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  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Eliminate Barriers and Streamline Claims for Camp Lejeune Victims

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has helped introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act alongside Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

    The bipartisan legislation makes technical corrections to the original Camp Lejeune Justice Act by clarifying the right to jury trials, capping attorneys’ fees, and expanding jurisdiction to alleviate the backlog of toxic water claims.

    Senator Budd said in a statement:

    “Victims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune deserve justice. But instead, DOJ bureaucrats are throwing up roadblocks and making it harder for veterans to get their day in court. That’s why I’m proud to join Senator Tillis to introduce a bipartisan bill to remove regulatory hurdles and see that Camp Lejeune victims get the compensation, care, and benefits they deserve.”

    Senator Tillis said:

    “Currently, veterans and other victims exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are running into roadblocks that are denying them their day in court for the often-crippling and deadly medical conditions they have suffered. Since coming to office, I have worked alongside those who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune that were unknowingly exposed to harmful chemicals to finally give them the health care and benefits they deserve. I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring justice for victims and provide a path forward so they have timely access to courts and the judicial system like they would in any other state or territory.”

    Background:

    The Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act:

    • Permits cases to be heard in any district court in the 4th Circuit.
    • Explicitly provides for jury trials.
    • Expressly states that victims must only show general causation, including for latent or potential harm.
    • Caps attorney fees at 20% for settlements and 25% for trials.
    • Ensures there is no room for interpreting Congress’ intent to provide complete and swift relief to victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of Winchester pays a visit to The Boaz Project

    Source: City of Winchester

    The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith greatly enjoyed a recent visit to local charity The Boaz Project. Based at Hill Farm in Sutton Scotney, it’s an inclusive, farm-based charity which helps provide a brighter future for people with learning disabilities.

    The Mayor said: “It is hard to overstate my admiration for The Boaz Project, which runs on a site of some four acres in Winchester. I met some of their staff at a fete in the summer and was so impressed that I invited myself along for a visit! I hadn’t been aware that the name “Boaz” refers to a generous farmer in the Bible.

    Boaz Project General Manager Stuart Palmer, the Mayor Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith with his companion Dinah and three of the project’s members: Julian, Oliverand William

    “The staff and volunteers teach groups of adults with special needs useful skills, looking after hens, sheep and a donkey or two, growing vegetables and flowers, cooking meals for the group and making craft goods. The members learn to work, to socialise, and to value and take care of themselves.

    “I experienced a wonderful, caring atmosphere and people taking care of animals, plants and each other, outdoors in fresh air and I take my hat off to all involved.”

    Stuart Palmer, General Manager at The Boaz Project, said: “It was lots of fun showing the Mayor around, in particular showing off our recently refurbished woodwork machine shop.

    “We are keen to invite budding and or hobby woodworkers to come and enjoy our workshop facilities for themselves, rather like the Men’s Sheds movement. We are very happy to provide free parking, coffee and homemade cake for anyone who could make good use of the space.”

    The project’s woodworking facilities are available for use by external groups on Tuesdays.

    The Mayor’s Diary.

    The Mayor’s Charity events. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Moran, Duckworth, Boozman, Klobuchar Launch Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) recently launched the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus to promote the longevity of the aviation industry and the renewable fuels industry.

    “As the aviation industry strives for lower emissions and cleaner energy sources, the development and utilization of sustainable aviation fuel will be a critical element,” said Sen. Moran. “To help spur development, I am launching the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus. The caucus will work together to find ways to promote technologically innovative solutions to create a sustainable aviation industry and increase our nation’s competitiveness in the domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel.”

    “As we continue our work to reduce emissions and foster energy independence, one of the most important things we can do is make aviation more sustainable by increasing the use and supply of American-grown, American-made sustainable aviation fuel,” said Sen. Duckworth. “To help us do just that, I’m proud to join Senators Moran, Klobuchar and Boozman in launching the Senate’s first-ever Sustainable Aviation Caucus. With this new caucus, I look forward to continuing our work to protect and grow American SAF production for use around the world, while also reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our domestic farmers and economy.”

    “I’m pleased to join this initiative to promote education and policies that support sustainable industry practices,” said Sen. Boozman. “I look forward to working with leaders of the caucus and stakeholders to advance measures that continue to advance aviation in an environmentally sound manner.”

    “Airlines across the country are committed to developing technologies to reduce carbon emissions from air travel,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “The expanded use of sustainable aviation fuel will create jobs in rural areas, bolster our national security, and slash carbon emissions. This caucus aims to promote data, research, and innovation in sustainable aviation to ensure that the U.S. maintains its leadership in this field.”

    “The SAF Coalition is grateful to Senator Jerry Moran and his colleagues Senators Tammy Duckworth, John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar for their leadership in launching the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus,” said Alison Graab, Executive Director of The SAF Coalition. “The formation of the caucus is a positive step towards strengthening national energy security, driving economic growth, and generating quality jobs across the country through the development and deployment of SAF. We look forward to working with the caucus and other SAF advocates to enhance incentives that expand SAF production and support our nation’s energy needs.”

    “GAMA applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators Moran, Duckworth, Boozman and Klobuchar for launching the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “General aviation has been at the forefront of advancing technological and operational improvements that mitigate the industry’s impact on the environment. The Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus will assist in fostering key partnerships between government and other stakeholders to further advance the industry’s sustainability commitments. We look forward to working with the caucus to highlight policies, initiatives and industry developments that will advance a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.”

    “Delta Air Lines applauds the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus leadership and founding members for placing a spotlight on the importance of sustainable aviation policies and solutions, such as enabling the market for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” said Cherie Wilson, Vice President, Government Affairs – Sustainability, Delta Air Lines. “As on-road transportation increasingly electrifies, aviation demand for SAF will continue to grow exponentially. SAF is the most important lever we have to decarbonize aviation and ensure a more energy secure America, all while providing economic benefits for farmers and other agricultural value chain players across the SAF ecosystem. We look forward to working with the caucus on enabling policy solutions,”

    “We applaud Senators Moran, Klobuchar, Boozman and Duckworth for their bipartisan leadership advancing discussion in Congress to accelerate policy and dialogue around sustainable aviation solutions. The domestic adoption of cost competitive SAF is the most promising, in-production and scalable lever we have today to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions in aviation,” said Nick Boeyink, States Director, Americans for Clean Aviation Fuels. “Growing America’s clean aviation fuels market is a tremendous economic opportunity that will drive the creation of hundreds of thousands of American jobs while making our nation more energy secure. We look forward to working with members in both parties to build momentum for policies that will make American aviation more sustainable.”

    “Business aviation is leading in sustainability with a mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, through new technologies, including more efficient aircraft, electric aviation and sustainable aviation fuel,” said Ed Bolen, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO. “We commend Senators Moran, Duckworth, Boozman and Klobuchar for founding the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus to help innovate toward a net-zero future, on the ground and in the air. Sustainable aviation technologies will strengthen the American economy by creating good-paying jobs in manufacturing, feedstock production and energy generation, as well as reducing America’s dependence on foreign energy sources and improving our national security.”

    “Gevo appreciates Senators Jerry Moran, Tammy Duckworth, John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar leading the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus, which will provide a timely forum to bring more awareness to SAF and other sustainable aviation solutions,” said Lindsay Fitzgerald, Sr. Vice President of Public Affairs for Gevo. “Both co-chairs understand the key role farmers have when it comes to scaling SAF production, as well as the economic and energy security benefits that come from producing new energy resources for airlines and their customers. We look forward to working with the Caucus to advance our shared policy and sustainability goals and growing U.S. SAF.”

    “I recently joined Senator Moran?to break ground on an exciting new SAF project led by two Growth Energy members, and he understands why this industry is vital to our rural communities, our environment, and America’s ability to compete in a low-carbon economy,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “This new caucus will bring together some of the bioeconomy’s most important champions, organized around the shared goal of decarbonizing aviation with American-made biofuels. We’re grateful to Senator Moran for leading this bipartisan, bicameral?effort.”

    Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) also created the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus for members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Moran, Rosen Introduce Legislation to Help Veterans Translate Military Certifications to Civilian Jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced legislation to provide servicemembers who are transitioning out of the military with documentation outlining their military certifications and qualifications to use when applying for a job.

    The Translating Military Skills into Civilian Jobs Act would establish a military training and competency record to ensure that every servicemember has a record of the training, certifications and qualifications they achieved during their time in the military, so that when they transition, they can provide that record to employers to determine if their qualifications meet the job requirements.

    “Military service provides servicemembers and veterans with unique skills that make them valuable employees to any company,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation would make certain every servicemember leaves the military with a document outlining the training and qualifications they achieved during their service to assist in the job search and their life after service.”

    “The men and women of our military earn valuable skills and certifications during their service that should more easily qualify them for a wide array of high-demand civilian jobs when they transition into veteran status,” said Sen. Rosen. “I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to provide every transitioning servicemember with a record detailing their training, certifications, and qualifications earned through their service so that they can more easily start their civilian careers. I’ll keep working across party lines to support our veterans.”

    In May of this year, Sen. Moran introduced the Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act of 2024 to codify and expand a program that provides veterans with resources and opportunities to pursue careers in the agriculture. He also introduced legislation to create a new startup tax credit for veterans who are starting small businesses to bolster local economies and support servicemembers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Eliminate Barriers to Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis, along with Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), recently introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, bipartisan legislation that makes technical corrections to the original Camp Lejeune Justice Act by clarifying the right to jury trials and the appropriate causation standard, capping attorneys’ fees, and expanding jurisdiction to alleviate the backlog of toxic water claims.

    “Currently, veterans and other victims exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are running into roadblocks that are denying them their day in court before a jury for the often-crippling and deadly medical conditions they have suffered,” said Senator Tillis. “Since coming to office, I have worked alongside those who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune that were unknowingly exposed to harmful chemicals to finally give them the health care and benefits they deserve. I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring justice for victims and provide a path forward for justice after decades of delay.”

    “Victims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune deserve justice. But instead, DOJ bureaucrats are throwing up roadblocks and making it harder for veterans to get their day in court,” said Senator Budd. “That’s why I’m proud to join Senator Tillis to introduce a bipartisan bill to remove regulatory hurdles and see that Camp Lejeune victims get the compensation, care, and benefits they deserve.”

    “Victims of Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water deserve recompense and accountability,” said Senator Blumenthal. “With this essential legislation, we eliminate roadblocks and provide a pathway to seeking justice for our veterans and their families affected by toxic exposure, ensuring access to well-deserved benefits and relief.”

    “We need to make it as easy as possible for veterans exposed to harmful chemicals to get the benefits they deserve,” said Senator Braun.  

    “After selflessly answering the call to serve our nation, too many brave servicemembers were exposed to toxic chemicals from Camp Lejeune’s drinking water—but could not receive the justice and care they deserve due to unnecessary roadblocks,” said Senator Duckworth. “This bipartisan legislation would help make it easier for impacted servicemembers and Veterans to access the care and benefits they’ve earned through their service. It’s the least we could do after all they sacrifice for us.” 

    “It’s unacceptable that individuals impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination continue to experience bureaucratic roadblocks,” said Senator Rubio. “Compensation for veterans and other victims impacted, including thousands of individuals in Florida, is long overdue. Senator Tillis and I are eternally grateful for their service and are working to rectify this situation.”

    “Camp Lejeune veterans and their families deserve justice,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to cosponsor the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, which will improve and clarify the legislation Congress passed two years ago to give these families a path to justice.” 

    The following Veteran Service Organizations have endorsed the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act: the Special Operations Association of America, the American Legion, the National Military Family Association, the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Reserve Association, the Military Chaplains Association, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the Moral Compass Federation, the Blinded Veterans Association, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, and the Association of the US Navy.

    “Two years ago, Mike Partain and I sat in the Senate Gallery and witnessed the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act,” said Jerry Ensminger, father of Janey Ensminger, a Camp Lejeune water contamination victim. “We thought our decades-long fight for justice at Camp Lejeune was nearing an end. Instead, we have seen yet more roadblocks and delays, which was not the intent of Congress and the original bill. This new legislation will help remedy this issue and help our service personnel and their families achieve their justice for the toxic tragedy at Camp Lejeune.”

    “SOAA is glad to see this bi-partisan effort to achieve justice for veterans who have waited so long,” said David Cook, Executive Director, Special Operations Association of America. “This is also a win for veterans’ choice in pursuing action. Helping Camp Lejeune veterans and families has been a long-time priority for SOAA and the many victims of the contaminated water who are critically ill. We urge Congress to pass this legislation as soon as possible.”

    “On behalf of our 1.6 million dues-paying members, The American Legion is proud to support the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act of 2024,” said James A. LaCoursiere, National Commander, The American Legion. “This bill enhances previous Camp Lejeune water legislation by expanding judicial jurisdiction to any of the five states of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit — Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina — rather than just in North Carolina’s federal courts. In addition, this bill codifies caps on attorney’s fees for administrative claims and for lawsuits filed in court based on Department of Justice recommendations. We applaud Senator Tillis and Senator Blumenthal for their leadership in expanding court access and protecting our veterans and their families from predatory actors.”

    “We have a special responsibility to protect those charged with protecting our freedoms,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO, National Military Family Association. “But the veterans and military families affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune have been waiting for help for decades. This bill rights the technical wrongs in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, ensuring that the families who have served us and suffered since finally get the justice they deserve.”

    “With exposure to toxic chemicals during military service also having emerged somewhat recently as a factor in diseases causing loss of sight, we as blind and low vision veterans feel that we can relate to the plight of service members and family members of Camp Lejeune who continue to be victimized by the lack of a fair and timely path to judicial relief,” said Donald D. Overton, Jr., Executive Director of the Blinded Veterans Association. “We support the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act as a means of correcting this injustice and encouraging action on the incomprehensible 360,000 claims for which only 114 have currently received a settlement.” 

    Full text of the bill is available HERE and a one-page summary is available HERE.

    Background:

    With passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Congress intended to create a jury trial right with a lower causation standard to ensure a compensation process that would be fair and proportionate to the level of harm and injuries caused by exposure. However, the Department of Justice has fought the law and successfully challenged both the jury trial and causation standards intended by Congress.

    Specifically, The Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act:

    • Permits cases to be heard in any district court in the 4th Circuit.
    • Explicitly provides for jury trials.
    • Expressly states that victims must only show general causation, including for latent or potential harm.
    • Caps attorney fees at 20% for settlements and 25% for trials.
    • Ensures there is no room for interpreting Congress’ intent to provide complete and swift relief to victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. 

    Senator Tillis has been fighting for the victims of Camp Lejeune toxic contamination for over a decade, working to successfully advance bipartisan legislation. In 2014, as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Tillis was successful in amending North Carolina’s statute of repose that previously prevented toxic contamination victims from bringing lawsuits more than 10 years after a pollution event took place. In September 2015, Senator Tillis pressed the Department at a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing on Camp Lejeune for answers about granting Lejeune veterans disability status. Bureaucratic red tape and internal resistance at the VA delayed a final decision for years. Finally, the VA announced in December 2015 that the victims of Camp Lejeune’s poisoned water diagnosed with certain illness would be granted disability status. 

    In 2019, he co-introduced the Janey Ensminger Act to ensure individuals with diseases scientifically linked to toxic chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina receive proper medical care from the Veterans Administration (VA). The bill was named in honor of Master Sergeant Jerry Ensminger’s daughter Janey, who was only nine-years-old when she died from a rare form of leukemia after being exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune.  Unfortunately, while the VA allowed veterans exposed to contaminated water to pursue VA benefits, most of the claims were denied. In 2019 alone, the U.S. Navy denied nearly 5,000 claims filed by Navy veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune. During this timeframe, three in four Camp Lejeune veterans had their requests for VA benefits denied. 

    In September 2020, Senator Tillis introduced the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, legislation that provided veterans and their families who are suffering due to water contamination at Camp Lejeune long-overdue judicial relief. The legislation corrected unintended injuries unique to Marine families stationed at Camp Lejeune due to an anomaly in the application of North Carolina law in the federal court system. Senator Tillis reintroduced the bipartisan Camp Lejeune Justice Act in 2021, which was codified into law in 2022. 

    In May 2023, Senators Tillis and Budd led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Secretary of the Navy and Attorney General Garland expressing concerns over the Navy’s failure to adjudicate claims submitted since August 2022 for Camp Lejeune water contamination. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION FOR CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY TO DEVELOP SHOVEL-READY SITE FOR ATTRACTING MORE EMPLOYERS & GOOD-PAYING JOBS TO WESTERN NY

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Says Funding Will Create New Shovel-Ready Site In Ripley—Creating Economic Development Opportunities In Western NY By Attracting New Companies, Creating Good-Paying Jobs, And Bringing In Tax Revenue

    Funding Comes From The Appalachian Regional Commission, A Federal-State Partnership That Schumer Fought To Boost Funding For In Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law

    Schumer: We’re Building New Job-Creating Opportunities For Chautauqua County & Western NY

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced $1,000,000 for the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA)’s Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site project to extend electrical service to prepare a 147-acre site for future employers. The funding is through the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership that Schumer boosted funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    “Chautauqua County is a prime location for economic investment, and this $1 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help build a new shovel-ready site in Ripley to ensure that Western NY can land new employers and good-paying jobs,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought to increase funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission because I know how important it is to create opportunities for economic development across Upstate NY. Now, this commission is delivering for New York, positioning the region to attract new investment that will bring employment opportunities and tax revenue to Chautauqua County and broader Western NY.”

    “Securing this funding marks a tremendous step forward in the development of the Ripley shovel-ready site, a project that is vital to the future growth and prosperity of not only the local community but all of Chautauqua County. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer for his steadfast advocacy and to Mark Geise, our Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, for his tireless work in bringing this vision to life. This site will provide new opportunities for businesses to invest in our region, creating jobs and fostering economic development that will benefit generations to come,” said Paul M. Wendel Jr. Chautauqua County Executive.

    The Ripley Interstate Shovel Ready Site project, led by the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), received $1,000,000 to turn a large parcel in Ripley into a shovel-ready site. The project is expected to spur economic growth in Western NY by supporting CCIDA efforts to improve infrastructure, especially extending a 34.5 kv electric service to the site, providing necessary power to attract more employers looking to expand or move to Western NY. This improved site readiness will especially help meet an increased demand from manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing industries to grow in the region, partially spurred by increased investment from the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS & Science Law, and Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Schumer pushed to pass into law.

    In 2021, Schumer secured $1 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that he negotiated in the Senate for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) over 5 years, increasing the budget to $200 million per year through 2026. The investment provided additional support for economic development, infrastructure, workforce, and other community development projects and programs to improve the quality of life and create new business growth and job opportunities throughout the Appalachian region of Upstate NY.

    The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community, capacity, and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. New York State receives an allocation of resources from the ARC each year to fund area development in NYS’s 14-county Appalachian Region. The New York counties are represented by one of three Local Development Districts: Southern Tier West (STW) based in Salamanca, NY and comprised of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties; Southern Tier Central (STC) based in Corning, NY and comprised of Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties; and Southern Tier 8 in Binghamton, NY and comprised of Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Tioga and Tompkins counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Rubio Take Action Against PRC-Linked Battery Companies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Blocking Bad Batteries Act, to prohibit the U.S. Department of State from procuring batteries produced by certain PRC-linked companies. This legislation is an attempt to proactively mitigate future concerns stemming from the precedent set by Huawei’s deep integration into global telecommunications networks, particularly the 5G and smartphone sectors.

    “Taking proactive steps to prevent our national security agencies from doing business with companies that are linked to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army is in our nation’s best interest. Taxpayer dollars should never be used to further the goals of our adversaries,” said Senator Scott. “I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation with Senator Rubio to safeguard our supply chains and prevent China from exploiting our technological dependencies for strategic advantage over the U.S.”

    “It’s crucial that our nation, and certainly our State Department, doesn’t become dependent on Communist China for our battery supplies. This legislation is a vital tool to protect Americans, our national security interests and key supply chains,” said Senator Rubio.

    Background:
    In the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress moved to prohibit the U.S. Department of Defense from procuring batteries from certain PRC-linked companies, including CATL. This legislation takes a proactive approach to bar the use of such batteries at U.S. embassies around the world by applying the same restriction to the U.S. Department of State. Last December, Senator Scott joined Senator Rubio in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin raising national security concerns about the use of CATL batteries at Camp Lejeune and other U.S. military installations.

    The text of the legislation can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Romney Introduces Legislation to Reform the Child Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT)

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) introduced the Family Security Act—pro-family, pro-life, and pro-marriage legislation that would modernize and streamline antiquated federal policies into an expanded Child Tax Credit for working families. The bill is fully paid for by consolidating existing federal spending, increases the Child Tax Credit to $4,200 for each young child and $3,000 for each school-aged child, and creates a new $2,800 tax credit for expecting parents. While prior iterations have been released as a framework, this marks the first time that the Family Security Act has been introduced with bill text. 

    “When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 expires next year, the Child Tax Credit will be cut in half—leaving federal family policies inadequate, unpredictable, and scattered across the tax code,” Senator Romney said. “My Family Security Act solves this by generously supporting families without adding a penny to the national debt. It is my hope that this legislation will serve as a starting point during tax negotiations next year. We must renew our commitment to support families raising children, and I urge my colleagues of the next Congress to do so in a fiscally responsible manner.”

    Background:

    How the Family Security Act works:

    • Increases the CTC amount to $4,200 for families with a child between ages 0-5 and $3,000 for families with a child between ages 6-17.
    • Families may claim the credit for up to six children annually, and can choose to receive the credit in advanced monthly payments ($350 per month for a child ages 0-5 and $250 for a child ages 6-17).
    • Establishes a $2,800 tax credit for pregnant mothers, which families can also receive in advanced monthly payments starting at 20 weeks.  
    • A family must have earned at least $20,000 to receive the full CTC amount, or at least $10,000 for the full credit during pregnancy. The earnings thresholds will be annually indexed to inflation. Families earning less than the earnings thresholds will receive an amount proportional to their earnings. 
    • A parent, and each claimed child for the CTC, must have an SSN. 
    • The credits are reduced by $50 for every $1,000 above the income phaseout thresholds of $200,000 for single-filers and $400,000 for joint-filers. Any overpayments or underpayments would be reconciled through the IRS after filing year-end taxes.
    • Simplifies the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by consolidating the family portion of the EITC to not vary based on the number of dependents, but separately maintains the adult dependent component of the EITC to ensure no family earns less than the EITC in its current form.

       
    Benefits of the Family Security Act:

    • Supports families from pregnancy through childhood; 
    • Encourages work; 
    • Promotes marriage; 
    • Provides equal treatment for both working and stay-at-home parents;
    • Fully offsets the cost of the proposal by reforming and consolidating antiquated federal programs; and
    • Creates a baby bonus that can be used to support paid time off after birth.

    “We applaud Sen. Romney for introducing the Family Security Act. Building a culture of life takes creativity and rethinking the status quo. The Family Security Act takes great strides towards this culture by providing support for parents of unborn children. Thank you, Sen. Romney for working to find real solutions to help parents as they prepare for the arrival of their babies.” – Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, Vice President of Government Affairs, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America

    “March for Life Action is grateful for Senators Romney’s effort to actively support children inside and outside the womb along with their families through the Family Security Act. We at March for Life Action will continue to work alongside lawmakers to cultivate a culture of life, where both mom and baby lead lives of flourishing.” – Jeanne F. Mancini, President, March for Life Action

    The Family Security Act is endorsed by: Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, National Right to Life, American Principles Project, Americans United for Life, March for Life, Concerned Women for America, CatholicVote, Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, Democrats for Life, and Feminists for Life of America. 

    Full text of the Family Security Act can be found here. A one-pager can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 09/26/2024 Blackburn to Schumer: Bring the SAVE Act to a Vote

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to secure U.S. elections by allowing a vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which she co-sponsored.

    This legislation would ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration across the country. It passed the House over the summer and was introduced in the Senate by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) earlier this year.

    Click here to download video of Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor about the SAVE Act.

    REMARKS AS PREPARED:

    Over the Years, Thousands of Illegal Immigrants Have Been Discovered on U.S. Voter Rolls

    “In America, nothing is more fundamental to preserving our God-given freedoms—as equal citizens—than fair and open elections.

    But for more than three years, we have seen the Biden-Harris administration wage a war on this sacred institution by making illegal immigration legal.

    Under this administration, there have been more than 10.2 million illegal crossings—with countless illegal aliens receiving government benefits, including drivers’ licenses and state IDs.

    Of course, illegal aliens can break the law and use state IDs to register to vote.

    In fact, over the years, thousands of aliens have been discovered on voter rolls from Massachusetts to Arizona and everywhere in between.”

    In 14 States Across the Country, Voters Are Not Required to Show ID at the Polls

    “Under Republican leadership, Virginia has discovered and removed more than 6,000 aliens from its voter rolls in less than three years.

    On top of this, in 14 states across the country, voters aren’t required to show any form of identification at the polls.

    One thing is clear: While it is against the law for illegal aliens to vote in federal elections, many states and jurisdictions lack the proper safeguards to enforce the law—and ensure that not a single illegal alien can vote in our elections.”

    Amid Skyrocketing Illegal Immigration Under Biden-Harris, the SAVE Act Would Require Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration

    “The risk is especially high with the millions of illegals now in our country because of the Biden-Harris Open Border.

    Our SAVE Act would solve this problem.

    This bill would require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship—in person—before allowing an individual to register to vote for a federal election.

    The SAVE Act also has crucial provisions to restore election integrity.

    It would require states to establish programs to remove aliens from their voter rolls.

    It would also allow citizens to sue election officials who fail to uphold requirements for proof of citizenship.”

    Senate Democrat Leadership Has Refused to Allow Vote on the SAVE Act

    “The House passed this important legislation in July—but for two months, Senate Democrat leadership have refused to bring this bill up for a vote.

    What about this bill could they possibly oppose?

    Do they want foreign nationals voting in federal elections?

    Do they want illegal aliens voting in federal elections?

    Now more than ever, we must restore faith in our elections. The SAVE Act would help ensure that happens.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sexual fantasies: should you share them with a partner?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matt Kimberley, Assistant Lecturer in Psychology, Birmingham City University

    JLco Julia Amaral/Shutterstock

    The actor Gillian Anderson has just released a book of sexual fantasies. Titled Want, it catalogues a diverse range of fantasies submitted anonymously by women from around the world.

    It is not the first to do so. In 1973, American author Nancy Friday published My Secret Garden, a volume that provoked fierce debate at the time and is now considered to be an important milestone in the sex-positive movement. Each book gives a fascinating snapshot of women’s relationships with their own sexuality at a different moment in history.

    Though attitudes, vocabulary and specific fantasy content have undoubtedly changed in the intervening half-century, there are striking similarities between the books. This is not only true of the subject matter — workplace flings and group sex are apparently timelessly appealing — but also of how people feel about their fantasies. Shame, in particular, continues to loom large in many women’s feelings about their own erotic imaginings.

    Past research indicates that most adults (of all genders) experience sexual fantasies, suggesting many of us have grappled with the question of whether to tell a partner about ours. Over the past four years, we have been conducting research that explores this question: how do people decide whether to disclose their sexual fantasies – and what happens when they do?

    An act of closeness

    The women featured in both My Secret Garden and Want vary considerably in the degree to which they have chosen to share their fantasies with a partner. Some describe passionate relationships enhanced by the disclosure and enactment of erotic fantasies, while others intend to take their favourite fantasy to the grave.

    We were interested in understanding the psychology of such radically different approaches. In a study published earlier this year in The Journal of Sex Research, we asked 287 people to reflect on a recent or prominent sexual fantasy. We found that over 69% of participants had previously disclosed their fantasy to a partner. Of those, more than 80% found this to be a positive experience.

    Unsurprisingly, participants commonly cited sexual desire as their main reason for opening up. For example, many said they had shared their fantasy with a partner in the hope that they could act it out together. Others reported that they found talking about sexual fantasies arousing, or that discussing secret desires allowed them to learn more about their partner.

    Several participants explained that they valued honesty and openness and that the level of trust and commitment in their relationship made them feel safe to share their fantasy with their partner.

    Not all reasons for disclosing fantasies were positive, however. Some said they disclosed their fantasy in a last-ditch attempt to spice up an unsatisfying sex life.

    The power of shame

    Gillian Anderson, author of Want.
    wikipedia, CC BY-SA

    Among the group who had chosen not to share their fantasy, many cited its content as the primary reason. Consistent with accounts in both My Secret Garden and Want, several of our participants were ashamed of their fantasy, or felt it to be too extreme or taboo to share with their partner.

    Some — especially those whose partners had not responded well to similar conversations in the past — were worried they would receive a negative response that could cause problems for their relationship. We also heard from several people who explained that, put simply, their fantasies were private joys that they had no desire or intention to discuss with anyone.

    In a series of follow-up studies yet to be published, we explored some of these ideas in more depth. One important finding is that relationship traits are a key predictor of whether a person will disclose their fantasy. For example, disclosure was more likely in relationships that already involved large amounts of sexual novelty and exploration.

    We also confirmed that the content of a fantasy is critical to a person’s decision about whether to share it. Anything that is likely to be considered unacceptable by a partner or is otherwise potentially threatening to the relationship (such as a move away from monogamy), is unlikely to be disclosed. Indeed, even among participants who had previously shared a fantasy, we found over half also had at least one more that they were unwilling to divulge.

    While our findings suggest that people who choose to tell their partner about their erotic daydreams usually get a good response, we also found that the process by which people reach that decision can be complicated. Some people have very good reasons for keeping their fantasy to themselves.

    Hopefully, Want will help to reduce some of the shame associated with the very common experience of fantasising about sex. But its similarities to a book published 50 years earlier suggest we may still have a long way to go.

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

    – ref. Sexual fantasies: should you share them with a partner? – https://theconversation.com/sexual-fantasies-should-you-share-them-with-a-partner-239527

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the cost of living crisis and games industry turmoil could hurt Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro release

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Jerrett, Lecturer, Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries, University of Portsmouth

    In late November 2020, I was one of those people standing in line – or rather,
    refreshing my browser – hoping to snag a PlayStation 5 during a restock. The
    pandemic was in full swing, and with most of the world locked indoors, there weren’t many better things to do. The original PS5 promised to deliver true 4K gaming at very smooth frame rates – though a claim that it supported 8K gaming was later removed from the console’s packaging.

    However, the PS5 got off to a slow start, owing primarily to game delays as a result of the pandemic. Additionally, gamers had to effectively choose between preset modes related to fidelity – high-quality visuals – and game performance within the in-game settings menus.

    In November, gamers will no longer be faced with this dilemma, as Sony is set to release its “mid-generation refresh” console, the PlayStation 5 Pro. Its upgraded graphics processing unit (GPU) has more processing power and a faster memory than the basic PS5, allowing for up to 45% faster rendering of the graphics.

    Advanced ray tracing – a technique to simulate the way light behaves in the real world – and AI technology called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution are expected to enable higher-resolution visuals at higher frame rates. This could fulfil the basic PS5’s promise of 4K gaming at 60 frames per second.

    However, all that power doesn’t come cheap. The £699 digital-only console scales to £798 with a £99 disc drive, which is required to play physical games. It is already selling out in some markets. There’s also a £25 vertical stand (which came bundled with the original PS5).

    PS5 Pro Technical Presentation.

    That’s a lot of money for a console that won’t have any exclusive titles. Every game you can play on the PS5 Pro will also run on the base PS5. Some even speculate that it still may not play forthcoming games at the highest possible fidelity.

    That kind of price is even more of a shock when compared with the different world of 2020’s PS5 launch. Demand for games and consoles surged during the pandemic, but the economic landscape has drastically shifted in the past four years. Inflation is at an all-time high, and the cost of living has rocketed, leaving less disposable income for non-essential purchases, of which the PS5 Pro is a prime example.

    The games industry has also seen waves of layoffs resulting from investment shortfalls, changing work patterns, and post-pandemic consumer behaviour. A further irony is that such layoffs prevent studios from having the time, budget, or labour to create the graphically intense, polished games that the PS5 Pro would take full advantage of.

    Consoles have always been loss leaders –- products sold at lower profit margins to get buyers into a product ecosystem. The basic PS5 is barely fulfilling that role (most PlayStation gamers still play on the PS4). So it makes business sense for the PS5 Pro to merely reflect the economic realities of 2024, where the rising cost of materials, supply chain disruptions and a scramble for computing power due to AI’s enhanced workloads means that consoles are significantly more expensive to produce.

    This time, instead of Sony absorbing the cost, they’ve passed it along to consumers – most of whom are deeply unhappy about it. YouTube reactions to the PS5 Pro reveal trailer have been overwhelmingly negative, sitting at a 3:1 dislike ratio on YouTube.

    A solution without a problem?

    Many are also wondering whether the PS5 Pro is solving any real problems. The current generation of consoles has been plagued by delays or underwhelming game releases, and many remakes and remasters. Sony is even porting games that were previously exclusive to consoles over to PCs in a bid to reach new audiences. This has left the PS5’s true “exclusives” library somewhat barren.

    The PS5 Pro launch was similarly absent of any blockbuster titles making use of the new hardware. Astrobot, Sony’s most recent smash-hit and likely Christmas bestseller, certainly won’t be using all that horsepower.

    Astrobot Launch Trailer.

    Regardless, there’s little doubt that the PS5 Pro will sell out at launch. Sony is probably producing fewer units of the Pro model than they did for the basic PS5, creating an artificial scarcity that will drive demand. Those who can afford it and who want the best possible gaming experience will jump at the chance to own the most powerful PlayStation console ever made.

    This all makes the PS5 Pro’s launch feel a little strange. The PS5 Pro’s technical improvements are genuinely impressive. It’s clearly aimed at the hardcore gamers who want the best possible experience, regardless of the cost –- Sony knows its audience here.

    However, the PS5 Pro is not the console that will drive mass adoption nor convince PS4 players to finally upgrade. Instead, like all things “Pro” in the tech world, it’s simply another niche, high-end option.

    And as much as I’m tempted by the promise of true 4K 60FPS console gaming, I can’t
    help but feel that this mid-generation upgrade is arriving at a time when the games
    industry has myriad more important things to address than a shiny new toy.

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

    – ref. How the cost of living crisis and games industry turmoil could hurt Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro release – https://theconversation.com/how-the-cost-of-living-crisis-and-games-industry-turmoil-could-hurt-sonys-playstation-5-pro-release-239064

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The famous Wall Street bell

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    The famous Wall Street bell: symbol of an institution that powers US economic growth since 1792. Europe is working on its own powerful model to offer its businesses the financing opportunities they need. We call it the Savings and Investment Union. It chimes with growth!

    #EuropenCommission

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuMB9NtMx3c

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ketamine: what you need to know about the UK’s growing drug problem

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ian Hamilton, Honorary Fellow, Department of Health Sciences, University of York

    There is growing awareness of the problems caused by the use of a fast-acting drug called ketamine. Often referred to as K or ket, it was made a class B drug in the UK in 2014 and is illegal to buy or sell. Possessing the drug can lead to a maximum five-year prison sentence and supplying the drug up to 14 years in prison.

    Ketamine is an effective anaesthetic and plays an important part in battlefield and emergency medicine. It is used to treat pain in end-of-life care and could treat some forms of depression. However, it is its non-medical use that is causing concern among some doctors and specialist drug-treatment providers.

    On the illicit market, ketamine is cheaper than cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy), costing about £20 a gram. Police forces report large seizures of the drug, but global rates of production are high, and the wholesale price of a kilogram of ketamine is believed to have fallen from £8,000 to £5,000. This makes it an attractive drug for young people and those with a limited income.

    Ketamine typically takes about 15 minutes to work and induces euphoria, relaxation and a slight sense of detachment. However, with higher doses it can also cause dissociation. This can be confusing and can cause panic attacks and memory loss. It can increase blood pressure and affect breathing and heart function.

    Effects can also be fatal. The Friends actor Matthew Perry died in 2023 as a result of using the drug.

    Some urologists have also expressed concern about an increase in bladder problems (so-called “ketamine bladder”) as a result of prolonged and heavy use of the drug. Although national data about the number of people with ketamine bladder is not available, there are other sources about the use of ketamine.

    Ketamine first became popular as a recreational drug in the early 1990s. Use among people aged 16-24 in England and Wales rose from 0.9% in 2006-07 to 3.8% in 2022-23 – which is about 220,000 people.

    There has been an increase in young people attending specialist treatment services with problems related to ketamine use: 512 during 2021-22 rising to 719 in 2022-23.

    The increase is concerning as few services and interventions are available that specifically address ketamine use. An increase in people seeking treatment has not been helped by historic cuts to drug-treatment funding, which is only beginning to be addressed, and a lack of meaningful drug education and early intervention responses.

    This increase in young people seeking treatment is also seen in adults. Rising from 1,551 in 2021-22 to 2,211 during 2022-23. There has been a fivefold increase in adult treatment since 2014.

    Self-medicating

    There is a suggestion from experts that part of the increase in the use of ketamine is due to some people who have mental health problems that are unable to access treatment because of long waiting lists.

    Rather than wait for specialist treatment some people turn to drugs like ketamine that offer some reprieve from their symptoms. Ketamine can create a sense of detachment in users, this will be a desirable state for those who are seeking to escape invasive mental health symptoms of troubling thoughts and feelings.

    In effect, they are finding their own solutions by self-medicating with the drug. Given that ketamine is easily available, relatively cheap and fast-acting it is easy to see why this drug is appealing, particularly as there are no long waiting lists or invasive assessments to undergo.

    Ketamine doesn’t induce the same type of hangover that alcohol and other drugs do. This makes it appealing to those who need to be at work the day after using it. Likewise, it is appealing to those on zero-hour contracts who are asked to work at short notice.

    However, many people will use other substances alongside ketamine – typically alcohol. Mixing alcohol and ketamine can cause significant harm, ranging from slowed breathing to coma and even fatal overdose.

    Paradoxically ketamine is being investigated as a treatment for those who are dependent on alcohol, including those who haven’t responded to more traditional forms of therapy.

    As with the promise that other drugs, such as psychedelics, might help treat mental health problems, current evidence suggests that these drugs are only effective when given alongside therapy.

    It’s not clear whether the UK has reached peak ketamine use. Most drugs fall in and out of fashion. It is clear that originally banning the drug in 2005, and increasing punishments in 2014 has failed to halt its rising popularity. What could have helped was investment into prevention, education and harm reduction services, but this didn’t happen and we are seeing some of the consequences now.

    Preventing the use of ketamine is the only way to be sure that it won’t cause harm. But if we accept that young people and adults will continue to use it then we should be aiming to reduce the potential for harm. There are useful resources already available, but reducing drug-related harm requires a more active response – one that doesn’t rely on people visiting websites or reading a leaflet.

    We should put effort and resources into providing public health messaging that reaches those who are at the most risk from harm due to ketamine. At the same time, investing in and providing timely mental health support would reduce the need for those who are self-medicating with the drug.

    With a new government in the UK, commanding a sizeable majority in parliament, could this Labour government adopt a policy shift that could reduce suffering and save lives?

    Harry Sumnall receives funding from public grant awarding bodies for alcohol and other drugs research, and fees from (international) not-for-profit organisations and government departments for consultation work. He is an unpaid steering group member of the Anti-Stigma Network, an unpaid member of the Scientific Advisory Group of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), an unpaid member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Mind Foundation, an unpaid advisor to the UK Drug Education Forum, and an unpaid co-opted member of UK Government Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) Working Groups on cocaine, and prevention.

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

    – ref. Ketamine: what you need to know about the UK’s growing drug problem – https://theconversation.com/ketamine-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-uks-growing-drug-problem-239412

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The seven greatest cover songs of all time – according to music experts

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester

    We recently asked subscribers to our arts and culture newsletter, Something Good, to name their favourite cover song. We received a range of replies, from Beyoncé’s reimagining of the Dolly Parton classic, Jolene, to Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged recording of The Man Who Sold the World by David Bowie. Here’s how seven of our academic experts responded when we asked them the same question.

    1. Heaven, by DJ Sammy (2001)

    The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a glut of Euro-dance songs troubling the higher reaches of the UK charts, as artists like Alice Deejay, Fragma and Sash (all aliases for male DJs fronted by female guest vocalists) married heavy trance beats with catchy melodies. But above all others stood 2001’s Heaven, by DJ Sammy. A shining example of the energetic but straightforward approach to music that characterised the era, it had a generation of club-goers running for the dancefloor.

    Heaven saw Spanish producer Sammy turn a mawkish 1983 Bryan Adams track into the ultimate dance track for all seasons, complete with a relentless beat, hypnotic synth riff, and earworm-of-all-earworm choruses delivered by Dutch singer Dominique Rijpma van Hulst (stage name Do). It’s fun, unapologetically simple, yet somehow seems to encompass every emotion going. An era-defining track that needs to be played loud and proud.

    Glenn Fosbraey

    2. Me and the Devil Blues, by Gil Scott-Heron (2014)

    A great cover is more than a different version of a song – it re-articulates the track and injects it with new meaning. Some do this by radically changing the genre, others by making the song so intensely personal that it is difficult to imagine anyone else singing it. But Gil Scott-Heron’s cover of Robert Johnson’s Me and the Devil Blues (1938), on Scott-Heron’s final album, accomplishes an even rarer feat.

    It layers the pain and anguish of a modern black life lived in the heavy bootprint of the fight for civil rights, de-industrialisation and the “war on drugs”, over the legend of original singer Robert Johnson’s daring and tragic story in the Jim Crow south.

    Scott-Heron’s cover is an opaque homage that ruminates on living in the echoes of an American music legend’s ruins. It’s a reminder of the continuing horrors of racism, and the enduring artistry of resistance and resilience.

    Justin Patch

    3. Helter Skelter, by Siouxsie and the Banshees (1978)

    As a young artist from Liverpool who was newly signed to Deltasonic Records in the early 2000s, I was keen to find inspiration from artists other than our beloved Beatles. Little did I expect that much of this inspiration would circle back to Paul, John, George and Ringo when I discovered Siouxsie and the Banshees’ album The Scream (1978).

    Their cover of Helter Skelter from The Beatles’ White Album (1968) blew me away. Personally, I think this is the best cover of a Beatles song ever, performed by a woman who wasn’t afraid to take control of it.

    Eva Petersen

    4. Wild is the Wind, by David Bowie

    David Bowie frequently supplemented his original material with thematically connected cover songs. There are covers on Hunky Dory (1971), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust (1972) and Aladdin Sane (1973). These moments are often the weakest spots on Bowie’s records – with one major exception.

    Bowie’s 1976 album Station To Station closes with his take on Wild Is The Wind, reworking Johnny Mathis’s two-minute original from 1957 into a soaring and theatrical six-minute showstopper. Bowie’s band dutifully rises to the occasion, decorating the track with elegant lead guitar work and one of the most exquisite drum performances ever committed to tape.

    Never one to underplay, Bowie gives the vocal performance of a lifetime, culminating in a soaring climax guaranteed to leave goosebumps on any listener with a pulse.

    Daniel Ash

    5. Against All Odds, by The Postal Service (2004)

    A good cover version needs to find ways to reinvent the texture and structure of the original. Beyond The Postal Service’s iconic 2003 album Give Up, the indie-tronica outfit have a tiny repertoire. For my money, their cover of Phil Collins’s Against All Odds (1984) was the only bright spot in the horrendous Josh Hartnett movie, Wicker Park (2004).

    The familiar texture and soundscape of Give Up is heard in the distant and crackly vocal, reverse delays and keyboard of the opening verse and chorus. This gives way to a middle section which is cleaner and more purposeful than the first, with a brighter tempo. A final outro section repeats the lyrical hook – “take a look at me now” – with gentle guitar bringing the song to a close.

    With this cover, The Postal Service manage to remake an emotional love ballad into a more angsty and complex work with their own musical stamp.

    Conor Caldwell

    6. Shipbuilding, by Suede

    I always tell students to look at their hero’s heroes and find the covers they chose to do. It is often the case that we discover a classic song from a cover.

    The 1995 charity album HELP featured 20 songs (many of them cover versions) by 20 artists in support of children displaced by the Bosnian War.

    Suede’s cover of Shipbuilding (written by Elvis Costello and Clive Langer in 1982) was the first version of the song I heard. Such is the power of the piece, I suspect it was not difficult to convey the message. Written during the Falklands war, it concerned the resurgence of the shipyards caused by the necessity to replace ships lost in the conflict.

    This led me to discover the definitive 1982 version sung by Robert Wyatt and featuring Costello, which has superb brushed drums and double bass. A masterpiece.

    Howard Monk

    7. Such Great Heights, by Iron and Wine

    In this cover, Sam Beam of Iron and Wine strips what could be potentially considered the calling card of The Postal Service’s small but perfectly formed oeuvre to its bare bones. Featuring nothing more than a hushed voice, gently plucked acoustic guitar and subtle flourish of mandolin, the yearning romanticism of the lyrics is endearingly exposed.

    Curiously, The Postal Service chose to include this wonderfully considered cover version as a b-side to their own single release of the song in 2003. This may have prompted its use in the divisive indie movie Garden State (2004), elevating Iron and Wine to deservedly greater heights in the process.

    Steve Ryan


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Eva Petersen has previously received Arts Council funding for her research in 2019. She currently works for Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

    Conor Caldwell, Daniel Ash, Glenn Fosbraey, Howard Monk, Justin Patch, and Stephen Ryan do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The seven greatest cover songs of all time – according to music experts – https://theconversation.com/the-seven-greatest-cover-songs-of-all-time-according-to-music-experts-235145

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Workplace wellbeing programmes often don’t work – but here’s how to make them better

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jolanta Burke, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    Research shows wellbeing programmes often have little impact. Lucky Business/ Shutterstock

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has just published alarming statistics showing that employee mental health issues result in a US$1 trillion (£747 billion) loss in productivity each year. The WHO has called on employers to take urgent action by introducing comprehensive wellbeing programmes to tackle the escalating mental health crisis in the workplace.

    But the problem is that many workplace wellbeing programmes don’t work. A UK study which looked at 46,336 employees from 233 organisations found there was no evidence that a range of common workplace wellbeing initiatives – including mindfulness and stress management classes, one-to-one mental health coaching, wellbeing apps or volunteering work – improved employee wellbeing.

    So despite companies investing over US$60 billion annually worldwide in wellbeing programmes, they appear to make little impact.

    There are a number of reasons why these programmes don’t work – and understanding them is the only way companies will be able to make these programmes effective.

    Motivation

    Organisations often opt for easy-to-implement initiatives, such as hosting wellbeing talks or offering mindfulness or yoga classes. They then complain that employees don’t attend or don’t appreciate them.

    Many employees say they don’t attend these activities because they find them irrelevant, unhelpful or they don’t value them enough to attend – meaning their workplace has failed in identifying their needs.

    Understanding what motivates people to participate in wellbeing programmes is crucial in improving its effectiveness. For example, one survey found employees were more interested in learning about healthy lifestyles than having a discussion about stress management. Although not directly related to mental wellbeing, prioritising these kinds of talks would have a greater effect on improving wellbeing in the end.

    Content matters

    Wellbeing programmes tend to be more effective for people whose wellbeing is average or below average. So when people with high levels of wellbeing participate in such programmes, they often see little benefit. This can make it appear the programme isn’t effective – when in reality, it still is for those who need it most.

    This is why it’s so important to determine what type of help employees need most when designing wellbeing programmes.

    For employees who aren’t experiencing poor mental health, a programme that primarily addresses depression or anxiety may be less effective as they’re probably already practising many of the strategies such programmes would discuss. But if the wellbeing programme goes beyond reducing symptoms and focuses on promoting flourishing, meaning and purpose in life, it could provide value to a broader audience.

    This is where a programme designed by an expert in positive psychology would be beneficial in workplaces. Positive psychology is the science of wellbeing. It focuses on building on the positive aspects of life that make life worth living – rather than solely addressing symptoms of mental ill health which only affect 10-20% of the population.But positive psychology measures still have a positive impact on those who experience mental health issues at the same time. They include such activities as identifying and using your character strengths at work, re-thinking your past events positively, learning optimism or practising gratitude.

    The content of workplace wellbeing programmes is crucial. Avoiding generic self-help approaches will enhance their overall impact.

    Everyone is different

    Factors such as whether or not an employee enjoys a specific wellbeing activity or programme, whether they believe that wellbeing can be changed or their level of distress when starting a programme can all affect whether or not workplace wellbeing initiatives work.

    Even a person’s genetics can significantly affect whether such programmes have any impact. Research shows that people who have a higher genetic predisposition towards change are more likely to benefit disproportionately from these programmes – and their positive effect tends to last longer.

    All of these factors should be carefully considered when designing a workplace wellbeing programme. And given how difficult this will make it to design one that’s effective, it’s important employee wellbeing programmes are actually developed by experts in the field – not consultants who lack in-depth knowledge of psychology.

    Implementation

    The way a wellbeing programme is implemented is just as important as its content – though this aspect is often overlooked by wellbeing consultants.

    For instance, overusing gratitude exercises can lead to disengagement from a programme. Similarly, offering too many wellbeing activity options can overwhelm participants and result in them discontinuing the programme.

    To maximise the impact a wellbeing programme has in the workplace requires careful attention not only to the content but also how it’s implemented.

    There are many nuances involved in designing a workplace wellbeing programme. Employers must ensure the programmes they offer not only promote wellbeing but also avoid causing unintended harm to others in the process. Consulting experts who know the nuances of psychology and of wellbeing programmes is key, as they will ensure programmes will be effective and helpful. Programmes that combine positive psychology and lifestyle medicine (which focus on helping people improve their health and fitness) may be particularly beneficial in workplaces.

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

    – ref. Workplace wellbeing programmes often don’t work – but here’s how to make them better – https://theconversation.com/workplace-wellbeing-programmes-often-dont-work-but-heres-how-to-make-them-better-239040

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ethiopia’s grand plans for Addis Ababa: 4 essential reads on the social cost of transforming an African city

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kagure Gacheche, Commissioning Editor, East Africa

    Ethiopia’s capital city is undergoing a transformation. Addis Ababa is being redeveloped as part of Ethiopia’s broader economic ambitions. Mega road projects, ambitious housing developments and infrastructural changes, all aimed at modernising one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, are shaping its facade.

    Over the past three decades, Addis Ababa has expanded in area and population. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power in 2018 accelerated the city’s transformation.

    But the promise of a shiny, new Addis Ababa comes with social costs. Many of the city’s residents, including marginalised communities and those living in informal settlements, have lost homes and social bonds. So, will Addis Ababa’s evolution serve its estimated 4 million inhabitants?

    At The Conversation Africa, we have worked with academics whose research seeks to answer this question. Here we share some essential reads on Abiy’s gentrification plans.

    The challenges

    Demolitions have become a common sight in Addis Ababa as the government pushes forward with plans to modernise the city. These plans are aimed at bringing foreign private capital into the country. However, to make this a reality, whole neighbourhoods have been levelled to make way for roads, high-rise buildings and modern housing complexes. Homes and livelihoods are being destroyed. Fikir Getaneh Haile has studied the impact of Addis Ababa’s urban renewal on residents. She suggests that policymakers should make sure the voices of affected communities are heard.



    Read more:
    Demolitions in Ethiopia are giving rise to a new Addis Ababa – it comes at the expense of the city’s residents

    As it is, when bulldozers arrive in neighbourhoods, residents are left with little recourse and forced to rebuild their lives elsewhere. The destruction of these communities is not only material. There is a deep social cost. Neighbours who relied on each other are separated. The government is making efforts to relocate people to new housing projects, but houses are allocated by lottery. This is dismantling social networks. Further, with state housing developments located away from the city centre where jobs are concentrated, people are spending more time travelling to and from work, and less on building relationships with neighbours. Hone Mandefro’s research explains what happens when urbanisation plans disrupt the community ties that residents rely on for support and stability.



    Read more:
    Ethiopia has one of Africa’s most ambitious housing policies – but the lottery-based system is pulling communities apart

    Political elites are driving Addis Ababa’s physical transformation. This has led to top-down planning that excludes the voices of the majority. Ezana Weldeghebrael explains that the state’s focus on aesthetics, with features like skyscrapers, shopping malls and luxury housing complexes, fails to address the needs of the 80% of the city’s residents who live in dilapidated housing. This is widening the gap between the wealthier parts of the city and the poorer neighbourhoods. For the most vulnerable residents, the megaprojects represent yet another layer of exclusion. The city’s gentrification is creating pockets of prosperity surrounded by areas of deep poverty.



    Read more:
    Addis Ababa yet to meet the needs of residents: what has to change

    What needs to change

    Addis Ababa’s redevelopment must create a more inclusive and equitable city. Biruk Terrefe explains that this requires a shift in focus from large-scale megaprojects to more localised, community-centred development that takes into account the social and economic realities of the city’s population. Resources and investments should be distributed more equitably across the city so that all residents, regardless of their income level, have access to basic services and infrastructure.



    Read more:
    Megaprojects in Addis Ababa raise questions about spatial justice

    Ultimately, Addis Ababa’s transformation presents an opportunity to build a city that works for everyone. This requires a more inclusive approach that centres the needs and voices of its residents.

    – ref. Ethiopia’s grand plans for Addis Ababa: 4 essential reads on the social cost of transforming an African city – https://theconversation.com/ethiopias-grand-plans-for-addis-ababa-4-essential-reads-on-the-social-cost-of-transforming-an-african-city-239703

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The boomer generation hit the economic jackpot. Young people will inherit their massive debts

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Renaud Foucart, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University

    GoodIdeas/Shutterstock

    Young people in Britain could be forgiven for despairing at the financial pressures they face – and feeling that previous generations enjoyed a much fairer economic environment. Then just to add to their worries about home ownership and a precarious jobs market, along comes the gloomy announcement that the UK’s public debt is now 100% of GDP.

    That debt burden will have to be carried by tax-payers for decades to come. Paying the interest – just the interest – of the country’s debt currently accounts for around 7.3% of public spending. That’s more than what is spent on defence (4.8%) or transport (3.8%).

    And while some of what’s left will go to towards essential future public services, it will also go towards fixing problems caused by a historic lack of public investment (less money being spent by previous generations) in water, railways and other crucial infrastructure.

    In fact, in the 1980s much of that infrastructure was used by the UK government to help finance itself, with assets including British Gas sold off at a bargain price. Those baby boomers and older generations who could afford to buy shares often made a decent profit.

    There are other kinds of costs that today’s younger generations have had to bear too. During COVID lockdowns, universities and schools were closed as the young were forced to stay at home, predominantly to protect the elderly. They have lost the freedom to live and work in the EU after 60% of retired people voted for Brexit, while most young people voted against. Leaving Europe has also made the UK less well-off.

    But not everyone is poorer. In the last 20 years, the average income of pensioners has increased on average by more than 50%, while that of working-age adults has risen by less than 10%. The median income of pensioner households is now higher after housing costs than that of households with children.

    Most of the country’s wealth is now in the hands of older people. In 2018, one in four people aged over 65 was living in a household with a total wealth of over a £1 million pounds. Poverty rates of pensioners are now lower than for the rest of the population.

    Yet pensioners receive all sorts of unconditional discounts and benefits, such as free or discounted public transport. Their income is exempt from national insurance contributions, and there is a triple-lock on state pensions, which is guaranteed to grow faster than work income.

    Until recently, the winter fuel allowance meant that anyone born in 1944 or before received £300 (reduced to £200 for younger pensioners).

    Boomer and bust?

    While there is mild popular support for limiting the fuel allowance to poorer pensioners, the question of recouping money from older people remains highly sensitive. (Back in 2017, the then prime minister Theresa May had to quickly U-turn when she suggested using pensioners’ wealth to finance the rising cost of care.)

    One reason for this reluctance to prise money from older people may be that while most pensioners are doing better (compared to the working population) this is not true of the poorest ones. Also, some pensioners do not claim the benefits they are entitled to, and the last thing a civilised society wants is to let its older people freeze.

    ‘Loser has to pay off the national debt.’
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    But the apparent economic divide raises a broader question about inter-generational justice. What does one generation owe the generations that follow?

    And it’s not just about money. Global warming is another thing older people have not spent most of their lives having to pay for, with the burden for repairing environmental damage again falling mostly on the young.

    Perhaps a fair philosophical approach would be that it’s OK to leave certain costs to be paid in the future if the next generation can generally expect to live longer and in better health, with more consumer choice and comfort, and an improved quality of life.

    But this does not seem to be the expectation right now. Incomes have stalled, and so has life expectancy, while housing prices have not been so expensive relative to earnings since the 19th century.

    In that sense, many people, however old they are, would probably sympathise with young people today. And they may even argue that it’s time for the government to focus on policies that explicitly benefit the young – like house building, different forms of taxation or subjecting pension income to national insurance.

    There could also be a change in fiscal rules to allow for more investment in national infrastructure, higher taxes on fossil fuels to pay for the energy transition, or sharing the cost of funding higher education more evenly among all graduates, regardless of when they got their degree.

    Such changes would provide a dramatic shift towards an economic system which seeks to redistribute wealth not just among citizens – but between the generations.

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

    – ref. The boomer generation hit the economic jackpot. Young people will inherit their massive debts – https://theconversation.com/the-boomer-generation-hit-the-economic-jackpot-young-people-will-inherit-their-massive-debts-238908

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Okanese First Nation — Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes and File Hills Police Service investigating suspicious death on Okanese First Nation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On September 24, 2024 at approximately 4:40 a.m., File Hills Police Service received a report of an injured individual at a residence on Okanese First Nation.

    Officers immediately responded and located an injured adult female, who was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. She has been identified as 32-year-old Amanda Keewatin from Peepeekisis Cree Nation. Her family has been notified.

    Initial investigation by File Hills Police Service determined the female’s death was suspicious in nature. As such, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes was engaged to continue the investigation.

    Officers arrested an adult male in relation to Amanda Keewatin’s death at the scene.

    As a result of continued investigation, 39-year-old James Stonechild from Okanese First Nation is charged with one count, second degree murder, Section 235(1), Criminal Code.

    He is scheduled to appear in Regina Provincial Court on September 25 at 2 p.m.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USAF Warrant Officer Training School opens doors at Maxwell AFB

    Source: United States Air Force

    WOTS is a 40-day training program, in-residence accessions program designed to educate and train candidates with specialized knowledge and technical skills on how to serve as technical advisors to command leadership in their future roles as warrant officers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa has a good childhood vaccination system – what’s stopping it from being great

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Susan Goldstein, Associate Professor in the SAMRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

    The two public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world’s health are clean water and vaccines. Professors Susan Goldstein and Haroon Saloojee assess South Africa’s child vaccination programme.

    Why are childhood vaccinations so important? What are some essential ones?

    A recent study published in The Lancet estimated that since 1974, 154 million lives have been saved by immunisation, most of them children.

    A 2016 study of low- and middle-income countries found that for every dollar invested in vaccines, the return on investment was estimated to be US$44, considering broader social and economic benefits.

    Childhood vaccines are most effective when they are administered to children at the right age, and with the recommended dosage, as children are susceptible to certain diseases at certain ages.

    As an example, polio occurs most frequently in children below the age of five. Five doses of polio vaccinations are recommended, starting at birth.

    As the most contagious and fast-moving of the vaccine-preventable diseases, measles is often described as the “canary in the coalmine”: a warning of other disease outbreaks that might spring up where there are gaps in vaccination coverage.

    How does South Africa fare?

    A case study done in 2011/2012 found South Africa spent US$131 million on basic child vaccine procurement, less than 1%-1.5% of public health expenditure and comparable to Latin American countries known for early vaccine adoption. In 2023 new vaccines were included in the routine Expanded Programme on Immunisation to the value of US$194 million.

    We do spend appropriately on vaccines.

    South Africa has an excellent immunisation schedule with protection offered against 11 diseases.

    According to the District Health Barometer, national coverage for children under one year was 82.2% in 2022/3.

    In 2019, a national household immunisation survey, the first such survey done in two decades, provided the most detailed picture of South Africa’s vaccination programme that we have. The survey screened almost 2 million households and found 84% of babies had received all their shots by the time they turned one.

    Although these rates may seem good, they fall short of the 90% target set by the United Nations. They are also lower than in several other sub-Saharan countries, as this graph shows.

    A greater concern, however, is the disparity at the district level. For instance, Sekhukhune in Limpopo province had a coverage rate of just 53%, meaning almost one in two children were not fully immunised. Ten other districts had coverage rates below 75%, meaning that at least a quarter of the children were not fully protected.

    What is preventing the country from achieving the 90% target?

    In the national survey the main reasons for children not being fully immunised were related to the health service:

    • the vaccine was out of stock (29%)

    • the child was ill and not offered a vaccine (12%)

    • caregivers did not know that the child was due for immunisation (19%)

    • the caregiver forgot that the child had a scheduled immunisation visit (6%)

    • there was no-one to take the child to the clinic (9%).

    Other factors include:

    • negative interactions with healthcare workers – these can deter caregivers from taking children for their vaccines

    • waiting times

    • the dynamics within families – for example, adolescent mothers and elderly caregivers might have difficulty getting children to clinics.

    Vaccine refusal by parents for religious or other reasons existed, but this was infrequent (3%).

    What needs to be done?

    To protect children better, Unicef’s Immunization Agenda 2030 recommends a “people-centred” approach:

    • ensuring all healthcare workers are skilled at administering inoculations, and not missing opportunities to vaccinate a child whenever they visit a health service

    • avoiding vaccine shortages by electronically linking central pharmacies to facilities

    • listening to communities to understand their attitudes towards vaccines and their experiences with health workers at clinics, both good and bad.

    In South Africa districts with low coverage warrant special attention, such as increasing access to immunisation services. This could mean opening clinics on weekends or evenings so that working parents could bring their children to be vaccinated.

    Vaccinations are the safest method to protect children from life-threatening diseases. We need to ensure that every child gets them.

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

    – ref. South Africa has a good childhood vaccination system – what’s stopping it from being great – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-has-a-good-childhood-vaccination-system-whats-stopping-it-from-being-great-237336

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London meets with NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum about major basketball opportunities in the capital

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Sadiq met NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum to discuss their shared ambition to expand basketball in London
    • Mayor has committed to establishing a first-of-its-kind taskforce to grow the game and wants London to host more NBA games and activities
    • New research shows that 62 per cent of Londoners feel proud of living in London when major sporting events are hosted

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today pledged to build on the growing success of basketball in the capital, as he announced his desire to bring more NBA games and activities to the capital.

    The Mayor met NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum to discuss their shared ambition to expand the sport’s reach and influence in the capital, including through live NBA games. A taskforce will be created to grow the game in London.

    Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and is the country’s second most popular team sport with more than 1.5m playing on a weekly basis.*

    Sadiq has pledged to create a first-of-its-kind basketball taskforce to develop and grow the game, boost access to basketball, attract new events to London, including the return of NBA games, and create positive opportunities for young people. The taskforce will bring together leaders in sport, business, national governing bodies and professional basketball teams and players, and the Mayor has invited senior figures from the NBA to participate.

    The Mayor has previously backed the London Coaches Program, a collaboration between the NBA and Basketball England to train hundreds of coaches across the city and boost basketball participation.

    London has a proud history of hosting high profile North American sporting events and this year hosted the USA Basketball Men’s and Women’s National Teams at the USA Basketball Showcase. The capital also welcomed two Major League Baseball matches between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. In July, Sadiq also held talks with Paul “Triple H” Levesque to discuss the possibility of bringing WrestleMania to London.

    Today’s meeting came as new research showed that Londoners are passionate about major sporting events taking place in the capital**. Polling from YouGov found that 62 per cent of Londoners feel proud of living in London when major sporting events are hosted, with 72 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds feeling proud. More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of Londoners think that hosting major sporting events impacts positively on London’s economy.

    An estimated six million people attended sporting events across the capital this summer including the UEFA Champions League Final and European Professional Club Rugby Finals, cementing London’s position as the undisputed sporting capital of the world*** and significantly boosting the capital’s economy.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It was great to meet with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum today to discuss the possibility of bringing more NBA games and activities to London and how we can further expand the game in the capital. Basketball continues to go from strength-to-strength and by creating a new taskforce I want to help it grow even further, enabling more young people to access and enjoy the sport.

    “London has provided the stage for so many unforgettable sporting moments and I’m committed to making sure we further cement our position as the sporting capital of the world. I look forward to working closely with the NBA and other global sports to extend their activities in London and ensure we continue to have a packed calendar of world-class sporting events.

    NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, said: “The NBA has a long history of playing games in London, and we are committed to further growing the game in the city and across the UK. Through grassroots programs for youth and coaches, weekly games that air in primetime on TNT Sports, the beautiful new NBA Store on Oxford Street and more, there has never been a better time to be an NBA fan in London.  We look forward to working more closely with Mayor Khan and his administration to build on these efforts in the years to come.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

    The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed cooperation between the United Nations and Armenia, focusing on responses to refugee and other humanitarian challenges, and the situation in the South Caucasus.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Guilbeault issues statement following Canada–Norway ministerial on plastic pollution on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, issued the following statement as Canada and Norway conclude the ministerial consultation on the plastic pollution treaty on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and ahead of the fifth and final negotiations of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in the Republic of Korea later this year.

    September 26, 2024 – Gatineau, Quebec
     
    The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, issued the following statement as Canada and Norway conclude the ministerial consultation on the plastic pollution treaty on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and ahead of the fifth and final negotiations of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in the Republic of Korea later this year.

    “Plastics are being produced and consumed at a growing rate, travelling beyond national borders, posing a risk to wildlife, and damaging ecosystems. Millions of metric tons of plastic pollution are entering our oceans every year, which is leaving a legacy of environmental impacts for future generations. Canada is taking ambitious action to reduce plastic pollution and help Canadians move toward a circular economy through an evidence-based and comprehensive plan. This plan addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics and keeps plastic in the economy and out of the environment. But we can’t just take action at home—plastic pollution is a global problem that is only getting worse.
     
    “Two years ago, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) unanimously adopted a historic and ambitious resolution to develop a new, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. Canada has been actively involved in the development of this global agreement since then, which included hosting the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) in April 2024 with over 3,000 participants from around the world.

    “To continue the momentum, the Governments of Canada and Norway co-hosted a ministerial consultation on the plastic pollution treaty this week in New York that helped identify areas of convergence ahead of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5).  It is a critical point in negotiations, and Canada invites all member states and ministers to intensify their efforts to chart the path toward an ambitious and effective global deal to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution. Canada looks forward to working with other member states, Indigenous peoples, intergovernmental partners, and stakeholders to reach a final negotiated agreement to end plastic pollution at the last scheduled negotiation session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in the Republic of Korea this November.”

    Oliver Anderson
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    819-962-0686
    Oliver.Anderson@ec.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Environment and Climate Change Canada
    819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
    media@ec.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Responds to the Indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (NEW YORK, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, the only Republican representing New York City, issued the following statement regarding the unsealed federal indictments against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

    “Mayor Adams has failed our city, has broken the public trust and should resign or be removed by Governor Hochul. Our city is suffering greatly, taxpayers deserve better and we need to restore a functioning city government as soon as possible.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alford, Hinson, Miller, Kiggans Lead Republican Conference in Letter Urging House Leadership to Prioritize Farm Bill This Year

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, as first reported by Punchbowl News, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Mary Miller (IL-15), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02) led a majority of the House Republican Conference in a letter to House GOP Leadership reaffirming their commitment to advancing a farm bill that meets the needs of production agriculture and rural America.

    The letter, which was signed by 140 Members, emphasized the importance of the Farm Bill and noted that farmers, ranchers, and producers are still living under outdated policies from the 2018 Farm Bill.

    “Farmes and ranchers do not have the luxury of waiting until next Congress for the enactment of an effective farm bill,” said the Members. “Inflation has driven production costs to the highest on record. Meanwhile, commodity prices across the board have fallen precipitously, creating a severe margin squeeze on farm and ranch families … Farm debt, $540 billion, is the highest ever, both nominally and wen adjusted for inflation. These factors show no signs of abating for all major commodities.”

    “The 118th Congress has an opportunity to do right by producers, other agriculture stakeholders, rural communities, and taxpayers by putting more ‘farm’ back in the farm bill and by making responsible reforms and investments across all 12 titles, and the bipartisan H.R. 8467—The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, which was advanced by the House Committee on Agriculture on May 24th of this year, does just that,” the Members continued.

    The Members highlighted the negative impacts of failing to act, noting that the consequences will extend beyond the farm gate — hitting Main Street businesses, rural communities, and the national economy. 

    “We respectfully urge that the enactment of H.R. 8467, or similar legislation that makes meaningful investments in farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, is among the top priorities of the Republican Conference and that this be considered a ‘must-pass’ item in the lame duck session of the 118th Congress,” the Members concluded.

    “We are honored to stand alongside 139 of my colleagues to lead a letter that shows House leadership that Republicans are committed to passing a Farm Bill that supports our nation’s constituents, farmers, ranchers, and rural communities,” said Congressman Alford. “We passed H.R. 8467 out of committee, and now it is time to give it to America. The stakes are high; production costs are up, and farm income is declining. We don’t need an extension, and we don’t need this next year–we need this Farm Bill now. Our producers are worthy of certainty and support for their tireless work in feeding, fueling, and clothing the world.”

    “I led 139 of my colleagues – the majority of the House Republican Conference – in calling for Republican House leadership to bring the Farm Bill up for a vote as soon as possible. This bill passed out of committee with bipartisan support, and I believe would receive bipartisan support on the House Floor from Members who understand that food security is national security. Our farmers don’t have time for games, they need Congress to do the work and come through for them, just like they come through for us each day. I will continue advocating for passage of a strong Farm Bill to ensure Iowa farmers can continue feeding and fueling the world,” said Congresswoman Hinson.

    Click here to read text of the letter.

    In addition to Representatives Alford, Hinson, Miller, and Kiggans, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt, Rick Allen, Mark Amodei, Kelly Armstrong, Jodey Arrington, Brian Babin, Don Bacon, James Baird, Troy Balderson, Jim Banks, Andy Barr, Cliff Bentz, Jack Bergman, Stephanie Bice, Gus Bilirakis, Dan Bishop, Lauren Boebert, Mike Bost, Larry Bucshon, Ken Calvert, Kat Cammack, Mike Carey, Jerry Carl, Earl Carter, John Carter, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Juan Ciscomani, Ben Cline, Tom Cole, Mike Collins, James Comer, Eric Crawford, Dan Crenshaw, Monica De la Cruz, Scott DesJarlais, John Duarte, Neal Dunn, Chuck Edwards, Jake Ellzey, Ron Estes, Mike Ezell, Pat Fallon, Randy Feenstra, A. Ferguson, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, Scott Fitzgerald, Charles Fleischmann, Mike Flood, Vince Fong, Scott Franklin, Carlos Gimenez, Tony Gonzales, Lance Gooden, Kay Granger, Garret Graves, Sam Graves, Michael Guest, Clay Higgins, J. Hill, Erin Houchin, Bill Huizenga, Ronny Jackson, Dusty Johnson, David Joyce, John Joyce, Mike Kelly, Trent Kelly, Young Kim, David Kustoff, Darin LaHood, Nick LaLota, Doug LaMalfa, Doug Lamborn, Nicholas Langworthy, Robert Latta, Jake LaTurner, Michael Lawler, Julia Letlow, Greg Lopez, Barry Loudermilk, Frank Lucas, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Morgan Luttrell, Nicole Malliotakis, Tracey Mann, Michael McCaul, Richard McCormick, Daniel Meuser, Carol Miller, Max Miller, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Marcus Molinaro, John Moolenaar, Barry Moore, Nathaniel Moran, James Moylan, Gregory Murphy, Dan Newhouse, Zachary Nunn, Greg Pence, August Pfluger, Harold Rogers, Mike Rogers, John Rose, David Rouzer, Michael Rulli, John Rutherford, Maria Salazar, Austin Scott, Keith Self, Pete Sessions, Michael Simpson, Adrian Smith, Lloyd Smucker, Pete Stauber, Bryan Steil, Dale Strong, Claudia Tenney, Glenn Thompson, Michael Turner, David Valadao, Jefferson Van Drew, Derrick Van Orden, Ann Wagner, Tim Walberg, Michael Waltz, Randy Weber, Brad Wenstrup, Bruce Westerman, Brandon Williams, Joe Wilson, Robert Wittman, Steve Womack, Rudy Yakym, and Ryan Zinke.

    Background:

    The Farm Bill is omnibus legislation that establishes policies affecting all sectors of the agriculture industry for a five-year period. The most recent legislation, which was passed in 2018 and extended in 2023, expires this year.

    On May 24, 2024, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 to reauthorize the Farm Bill. The legislation supports producers and puts more “farm” back in the farm bill and makes responsible reforms and investments across all 12 titles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Releases NEW Whistleblower Tip: Secret Service Denies Trump Campaign Requests for Rally

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Tuesday, September 24, 2024

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) revealed a new troubling whistleblower allegation detailing the Secret Service’s refusal to provide former President Donald Trump with the resources and manpower needed for a rally in Wisconsin—effectively forcing his campaign to cancel the event. 
    Addressing Director Rowe directly, Senator Hawley wrote, “At your recent press conference on September 20, you stated that former President Trump is receiving “the highest level of Secret Service protection” and “he’s getting everything” that “the current president has with respect to Secret Service assets.” 
    He continued, writing, “Yet according to a whistleblower with direct knowledge of the exchange, Secret Service recently told the Trump campaign that it did not have sufficient assets to secure a potential campaign rally in Wisconsin for the former president.”
    Read the full letter here or below.
    September 24, 2024
    The Honorable Ronald L. Rowe, Jr.Acting DirectorU.S. Secret Service245 Murray Ln SW, Building T-5 Washington, D.C. 20223 
    Dear Acting Director Rowe:
    I write concerning new whistleblower allegations that the U.S. Secret Service effectively forced the Trump campaign to cancel an upcoming event in Wisconsin. This new information calls into question your recent public statements regarding the level of security your agency is providing to the former president. It also suggests that the Secret Service’s inability to fully protect former President Trump may be affecting the conduct of the presidential campaign.
    At your recent press conference on September 20, you stated that former President Trump is receiving “the highest level of Secret Service protection” and “he’s getting everything” that “the current president has with respect to Secret Service assets.” That same night, Secret Service secured a rally for Vice President Harris in Madison, Wisconsin.
    Yet according to a whistleblower with direct knowledge of the exchange, Secret Service recently told the Trump campaign that it did not have sufficient assets to secure a potential campaign rally in Wisconsin for the former president. Other whistleblowers with knowledge of Secret Service planning protocols allege that failure to provide protection for a major public event is highly unusual and that a sitting president would never be denied resources in this way.
    If true, this apparent double standard contradicts your public statements and raises troubling questions. Please provide the following information no later than seven days from now:
    Did the Secret Service ever tell former President Trump, his campaign, or any related business entities that the agency could not secure a rally event in Wisconsin?Has the Secret Service ever told President Biden or Vice President Harris that the agency could not secure a campaign event of their choosing?
    Sincerely,  
    Josh HawleyUnited States Senator

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mrvan Announces Department of Education Grant for Calumet College of St. Joseph

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN)

    Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced a federal grant award for Calumet College of St. Joseph under the Department of Education’s Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) program.  

    Calumet College of St. Joseph will receive $3 million over five years to implement Camino al Éxito: A GPS for Hispanic Student Success, a program that aims to expand opportunities for Hispanic and low-income students in graduate programs and connect students to postgraduate opportunities by coordinating preparation, enrollment, and support initiatives.  According to the Department of Education, the PPOHA program provides grants to expand educational opportunities for and improve the academic attainment of Hispanic students. 

    Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to all the leaders of Calumet College of St. Joseph for successfully securing this vital federal funding to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students in our region.  I look forward to building on this initiative to continue to ensure that everyone in Northwest Indiana has the opportunity to obtain the education that they seek in order to thrive in our regional economy.” 

    Dr. Amy McCormack, President of Calumet College of St. Joseph, stated, “Calumet College of St. Joseph has offered graduate programs for more than two decades, so it is with great enthusiasm that we are able to take our post-baccalaureate programs and services to the next level.  With support from the Department of Education, we can offer additional services to ensure our graduate students get individualized support to succeed.  We are also very excited to launch new programs and to pursue the feasibility of our first doctorate program.  Expanding the reach of CCSJ and serving the region has never been more important.”

    For more information on the PPOHA grant program, click here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa has a good childhood vaccination system – what’s stopping it from being great

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Susan Goldstein, Associate Professor in the SAMRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

    The two public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world’s health are clean water and vaccines. Professors Susan Goldstein and Haroon Saloojee assess South Africa’s child vaccination programme.

    Why are childhood vaccinations so important? What are some essential ones?

    A recent study published in The Lancet estimated that since 1974, 154 million lives have been saved by immunisation, most of them children.

    A 2016 study of low- and middle-income countries found that for every dollar invested in vaccines, the return on investment was estimated to be US$44, considering broader social and economic benefits.

    Childhood vaccines are most effective when they are administered to children at the right age, and with the recommended dosage, as children are susceptible to certain diseases at certain ages.

    As an example, polio occurs most frequently in children below the age of five. Five doses of polio vaccinations are recommended, starting at birth.

    As the most contagious and fast-moving of the vaccine-preventable diseases, measles is often described as the “canary in the coalmine”: a warning of other disease outbreaks that might spring up where there are gaps in vaccination coverage.

    How does South Africa fare?

    A case study done in 2011/2012 found South Africa spent US$131 million on basic child vaccine procurement, less than 1%-1.5% of public health expenditure and comparable to Latin American countries known for early vaccine adoption. In 2023 new vaccines were included in the routine Expanded Programme on Immunisation to the value of US$194 million.

    We do spend appropriately on vaccines.

    South Africa has an excellent immunisation schedule with protection offered against 11 diseases.

    According to the District Health Barometer, national coverage for children under one year was 82.2% in 2022/3.

    National immunisation coverage for children under 1 year. District Health Barometer.

    In 2019, a national household immunisation survey, the first such survey done in two decades, provided the most detailed picture of South Africa’s vaccination programme that we have. The survey screened almost 2 million households and found 84% of babies had received all their shots by the time they turned one.

    Although these rates may seem good, they fall short of the 90% target set by the United Nations. They are also lower than in several other sub-Saharan countries, as this graph shows.

    South African vaccine coverage of one-year-olds compared to other sub-Saharan countries. Unicef 2023

    A greater concern, however, is the disparity at the district level. For instance, Sekhukhune in Limpopo province had a coverage rate of just 53%, meaning almost one in two children were not fully immunised. Ten other districts had coverage rates below 75%, meaning that at least a quarter of the children were not fully protected.

    What is preventing the country from achieving the 90% target?

    In the national survey the main reasons for children not being fully immunised were related to the health service:

    • the vaccine was out of stock (29%)

    • the child was ill and not offered a vaccine (12%)

    • caregivers did not know that the child was due for immunisation (19%)

    • the caregiver forgot that the child had a scheduled immunisation visit (6%)

    • there was no-one to take the child to the clinic (9%).

    Other factors include:

    • negative interactions with healthcare workers – these can deter caregivers from taking children for their vaccines

    • waiting times

    • the dynamics within families – for example, adolescent mothers and elderly caregivers might have difficulty getting children to clinics.

    Vaccine refusal by parents for religious or other reasons existed, but this was infrequent (3%).

    What needs to be done?

    To protect children better, Unicef’s Immunization Agenda 2030 recommends a “people-centred” approach:

    • ensuring all healthcare workers are skilled at administering inoculations, and not missing opportunities to vaccinate a child whenever they visit a health service

    • avoiding vaccine shortages by electronically linking central pharmacies to facilities

    • listening to communities to understand their attitudes towards vaccines and their experiences with health workers at clinics, both good and bad.

    In South Africa districts with low coverage warrant special attention, such as increasing access to immunisation services. This could mean opening clinics on weekends or evenings so that working parents could bring their children to be vaccinated.

    Vaccinations are the safest method to protect children from life-threatening diseases. We need to ensure that every child gets them.

    – South Africa has a good childhood vaccination system – what’s stopping it from being great
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-has-a-good-childhood-vaccination-system-whats-stopping-it-from-being-great-237336

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ethiopia’s grand plans for Addis Ababa: 4 essential reads on the social cost of transforming an African city

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kagure Gacheche, Commissioning Editor, East Africa

    Ethiopia’s capital city is undergoing a transformation. Addis Ababa is being redeveloped as part of Ethiopia’s broader economic ambitions. Mega road projects, ambitious housing developments and infrastructural changes, all aimed at modernising one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, are shaping its facade.

    Over the past three decades, Addis Ababa has expanded in area and population. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power in 2018 accelerated the city’s transformation.

    But the promise of a shiny, new Addis Ababa comes with social costs. Many of the city’s residents, including marginalised communities and those living in informal settlements, have lost homes and social bonds. So, will Addis Ababa’s evolution serve its estimated 4 million inhabitants?

    At The Conversation Africa, we have worked with academics whose research seeks to answer this question. Here we share some essential reads on Abiy’s gentrification plans.

    The challenges

    Demolitions have become a common sight in Addis Ababa as the government pushes forward with plans to modernise the city. These plans are aimed at bringing foreign private capital into the country. However, to make this a reality, whole neighbourhoods have been levelled to make way for roads, high-rise buildings and modern housing complexes. Homes and livelihoods are being destroyed. Fikir Getaneh Haile has studied the impact of Addis Ababa’s urban renewal on residents. She suggests that policymakers should make sure the voices of affected communities are heard.

    Read more: Demolitions in Ethiopia are giving rise to a new Addis Ababa – it comes at the expense of the city’s residents

    As it is, when bulldozers arrive in neighbourhoods, residents are left with little recourse and forced to rebuild their lives elsewhere. The destruction of these communities is not only material. There is a deep social cost. Neighbours who relied on each other are separated. The government is making efforts to relocate people to new housing projects, but houses are allocated by lottery. This is dismantling social networks. Further, with state housing developments located away from the city centre where jobs are concentrated, people are spending more time travelling to and from work, and less on building relationships with neighbours. Hone Mandefro’s research explains what happens when urbanisation plans disrupt the community ties that residents rely on for support and stability.

    Read more: Ethiopia has one of Africa’s most ambitious housing policies – but the lottery-based system is pulling communities apart

    Political elites are driving Addis Ababa’s physical transformation. This has led to top-down planning that excludes the voices of the majority. Ezana Weldeghebrael explains that the state’s focus on aesthetics, with features like skyscrapers, shopping malls and luxury housing complexes, fails to address the needs of the 80% of the city’s residents who live in dilapidated housing. This is widening the gap between the wealthier parts of the city and the poorer neighbourhoods. For the most vulnerable residents, the megaprojects represent yet another layer of exclusion. The city’s gentrification is creating pockets of prosperity surrounded by areas of deep poverty.

    Read more: Addis Ababa yet to meet the needs of residents: what has to change

    What needs to change

    Addis Ababa’s redevelopment must create a more inclusive and equitable city. Biruk Terrefe explains that this requires a shift in focus from large-scale megaprojects to more localised, community-centred development that takes into account the social and economic realities of the city’s population. Resources and investments should be distributed more equitably across the city so that all residents, regardless of their income level, have access to basic services and infrastructure.

    Read more: Megaprojects in Addis Ababa raise questions about spatial justice

    Ultimately, Addis Ababa’s transformation presents an opportunity to build a city that works for everyone. This requires a more inclusive approach that centres the needs and voices of its residents.

    – Ethiopia’s grand plans for Addis Ababa: 4 essential reads on the social cost of transforming an African city
    – https://theconversation.com/ethiopias-grand-plans-for-addis-ababa-4-essential-reads-on-the-social-cost-of-transforming-an-african-city-239703

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Afghanistan: International legal initiative an important step toward tackling the Taliban’s war on women

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the announcement by Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands during the UN General Assembly yesterday that they will initiate legal proceedings that could ultimately lead to action at the International Court of Justice against Afghanistan for numerous violations of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said:

    “The Taliban have made life for Afghan women and girls intolerable. They have erased them from all spheres of life and systematically stripped away their rights and dignity. Amnesty International welcomes any steps by States to hold the Taliban accountable under international law for the widespread and institutionalized violation of women’s and girls’ human rights, which most likely amount to the crime against humanity of gender persecution. The international community should pursue all available avenues to end ongoing pervasive human rights violations in Afghanistan, including through the International Court of Justice.

    The Taliban have made life for Afghan women and girls intolerable. They have erased them from all spheres of life and systematically stripped away their rights and dignity

    Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard

    “This is a vital step toward securing justice for violations of the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. It should be complemented by other comprehensive efforts to address the full range of past and ongoing atrocities, including those against women and girls, that the Taliban and other state and non-state actors have committed throughout the continuous cycle of conflict in Afghanistan for over 40 years.

    “The world must act in solidarity with the courageous women and girls of Afghanistan by advocating for their rights and holding the Taliban regime to account. This welcome legal initiative should also serve as a timely reminder that States have a responsibility to provide international protection to all those fleeing systematic discrimination and oppression in Afghanistan.”

    MIL OSI NGO –