NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister LeBlanc launches Canada Community Security Program to protect communities from hate-motivated crimes

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Everyone who lives in Canada deserves to be and feel safe in their communities. These last few years, we’ve witnessed an unacceptable rise in hate incidents experienced by many communities, but especially the most vulnerable. In response, the federal government is sharpening security programs tailored to their needs to keep them safe.

    September 24, 2024

    Ottawa, ON

    Everyone who lives in Canada deserves to be and feel safe in their communities. These last few years, we’ve witnessed an unacceptable rise in hate incidents experienced by many communities, but especially the most vulnerable. In response, the federal government is sharpening security programs tailored to their needs to keep them safe.

    Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, launched the new Canada Community Security Program (CCSP), and announced that the program will be ready to receive funding applications from eligible organizations as of October 1, 2024.

    The CCSP replaces and enhances the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) to support communities by investing in security measures that will help keep them safe. Eligible measures include security equipment and hardware, minor renovations to enhance security, security and emergency assessments and plans, training to respond to hate-motivated events, and time-limited security personnel.

    The federal government has listened to organizations and partners and has designed the CCSP to be more responsive to community needs and provide more flexibility to organizations seeking financial support. Under the CCSP:

    • Eligibility for funding has expanded to include office and administrative spaces, cemeteries, and child care centres.
    • Up to 70% of a project’s eligible costs may be covered, an increase from 50% of the cost under the SIP.
    • Funding for time-limited third-party licensed security personnel is now a permanent feature of the program.
    • The maximum level – or stacking limit – of total government assistance (across federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal sources) has been removed, which opens up more opportunities for organizations to apply for other sources of funding.
    • Application requirements have been changed to reduce administrative barriers.
    • Organizations can apply for funding at any time throughout the year through a continuous intake application process.
    • Organizations may apply for funding and deliver projects on behalf of affiliated eligible recipients.

    Taken together, these measures will make it easier for organizations to fund their projects and protect their community gathering spaces. 

    “Everyone who lives in Canada deserves to be safe in their communities. The changes we’re bringing forward through the new Canada Community Security Program are informed by what we’ve heard from organizations that have experience in dealing with its predecessor, the Security Infrastructure Program. It is now a more flexible, more generous, and simpler program that will make it easier for vulnerable communities to protect themselves from hate-motivated crimes.”

    – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

    • Hate crimes are believed to be one of the most underreported offences. Research suggests that only about one third of hate crime victims in Canada report these crimes to the police. 

    • Additional funding for the Canada Community Security Program was announced in Budget 2023 and Budget 2024.

      • $16 million in 2024-25,
      • $16 million in 2025-26,
      • $11 million in 2026-27,
      • $11 million in 2027-28, and
      • $11 million in 2028-29 and ongoing.

    • The CCSP is one of four programs under the National Crime Prevention Strategy, which supports local, targeted crime prevention initiatives and the development and sharing of knowledge to prevent and reduce crime among at-risk populations and vulnerable communities. The other programs include the Crime Prevention Action Fund, the Youth Gang Prevention Fund, and the Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund.

    • The Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) was originally established in 2007 to support communities at risk of hate-motivated crime through the enhancement of their security infrastructure. This important work will now continue through the CCSP.

    • In total, the Government of Canada has invested over $30 million in funding through the SIP and the Expanded Security Infrastructure Program (ESIP) to over 770 projects to help Canadian communities at risk of hate-motivated crimes protect and strengthen the security of their community centres, places of worship and other institutions.

    • Organizations that currently have an application under SIP will be contacted by Public Safety to discuss the status of the application and their option to continue under the CCSP.

    • To better support communities in need, costs for time-limited security personnel may be eligible for reimbursement as of September 24, 2024 and once the project is approved. 

    •  Organizations interested in staying informed about the upcoming CCSP Call for Applications are encouraged to subscribe to the National Crime Prevention Strategy mailing list.

    • Following the National Summit on Antisemitism and the National Summit on Islamophobia, the Government of Canada committed to exploring adjustments to  SIP. The CCSP will enhance effectiveness and allow the Government of Canada to be more responsive to the security needs of communities.  

    • Budget 2024 provides $273.6 million over six years starting in 2024-25, with $29.3 million ongoing, for Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. The forthcoming Action Plan will support community outreach and law enforcement reform, tackle the rise in hate crimes and hate incidents, enhance community security, counter radicalization, and increase support for victims. Budget 2024’s additional funding for the Canada Community Security Program is part of the Budget 2024 investment for this first ever whole-of-federal government Action Plan to prevent and address hate. 

    Gabriel Brunet
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
    Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs
    819-665-6527
    gabriel.brunet@iga-aig.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment implementing Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 Campaign in full vigour; First week witnesses a number of cleanliness drives

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

    In line with the Government of India’s vision of a Swachh Bharat, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has launched the Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) Campaign 2024 from 17th September till 1st October, 2024 and celebration of Swachh Bharat Diwas (SBD) on 2nd October, 2024.

    The Department has planned a series of activities through its  organisations (autonomous bodies, corporations, field offices, etc.) focusing on cleanliness, fitness, and environmental sustainability keeping the theme of ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskar Swachhata’ at the core of Campaign.

    Before start of SHS-2024, a meeting was held on 12thSeptember, 2024 under the Chairmanship of Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary (DoSJE), wherein importance of Swachhata was emphasised and all the Officers/Staffs were sensitized towards SHS Campaign-2024. A Swachhata Pledge was also administered by Shri Yadav to the officers/staff of the Department.

     

    The officers were also guided to encourage Institutions/organizations/NGOs receiving Grants-In-Aid (GIA) through various schemes of this Department for involving citizens and beneficiaries to participate in SHS-2024, to make the SHS-2024 Campaign successful in the spirit of involvement of the whole of society.

    Under the leadership of the Secretary, DoSJE has selected three CTUs for undertaking cleanliness campaign/shramdan during SHS-2024 since 17th September. These are – (i) Campus of Mahila Imdad Committee, Chelmsford Road Paharganj, New Delhi, (ii) Babu Jagjivan Ram National Foundation, No. 6 Krishna Menon Marg, New Delhi, and (iii) Kothi No.8, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi.

     

     

    Under the leadership of Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Secretary (DoSJE), officials of the Department planted more than 100 trees at Kulesara, Noida on September 20, 2024, as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. During the programme, local citizens had also joined the cleanliness and tree plantation drive.

     

     

    In connection with SHS-2024, National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) has organised a preventive health check-up camp on 21st September at Krishna Market, MCD Community Centre, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. Around 300 persons have participated in the campaign.

     

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    VM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EC reviews poll preparedness for forthcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand

    Source: Government of India

    EC reviews poll preparedness for forthcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand

    Ensure strict implementation of law and ECI guidelines without any bias; EC cautions state & district administration against partisan conduct

    Zero-tolerance against inducements; Stringent directives to enforcement agencies to curb money power

    EC directs to expedite Assured Minimum Facilities at all polling stations

    Engage voters with SVEEP activities involving local culture, sports & influencers

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 5:21PM by PIB Delhi

    CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. S. S. Sandhu held a detailed & comprehensive review of the poll preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly Elections in Jharkhand at Ranchi. The term of State Assembly in Jharkhand is due to expire on 5th January, 2025 and elections are scheduled for 81 ACs (44 General; 09 SC; 28 ST) in the State.

    During the two-day review visit of the Commission on September 23-24, representatives of national and state political parties namely Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, National People’s Party, AJSU Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Rashtriya Janta Dal came to meet the Commission. All political parties conveyed their appreciation for successful & peaceful conduct of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

    The main issues raised by political parties included:

    1. Most parties unanimously requested consideration of various festivities like Diwali, Chhath, Durga Pooja and state foundation day in the month of October and November, before deciding on the election schedule for enhanced participation in election process. It was informed that many voters in the state will be travelling during Chatth pooja.
    2. Many parties also requested for a single-phase election.
    3. Parties requested for an error free electoral rolls and to ensure a free and fair elections with non-partisan action by local civil and police administration for a level playing field.
    4. A proper mix of CAPF and State police for appropriate deployment at sensitive and rural booths, monitored by an IG Level Officer.
    5. 100 % Webcasting in all polling stations.
    6. Regarding polling stations, one of the parties requested availability of ramps and sufficient lights in all polling stations, along with priority in voting for elderly, PwDs and pregnant women.
    7. All polling stations to be set up in proximity of residential areas for convenience of voters. Pick and drop facility may be provided for polling stations set-up farther from residential areas. Accessibility Observer may be deployed for ensuring facilities at polling stations.
    8. One of the parties raised a concern that in some cases, members of same family residing together were allotted different polling stations and some polling stations have more than 1500 electors.
    9. To avoid any undue harassment by authorities, few parties raised need for clear guidelines and demarcation of area for setting up of polling desks near polling station by parties on poll day.
    10. One of the parties also raised concern regarding deletion of name of voters in certain constituencies in previous elections, after final publication of the electoral roll.
    11. One of the parties requested enquiry of a sudden increase of voters in certain Assembly Constituencies.
    12. Some parties raised concerns on Hate Speech during campaigning. One of the parties requested ban on raising sub-judice matters like illegal immigrants in the state during campaigning.
    13. Strict vigil and action on use of illicit cash, liquor and freebies to sway voters. A grievance that administration is slow to cooperate/proceed with complaints of opposition parties/candidates and there is a need for swift action on any such complaints.
    14. Monitoring of campaigning by candidates 24×7 for any violations and prohibiting campaigning through IVRS calls on poll day
    15. More awareness on ECI directions regarding display of party flags by voters voluntarily in their home after election announcement to avoid misuse of Public Defacement Act by authorities.
    16. Details of EVM to be used at polling stations to be given to parties/candidates. Reserve EVMs to be made available at all polling stations for smooth voting process
    17. Voter Information Slip to be distributed in advance for awareness
    18. Videography of counting of postal ballots
    19. Other demands included the timely sharing of voter lists with candidates; curb diversion of funds received by certain NGOs for development work towards election related campaigning and reduction in nomination fee for the contesting candidates.  

     

    The Commission assured the representatives that it has taken cognizance of suggestions and concerns of the political parties and ECI is committed to conduct free, fair, participative, inclusive, peaceful and inducement free elections in the state. The Commission after reviewing these issues, decided and conveyed the following to state and district administration:

    1. Beyond the Commission’s mandate of webcasting in 50% polling stations, webcasting will be done in all polling stations, wherever feasible technically.
    2. Assured minimum facilities including ramps, sufficient lighting, wheelchairs, and volunteers for elderly and PwD voters will be provided at all polling stations.
    3. Priority voting for elderly, PwDs and Pregnant women would be ensured
    4. Polling stations will be on the ground floor and within 2 kms of the residence of the voters. Pick and drop facility would be provided for few polling stations beyond 2km range.
    5. All divisional commissioners are directed to assess and ensure compliance of AMFs at polling stations.
    6. None of the polling station will have more than 1500 electors.
    7. Clear demarcation of area i.e. 200mt from the periphery of the polling station premises, where Polling Parties can set up their desks on poll day would be ensured.
    8. There would be no undue harassment of persons under Public Defacement Act. DEOs and SPs directed that law should be implemented equally and without any bias.
    9.  As per ECI guidelines, EVM & VVPAT details will be shared with all contesting candidates after first and second randomization. FLC & First randomisation is done in presence of recognized parties. Second randomization of EVMs and VVPATs is conducted, before commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs, in the presence of contesting candidates to allocate polling station wise and reserve machines.
    10. Video recording of counting of postal ballots would be ensured as per ECI guidelines.
    11. District Administration would ensure vigil and prohibition on campaigning/advertisement using bulk SMS and IVRS calls during silence period.
    12. Voter information slips will be distributed timely
    13.  DEOs were specifically told to be equally accessible to all political parties and to ensure prompt resolution of their complaints and grievances, apart from meeting them regularly through periodic meetings.

     

    During the review meeting with nearly 20 central and state Enforcement agencies like DRI, NCB, State & Central GST, RPF, RBI, State Police, Income Tax, Enforcement Directorate, etc., the Commission underscored its focus for an inducement-free elections. Without mincing words, the Commission conveyed its zero tolerance towards use of money power in the elections. However, CEC Rajiv Kumar also cautioned the officials to avoid any undue harassments to the public in the name of checking during elections. The following directions were given to enforcement agencies:

    1. All enforcement agencies to work in a coordinated manner to curb illicit liquor, cash, and drugs inflow in the state.
    2. Agencies to synchronise and update their route maps of flow of inducements with actual sensitivity on the ground.
    3. SPNO to ensure Joint teams of police, transport, State GST, Excise and forest for coordinated and synergistic action.
    4. Police and excise department to focus on action against liquor and drug kingpins and establish backward linkages for wider deterrence.
    5. Review inter-state border and Naka arrangements, particularly those which lie on illicit liquor and drugs inflow. Special focus on border with West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar.
    6. 24×7 CCTV monitoring at critical check posts on interstate borders and feeds to be followed up earnestly. 
    7. Focus on movement of synthetic drugs apart from rigorous monitoring of Ganja and poppy cultivation and destruction. Special watch of destruction of illegal poppy cultivation in districts of Palamu, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Latehar, Gumla and Khunti.
    8. National Highways particularly connecting Jharkhand with Odisha and West Bengal to be kept under close watch.
    9. Apart from road routes, rail and forest routes to be kept under close watch.
    10. Enforcement Agencies to mutually share intelligence and work in a coordinated manner.
    11. State Level Bankers Committee to ensure cash transfers only in designated vehicles during designated hours.
    12. Strict vigil over illicit online cash transfers through wallets.
    13. Special vigil on cargo movement through airstrips and helipads.

    During its two-day review, the Commission also held meeting with the Chief Secretary & Director General of Police to review the overall poll preparedness and law and order matters. Commission directed CS that AMF should be ensured in all polling stations. DGP was directed to ensure regular co-ordination meetings with counterparts in border states. Jharkhand shares a long border with 5 states namely Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. CEC Rajiv Kumar highlighted that implementation of law and ECI guidelines should be in letter and spirit without any bias.

    On the second day, detailed review with DEOs/SPs/Divisional Commissioner’s/IGs was held on every aspect of election planning and conduct. The Commission specifically reviewed all the issues and concerns raised by the political parties during their meeting. CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized that all DEOs/SPs to ensure free and fair elections, maintaining highest standards of impartial conduct for a level playing field. He emphasised that district administration needs to create a festive and comfortable voting experience for voters.

    DEOs to engage voters through innovative voter awareness and outreach activities for enhanced voter turnout. He emphasised that DEOs should organize SVEEP activities using local culture and sports like archery and hockey. Paintings competitions can be organized with local tribal folk themes. Local influencers/icons to be roped in for awareness activities. DEOs were told to intensify outreach activities in urban areas like Bokaro, Dhanbad, Ranchi, etc to address urban apathy noticed in previous elections. All DEOs and SPs were instructed to monitor social media for fake news and to respond swiftly with appropriate legal action, if required.

    The Chief Electoral Officer and State Police Nodal Officer gave a detailed overview of the poll preparations, including the Special Summary revision of Electoral Rolls in the state with respect to July 1, 2024 as the qualifying date. The final electoral roll was published on August 27, 2024, a copy of which was provided to all recognized parties free of cost. The details are summarised in Annexure A. The Commission reviewed in detail the law and order and requirement of forces with CEO & SPNO in for smooth and peaceful conduct of election.

    Senior officials from the Commission were also present during the review meetings.

    Annexure- A

    Electors

    CEO Jharkhand informed 2nd SSR in the state with respect to July 1, 2024 as the qualifying date has been completed and electoral roll was published on August 27, 2024 and copies of the same were provided to political parties. With continuous updation of the electoral roll and as on 20.09.2024, a total of 2.59 crore electors are registered in the state with approx. 1.31 crore male, 1.28 crore female electors. Over 11.05 lakh first time voters (18-19 years); 1.14 lakh 85+ senior citizens and 3.64 lakh PwD voters are registered in the state. More than 1845 voters are 100+ years old.  There is 100% enrolment (1.78 lakhs) of the 8 PVTGs in the electoral roll. With focus on inclusive and participative elections, all DEOs were directed to enhance participation of PVTGs and tribal groups in the elections. The state Electoral gender ratio is 978.

    Polling Stations

    While giving an overview of the polling stations during the review, CEO Jharkhand informed that a total of 29,562 polling stations will be set up on 20,276 locations in assembly elections. While 24,520 of these will be in rural areas, 5,042 will be urban polling stations with an average of 872 voters per polling station.

    1271 PS will be managed solely by women and 139 will be youth managed (young employees) to promote voting amongst the key demographics of women and youth. 48 Polling stations will be manned by persons with disabilities.

    Assured Minimum Facilities at Polling Stations

    All DEOs assured that polling stations across the state will have Assured Minimum Facilities like ramps, drinking water, toilets, electricity, shed, chairs etc. for convenience of voters.

     

    Technology

    DEOs informed that they will use an ecosystem of IT Applications to facilitate all stakeholders including voters and political parties.

    cVIGIL: This app empowers citizens to report any electoral violations and malpractices. Flying squads are deployed to address the complaints raised through an easy to use, intuitive app which preserves the anonymity of the complainant and assures a response within 100 minutes.

    SUVIDHA: It is a single window app for candidates to raise requests for permissions for meeting halls, booking grounds for political rallies etc. The technology is a step towards ensuring a level playing field as permissions are accorded on a first in first out basis, without any discretion.

    KYC or Know Your Candidate App is a step to promote an informed and aware electorate. The app contains the criminal antecedents, if any, of the candidates in the electoral fray and their assets and liabilities, educational details. 

    Saksham App is specially designed for PwD voters with various accessibility features built-in. One can request for Pick-n-Drop facility, wheelchair assistance, or volunteer assistance at the polling booth through this app to make the voting experience smooth for PwD voters.

    Inclusive & Accessible Elections:

    For the first time in State Assembly Elections in Jharkhand, Senior Citizens over 85+ years and PwDs with 40% benchmark disability will be provided an option to vote from the comfort of their homes. Home Voting facility is optional. If an elector is willing to visit the polling station physically to cast their vote, necessary assistance will be provided at the polling station. Application form 12D is distributed and collected by BLO within 5 days of the notification, from such electors who opt for this facility and deposit it with the Returning Officer. The complete process is videographed and representatives of political parties/candidates are always involved in the entire process of voting from home.

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    PK/RP

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India attends Ministerial Meeting of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity

    Source: Government of India

    India attends Ministerial Meeting of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity

    IPEF partners welcome upcoming entry into force of the Clean Economy Agreement, Fair Economy Agreement, and IPEF Overarching Agreement under Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity

    IPEF partners commit to continued progress at virtual Ministerial Meeting

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 3:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal along with 13 other IPEF Ministers virtually attended the third Ministerial meeting focused on IPEF Pillar II, III, and IV.                

    In particular, Minister Goyal along with other IPEF Ministers welcomed the upcoming entry into force of the Clean Economy Agreement, Fair Economy Agreement, and the Overarching Agreement on IPEF on October 11, 2024, October 12, 2024, and October 11, 2024, respectively, and emphasized the significant opportunities to further deepen economic cooperation and deliver concrete benefits under the IPEF agreements through ongoing collaboration.

    Supply Chain Resilience

    In the virtual meeting, IPEF Ministers reviewed and appreciated the substantive progress made to operationalize the Supply Chain Agreement, deepening cooperation to build more competitive and resilient supply chains, better prepare for, prevent, and respond to supply chain disruptions when they happen, and ensure that regional supply chains raise up workers and respect labor rights.  They outlined concrete next steps for the upcoming months, building on the progress made by the Supply Chain Agreement’s three bodies: the Supply Chain Council, Crisis Response Network, and Labor Rights Advisory Board.  IPEF partners also highlighted the meaningful collaboration taking place under the Supply Chain Agreement which includes:

    The IPEF Ministers noted that the three supply chain bodies – the Supply Chain Council (Council), the Crisis Response Network (Network), and the Labor Rights Advisory Board (LRAB) – met virtually in July to elect leadership in which India was elected as Vice Chair of the Council with US as Chair; Korea as Chair and Japan as Vice Chair of the Network; and the United States as Chair and Fiji as Vice Chair of the LRAB.

    Minister Goyal noted that the formation of Action Plan teams in the first in person meeting of supply chain council held in Washington last week, for three critical sectors – semiconductors, critical minerals with a focus on batteries, and chemicals which are highly relevant today given their supply/production concentration and the experience learned from disruptions faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

     

    The world has witnessed exponential growth in demand for clean energy solutions to meet respective climate goals. The paradigm shift towards a sustainable and low-carbon future has brought to the forefront of the critical importance in securing a reliable supply of minerals which are critical for green transition.

    The use of specific minerals is indispensable for the sectors including clean energy, electronics, defence, transportation, telecommunications, fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals. One of the key challenges in supply chains is risk on account of concentration of global capacities or resources, which can add to price volatility and supply uncertainty. The work under the Action Plan team needs to address this global concentration of supply chains in any form.

    The growing population puts immense pressure on limited agricultural land for higher yields and in this context, the importance of resilient supply chains for Agro-chemicals has become extremely important. According to an estimate, the Global Agrochemicals Market (fertilizers, pesticides, adjuvants, and plant regulators) is projected to reach USD 282.2 billion by 2028 from USD 235.2 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 3.7%.

    Minister Goyal emphasized that healthcare including pharmaceuticals and medical devices is an extremely relevant area due to over concentration of global production of APIs and Key Starting Materials (KSMs) which can severely impair supply chain resilience and impact our capacity to address the healthcare needs of our economies. Besides, the multimodal transport systems including multimodal transport corridors, upgrades of logistics infrastructure, enhanced technological interoperability and data flows among freight and logistics enterprises, are some of the key areas which need to be focused upon.  

    Minister Goyal noted that IPEF’s focus on Logistics and Movement of Good aligns perfectly with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Gati Shakti initiative, which aims to improve logistics and transportation infrastructure across India through evidence based integrated planning. Further, data and analytics on one hand will help identify new opportunities for collaboration for better resilience amongst IPEF supply chains and on other will help identify structural and systemic risks, enhancing the Council’s ability to address current challenges. He emphasized the workforce development which is a key cross cutting component of building resilient supply chains across the IPEF region should include efforts to identify skill gaps, support reskilling and upskilling, and ensure skill qualification comparability across the region to facilitate workforce mobility.

     

     

    Crisis Response Network

    IPEF Ministers emphasized the importance of collaboration under the Crisis Response Network to help partners timely understand risks in their supply chains. They also reflected on the emergency simulation exercise conducted during the Crisis Response Network (CRN) in person meeting to assist partners in creating tailored systems for real-time monitoring and crisis preparedness.

    Clean Economy

    Agreement on Clean Economy intends to accelerate efforts of IPEF partners towards energy security and transition, climate resilience and adaptation, GHG emissions mitigation; find/develop innovative ways of reducing dependence on fossil fuel energy; promote technical cooperation, workforce development, capacity building, and research collaborations; and collaborate to facilitate development, access, and deployment of clean energy and climate-friendly technologies.  The IPEF partners welcomed the progress made on the eight Cooperative Work Programs (CWPs), which serve as one of the primary mechanisms under the Clean Economy Agreement for facilitating cooperation among participating IPEF partners on priority topics. Each CWP, as developed by the proposing IPEF partner or partners, in consultation with the other IPEF partners, has different objectives and workstreams to carry forward the collaborative work.  During the virtual Ministerial, the IPEF partners commended the progress made on the Clean Economy Agreement since the successful Ministerial and inaugural Clean Economy Investor Forum in June.

    The IPEF partners welcomed the continued efforts to build and sustain longer-term cooperation among various groupings of interested partners on a range of climate solutions through the CWP mechanism, in furtherance of the overarching goals of the IPEF Clean Economy Agreement, especially w.r.t hydrogen, carbon markets, and small modular reactors (SMRs) and e-waste urban mining proposed by India.

    IPEF Ministers expressed great satisfaction over the very successful first IPEF investor Forum held in Singapore which provided a common platform to the investors and the project proponents together and facilitated them to gainfully engage on a wide array of investment opportunities including innovative ideas in the space of climate friendly technologies.

    Fair Economy

              By strengthening anti-corruption efforts and enhancing the efficiency of tax administration, the IPEF partners are demonstrating their commitment to increased transparency and predictability, and thereby will be better positioned to expand their trade, investment ties and ensure the benefits of trade are broadly shared throughout their economies.

    The IPEF partners welcomed the next steps to implement the Agreement, including operationalizing the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Coordination Group that will coordinate technical assistance and capacity building (TACB) under the Agreement’s Capacity Building Framework. Some of the TACB initiatives highlighted include:-

    • The US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP)’s  two-year program will offer IPEF partners TACB to help with implementation of the anti-corruption provisions of the Agreement, primarily focused on enforcement training centered on foreign bribery, corporate liability, and compliance.
    • In August 2024, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Technical Assistance (OTA)’s virtual workshop served as a forum for the IPEF partners to discuss the importance of effective tax administration to support economic and development objectives.
    • In October 2024, the US State Department, with the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, will hold an IPEF workshop focused on the implementation and enforcement of foreign bribery laws and another IPEF workshop on preventing corruption in public procurement, including tools to improve the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms, appeal systems, and potential remedies and legal options.

    Minister Goyal underscored that peer learning, knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives under the Fair Economy agreement will remain key to achieving its objectives. India, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has established a robust anti-corruption regime and has already implemented several legislative, administrative, and regulatory measures to address both corruption and promote tax transparency. 

    Minister Goyal emphasized that the full potential of IPEF can only be realised if each partner country brings their respective strengths to the table whether it is technological advancements or investment capacity or market potential or requisite resources including skilled workforce, to address various challenges of supply chain resilience or green transition.

    The IPEF partners agreed that the Ministers will continue to monitor the progress made to further operationalize the Supply Chain Agreement, the Clean Economy Agreement, the Fair Economy Agreement, and the IPEF Overarching arrangement, and look forward to the first meetings of the ministerial-level IPEF Council and IPEF Joint Commission established under the IPEF Overarching  Agreement .

    About IPEF

    IPEF was launched on 23 May 2022 at Tokyo, Japan, comprising 14 countries – Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and USA. The IPEF seeks to strengthen economic engagement and cooperation among partner countries with the goal of advancing growth, economic stability and prosperity in the region.

    The framework is structured around four pillars relating to Trade (Pillar I); Supply Chain Resilience (Pillar II); Clean Economy (Pillar III); and Fair Economy (Pillar IV). Agreement on Supply Chain Resilience (Pillars II) was signed in November 2023 and is in force since February 2024. Agreement on Clean Economy (Pillar-III), Agreement on Fair Economy (Pillar- IV) and the IPEF Overarching Agreement were signed by India early this week in Delaware, USA in the presence of the Prime Minister during his 3-day visit to the US.  India has maintained an observer status in Pillar-I.

    These agreements were negotiated in consultation with line Ministries/Departments including the Ministry of External Affairs and other relevant stakeholders.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Signs Agreement with Laporte County, Indiana, to Ensure Civic Access for People with Disabilities

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    The Justice Department today announced an agreement with LaPorte County, Ind., to improve access to all aspects of civic life for persons with disabilities. The agreement was reached under the department’s Project Civic Access initiative, which aims to bring state and local governments into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This agreement is the 169th under Project Civic Access and the eighth this year.

     “Civic access is a civil right, and individuals with disabilities must have the opportunity to participate in public programs, services and activities on an equal basis with their neighbors,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “We appreciate LaPorte County’s commitment to ensuring that the civil rights promised in the Americans with Disabilities Act are granted to individuals with disabilities who live in or visit the county.”

    LaPorte County, founded in 1832, is located in northwestern Indiana, near the Chicago metropolitan area. More than 16 percent of the residents of LaPorte County have disabilities and will benefit from the agreement announced today.

     Under today’s agreement, the county will:

    • Make physical modifications to its buildings and parks so that parking, entrances, routes, toilet rooms, courtrooms, assembly areas, service counters and drinking fountains are accessible to persons with disabilities;
    • Post, publish and distribute a notice to inform members of the public of the provisions of the ADA and their applicability to county programs, services, and activities;
    • Amend its employment policies, as necessary, to comply with the regulations of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission implementing the employment provisions of the ADA;
    • Provide auxiliary aids necessary to ensure effective communication with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and persons who are blind or have low vision;
    • Ensure that each 9-1-1 call station is equipped with a text telephone (TTY) or computer equivalent and that TTY calls are answered promptly and correctly;
    • Implement the La Porte County Sheriff Department’s Policy on Effective Communication with People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, which provides for the county to make available interpreters and other auxiliary aids necessary to ensure effective communication with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing;
    • Provide accessible polling places;
    • Implement emergency management policies and procedures to ensure equal access for persons with disabilities, including preparation, notification, sheltering and response;
    • Make modifications necessary to county sidewalks and curb ramps to provide accessible routes; and
    • Ensure that the county’s official Web site is accessible to persons with disabilities, including people who are blind or have low vision.

    The settlement agreement will remain in effect for three years from Oct. 28, 2009, or until all actions required by the agreement have been completed, whichever is later.

    Project Civic Access was initiated to ensure that persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in civic life. As part of the project, department investigators, attorneys and architects conduct on-site surveys of state and local government programs and facilities in order to identify modifications needed for compliance with ADA requirements. The agreements contain a plan setting out the specific steps a community will take to improve access for persons with disabilities.

    People interested in finding out more about the ADA, today’s agreement with LaPorte County, Ind., or the department’s Project Civic Access initiative may find this information on the ADA Web site at http://www.ada.gov or may call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Government Files Seven Lawsuits Nationwide to Block Alleged Scheme Involving Fraudulent Tax-Refund Claims

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    WASHINGTON – The United States this week has filed civil injunction lawsuits across the country against seven individuals, the Justice Department announced today. The federal suits – filed in Los Angeles; Panama City, Fla.; Salt Lake City; Nashville, Tenn.; and Pocatello, Idaho – allege that the defendants promote a tax fraud scheme designed to siphon hundreds of millions of dollars from the U.S. Treasury through fraudulent tax refund claims.

    Papers filed in the cases say the defendants prepared tax returns requesting a total of $562.4 million in bogus refunds. One defendant – Dick Jenkins, of Heber City, Utah – allegedly holds himself out as a CPA and requested a $210 million fraudulent refund for one customer. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) catches the vast majority of the bogus tax returns and blocks the claimed refunds.

    Under the tax fraud scheme, known as the “redemption” or “OID redemption” scheme, participants file a series of false IRS forms, including tax returns, amended returns, and Forms 1099 (including Form 1099-OID) or Forms W-2, to request fraudulent tax refunds based on phony claims of large income tax withholding. According to papers filed in these cases and earlier cases against other alleged scheme promoters, redemption scheme promoters are tax defiers who falsely tell customers that the federal government maintains “secret” accounts of money for its citizens. Promoters claim to be able to help customers access the secret funds by filing the false IRS forms.

    Altogether, according to the IRS, redemption scheme participants (including customers of the defendants in the seven lawsuits filed this week) have requested a total of $3.3 trillion in fraudulent refunds.

    “The scope of the misconduct alleged in these lawsuits is staggering,” said John A. DiCicco, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “The IRS and Justice Department are working together closely to ensure that those who promote or participate in this large-scale attempted raid on the Treasury face all appropriate civil and criminal sanctions. Anyone who participates in this scheme can expect to not get the claimed refund, face very large civil penalties (up to 20 percent of the false claim), and where appropriate, face criminal prosecution with possible substantial prison sentences if convicted.”

    The Justice Department has previously brought other injunction suits to shut down redemption scheme promoters. A federal court in Sacramento found that tax preparer Teresa Marty had been using the same scheme to claim bogus refunds for her customers, and preliminarily barred her from preparing tax returns for others. The Government sued Nyla McIntyre and her Los Angeles-based company, Approved Financial Services Inc., to permanently bar them from preparing tax returns for others.

    Listed below are details of the seven lawsuits, filed in U.S. District Courts in the cities indicated:

    Case

    Fraudulent “Refunds” Requested

    United States v. Dick Jenkins

    Salt Lake City, Utah

    $393 million

    United States v. Susan Guan

    Los Angeles, California

    , et al.

    $4.5 million

    United States v. Jacqueline Cornejo

    Los Angeles, California

    $12.1 million

    United States v. Evelyn Johnston, et al.

    Panama City, Florida

    $17.5 million

    United States v. Thanh Cao

    Los Angeles, California

    $34 million

    United States v. Penny Jones

    Pocatello, Idaho

    $93 million

    United States v. Karen Miller

    Nashville, Tennessee

    $8.3 million

     

    TOTAL:

    $562.4 million

    The Tax Division also prosecutes criminal cases involving the redemption scheme and other schemes involving fraudulent uses of IRS forms, including Forms 1099. These prosecutions often result in significant prison sentences. In May 2009 in the Southern District of Florida, Willie Bernard Cameron was sentenced to 60 months in prison for filing a false $2.9 million refund claim based on a fictitious Form 1099-OID. At the sentencing hearing, Cameron espoused tax-defier positions, including sovereignty and redemption. Other successful prosecutions have involved the use of fraudulent Forms 1099 to harass federal and state officials. In May 2009 in the Northern District of Ohio, Jeanne Herrington was sentenced to 96 months in prison for conspiracy to defraud the IRS and for retaliating against federal prosecutors by filing false Forms 1099 in their names. In May 2009 in the Central District of California, Giancarlo Pertile was sentenced to 60 months incarceration and fined $75,000. Evidence at sentencing showed that, after his indictment for tax evasion, Pertile filed Forms 1099-OID against the judge and others.

    In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained more than 430 injunctions against tax fraud promoters and dishonest tax return preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s Web site.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bill Allen and Richard Smith, Former Officers of VECO Corporation, Sentenced for Roles in Alaska Public Corruption Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    WASHINGTON – Bill J. Allen and Richard L. Smith were each sentenced in separate hearings today for their participation in a corruption scheme in which they provided approximately $395,000 in corrupt payments to public officials from the state of Alaska, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division. Allen and Smith were sentenced in U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska by U.S. District Court Judge John W. Sedwick.

    Allen, 72 , the former chief executive officer of VECO Corporation, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, a $750,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Smith, 64 , the former vice president of community and government affairs for VECO Corporation, was sentenced to 21 months in prison, a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

    Both defendants pleaded guilty on May 7, 2007, to three-count informations charging each with bribery; conspiracy to commit bribery, extortion under color of official right, and honest services mail and wire fraud; and conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. According to court documents, Allen and Smith conspired with at least five members of the Alaska legislature to provide illegal financial benefits to several Alaska elected officials in exchange for those officials’ support on legislation pending before the Alaska state legislature. Allen and Smith also pleaded guilty to one substantive count of bribery, and admitted that they provided approximately $395,000 in benefits to public officials from the state of Alaska in connection with the scheme.

    The Allen sentencing was handled by Deputy Chief James M. Trusty of the Criminal Division’s Gang Unit, Trial Attorney Kevin R. Gingras of the Criminal Division’s Appellate Section and Trial Attorney Peter M. Koski of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. The Smith sentencing was handled by Trial Attorney M. Kendall Day and Deputy Chief Raymond Hulser of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. The case is being investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Nevada Company to Enforce the Employment Rights of Air Force Reservist

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement that will resolve its suit filed on behalf of former Utah Army National Guardsman and current Air Force Reservist Matthew T. Denning against Stonescape Pavers LLC. The settlement must be approved by the federal court in Las Vegas. The Department’s complaint, filed in June 2009, alleges that Stonescape violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) by terminating Denning during his statutorily protected reemployment time period. Under the terms of the settlement, embodied in an agreement that has been submitted to the court, Stonescape must provide Denning with $10,000 to compensate him for his lost wages and benefits as a result of Stonescape’s actions.

    In its complaint, the Justice Department alleged that Denning was a salesman for Stonescape when he was called to active duty to deploy to Iraq with the Utah Army National Guard in January 2006. After he was honorably discharged in June 2006, he was reemployed by Stonescape. According to the complaint, Stonescape terminated Denning without cause in August 2006 during his statutorily-protected reemployment time period. The lawsuit was filed after the Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service completed an investigation of Denning’s complaint. Congress enacted USERRA in 1994 to protect service members from being disadvantaged in their civilian careers due to serving in the uniformed services. Among other things, USERRA prohibits employers from terminating a service member except for cause for 180 days after the employee’s date of reemployment if his or her recent period of uniformed service was more than 30 days but less than 181 days.

    “We all have a duty to ensure the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform can land on their feet after they return from active duty. This settlement demonstrates our vigilant protection of the employment rights of our servicemembers, and our commitment to vigorous enforcement of the laws that protect them,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.

    The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has given a high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA. During 2009, the Civil Rights Division has filed 20 USERRA lawsuits on behalf of service members. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s Web sites at http://www.justice.gov/crt/emp and http://www.servicemembers.gov/, as well as on the Labor Department’s Web site at http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: President Obama Signs the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Today, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Freedom of Information Act, President Obama has signed into law the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016.

    In our democracy, the FOIA serves as a vital tool to keep citizens informed about the operations of their government. Since its enactment in 1966, the FOIA has been amended on a number of occasions to adapt to the times and changing priorities.  The FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 contains several substantive and procedural amendments to the FOIA, as well as new reporting requirements for agencies.  

    In order to assist agencies in understanding all of the new changes to the FOIA, OIP has added two new resources to its website today. First, agencies and the public can find a detailed summary of all of the changes to the law on the “FOIA Resources” pages of our site. Additionally, OIP is making available a redline version of the FOIA which outlines each of the changes within the law. 

    In the upcoming months, OIP will be issuing guidance to agencies on the implementation of the various new provisions of the law.  Announcements will be made on FOIA Post as new guidance is released. Agencies are encouraged to contact OIP’s FOIA Counselor Service with any questions they may have on implementation of these new statutory provisions.  

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former West Point Employee Pleads Guilty in $3 Million Embezzlement Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A Highland Falls, N.Y., woman pleaded guilty today for her role in a scheme to defraud and embezzle funds from the U.S. government by authorizing nearly $3 million in payments from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., to a bogus corporation she controlled.

    Bobbie Cyana Ryan, 51, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to a three-count information charging her with devising a scheme to defraud, and transmitting funds in interstate commerce for the purpose of executing the scheme; embezzlement and conversion by Ryan of government funds; and executing a financial transaction with criminally derived funds.

    According to court documents filed in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, Ryan worked in the Information, Education and Technology division in the Office of the Dean at West Point. Ryan was responsible for coordinating information technology training programs for West Point staff. According to court documents, based on irregularities found during a routine audit, U.S. Army investigators discovered that Ryan, acting as the requesting and approving official, used her government purchase card and cards of her unknowing subordinates to authorize approximately $2.9 million in payments to CWG Enterprises. The payments were purportedly for either on-site training instructors or training reference materials when, in fact, no personnel were ever trained and no materials were ever provided.

    U.S. Army investigators subsequently discovered that Ryan conducted financial transactions and identified herself as doing business as CWG Enterprises. Ryan used a rented mail box as the company address for CWG Enterprises. Based on false invoices created by Ryan, transfers of government funds were allegedly made from a bank in Washington to a bank account in the name of “Bobbie C. Ryan dba CWG Enterprises” at a bank in New Windsor, N.Y. Once the funds arrived in the purported CWG Enterprises bank account, Ryan withdrew the funds and paid personal and family expenses.

    At sentencing, scheduled for Feb. 19, 2010, Ryan faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison a fine of up to twice the pecuniary gain from the scheme.

    The case is being investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Hartford Fraud Resident Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Andrew Levchuk of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Agency Training on FOIA Improvement Act of 2016

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Update: This post has been updated to reflect that this event is at capacity.

    OIP will be hosting a training session on the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 on August 8, 2016.  The training will provide agency personnel with an overview of the recent amendments to the FOIA and an opportunity to ask questions to OIP’s Director about the new provisions.  As OIP continues to work on guidance to agencies on the implementation of the specific requirements of the new law, we hope you can join us for this training to address any immediate questions or concerns. The details for this training are:

    FOIA Amendments Training
    Robert F. Kennedy Building – Great Hall
    10th and Constitution Ave NW
    August 8, 2016 – 10am to 12pm     

    This training event is open to agency FOIA professionals and interested agency personnel.

    If you are interested in attending, please e-mail your name and phone number to OIP’s Training Officer at DOJ.OIP.FOIA@usdoj.gov with the subject line “FOIA Amendments Training.” As space for this meeting is limited, registration is required to attend.  You will need a picture ID to enter the building.  If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact OIP’s Training Officer at (202) 514-3642.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Inaugural Chief FOIA Officers Council Meeting

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    The inaugural meeting of the newly established Chief FOIA Officers Council will be held on July 22, 2016. President Obama recently signed into law the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, which, among other things, established a Chief FOIA Officer Council. The Chief FOIA Officer Council is co-chaired by the Directors of OIP and OGIS and is made up of each agency Chief FOIA Officer and the Deputy Director of Management of OMB. In accordance with the new law, the Council is tasked with developing recommendations for improving FOIA, sharing best practices, and developing and coordinating initiatives.

    The meeting will be held at 2:00pm on July 22, 2016 in Room 430 of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building; 1650 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20502. 

    You can view a livestream of this meeting at www.wh.gov/live beginning at 2pm. You can also follow the meeting through OIP’s Twitter account @FOIAPost and through the hashtag #CFOCouncil.

    A limited number of seats are available for members of the public to attend in person. For security purposes registration is required. Please email DOJ.OIP.FOIA@usdoj.gov with the subject line “CFO Council Meeting – Public” by COB on July 18, 2016 to request a seat. On July 19, we will respond to your email to confirm your attendance and provide a link for you to formally register by July 21 at 12pm.  

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: OIP Releases Guidance on the New Requirements for FOIA Response Letters

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    On June 30, 2016, President Obama signed into law the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, which contains several substantive and procedural amendments to the FOIA. OIP has prepared a summary of the amendments as well as a redlined version of the statute which shows the changes made by the amendments. Today, OIP has released its first guidance piece addressing the new amendments. The guidance addresses the new requirements for agency response letters and for notices extending the FOIA’s time limits due to “unusual circumstances.” The guidance addresses the:

    • Requirement to notify requesters about the availability of the agency’s FOIA Public Liaison to offer assistance,
    • Requirements to notify requesters of their right to seek dispute resolution services from the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at NARA, and
    • To afford the requester no less than 90 days from the date of the adverse determination on the request to file an administrative appeal.

    Agencies should update their response letters and notices extending the FOIA’s time limits due to unusual circumstances to include the new requirements from the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. OIP has prepared an implementation checklist, with sample language, to assist agencies in doing so.

    Guidance on the New Requirements for FOIA Response Letters, Including Affording Ninety Days to File an Administrative Appeal, and New Notification Requirement for Notices Extending FOIA’s Time Limits Due to Unusual Circumstances

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: CFO Council Holds First Meeting at the White House

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    On July 22, 2016, the Chief FOIA Officers (CFO) Council, created by the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, held its inaugural meeting at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The CFO Council is composed of all agency CFOs, plus the Deputy Director for Management from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and is co-chaired by the Directors of OIP and the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS).  Chief FOIA Officers and representatives from over 64 agencies attended, along with several members of the public. The meeting was available via livestream, and the full video recording is available here.      

    OIP Director Melanie Ann Pustay, opened the meeting by providing an overview of the responsibilities of agency CFOs. Next, Andrew Mayock, a Senior Advisor at OMB, emphasized the Administration’s commitment to transparency and open government. Mr. Mayock described the recently-announced Cross-Agency Priority (CAP) Goal for FOIA that will be co-led by OMB, DOJ, and NARA to focus senior leadership attention and drive performance and accountability for improving FOIA administration, and to ensure that Federal departments and agencies are providing sufficient resources toward FOIA responsibilities. He explained that the CAP goal will be publicly posted on Performance.gov, and will have a detailed action plan, including specific metrics and milestones that will be used to gauge progress. Mr. Mayock explained that the initial focus of the CAP goal will be on implementing the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016.  

    Acting Director of OGIS Nikki Gramian also gave opening remarks. She discussed the responsibilities of OGIS and summarized the first meeting of the second term of the FOIA Advisory Committee, which is composed of representatives from both agencies and the requester community. Ms. Gramian indicated that she anticipates the work of the CFO Council and the FOIA Advisory Committee will be complementary, and that she looks forward to keeping the CFO Council informed about the Advisory Committee’s activities. 

    Director Pustay then introduced the Council’s first item for consideration – implementing a “release to one is release to all” presumption for FOIA responses. Director Pustay briefed the Council on OIP’s six-month pilot program conducted with seven volunteer Federal agencies that was designed to assess the viability of a policy that would direct agencies to proactively post online their FOIA responses. The President has directed the CFO Council to consider the lessons learned from the DOJ pilot program and to work to develop a Federal Government policy establishing a “release to one is a release to all” presumptive standard for Federal agencies when releasing records under FOIA. After briefing the Council on the pilot and OIP’s findings, Director Pustay answered questions from the members on a wide range of issues connected with implementation of the policy.  

    In the coming months, the CFO Council will examine issues critical to this policy’s implementation, including assessing the impact on investigative journalism efforts, as well as how best to address technological and resource challenges. At its next meeting, the Council will invite journalists and members of the public to provide feedback about the “release to all” policy, specifically addressing the concerns raised by some journalists about its possible impact on their work.  Details about the next meeting will be available here on FOIA Post.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: FOIA Summer Program Continues with FOIA Public Liaison and FOIA Requester Service Center Training

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Both President Obama and the Department of Justice have stressed the importance of agencies working “in a spirit of cooperation” with FOIA requesters. Since their introduction, agency FOIA Requester Service Centers and FOIA Public Liaisons serve as the voice of the agency and provide two channels for the public to use to interact with agencies during the FOIA request process. On August 15th, OIP, in conjunction with the Office of Government Information Services, will be hosting a specialized training event to assist agency personnel in carrying out their responsibilities in these important roles.

    FOIA Requester Service Centers typically serve as the first contact at agencies for members of the public when they have questions or are seeking information about how the FOIA works or  the status of their requests. The individuals who make up these FOIA Requester Service Centers need to be prepared to discuss their agency’s FOIA process and to provide specific details about any given request. In addition, agencies offer the assistance of FOIA Public Liaisons who are tasked by the statute to be supervisory agency officials with the responsibility for “assisting in reducing delays, increasing transparency and understanding of the status of requests, and assisting in the resolution of disputes.”

    The FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 reinforced the important role played by FOIA Public Liaisons who, in conjunction with agency FOIA Requester Service Centers, provide an all-important human touch to FOIA administration. By engaging with requesters during the FOIA process and providing contacts to help answer questions or resolve issues that may arise, FOIA Requester Service Centers and FOIA Public Liaisons serve important roles in promoting understanding throughout the lifecycle of a FOIA request. 

    We hope that you are able to join us for this training, the details of which are:

    FOIA Public Liaison and FOIA Requester Service Center Training
    Department of Justice Conference Center
    145 N Street, NE
    August 15, 2016 – 10am to 12pm

    This training is open to all FOIA Public Liaisons and FOIA Requester Service Center personnel. Registration is required to attend this training and you will need a picture ID to enter the building.

    If you are interested in attending, please e-mail your name and phone number to OIP’s Training Officer at DOJ.OIP.FOIA@usdoj.gov with the subject line “FOIA Public Liaison & FOIA Requester Service Center Training.” If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact OIP’s Training Officer at (202) 514-3642.

    For those individuals outside of the Washington, DC area who are unable to attend this training, we are planning a teleconference to review the presentation material in the coming weeks. If you are interested in being a part of this teleconference, please send an email to DOJ.OIP.FOIA@usdoj.gov with the subject line “FOIA Public Liaison& FOIA Requester Service Center Training – Teleconference.” 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Launch of New Chief FOIA Officer Council Page

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    OIP is pleased to announce the launch of a new page on its website dedicated to the work of the Chief FOIA Officer (CFO) Council. Recently established by the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, the CFO Council is composed of all agency CFOs, plus the Deputy Director for Management from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and is co-chaired by the Directors of OIP and the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS). In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Council will meet regularly to develop recommendations for increasing FOIA compliance and efficiency, disseminating information about agency experiences and best practices, and working on initiatives that will increase transparency. Agencies and the public can access resources related to the work of the Council, including agendas and meeting minutes from past meetings as well as details on future meetings, on this dedicated page.    

    As highlighted on FOIA Post, last month the CFO Council held its inaugural meeting on July 22, 2016 in an event held at the White House. A recording of that event, as well as the meeting minutes and presentation materials, is available on this new page. During this meeting, OIP Director Melanie Pustay introduced the first item for the Council’s consideration — implementing a “release to one, release to all” presumption for FOIA responses. To assist in the implementation of this new presumption, OIP asked agency CFOs to answer specific questions about how such a policy might work at their agency. The memorandum and questionnaire from OIP’s Director to all agency CFOs seeking this feedback is also available on this new page. If you would like to submit your own feedback on the “release to one, release to all” presumption, please email ReleaseToAll@usdoj.gov with your thoughts.

    Please be sure to continue checking FOIA Post and the new CFO Council Page for further updates on the Council’s work and details about upcoming meetings.  

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Second Meeting of the Chief FOIA Officers Council

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    UPDATE: This post has been updated with details regarding the livestream of this event.

    The next meeting of the Chief FOIA Officers Council will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2016.  At this meeting, OIP will brief the Council on the feedback received from agencies on the “Release to One is a Release to All” presumption and will provide journalists an opportunity to share their views on the presumption.  The meeting will be held at:

    Second Chief FOIA Officers Council Meeting
    GSA Central Office – Auditorium
    1800 F Street, NW
    Washington, DC 20405 
    September 15, 2016 – 10am to 12pm

    This meeting will be open to the public, and time will be provided for members of the public to address the Council.  If you would like to address the Council at the meeting, either as a journalist or a member of the public, please request this in your registration email.  Written comments pertaining to the “Release to All” presumption policy may be submitted to ReleaseToAll@usdoj.gov. While the “release to one is a release to all” presumption is the first topic being considered by the Council, the Director of OIP will also provide an update on the consolidated FOIA portal in anticipation of further engagement with the Council on that topic.

    For security purposes registration for this meeting is required.  Please email DOJ.OIP.FOIA@usdoj.gov with the subject line “CFO Council Meeting – Public” by 5:00 PM on September 7, 2016. This meeting will also be livestreamed at https://meet.gsa.gov/foiacfomeetingsept2016/. To view this livestream, please visit the URL and select “Enter as a Guest;” you will be prompted to provide your name and then select “Enter Room.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Appointment of a Special Counsel

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the appointment of a former career Justice Department prosecutor and former U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur to serve as special counsel to conduct the investigation of matters that were the subject of the initial investigation by U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. related to the possible unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or other records discovered at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement and the Wilmington, Delaware, private residence of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

    Related:

    Appointment of a Special Counsel

    Statement of Special Counsel Robert K. Hur

    Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks on the Appointment of a Special Counsel

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Eye Surgery Practices Agree to Pay $1 Million and End Discriminatory Policies Towards People with Disabilities

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a proposed consent decree with Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Centers (BDP) and American Vision Partners (AVP), to resolve its lawsuit alleging that the eye care practices violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit alleged that BDP and AVP refused to operate on certain patients who needed assistance transferring from their wheelchairs for surgery and required other such patients to pay for third-party medical transport and transfer assistance. Medical providers routinely offer this type of assistance to patients who need help transferring from a wheelchair to an examination or surgical table for surgery and exams.

    “The Americans with Disabilities Act requires health care providers to offer equal access to their services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Patients with disabilities must not be denied crucial medical services or forced to pay surcharges because they need transfer assistance. The Justice Department is fully committed to protecting the civil rights of individuals with disabilities to get the medical care they need.” 

    “This agreement reflects an important step in obtaining equal access to health care services for Arizonans with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with the Civil Rights Division to ensure that all Arizonans are afforded equal opportunity to access health care services in our state.”

    Under the decree, BDP and AVP will end their policies of denying surgery and prohibiting staff from providing transfer assistance to people with mobility disabilities. BDP operates eye care facilities throughout Arizona, and AVP, one of the largest eye care practice management organizations in the country, partners with eye care providers in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas, including BDP, Southwestern Eye Center, M & M Eye Institute, Retinol Consultants of Arizona, Abrams Eye Institute, Southwest Eye Institute, Aiello Eye Institute, Havasu Eye Center, Visage Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery and Moretsky Cassidy Vision Correction. These eye care providers will also train staff on the new policy requirements and on safe transfer techniques, and pay $950,000 to patients and prospective patients who were harmed by its policies and a civil penalty of $50,000.

    For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit http://www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at http://www.ada.gov/complaint.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Community Violence Intervention & Prevention Initiative Grantee Convening: Welcoming Remarks

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    Attorney General Merrick B. Garland provided welcoming remarks during the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Grantee Convening in St. Louis, Missouri.

    The conference marks the inaugural convening of communities funded under the department’s Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, a first-of-its-kind federal grant program tailored to support community-driven safety solutions and reduce gun violence.

    The Justice Department invested $100 million to support community violence interventions that are working to expand the role of community partners as a complement to law enforcement. The grants, funded in part by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, include support for 47 sites nationwide to implement community-driven efforts that rely on cross-sector partnerships and trusted messengers to interrupt violence, expand opportunity, and save lives. The conference will host approximately 400 invited attendees, including representatives from grantee sites and training and technical assistance provider organizations.

    Related:

    Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Grantee Convening

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Community Violence Intervention & Prevention Initiative Grantee Convening: Welcoming Remarks

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Attorney General Merrick B. Garland provided welcoming remarks during the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Grantee Convening in St. Louis, Missouri.

    The conference marks the inaugural convening of communities funded under the department’s Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, a first-of-its-kind federal grant program tailored to support community-driven safety solutions and reduce gun violence.

    The Justice Department invested $100 million to support community violence interventions that are working to expand the role of community partners as a complement to law enforcement. The grants, funded in part by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, include support for 47 sites nationwide to implement community-driven efforts that rely on cross-sector partnerships and trusted messengers to interrupt violence, expand opportunity, and save lives. The conference will host approximately 400 invited attendees, including representatives from grantee sites and training and technical assistance provider organizations.

    Related:

    Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Grantee Convening

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Angola: Immediately release activists wrongfully jailed for one year and denied medical care

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Angolan authorities must immediately release four activists wrongfully detained for one year whose health has drastically deteriorated behind bars, Amnesty International said. 

    Police arrested the four activists on 16 September 2023 in Luanda ahead of a planned protest in solidarity with motorcycle taxi drivers. Since then, Amnesty International has documented significant declines in their health amid a pattern of authorities deliberately denying them medical care at multiple different prisons, including urgent surgery, which amounts to torture and other ill-treatment. 

    “One year in prison simply for peacefully protesting is a travesty of justice. Angolan authorities must release these activists now, especially given their worsening medical conditions,” said Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa. 

    Angolan authorities must release these activists now, especially given their worsening medical conditions.

    Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty International Deputy Director for East and South Africa

    “Deliberately denying medical care to people in prison is torture. The denial of health care to prisoners also has potentially fatal consequences and may violate the right to life. Not another day should go by with them behind bars or without receiving the medical care they urgently need,” said Vongai Chikwanda. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF closes programmes in Russia after instruction to deregister

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • After receiving a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, MSF had to close our operations in the country.
    • This comes after 32 years of working in Russia.
    • MSF would like to work in Russia again should the necessary conditions be provided by authorities.

    Moscow / Amsterdam – Thirty-two years after starting work in Russia, Médecins Sans Frontières/ (MSF) had to close our operations in the country.  In August this year, we received a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, with the decision to withdraw the affiliate office of the non-profit association ‘Médecins Sans Frontières’ (Netherlands) in Russia from the register of affiliate and representative offices of foreign NGOs.

    “It is with a heavy heart that we have to close our activities in Russia,” says Yashovardhan, head of MSF programmes in the country. “Our organisation’s work is guided by the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality, and medical ethics. We provide assistance based on the needs.”

    MSF had been present in Russia since 1992. For more than 30 years, we successfully implemented dozens of programmes, ranging from assistance to the homeless to emergency response to the collaborative work with the Ministry of Health on innovative tuberculosis treatment. We worked in various regions of the country, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Kemerovo region, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and – more recently – in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions, as well as in the south of Russia in Belgorod and Rostov-on-Don.

    A significant part of the history of MSF in Russia and the region was linked to the implementation of advanced approaches to the treatment of tuberculosis. MSF has collaborated with the medical academic community of Russia and other countries in the eastern Europe and central Asia to extend effective, innovative treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis to patients in penitentiary and civil sectors across the region.

    In 2004-2017, we worked in close partnership with the Chechen Ministry of Health, providing technical and advisory support to the local health authorities in the treatment of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Chechen Republic. The programme covered different aspects of tuberculosis diagnostics, treatment, laboratory services and health education, as well as adherence counselling and psychosocial support for patients and their families. In 2014, MSF supported the Ministry of Health in introducing new treatment regimens for patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis which yielded impressive results giving hope to patients who previously had no treatment options left.

    In 2021, MSF and local health authorities of the Arkhangelsk region in the north of Russia started successful implementation of a nine-month all-oral course of treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis. We enrolled 173 patients on this treatment regimen. And later, in 2023, we started enrolling patients on an even shorter, six months-long, all-oral treatment course that was recommended by the World Health Organization in the updated treatment guidelines in late 2022.

    In Arkhangelsk, and starting from 2024 in Ivanovo, MSF was providing expertise and technical assistance to health authorities with a special emphasis on implementing new treatment regimens and enhancing patients’ adherence and integrating person-centred care. To date, 41 patients in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions started treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis within this joint programme. The aim of the collaboration was to contribute to the evidence base for more effective, meaning less toxic and person-centred, treatment with a view to scale up these scientifically proven treatment protocols in Russia.

    In Moscow and St. Petersburg since 2020, MSF partnered with two community-based NGOs to support access to general healthcare, as well as testing and treatment for infectious diseases, for people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups, such as migrants, who otherwise struggle to obtain medical assistance. Over 14,000 medical consultations were supported for patients from these vulnerable groups.

    Since the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine in 2022, many people have sought safety in Russia, and MSF, in partnership with local NGOs in the Belgorod and Rostov regions in the south of Russia, started providing assistance to those who crossed into Russia from Ukraine and later – with the development of the situation – internally displaced people. Since the start of our response in 2022, more than 52,000 refugees and displaced people were provided with humanitarian aid and more than 15,400 received free medical, mental health and psychosocial support.

    As part of this partnership, we were also planning to respond to the humanitarian and medical needs of the internally displaced people in the Kursk region. MSF continues to stand in solidarity with people impacted by this conflict and remain steadfast in our commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, irrespective of what side of the front line they are on, should the necessary conditions for our work be provided by relevant authorities.

    “We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our colleagues in Russia for their hard work and commitment to humanitarian values we hold high as an organisation,” says Norman Sitali, MSF operations manager responsible for programmes in Russia. “We are very sad to conclude our programmes in the country as many people in need of medical and humanitarian assistance will now be left without the support we could have provided to them. MSF would like to still work in Russia again, if and when possible”.
     

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  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF-Netherlands closes programmes in Russia after instruction to deregister

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • After receiving a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, MSF-Netherlands had to close our operations in the country.
    • This comes after 32 years of working in Russia.
    • MSF would like to work in Russia again should the necessary conditions be provided by authorities.

    Moscow / Amsterdam – Thirty-two years after starting work in Russia, Médecins Sans Frontières/ (MSF) had to close our operations in the country.  In August this year, we received a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, with the decision to withdraw the affiliate office of the non-profit association ‘Médecins Sans Frontières’ (Netherlands) in Russia from the register of affiliate and representative offices of foreign NGOs.

    “It is with a heavy heart that we have to close our activities in Russia,” says Yashovardhan, head of MSF programmes in the country. “Our organisation’s work is guided by the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality, and medical ethics. We provide assistance based on the needs.”

    MSF had been present in Russia since 1992. For more than 30 years, we successfully implemented dozens of programmes, ranging from assistance to the homeless to emergency response to the collaborative work with the Ministry of Health on innovative tuberculosis treatment. We worked in various regions of the country, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Kemerovo region, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and – more recently – in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions, as well as in the south of Russia in Belgorod and Rostov-on-Don.

    A significant part of the history of MSF in Russia and the region was linked to the implementation of advanced approaches to the treatment of tuberculosis. MSF has collaborated with the medical academic community of Russia and other countries in the eastern Europe and central Asia to extend effective, innovative treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis to patients in penitentiary and civil sectors across the region.

    In 2004-2017, we worked in close partnership with the Chechen Ministry of Health, providing technical and advisory support to the local health authorities in the treatment of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Chechen Republic. The programme covered different aspects of tuberculosis diagnostics, treatment, laboratory services and health education, as well as adherence counselling and psychosocial support for patients and their families. In 2014, MSF supported the Ministry of Health in introducing new treatment regimens for patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis which yielded impressive results giving hope to patients who previously had no treatment options left.

    In 2021, MSF and local health authorities of the Arkhangelsk region in the north of Russia started successful implementation of a nine-month all-oral course of treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis. We enrolled 173 patients on this treatment regimen. And later, in 2023, we started enrolling patients on an even shorter, six months-long, all-oral treatment course that was recommended by the World Health Organization in the updated treatment guidelines in late 2022.

    In Arkhangelsk, and starting from 2024 in Ivanovo, MSF was providing expertise and technical assistance to health authorities with a special emphasis on implementing new treatment regimens and enhancing patients’ adherence and integrating person-centred care. To date, 41 patients in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions started treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis within this joint programme. The aim of the collaboration was to contribute to the evidence base for more effective, meaning less toxic and person-centred, treatment with a view to scale up these scientifically proven treatment protocols in Russia.

    In Moscow and St. Petersburg since 2020, MSF partnered with two community-based NGOs to support access to general healthcare, as well as testing and treatment for infectious diseases, for people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups, such as migrants, who otherwise struggle to obtain medical assistance. Over 14,000 medical consultations were supported for patients from these vulnerable groups.

    Since the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine in 2022, many people have sought safety in Russia, and MSF, in partnership with local NGOs in the Belgorod and Rostov regions in the south of Russia, started providing assistance to those who crossed into Russia from Ukraine and later – with the development of the situation – internally displaced people. Since the start of our response in 2022, more than 52,000 refugees and displaced people were provided with humanitarian aid and more than 15,400 received free medical, mental health and psychosocial support.

    As part of this partnership, we were also planning to respond to the humanitarian and medical needs of the internally displaced people in the Kursk region. MSF continues to stand in solidarity with people impacted by this conflict and remain steadfast in our commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, irrespective of what side of the front line they are on, should the necessary conditions for our work be provided by relevant authorities.

    “We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our colleagues in Russia for their hard work and commitment to humanitarian values we hold high as an organisation,” says Norman Sitali, MSF operations manager responsible for programmes in Russia. “We are very sad to conclude our programmes in the country as many people in need of medical and humanitarian assistance will now be left without the support we could have provided to them. MSF would like to still work in Russia again, if and when possible”.
     

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  • MIL-OSI NGOs: NGOs call on all UN Member States to adhere to the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the unlawfulness of Israel’s occupation

    Source: Amnesty International –

    In July the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a historic advisory opinion concluding that Israel’s decades long occupation and annexation of Palestinian territory is unlawful because it violates some of the most fundamental tenets of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and denies Palestinians their human rights.

    The ICJ opinion also concludes that all states have an “obligation not to recognize as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” and “not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” Meanwhile, the virtually unconditional transfer and sale of weapons, parts, and ammunition by governments where there is clear risk of use in harming civilians and violating international law has continued.

    As the UN General Assembly prepares to vote on a resolution this week that would seek to bring the occupation to an end, the undersigned organizations call on all governments, including the UN Security Council and its members, to adhere to the ICJ’s advisory opinion, including through the halting the transfer and sale of weapons, parts and ammunition.

    Humanitarian, development and human rights organizations, many of us with decades of experience working throughout the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, delivering lifesaving assistance and other services, have witnessed first-hand the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s occupation, and its devastating impact on the Palestinian population, including the well-being of children.

    This includes but is not limited to:

    ● the use of weapons, by Israeli forces and settlers in attacks, including in apparent violations of international law, resulting in the killing and permanent disabilities of Palestinian civilians, including children, and instances of gender based violence;

    ● the arbitrary detention and systematic prosecution of Palestinians, including children, in Israeli military courts, often held in horrific conditions;

    ● the forced displacement of Palestinians through demolitions of Palestinian homes and property, Israeli settlement expansion, Israeli settler violence, and so-called “evacuation” orders amid Israeli bombardment in Gaza;

    ● a discriminatory permit regime that denies freedom of movement to Palestinians, depriving them of basic services, including vital medical assistance.

    These practices have taken place without accountability for decades, but the intensification over the last 11 months has led to a staggering humanitarian catastrophe for Palestinians throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, fuelled by the virtually unconditional supply of weapons, parts, and ammunition.

    More than 40,000 people in Gaza have been killed, and tens of thousands face life-altering injuries and potentially irreversible mental harm, including as a result of apparent violations of IHL. Meanwhile, the situation in the West Bank is deteriorating at a rapid pace, with large-scale Israeli military ground incursions and airstrikes killing and injuring people almost every day this year. The violence and restrictions under Israeli occupation have rendered the mandates of humanitarian, human rights, and development organizations almost impossible to fulfill.

    Humanitarian support provided by Member States is regularly obstructed and destroyed by Israeli authorities. Assistance that humanitarian organizations have managed to provide has been insufficient to address the needs and does not address the root causes of the humanitarian consequences created by Israel’s decades-long occupation that the international community has allowed to continue for too long.

    Failure to adhere to the ICJ’s advisory opinion will send a message that states can be selective in their application of international law. It is imperative that states reinforce and show their commitment to international institutions and the international order that has been in place for nearly 80 years. The time for empty statements has passed. All Member States must act decisively to adhere to the ICJ Advisory Opinion before more lives are irreparably destroyed.

    Undersigned:

    1. ActionAid

    2. American Friends Service Committee

    3. Amnesty International

    4. BePax

    5. CCFD-Terre Solidaire

    6. Center for Peace Education (Miriam College, Philippines)

    7. Christian Aid

    8. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

    9. DanChurchAid 10.Danish Refugee Council

    11. Finn Church Aid

    12.Franciscans International

    13.Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) (Secretariat)

    14.Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

    15.Handicap International/Humanity & Inclusion (HI)

    16.Human Concern International

    17.Islamic Relief Worldwide

    18.Médecins du Monde International Network

    19.Mennonite Central Committee

    20.Middle East Children’s Alliance

    21.Norwegian Church Aid

    22.Norwegian Refugee Council

    23.Oxfam

    24.Pax Christi Austria

    25.Pax Christi England and Wales

    26.Pax Christi International

    27.Pax Christi Scotland

    28.Pax Christi USA

    29.Première Urgence Internationale

    30.Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

    31.Terre des hommes Foundation

    32.Terre des Hommes Italy

    33.United Church of Christ

    34.War Child

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel must implement UNGA resolution by ending its unlawful occupation of Palestinian Territory

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution today demanding that Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) within 12 months, in compliance with the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) July advisory opinion, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, said:

    “Today’s resolution makes crystal-clear that Israel’s 57-year occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in flagrant violation of international law, cannot be allowed to continue any longer.

    “Israel must comply with the resolution immediately by withdrawing its forces from the West Bank, including illegally annexed East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, occupied since 1967. Israel must also remove all settlers from the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and reverse its annexation, both in law and in practice.

    “This resolution vindicates long-standing calls from the Palestinian people and many countries around the world, by pursuing the implementation of the ICJ’s historic advisory opinion which confirmed Israel has a legal obligation to end its unlawful occupation of the OPT and its systemic discrimination against the occupied Palestinian population.

    Today’s resolution makes crystal-clear that Israel’s 57-year occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in flagrant violation of international law, cannot be allowed to continue any longer.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

    “For decades Israel’s unlawful occupation has brought injustice, bloodshed and suffering to Palestinians on a mass scale. Over the past 11 months the systematic human rights violations that are a hallmark of Israel’s brutal occupation and system of apartheid have drastically intensified.

    “Israel’s unprecedented onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza is exacting a deplorable toll on the civilian population, causing deaths, injuries, mass destruction of critical infrastructure, decimation of cities and successive waves of forced displacement. It has rendered Gaza virtually unlivable and plunged the Strip into one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation stemming from Israel’s 17-year-long illegal blockade of Gaza. In the meantime, Israel has intensified its oppressive campaign against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, through lethal military operations accompanied by extensive damage of civilian infrastructure, unlawful killings, escalation in arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment, while settler violence is spiking with impunity and displacing Palestinians.

    “Implementing the UNGA’s resolution is key to restoring faith in international law. This is a critical juncture for the international community.  States, including allies of Israel, must ensure Israel complies with the resolution and puts an end to its persistent disregard for international law, human rights and the historic injustices against Palestinians.

    “Pending an end to Israel’s occupation, third states must immediately stop all forms of aid or assistance that help maintain the unlawful occupation, including halting arms transfers to Israel and ceasing all trade with illegal settlements.

    “They must also support the establishment of the mechanisms indicated in the resolution namely, to record all damages caused by Israel’s military occupation and the one to address Israel’s violations of the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. These mechanisms must be designed and effectively resourced to hold perpetrators accountable, deliver justice to victims and put an end to Israel’s system of apartheid against all Palestinians whose rights it controls.”

    Background

    The UNGA resolution passed with 124 votes in favour, 43 abstentions and 14 against including the US and Israel. The resolution put forward by the State of Palestine was based on a July advisory opinion by the ICJ that said Israel’s continued presence in the OPT is illegal and that settlements should be removed as rapidly as possible.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: UNGA resolution ‘makes crystal-clear’ that Israel must end unlawful occupation of Occupied Palestinian Territory

    Source: Amnesty International –

    UNGA resolution passed with 124 votes in favour, 43 abstentions and 14 against including the US and Israel

    The resolution was based on a July advisory opinion by the ICJ that said Israel’s continued presence in the OPT is illegal

    ‘For decades Israel’s unlawful occupation has brought injustice, bloodshed and suffering to Palestinians on a mass scale’ – Agnès Callamard

    Responding to the news that the UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution today demanding that Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months, in compliance with the International Court of Justice’s July advisory opinion, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “Today’s resolution makes crystal-clear that Israel’s 57-year occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in flagrant violation of international law, cannot be allowed to continue any longer.

    “Israel must comply with the resolution immediately by withdrawing its forces from the West Bank, including illegally annexed East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, occupied since 1967. Israel must also remove all settlers from the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and reverse its annexation, both in law and in practice.

    “This resolution vindicates long-standing calls from the Palestinian people and many countries around the world by pursuing the implementation of the ICJ’s historic advisory opinion which confirmed Israel has a legal obligation to end its unlawful occupation of the OPT and its systemic discrimination against the occupied Palestinian population.

    “For decades Israel’s unlawful occupation has brought injustice, bloodshed and suffering to Palestinians on a mass scale. Over the past 11 months the systematic human rights violations that are a hallmark of Israel’s brutal occupation and system of apartheid have drastically intensified.

    “Israel’s unprecedented onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza is exacting a deplorable toll on the civilian population, causing deaths, injuries, mass destruction of critical infrastructure, decimation of cities and successive waves of forced displacement. It has rendered Gaza virtually unlivable and plunged the Strip into one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation stemming from Israel’s 17-year-long illegal blockade of Gaza.

    “Israel has intensified its oppressive campaign against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank through lethal military operations accompanied by extensive damage of civilian infrastructure, unlawful killings, escalation in arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment while settler violence is spiking with impunity and displacing Palestinians.

    “Implementing the UNGA’s resolution is key to restoring faith in international law. This is a critical juncture for the international community. States, including allies of Israel, must ensure Israel complies with the resolution and puts an end to its persistent disregard for international law, human rights and the historic injustices against Palestinians.

    “Pending an end to Israel’s occupation, third states must immediately stop all forms of aid or assistance that help maintain the unlawful occupation, including halting arms transfers to Israel and ceasing all trade with illegal settlements.

    “They must also support the establishment of the mechanisms indicated in the resolution namely, to record all damages caused by Israel’s military occupation and the one to address Israel’s violations of the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. These mechanisms must be designed and effectively resourced to hold perpetrators accountable, deliver justice to victims without and put an end to Israel’s system of apartheid against all Palestinians whose rights it controls.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Reaction to UNGA’s overwhelming support for implementing the ICJ’s opinion on the illegality of Israel’s occupation

    Source: Oxfam –

    In response to the UNGA’s overwhelming support for a resolution providing a roadmap to implement the International Court of Justice’s recent opinion on the illegality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, Oxfam’s Middle East and North Africa Director Sally Abi Khalil said: 

    “This historic vote has shown that the international community overwhelmingly recognises its obligations in ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an immediate end to Israel’s illegal occupation.  

    “The UN Security Council must uphold its obligation to enforce this sober, responsible and detailed resolution or forever undermine any remaining credibility by flouting the legal and political opinion of the UN.” 

    The resolution lays out the steps necessary to implement July’s legally definitive International Court of Justice opinion that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian Territory (Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank) is unlawful and must end immediately; that illegal settlers must leave; that Israel must pay reparations to Palestinians for harm caused since 1967; that no third State may provide any aid or assist Israel’s continuing crimes; and that Israel’s legislation and measures breach Article 3 of CERD, which condemns racial segregation and apartheid. The next stage is for the UNSC to adopt a resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to enforce that implementation. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Media Advisory: Oxfam and partners at UNGA79

    Source: Oxfam –

    Oxfam leaders, experts, and partners are joining the UN 79th General Assembly, Summit of the Future, and Climate Action week in New York, hosting and attending events focused on UN Security Council Reform, gender, digital rights, inequality, climate action, and humanitarian issues. They will be urging global leaders to take bold decisions and action as they deliberate on the pressing issues of our time.   

    This year’s theme is “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.” 

    Here is an overview of Oxfam’s key events, including a press conference on a report on UN Security Council Reform, media spokespeople, and products: 

    “Our global systems have failed to address the unprecedented challenges we face today, leaving millions behind. Conflict is rampant, the climate crisis is at a breaking point, and inequality is soaring. As we gather at this year’s Assembly, leaders cannot squander the opportunity to restore people’s faith in the UN’s role as the flagbearer for global peace, security, and cooperation. They must move beyond mere rhetoric and make bold choices to create a system that serves all of humanity, not just the powerful few.” 

    Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International Executive Director

    Oxfam International

    A few highlights from Oxfam’s agenda at UNGA (all times in EST): 

    Thursday, September 19: Oxfam will publish a report titled,“Vetoing Humanity,” which highlights how the five UN Security Council Permanent Member States’ (P5) have abused the veto and negotiating powers in their own geopolitical interests; and how they have paralyzed the Council’s ability to maintain international peace and security or mitigate prolonged conflicts and human suffering. 

    At 8:30am, Oxfam will be hosting a photo call at an art installation in Tudor City outside the UN, featuring a large dove shackled to a “veto” weight, signifying how the Security Council veto has restrained efforts for global peace. Brooklyn-based artist Miles Giordani built the installation with Oxfam.  

    At 11:00 am, Oxfam will also hold a press conference on the “Vetoing Humanity” report in the UN Correspondents Association briefing room. 

    At 5:30pm, Oxfam and other civil society organizations will be hosting a media happy hour for a chance for experts and journalists to connect. Media can RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unga-media-civil-society-happy-hour-tickets-1009525918197 

    Saturday, September 21: Oxfam and partners will host a Summit of the Future Action Days Official Side Event on “Reforming the UN Security Council for an Equal and Sustainable Future” at the UN Headquarters.  Speakers will include Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International Executive Director; Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of the New America; Ambassador Lazalous Kapambwe former Zambia Permanent Representative to the UN and 67th President of UN ECOSOC; Wameedh Shakir, Founder and Chairperson of Itar Foundation in Yemen; Augusto Lopez-Claros, Executive Director and Chair – Global Governance Forum and Ishaan Shah co-founded Stolen Dreams. Register to participate or watch the Livestream here: Reforming the UN Security Council for an Equal and Sustainable Future (Side Event, Action Day 2, Summit of the Future) | UN Web TV 

    Monday, September 23: Oxfam will publish “Multilateralism in an Era of Global Oligarchy: How Extreme Inequality Undermines International Cooperation,” a report highlighting how ultrawealthy individuals — often enabled by the richest countries — exert disproportionate influence over policy decision. The paper proposes the solutions needed for progress and provides new global data prepared for UNGA. On Thursday, September 26, a joint event with the Ford Foundation will outline key aspects the report; the panelists will include: Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar; Ronald Lamola, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Nanjala Nyabola, Kenyan writer, researcher, and political analyst; moderated by The Washington Post’s Karen Attiah. 

    Reactive Statements: 

    Oxfam will be making statements regarding Summit of the Future outcomes, Heads of State Speeches during the High-Level Debate and other developments throughout. 

    Oxfam Spokespeople: 

    • Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International, Executive Director: Sustainable Development Goals, UN Reform, Inequality, Climate, Democracy, Human Rights, war in Gaza 
    • Abby Maxman, Oxfam America President and CEO: Sustainable Development Goals, Inequality, Humanitarian Issues 
    • Lebogang Ramafoko, Oxfam South Africa Executive Director: Summit of the Future, Climate and Inequality 
    • Brenda Mofya, Head of Oxfam New York Office: Sustainable Development Goals, The Summit of the Future, Humanitarian Issues  
    • Dr. Tawanda Mutasah, Oxfam America Vice President of Global Partnerships and Impact: Sustainable Development Goals, UN Reform 
    • Ashfaq Khalfan, Oxfam America Director of Climate Justice: U.S. position and context on climate issues in UN agenda, Climate and Inequality, Future Generations 
    • Nabil Ahmed, Oxfam America Director of Economic and Racial Justice: Economic/Wealth Inequality, Progressive Taxation, Corporate Power, Multilateralism 
    • Pauline Chetcuti, Oxfam International Head of Humanitarian Advocacy and Campaigns; Humanitarian and Climate Financing, Humanitarian Issues 
    • Neal McCarthy, Oxfam America Associate Director of Digital in Program: Summit of the Future Digital Compact  
    • Rebecca Shadwick, Oxfam International Gender Rights & Justice Policy & Advocacy Lead: Gender Justice and Rights in the Summit of the Future 
    • Abdulwasea Mohammed, Oxfam in Yemen Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns Lead; Yemen, Inclusive Peace and Security 

    Partners:  

    • Marinel Ubaldo, Climate Activist from the Philippines; Climate and Youth Activism 
    • Hilda Nakabuye, Climate Activist from Uganda: Climate and Youth Activism 

    • Wameedh Shakir, Chairwoman of Itar Foundation for Social Development in Yemen; Yemen, Gender, UN Reform

      Full list of events and media products: 

      Wednesday, September 18: 

    • YEMEN JOINT NGO BRIEFING NOTE: Humanitarian Situation and Funding in Yemen on the Occasion of the 79th United Nations General Assembly 

      Thursday, September 19: 

    • OXFAM REPORT + PRESS CONFERENCE + PHOTO CALL: Oxfam is publishing the report “Vetoing Humanity: How a few powerful nations hijacked global peace and why reform is needed at the UN Security Council.” 
    • Embargoed press release and report 
    • Public press release and report (links will go live at 00:01 EST) 
    • As detailed above, Oxfam will be presenting the report at a press conference and presenting a temporary art installation featuring a dove of peace shackled by the weight of the veto by Brooklyn-based artist Miles Giordani. 

    • OXFAM JOINT CIVIL SOCIETY MEDIA HAPPY HOUR: Oxfam and civil society partners are hosting a happy hour to connect policy experts with media. Media RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unga-media-civil-society-happy-hour-tickets-1009525918197 
      TIME: 5:30-8:30pm 
      LOCATION: The Stag’s Head, 252 E 51st Street (at 2nd Avenue) 

      Friday, September 20: 

    • FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE + OXFAM EVENT: Youth Climate Strike: Tear Down the Pillars of Fossil Fuels. Oxfam staff and partners will take part; Climate activist Hilda Nakabuye will speak at the rally 
      TIME: 2:00-4:00pm 
      LOCATION: Meet at Foley Square, RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/youth-climate-strike-tear-down-the-pillars-of-fossil-fuels-2  
    • OXFAM + TRUST AFRICA EVENT: African Civil Society Dialogue on the Summit of the Future 
      LOCATION: Jay Suites – Fifth Avenue, 15 W 38th Street  
      Note: This event continues to September 21. For more information contact Gail Smith (gail.smith@oxfam.org.za). 
       
      Saturday, September 21: 
    • OXFAM SIDE EVENT: Summit of the Future – “Transforming Economies beyond GDP: towards a caring and feminist future with people, well-being and planet at the center.” 
      TIME: 9:00-10:45am 
      LOCATION: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pmurQXRqTlqJFa4Ysp_AFA  
    • OXFAM EVENT: “Connecting the Global North and South in fulfilling existing legal obligations on climate finance, including loss and damage” 
      TIME: 11:00am-12:30pm 
      LOCATION: Oxfam NY Office, 369 Lexington Avenue 
      Note: For more information contact Karelia Pallan (karelia.pallan@oxfam.org) 
    • OXFAM + IMPACT COALITION ON AI EVENT: Oxfam’s Neal McCarthy will be speaking on the Panel on AI & Technology Governance”  
      TIME: 4:00-5:15pm 
      LOCATION: UNHQ – CR12 
       
      Monday, September 23: 
    • OXFAM REPORT: “Multilateralism in an Era of Global Oligarchy” will outline how extreme economic inequality undermines multilateral efforts to effectively respond to critical global challenges like global taxation, health, and debt and propose the solutions needed for progress. The paper provides new global data prepared for UNGA. 
    • OXFAM STATEMENT: Oxfam will issue a media reaction to the Pact of the Future and Summit of the Future outcomes 

    • OXFAM STATEMENT: Oxfam will issue a statement ahead of President Biden’s address at the General Debate  

      Tuesday, September 24: 

    • OXFAM EVENT: “Building Global Consensus for Justice in Mining for the Energy Transition: Can the UN Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM) Panel lead the way?” RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/un-panel-on-critical-energy-transition-minerals-toward-the-change-we-need-tickets-999360422927 
      TIME: 3:00-4:30pm 
      LOCATION: Oxfam NY Office – Sinatra Room (2nd Floor), 15 W 38th Street  
       
      Wednesday, September 25: 
    • OXFAM SPEAKING ON DEVEX PANEL: “Food as a weapon in the new age of starvation.” Oxfam in Yemen’s Abdulwasea Mohammed, Advocacy, Policy and Media Lead, will speak about the food security crisis in Yemen 
      TIME: 10:25-11:00am 
      LOCATION: In-person in New York and online at https://pages.devex.com/devex-at-unga-79.html 
       
      Thursday, September 26: 
    • OXFAM + FORD FOUNDATION EVENT: “Multilateralism in an Era of Oligarchy” will explore how extreme economic inequality undermines multilateral efforts to effectively respond to critical global challenges like global taxation, health, and debt; Oxfam panelists will be moderated by The Washington Post’s Karen Attiah. 
      TIME: 12:30-2:30pm 
      LOCATION: Ford Foundation, 320 E 43rd Street 
      Note: Please contact Shelby Bolen (shelby.bolen@oxfam.org) to be added to the RSVP list. 

    ABOUT OXFAM 

    Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice and will highlight the urgent need in tackling the intersections of rising inequality, humanitarian emergencies, and the climate crisis. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Hong Kong: Prison sentence for wearing slogan T-shirt is ‘blatant attack’ on freedom of expression

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Hong Kong man is first to be sentenced under repressive new law

    The Government must stop using ‘sedition’ laws to silence dissent

    ‘Chu Kai-pong has committed no internationally recognised crime and he must be released immediately’ – Sarah Brooks

    In response to today’s sentencing of Chu Kai-pong in Hong Kong to 14-months in prison for wearing a “seditious” T-shirt and mask – the first person to be charged, convicted and sentenced under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International’s China Director, said:

    “Just when you thought the human rights situation in Hong Kong couldn’t get any bleaker, a man is condemned to more than a year in prison just because of the clothing he chose to wear. This is a blatant attack on the right to freedom of expression.

    “The conviction and sentencing of Chu Kai-pong over his choice of clothing also highlights the sheer malice of Hong Kong’s new Article 23 law, which expands the Government’s powers to punish so-called ‘seditious’ acts.

    “Chu Kai-pong is the first person convicted under this legislation, but its vague wording, vast scope and repressive nature leaves Hong Kongers fearing that he will not be the last. We once again urge the Hong Kong authorities to repeal this law.

    “The Government must also end its use of ‘sedition’ laws to crack down on dissent under the pretext of protecting ‘national security’. Chu Kai-pong has committed no internationally recognised crime and he must be released immediately.”

    Prison for protest slogan

    Chu Kai-pong was sentenced under section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the new national security legislation enacted in March this year based on Article 23 of the city’s Basic Law for “an act or acts that had a seditious intention”.

    He was arrested on 12 June, the anniversary of the 2019 anti-extradition protests, for wearing a T-shirt bearing the 2019 protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times”, and a yellow mask printed with the letters “FDNOL”, the abbreviation of another protest slogan “Five Demands, Not One Less”. He has already been detained for more than three months and denied bail. He was also charged with two other offences: loitering and failure to produce proof of identity for inspection, but these were dropped after he pleaded guilty to the sedition charge.

    Under section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, a person convicted of sedition can be imprisoned for seven years. If they are found to have colluded with an “external force”, the maximum sentence is increased to 10 years; previously the offence was punishable by up to two years in prison. According to Amnesty’s records, 12 people have been arrested for sedition – and three charged – under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance since its enactment.

    MIL OSI NGO –