have access to a Community of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices platform, promoting the adoption of climate-smart technologies and supporting local producers in implementing conservation agriculture.

    Thirty localities improved their public services and social infrastructure and have become more resilient to climate change. Inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures were advanced. Almost 27,000 persons (including 51% women, and 22% youth) benefited from land restoration efforts across 118 hectares inMoldova, including shelter[6] belts, grassland, and vegetation cover for agricultural purposes, and 30% women participation in bodies promoting land degradation neutrality was ensured. With support of UN organizations, 32 communities developed shelter belt management plans and five community-based action plans for climate change adaptation, promising increased resilience against extreme weather, improved environmental sustainability, enhanced agricultural productivity, and community engagement. The inclusive development of these plans engaged local public authorities, land users, and landowners.

    [1] United Nations Moldova (2021) Common Country Analysis Republic of Moldova

    [2] The last assessment of residential building conditions in was conducted in 2005, revealing that approximately 83% of the 25,000 examined buildings exhibited significant wear and tear. From: UNDRR (2024) Chisinau Municipality leads resilience efforts in Moldova

    [3] Local authorities utilised the Preliminary and Detailed Disaster Resilience Scorecard assessments, along with the Public Health System Resilience assessment scorecard for these multi-stakeholder workshops.

    [4] UNDRR (2024) Chisinau Municipality leads resilience efforts in Moldova

    [5] UNDRR (undated website) Early Warnings for All Initiative

    [6] shelter belt: a line of trees or shrubs planted to protect an area, especially a field of crops, from fierce weather.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: United Nations organizations’ support to community-driven recovery, risk knowledge and governance enhances disaster and climate resilience in Costa Rica

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Costa Rica is highly vulnerable to hydrometeorological hazards such as floods, hurricanes, storms, droughts and water scarcity[1], which are exacerbated by climate change. In 2023, Costa Rica was both affected by heavy rains and by drought. Due to its location in between two tectonic plates, it is also prone to tectonic and volcanic activity. Based on a co-creation exercise with UN organizations operating in Costa Rica, led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the resilience of people, communities, institutions and the territory has been made a strategic priority of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027. The results group for this priority is co-chaired by IOM and UNDP, and links to the inter-agency coordination group on Disaster Risk Management chaired by UNDP, the United Nations Emergency Team (UNETE). The United Nations organizations in Costa Rica are adopting an integrated approach to looking at climate and disaster risks and place importance on being attentive to the particular vulnerabilities of certain groups such as migrant populations, people with disabilities, indigenous people, etc.

    A pronounced local leadership on emergency response, recovery, and resilience building is evident in Costa Rica. After the canton of Acosta was devastated by Storm Nate in October 2017, the roughly 20,000 inhabitants of that mountain community were cut off for days, without water, electricity or access to food or medicine. As the rest of the country had also been affected, the Acosta community prioritised self-help and formed a solid local network that first focused on bringing food and medicine to those who were most affected by the storm and, once the emergency was over, mounted a community-led recovery process. At the beginning of 2018, more than 400 people, including community leaders, representatives of institutions, farmers, students, young people, and older adults, decided that the path to recovery should be oriented towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

    A Cantonal Development Plan was elaborated that focuses on recovering and rebuilding in a sustainable manner and on providing opportunities to all – especially to those most affected by climate and hazard events. A key component of the plan was the development of resilient infrastructure, while at the same time ensuring environmental protection. Experiences like Acosta’s inspired 32 municipalities (out of 82) to join a Network of Cantons Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals. This programme is led by the Ministry of Planning, the Municipal Development and Consulting Institute, with the support of the United Nations. Cantons are provided advice and toolboxes to articulate the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level, as well as a platform to share good practices with other participating local governments. This network has become a space for close cooperation between local governments and national government institutions, and international partners to identify solutions to the challenges of sustainable development in each community. Supporting communities to implement the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level is a priority commitment of the United Nations entities in Costa Rica. The support to the network also links with Child-Friendly Cantons and Senior-Friendly Cities initiatives that UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization are promoting to strengthen the capacities of the cantons in addressing the needs of these groups.

    The United Nations development system is supporting the localized approach to recovery and resilience building in Costa Rica through programmatic activities such as UNDP’s recently completed multi-year programme for strengthening the capacities of Rural Aqueduct Associations (ASADAs) that was implemented with the leadership of the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), with financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). In Costa Rica, more than 15,000 volunteer community water managers are engaged to secure the water supply to nearly 30% of the population. Often in steep, mountainous terrain, water pipes need to be installed above ground and sometimes across rivers. To make infrastructure more resilient, PVC pipes were replaced by polyethylene tubes, which are thicker, more flexible and more resistant. Hydrants were installed to attend to possible fires, meteorological stations were installed for better water availability forecasts and supporting existing watershed Early Warning systems. Communities were encouraged to take better care of their environment. Meters were installed in each home and users were subsequently charged by consumption, which reduced the overall water consumption. Capacity building for geolocating the water infrastructure was undertaken in order to facilitate monitoring and recovery operations in the future.

    Inter-agency contributions to disaster risk reduction and resilience building in 2023 further include IOM’s inputs on human mobility and climate change, and UNDRR’s partnership with Costa Rica’s National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE) and other national partners in carrying out a systemic risk assessment with the aim to inform risk governance and support efforts to ensure critical infrastructure resilience. More than 100 senior government officials, technical staff and practitioners worked together throughout 2023 to quantify risks associated with key hazards – such as floods and seismic events – across different sectors, including livelihoods, water and sanitation, energy and road infrastructure, schools, and health centres. This work helped the Government of Cost Rica to identify ways to safeguard public infrastructure and public services from future disaster risk. As a result of this thorough analysis, some 60% of Costa Rica’s critical road corridors, and a similar proportion of its bridges, were found to be vulnerable to flood risk – just one example of crucial information that will inform decisions about mitigation investments. Recommendations were formulated for enhancing the governance of strategic infrastructure such as electricity, hydrocarbons, roads and bridges, railroads, water and sanitation, health, education, and postal services. The integration of systemic risk analysis and the principles of infrastructure resilience into risk governance marks the inception of a transformative new stage in risk-informed and multistakeholder disaster risk reduction, empowering decision-makers with invaluable insights, fostering a paradigm shift towards risk-informed investment and robust multisectoral engagement.

    In September 2023, Costa Rica invited an inter-agency mission (with expert support from UNDP, IOM, UNOPS, UNHCR, UNDRR, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UNESCO) through the Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative (CADRI) to undertake a capacity assessment mission in Costa Rica. The aim of the mission was to provide actionable recommendations to assist the government in advancing its overall risk management agenda, with a particular focus on further enhancing cross-sectoral recovery efforts in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The recommendations will serve as inputs for the development of the National Framework for Disaster Recovery, which is in the process of development under the leadership of the CNE with support from UNDP. The results and recommendations of the CADRI mission will further be reviewed by the United Nations Country Team with a view to identifying other actions where UN organizations may provide support to the national authorities in its disaster risk reduction and resilience building efforts.

    [1] United Nations Costa Rica (2022) Common Country Analysis

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Integrated approaches to addressing disaster, climate and environmental risks enable impactful UN support to building resilience in Tajikistan

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Tajikistan is faced with the frequent occurrence of natural hazards, with climate change further exacerbating their impacts. In 2023, avalanches, mudflows, earthquakes, rockfalls, landslides, floods and severe weather events cost 51 lives. They displaced and affected the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people, while causing an estimated economic damage of over 7 million USD. Risk reduction measures such as river bank protection and watershed management are reducing the number of people living in areas most exposed to natural hazards, with currently around 15,000 persons remaining in high-risk areas. [1] Annual economic losses from disasters can reach up to 1.3 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

    The Government of Tajikistan and United Nations organizations in Tajikistan take an integrated approach to the management of disaster, climate and environmental risks, which is reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023‐2026 and coordinated in the results group for Outcome 3. The United Nations Country Team in Tajikistan, under the leadership and convening role of the UN Resident Coordinator, are reinforcing the capacities of national institutions and actors to reduce disaster risk, supporting an all-of-society approach.United Nations organizations are supporting Tajikistan in strengthening the coordination of disaster risk reduction and related measures. Tajikistan’s National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction led by the Government of Tajikistan benefits from the support and active participation of a wide range of national and international stakeholders and partners.

    The Republic of Tajikistan’s National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction is aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and supported by the United Nations Country Team. An assessment of the strategy was carried out with the participation of the UNCT, academia and independent experts in 2021 and helped to identify priority areas and related tasks for its implementation, taking into account existing and emerging risks. In 2022, with UN support, Tajikistan conducted a Midterm Review of the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the country, which helped to identify Tajikistan’s achievements in disaster risk reduction and mainstreaming DRR into development, as well as gaps where greater engagement of all stakeholders is needed. Based on the identified priorities, the Government of Tajikistan actively engaged the UN Country Team in the development of the Midterm Programme and Action Plan for the National DRR Strategy implementation for the period 2023-2028. This joint work brought together all DRR activities that are being implemented and planned by national and international stakeholders in the country. The development and approval of the 3-year Action Plans allow for monitoring joint actions, making adjustments and introducing new measures based on needs, progress, and identified priorities. Also, Tajikistan’s disaster risk management system and its resilience to stress was assessed through a participatory approach. This joint initiative resulted in the development of an Action Plan to strengthen the capacity of the country’s disaster risk reduction system, which was endorsed by the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

    In August 2023, the UN organizations in Tajikistan and the Government of Tajikistan launched the United Nations Secretary-General’s ‘Early Warnings for All’ Initiative (EW4All) to enhance disaster risk knowledge, detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, forecasting, dissemination, communication, preparedness and response under four interlinked pillars. The institutional mechanism of the initiative is anchored to the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and ensures the involvement of all key government partners. Under the co-chairmanship of the Deputy Prime-Minister and the UN Resident Coordinator, the implementing pillar leads from UN Agencies (UNDRR, WMO, ITC), IFRC and government partners (Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence, Committee of Environmental Protection, Agency of Hydrometeorology, Committee of Television and Radio, Communication Service) prepared a draft roadmap for 2024-2027 to ensure the initiative’s implementation. The draft roadmap has been discussed with participation of a wide range of participants at the national and local level and is to be endorsed in June 2024. It is expected to provide inclusive participation of all partners and secure adequate funding.

    In 2023, under Outcome 3 ‘Integrated management of climate and environmental risk’ of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the United Nations Country Team members in Tajikistan implemented community-based integrated solutions for sustainable and inclusive natural resource management, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction that have significantly improved the livelihoods of more than 67,000 vulnerable people. This included support to smallholder farmers, cash assistance for food-insecure households to build assets such as greenhouses and irrigation systems, the development of 14 watershed action plans, agreed actions to prevent water pollution from mine tailings, as well as ecosystem-based interventions.

    Also, the Rapid Emergency Assessment and Coordination Team (REACT) was refocused on promoting effective disaster preparedness, response and recovery with a new Statement of Common Understanding. At the national level, REACT is co-chaired by the Chairman of the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of the Government of Tajikistan and the UN Resident Coordinator and comprises Sectoral Coordination Groups, Technical Working Groups, Regional REACTs, and Rapid Response Teams. Two simulation exercises were undertaken in 2023 – one focused on responding to emergencies involving large numbers of refugees, and one simulated the actions of local authorities, emergency personnel, and partners in coordinating evacuations to safe areas during emergencies. The workplan for 2024 comprises the coordination of emergency assessments and responses, preparedness, early actions and activities aligned with the Early Warnings for All initiative.

    Together with strengthening DRR coordination, the UN Country Team under the leadership of the RC supports the Government of Tajikistan and relevant agencies in ensuring a coherent link between DRR activities and emergency response. In order to comprehensively address these issues and develop necessary proposals and solutions, assistance is provided in organising periodic extended meetings of the National Platform for DRR and REACT.

    [1] Chairman of the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense Rustam Nazarzoda, reported in Asia Plus, 7 February 2024

    MIL OSI United Nations News –