NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Development of Hong Kong athletes in Mainland

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Following is a question by the Hon Stanley Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (April 2):
     
    Question:
     
    It has been reported that Hong Kong athletes have all along been unable to be certified for acquiring the technical grade titles awarded to Mainland athletes because of their status as Hong Kong citizens, even though they won championships in sports competitions held in the Mainland. In view of this, the Administrative Measures for Technical Grades of Athletes (the Administrative Measures) was promulgated by our country in March last year to point out clearly that athletes from Hong Kong, the Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR) and Taiwan may be awarded technical grade titles when they participate in national competitions and provincial competitions. The Administrative Measures have been implemented since January 1 this year to ensure that Hong Kong athletes and Mainland athletes are entitled to the same treatment. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it has compiled statistics on the current number of Hong Kong athletes pursuing development in the Mainland, with a tabulated breakdown by province;
     
    (2) whether it knows the specific process through which Hong Kong athletes pursuing development in the Mainland are certified for acquiring the technical grade titles awarded to Mainland athletes; whether the process is handled by the General Administration of Sport of China in a centralised manner, or there is a designated organisation in Hong Kong which is responsible for handling the relevant certification for them; if there is such a designated organisation, of the organisation;
     
    (3) as the Administrative Measures point out that prior consent should be obtained from the relevant National Sports Associations (NSAs) in Hong Kong and Macao SAR for awarding technical grade titles to their registered athletes, whether it has compiled statistics on the current number of athletes registered with NSAs in Hong Kong who are awarded the Mainland athletes’ technical grade titles upon obtaining consents from their relevant NSAs; whether there are cases in which NSAs did not give consents for their athletes to acquire the Mainland athletes’ technical grade titles; if so, of the details;
     
    (4) whether it knows the mechanism for Hong Kong athletes pursuing development in the Mainland without registration with the relevant NSAs in Hong Kong who are eligible to be certified under the standards for technical grades of athletes to obtain certification for acquiring the technical grade titles awarded to Mainland athletes; and
     
    (5) to facilitate the professional development of Hong Kong athletes in the Mainland, whether the Government will set a timetable for regular review of the existing process through which Hong Kong athletes are certified for acquiring the Mainland athletes’ technical grade titles, and streamline the relevant procedures in a timely manner?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    My consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Stanley Ng is as follows:
     
    The General Administration of Sport of China (GASC) promulgated the “the Administrative Measures for Technical Grades of Athletes” (the Administrative Measures) in 2014 to award athletes with different technical grade titles after attaining specific results in competitions. In order of priority, the technical grade titles are namely International Elite Athlete, Elite Athlete, Grade One Athlete, Grade Two Athlete and Grade Three Athlete.
     
    To promote the integration of Hong Kong into national development, the GASC promulgated the “Notice by the General Office of GASC on the Work of Awarding the Technical Grade Titles to Athletes from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macao SAR and Taiwan” in 2021, which explicitly indicated that it accepts Hong Kong athletes’ applications for award of the technical grade titles. For Hong Kong athletes who wish to be awarded the technical grade titles, they are required to submit written applications. In addition to submitting proof of results, the applications should be endorsed by the relevant National Sports Associations (NSAs) to which they belong.  
     
    Subsequently, having communicated with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) and the sports sector to understand the situation, the GASC has revised the the Administrative Measures to simplify the application procedures. The GASC promulgated the amended Administrative Measures on March 14, 2024.
     
    Article 15 of the amended Administrative Measures specifies that Hong Kong athletes can be awarded the technical grade titles directly according to their results in national and provincial competitions, without having to submit written applications. The awarding body (e.g. the relevant sports centres or associations) may publicise the proposed technical grade titles directly based on the competition results for a period of five working days. The athletes will be awarded the respective technical grade titles if there is no objection within the period.
     
    The amended Administrative Measures also indicate that for Hong Kong athletes who are registered with specific NSAs, they should obtain endorsement from the relevant NSAs before participating in competitions (i.e. providing a letter of consent from the relevant NSAs when participating in the competitions). In that way, the athletes can be awarded the technical grade titles based on their competition results after the public announcement period. Hong Kong athletes who are not registered with specific NSAs are not required to seek endorsement from relevant NSAs before they are awarded the technical grade titles. The amended Administrative Measures have come into effect from January 1, 2025.
     
    The CSTB does not have the relevant information about the number of Hong Kong athletes currently developing in the Mainland, the number of NSA-registered Hong Kong athletes who have been awarded the technical grade titles with endorsement of the relevant NSAs, and the cases not being endorsed by the relevant NSAs.
     
    The Hong Kong SAR Government encourages and supports Hong Kong athletes and NSAs to enhance exchange and co-operation with athletes and associations of various sports from different provinces and cities in the Mainland. The amended Administrative Measures, which came into effect on January 1, 2025, facilitate the award of the technical grade titles to Hong Kong athletes. The amended Administrative Measures also promote development opportunities of Hong Kong athletes in the Mainland, and enhance the integrated development of Hong Kong and the Mainland. The CSTB will continue to maintain communication with the GASC on the relevant arrangements.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ16: Employees’ compensation insurance

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ16: Employees’ compensation insurance 
    Question:
     
         Regarding employees’ compensation insurance (commonly known as labour insurance), will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the number of cases recorded by the Labour Department (LD) in which employees died as a result of accidents arising out of and in the course their employment in each of the past seven years and this year to date, together with a breakdown by industry;
     
    (2) among the cases mentioned in (1), ︀of the number of cases in which employers were prosecuted by the authorities for failing to take out labour insurance policies for their employees as required under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282); among such prosecuted cases, ︀of the following information on each of the convicted cases: (i) the date of the accident, (ii) the industry and occupation to which the workers involved belonged, (iii) the date on which the judgment was handed down by the court and (iv) the penalties imposed;
     
    (3) in respect of the penalties imposed on the convicted cases mentioned in (2), whether the authorities have applied for reviews or appeals; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (4) given that under the Employees Compensation Assistance Ordinance (Cap. 365), any employer who contravenes the requirements of Cap. ‍282 on taking out labour insurance policies shall be liable to pay a surcharge to the Employees Compensation Assistance Fund Board, of the highest, lowest and average amounts of surcharge paid by the employers in the convicted cases mentioned in (2);
     
    (5) of the respective numbers of insurance applications from the employers of the 22 ‍high-‍risk industries specified under the Employees’ Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme (ECIRS) which were received, approved and rejected by the Employees’ Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme Bureau Limited in each of the past seven years and this year to date, ︀as well as the number of employees involved in the approved applications, ︀together with a breakdown by industry; the main reasons for rejecting such applications under the Scheme;
     
    (6) as it is learnt that the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Council and the LD have jointly launched the OSH Star Enterprise – Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition Safety Accreditation Scheme (the Accreditation Scheme) to assist the insurance industry in considering offering discounts on labour insurance premium under ECIRS to enterprises satisfying the safety accreditations, of the number of enterprises which have (i) applied, (ii) have been approved and (iii) have been rejected to participate in the Accreditation Scheme in each of the past seven years and this year to date, and set out in the table below a breakdown by type of enterprise (i.e. (I) small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and (II) ‍non-SMEs) and business nature of enterprise (i.e. (a) erection, dismantling and use of truss-out bamboo scaffolds, (b) repair to external walls or pipings, (c) air-conditioning works and (d) interior fitting-out works); the main reasons for rejecting the applications under the Scheme;

    Type of
    enterprisenature of
    enterprise(7) whether it has compiled statistics on the percentage of the number of enterprises approved under the Accreditation Scheme in the total number of enterprises of the same business nature in Hong Kong at present, together with a tabulated breakdown by type of enterprise (i.e. (I) SMEs and (II) non-SMEs) and business nature of enterprise (i.e. (a) erection, dismantling and use of truss-out bamboo scaffolds, (b) repair to external walls or pipings, (c) air-conditioning works and (d) ‍interior fitting-out works); of the measures in place to step up publicity and promotion of the Accreditation Scheme, so as to encourage more enterprises to participate in the Scheme; and

    (8) as there are views that the existing penalties for not taking out labour insurance policies are too light, and some employers may be prompted to take the risk of not taking out labour insurance policies for their employees as required by the law, whether the authorities will consider amending Cap. 282 to raise the relevant penalties, so as to enhance the deterrent effect; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         My reply to the Hon Chau Siu-chung’s question is as follows:
     
    (1) From 2018 to February 2025, the numbers of fatal cases reported under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (ECO) (Cap. 282) and received by the Labour Department (LD) each year, with a breakdown by industry, are at Annex 1.
     
    (2) Among the cases mentioned in (1), 14 employers were prosecuted by the LD for failing to take out employees’ compensation insurance (EC insurance) for their employees as required by the ECO. All the 14 cases were convicted. The details are at Annex 2.
     
    (3) In accordance with the Prosecution Code of the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Secretary for Justice may apply to the court in exceptional cases for the review of a sentence on the basis that it has proceeded on an error of law or of principle or that it is manifestly inadequate or excessive. In general, apart from the factors such as the circumstances of a case, the maximum penalty of an offence and the level of sentence imposed on the offence in the past, the court will also consider a defendant’s guilty plea and mitigations when sentencing. The LD will examine the sentence imposed by the court on each case. If the sentence of an individual case is manifestly inadequate or excessive, or has proceeded on an error of law or of principle, the LD will request the DoJ to consider applying for a review of the sentence. In line with the above principles, the LD has not applied for the review or appeal against the sentence of the convicted cases mentioned in (2). 
    (5) The Employees’ Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme (ECIRS) serves as a market of last resort to assist employers who cannot procure the EC insurance in the market, with a view to ensuring that employers can acquire the EC insurance. The applications received and approved by the Employees’ Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme Bureau Limited (ECIRSB) from 2018 to February 2025, with a breakdown by the High Risk Groups, are at Annex 3. During the period, the ECIRSB did not reject any applications submitted by employers.
     
    (6) The LD has collaborated with the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) to launch the OSH Star Enterprise – Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition (RMAA) Safety Accreditation Scheme (Accreditation Scheme) to provide subsidies to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the RMAA sector for purchasing fall prevention devices, assisting them in establishing a safety management system, and offering training on work-at-height safety as well as conducting safety audits. We adopt a multi-pronged approach to enhance the safety standard of relevant enterprises and assist users in identifying those RMAA enterprises with recognised safety standards. According to the OSHC, the number of applications for the Accreditation Scheme and the number of Star Enterprises accredited in the past seven years (up to March 20, 2025) are at Annex 4.
     
         As OSHC has enhanced the OSH Star Enterprise List under the Accreditation Scheme since September 2024 and added the category of “nature of business” (including erection and dismantling of truss-out scaffolding works, repair of external wall and pipe works, air-conditioning works and interior renovation works) to the list, a breakdown by nature of business of the enterprises before the date of enhancement is not available. 
     
         The number of Star Enterprises accredited in 2024-2025 (as at March 20, 2025) is eight. A breakdown of their business nature (Note) is as follows:
     

    Erection and dismantling of truss-out scaffolding works     At present, there are 66 SME Star Enterprises under the Accreditation Scheme and their business nature (Note) is categorised as follows:
     

    Erection and dismantling of truss-out scaffolding worksNote: Accredited Star Enterprise may offer more than one type of business.

    (7) The OSHC does not keep statistics on the percentage of the number of accredited Star Enterprises among the total number of enterprises of the same business nature in Hong Kong, and it does not have a breakdown of the figures by the nature of business of the enterprises.
     
         To enhance the awareness of the RMAA industry and the community at large on the Accreditation Scheme, the LD and the OSHC have been publicising and promoting the Accreditation Scheme through various channels, including promotion on mass media such as television, radio and e-‍newspapers; dissemination of video clips, text and graphic information through social media; and collaboration with the Home Affairs Department and District Councils to promote the Accreditation Scheme to property owners, property management companies, etc, and to educate them on the key points and importance of choosing suitable scaffolding and the RMAA contractors. For newly completed public housing estates and buildings with more the RMAA works, the LD and the OSHC, in collaboration with trade unions, regularly set up information kiosks in the districts to publicise and promote the Accreditation Scheme to community members, owners’ corporations and local organisations. In addition, more than 1 300 organisations have signed the Charter on Preferential Appointment of OSH Star Enterprise, pledging to give priority to Star Enterprises in carrying out RMAA works, so as to encourage more RMAA enterprises to upgrade their safety standards through market force.
     
    (8) In accordance with section 40 of the ECO, no employer shall employ any employee in any employment unless there is in force a policy of insurance to cover his liabilities under the ECO and common law. Employers failing to comply with the ECO to secure an insurance cover are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years. Among the past prosecution cases, there have been cases where the convicted employers were sentenced to imprisonment or with higher levels of fines. 
         The LD will continue to monitor employers’ compliance with the requirement of taking out EC insurance and will consider whether to amend the relevant penalties under the ECO as and when required.
    Issued at HKT 11:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointment of Commissioner of Police (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, announced today (April 2) that in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, the Central People’s Government, upon his nomination and recommendation, approved the appointment of Mr Chow Yat-ming, Joe, formerly Deputy Commissioner of Police, as Commissioner of Police and the removal of Mr Siu Chak-yee from the post of Commissioner of Police. Mr Siu proceeded on pre-retirement leave today after serving the Hong Kong Police Force for 36 years.
     
    Commenting on the appointment of Mr Chow, Mr Lee said, “Mr Chow has served in the Hong Kong Police Force for almost 30 years and has extensive experience in criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, policy-making as well as personnel management. He has a distinguished performance and possesses proven leadership skills. I am confident that he will capably lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead.”
     
    Speaking on the retirement of Mr Siu, Mr Lee said, “Since taking up the appointment as Commissioner of Police in June 2021, Mr Siu has made commendable efforts in maintaining Hong Kong as one of the safest cities in the world. He has demonstrated unswerving dedication and determination to safeguarding Hong Kong and upholding the rule of law in dealing with the social unrest. During his tenure, he has also been devoted to introducing strong and effective measures to prevent deception cases and combat criminal activities. Under his eminent leadership, the Police Force has continued to excel as a world-class professional law enforcement agency. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I convey my heartfelt appreciation to Mr Siu for his contribution to the HKSAR and wish him a happy retirement.”
     
    The following are biographical notes of Mr Siu and Mr Chow:
     
    Mr Siu Chak-yee
    ——————
     
    Mr Siu joined the Hong Kong Police Force in December 1988 as a Probationary Inspector. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police in 2013, Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2017 and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2018. He was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2019 and took up the Commissioner of Police post in June 2021.
     
    Mr Siu has held a variety of posts during his 36 years of service in the Police Force, responsible for crime investigations, security and operations as well as management work. He was District Commander of Kowloon City District and Chief Superintendent (Human Resources Branch) between 2013 and 2017. He was Assistant Commissioner of Police (Personnel) from January 2017 and took up the post of Director of Operations in November 2018. He served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) between November 2019 and June 2021. He was appointed as Commissioner of Police in June 2021.
     
    During his career in the Police Force, Mr Siu has received many awards. He was awarded five Commanding Officer’s Commendations between 1995 and 2006; Commissioner’s Commendation in 2006; Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal in 2006 with the first, second and third clasps in 2013, 2018 and 2021 respectively; Hong Kong Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2016 and Hong Kong Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2021; Hong Kong Police TIDERIDER Medal in 2020 and the Medal for Safeguarding National Security in 2024.
     
    Mr Chow Yat-ming, Joe
    —————
     
    Mr Chow joined the Hong Kong Police Force in November 1995 as a Probationary Inspector. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police in 2016, Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2020 and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2021. He was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2022.
     
    Mr Chow has served in various posts in the Police Force, responsible for criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, policy-making as well as personnel management. He served as the Commander of Criminal Intelligence Bureau, District Commander of Yau Tsim District and the Deputy Regional Commander of Kowloon West Region between 2016 and 2020. He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police in February 2020 and took charge of the Operations Wing and later the Personnel Wing. He became the Director of Personnel and Training in January 2021 and took up the office of the Director of Crime and Security in August 2021. He was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management) in April 2022 and assumed the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in August 2023.
    ​
    During his career in the Police Force, Mr Chow has received a number of awards. He was awarded Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal in 2013 with the first clasp in 2020; Chief Executive’s Commendation for Government/Public Service and Hong Kong Police TIDERIDER Medal in 2020; and Hong Kong Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2021.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: TFL block Amnesty adverts to hide warnings over crime-predicting technology

    Source: Amnesty International –

     Amnesty advert alerts residents of South London to the problematic predictive policing happening in their communities  

    Transport for London rejected the advert, stating ‘it might bring other members of the Greater London Authority Group (GLA) into disrepute’  

    Research revealed that Met Police (a member of the GLA Group) attempt to predict the future by labelling people as ‘suspects’ without them ever having offended or committed a crime     

    The Met had the highest rate of stop and search encounters for people of ‘black ethnic appearance’ per 1,000 population of any ethnic group       

    ‘Transport for London, and its Chair Mayor Sadiq Khan, are in danger of being complicit in a cover up of harmful Met Police crime predicting technology’ – Sacha Deshmukh   

    Amnesty International UK has sharply criticised Transport for London (TFL) for preventing them from displaying adverts that would inform South London residents that ‘predictive policing’ is occurring on their streets.   

    Amnesty had booked advertising space in Elephant and Castle tube station highlighting the findings of their new research which exposed the prevalence of racial profiling technology and its use by police forces across the UK.    

    The aim was to alert the public to Amnesty’s damning conclusions in their 120 – page report Automated Racism – How police data and algorithms code discrimination into policing’ which exposes the grave dangers to society from ‘predictive policing’ systems and technology used across almost three quarters of the UK’s police forces.       

    This is the first report to demonstrate how these systems are in flagrant breach of the UK’s national and international human rights obligations.        

    Amnesty found that at least 33 police forces – including the Metropolitan police and British Transport police – across the UK have used predictive profiling or risk prediction systems. Of these forces, 32 have used geographic crime prediction, profiling, or risk prediction tools, and 11 forces have used individual prediction, profiling, or risk prediction tools.    

    Transport for London rejected the adverts, stating ’it might bring other members of the GLA Group into disrepute’ which would include the Mayor’s office of crime and policing.    

    Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said:   

    “Transport for London and its Chair Mayor Sadiq Khan are in danger of being complicit in a cover up by preventing police transparency and community awareness about harmful crime predicting technology.   

    “Protecting members of the GLA, such as the Mayor’s office of crime and policing, just creates more of a shroud of secrecy. A shocking lack of transparency already exists about these crime-predicting technologies, and public policing should be open to critique and accountability.    

    “The use of predictive policing tools violates human rights. The evidence that this technology keeps us safe is just not there; the evidence that it violates our fundamental rights is clear as day. We are all much more than computer-generated risk scores.        

    “These technologies have consequences. The future they are creating is one where technology decides that our neighbours are criminals, purely based on the colour of their skin or their socio-economic background.         

    “These tools to ‘predict crime’ harm us all by treating entire communities as potential criminals, making society more racist and unfair.     

    “TFL have made the wrong call in preventing us from advertising, and we are calling on the Mayor of London to reverse it.” 

    Racist and failing systems in London     

    Risk Terrain Monitoring (RTM) is a predictive policing system that processes police acquired data to generate a location-based risk score.      

    An initial period of RTM-influenced policing targeted the north of the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark, commencing in September 2020. Between December 2020 and October 2021, Lambeth had the second-highest volume of stop and searches of all London boroughs. In the same period, people of ‘black ethnic appearance’ (as defined by the Metropolitan Police Service) had the highest rate of stop and search encounters per 1,000 population of any ethnic group: they were stopped and searched more than four times than people of white ethnic appearance. Eighty per cent of these stops and searches resulted in no further action. In the same period, Lambeth had the second highest volume of police uses of force in all London boroughs, and police used force most against people recorded as ‘black or black British’.         

    In Southwark in the year ending March 2021, Black people were stopped and searched 3.3 times more than white people. Police used force against people in Southwark at least 8,924 times between September 2020 and September 2021, and 45 per cent of those times, it was against ‘black or black British’ people.   

    The Metropolitan Police Service’s Violence Harm Assessment profiles people based on intelligence reports and about people who are ‘suspects’, and an individual can be profiled without ever having offended or committed a crime.   

    The force has said that it will not inform any member of the public that they feature on the Violence Harm Assessment. It also says that data subject access requests from individuals asking if they are on the Violence Harm Assessment list will be considered ‘on a case-by-case basis against the statutory exemptions and the level of risk the individual presents and risks of notification to the individual’.     

    The Metropolitan Police Service has itself noted that issues with the Violence Harm Assessment include: the adultification of children; the Rationale for Suspect over Convictions and how using ‘suspect’ could risk racial disproportionality if wrongly named; and that this leads to a ‘possibility of disproportionality due to some communities/areas being “over policed” leading to greater reports’.    

    Human rights violations exposed       

    Racial profiling: The use of these systems by police results in, directly and indirectly, racial profiling and the disproportionate targeting of Black and racialised people and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This, in turn, leads to their increased criminalisation, punishment, and exposure to violent policing.     

    There is no right to a fair trial: Predictive systems target individuals and groups before they have actually committed an offense, which risks infringing on the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.      

    Mass surveillance:  This is indiscriminate and can never be proportionate interference with the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, freedom of association and of peaceful assembly.      

    Chilling effect: Individuals who live in areas targeted by predictive policing will likely seek to avoid those areas, resulting in a chilling effect. Participants in the Essex discussion group stated that if police were targeting specific areas, they would likely avoid those areas.  

    Recommendations   

         Amnesty is calling for:     

    • Accountability obligations, including a right and a clear forum to challenge a predictive, profiling, or similar decision or consequences leading from such a decision.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union government to establish 440 Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), one EMRS in every block having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (as per census 2011)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey informed in Rajya Sabha today that the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) was started in the year 2018-19 to provide quality education at par with Navodaya Vidyalaya to the tribal children in their own environment.

    Under the new scheme, Government decided to establish 440 EMRSs, one EMRS in every block having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (as per census 2011). 288 EMRS schools were initially funded under Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, which are being upgraded as per the new model.

    Accordingly, Ministry has set the target to set up total of 728 EMRSs benefiting around 3.5 lakh ST students across the country. To ensure quality education and holistic development for tribal students following facilities are being provided in EMRSs: –

    Educational Infrastructure:

      • Well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids.
      • Science and computer laboratories.
      • Libraries with diverse learning resources.
    2. Accommodation and Amenities:
      • Residential facilities for students and staff.
      • Separate hostels for boys and girls with essential amenities like bedding, furniture, and hygiene facilities.

         3.    Sports and Extracurricular Facilities:

    • Playgrounds and sports equipment.
      • Facilities for extracurricular activities like music, art, and sports
    1. Health and Nutrition:
      • Regular health check-ups and medical facilities.
    1. IT and Digital Learning:
      • Smart classrooms for digital education.
      • Computer labs with internet access.
    1. Vocational Training:
      • Skill development and vocational training programs to enhance employability.

     

    Further, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has been established as an autonomous body under this Ministry to manage and implement scheme of EMRS. NESTS has organized Principals’ Conclave bringing together all Principals of EMRSs from across the country for orientation in the areas of academic management, mental health, safety, HR matters etc. and the conclave enriched their knowledge and professional skills. NESTS has also empowered State societies to impart induction training to Teacher’s towards residential culture and academic transactions.

     

    The Ministry is implementing several initiatives in collaboration with other government bodies to provide tribal students with access to digital and skill-based education while maintaining the traditional curriculum.  These initiatives include:

     

    i)    Establishment of Smart classrooms equipped with digital boards in partnership with ERNET, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to enhance digital learning in tribal schools.

    ii)    Setting-up of 400 Skill Labs in 200 EMRSs in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) to provide hands-on vocational training and industry-relevant skills to students.

    iii)     Provision of online coaching sessions for IIT-JEE and NEET, along with recorded lectures tailored for Class 11 and 12 students, in collaboration with PACE- IIT & Medical. Additionally, special classes and focused training modules are provided to support both high-performing and academically weaker students.

    iv)     Allocation of a dedicated DTH channel by NCERT to enhance both curricular and extracurricular learning, including vocational education, ensuring wider accessibility for students in remote areas.

    Additionally, to preserve and promote traditional curricula, regional language teachers have been recruited to support language learning and cultural continuity.

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing following Scholarship Schemes to promote and encourage basic and higher education amongst ST population: –

    1.  
    • Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST students (For Class IX and X)
    • Post Matric Scholarship for ST students (For Class XI and above)
    • National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students (earlier known as Top Class Scholarship Scheme): Scholarship is provided for pursuing Graduate/Post Graduate courses in the 265 top-class Government and Non-Government Institutes in professional fields such as Management, Medicine, Engineering, Information Technology, Law etc.
    • National Fellowship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students: Scholarship to meritorious ST students for pursuing M. Phil or Ph.D. in India
    • National Overseas Scholarship for ST students: Scholarships are given to the meritorious Schedule Tribe (ST) students for pursuing higher education abroad. Pre and Post matric Scholarships scheme are open ended and every ST student with income up to 2.5 lakh can take benefit of these schemes.

    Additionally, to encourage students to pursue higher studies, instructions have been issued to state societies to cover the application fees for national-level entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE, CLAT, etc., for students studying in Class XII in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). The cost of these application fees is to be borne by the respective State EMRS Societies, thereby reducing the financial burden on students and their families.

    ******

    RN/PIB

     

    (Release ID: 2117788) Visitor Counter : 9

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliamentary Affairs Ministry organizes Youth Parliament Competitions in schools, colleges and universities throughout the country

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs organizes the following Youth Parliament Competitions in schools, colleges and universities throughout the country in coordination with the respective stakeholder organizations:

    1. Youth Parliament Competition for schools under the Directorate of Education of Govt. of NCT of Delhi and Department of Education of New Delhi Municipal Council;
    2. National Youth Parliament Competition for Kendriya Vidyalayas ;
    3. National Youth Parliament Competition for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas; and
    4. National Youth Parliament Competition for Universities/Colleges.

    In last three years, 7 such Youth Parliament Competitions were organized.

    The participating educational institutions are nominated by their stakeholder organizations as per their organizational structures and not as per state-wise/city-wise/town-wise.

    In addition to the above, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs also provides financial assistance to States/UTs for organizing Youth Parliament Competitions as per the guidelines of the Ministry, subject to receiving of the claims from them.

     The Ministry has also introduced a web-portal of National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) to increase the outreach of Youth Parliament to hitherto untouched sections and corners of the country. All the citizens of the country can participate in the Youth Parliament programme of the Ministry through the web-portal. 

    During the last three years, a total of ₹ 49,34,599 has been spent on various activities in connection with Youth Parliament at school level. Out of this amount, financial assistance of ₹ 8,78,319, ₹ 2,99,769, and ₹ 2,00,000 was reimbursed to the states of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh respectively, for conducting Youth Parliament in their states. There is no dedicated state-wise allocation of funds for Youth Parliament in the Ministry.

    There is no plan under consideration of the Ministry to encourage youth participation in legislative processes and parliamentary affairs apart from National Youth Parliament (NYP) and internships.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice; Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Arrests – Aggravated burglary – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two male youths relation to an aggravated burglary in Palmerston this morning.

    Earlier today, police received intelligence that the alleged offenders were at an address in Moulden.

    Serious Crime, Strike Force Trident and the Fugitive Task Force attended the location and arrested two males aged 13 and 14.

    Both offenders remain in police custody with charges expected to follow.

    The stolen motor vehicle has since been located abandoned in Woodroffe.

    Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Alicia Harvey said, “The actions of these individuals are despicable.

    “I would like to commend the swift actions of all those involved in these arrests.

    “We will continue to ensure those who engage in criminal behaviour are held accountable and are brought before the courts.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Aggravated burglary – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information after an aggravated burglary occurred in Palmerston this morning.

    Around 7am, police received reports of an unlawful entry at an address on Star Court, Woodroffe.

    A neighbour at a nearby residence was alerted by the sound of items smashing and later attended the home, where they located a 71-year-old male on the ground injured.

    It is alleged that two offenders assaulted the victim with an edged weapon, before stealing his grey Ford Territory station wagon.

    Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious but stable condition where he remains for treatment.

    A crime scene has been established, and investigations are ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25089324. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Aggravated assaults – Casuarina

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two men after multiple aggravated assaults in Casuarina yesterday.

    Around 2:45pm, police received reports that two men, aged 45 and 33, had each produced edged weapons during an altercation at the bus exchange.

    It is alleged the pair ran into a nearby alley, chased by serval unknown persons.

    During this time, it is alleged the 45-year-old stabbed a 27-year-old man in the upper chest before the 33-year-old man stabbed a 14-year-old female in the side of her chest.

    Transit Security Officers apprehended the 33-year-old man while Police Officers arrested the 45-year-old man a short time later.

    Both men remain in custody and are expected to be charged at a later time.

    Both the 27 and 14-year-old victims were conveyed to hospital in stable conditions.

    A crime scene was established and detectives from Serious Crime are investigating the assaults.

    Police are seeking assistance from members of the public who witnessed the alleged assaults. Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to notify police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please quote reference number 25088671.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Operation Shanela continues to make strides 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Operation Shanela continues to register commendable progress in the fight against crime with 13 633 suspects having been arrested through the multidisciplinary operation.

    “Through high visibility patrols, stop and searches and the tracing of wanted suspects, police are hard at work in stamping the authority of the state,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

    A number of takedowns and major drug busts were recorded which include the confiscation of R50 million worth of crystal meth during an intelligence driven operation in Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape.

    Another major success was the interception of a truck and vehicle car hijacking syndicate in which four suspects were arrested. In this case, numerous truck trailers, vehicle parts, heavy-duty machinery, forklifts, and copper plates all valued at R10 million were discovered at a farm in Ventersdorp in the North West.

    Additionally, 145 stolen sheep were recovered in Qumbu within 24 hours after they were stolen during a farm attack while also 18 000 units of Abalone to the value of R15 million was also seized in the Eastern Cape.

    Other arrests made across the country include the arrest of 2 192 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder and attempted murder. A total 137 suspects were arrested for murder, with a majority of these suspects being arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (32).

    Additionally, 259 suspects were arrested for rape, 95 of the arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal and  220 drug dealers were arrested in the past week with the majority of these suspects arrested in the Western Cape (57).

    “[A total] 113 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, with the majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (36),” said the SAPS adding that the 1072 illegal foreign nationals were also arrested.

    The police also recovered 131 firearms and 1510 rounds of ammunition that were confiscated.

    Additionally, a joint operation conducted by Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Vispol, Commercial Crime unit, Brand Protectors, and border police resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods including clothing, consumables, toys and cellphone accessories worth over R35 million.

    “Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” said the SAPS. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: FCS unit deployed to boost Matatiele case 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, April 2, 2025

    The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has tasked the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit to bolster and oversee the ongoing investigation into the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl in Matatiele.

    The FCS unit has 176 units across the country and its investigators are responsible for investigating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) related cases, electronic crimes as well as sexual offences cases involving women, children and vulnerable groups.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said that the head of the FSC, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, was meeting with the investigating team to ensure due diligence is conducted in this case and that the chain of evidence was properly preserved.

    On Saturday, the Ministry of Police assured members of the public that law enforcement is actively investigating two incidences involving the rape of minors in the Eastern Cape.

    This comes after the Ministry took note of calls on various social media platforms regarding the tragic violation of the two minors in two separate incidences in October and November last year.

    READ | Law enforcement is attending to Eastern Cape rape cases

    In both incidences, the suspects have been identified and were arrested.

    In the statement on Tuesday, the police said the Major Gen Lekhele will meet with persons of interests and key stakeholders such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure justice and the finalisation of the matter.

    “Bringing criminals to book and putting perpetrators of crime behind bars remains a key priority for the SAPS. The SAPS assures the nation that justice will prevail and those that are found to be guilty of any offence will be brought to book,” said the police.

    It further added that a comprehensive report will follow on conclusion of the work of the team led by Component Head for the FCS.

    “The SAPS also calls for responsible social media reporting on this sensitive matter,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za 
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Miscellaneous amendments proposed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government will introduce the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which proposes miscellaneous amendments to various statutes, in the Legislative Council on April 16.

    The bill amends outdated references including “Crown”, “Governor”, “Secretary of State”, “Her Majesty”, “overseas”, “country” and “country or territory”, as well as references to UK legislation, in various enactments.

    It also updates or amends certain texts, references and terminology in specific ordinances and subsidiary legislation.

    Moreover, the bill repeals a number of enactments, or provisions or references in others, which have become obsolete, and makes miscellaneous minor, or technical, amendments to some enactments.

    The Department of Justice said the proposed amendments mainly arise from the Systematic Review of Statutory Laws of Hong Kong.

    It added that the amendments included are largely minor, technical and non-controversial but are useful for the purpose of updating or improving legislation.

    In respect of the proposed amendments, the department said no objections have been received from stakeholders consulted.

    The department issued an information paper to the LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice & Legal Services in February, briefing members of the panel on the major proposals to be included in the bill.

    The bill will be published in the Government Gazette tomorrow.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: STATUS OF THE UMBRELLA SCHEME ON WOMEN’S SAFETY

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing six projects under Umbrella Scheme for “Safety of Women” in collaboration with States and Union Territories for ensuring timely intervention and investigation in cases of crime against women and enhanced efficiency in investigation and crime prevention in such matters. Details of the project are as under-

      • 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)
      • Upgradation of Central Forensic Sciences Laboratories, including setting up of a National Forensic Data Centre
      • Strengthening of DNA Analysis, Cyber Forensic capacities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs)
      • Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children
      • Capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors in handling sexual assault cases against women and children
      • Women Help Desk & Anti-human Trafficking Units

    The Ministry of Home Affairs is funding for the setup of Women Help Desks (WHDs) in police stations, to improve women’s access to police services. So far, 14,658 WHDs are operational across all States and UTs, out of which 13,743 WHDs are led by women officers. Additionally, 827 Anti- Human   Trafficking   Units   (AHTUs)   have   been   established   across   all States/UTs. The Cyber Crime Prevention against Women & Children project is implemented in all States and UTs. So far, Cyber Forensic Training Laboratories have been setup in 33 States/UTs and over 24,624 officials including police officers, judges and prosecutors have been trained. A portal for reporting cyber-crime against women and children is also active. Under the Nirbhaya fund, projects worth ₹245.29 crore have been approved for enhancing DNA and Cyber Forensic capabilities in State Forensic Labs across 30 States/UTs.    DNA   Analysis facility   has   been  established in Chandigarh. Six National Cyber Forensic Labs, along with a National Forensic   Data   Centre   has   been   approved.   34,626   officials   including Investigation Officers, Prosecution Officers and Medical Officers have been trained on DNA evidence management     and the use of Sexual Assault

    Evidence Collection Kits. Also, 18,020 Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits has been distributed to States/UTs.

    The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) is operational across all 36 States/UTs. The upgraded ERSS (2.0) enhances emergency services with improved data centers, wider district coverage, higher call capacity, vehicle tracking, and disaster recovery. Disaster Recovery facilities are functional at C-DAC centers in Noida and Thiruvananthapuram. ERSS is now integrated with other emergency helplines such as Railway Helpline, Women Helpline, Child Helpline, and Disaster Response services.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BHARATPOL PORTAL

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

    BHARATPOL Portal has been launched by Shri Amit Shah, Hon’ble Union Home Minister of India on 07.01.2025 and it has already started receiving requests for publication of INTERPOL Notices and requests for assistance in criminal matters through Interpol References from state/ central law enforcement agencies. All INTERPOL Liaison Officers (ILOs) of all state/ central law enforcement agencies are connected with CBI and all Unit Officers (UOs) of state/ central law enforcement agencies are connected with respective ILOs through connect module of BHARATPOL Portal. Login credentials of ILOs are being created by CBI.

    Requests for assistance received from other member countries through INTERPOL Channels are being sent through Broadcast module to respective law enforcement agencies. BHARATPOL Portal has streamlined requests for publication of INTERPOL Notices and requests for assistance in criminal matters as such requests are being received on standardized format through INTERPOL Notices module and INTERPOL References module of the BHARATPOL Portal. Also, relevant documents of INTERPOL and capacity building resources have been uploaded on Resources module of BHARATPOL Portal which can be accessed by all ILOs/UOs (INTERPOL Liaison Officers/Unit Officers) of Law Enforcement Agencies.

    District and local level law enforcement agencies are integrated through connect module of BHARATPOL Portal and they can send requests for publication of INTERPOL Notices and requests for assistance in criminal matters through their ILOs (INTERPOL Liaison officer).

    The IPCU (INTERPOL Police Cooperation Unit) CBI has been imparting trainings to all ILOs/ UOs (INTERPOL Liaison Officers / Unit Officers) regarding BHARATPOL. Training was given to ILOs at CBI HQ on the day of launch of BHARATPOL on 07.01.2025. Thereafter, individualized trainings have been given in online mode to Andhra Pradesh Police, Delhi Police, Tripura Police, Telangana Police, Punjab Police, Assam Police. Further, CBI Academy also organized an online training program for all the Law Enforcement Agencies on 03.03.2025 on role of INTERPOL and International Cooperation and “BHARATPOL”.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: COMPENSATION FOR MARTYRED PERSONNEL FROM CAPFs

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of the compensation, ex-gratia payments, and other benefits provided to the families of deceased Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) personnel are annexed.

    The Government has increased financial assistance for the families of deceased CAPFs personnel time to time. The details of major last enhancement are as under: –

    S.N.

    Particular

    Details      of     enhancement    of

    financial assistance.

    From

    To

    1.

    Central Ex-gratia.

     

     

     

    (i)                 Death         due         to accidents in bonafide

    Government duty.

    Rs. 10 Lakhs

    Rs. 25 Lakhs

     

    (ii)  Death occurring in border skirmishes and action against militants, terrorists, extremists,                                             sea pirates and specified high                                            altitude, inaccessible  border

    posts,

     

    Rs. 15 Lakhs

    Rs. 35 Lakhs

    2.

    Death-cum-retirement       gratuity

    (DCRG) (Maximum limit)

    Rs. 20 Lakhs

    Rs. 25 Lakhs

    3.

    Financial assistance from Bharat

    ke Veer Trust.

    Rs. 15 Lakhs

    Rs. 25 Lakhs

    4.

    Risk Fund.

    Rs. 20 Lakhs

    Rs. 30 Lakhs

    5.

    Central Armed Police Salary Package (CAPSP)- Accidental death insurance.

    Rs. 60 Lakhs

    Rs. 1.10 Cr.

    6.

    Medical Allowance.

    Rs.       500/-      Per

    month.

    Rs.        1000/-

    Per month.

    7.

    Extraordinary family pension

    Rs.      7,000/-    per

    month

    Rs.     18,000/-

    per month

     

    Year/Force wise details of CAPFs & AR personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty during last five years are as under:-

     

    Year/ Force

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    Grand Total

    CRPF

    26

    12

    10

    6

    12

    66

    BSF

    9

    14

    19

    16

    21

    79

    ITBP

    4

    6

    13

    9

    6

    38

    SSB

    1

    0

    1

    0

    0

    2

    CISF

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    1

    AR

    5

    6

    1

    1

    0

    13

    Total

    45

    38

    45

    32

    39

    199

     

    The following employment, education and health care benefits are also available for the dependents of deceased CAPFs & AR personnel:-

     

    1. Appointment on compassionate ground: – 5% vacancies are reserved in Group-C for appointment for the Next of Kins (NoKs)/ dependents of the deceased CAPFs & AR personnel.

     

    1. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS): Launched to encourage

     

    higher technical and professional education among the wards and widows of CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel, the scheme offers 2,000 scholarships annually (1,000 for boys and 1,000 for girls). The scholarship amounts are

    ₹3,000 per month for girls and ₹2,500 per month for boys, disbursed annually as ₹36,000 and ₹30,000, respectively.

     

    1. Quota for wards of CAPF:- 26 seats in MBBS & 03 seats in BDS have been reserved for the wards of serving/deceased CAPFs & AR personnel.

     

    1. Medical   Facilities:    Retired    personnel/NoKs   of    deceased   CAPF

     

    personnel are entitled to receive medical facilities from CGHS/CPMF Hospitals or a medical allowance of ₹1000 per month.

    *****

    The Government of India has taken several welfare initiatives for the personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and their families. These initiatives encompass financial assistance, educational support, housing, and rehabilitation services.

    • Ayushman CAPF: It is an initiative launched by the Government of India under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) specifically for personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and their families. It provides cashless and paperless medical treatment at empanelled private and government hospitals across India
    • Ex-Gratia Payments: In the unfortunate event of death due to accidents during duty, CAPF personnel’s next of kin receives ₹25 lakh. For deaths resulting from acts of violence by terrorists or during enemy action, the compensation is ₹35 lakh.
    • Accidental death insurance coverage under CAPF salary package scheme: This policy offers financial support to the families of personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
    • Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS): Launched to encourage higher technical and professional education among the wards and widows of CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel, the scheme offers 2,000 scholarships annually (1,000 for boys and 1,000 for girls). The scholarship amounts are ₹3,000 per month for girls and ₹2,500 per month for boys, disbursed annually as ₹36,000 and ₹30,000, respectively.
    • Contributory Welfare Fund:- Necessary guidelines issued to bring uniformity in payout to the Next of Kins (NoKs) of deceased CAPF personnel from Contributory Welfare Fund.
    • Quota for wards of CAPF:- 26 seats in MBBS & 03 seats in BDS have been reserved for the wards of serving/deceased CAPFs & AR personnel.
    • CAPF e-Awas Portal: A dedicated online platform facilitates the registration and allotment of residential quarters to CAPF personnel. The portal also provides services such as retention and regularization of accommodations.
    • Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB): Established to oversee the welfare and rehabilitation of retired CAPF personnel and their families, including the next of kin of deceased or disabled personnel, WARB operates through State and District Welfare Officers across the country.
    • “CAPF Punarvaas” scheme: – A “CAPF Punarvaas” scheme was launched by linking Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act (PSARA) website with WARB website where the data of retired and willing Ex- CAPF/AR personnel is made available to Private Security Agencies on PSARA website for re-employment in Private Security Agencies.
    • Medical Facilities: Retired personnel and their spouses receive medical facilities from CGHS/CPMF Hospitals or a medical allowance of ₹1000 per month.
    • Risk and Hardship Allowances: Enhancements have been made to the existing risk and hardship allowances for CAPF personnel deployed in Jammu and Kashmir and Left-Wing Extremism affected districts.
    • Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB): Formerly known as the Central Police Canteen, KPKB provides quality products to CAPF personnel at discounted rates through direct negotiations with suppliers.
    • Liberalized Pension Awards (LPA) and Extraordinary Family Pension (EFP): There are special pension schemes designed for the families of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel who suffer death or disability due to operational hazards, ensuring financial security for their dependents.
    • Bharat Ke Veer: It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to support the families of deceased Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. It enables citizens to contribute financially to the families of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Announces Judicial Appointments

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

    GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN ANNOUNCES JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 1, 2025

    HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced his selections to fill three judicial vacancies. He has appointed Taryn R. T. Gifford and Karin L. Holma to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit. Gifford will fill the vacancy left by Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park and Holma will fill the anticipated vacancy of Judge Dean E. Ochiai this summer, pending Senate confirmation. These appointments follow Governor Green’s recent selection of Kauanoe A. D. Jackson to the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (Hawaiʻi Island), marking a historic moment as all three of his latest judicial nominees are women. The nominees were selected from a list provided by the Judicial Selection Commission.

    Taryn R. T. Gifford currently serves as supervising attorney in the Office of the Public Defender. She is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and has dedicated her legal career to ensuring fair representation for all individuals in the justice system.

    District Judge Karin L. Holma serves in the District Court of the First Circuit and has been temporarily assigned as a Circuit Judge in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit. She is a graduate of the Willamette University College of Law and brings extensive experience in both trial and appellate law.

    Recently, Governor Green also nominated Kauanoe A. D. Jackson to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit for a 10-year term. Jackson, currently the supervising deputy prosecuting attorney in the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney – West Hawaiʻi office, has served in progressively senior roles since joining the office in 2007.

    Governor Green expressed confidence in his selections:
    “Taryn Gifford and Karin Holma are highly accomplished legal professionals whose knowledge, experience, and dedication to justice will serve the people of Hawaiʻi well on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Alongside Kauanoe Jackson’s nomination to the Circuit Court, these appointments underscore my commitment to selecting strong, fair-minded, and highly qualified individuals to serve in our courts. I am proud to nominate these three exceptional women to the bench.”

    Taryn R. T. Gifford stated:
    “I am truly honored and grateful for this nomination. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure access to justice for all individuals and I look forward to bringing that commitment to my service on the Circuit Court of the First Circuit.”

    Karin L. Holma shared:
    “This is a privilege and I thank Governor Green for his trust in my ability to serve the people of Hawaiʻi. I am committed to upholding the rule of law with fairness and integrity.”

    Previously, Kauanoe A. D. Jackson stated:
    “I am deeply honored by Governor Green’s nomination and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community in this new capacity. I look forward to upholding justice with fairness, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the people of Hawai‘i Island.”

    Governor Green’s judicial appointments now await Senate confirmation. If confirmed, the appointees will play a vital role in shaping Hawaiʻi’s judicial landscape for years to come.

    A photo of Judicial nominee Tomasa can be found here.
    A photo of Judicial nominee Holma can be found here.
    A photo of Judicial nominee Jackson can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU response to the rise in animal disease outbreaks – E-000446/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission is in constant and close contact with the competent authorities of the Member States to analyse and manage animal disease outbreaks under the Animal Health Law[1] within the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF Committee)[2]. Relevant Agencies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), are supporting the Commission and the Member States through targeted Scientific Opinions and Reports on the evolution of the epidemiological situation in relation to several animal diseases.

    2. The Commission offers support to competent authorities and stakeholders through training initiatives, such as the Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF)[3], and the deployment of the EU Veterinary Emergency Team (EUVET)[4]. Furthermore, antigen and vaccine banks for certain animal diseases managed by the Commission are made available to the Member States in case of need. The Commission also performs audits in Member States aimed at monitoring the implementation and enforcement of EU legislation on animal health[5]. Finally, the EU co-funds certain disease control measures performed by the Member States for priority animal diseases through veterinary programmes[6] and emergency measures[7].

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’).
    • [2] https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/committees/paff-committees/animal-health-and-welfare_en
    • [3] https://better-training-for-safer-food.ec.europa.eu/training/
    • [4] https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/animal-diseases/veterinary-emergency-team_en
    • [5] https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/official-controls-and-enforcement/health-and-food-audits-and-analysis_en
    • [6] https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/funding-procurement-grants/food-chain-funding/funding-animal-health-measures/national-veterinary-programmes_en
    • [7] https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/funding-procurement-grants/food-chain-funding/funding-animal-health-measures/emergency-measures_en
    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European collaboration to protect cultural heritage – Commission measures to recover priceless Dacian artefacts following the heist at the Drents Museum – P-000330/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In line with the EU action plan against trafficking in cultural goods[1] the Commissions supports Member States in tackling cultural goods theft.

    1. The EU Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation[2] supports the setup of joint investigation teams for cross-border investigations into cultural goods trafficking. Romania and the Netherlands have set up a joint investigation team regarding the theft from the Drents Museum[3]. The EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation[4] has a special point of contact for cultural goods trafficking. U nder the EU-funded European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats[5], there are dedicated operational actions against cultural goods trafficking.

    2. Beyond these operational actions, the Commission continues implementing the EU action plan. The EU is funding projects[6] that address the challenging issue of cultural goods trafficking. Measures include law enforcement capacity building, tools to detect trafficked items and monitor online marketplaces, protection of cultural heritage sites by drones or satellite imagery, supporting practitioners’ networks and awareness raising.

    The Commission has also launched a project with the International Council of Museums[7], including support to a selected number of museums.

    The Commission furthermore is conducting a study on improving traceability of cultural goods in the EU, to provide recommendations to Member States on setting up stolen cultural goods databases.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52022DC0800
    • [2] https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/
    • [3] https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/news/romania-and-netherlands-set-joint-investigation-team-theft-precious-historic-art-dutch-museum
    • [4] https://www.europol.europa.eu/
    • [5] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/law-enforcement-cooperation/empact-fighting-crime-together_en
    • [6] For examples of projects see https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/2cbbe3d2-a55c-11ef-85f0-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
    • [7] https://icom.museum/en/
    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Speech by Commissioner Kubilius in Warsaw at the High Level Conference – EU Security Forum on the White Paper on the Future of European Defence

    Source: European Commission – Justice

    European Commission Speech Warsaw, 02 Apr 2025 Solidarity is our most important value, the foundation of the European Union. There’s no better place to speak about solidarity than Poland, the birthplace of solidarity – Solidarność. I am old enough to remember when it started. When Solidarność started, it was the beginning of the end of communism and the Soviet Union. Our defence is based on solidarity and on the principle of collective defence: If one country does not invest in their own defence, it weakens all others in their defence.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster Council invests £1.3m to improving Pimlico | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council has approved more than £1.3 million for a new programme which will deliver improvements across Pimlico.

    The new funding will be used to support and strengthen our local communities, as well as allowing us to develop long-term improvement plans for the area.

    Headline announcements for the Pimlico Programme include:

    • £1million to extend our High Streets Programme for Pimlico – this aims to create safe, sustainable, welcoming places, a vibrant local economy and connected communities. This funding will be used to develop a long-term improvement plan for Lupus street and areas around the station. We will speak to residents, visitors and local businesses to develop the plan.
    • £200,000 for the Community Priorities Programme – this provides grant funding for community-led work to support the health and wellbeing of residents, such as counselling for carers, housing advice workshops, and stay and play activities for parents and children. 
    • £50,000 for Digital Dash – provides training opportunities for local talent, bridging the gap between education and work, helping young residents access opportunities with global tech leading businesses.
    • £35,000 for Helping Hands – the Young Westminster Foundation programme providing funding and support to those members of the community who are affected by youth violence.   
    • £24,000 for Green After School Clubs at Churchill Gardens – gives residents the chance to grow food and to learn about air quality and climate change. 
    • Pimlico businesses will also benefit from new support programmes, following the approval of additional funding for high streets across Westminster.

    Westminster City Council Cabinet Member Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Geoff Barraclough, said:

    “We’re investing in high streets and local areas to become more sustainable, resilient and enrich the local community, which is part of our Fairer Westminster commitments.

    “I’m really pleased the funding will be used to make Pimlico even more welcoming to residents, visitors and businesses and help community groups to continue to deliver their excellent and important services.”               

    Westminster City Council’s Pimlico Programme Lead Member, Cllr Jason Williams, said:

    “We’ve worked with local people and community groups in Pimlico to find out about any issues they have and how we can tackle them through our improvement plan. 

    “We want to see Pimlico progress and improve outcomes and opportunities for local people by developing welcoming spaces, enhancing the appearance of Lupus Street the high street and supporting local organisations.”

    Maggie Harper, Coordinator from Pimlico Toy Library, said:

    “I am thrilled to see the approval of this local government fund, a testament to the open and proactive partnership between our Community and Westminster City Council. Through transparent communication and a shared vision, we’ve worked together to develop a program that will make a meaningful impact in Pimlico.

    “I am excited to see the positive changes it will bring and look forward to continuing this strong collaboration.”

    The Council carried out engagement with residents by hosting the Pimlico Community Conversations, which asked the local community how the Council can support improving and rejuvenating their local area.

    From these conversations, the community’s highest priorities were:  

    1. Community Activities, Events and Spaces 
    1. Crime and Safety 
    1. Housing 
    1. Children and Young People 
    1. Green and Resilient 

    Suggestions were also raised about a number of locations that could be improved – especially Lupus Street and the areas around Pimlico Station. The community asked for improvement to also include support for local businesses.

    The £1.3 million fund is in addition to other ongoing investment across Pimlico which includes plans for a new Community Hub on Rampayne Street, the Warwick Way Highways Scheme, improvements to Pimlico Gardens and increased CCTV for the area.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Knife and illegal vapes seized in Anfield during Community Impact Day

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A knife and one hundred illegal vapes have been discovered during a Community Impact Day in Anfield.

    The Council’s Private Sector Housing Team organised the event on Thursday 27 March, with participants including a range of the local authority’s departments as well as Liverpool Streetscene Ltd, Merseyside Police, Your Housing Group, Riverside Housing and the Breckfield Centre.

    Outcomes from the day included:

    • Residents on Chapel Road, The Coppice and Monastery Road were visited following reports of consistent anti-social behaviour
    • Merseyside Police recovered a blade which could be used as a viable weapon from alleyway searches around Chapel Road
    • The Licensing and Tobacco Unit seized 100 illicit vapes across two shops on Townsend Lane and Priory Road, whilst three other commercial premises were inspected and found to be compliant
    • The Landlord Licensing team completed compliance inspections at privately rented properties and gathered information about potentially unlicensed properties
    • Liverpool Streetscene Ltd collected evidence on fly-tipping and passage dumping for further investigation
    • The Breckfield Centre conducted a litter pick, improving the visual appearance of streets

    Evidence from the ongoing cases was referred to the relevant services for investigation, and partners will continue to monitor the issues raised.

    To report poor property conditions or anti-social behaviour from a rental property, email privatesector.housing@liverpool.gov.uk or report it online.

    For advice and to hear how to report anti-social behaviour, click here.

    To report fly-tipping, click here.

    Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “This is all part of our neighbourhood approach to identifying issues of concern to local residents and taking positive action to tackle them.

    “By bringing together a range of different organisations we can maximise the impact and involve the relevant partner in making life better for locals.”

    Anfield Councillor, Billy Marrat, said: “This proved a very productive day in making this area safer and stronger for residents.

    “Some residents have been living in fear & it is our job to act against irresponsible tenants and residents to make these areas a lot better for all.”

    Chief Inspector Sarah Rotherham from Merseyside Police said: “I am proud to report the success of our recent community impact day on 27th March.

    “This joined up approach resulted in significant outcomes including the recovery of a dangerous bladed article and the seizure of 100 illicit vapes in Anfield.

    “Our dedicated partnership approach worked tirelessly to address anti-social behaviour, improve property conditions, and tackle fly-tipping.

    “This initiative not only enhances community safety but also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting residents and maintaining a safer, cleaner environment for all.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council seizes record number of illegal goods

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Over 30,000 illicit goods have been removed from a wholesaler in Liverpool City Council’s biggest seizure of a single premises to date.

    Working with Merseyside Police, the Council’s Public Protection team recovered 7,700 vapes and 23,400 cigarettes from a property in Old Swan, worth £105,000. 

    An inspection by the teams found that the goods, due to be sold to local businesses in the area, were unregulated and could be dangerous to consumers.

    The premises was issued a warning and could face closure if there is any further criminal activity.

    Unregulated vapes and cigarettes could contain banned ingredients and may pose a serious health risk to anyone using them.

    Rules around the sale of vapes are set out in the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

    The requirements restrict e-cigarette tanks to a capacity of no more than 2ml, around 600 puffs, while the maximum volume of nicotine-containing e-liquid for sale in one refill container is restricted to 10ml.

    Additionally, e-liquids are restricted to a nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml. 

    Previously, the largest seizure of illicit goods from a single property saw over 4,600 illicit vapes taken from a store in L8. 

    In 2024, the Council removed over 135,000 illegal cigarettes and vapes from sale across Liverpool. Any vapes seized by the team are sent to be recycled by a Manchester based contractor that has been authorised by Trading Standards North West.

    Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said: “Thanks to the team’s quick actions based on intelligence they received, they managed to take thousands of potentially dangerous goods off the market before they could be sold to the public.

    “While genuine vaping products can be a helpful alternative to smoking, they should always be sourced from reputable retailers. 

    “Regulations around vapes and cigarettes exist for a reason. Illicit products could contain ingredients that are harmful to people’s health, which is why removing them from the market is a priority.”

    Merseyside Police Local Policing Constable Graeme Brannagan said: “We’re pleased to have worked alongside Liverpool City Council in this significant seizure, which makes our communities a great deal safer.

    “Anyone with information about suspected illegal goods is urged to contact us through 101, online or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and, working in partnership, we will keep taking action.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Plantro Ltd. Announces Premium All-Cash Tender Offer to Acquire up to 15% of Class A Limited Voting Shares of Information Services Corporation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Premium tender offer of $27.25 per Class A Share in cash for up to 2,777,342 Class A Shares, representing an attractive premium of approximately 9% to the trailing 10-day VWAP, for a total value of approximately $75.7 million.
    • Plantro’s Tender Offer provides shareholders with an opportunity to receive cash consideration in a stock that has been highly illiquid for many years.
    • Plantro is optimistic that the Board will recommend in favour of this opportunity for shareholders to receive liquidity for their stock at a premium to the market price and avoid entrenching behaviours that deprive shareholders of value.

    ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plantro Ltd. (“Plantro”), today announced an offer to acquire up to 2,777,342 Class A Limited Voting Shares (the “Class A Shares”) in the capital of Information Services Corporation (TSX: ISC) (“ISC” or the “Company”), (the “Tender Offer”) at a price of $27.25 per Class A Share, payable in cash (the “Tender Price”). The Tender Price represents an attractive premium of approximately 10% to the closing price of the Class A Shares on March 31, 2025, and an approximately 9% premium to the volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Class A Shares for the ten trading days preceding the announcement of the Tender Offer. The total value of the Tender Offer, if fully taken up, is approximately $75.7 million. The Tender Offer is not a “take-over bid” under Canadian securities laws.

    Shareholders who have questions with respect to the Tender Offer should contact Carson Proxy, information agent for the Tender Offer, at 1-800-530-5189 (North America Toll Free), 416-751-2066 (Local and Text), or by email at info@carsonproxy.com. Tender Offer materials will be available on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    The Plantro Tender Offer

    The Tender Offer is open for acceptance by shareholders of the Company until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on April 11, 2025 (the “Expiry Time”), unless the Tender Offer is extended, varied or withdrawn. Plantro is making the Tender Offer to all shareholders of the Company (other than Class A Shares held by the Crown Investment Corporation of Saskatchewan or any other entity wholly-owned by the Province of Saskatchewan). If the Tender Offer is withdrawn, Plantro shall cause all Class A Shares delivered pursuant to the Tender Offer to be returned to shareholders. The Tender Offer is not subject to any financing condition and Plantro confirms that it has sufficient cash resources to pay for all Class A Shares subject to the Tender Offer.

    If more than the maximum number of Class A Shares for which the Tender Offer is made are delivered in accordance with the Tender Offer and not withdrawn at the time of take up of the Class A Shares, the Class A Shares to be purchased from each depositing shareholder will be determined on a pro rata basis according to the number of Class A Shares delivered by each shareholder, disregarding fractions, by rounding down to the nearest whole number of Class A Shares.

    The complete terms and conditions of the Tender Offer will be set out in an offer letter to shareholders, which will be publicly disclosed by way of a separate press release, as well as a form of letter of transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal” and together with the offer letter to shareholders, the “Offer Documents”) to be used to accept the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer is subject to certain conditions as set out in the Offer Documents which, unless waived, must be satisfied. In particular, the Offer Documents provide that each depositing shareholder whose Class A Shares are taken up and paid for will appoint representatives of Plantro as its nominees and proxy for the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 13, 2025.

    Plantro is relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations to the circular requirements of applicable Canadian proxy solicitation laws. For further details, please see below under the heading “Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption Under Canadian Law”. The Tender Offer is not a formal or exempt take-over bid under Canadian securities laws and regulations. In no event will Plantro (or its affiliates or associates) make any such purchases of Class A Shares that would result in Plantro, together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owning or exercising control or direction over more than 15% of the outstanding Class A Shares upon completion of the Tender Offer.

    Full details of the Tender Offer are included in the Offer Documents and will be available online on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Reasons to Accept Plantro’s Tender Offer:

    (a)   All-Cash Premium. Shareholders will receive liquidity at an attractive premium to the current trading price of the Class A Shares (a premium of approximately 10% to the closing price of the Class A Shares on March 31, 2025, and approximately a 9% premium to the VWAP of the Class A Shares on the TSX for the ten (10) trading days preceding the announcement of the Tender Offer).
         
    (b)   Limited Liquidity. Plantro believes that another liquidity event for shareholders is unlikely. There is persistent and extreme lack of trading volume and liquidity in the Class A Shares and the Tender Offer represents a unique opportunity for shareholders to receive liquidity at an attractive premium to the current trading price of the Class A Shares, in cash.


    Background to the Tender Offer:

    Plantro is making the Tender Offer to all shareholders of the Company (other than Class A Shares held by the Crown Investment Corporation of Saskatchewan or any other entity wholly-owned by the Province of Saskatchewan) following a recent unsuccessful attempt to open discussions with the board of directors (the “Board”) and management of the Company, on issues that included Board refreshment and a potential strategic investment.

    Plantro also considered acquiring Class A Shares in the market, but the extreme and persistent lack of liquidity in the stock, made this impossible. For example, on Friday, March 28, 2025, only 251 Class A shares traded on the TSX. This represents a meager $6,144 of value traded versus a market capitalization of almost $0.5 billion.

    Plantro is drawn to ISC because it believes that ISC enjoys a durable competitive moat around its core offerings, which drive healthy cash flow and a strong balance sheet. Plantro remains hopeful that the Board will engage constructively with Plantro, and recommend in favour of the Tender Offer.

    Plantro’s Advisors

    Plantro has engaged Goodmans LLP as its legal advisor, Carson Proxy as its information agent, Odyssey Trust Company as depositary, and Gagnier Communications as its strategic communications advisor.

    About Plantro

    Plantro is a privately-held company, with an established track record of making successful investments in undervalued and high quality legal, financial, and information services businesses.

    Shareholder Questions

    Shareholders who have questions with respect to the Tender Offer, or who need assistance in depositing their Class A Shares, please contact the depositary and information agent for the Tender Offer:

    Depositary: Odyssey Trust Company

    Toll Free (US & Canada): 1-888-290-1175
    Calls (All Regions): 587-885-0960
    Email: corp.actions@odysseytrust.com

    Information Agent: Carson Proxy

    North America Toll Free: 1-800-530-5189
    Local and Text: 416-751-2066
    Email: info@carsonproxy.com

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption Under Canadian Law

    Plantro is relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations to make this public broadcast solicitation. The following information is provided in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations.

    This solicitation is being made by Plantro, and not by or on behalf of management of ISC. The information agent will receive a fee of up to $250,000 for its services as information agent under the Tender Offer, plus ancillary payments and disbursements. Based upon publicly available information, ISC’s registered and head office is located at 300 – 10 Research Drive, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 7J7, Canada. Plantro is soliciting proxies in reliance upon the public broadcast exemption to the solicitation requirements under applicable Canadian corporate and securities laws, conveyed by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication, and by any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian securities laws. In addition, this solicitation may be made by mail, telephone, facsimile, email or other electronic means as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by representatives of Plantro. All costs incurred for such solicitation will be borne by Plantro.

    A registered shareholder who has given a proxy under the terms of the Letter of Transmittal may, prior to its Class A Shares being taken up and paid for under the Tender Offer, revoke the proxy by instrument in writing, including a proxy bearing a later date. The instrument revoking the proxy must be deposited at the registered office of ISC at least 48 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, preceding the date of the meeting or an adjournment or postponement thereof, or with the Chair of the meeting on the day of the meeting, or in any other manner permitted by law, provided that, in each circumstance, a copy of such revocation has been delivered to the depositary, at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada prior to the Class A Shares relating to such proxy having been taken up and paid for under the Tender Offer.

    A non-registered shareholder may revoke a form of proxy or voting instruction form given to an intermediary at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered shareholder by its intermediary. Non-registered shareholders should contact their broker for assistance in ensuring that forms of proxies or voting instructions previously given to an intermediary are properly revoked.

    None of Plantro nor, to its knowledge, any of its associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of ISC’s most recently completed financial year, or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or will materially affect ISC or any of its subsidiaries. None of Plantro nor, to its knowledge, any of its associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at any upcoming shareholders’ meeting, other than as set out herein.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release may contain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Specifically, certain statements contained in this press release, including without limitation statements regarding the Tender Offer, taking up and paying for Class A Shares deposited under the Tender Offer, Plantro’s assessment of the consequences of what it believes to be governance failings at ISC, as well as Plantro’s assessment of ISC’s future prospects, contain “forward-looking information” and are prospective in nature. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking statements.

    Statements containing forward-looking information are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future outcomes expressed or implied by the statements containing forward-looking information.

    Although Plantro believes that the expectations reflected in statements containing forward-looking information herein made by it (and not, for greater certainty, any forward-looking statements attributable to the Company) are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include the assumption that the business and economic conditions affecting the Company’s operations will continue substantially in the current state, including, without limitation, with respect to industry conditions, general levels of economic activity, continuity and availability of personnel, local and international laws and regulations, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, inflation, taxes, that there will be no unplanned material changes to the Company’s operations, and that the Company’s public disclosure record is accurate in all material respects and is not misleading (including by omission).

    Plantro cautions that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. While these factors and assumptions are considered by Plantro to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances as of the date of this press release, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Plantro and there is no assurance that they will prove correct.

    Important facts that could cause outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information include, among other things, actions taken by the Company in respect of the Tender Offer, the content of subsequent public disclosures by the Company, the failure to satisfy the conditions to the Tender Offer, general economic conditions, legislative or regulatory changes and changes in capital or securities markets. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Although Plantro has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to Plantro or that Plantro presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information.

    Statements containing forward-looking information in this press release are based on Plantro’s beliefs and opinions at the time the statements are made, and there should be no expectation that such forward-looking information will be updated or supplemented as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, and Plantro disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by applicable law. All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

    1380-9916-3157

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘Investment platform’ is fictitious

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today cautioned the public not to be taken in by a video circulating online which falsely presents the Financial Secretary promoting a so-called “Government Investment Platform”.

    Stressing that the video appears to be artificially generated, the Government said that the information contained in it is entirely fictitious and intended to deceive, and warned people not to fall for it. 

    The case has been referred to the Police Force for investigation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares Resolves on Dividend Distribution for the financial year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    2 April 2025 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey | As announced on 18 February 2025, CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF),  the leading European investment company specialising in digital assets, indicated a distribution to shareholders would be considered within the parameters of the dividend policy, subject to the finalisation of the Group audit for the year ended 31 December 2024

    Under the policy, the Company aims to return to shareholders by way of annual dividend of between 20% and 40% of the Group’s profit after tax, adjusted for any special dividend payments made during the period.

    Consistent with the policy, and following publication of the Group’s audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024, the Board of the Company resolved to declare and pay in four equal instalments an annual dividend in relation to the financial year ending 31 December 2024 of approximately GBP 0.30 per ordinary share, amounting to GBP 20,000,000, to be paid from the Group’s reserves.

    The dividend to holders of ordinary shares will be made in sterling (GBP) and subsequently, before distribution to shareholders who hold ordinary shares via Euroclear Sweden, converted to SEK at prevailing rates at the time of distribution.

    The total number of shares in the Company as at 31 December 2024 was 2024 66,678,210.

    The key dates for the annual dividend are as follows:

      Ex-dividend date Record date Payment date Total Dividend
    Tranche 1 29 April 2025 30 April 2025 6 May 2025 GBP 5,000,000
    Tranche 2 27 June 2025 30 June 2025 3 July 2025 GBP 5,000,000
    Tranche 3 29 September 2025 30 September 2025 3 October 2025 GBP 5,000,000
    Tranche 4 29 December 2025 30 December 2025 7 January 2026 GBP 5,000,000

    In accordance with Article 115(4) of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, each payment will be subject to an assessment of the financial health of the Group by its Board.

    About CoinShares

    CoinShares is the leading European alternative asset manager specialising in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Founded in 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Stockholm, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, in the US by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

    For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com
    Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com
    Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor secures 935 neighbourhood police officer posts and confirms historic £1.16bn investment in the Metropolitan Police

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Mayor’s landmark £1.159 billion investment will protect neighbourhood policing, save 935 neighbourhood police officer posts and significantly reduce planned cuts to specialist police teams – including forensic teams and the dog support unit
    • Mayor will work closely with the Met police to push for the extra national funding London needs to boost officer numbers, continue to reform and fight crime

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a record £1.16bn investment in policing from City Hall. This will help to save 935 neighbourhood police officer roles that were previously set to be lost and significantly reduce the level of cuts the Met were planning. There is still £32 million for the Met to allocate of additional funding.

    The previous government chronically underfunded the Met, making cuts to policing in London that in real terms were equivalent to more than £1.1billion. Allowing for inflation in 2024, core government funding will have fallen by nearly a third in real terms. This has left the Met in a very difficult financial position. The overwhelming majority of the Met’s funding comes from central government, but the Mayor is pulling every lever at his disposal to support policing in London. 

    Due to the previous Governments cuts, the Met will still need to reduce its overall workforce and make efficiency savings, but the funding from the Mayor and his prioritisation of neighbourhood policing will mean that the level of neighbourhood policing in communities across London will not be reduced. This will ensure officers are visible in our high streets and working proactively with communities on the issues that matter most to them. 

    The Mayor has more the doubled City Hall funding to the Met since he became Mayor, prioritising investment in local policing throughout his time in office, making difficult decisions on council tax and business rates to mitigate the impact of austerity on frontline policing. Neighbourhood policing remains the bedrock of community confidence, trust and safety in London and the Mayor has been clear that the fresh funding from City Hall will be used to fund police officers, key police staff and the equipment they need to carry out their roles.

    In line with the Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan, the latest budget also ensures:

    1. No cuts to emergency response teams, which the public rely on at times of crisis;
    2. Continued investment in the resources and equipment frontline officers need;
    3. Continued investment in the teams working to provide specialist support for victims so that the Met can continue to improve outcomes for victims of rape, serious sexual offences and child abuse and exploitation;
    4. Continued action to improve Met culture, with ongoing support for the Met’s Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Directorate which will deliver more leadership training, improved vetting processes, and changes to how the Met deals with misconduct and complaints to drive the higher standards;
    5. An extra £32 million to be allocated. 

    Since January’s publication of the draft budget an extra £83million has been added – £10million from City Hall and £73million from central government – for policing in the Mayor’s final budget brings the total mayoral investment in the Met to an historic £1.159 billion for the next year. Overall, there is an additional £320m funding for the Met compared to the current year’s budget, an unprecedented increase following close working between the Mayor and the new government. 

    This means that cuts to specialist teams will be significantly reduced compared to what the Met had been previously thought and was planning for. This includes significantly limiting the reductions to the Met’s Dog Support Unit, forensic teams and Mounted Branch. But given the scale of the previous government’s cuts, and with the reserves that have previously mitigated them having been used up, the Met is still having to make some tough choices to protect frontline policing. This includes moving Royal Parks demand into local neighbourhood ward policing roles. 

    However, the tough choices the Met has outlined are subject to change as there is still £32m from the funding set out that can be used to mitigate the proposed service reductions. In addition, any future funding from the Government in the upcoming Spending Review would mean the Met could look again at its plans.  

    The Mayor is determined to continue being both tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. This approach – supporting the police at the same time as funding programmes that focus on crime prevention – is working.  It has contributed to the number of homicides, young people being injured with knives, gun crime with lethal barrel weapons and burglary all falling since Sadiq was first elected in 2016. The number of teenage homicides in London last year was also at its lowest level since 2012 with the number of under 25’s killed the lowest since 2003. But there is still much more to do and the Mayor will continue to do everything he can.    

    While Sadiq has welcomed additional government funding announcements for the police in 2024 and 2025, it is clear that it will take further funding to undo more than a decade of cuts by the previous government. That’s why the upcoming multi-year Spending Review will be a key focus for the Mayor and the Met. The Mayor will continue to stand up for London and make the case for the investment the Met needs. 

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The previous government chronically underfunded the Met, making cuts to policing in London that were in real terms equivalent to more than £1.1 billion. This has left the Met in an extremely difficult financial situation. As Mayor, I’m committed to doing everything in my power to support the police. That’s why I’m announcing a record £1.16bn annual investment in the police from City Hall. This historic increase will protect neighbourhood policing in our communities and significantly reduce the level of cuts the Met had been planning.    

    “It will also mean the Met can continue to reform and build on the crime reductions we have achieved in the capital, with violence, knife crime involving young people and burglary all down.

    “However, tough decisions have been made to protect neighbourhood policing and I’m under no illusions about the challenges ahead. As Mayor, I will continue to work with the new government and the Met – ahead of the forthcoming spending review – to ensure the Met gets the sustainable funding it needs to help us to build a safer London for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Week 3 of “Dirty Dems” campaign exposes the Rubio sisters

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    WEST COVINA, CA — (April 1, 2025) As part of the ongoing “Dirty Dems” campaign, Greenpeace USA, in collaboration with the California Working Families Party and Courage California, continues to hold California State legislators accountable for their damaging connections to the oil and gas industry and their failure to support critical climate, economic justice, and progressive priorities.

    This week, the spotlight is on Senator Susan Rubio and Assembly Member Blanca Rubio, who represent Southern California districts, including West Covina, Ontario, Pomona, Baldwin Park, and Glendora. Both have failed to take meaningful action to protect their communities from the harmful impacts of the oil and gas industry after receiving substantial campaign contributions from fossil fuel interests.

    Amy Moas, Ph.D., Greenpeace USA Senior Climate Campaigner, said: “Senator Susan Rubio and Assembly Member Blanca Rubio are textbook examples of ‘Dirty Dems’ who have chosen corporate donors over the people they are supposed to represent. Their failure to take decisive action on critical climate, health, and economic justice issues is a betrayal of their constituents and the values we need in our leaders.”

    Senator Susan Rubio

    Senator Susan Rubio, representing the 22nd Senate District in Southern California, has been serving in the California State Legislature since 2018. During her time in office, Rubio has accepted over $116,000 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry, with $74,500 coming in the most recent legislative session alone. She was initially elected with the help of an independent campaign fueled by more than $2.8 million in oil money, illustrating the extent of her ties to the fossil fuel industry.

    Senator Rubio has a troubling pattern of abstaining from votes on key environmental justice and progressive priority bills. Her failure to take a stand on critical climate and public health issues, such as SB 1137 (a bill to reduce pollution from oil drilling in neighborhoods) and AB 1167 (a bill to ensure oil companies pay to clean up idle wells), shows her disregard for the health and safety of her constituents.

    Despite fluctuating scores across some progressive scorecards, Rubio has earned failing grades from groups like Courage California, Sierra Club, and California Environmental Justice Alliance during her time in office. In fact, she consistently scored among the very lowest of Democrats in the State Legislature on California Environmental Voters scorecard every year since first being elected.

    Assembly Member Blanca Rubio “Big Oil Blanca”

    Assembly Member Blanca Rubio, representing the 48th District of Los Angeles’ eastern San Gabriel Valley, has taken over $240,000 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry, including $45,000 in the most recent session. In addition, she has accepted gifts, including sponsored travel from the California Independent Petroleum Association, an industry trade group. These financial ties have earned her the nickname “Big Oil Blanca” from critics.

    Assembly Member Rubio has earned failing grades from environmental and progressive organizations year after year. Since 2019, she has consistently received F grades from Courage California, California Environmental Voters, and the Sierra Club. She has also never scored higher than a D on the California Environmental Justice Alliance scorecard.

    Blanca Rubio has purposefully skipped votes on critical bills aimed at reducing harmful pollutants, such as AB 674, which would address air quality issues related to asthma and cancer-causing chemicals, and SB 1137, which would regulate the harmful impacts of oil drilling in residential areas. Her absences extend to key economic justice measures as well, including bills like AB 2584, which would limit big corporate control of housing, and AB 2666, which would protect Californians from inflated utility rates.

    Holding the Rubio Sisters Accountable

    Both Senator Susan Rubio and Assembly Member Blanca Rubio are the third and fourth Dirty Dems to be named, joining Stephanie Nguyen and Mike Gipson on the growing list. These Dirty Dems have repeatedly chosen to prioritize corporate donations over the well-being of their constituents, but this campaign  will continue to expose these harmful practices and demand that these legislators be held accountable for their repeated failure to act to protect the communities they represent.

    Contact: Gigi Singh, Communications Manager at Greenpeace USA
    (+1)  631-404-9977, [email protected]  

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change to earnings limit for carers

    Source: Scottish Government

    Please see media release announcing increase in earnings limit for Carer Support Payment.

    Change to earnings limit for carers  

    More unpaid carers set to benefit from Carer Support Payment.

    More unpaid carers in Scotland could benefit from financial support as a key change in eligibility rules comes into effect from 6 April 2025.

    The earnings limit for Carer Support Payment will increase from £151 to £196 a week. This means that a carer can earn £45 more a week, after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses, and be eligible for the payment.

    The change could mean carers already receiving Carer Support Payment will be able to undertake more paid work and still receive the payment. In addition, many carers earning a take home pay of £10,192 or less a year, who were previously unable to access the additional support could now be eligible.

    To receive Carer Support Payment of £83.30 a week, carers also need to be providing 35 hours or more of care a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.

    Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, delivered by the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

    Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government proposed back in 2022 to raise the earnings limit for Carer Support Payment once fully launched. This was on the back of strong feedback from carers and support organisations that the previous limit was set too low.

    “The increase puts the earnings limit at a level which equates to 16 hours at the national living wage. Alongside other improvements we have made, this should help more carers to balance paid work with caring and provide more stable financial support.

    “The Scottish Government remains committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to, despite the UK Government’s recent announcement on changes to welfare.”

    Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communication at Carers Scotland said: “Carers Scotland welcomes the increase in the earnings threshold to £196 which will support more unpaid carers to earn more from paid employment alongside their Carer Support Payment. This change will also enable more carers to claim Carer Support Payment.

    The new threshold amount applies once a carer has taken away deductions for tax, national insurance and half of any pension contribution. Carers may also be able to deduct some of the costs to provide care whilst you are working.

    We would encourage all carers in employment or who are thinking about returning to employment to find out more about Carer Support Payment and the earnings threshold from Social Security Scotland or their local carers centre or advice agency.”

    Background

    • Carer Support Payment is a payment of £83.30 a week from 6 April 2025 and is available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. Carers need to earn £151 a week (increasing to £196 a week from 6 April 2025) or less after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses. The earnings limit for carers in Scotland who are getting Carer’s Allowance will also increase to £196. Carers getting Carer’s Allowance in Scotland will have their benefits transferred automatically to Carer Support Payment. This process is due to complete this spring.
    • Improvements made to Carer Support Payment includes making the earnings rules clearer, assessing eligibility based on average earnings where carers have earnings that vary to provide more stable support, and using information from the HMRC and planned reviews to check and track earnings. Find out more at If you work – mygov.scot Many carers in education are also eligible for Carer Support Payment. Find out more at If you study – mygov.scot

    Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on two qualifying dates. The payment is made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement in 2025 will be £293.50. It is paid automatically without the need to apply.  

    Young Carer Grant  is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a yearly payment of £390.25 from 1 April 2025 and the money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.  

    Information on other support for carers, such as wider financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New plan for safer and more secure Europe

    Source: European Union 2

    The Commission has presented ProtectEU, a new European internal security strategy to support EU countries in guaranteeing security for its citizens. It sets out a workplan with a stronger legal framework, better information sharing and closer cooperation. 

    To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, and attacks on critical infrastructure, Europe needs to review its approach to internal security. The strategy aims to adopt a whole-of-society approach that includes citizens, businesses, researchers, and civil society who can contribute to better safety for all. 

    Key objectives and actions: 

    • a new European internal security governance 
    • anticipating security threats through new ways of sharing intelligence 
    • more effective tools for law enforcement and stronger justice and home affairs agencies 
    • building resilience against hybrid threats 
    • fighting serious and organised crime 
    • combatting terrorism and violent extremism 
    • the EU as a strong global player on security  

    The actions are backed by evidence from the EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (EU-SOCTA). The strategy complements the preparedness union strategy and the European defence white paper. Together with the forthcoming European Democracy Shield, they form a comprehensive framework for a safe, secure, and resilient EU. 

    For more information 

    Press release 

    Factsheet 

    Questions and answers 

    Security and defence 

    The European internal security strategy 

    Internal Security 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE leaders and anti-trafficking experts commit to tripling down on efforts to end child trafficking

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE leaders and anti-trafficking experts commit to tripling down on efforts to end child trafficking

    VIENNA, 2 April 2025 – At the 25th Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons, which concluded in Vienna on Tuesday, OSCE leaders and anti-trafficking experts called on the 57 OSCE participating States to turn their commitments into tangible actions and triple down on efforts in the fight against child trafficking.  
    Despite notable efforts over the last 20 years, the number of child trafficking cases detected across the OSCE region remains high. Over the past 15 years, the number of child trafficking victims identified has tripled globally, with online child sexual exploitation and abuse escalating at an alarming rate.
    “Many people who were victims of human trafficking as children are only identified as victims once they are adults. The exploitation and violence may have continued for years. It is important to remember that, in addition to children in vulnerable positions, even well-off children can become victims of human trafficking,” said Leena Meri, Finland’s Justice Minister, speaking on behalf of the 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship.
    With national authorities, international organizations, civil society and private sector participation, the annual Alliance conference has become a landmark event within the global anti-trafficking community.
    “Over the past two decades, we have made undeniable progress in combating child trafficking. Yet, the reality remains stark: far too many children continue to be trafficked, abused, and denied their fundamental rights. The OSCE is uniquely placed to help participating States put an end to this scourge,” said Ambassador Hatun Demirer, Director of the Office of the Secretary General.
    This year marks 20 years since the 2005 Addendum to the OSCE Action Plan on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, which called on participating States to develop national co-ordination and referral mechanisms to address child trafficking. As such, discussions explored various angles of child trafficking, existing efforts to combat it, and what more can be done. Panels included discussions on developments and patterns in child trafficking, identifying risks and solutions within the scope of children’s specific vulnerabilities, and the importance of implementing a whole-of-society approach to end child trafficking.
    “The current trends of child trafficking inspire an urgent call to action: it is time we reverse these trends and triple down on our collective commitment to eradicate child trafficking. We must triple our resources, triple our actions, and triple our accountability to end these tragedies once and for all,” declared Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Human Trafficking.
    Around 800 participants from across the OSCE region and beyond registered for this year’s Alliance conference, with a record-breaking of nearly 500 in-person registrations, underscoring the importance and relevance of OSCE’s anti-trafficking work.
    More information about the 25th Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons can be found here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –