Category: Military Intelligence

MIL-OSI USA: National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2025

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
class=”has-text-align-center”> BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On this National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we remember every American service member who carries the memory of being captured in war as a consequence of defending American freedom. Since the battlefields of the Revolutionary War, millions of selfless patriots have sacrificed their lives, safety, and security to protect our homeland and preserve our inheritance of liberty. These noble men and women embody the best of our Nation’s spirit. Tragically, far too many have been taken by the enemy and forced to endure captivity and sometimes torture.My Administration is steadfastly committed to taking care of our great veterans — especially every former American prisoner of war (POW). For 4 long years under the previous administration, illegal aliens were living in luxury hotels while our homeless veterans were shivering on the sidewalks — a disgrace of the highest order. Today, more than 30,000 veterans are homeless. To that end, I am committed to eradicating all veteran homelessness in our country. Under my leadership, if you served our Nation in uniform, your Government will never betray you — and we will never stop fighting for the brave men and women who devoted their lives to protect our sovereignty.To protect our brave service members and uphold our Nation’s interests both at home and abroad, my Administration remains committed to restoring peace through strength and ending the years of endless foreign wars. As I stated during my Inaugural Address, we will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars we end — and my proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier.We are approaching the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army later this year, and I pledge to every POW, POW family, and member of our Armed Forces that you have our Nation’s full support and unending gratitude. Today and every day, we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in service to our Nation. We ask Almighty God to preserve America’s peace, prosperity, security, and freedom for generations to come.NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2025, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon Americans to observe this day by honoring the service and sacrifice of all former prisoners of war and to express our Nation’s eternal gratitude for their sacrifice. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thisninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Garbarino, LaLota Reintroduce Bill To Improve Boating Safety In Honor of Long Islander Brianna Lieneck
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY-01) reintroduced the Brianna Lieneck Boating Safety Act. The legislation directs the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to study and submit to Congress a report on recreational vessel operator education and training in order to improve boating safety and reduce the number of boating accidents that occur due to untrained boat operators.

The legislation is named in honor of a young girl from Long Island who was killed in a tragic boating accident. In August 2005, a 25-foot boat driven by Steven Fleisher, an air traffic controller, collided with a boat carrying 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck and her family in the Great South Bay off the coast of Bay Shore. Brianna was killed, her parents suffered severe head and facial injuries, and her sister’s arm was nearly severed. Criminal charges of boating while intoxicated were dismissed. The driver did not have a boating license. Since then, her mother, Gina Lieneck, has advocated for mandatory licenses for all boaters.

“Many Long Islanders spend their summers enjoying boating and other water activities, but if we don’t proactively prioritize safety that’s when tragedies, like the one that befell the Lieneck family, happen,” said Rep. Garbarino. “According to the Coast Guard, boat operators who did not receive boating safety instruction were involved in 75% of fatal recreational boating accidents in 2023. This legislation would help eliminate these incidents and keep boaters on Long Island and around the country safe through education and training programs.”

Between 2018 and 2023, there have been 3,871 accidental boating deaths nationwide, according to data provided by the USCG. Boating deaths have remained consistent year over year, averaging between 560-760 deaths annually. USCG has determined alcohol to be a leading factor in boating deaths overall.

“As a Navy man, boater, and Long Islander, I understand that increasing boating education and safety training will go a long way to preventing injuries and fatalities like what happened to Brianna Lieneck,” said Rep. LaLota. “Our legislation will save lives and ensure that families can safely enjoy our waters. I am proud to join my Long Island colleague in introducing this bill to keep more Americans safe.”

Specifically, the Brianna Lieneck Boating Safety Act would require the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to study and report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation regarding recreational vessel operator training. The study and report shall include a review of Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron training programs, existing state boating education programs, and other hands-on training programs available to recreational vessel operators. Among other things, the legislation would also require the report to include:
- A section laying out steps the USCG and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have taken to encourage States to adopt mandatory recreational vessel operator training;
- A section outlining the minimum standards for education of recreational vessel operators;
- A section analyzing how the Coast Guard would administer a Federal boating education, training, and testing program, and;
- An analysis of the extent to which a Federal boating education, training, and testing program should be required for all waters of a State, including internal waters.
The full text of the bill can be found here.

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MIL OSI USA News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces 2025 UConn Women’s Basketball Victory Parade and Rally Rescheduled to Sunday at 1PM Due to Weather

Source: US State of Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a high chance of rain in the forecast, the victory parade and rally in downtown Hartford celebrating the NCAA championship win by the UConn women’s basketball team is being rescheduled to Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

The celebration had previously been scheduled for Saturday morning. The parade route and rally location remain the same.

The parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will step off at the State Capitol building at the intersection of Trinity Street and Elm Street. From there, it will proceed north on Trinity Street, go through the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, turn right (east) onto Jewell Street, turn left (north) onto Trumbull Street, and end at the intersection of Asylum Street and Trumbull Street.

The rally will begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. and will be held outside of the main entrance of the XL Center on Trumbull Street, where the players, coaches, and other guests will be invited to give speeches.

As with other victory celebrations that have been held in previous years, this parade and rally are being funded by private donations through sponsorship opportunities. No state or city funding is being used for this event.

To sponsor this event, businesses may choose from several sponsorship levels up to $10,000. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Chip McCabe at the Hartford Business Improvement District as soon as possible at 860-770-0788 or cmccabe@hartfordbid.com.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Our ancestors didn’t eat 3 meals a day. So why do we?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Richardson, Senior Lecturer in Culinary Arts & Gastronomy, Auckland University of Technology

Shutterstock

Pop quiz: name the world’s most famous trio? If you’re a foodie, then your answer might have been breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s an almost universally accepted trinity – particularly in the Western world.

But how did it come about?

The first meals

Early humans were nomadic. Forming small communities, they would travel with the seasons, following local food sources.

While we can only guess what daily mealtimes rhythms looked like, evidence dating back 30,000 years from the South Moravia region, Czech Republic, shows people visited specific settlements time and again. They gathered around hearths, cooking and sharing food: the first signs of human “commensality”, the practice of eating together.

One of the best-preserved hunter-gatherer sites we’ve found is Ohalo II – located on the shores of the modern-day Sea of Galilee (also called Lake Tiberias or Lake Kinneret) in Israel, and dating back some 23,000 years.

In addition to several small dwellings with hearths, it provides evidence of diverse food sources, including more than 140 types of seeds and nuts, and various birds, fish and mammals.

The development of agricultural knowledge some 12,000 years ago gave rise to permanent settlements. The earliest were in the Levant region (across modern-day Iraq, southwestern Iran and eastern Turkey), in an area called the “Fertile Crescent”.

The fertile crescent covers the rich, biodiverse valleys of the Tigris, Euphrates and Jordan rivers.
Shutterstock

Permanent agriculture led to the production of a surplus of food. The ability to stay in one place with food on-hand meant the time it took to cook no longer mattered as much.

It quickly became common to eat one light meal early in the day, followed by a larger hearth-prepared meal later on. The specific timings would have varied between groups.

Eating together as a rule

The communal nature of foraging and hunting, and later farming, meant humans almost always ate their meals in the company of others. In the ancient city-state of Sparta, in the 4th century BCE, these practices were codified as common main meals called syssitia (meaning “eating together”).

These meals were consumed at the end of the day in communal dining halls. Food was served by young boys to tables of 15 or so men who lived together and fought in the same military division. The men gradually shared generational knowledge with the young boys, who themselves would join the tables by age 20.

In the 5th century BCE, Greek historian Herodotus wrote about how syssitia evolved from a Spartan military practice to having deep political meaning in society. Similarly, Plato wrote common meals were an integral component of civil society, and that missing a meal without good reason was a civic offence.

By dining in full view of the rest of society, citizens were compelled to maintain self-discipline. Mealtime was also an opportunity for social linkage, and important discussions ranging from business deals to politics.

The eating habits of Spartan women are missing in the texts, although it is implied they ate at home.

Bunches of lunches

Counter to the tough Spartan way of life, the Romans enjoyed their main meal, cena, earlier in the day, followed by a lighter meal just before bed.

The northern European tribes tended towards two larger meals per day, as more sustenance is required in colder climes. To the Vikings, these meals were known as dagmal and nattmal, or day meal and night meal. Nattmal was the cooked evening meal, while dagmal usually consisted of leftover nattmal with the addition of bread and beer or mead.

In Australia, evidence suggests Aboriginal peoples tended toward a daily single meal, which aligns with the predominant method of cookery: slow-cooking with hot coals or rocks in an earth oven. This underground oven, used by Aboriginal and also Torres Strait Islander communities, was referred to as a kup murri or kap mauri by some groups.

This is similar to other Indigenous preparations throughout the Pacific, such as the New Zealand Māori hāngī, Hawaiian imu, Fijian lovo, and even the Mayan píib.

The once-daily meal would have been supplemented with snacks throughout the day.

Three’s the magic number

The timing of meals was heavily influenced by class structure, local climate and people’s daily activities. Practicality also played a part. Without reliable lighting, meals had to be prepared and eaten before dark. In settled parts of Northern Europe, this could be as early as 3pm.

So how did we go from one or two main meals, to three? The answer may lie with the British Royal Navy.

Since its inception in the 16th century, the navy served three regular meals to align with the shipboard routine. This included a simple breakfast of ship’s biscuits, lunch as the main meal, and dinner as more of a light supper.

Some sources suggest the term “square meal” may have come from the square wooden trays meals were served in.

Initially, sailors recieved a daily gallon of beer with meals. This was later changed to watered-down rum, the infamous ‘grog’, which is being handed out in this 1940 photo taken aboard HMS King George V.
Imperial War Museums, CC BY-NC

The Industrial Revolution, which started around 1760, arguably also played a role in formalising the concept of three specific mealtimes across the Western world.

The cadence of breakfast, lunch and dinner matched the routine of the longer, standardised workdays. Workers ate breakfast and dinner at home, before and after work, while lunch was eaten with coworkers at a set time.

With minimal breaks, and no time for snacking, three substantial meals became necessary.

The fall of the holy trinity

Today, many factors impact the time and frequency of our meals, from long work commutes to juggling hobbies and social obligations.

The ways in which we eat and share food continue to evolve alongside our societies and cultures.
Shutterstock

The COVID pandemic also impacted how and what we eat, leading us to eat larger amounts of higher calorie foods. The rapid growth of delivery services also means a meal is no more than a few minutes away from most people.

All of this has resulted in mealtimes becoming less rigid, with social meals such as brunch, elevenses and afternoon teas expanding how we connect over food. And mealtimes will continue to evolve as our schedules become ever more complicated.

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

– ref. Our ancestors didn’t eat 3 meals a day. So why do we? – https://theconversation.com/our-ancestors-didnt-eat-3-meals-a-day-so-why-do-we-250773

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How the small autonomous region of Puntland found success in battling Islamic State in Somalia

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ido Levy, PhD Candidate, School of International Service, American University

Soldiers with the Puntland Defense Forces. Photo by Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images

On Feb. 24, 2025, members of the Puntland Defense Forces posed next to a sign in Arabic that proclaimed the mountain town of Sheebaab as a “province” of the Islamic State group. The town, located in Somalia’s autonomous northeastern region of Puntland, was one of numerous areas that soldiers from the regional government have taken back during Operation Hilaac, an ongoing campaign against fighters from the Islamic State in Somalia – the local branch of the terrorist network – which began in late November 2024.

Puntland’s success in combating a growing Islamic State group presence in the northeastern region is particularly notable given the relative lack of success of the central Somali government’s confrontation with the al-Qaida-affiliated group Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahidin – more commonly known as al-Shabab – which for about two decades has waged war against federal forces.

In contrast, security forces in the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland have, with some key support from international partners, united to repel the Islamic State group’s advance.

The Islamic State group’s rise in Somalia

Islamist groups have been part of Somalia’s fractured political landscape since the country’s descent into civil war in the 1980s.

They tapped into profound local dissatisfaction with warlordism, tribalism and corruption, as well as a reaction to foreign intervention by Ethiopia, the United States and other international actors.

Al-Shabab and later the Islamic State in Somalia are the most extreme manifestations of this trend.

Islamic State in Somalia emerged in 2015 when a small group of al-Shabab members led by Abdulqadir Mumin – an extremist Somali preacher who previously lived in Sweden and the United Kingdom, where he acquired citizenship – pledged allegiance to then-Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Having formed as a local branch – or “province” in the group’s self conception as a global entity intent on expanding territory – Islamic State in Somalia launched its first major operation in October 2016, briefly seizing the port town of Qandala in Puntland.

Thereafter, the group retreated to its strongholds in the mountain regions inside Puntland amid pressure from both the regional government and al-Shabab, which has cracked down on Islamic State supporters in its ranks.

Yet from the Puntland mountains, Islamic State in Somalia grew into a key node of the terrorist group’s global network. It is now a hub for transferring funds and drawing recruits from across Africa and elsewhere via the regional coordination office it operates known as al-Karrar.

One notable Sudan-born operative killed in a 2023 U.S. raid in Puntland, Bilal al-Sudani, was known as a key foreign fighter, facilitator and financier who developed Islamic State funding networks in South Africa and helped fund the group’s branch in Afghanistan.

An NBC News report from mid-2024 cited U.S. officials who believed Mumin, head of Islamic State in Somalia, was acting as the network’s overall leader, or caliph, though other analysts have suggested he holds a top role close to caliph.

In any case, Islamic State in Somalia’s ranks have increased steadily, from an estimated 200-300 fighters in 2016 to about 1,000 as of February 2025, according to reports.

Puntland pushes back

Puntland declared itself an autonomous region of Somalia in 1998 amid the ongoing Somali civil war and has since achieved relative stability compared with the other parts of the country, which have generally been marked by decades of sectarian division and weak central governance.

Puntland is no stranger to divisions in a country that often hinges on clan loyalties, but it has achieved a greater degree of unity and has regularly raised security forces to defeat external threats, often with considerable foreign support.

The dominance of a single clan, the Majeerteen, has in part likely helped facilitate this unity. In the current operations against Islamic State in Somalia, the autonomous Puntland government under President Said Abdullahi Deni has gathered several disparate regional forces under the “Puntland Defense Forces” banner, including clan militias, the Puntland Darawish – a regional paramilitary unit – and the Puntland Maritime Police Force.

Soldiers with the Puntland Defense Forces stand at a base formerly held by the Islamic State group’s Somali affiliate in January 2025 in Puntland, Somalia.
Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The Puntland Maritime Police Force in particular has evolved into a well-trained and experienced counterterrorism unit. Founded with United Arab Emirates money and mentored by private South African military contractors to address growing piracy, it has turned to fighting al-Shabab and Islamic State in Somalia in the mountain regions. Indeed, it played a leading role in taking Qandala from Islamic State control in 2016. It also cooperated effectively with other forces to defeat a 2016 al-Shabab attempt to attack Puntland from the sea.

The U.S. and UAE have supported the Puntland government’s campaign. In February 2025, the U.S. launched two airstrikes on Islamic State fighters, with one on Feb. 1, 2025, killing Omani-born Ahmed Maeleninine, a key recruiter, financier and facilitator. The United States claimed another airstrike on March 25.

The UAE has conducted airstrikes too, likely from the large UAE-funded Puntland Maritime Police Force headquarters base in the major port city of Bosaso.

The Puntland government has claimed that through its latest operation it has advanced through 315 kilometers, clearing numerous villages and outposts in the mountains.

On Feb. 11, 2025, The Washington Post reported that regional security forces had killed more than 150 Islamic State members, mostly foreign fighters from countries including Morocco, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, illustrating the group’s significance as a global hub for the network. In fact, one analyst counted 118 dead fighters from a single encounter in early February, indicating a possibly higher death toll. In any case, it represents heavy losses for Islamic State in Somalia, though it is not defeated yet and still numbers fighters in the hundreds.

The risk of outside interference

All in all, Puntland has leveraged past success fighting jihadist groups in making remarkable progress in its fight against Islamic State in Somalia.

It shows how local and substate forces can be more effective at fighting armed nonstate groups than the federal authorities, despite limited resources.

No doubt, support from the United States and UAE has aided Puntland’s anti-Islamic State push. But reliance on outside sources risks creating dependence on them when local forces must ultimately take ownership of the fight themselves.

And less patient foreign supporters have been known to spoil the elite units they build. This occurred with the Puntland Security Force, a U.S.-created special forces unit that splintered during a brief withdrawal of U.S. forces from Somalia in 2021 and 2022.

There are also risks that partner forces will behave badly. While the Emirati mission in Puntland – as well as in Afghanistan and Yemen – has proven effective in fighting jihadists, in Sudan it has been arguably disastrous. There, the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces paramilitary unit helped to ignite an ongoing civil war in 2023 during which its members perpetrated alleged atrocities.

Ultimately, it will be up to Puntlanders themselves to keep fighting. Indeed, foreign support would have little impact without effective local forces on the ground with the political will to sustain the campaign. Just as Puntland has done before, so too is it now demonstrating that it is determined to fight the threat posed by jihadist groups like Islamic State in Somalia.

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

– ref. How the small autonomous region of Puntland found success in battling Islamic State in Somalia – https://theconversation.com/how-the-small-autonomous-region-of-puntland-found-success-in-battling-islamic-state-in-somalia-251775

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Stonger Together

Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

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@USNavy sailors aboard the USS Iwo Jima conduct flight operations in concert with @marines from 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to strengthen capabilities and interoperability.

For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
—————
Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uMJVHpflPA

MIL OSI Video –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER SOUNDS ALARM ON ‘DOGE’ PLANS TO SLASH UPSTATE NY’S MANUFACTURERING FEDERAL SUPPORT PROGRAM, CUTTING MILLIONS FOR UPSTATE’S SMALL BIZ & WORKFORCE TRAINING, DEMANDS TRUMP ADMIN REVERSE CUTS AND…

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

NY’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers – Including NextCorps in Rochester, Center For Economic Growth & FuzeHub In Capital Region, Insyte In Western NY, And More – Rely On Fed Investment To Support Small Businesses And Create New Jobs

Senator Says These Centers Are One Of The Best Tools To Grow Upstate’s Economy – And Is Especially Needed As We Make Major Investments Thanks To His CHIPS & Science Law- And Cutting Support Now Would Be Double Whammy For Businesses Already Reeling From Trump’s Trade War

Schumer: Cutting Off Support For Upstate NY Businesses Is Not How You Rebuild American Manufacturing

After the Trump administration canceled funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across America and those in Upstate NY are fearing they are next, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today sounded the alarm to protect MEP centers that have helped hundreds of small manufacturers grow and create thousands of good-paying jobs in every region of New York. The senator said cutting off federal investment for Upstate NY manufacturing would hinder the growth the region is seeing thanks to his CHIPS & Science Law and threaten the next generation of American manufacturing and jobs across New York. Schumer called on the Trump administration to immediately reverse these cuts and keep MEP investments flowing for Upstate NY.

“Trump and ‘DOGE’ are threatening to defund a main federal support program for growing Upstate NY manufacturing. We cannot cut off this mainstay program for helping small businesses, attracting new supply chains, and creating new jobs just as we are seeing tremendous manufacturing growth across Upstate NY thanks to my CHIPS & Science Law,” said Senator Schumer. “From Buffalo to Albany, MEP Centers have proven to be one of the best bangs for your buck investments the federal government can make helping create thousands of new good-paying jobs and billions in new investment throughout New York. These centers are how we attract new supply chains, get workers the hands-on training they need, and bring back jobs from overseas. Trump can’t be ushering in the Golden Age of American manufacturing while simultaneously decimating the program that helps American manufacturers thrive. Trump’s haphazard trade war against allies like Canada is already wreaking havoc on New York’s economy and small manufacturers. These Trump cuts to manufacturing centers will only add to that chaos. These cuts are wrong, illegal, and should be immediately reversed.”

The Manufacturing Extension Program is authorized and appropriated by Congress, and Schumer said cutting these contracts without Congressional approval is most likely illegal. The MEP has a long track record of successfully boosting small American manufacturers in New York and across the country.

The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) is a network of 11 independent nonprofit organizations that help smaller manufacturers grow and create jobs. As a result of the federally-funded NY MEP network, over 32,000 manufacturing jobs in New York have been created or saved between 2019 and 2023. More than 4,400 projects have been completed between NY MEP and manufacturers in every region of the state to help those companies succeed and grow, increasing their sales by $1 billion, helping reduce costs by nearly $40 million, and increasing new investments by nearly $190 million, all in FY2024 alone.

Schumer explained the rising cost of foreign goods due to Trump’s tariffs is hurting small manufacturers that often already operate on razor-thin margins and ripping away this vital federal MEP assistance is just further insult to injury and threatens the jobs and growth of manufacturers across the state and country. According to WIRED, the U.S. Department of Commerce said they would not pay out nearly $13 million across ten MEP agreements because they were “no longer aligned with the priorities of the department,” and no clarity or certainty has been provided that the contract cuts won’t continue to happen across the country, including in New York, as the deadlines approach for contracts to be renewed.

A breakdown of contracts in New York State can be found below:

Recipient	Region	MEP Federal Investment Per Year
Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology	Southern Tier	$380,000
Center for Economic Growth	Capital Region	$380,000
CITEC	North Country	$380,000
Central New York Technology Development Organization	Central New York	$380,000
Insyte	Western NY	$560,000
NextCorps	Rochester-Finger Lakes	$560,000
Manufacturing & Technology Enterprise Center	Hudson Valley	$560,000
Industrial & Technology Assistance Corporation	New York City	$635,000
Stony Brook	Long Island	$635,000
Mohawk Valley Community College	Mohawk Valley	$380,000
FuzeHub	Statewide	$1,135,194
Empire State Development	Statewide	$892,766
		$6,877,960

Every year, the Department spends nearly $200 million annually on MEP nationally. Though states also contribute to MEP programs, it will be difficult for them to compensate for the loss of federal funding. Schumer said cutting these contracts will prevent the United States from establishing manufacturing leadership and could lead to nationwide job losses. In a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Schumer highlighted the importance of MEP in supporting the growth of small manufacturers and demanded certainty that funding for New York’s MEP centers would not be cut.

“Saying that these critical investments are not aligned with the Department of Commerce’s priorities just doesn’t add up. Trump claims to care a lot about maintaining American manufacturing leadership, but his actions are doing the opposite. The MEP has delivered manufacturing growth in New York and America for years. We need to double down on investment in proven programs like this, not eliminate it,” Schumer added.

Elena Garuc, Executive Director of FuzeHub, the statewide NY MEP center, said, “The New York MEP serves as an economic engine for communities across our state. Local manufacturers rely on us as a vital resource to become more competitive, adopt new technologies, and create jobs. Occasionally we even step in as a safety net to help manufacturers solve tough challenges and protect their operations. When manufacturing leaders don’t know where to turn, they turn to us. Looking out on the economic horizon, I believe the New York MEP is needed now more than ever. We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for recognizing the economic impact we deliver and for his determined advocacy for this essential program that strengthens American manufacturing and creates good-paying local jobs.”

“Small manufacturers are vital to the economy, driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs, and strengthening local and regional supply chains. In New York City, rising operational costs present added challenges. The success of the MEP program, both locally and nationally, lies in its ability to produce tangible results—whether by helping manufacturers adopt technologies tailored to their unique needs and resources, or by implementing strategies that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and boost profitability,” said Kinda Younes, Executive Director of ITAC, New York City’s NY-MEP Center.

“LIMEP, operating out of Stony Brook University, works with the many small and medium-sized manufacturers on Long Island supplying key Department of Defense programs. By leveraging the NIST MEP resources in cyber security, technical resources and hands-on manufacturing engineering support with Stony Brook University’s vast research capabilities, manufacturers on Long Island are able to accelerate the development and adoption of advanced technologies that support DoD programs. Our Long Island region helps to sustain the DoD supply chain that is so vital to our nation. LIMEP is actively working with our regional manufacturers and the Bell Flight & Textron team to make the LI Supply Chain an important spoke in the national defense industrial base and the V-280 Valor Tiltrotor Program,” said Amy Erickson, Executive Director of the Long Island Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.

“If you look at our mission statement “To grow and strengthen manufacturing in the Capital Region”, that is why we exist and have taken great pride in it for over 20 years. Many manufacturing CEO’s have to come to rely on the MEP network for assistance with finding domestic supply chain partners, workforce challenges, Industry 4.0 adoption, operational excellence… and the list goes on. Bipartisan support including that from Congressman Schumer has been a hallmark of the MEP program because by any measure we have delivered results,” said Don Weisenforth, President of Center for Economic Growth, the Capital Region’s NY-MEP center.

“Small manufacturers have been in the forefront of Buffalo’s and Western New York’s renaissance, with NYMEP providing critical support ranging from advanced technology and cybersecurity to workforce and supply chain. We couldn’t provide these vital services without the MEP Program funding and bipartisan support provided by our Congressional Delegation, led by Senator Schumer,” said Ben Rand, President of Insyte Consulting, Western New York’s NY-MEP center.

“The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program is a cornerstone of American manufacturing, empowering small and mid-sized manufacturers with the tools, expertise, and resources they need to compete, grow, and innovate. These companies are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our communities. We are grateful for Senator Schumer’s leadership in urging the administration to restore full funding to this critical program—because investing in MEP is investing in jobs, resilience, and the future of U.S. manufacturing,” said James Senall, President of NextCorps, the Rochester/Finger Lakes Region’s NY-MEP center.

“The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program is a critical resource for small and medium-sized manufacturers, especially in Central New York. No other program has MEP’s track record, documented history of success, or independently verified impacts. CNYTDO wouldn’t be able to provide these vital services without the MEP Program funding and bipartisan support provided by our Congressional Delegation, led by Senator Schumer,” said James A. D’Agostino, Center Director of CNYTDO, Central New York’s NY-MEP center.

“The MEP National Network is a critical driver of America’s manufacturing resurgence, directly supporting the administration’s efforts to rebuild our industrial base. The Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology, part of the NY MEP, delivers that impact in the Southern Tier of NY – helping small and mid-sized manufacturers increase productivity, adopt advanced technologies, and address workforce and supply chain challenges head-on. Cutting the MEP program would have immediate consequences, including job losses and hindered growth at a time when these businesses are critical to America’s future in manufacturing. We deeply appreciate Senator Schumer’s leadership in championing this vital program and his unwavering commitment to strengthening American manufacturing,” said Carol Miller, Executive Director of the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology, the Southern Tier’s NY-MEP center.

“We must continue supporting Hudson Valley manufacturers with the tools they need to compete globally—not just nationally. After more than 30 years working alongside global manufacturers, I’ve seen firsthand how aggressive and integrated their supply chains can be. If we’re serious about reshoring, we must invest in the smaller manufacturers that form the backbone of those supply chains—while also strengthening workforce, cybersecurity, and technology readiness. The MEP program is critical to this work and deserves continued bipartisan support,” said David Carter, Executive Director of MTEC, the Hudson Valley’s NY-MEP center.

“The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program is critical to the success of Mohawk Valley Regional manufacturers. This investment and parentship has allowed for MVCC’s Advanced Institute for Manufacturing to assist more than 200 manufacturers and create and retain more than 2,900 Mohawk Valley advanced manufacturing jobs. We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Schumer for advocating for this essential investment. This initiative underscores our dedication to innovation and community collaboration, promising a transformative influence on our workforce and students in the entire six-county region,” said Cory Albrecht, Director of Advanced Institute for Manufacturing, the Mohawk Valleys NY-MEP Center.

“On behalf of CITEC and North Country Manufacturing I would like to thank Senator Schumer in his efforts to save the MEP system. As part of the NY MEP, CITEC can leverage the strength and resources of the entire national network to bring world class expertise to small and medium manufacturers in our remote rural region. CITEC raises the level of our expertise, of our talent, of our skills,” said Jay Ward, President and CEO of Ward Lumber in Jay, NY. “I would highly recommend CITEC for gaining skills and expertise and improving the overall operation of most any company I can think of, certainly ours.”

Schumer and colleagues wrote a letter urging Commerce Secretary Lutnick not to cancel funding for ten MEP Centers across the country, which is creating uncertainty for all MEP centers. The Trump administration’s action cutting MEP came on April 1, one day before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports, which tanked the stock market and raised warnings from experts of a recession.

Schumer led to passage of the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, which included $2.23 billion for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program over five years. The CHIPS & Science Law also established a pilot program of expansion awards for MEP Centers to provide services for workforce development, resiliency of domestic supply chains, and expanded support for adopting advanced technology upgrades at small and medium manufacturers. The Law also established a voluntary national supply chain database under MEP.

Schumer’s letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick can be found below:

Dear Secretary Lutnick,

We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Commerce’s recent decision to cancel future funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. This decision has raised widespread concern across the entire national network of MEP Centers, prompting fears about whether these initial cancellations are the first step in a broader effort to dismantle the program and eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers, with centers in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin expected to be notified about their status shortly. Given the MEP program’s long-standing, bipartisan support in strengthening small and medium-sized American manufacturers, we share these concerns and urge you to provide clarity and certainty on your plans for the future of the MEP program.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 93% of manufacturers have fewer than 100 employees, while 75% have fewer than 20 employees. Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance. These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.

Dismantling this program would not only disrupt benefits for small businesses but also undermine decades of federal investment in domestic manufacturing resilience, which Congress prioritized in the MEP program in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Congress also reauthorized the MEP program in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. NIST was provided $175 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to fund the MEP Centers. In FY2024 alone, the MEP National Network resulted in $2.6 billion in cost savings, $15 billion in new and retained sales, $5 billion in new client investments, and over 108,000 jobs created or retained. Additionally, a report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs across the United States.

Given these benefits and the funding in the FY 2025 Continuing Resolution, we request a full explanation of the rationale behind this funding decision and ask that you promptly reconsider. Additionally, we urge the Department of Commerce to provide Congress with an impact assessment detailing how this decision will affect manufacturers in the affected states and regions. This action has caused tremendous uncertainty for all MEP Centers and the thousands of American manufacturing companies and their workers. Therefore, to better understand your plans for renewals across other states in the future, we request a briefing on the way ahead for the overall MEP program prior to making any final non-renewal decisions by April 30, 2025.

Eliminating federal support for MEP Centers would hamper American small and medium-sized manufacturers. We urge you to take immediate action to protect the MEP program and the manufacturers that rely on it. We look forward to your response no later than April 30, 2025, and are ready to work with you to find solutions that maintain and enhance the MEP program’s ability to serve America’s manufacturing sector.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Presses Top Department of Defense Officials on Trump’s Dangerous Appeasement of Russian President Putin

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

Watch Rep. Sherrill’s questioning here

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), former Navy helicopter aircraft commander and Russian policy officer, and member of the House Armed Services Committee, pressed Department of Defense leadership this week on Trump’s dangerous appeasement of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

“Right now, Donald Trump is abandoning our ally Ukraine and threatening to remove American troops stationed in Europe while Russian President Vladimir Putin is rebuilding and strengthening his own military. Allowing Russia’s military to grow unchecked will put the lives of American service members in danger, jeopardize America’s global supply chains, and risk America’s partnerships with our democratic allies and partners worldwide,” said Rep. Sherrill.

Sherrill has been at the forefront of House efforts to support Ukraine since the beginning of Putin’s brutal invasion. She spoke directly with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and while representing the United States as part of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to the Munich Security Conference. New Jersey is home to one of the largest Ukrainian-American populations in the country and Congresswoman Sherrill continues to work closely with community leaders to support Ukraine.

Congresswoman Sherrill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy for almost 10 years as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. As a Russian policy officer, she worked on implementing our nuclear treaty obligations and oversaw the relationship between the US Navy and Russian Federation Navy. She now serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the new House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Planetary Defenders Documentary Premieres April 16

Source: NASA

NASA is bringing the world of planetary defense to the public with its new documentary, “Planetary Defenders.”

What would humanity do if an asteroid were headed for Earth? The documentary takes viewers inside the real-life efforts of scientists and engineers working to detect, track, and mitigate potential asteroid threats. Featuring firsthand accounts from experts on the front lines, the film reveals the science, technology, and personal dedication behind planetary defense. The film also showcases the teamwork that drives this critical global effort.

[embedded content]

Debuting on NASA+ Wednesday, April 16, NASA is inviting the public to participate in a special YouTube Premiere event at 4:30 p.m. EDT. During this interactive screening, viewers can watch the first public showing of the film together and ask questions to NASA planetary defense experts.
To engage audiences further, NASA is providing digital creators with a toolkit that includes resources, activities, and ways to join the mission of planetary defense.
Established in 2016, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office leads the agency’s mission to find, track, and understand asteroids and comets that could pose a risk to Earth.
Stay up to date on NASA’s planetary defense efforts: https://www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Seven Days Left to Submit Your Right of Entry (ROE) Form to LA County

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Seven Days Left to Submit Your Right of Entry (ROE) Form to LA County

Seven Days Left to Submit Your Right of Entry (ROE) Form to LA County

LOS ANGELES – Property owners have seven days left to submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form to LA County

In order to have debris removed by the U

S

Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), property owners affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires must submit a ROE form by April 15, 2025

Federally funded debris removal is available to residents of single family and owner-occupied multi-family units

All disaster impacted property owners should submit a ROE form by April 15, 2025, to opt-in or opt-out of the debris removal program

If a property owner opts out of the USACE debris removal program, they become responsible for all permits, inspections and other associated debris removal requirements and costs

There is no out-of-pocket cost to have debris removed by USACE, however the program is unable to duplicate other forms of funding specific to debris removal

If a property owner has insurance for debris removal, residual funds not used by the property owner may be remitted to the county to offset the cost of debris removal at a later date

Submit a ROE form to LA County:Complete a form online at: Los Angeles County Right of Entry Permit for Debris Removal on Private Property

Download and complete a form: Debris Removal Right of Entry Permit (00011201

DOCX;1) and submit it at a Disaster Recovery Center

Forms are also available at Disaster Recovery Centers

Visit the DRC Locator to find a location

Contact Los Angeles County for more information about debris removal: Visit the LA County Debris Removal Website: recovery

lacounty

gov/debris-removal/Call LA County’s Public Works Fire Debris Hotline: 844-347-3332Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

gov, on Instagram @Ready

gov or on the Ready Facebook page

California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process

Visit CA

gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance

erika

suzuki
Wed, 04/09/2025 – 11:53

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Honduras: The presidential candidates have a unique opportunity to commit to human rights

Source: Amnesty International –

Amnesty International encourages the presidential candidates to ensure that their political agendas in the lead-up to the general election on 30 November include a focus on human rights.

This year, the electoral process in Honduras coincides with the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Honduras, in which UN member states will analyse, in November, Honduras’ performance in the field of human rights.

The election campaign is, therefore, a unique opportunity for the candidates, recently confirmed by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal on April 8^th, to take a stance on the country’s main and historic human rights shortcomings, and incorporate them into their respective agendas.

“Progress on human rights in Honduras over the past four years has been very timid. In fact, the Honduran Government has broken many of its commitments to the country’s population in terms of human rights. Examples include failings in the fight against impunity, guaranteeing security, protection of human rights defenders and journalists, and sexual and reproductive rights. Honduras’ fourth UPR cycle can be a crucial moment to initiate a change in the direction of the country, if the presidential candidates take advantage of it as an opportunity”, said Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International.

Progress on human rights in Honduras over the past four years has been very timid. In fact, the Honduran Government has broken many of its commitments to the country’s population in terms of human rights. Examples include failings in the fight against impunity, guaranteeing security, protection of human rights defenders and journalists, and sexual and reproductive rights. Honduras’ fourth UPR cycle can be a crucial moment to initiate a change in the direction of the country, if the presidential candidates take advantage of it as an opportunity”

Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International

Amnesty International has submitted a report to the UN ahead of the UPR. The document evaluates the implementation to date of the recommendations made by other States to Honduras in its previous UPR, in 2021, and raises concerns about the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and other human rights issues related to the environment, women’s rights, discrimination and health. It also sets out proposals for recommendations. Below, we highlight some of them.

Use of force

In 2022, the Honduran Government declared a state of emergency, which has remained in force ever since, justifying it as necessary to combat insecurity and organized crime. This measure has, for example, enabled the National Police and the Military Police to carry out searches and detentions without judicial authorizations in 226 of the country’s 298 municipalities.

Amnesty International shares the concern of local organizations and the media that have documented multiple human rights violations in the context of implementation of the state of emergency, allegedly perpetrated by the National Police, the Anti-Gang Police (DIPAMPCO) and the Military Police, such as arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force, torture, enforced disappearances and violations of the right to a fair trial. By October 2024, the National Human Rights Commissioner had received more than 700 complaints against the police and security forces since the beginning of the state of emergency and has since called for an end to that measure.

We urge the presidential candidates to commit to ending the prolonged state of emergency, devising a comprehensive and sustainable security policy, and ensuring prompt, impartial, independent and effective investigations into all cases of unnecessary and excessive use of force, to be conducted by independent bodies different from those of the alleged perpetrators.

Human rights defenders and journalists

Honduras is the country with the highest number of land and environmental defenders killed per capita in the world, according to the latest Global Witness report. The vast majority of attacks, which mainly occur in the context of legal disputes related to mining projects, insecurity of land tenure and violations of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, go unpunished. There are also concerns about the high level of criminalization of human rights defenders, for example, based on the crime of usurpation, as a result of Decree 93-2021, which amended the criminal code.

This situation is exacerbated by the weakness and ineffectiveness of the national mechanism for the protection of human rights defenders and journalists, which international and national organizations have repeatedly warned about.

Therefore, we ask the candidates to make a serious commitment to effectively protect human rights defenders and journalists, who play an essential role in defending the rule of law. To that end, we urge them to ensure that sufficient resources are assigned to the effective protection of human rights defenders and journalists, and to guarantee thorough, prompt, impartial and independent investigations into all attacks against them. We also call on them to refrain from misusing the justice system to intimidate, harass and discredit human rights defenders, and to promote Honduras’ accession to the Escazú Regional Agreement, the first Latin American and Caribbean treaty to include provisions on the protection of environmental defenders.

Sexual and reproductive rights

Abortion is still prohibited in Honduras under all circumstances. In 2023, the government legalized the use and sale of the emergency contraceptive pill. However, access to the pill is hampered due to limited availability at public health facilities. Moreover, despite high levels of childhood and adolescent pregnancies, in 2023 the president vetoed the Pregnancy Prevention Act, aimed at providing comprehensive sex education.

We urge the candidates to commit to decriminalizing abortion in all circumstances and ensuring access to abortion in law and in practice for women, girls and all persons who can become pregnant.

“Amnesty International calls on the presidential candidates in Honduras’ upcoming general elections to demonstrate their express, clear and firm commitment to defending human rights. We also ask them to take all necessary measures to ensure that human rights violations are not committed during the electoral process”, added Ana Piquer.

Amnesty International calls on the presidential candidates in Honduras’ upcoming general elections to demonstrate their express, clear and firm commitment to defending human rights. We also ask them to take all necessary measures to ensure that human rights violations are not committed during the electoral process”

Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International

MIL OSI NGO –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Cassidy, Heinrich, and Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, bipartisan legislation to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Predatory IUU fishing, particularly by China, disrupts international trade and undermines maritime security, marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and food and economic security. It often involves forced labor, human trafficking, unsafe working conditions, and other human rights abuses. IUU fishing directly harms the United States—a major harvester, importer, and consumer of seafood—by creating unfair competition for fishermen who abide by international fishing laws.

“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is rife with human rights abuses and is bad for maritime security, the global economy, and Virginia’s seafood industry,” said Kaine, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee covering transnational criminal activity. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to deter IUU fishing by China and other bad actors, and bolster the U.S. and international response to these illegal activities.”

“Louisiana produces the best seafood in the world. Competitors abroad outprice us with illegal practices. It hurts our jobs, economy, and national security. Let’s protect our way of life,” said Dr. Cassidy.

“China’s illegal fishing practices not only devastate marine ecosystems, but they also threaten the security of the United States and our partners while undercutting the hardworking men and women who fish legally and sustainably,” said Curtis, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee covering transnational criminal activity. “This bipartisan bill is about restoring fairness and protecting the integrity of global fisheries.”

IUU fishing includes a range of activities that violate national and international fishing laws, including fishing without a license for certain species, failing to report catches or making false reports, using prohibited fishing gear, or conducting unauthorized transfers of fish to cargo vessels.

IUU fishing has become a particular challenge in the Western Hemisphere. IUU fishing in the region costs nearly $2.7 billion in lost revenue annually. It makes up more than 20 percent of all catches in Latin America. The increasing presence of illegal Chinese fishing vessels has significantly contributed to the rise in IUU fishing in the hemisphere and around the world.

Specifically, the bipartisan Protecting Global Fisheries Act would:
- Authorize the President to impose visa, asset, and financial sanctions on foreign persons or foreign vessels found responsible or complicit in IUU fishing and the sale, supply, purchase, or transfer of endangered species.
- Require the Departments of State and Defense to regularly provide briefings to Congress on efforts and strategies to combat IUU fishing.
- Assert that the United States will prioritize countering IUU fishing in collaboration with friendly countries and via international forums.
Full text of the bill is available here.
MIL OSI USA News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: In Dialogue with Niger, Experts of the Committee on Migrant Workers Commend the State on Legislation Protecting Migrants, Raise Issues Concerning Bilateral Agreements and the Migration Centre in Agadez

Source: United Nations – Geneva

The Committee on Migrant Workers today concluded its consideration of the second periodic report of Niger under the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, with Committee Experts welcoming the State’s legislation focused on the protection of migrants, while raising issues concerning bilateral agreements with other countries and the migration centre in Agadez.

Khaled Cheikhna Babacar, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur,

welcomed that the Niger had ratified the 10 key International Labour Organization Conventions, 2018 legislation that included principles of social protection for migrants, and bilateral agreements that had been reached with neighbouring countries on migrant workers.

Myriam Poussi, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said most of the bilateral agreements the Niger had reportedly formed with countries in the region were seemingly not applied. Could the delegation comment on this? Were the agreements with Türkiye and Morocco referred to in the report in effect? The State party had yet to set up a committee to follow-up on the implementation of the agreement with Algeria. What benefits were migrant workers provided with through the agreement with Tunisia?

A Committee Expert said the reform of the law on illegal smuggling of migrants addressed the outsourcing of processing of migrants by the European Union to the migration centre in Agadez, which had led to increased trafficking in the region. How was the State party addressing this situation? Did the withdrawal of the Niger from the Economic Community of West African States impact the organization’s agreement on freedom of movement?

Alio Daouda, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Niger, Keeper of the Seals and head of the delegation, said the legislation of the Niger guaranteed migrant workers access to social protection, including health and education. Migrant workers had access to the competent administrative and judicial bodies in the event of violations of their rights and had access to free legal assistance and redress mechanisms. The major obstacle to the realisation of human rights of migrant workers in the Niger remained terrorism, which had a profound negative impact on the realisation of human rights.

The delegation said the Niger had suspended bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia, Libya and Algeria, as these countries had violated these agreements, repatriating many migrants from the Niger. Every time the Niger formed a labour agreement, it set up a body to monitor the implementation of the agreement and protect workers’ rights. The State party had conducted activities to ensure that private recruitment agencies were aware of their responsibilities to protect migrant workers. Portions of migrant workers’ salaries could not be withheld by these agencies.

The delegation said the humanitarian centre at Agadez hosted asylum seekers and refugees. The State party was assessing asylum requests. Transit centres managed by the International Organization for Migration were also in place that hosted migrants and processed their repatriation. Algeria expatriated about 500 foreign migrants to Agadez every month, forcing them to walk about 15 kilometres through the desert to reach the transit centres. The Niger was calling on Algeria to change the way it expelled people, which violated the rights of these migrants.

In concluding remarks, Sabrina Gahar, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur, said the Niger’s report showed that the State was committed to protecting the rights of migrant workers and their families. However, there was still a lot to do to guarantee that the rights of migrant workers and members of their families were fully respected and protected.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Daouda expressed gratitude for the attention given to the report and the efforts of the Niger to guarantee the basic rights of migrants and their families. The State acknowledged the remaining challenges, but would tackle them with conviction and would step up efforts to meet the provisions under the Convention.

The delegation of Niger was made up of representatives of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; Department of Political, Administrative, Legal and Diplomatic Affairs; National Agency for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons; Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Employment; Ministry of the Interior, Public Security and Territorial Administration; and the Permanent Mission of Niger to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Committee on Migrant Workers’ fortieth session is being held from 7 to 17 April. All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Meeting summary releases can be found here. The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, 9 April, to consider the combined initial and second periodic report of Jamaica (CMW/C/JAM/1-2).

Report

The Committee has before it the second periodic report of the Niger (CMW/C/NER/2).

Presentation of the Report

ALIO DAOUDA, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Niger, Keeper of the Seals and head of the delegation, expressed sincere regret that the Convention currently had only 60 States parties, 34 of which were from the African continent. No country among the main destinations of migrants had ratified it. By acting together, in a spirit of universal solidarity, States could ensure a future for migrant workers based on the values of dignity, fairness and mutual respect.

The events of 26 July 2023 had led to the coming to power of the Defence and Security Forces of the Niger. This seizure of power, which immediately received popular support, was motivated by the rejection of security models and bad governance. Following this change of regime, the State experienced unprecedented, illegal sanctions, decided by the Economic Community of West African States and the West African Economic and Monetary Union, materialised by the closure of borders, the cessation of the supply of foodstuffs and medicines, and the blocking of access to savings in banks.

These sanctions were guided by Western powers using regional and international organizations as tools for geopolitical domination. They had deprived millions of innocent inhabitants, nationals and foreigners alike, of food, healthcare, medicine, education, freedom of movement, access to their savings, access to electricity, dignity and well-being, in the face of the deafening, complicit silence of international organizations. The world needed to denounce this situation and work for an international order based on dignity and mutual respect.

The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, upon its accession to power in July 2023, reaffirmed its commitment to respect human rights as defined by the treaties and conventions to which the country had freely subscribed. The Niger, well-known for its hospitality as a country of transit and origin of migratory flows, attached particular importance to the protection of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families.

In the context of the security situation, which had been marked by the recurrence of attacks by armed terrorist groups supported by foreign powers, the Niger had adopted ordinance no. 2023-02 of 28 July 2023 on the organization of public authorities during the transition period, and the 2025 Constitution, which guaranteed human rights as enshrined in international instruments. The revised Labour Code had been developed to better protect migrant workers’ rights, while the revised Penal Code, which was in the process of being adopted, prohibited all forms of discrimination and harassment, including discrimination based on national origin.

The legislation of the Niger guaranteed migrant workers access to social protection, including health and education. Migrant workers had access to the competent administrative and judicial bodies in the event of violations of their rights and had access to free legal assistance and redress mechanisms. In addition, institutions had been set up to combat trafficking in persons and to manage migratory flows, particularly in transit regions such as Agadez. The Niger was working closely with the International Organization for Migration to provide humanitarian assistance and build local capacity. It was working to develop initiatives to provide accurate information to migrants, facilitating their access to legal identity documents and promoting ethical recruitment practices.

Despite measures taken to combat migrant smuggling, criminal networks continued to exploit vulnerable migrants, especially women and children. This situation was worsened by neighbouring countries that pushed back hundreds of migrants from the Niger and other countries to the territory of the Niger, despite the signing of several bilateral and regional agreements. In 2022, 18,728 migrants were pushed back to the Niger. In addition, conflicts in neighbouring countries and humanitarian crises were increasing the migratory pressure on the Niger, further complicating the implementation of migration policies. In this context, revisions to the national employment and migration policies were being developed. All these challenges required national, regional and international efforts to ensure that the rights of migrant workers were protected in an effective and sustainable manner.

The major obstacle to the realisation of human rights of migrant workers in the Niger remained terrorism, which had a profound negative impact on the realisation of human rights. Attacks in the border regions had led to massive displacement of populations, creating a humanitarian crisis that affected all rights. These barbaric acts, which intended to sow fear and divide, would never succeed in shaking the State’s unity and resilience.

The Niger was committed to honouring its international obligations and to working actively with the Committee to ensure the effective implementation of the Convention.

Questions by Committee Experts

KHALED CHEIKHNA BABACAR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said that the Niger had a border of over 7,000 kilometres and was affected by violence from Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria. There were numerous migrants travelling through the Niger to Europe; many refugees were stranded in the desert and internally displaced persons were exploited by gangs and needed support.

Mr. Babacar welcomed that the Niger had ratified the 10 key International Labour Organization Conventions. Would it ratify conventions addressing migrant workers, domestic workers, workplace harassment and labour inspection? Were there complaint mechanisms in place that workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers, could access? The Expert welcomed that the Labour Code was being revised; this was a good opportunity to address its shortcomings. Would the State party develop specific legislation to protect domestic workers? Would the national action plan on migration be revised to include measures to promote the registration of the children of migrants?

Mr. Babacar welcomed 2018 legislation that included principles of social protection for migrants, and bilateral agreements that had been reached with neighbouring countries on migrant workers. What measures were included in these agreements that protected migrant workers’ rights, including the right to join trade unions? The Niger permitted the activities of private recruitment agencies, which had abusive recruitment practices such as charging workers 20 per cent of their salaries. What would the Niger do to combat these practices?

MYRIAM POUSSI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the State party’s report did not sufficiently describe the situation of migrant workers and provided incomplete information on activities being undertaken by the State. Could the delegation provide more information about progress in reforming the Labour Code? What provisions of the Convention would be addressed in the Code? How would the State party promote its implementation? What had been achieved by the national action plan on migration? What activities had been organised in the last five years to promote and protect the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families?

Could the delegation provide more information on the practice of wahaya? Were there plans to prosecute the perpetrators of this practice, which could be tantamount to a form of sexual slavery? Female migrant workers could be victims of this practice.

Most of the bilateral agreements the Niger had reportedly formed with countries in the region were seemingly not applied. Could the delegation comment on this? Were the agreements with Türkiye and Morocco referred to in the report in effect? The State party had yet to set up a committee to follow-up on the implementation of the agreement with Algeria. What benefits were migrant workers provided with through the agreement with Tunisia?

What services did the Office for Returned Migrants provide and how many people had it helped? What information was provided to the Niger diaspora and in what form? How did the State register and support returnees to reintegrate into society, and promote the repatriation of funds by migrant workers to the Niger? Had the State party established a joint committee on illegal smuggling and trafficking? What was the committee’s composition and mandate?

Another Committee Expert asked whether returning Niger migrant workers were able to receive pensions. Were civil servants informed about their obligations under the Convention? What civil society organizations in the State party were dealing with the rights of migrant workers? What dispute mechanisms were available for migrant workers? Did the State party have information on detained migrant workers? What legal support did the State party provide for migrant workers abroad?

One Committee Expert asked how civil society organizations had contributed to the State party’s report. Why had the State party not yet accepted articles 76 and 77 of the Convention, despite having expressed a desire to do so in 2022?

A Committee Expert said the reform of the law on illegal smuggling of migrants addressed the outsourcing of processing of migrants by the European Union to the migration centre in Agadez, which had led to increased trafficking in the region. How was the State party addressing this situation? Did the withdrawal of the Niger from the Economic Community of West African States impact the organization’s agreement on freedom of movement?

Another Committee Expert said migrants in the region were victims of deportation, incommunicado detention and other human rights violations, and many perished in the Sahara Desert. How did the State party address these issues and protect migrants from refoulement? Why was there a comparatively low rate of migration from the Niger to Europe and the Americas?

A Committee Expert asked whether the national mechanism for following up on treaty body recommendations cooperated with civil society organizations on issues related to migration. What support did the Labour Ministry provide to migrants? Why was the National Human Rights Commission dissolved in 2023? Did the Commission deal with cases or issue recommendations related to migrant workers? When would a new national human rights institution be set up, what would its mandate be, and what resources would it have? Many migrants being held in migration centres in the Niger were struggling to return to their countries of origin. How was the State party supporting them? Had courts referred to the provisions of the Convention, and had this had an impact on law or public policy on migration in the State party?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the Niger provided advice to migrants abroad so they were aware of their rights. However, it had limited resources and could not devote additional resources to supporting this policy.

The 2015 law on illegal smuggling included a provision criminalising the illegal crossing of borders that ran counter to the Palermo Protocol. The Niger had thus repealed the law to bring it in line with the Protocol. Migrants were made more vulnerable to traffickers under the law. The State remained a member of the Economic Community of West African States and its agreement on freedom of movement. Some countries and terrorist groups attacked territory of the Niger; the State party had implemented legal and policy measures to repel these attacks.

The Niger had an inter-ministerial committee for developing State party reports that included members of civil society in the process. The Niger continued to support civil society.

Foreign workers in the Niger could join trade unions but needed to live in the country for three years to hold management positions in trade unions. Domestic workers and workers in the informal sector could submit complaints to trade unions. The Labour Code included provisions enshrining the principle of non-discrimination and access to education and trade unions for migrant workers.

The Niger had suspended bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia, Libya and Algeria, as these countries had violated these agreements, repatriating many migrants from the Niger. Every time the Niger formed a labour agreement, it set up a body to monitor the implementation of the agreement and protect workers’ rights. The State party had conducted activities to ensure that private recruitment agencies were aware of their responsibilities to protect migrant workers. Portions of migrant workers’ salaries could not be withheld by these agencies.

The Niger had ratified 41 International Labour Organization Conventions and two protocols. It had implemented activities to protect domestic workers and disseminate the International Labour Organization Convention on domestic workers, with support from United Nations agencies. The Niger had not yet ratified International Labour Organization Convention 190 on violence in the workplace but was working to do so, and conducting training on preventing such violence.

The State party had ratified conventions on labour inspection and administration. There were 10 labour inspectorates established in major towns. Labour inspections were conducted regularly in the formal and informal sectors. The Government had bolstered the capacities of inspectors through training, which stressed the importance of protecting migrant workers. The revised Labour Code was still a draft. The State party had identified deficiencies in the Code that it sought to review to align the Code with the Convention.

The national migration policy included numerous measures to protect and support migrants and refugees and manage migration flows. There was a law on the status of migrant workers that allowed migrants to be registered in the civil registry. The births of the children of migrants were recorded. A 2023 review on the implementation of the policy found progress had been made in police officers’ and civil society’s knowledge of migrants’ rights, thanks to training on this subject from the State. This training was being revised to address the impact of climate change on migrants.

The humanitarian centre at Agadez hosted asylum seekers and refugees. The State party was assessing asylum requests. Transit centres managed by the International Organization for Migration were also in place that hosted migrants and processed their repatriation. Algeria expatriated about 500 foreign migrants to Agadez every month, forcing them to walk about 15 kilometres through the desert to reach the transit centres. The Niger was calling on Algeria to change the way it expelled people, which violated the rights of these migrants. There were some migrants who were forced to stay at transit centres for one year due to difficulties in identifying their countries of origin and repatriating them. The Niger could not afford to pay for repatriation flights for migrants.

An inter-ministerial committee and a technical committee on repatriation of Niger nationals abroad were set up in 2024. The former committee was tasked with managing returns and taking people to their towns of origin, while the latter conducted studies on repatriation and assisted reintegration activities. Officials went to host countries to organise repatriation operations, which were paid for by the Niger.

Questions by Committee Experts

KHALED CHEIKHNA BABACAR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked if the labour inspectors held a specific status, ensuring they had enough resources to perform their tasks impartially? The Niger had a national action plan to combat child labour, with support from the International Labour Organization. Had an assessment of the plan taken place? What actions had been taken in terms of planning after 2018? The Niger had rolled out awareness raising campaigns for the labour market, which concluded in 2022; what actions had been undertaken since then? Were there any possibilities for remedies or appeals against expulsions or deportations?

A Committee Expert commended the Niger for taking an inclusive approach to drafting the report; what was the consultation process followed during the preparation of the report? Had external partners been consulted? What was the role of civil society in the preparation of the report? Regarding multilateral agreements with several countries, what measures had been taken for children and women on the move from the Niger? Had the Niger been able to pinpoint barriers in integrating the migration policy? Could information be provided about the protection of the statistical data of migrants?

Could more details be provided about the specific causes of insecurity which had caused children to be displaced in the five regions? What measures had been taken to protect the rights of displaced children? Was there a response plan to support internally displaced persons, including children? What initiatives had been taken to ensure displaced children could have access to education? What psycho-social support was available to these children? Was there a mechanism to follow up on the number of children who were displaced?

MYRIAM POUSSI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the delegation had mentioned a tripartite memorandum between the Niger, the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which had provided assistance to hundreds of unaccompanied children. How many children had received this assistance? Could details of the beneficiaries of assistance be provided? Had the resettlement of these children in third countries taken place? Which countries did this occur in? How many children were affected by this settlement?

What had been the outcome of the strategy to strengthen systems along the migration route? What was the timeline to ensure that the new protection strategy was finalised? What was the hosting capacity of the six holistic centres, created to deal with gender-based violence? How did they operate? Did they fall under the management of a specific State body? What was the training provided to the individuals running these centres? What assistance was provided to those living in these centres?

Another Committee Expert said the Niger faced security threats, including terrorism which could impact the services provided to migrant workers. What measures had been taken in terms of training the military, border guards, the judiciary and other officials implementing the rights of migrant workers to respond to terrorism situations which involved migrants, in line with international best practices?

A Committee Expert said the Niger faced issues due to sanctions from European countries. Did these countries take steps to support migrant workers from the Niger to improve their rights? What types of consular services could the Niger provide for these workers?

Another Expert asked if the diaspora still had five of the 100 seats in the National Assembly reserved? This was a very high figure. Was the migration rate still 3.8 per cent? What instruments governed the Niger now that the Constitution was suspended? Could the State elaborate on the situation of the national human rights body? What was the true situation of statelessness in the country? Was there legislation and data collection?

A Committee Expert asked if refugee children were actually refugees, or if there were migrants amongst them? There were 237 unaccompanied children who were refugees and over 1,000 had been separated from their families in 2024. What support was provided to these children? Were they housed in the same camps as other migrants? What steps were taken to avoid situations of statelessness? What was the State party doing to assist migrants returning to the Niger? How was their reintegration being assisted and what support was being given?

The report from the High Commissioner found that there were migrants who were not from the Economic Community of West African States area, who had been subject to refoulment from Algeria, Syria, Egypt and Yemen. These migrants were often denied access to the Niger, which was discriminatory and ran counter to international law. The report stated these people were returned 500 kilometres northeast of the capital and could not submit a request for asylum. Could the delegation comment on this? What was the fate of these migrants? What was being done to provide them with the international protection they were entitled to?

Responses by the Delegation

Regarding people received from Syria and Yemen, the delegation said the State had its own problems when it came to managing domestic security and needed to allocate resources to its own people. The situation in the Niger was complicated. The report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights referred to one spontaneous refoulment relating to a specific population. There were a number of resettlement programmes dedicated to these individuals. The Niger had never claimed that the fight against terrorism was a grounds to human rights not being respected. Why did the Committee not question those who financed terrorism, like the French, who wanted to steal the Niger’s resources? These questions were disturbing. Soldiers of the Niger did not violate the laws; they were trained on human rights issues. There were specific units within the army who dealt with criminal proceedings.

There were no financial resources provided to civil society to prepare and submit reports in the Niger. Civil society was involved in the design of the reports; they participated on the same footing as all partners and made proposals. Mobilising resources to civil society was a challenge, but they were involved in discussions. In many countries of the subregion, the wahaya, or “fifth wives” practice existed, but the Niger had addressed this issue and sanctioned its practice.

The Niger had had security agencies run by foreigners who wanted to take part in the destabilisation of the regime. Weapons of war had been found in the warehouses, under the control of France, to attack the Niger. Therefore, there was no choice but to prohibit this profession to foreigners. The State would not hesitate to take additional measures to protect its national security.
Displaced children were sometimes displaced due to terrorism from Nigeria. The Niger faced a problem in this regard. There were a few countries whose populations had been refouled to the Niger. The Niger needed to focus on the resettlement of its own people in its own borders and could not always assist those returned to other countries.

The term wahaya did not actually refer to a “fifth wife”; there was no marriage involved. This referred to a woman who had been bought, given or exchanged. It was defined as a form of slavery. Civil society organizations were fully involved in all stages of the report, including data collection. The 2023 ordinance superseded the Constitution and equated to the new Constitution. This ordinance was for Government powers during the transition. The ordinance was repealed last month after the new Charter was adopted. The same rights in the Constitution were enshrined in this new State Charter, meaning there was no Constitutional vacuum.

The Special Rapporteur on the rights of migrants had spent eight days in the Niger, during which he found that the 2015 ordinance ran counter to the Convention. Banning migration meant migrants had to change their itineraries and take more dangerous roads, resulting in hundreds of deaths. There were modules held throughout schools for training, as well as throughout the police, gendarmerie and judiciary. The State went to remote areas to organise training workshops on the Convention and all other instruments entered into by the State.

The Niger was party to the two Conventions on Statelessness. Children who faced statelessness in the Niger who were in the country and met the necessary conditions could acquire citizenship. Children whose parents were unknown could also apply for citizenship. There were no stateless individuals in the country.

The diaspora document had been drafted by the private sector, civil society and the Government. This was a guide for returnees who wished to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. The Niger had five seats in the National Assembly dedicated to the diaspora before the Constitution. There were large communities of Niger nationals in Benin, Sudan and Burkina Faso, among others, which was the reason for this choice.

All the texts for the Human Rights Observatory were ready and it should be established soon. It would have the same competencies as the Human Rights Commission. In addition to the technical services in charge of migration, migrants also received training to ensure they could stay in the Niger.

Refugees could not be refouled to countries where their lives could be at risk, but migrants could go to courts with an expedited procedure. The Niger as a member country of the International Labour Organization was aware that the ratification of international labour standards would make it possible to guarantee the protection of migrant workers. The resources available to the labour inspectors were lacking and while they had a specific status, they encountered difficulties in carrying out their everyday work. To date, the Niger did not have a national action plan to combat child labour, but it was in the process of drafting this plan.

The bilateral agreements the Niger had signed with countries of destination each had their own specific features and focused on social security. The Niger had made significant progress with Qatar and was in the process of drawing up a memorandum of understanding.

Refugee children from the Niger were not held together with adults, but were placed in foster families, who were supported to care for these children. Children who had been placed in foster families benefitted from State support, free of charge health care, and access to school. Their parents could have access to the justice system without any restrictions. Despite meagre resources, the Niger had been able to welcome Africans from other nationalities and provide them with the necessary care.

Questions by Committee Experts

SABRINA GAHAR, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur, asked for more information about cooperation with non-governmental organizations? How did the Government collaborate and cooperate to meet the specific needs of vulnerable groups? The Committee commended the Niger on the strategy to combat gender-based violence. Had an assessment of the strategy been conducted? What were the success indicators? Did the strategy concern harmful practices against migrant girls?

What measures were taken by the State to combat sexual violence against women and girls in certain regions? It was reported that some women were trapped and forced into prostitution to survive. They were forced into certain sexual practices with security agents at border posts, with some falling pregnant and contracting sexually transmitted diseases at an early age. It was also reported that smugglers sold these women. How did the State protect these women against smugglers and those involved in human trafficking? What measures and strategies had been implemented to protect children from practices, such as begging?

KHALED CHEIKHNA BABACAR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked what sanctions were handed down if the provisions of the Labour Code were violated? What efforts had the State party made to guarantee better assistance to unaccompanied and separated children?

MYRIAM POUSSI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked what was being done to ensure that the right of migrant workers to transfer social security benefits could be made effective? What measures had Niger taken to fill the protection gaps for the rights of migrant workers who came from the Economic Commission of West African States? Was it planned to sign bilateral agreements to bridge the protection gap? Could more information be provided about the joint teamwork made up of French, Spanish and Niger police to combat smugglers networks; was this work still ongoing? How did the team work in combatting these networks?

An Expert asked what specific measures had been taken to assist migrants impacted by climate change? Were there migrants in the various mining areas? What kind of support was provided to them?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the Niger had established a human rights institution which had an A status, in line with the Paris Principles. The State tried to find foster families for unaccompanied children in local communities, and supported them. It could not be proven that women were forced into prostitution and to have sex with the defence forces. In 2023, measures were taken to sanction security forces and efforts were taken to prosecute any officer committing offences. In Niger, the Labour Code was clear; those working fell under the protection of the Labour Code regardless of nationality. Foreigners were protected by the Labour Code and if their rights were violated, there were remedies. There were labour inspectorates for anyone whose rights were violated, and the inspectors were swamped by complaints. All workers were aware of the inspectorate and did not hesitate to consult its members in the event of a violation of rights. There were also labour courts which workers could access, whether they were nationals or foreigners.

Closing Remarks

KHALED CHEIKHNA BABACAR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, thanked the delegation of Niger for the dialogue and for attempting to reply to the Committee’s questions. The candidacy of the delegation was appreciated.

MYRIAM POUSSI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the presence of the delegation made it clear that the Niger had the clear intention of advancing the rights of migrants. The State should continue to improve the situation for migrant workers in the country.

SABRINA GAHAR, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur, thanked the delegation for all the information provided and the interesting discussions had. The State’s report showed that Niger was committed to protecting the rights of migrant workers and their families. The initiatives showed best practices and strategies aimed at improving migrants’ situations. However, there was still a lot to do to guarantee that the rights of migrant workers and the members of their families were fully respected and protected.

ALIO DAOUDA, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Niger, Keeper of the Seals and head of the delegation, expressed gratitude for the attention given to the report and the efforts of the Niger to guarantee the basic rights of migrants and their families. The interactive dialogue was vital to building a society where human rights and equity were accessible to all, including migrant workers. The State acknowledged the remaining challenges, but would tackle them with conviction and would step up efforts to meet the provisions under the Convention. The Niger looked forward to the Committee’s concluding observations and recommendations. Mr. Daouda thanked all those who had made the dialogue possible.

___________

Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

CMW25.003E

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Increased military spending in the EU: balance between strategic autonomy and NATO cooperation – E-000756/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

The EU remains a project for peace. At a time when the EU is facing war in Ukraine, to prepare for current and future threats and challenges, the EU needs to assume greater responsibility for its own defence, enhance its defence readiness and safeguard its sovereignty.

To do so, the EU and its Member States agree that defence spending will be regularly increased in real terms to match the collective ambition in defence.

Today, the twenty-three Member States that are also North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Allies, all together are spending 2% of gross domestic product on defence.

On 4 March 2025, the President of the Commission announced the ReArm Europe plan[1], which can generate up to EUR 800 billion in additional defence expenditure. The EU can support Member States in fulfilling their national and international commitments (including NATO’s).

There is no competition: a stronger EU defence will make NATO stronger. Spending more, together and European on defence will allow a more effective, resilient and balanced approach to European security policy. It will enable those Member States in the Alliance, to act more effectively within NATO or autonomously, including within the EU.

The ReArm Europe plan aims primarily at giving Member States more fiscal space for defence spending, through the activation of the National Escape Clause under the Stability and Growth Pact, providing EUR 150 billion in loans to Member States for defence investments (through a new instrument Security Action for Europe — SAFE), and mobilising private capital.

By investing in the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, Member States can boost job creation, research, and technological innovation within Europe, thereby fostering competitiveness and economic growth.

Efficient use of resources by enhancing cooperation and channelling the resources into commonly identified capability gaps can also help free up funds for other strategic priorities.
- [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/sv/statement_25_673/STATEMENT_25_673_EN.pdf
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates Digital Flight Data Recorder Lab at Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, equipped with state-of-art equipments

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 8:32PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today inaugurated the cutting-edge Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder (DFDR & CVR) Laboratory at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) at Udaan Bhawan in New Delhi. Widely referred to as the “Black Box Lab,” this state-of-the-art facility has been established with an investment of ₹ nine crore.

The inauguration witnessed the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Indian Air Force, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Airports Authority of India, and Airports Economic Regulatory Authority. Chiefs of Flight Safety from all major scheduled airlines also attended this landmark event.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the significance of this new facility in bolstering aviation safety. He stated that this achievement brings India one step closer to a safer aviation ecosystem by enabling the identification of root causes of incidents more effectively and ensuring accountability, which remains the cornerstone of aviation safety. The Minister highlighted that only through effective and independent investigations can future accidents be prevented.

The Minister lauded the contributions of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in supporting AAIB to establish advanced DFDR and CVR laboratories and equipping them to analyze retrieved flight data from aircraft. He expressed pride in HAL’s indigenous capacity to manufacture and repair FDRs, noting that India now boasts one of the most advanced avionics systems globally. Acknowledging the rapid expansion of India’s aviation sector, he underscored the need for equally robust safety measures to keep pace with the vision of achieving 350–400 airports by 2047, as envisioned under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The state-of-the-art facility will enable AAIB to repair damaged black boxes, retrieve data, and conduct thorough analyses of accidents and incidents. With the ability to correlate data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder, Radar, and Flight Data Recorder, the lab will enhance the accuracy of investigative findings. The establishment of this lab, built to international standards and comparable to those of developed nations, fulfills India’s obligations as an ICAO member state.

Director General, AAIB, Shri G V G Yugandhar stated that the lab would extend its support to neighboring nations in aviation investigations, demonstrating India’s commitment to regional safety collaboration. Additionally, with the ambitious goal of manufacturing aircraft and helicopters for commercial use, the facility will play a crucial role not only in accident investigation but also in ensuring accident prevention through required design changes and operating procedure updates.

This facility represents a critical step in strengthening India’s position as a global aviation leader. The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains steadfast in its commitment to making air travel in India both safe and comfortable, aligning with the broader national vision of a robust and secure aviation ecosystem.

***

Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2120587) Visitor Counter : 60

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 98-year-old pilot sees Skyraider legacy live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II

Source: United States Air Force

Headline: 98-year-old pilot sees Skyraider legacy live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II

Joined by his family and members of AFSOC, retired Lt. Col. Bill Buice watched as the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II arrived at Hurlburt Field. That moment brought back a wave of memories during his time piloting the Skyraider in the Vietnam War 60 years ago.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 98-year-old pilot sees Skyraider legacy live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II

Source: United States Air Force

Joined by his family and members of AFSOC, retired Lt. Col. Bill Buice watched as the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II arrived at Hurlburt Field. That moment brought back a wave of memories during his time piloting the Skyraider in the Vietnam War 60 years ago.

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: How cyberattackers exploit domain controllers using ransomware
Source: Microsoft

Headline: How cyberattackers exploit domain controllers using ransomware

In recent years, human-operated cyberattacks have undergone a dramatic transformation. These attacks, once characterized by sporadic and opportunistic attacks, have evolved into highly sophisticated, targeted campaigns aimed at causing maximum damage to organizations, with the average cost of a ransomware attack reaching $9.36 million in 2024.¹ A key catalyst to this evolution is the rise of ransomware as a primary tool for financial extortion—an approach that hinges on crippling an organization’s operations by encrypting critical data and demanding a ransom for its release. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint disrupts ransomware attacks in an average of three minutes, only kicking in when more than 99.99% confident in the presence of a cyberattack.

Disrupt ransomware with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

The evolution of ransomware attacks

Modern ransomware campaigns are meticulously planned. Cyberattackers understand that their chances of securing a ransom increase significantly if they can inflict widespread damage across a victim’s environment. The rationale is simple: paying the ransom becomes the most viable option when the alternative—restoring the environment and recovering data—is technically unfeasible, time-consuming, and costly.

This level of damage happens in minutes and even seconds, where bad actors embed themselves within an organization’s environment, laying the groundwork for a coordinated cyberattack that can encrypt dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of devices within minutes. To execute such a campaign, threat actors must overcome several challenges such as evading protection, mapping the network, maintaining their code execution ability, and preserving persistency in the environment, building their way to securing two major prerequisites necessary to execute ransomware on multiple devices simultaneously:
- High-privilege accounts: Whether cyberattackers choose to drop files and encrypt the devices locally or perform remote operations over the network, they must obtain the ability to authenticate to a device. In an on-premises environment, cyberattackers usually target domain admin accounts or other high-privilege accounts, as those can authenticate to the most critical resources in the environment.
- Access to central network assets: To execute the ransomware attack as fast and as wide as possible, threat actors aim to achieve access to a central asset in the network that is exposed to many endpoints. Thus, they can leverage the possession of high-privilege accounts and connect to all devices visible in their line of sight.
The role of domain controllers in ransomware campaigns

Domain controllers are the backbone of any on-premises environment, managing identity and access through Active Directory (AD). They play a pivotal role in enabling cyberattackers to achieve their goals by fulfilling two critical requirements:

1. Compromising highly privileged accounts

Domain controllers house the AD database, which contains sensitive information about all user accounts, including highly privileged accounts like domain admins. By compromising a domain controller, threat actors can:
- Extract password hashes: Dumping the NTDS.dit file allows cyberattackers to obtain password hashes for every user account.
- Create and elevate privileged accounts: Cyberattackers can generate new accounts or manipulate existing ones, assigning them elevated permissions, ensuring continued control over the environment.
With these capabilities, cyberattackers can authenticate as highly privileged users, facilitating lateral movement across the network. This level of access enables them to deploy ransomware on a scale, maximizing the impact of their attack.

2. Exploiting centralized network access

Domain controllers handle crucial tasks like authenticating users and devices, managing user accounts and policies, and keeping the AD database consistent across the network. Because of these important roles, many devices need to interact with domain controllers regularly to ensure security, efficient resource management, and operational continuity. That’s why domain controllers need to be central in the network and accessible to many endpoints, making them a prime target for cyberattackers looking to cause maximum damage with ransomware attacks.

Given these factors, it’s no surprise that domain controllers are frequently at the center of ransomware operations. Cyberattackers consistently target them to gain privileged access, move laterally, and rapidly deploy ransomware across an environment. We’ve seen in more than 78% of human-operated cyberattacks, threat actors successfully breach a domain controller. Additionally, in more than 35% of cases, the primary spreader device—the system responsible for distributing ransomware at scale—is a domain controller, highlighting its crucial role in enabling widespread encryption and operational disruption.

Case study: Ransomware attack using a compromised domain controller

In one notable case, a small-medium manufacturer fell victim to a well-known, highly skilled threat actor, commonly identified as Storm-0300, attempting to execute a widespread ransomware attack:

Pre domain-compromise activity

After gaining initial access, presumably through leveraging the customer’s VPN infrastructure, and prior to obtaining domain admin privileges, the cyberattackers initiated a series of actions focused on mapping potential assets and escalating privileges. A wide, remote execution of secrets dump is detected on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint-onboarded devices and User 1 (domain user) is contained by attack disruption.

Post domain-compromise activity

Once securing domain admin (User 2) credentials, potentially through leveraging the victim’s non-onboarded estate, the attacker immediately attempts to connect to the victim’s domain controller (DC1) using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) from the cyberattacker’s controlled device. When gaining access to DC1, the cyberattacker leverages the device to perform the following set of actions:
- Reconnaissance—The cyberattacker leverages the domain controller’s wide network visibility and high privileges to map the network using different tools, focusing on servers and network shares.
- Defense evasion—Leveraging the domain controller’s native group policy functionality, the cyberattacker attempts to tamper with the victim’s antivirus by modifying security-related group policy settings.
- Persistence—The cyberattacker leverages the direct access to Active Directory, creating new domain users (User 3 and User 4) and adding them to the domain admin group, thus establishing a set of highly privileged users that would later on be used to execute the ransomware attack.
Encryption over the network

Once the cyberattacker takes control over a set of highly privileged users, this provides them access to any domain-joined resource, including comprehensive network access and visibility. It will also allow them to set up tools for the encryption phase of the cyberattack.

Assuming they’re able to validate a domain controller’s effectiveness, they begin by running the payload locally on the domain controller. Attack disruption detects the threat actor’s attempt to run the payload and contains User 2, User 3, and the cyberattacker-controlled device used to RDP to the domain controller.

After successfully containing Users 2 and 3, the cyberattacker proceeded to log in to the domain controller using User 4, who had not yet been utilized. After logging into the device, the cyberattacker attempted to encrypt numerous devices over the network from the domain controller, leveraging the access provided by User 4.

Attack disruption detects the initiation of encryption over the network and automatically granularly contains device DC1 and User 4, blocking the attempted remote encryption on all Microsoft Defender for Endpoint-onboarded and targeted devices.

Help secure endpoints with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Protecting your domain controllers

Given the central role of domain controllers in ransomware attacks, protecting them is critical to preventing large-scale damage. However, securing domain controllers is particularly challenging due to their fundamental role in network operations. Unlike other endpoints, domain controllers must remain highly accessible to authenticate users, enforce policies, and manage resources across the environment. This level of accessibility makes it difficult to apply traditional security measures without disrupting business continuity. Hence, security teams constantly face the complex challenge of striking the right balance between security and operational functionality.

To address this challenge, Defender for Endpoint introduced contain high value assets (HVA), an expansion of our contain device capability designed to automatically contain HVAs like domain controllers in a granular manner. This feature builds on Defender for Endpoint’s capability to classify device roles and criticality levels to deliver a custom, role-based containment policy, meaning that if a sensitive device, such a domain controller, is compromised, it is immediately contained in less than three minutes, preventing the cyberattacker from moving laterally and deploying ransomware, while at the same time maintaining the operational functionality of the device. The ability of the domain controller to distinguish between malicious and benign behavior helps keep essential authentication and directory services up and running. This approach provides rapid, automated cyberattack containment without sacrificing business continuity, allowing organizations to stay resilient against sophisticated human-operated cyberthreats.

Now your organization’s domain controllers can leverage automatic attack disruption as an extra line of defense against malicious actors trying to overtake high value assets and exert costly ransomware attacks.

Learn more

Explore these resources to stay updated on the latest automatic attack disruption capabilities:

To learn more about Microsoft Security solutions, visit our website. Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters. Also, follow us on LinkedIn (Microsoft Security) and X (@MSFTSecurity) for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity.

¹Average cost per data breach in the United States 2006-2024, Ani Petrosyan. October 10, 2024.
MIL OSI Economics –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: African Lion 25: Largest U.S.-led military exercise in Africa kicks off across four nations

Source: United States Army

1 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) fires live rounds during an air-to-ground rehearsal exercise in Ben Ghilouf, Tunisia May 09, 2024. African Lion 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s premiere joint exercise led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), running from April 19 to May 31 across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, with over 8,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Lukas Sparks) (Photo Credit: Spc. Lukas Sparks) VIEW ORIGINAL

2 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Paratroopers with 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, Utah National Guard, and 2e Brigade d’infanterie Parachutiste (2e BIP), Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, greet each other in the drop zone near Ben Guerir, Morocco, after a successful combined airborne operation during African Lion 2024 (AL24). AL24 marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s premier joint exercise led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), running from April 19 to May 31 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, with over 8,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents. (Image by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Free) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Free) VIEW ORIGINAL

3 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A remotely controlled Micro Tactical Ground Robot goes down a staircase in a tunnel operation during the culminating exercise at African Lion 2024 (AL24) near Tifnit, Morocco, May 27-28, 2024. The training featured subterranean warfare, psychological operations, building clearing, combined assaults, fast-rope insertion, rappelling, and hostage rescue during AL24, the U.S. Africa Command’s premier combined, joint exercise led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), running from April 19 to May 31 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, with over 8,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Seawolf) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jake SeaWolf) VIEW ORIGINAL

4 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Capt. Spencer Cline, a family medicine physician with the State Headquarters Medical Readiness Detachment (MRD), Utah National Guard, inspects the ear of a Moroccan patient during the humanitarian civic assistance mission as part of exercise African Lion 2024 (AL24) in Tata, Morocco, May 23, 2024. The Utah National Guard has been partners with Morocco through the Department of Defense State Partnership Program since 2003 and led the effort to partner with the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces for a humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) operation during African Lion 2024 (AL24). The HCA event enables U.S. military personnel to work with their Moroccan counterparts to provide medical services to civilian populations who may lack access to medical care, while improving the operational readiness of participating service members. AL24 marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s premier joint exercise led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), running from April 19 to May 31 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, with over 8,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Trevor Rapp) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Trevor Rapp) VIEW ORIGINAL

5 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Spc. Frances Burnett, a unit supply specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard, holds the battalion’s colors before a formation of all its Soldiers during exercise African Lion in Tantan, Morocco, May 30, 2024. African Lion 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s premier joint exercise led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), running from April 19 to May 31 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, with over 9,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents. (U.S. Army photo by Avery Schneider) (Photo Credit: Avery Schneider) VIEW ORIGINAL

6 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Soldiers and Marines pose for a group photo with Ghana Armed Forces soldiers after completing a civil military operations course during African Lion 2024 (AL24) in Tamale, Ghana, May 21, 2024. AL24 marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s premier and largest annual combined, joint exercise. This year’s exercise is scheduled from April 29 to May 31 and is hosted across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, with more than 8,100 participants from over 27 countries, including contingents from NATO. African Lion 24 aims to enhance readiness between the U.S. and partner nation forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cade Castillo) (Photo Credit: Spc. Cade Castillo) VIEW ORIGINAL

7 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Justin Feese, maintenance advisor, and Staff Sgt. Devin Sasser, network communications systems specialist, both assigned to Maneuver Combat Advisor Team 2310, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2nd SFAB), assemble a microwave satellite terminal to increase tactical communication to support exercise African Lion 2024 (AL24) in Dodji, Senegal, May 27, 2024. The 2nd SFAB provides critical advising in support of a joint team to build and test strategic readiness and ultimately deploy, fight and win in complex, multi-domain environments. Currently, Maneuver Combat Advisor Team 2310 is in Senegal as part of a 9-month employment rotation to advise the Armed Forces of Senegal [Forces armées du Sénégal] throughout the country and plays and integral role during AL24. AL24 marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s premier joint exercise led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), running from April 19 to May 31 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, with over 8,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas J. De La Pena) (Photo Credit: Nicholas J. De La Pena) VIEW ORIGINAL

8 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – An Armed Forces of Senegal [Forces armées du Sénégal] soldier fires a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon while Maryland National Guardsman Sgt. Mathew Angell, a team leader with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, serves as a range safety officer during a live-fire weapons familiarization led by U.S. Army Soldiers and members of the Royal Netherlands Army as part of exercise African Lion 2024 (AL24) in Dodji, Senegal, May 23, 2024. The weapons range provided an opportunity to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative readiness training in an austere environment. AL24 marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s premier joint exercise led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), running from April 19 to May 31 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, with over 8,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas J. De La Pena) (Photo Credit: Nicholas J. De La Pena) VIEW ORIGINAL

VICENZA, Italy – African Lion 25, U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, officially kicks off April 14, 2025, in Tunisia, with activities in Ghana, Senegal, and Morocco beginning in May. With more than 10,000 troops from over 40 nations—including seven NATO allies—this year’s iteration will be the largest in the exercise’s history.

Led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), AL25 enhances interoperability, strengthens readiness, and builds strategic partnerships through realistic, multi-domain training. Exercises span land, air, maritime, space, and cyber domains, supporting the shared goal of increased security and stability on the continent.

“African Lion 25 is AFRICOM’s largest multinational, combined joint exercise in Africa. It demonstrates the capabilities of the total force by building strategic readiness and interoperability with our African partners and allies to deploy, fight, and win in a complex multi-domain environment,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general, SETAF-AF.

Core events include field training exercises, airborne and amphibious operations, special operations forces, HIMARS rapid insertion (HIRAIN), humanitarian civic assistance, and medical readiness engagements. New capabilities being tested include integrated cyber defense training and next-generation systems such as the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW).

Participating countries include Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States. Observers include Algeria, Belgium, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, India, Qatar, Republic of Congo, and Turkey, reflecting broad interest in regional military cooperation.

African Lion began in 2004 and has evolved into the U.S. military’s most significant exercise on the continent. This year’s events reinforce the U.S. commitment to enduring partnerships and demonstrate our ability to respond to crises and deter threats by promoting peace through strength.

For media inquiries or to request interviews or embed opportunities, contact:

SETAF-AF Public Affairs: setaf_pao@army.mil

DVIDS Feature Page: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/AfricanLionEx

About African Lion

African Lion 25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward, and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, African Lion 25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach, and fosters innovative solutions.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Pillen and the Nebraska Business Development Center Recognize Business Award Winners

Source: US State of Nebraska

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“NBDC provides businesses with the resources and guidance they need to grow, at no cost,” said Gov. Pillen. “Today’s award winners show the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well across Nebraska. The businesses being recognized create jobs, solve problems and show that Nebraska is the place to bring innovative ideas to life, in part because of the level of support available in this state through organizations like NBDC.”

With nine offices across the state and headquartered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), NBDC offers no-cost consulting services that span from start-up to succession. NBDC is also the home of the SourceLink Nebraska program, which plays a key role in the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting businesses with the resources they need to succeed.

UNO Chancellor Dr. Joanne Li noted that her own parents were entrepreneurs, and she saw firsthand the hard work and dedication it took to grow an enterprise from the ground up.

“NBDC is very important to the state of Nebraska. It’s one goal is to promote growth and development for our businesses – and you are the lifeline, the bloodline, for economic development,” Li told the award recipients. “I thank the Governor for having today’s ceremony to celebrate your hard work, because you set the example for us to continue to be entrepreneurs for the state of Nebraska.”

K.C. Belitz, Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Director, emphasized the importance of growing talent right in Nebraska. “We have to home grow our own,” he said. “That’s going to be an important strategy for building the Nebraska economy. It’s great to be celebrating today’s business owners who are showing that Nebraska is the best place to be an entrepreneur.”

Dan Curran, NBDC’s executive director, announced the awards and highlighted the wide range of services NBDC offers.

“This year’s NBDC award recipients embody the innovation and determination that fuel Nebraska’s economy,” said Curran. “Entrepreneurship is about tackling challenges head-on, and the dedication of these individuals and businesses helps make Nebraska an exceptional place to live and work. We are honored to celebrate their achievements today.”

Nebraska Business Development Center – 2024 Business Award Winners

Champion of Small Business – Elevator (Omaha)

Entrepreneurs Shannon and Emiliano Lerda created Elevator, a co-warehousing and community space in downtown Omaha, to support more than 150 small business owners. Recognizing their commitment to fostering Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, NBDC has named Elevator the 2024 Champion of Small Business.

The Lerdas launched Elevator after struggling to find flexible warehouse space for their e-commerce business. With guidance from NBDC, they developed a business plan and financial strategy, transforming a four-story building into a thriving hub for startups. Their innovative approach has attracted funding for expansion into Des Moines and Kansas City, ensuring more entrepreneurs have the resources to succeed.

Government Contractor of the Year – Daycos (Norfolk)

Daycos, a transportation revenue solutions company, has been recognized as the 2024 Government Contractor of the Year for securing a Tier 1 subcontractor role in a Department of Defense (DoD) contract. CEO Brandon Day credits the company’s growth to its commitment to workforce retention, government contracting, and community involvement.

Daycos, which has worked with NBDC since 2009, processes more than 400,000 invoices annually and earned a B Corp Certification for its high standards in performance and transparency. The company’s success underscores the impact of Nebraska businesses in the federal contracting space.

Innovation Business of the Year – Set Your Sites (Lincoln)

Lincoln-based Set Your Sites has been honored as the 2024 Innovation Business of the Year for revolutionizing campground management. Stacy and Dustin Dam created Set Your Sites to provide real-time availability checks, mobile payments, and Wi-Fi services for campers, solving a long-standing issue in the industry.

Inspired by a frustrating campground reservation experience, the Dams developed a technology-driven solution. With guidance from NBDC, they transformed their idea into a business that improves efficiency for campgrounds and enhances experiences for campers nationwide.

SourceLink Nebraska Resource Partner of the Year – Entrepreneur’s Education Collaborative (Statewide)

The Entrepreneur’s Education Collaborative (EEC), led by Blake Martin, has been named the 2024 SourceLink Nebraska Resource Partner of the Year for an unwavering commitment to supporting and connecting Nebraska’s entrepreneurial community.

A founding member and leader of the Entrepreneur’s Education Collaborative (EEC), Martin has played a pivotal role in developing free learning opportunities to help entrepreneurs succeed. Martin says the organization sponsors six or seven educational events a year, with more if a topic warrants attention. His efforts have enhanced access to entrepreneurial education, streamlined resources, and expanded outreach beyond metropolitan areas to a statewide audience. Under his leadership, EEC has continued to grow since its founding in 2016.

About the Nebraska Business Development Center

The Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) provides confidential, no-cost business consulting services to any Nebraskan wanting to start, grow, or transition a business. NBDC is a University of Nebraska at Omaha center with nine locations, partnering with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Wayne State College, and Chadron State College to deliver its services statewide.

In 2024, NBDC served over 2,000 clients, leading to a $716.5 million impact to the Nebraska economy through job start or creation, business investments, government contracts, and SBIR awards.

KC Belitz, Chancellor Li, Shannon and Emiliano Lerda, Gov. Pillen

Champion of Small Business

KC Belitz, Chancellor Li, Brandon Day, Gov. Pillen

Government Contractor of the Year

KC Belitz, Chancellor Li, Stacy and Dustin Dam & family, Gov. Pillen

Innovation Business of the Year

KC Belitz, Chancellor Li, Winsley Durand, Gov. Pillen

SourceLink Nebraska Resource Partner of the Year

(Winsley is with MCL Construction, a sponsor of the Entrepreneur’s Education Collaborative)

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Two Million Meals Provided to Veterans, Service Members

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the “Meals with Meaning: Veteran Feeding Veteran” program, launched in response to food insecurity heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reached a major milestone, successfully distributing two million meals to New York’s Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families. The innovative program, led by HelloFresh, is a collaboration with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, New York City Department of Veterans’ Services and Pratt Industries.

“New York State is grounded in a history of service — one that extends beyond the debt of gratitude we profess to our men and women in uniform and into the actions we take to support them and their loved ones,” Governor Hochul said. “The Meals with Meaning program is living proof of our commitment to those who have served our country, delivering more than two million meals for those in need.”

This partnership of government, nonprofits and private industry has created a seamless program that benefits our Veterans and Military Families to ensure those who are food insecure will have healthy meals to share. Governor Hochul also announced that HelloFresh has generously committed to funding the program again throughout 2025, ensuring continued support for those who have served.

Earlier today, veteran volunteers packed 8,000 Meals with Meaning meal kits at The Campaign Against Hunger’s (TCAH) Brooklyn headquarters for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families who are facing food insecurity. Each kit contains proteins, fresh produce and ingredients supplied by HelloFresh to make eight nutritious meals at home. With the support of DVS, the kits are distributed directly to veterans and their families.

First established in 2020, the Meals with Meaning initiative addresses food insecurity affecting Veterans and Military Families at twice the rate of the public. The program provided a vital lifeline to vulnerable Veterans who struggled with food access during the pandemic. And the program is still continuing to provide that needed help to ensure our Veterans do not go hungry. The HelloFresh-led program serves Veterans and Military Families ranging from 20 to 90 years old. This public-private partnership remains a critical resource for New York’s Veteran community, ensuring access to nutritious meals while honoring their service and sacrifice.

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, “Two million meals provided means two million lives touched and transformed through this wonderful initiative. The incredible success of the Meals with Meaning program is a testament to the power of community and partnership, providing life-changing resources to those who have served selflessly, ensuring that they feel seen, supported, and valued. Together with HelloFresh and all program partners, we are making a tangible difference in combating food insecurity and honoring the dedication of our Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families. I commend and thank Governor Hochul, our good friends at HelloFresh, and all program partners and volunteers for their continued strong support of this program and for making a positive difference in the lives of countless New York Veterans.”

HelloFresh Senior Vice President of Procurement Jacob Krempel said, “We are honored to support veterans and military families—those who have selflessly served our country — but we know that there is still more to do in combating food insecurity and ensuring fresh food is accessible to everyone. A special thank you to our partners with New York State, NYC Division of Veterans’ Services, The Campaign Against Hunger, and Black Veterans in continuing to help make a meaningful impact in the community through our Meals with Meaning program.”

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “Governor Hochul has made addressing food insecurity a priority for her administration, and this innovative partnership has exceeded expectations by providing more than two million meals to veterans, service members, and their families. Thank you to all our public, private, and nonprofit partners for their collaboration. We look forward to the continued success of this program and working together to provide healthy meals to support those who have served our country.”

State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, “Reaching the incredible milestone of two million meals served is a testament to the unwavering dedication of all the partners who have prioritized the needs of our veterans. These men and women have put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms and have faced the always difficult transition back to civilian life. Programs like Meals with Meaning: Veteran Feeding Veteran show that here in New York, we will support our veterans the way they have always supported us. Making sure that no veteran goes hungry is a responsibility we all share, and I’m proud that our state is stepping up in such a meaningful way.”

State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “I commend Governor Kathy Hochul and HelloFresh for their steadfast commitment to this crucial initiative. This remarkable achievement highlights the power of collaboration between government, nonprofits, and the private sector. This collaboration has established a seamless program that directly addresses the food insecurity faced by many of our heroes. This partnership serves as a powerful reminder that when we support those who have served, we strengthen the very fabric of our community.”

Assemblymember Steve Stern said, “As the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I am honored to work with and for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our great nation. The ‘Meals with Meaning-Veteran Feeding Veteran’ program, an innovative public-private collaboration with state Department of Veterans Services, state and city agencies, and HelloFresh has marked a significant milestone, successfully distributing two million meals to New York State Veterans, service members and military families. No one who has worn the uniform should face food insecurity. We owe our veterans, service members and their families more than just thanks and platitudes. We owe them meaningful support. I commend Governor Hochul, HelloFresh, and all who have worked so hard to ensure the success of this important program.”

Assemblymember Nikki Lucas said, “Honoring our Veterans is one of the most humbling acts that we can return to those who have fought and protected our country. I applaud this public, private and community effort that recognizes that none of us should ever be hungry. May we continue to uplift their legacy and advocate for services that maintain the dignity they have brought to us all.”

Pratt Industries Executive Chairman Anthony Pratt said, “Pratt Industries is proud to support the HelloFresh Meals with Meaning program which helps so many veterans in our communities. It’s an honor to help those who’ve done so much for all of us.”

The Campaign Against Hunger Founder and CEO Dr. Melony Samuels said, “Reaching the two million meal milestone is a phenomenal achievement—and a shining example of what’s possible when compassion meets collaboration. At The Campaign Against Hunger, we are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic partnership with New York State, NYC Department of Veterans Services, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, HelloFresh, and our community of veteran partners. Together, we’re not just feeding families — we’re honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans by ensuring they have access to the fresh, healthy food they deserve. This is what meaningful impact looks like, and we’re just getting started!”

About the Department of Veterans’ Services
The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, proudly serves New York’s Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, connecting them with benefits, services, and support. All who served should contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or its website to meet in-person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to receive the benefits they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

About HelloFresh
HelloFresh is the world’s leading meal-kit company, providing customers with fresh, high-quality ingredients to cook delicious meals at home. By delivering pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes directly to customers’ doors, HelloFresh helps busy individuals and families enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping. HelloFresh has been voted the Most Trusted Meal Kit Delivery Service in America since 2021 by Newsweek. For more information, visit www.hellofresh.com or follow HelloFresh on Facebook, X, Instagram or TikTok.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Earth’s oceans once turned green – and they could change again

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cédric M. John, Professor and Head of Data Science for the Environment and Sustainability, Queen Mary University of London

Were Earth’s oceans once green? 100Y Design/Shutterstock

Nearly three fourths of Earth is covered by oceans, making the planet look like a pale blue dot from space. But Japanese researchers have made a compelling case that Earth’s oceans were once green, in a study published in Nature.

The reason Earth’s oceans may have looked different in the ancient past is to do with their chemistry and the evolution of photosynthesis. As a geology undergraduate student, I was taught about the importance of a type of rock deposit known as the banded iron formation in recording the planet’s history.

Banded iron formations were deposited in the Archean and Paleoproterozoic eons, roughly between 3.8 and 1.8 billion years ago. Life back then was confined to one cell organisms in the oceans. The continents were a barren landscape of grey, brown and black rocks and sediments.

Rain falling on continental rocks dissolved iron which was then carried to the oceans by rivers. Other sources of iron were volcanoes on the ocean floor. This iron will become important later.

Cross section of banded iron formation in Karijini National park, in the Hamersley Range, Western Australia.
Hans Wismeijer/Shutterstock

The Archaean eon was a time when Earth’s atmosphere and ocean were devoid of gaseous oxygen, but also when the first organisms to generate energy from sunlight evolved. These organisms used anaerobic photosynthesis, meaning they can do photosynthesis in the absence of oxygen.

It triggered important changes as a byproduct of anaerobic photosynthesis is oxygen gas. Oxygen gas bound to iron in seawater. Oxygen only existed as a gas in the atmosphere once the seawater iron could neutralise no more oxygen.

Eventually, early photosynthesis led to the “great oxidation event”, a major ecological turning point that made complex life on Earth possible. It marked the transition from a largely oxygen free Earth to one with large amounts of oxygen in the ocean and atmosphere.

The “bands” of different colours in banded iron formations record this shift with an alternation between deposits of iron deposited in the absence of oxygen and red oxidised iron.

The case for green oceans

The recent paper’s case for green oceans in the Archaean eon starts with an observation: waters around the Japanese volcanic island of Iwo Jima have a greenish hue linked to a form of oxidised iron – Fe(III). Blue-green algae thrive in the green waters surrounding the island.

Despite their name, blue-green algae are primitive bacteria and not true algae. In the Archaean eon, the ancestors of modern blue-green algae evolved alongside other bacteria that use ferrous iron instead of water as the source of electrons for photosynthesis. This points to high levels of iron in the ocean.

The ocean around Iwo Jima has a greenish hue.
Phan Lee McCaskill/US Navy

Photosynthetic organisms use pigments (mostly chlorophyll) in their cells to transform CO₂ into sugars using the energy of the sun. Chlorophyll gives plants their green colour. Blue-green algae are peculiar because they carry the common chlorophyll pigment, but also a second pigment called phycoerythrobilin (PEB).

In their paper, the researchers found that genetically engineered modern blue-green algae with PEB grow better in green waters. Although chlorophyll is great for photosynthesis in the spectra of light visible to us, PEB seems to be superior in green-light conditions.

Before the rise of photosynthesis and oxygen, Earth’s oceans contained dissolved reduced iron (iron deposited in the absence of oxygen). Oxygen released by the rise of photosynthesis in the Archean eon then led to oxidised iron in seawater. The paper’s computer simulations also found oxygen released by early photosynthesis led to a high enough concentration of oxidised iron particles to turn the surface water green.

Once all iron in the ocean was oxidised, free oxygen (0₂) existed in Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. So a major implication of the study is that pale-green dot worlds viewed from space are good candidates planets to harbour early photosynthetic life.

The changes in ocean chemistry were gradual. The Archaean period lasted 1.5 billion years. This is more than half of Earth’s history. By comparison, the entire history of the rise and evolution of complex life represents about an eighth of Earth’s history.

Almost certainly, the colour of the oceans changed gradually during this period and potentially oscillated. This could explain why blue-green algae evolved both forms of photosynthetic pigments. Chlorophyll is best for white light which is the type of sunlight we have today. Taking advantage of green and white light would have been an evolutionary advantage.

Could oceans change colour again?

The lesson from the recent Japanese paper is that the colour of our oceans are linked to water chemistry and the influence of life. We can imagine different ocean colours without borrowing too much from science fiction.

Purple oceans would be possible on Earth if the levels of sulphur were high. This could be linked to intense volcanic activity and low oxygen content in the atmosphere, which would lead to the dominance of purple sulphur bacteria.

Red oceans are also theoretically possible under intense tropical climates when red oxidised iron forms from the decay of rocks on the land and is carried to the oceans by rivers or winds. Or if a type of algae linked to “red tides” came to dominate the surface oceans.

These red algae are common in areas with intense concentration of fertiliser such as nitrogen. In the modern oceans, this tends to happen in coastline close to sewers.

As our sun ages, it will first become brighter leading to increased surface evaporation and intense UV light. This may favour purple sulphur bacteria living in deep waters without oxygen.

It will lead to more purple, brown, or green hues in coastal or stratified areas, with less deep blue colour in water as phytoplankton decline. Eventually, oceans will evaporate completely as the sun expands to encompass the orbit of Earth.

At geological timescales nothing is permanent and changes in the colour of our oceans are therefore inevitable.

Cedric John receives funding from the UKRI.

– ref. Earth’s oceans once turned green – and they could change again – https://theconversation.com/earths-oceans-once-turned-green-and-they-could-change-again-253460

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: LIVE: SecDef Pete Hegseth & Panamanian MINSEG hold a joint press conference in Panama City, Panama.

Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Panamanian MINSEG Frank Alexis Abrego Mendoza hold a joint press conference in Panama City, Panama, April 9, 2025.
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Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.

For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbN5h4BdUbc

MIL OSI Video –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with DOD Nominees About Improving National Security, Saving Taxpayer Dollars

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing to consider the nominations of Bradley D. Hansell to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; Earl G. Matthews to be General Counsel of the Department of Defense; Dale R. Marks to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment; and Former U.S. Representative Brandon M. Williams to be Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville spoke with the nominees about a variety of issues including military construction, military intelligence, and nuclear security.
Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION (MILCON):
TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Chairman. Thank you, gentlemen, for being here and your willingness to serve.
Mr. Marks, I want to talk a little bit about an issue that affects many of our installations across the country, including my home state, Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. The issue is military construction, better known as MILCON. We need to move fast, and traditional military construction processes are way, way too slow. Back at Redstone Arsenal, there are two warehouses as we speak that are going up. One, [U.S.] Military Corps of Engineers is building, and the other is by the FBI. These warehouses are roughly the same size, but the FBI facility has a lot more bells and whistles. Yet, the military warehouse is going to take double the amount of time to build and 150% over the cost of what it’s costing [to build] the FBI building.
How on earth does this make sense? It is a disaster, and I’m sure we’re having those problems across the country. Can I get your commitment to go and look at this situation? Lieutenant General Chris Mohan, the AMC Commander down there, is really looking into this, and I think he could help us with some of this in the future. We need to cut back on the time and the cost of a lot of these buildings, Mr. Marks.”
MARKS: “Senator, thank you for that question and I couldn’t agree more. We absolutely need to look at additional best practices on ways to speed up our MILCON to include how it aligns with our programs. And, so, if confirmed I absolutely would want to dig deeper with you on this to ensure that I see how we can potentially go faster.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. And another quick question for you, Mr. Marks. You recently discussed drone incursions with my staff. Can you tell the committee about that conversation and your experience?”
MARKS: “Senator, thank you. What we have seen across the country and especially there at Eglin [Air Force Base] is an increase in drone activity and, in fact, activities surrounding our installations, whether that is foreign national turnarounds or other investments, things that we need to make. And so, Senator, in the local area at the installation I currently serve at, we’ve increased our investment to increase detection capability so that we can then use the authorities that we have been provided at the installation level to defend those installations. And Senator, if confirmed, I would want to see it expanded so that we can work with the combatant commanders to ensure we are defending our local installations here in the homeland.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, very much needed.”
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE:
TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Hansell, as you know, one of the organizations you will oversee as OUSD(I&S). If you are confirmed, is the Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC), which is a component of DIA […] it’s located in Huntsville, Alabama. MSIC provides world class analysis and performance of foreign weapons systems. Mr. Hansell, can you talk a little bit about how important it is for our warfighters to assess the kind of foreign material data that the DIA and MSIC provide?”
HANSELL: “Yes, Senator. I’d first highlight the importance of MSIC relative to the growing importance of the space domain. It becomes ever more critical to our national security, as well as, I think, critical intel from MSIC should be used to inform the Golden Dome architecture design at every stage of the milestones.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”
NUCLEAR SECURITY:
TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Williams, [National Nuclear Security Administration]NNSA has been plagued by cost overrun, schedule delays, project cancellations related to construction of nuclear facilities, including uranium processing facility—The Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility—and others. If confirmed, what specific steps would you take to ensure that these project management failures are not repeated in the future?”
WILLIAMS: “Thank you, Senator. And that is right at the heart to the plutonium pit production that you mentioned in Savannah River as well in Los Alamos, you know, is the critical path to restoring our ability to make new nuclear weapons and to ensure the long-life extension of our existing stockpile. There’s a number of details, a number of classified details, that I’ve not been briefed on in that, but I commit to you, should I be confirmed, that it is absolutely a commitment to get that back and to deliver, you know, for the weapons programs.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”
JAG CORPS REFORM:
TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Matthews, if confirmed, what role would you have in advising the president and the secretary on reforming the JAG Corps?”
MATTHEWS: “Thank you, Senator, for the question. If confirmed, I would be a legal adviser to the Secretary of Defense and not to the President unless he asked me. But if the President were to ask me, I would consider the question he asked, and in light of the facts and information available to me, I would make a recommendation. The JAG Corps, the Army, the General Corps, the Joint Force JAGs, play an important role in ensuring the delivery of military justice, ensuring compliance with the law of armed conflict, a whole myriad of activities. And, so, it’s important that we get it right.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Vasquez Calls on VA Secretary to Protect Access to Abortion for American Heroes

Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to halt all efforts to roll back access to reproductive health services, including abortion care for veterans.

“America’s veterans deserve our utmost respect, and it is unconscionable that they are facing barriers to reproductive healthcare,” Vasquez said. “Abortion is healthcare, period. I will not stand by as medical treatment is being stripped away from veterans who served our nation to protect these rights.”

The letter to Secretary Collins opposes the VA’s attempt to rescind the March 2024 rule entitled “Reproductive Health Services,” which was initially put in place to ensure the VA fully upholds its obligation to promote veterans’ health and provide the comprehensive care they’ve earned.

This letter by Vasquez follows a long record of opposing restrictions to reproductive care for military members. As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, he led the charge in getting restrictions on abortion removed from the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

You can find the text of the letter to Secretary Collins here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Fear and uncertainty are daily staples for Gaza’s most vulnerable

Source: United Nations 2

9 April 2025 Peace and Security

In Gaza, ongoing Israeli military operations and the aid blockade have continued to add to daily fears and hardships being faced by those about to give birth in the devastated enclave.

That’s the message from the UN World Health Organization, WHO, which said on Wednesday that mothers are going into labour amid dire conditions, putting their health and their babies’ lives at risk.

It is now five weeks since Israeli authorities stopped all commercial and humanitarian relief supplies from reaching Gaza.

Medicines and other medical provisions “are rapidly running out”, with blood units and other supplies for maternal and child health at critically low levels, UN aid teams report.

Unexploded weapons are also a major threat across Gaza and have added to the hardships caused by the total ban on relief entering the Strip, said Luke Irving, Chief of the Mine Action Programme in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).

“People are scared” and focusing on day-to-day survival, “how they stay fed, how they stay watered – this is the reality in Gaza at the moment,” he told UN News.

Guterres appeal

At UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, UN chief António Guterres issued a strong appeal for guaranteed aid access to the enclave.

He also repeated his call for a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for the release of all hostages still held inside Gaza.

The Secretary-General highlighted how the truce between the warring parties had resulted in the release of hostages and the distribution of lifesaving aid.

Today however, “as aid has dried up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened,” Mr. Guterres insisted.

Soundcloud

Malnutrition fears are real

Latest updates from UN agencies and partners issued confirmed that no aid has entered Gaza since 2 March. “Malnutrition, disease and other preventable conditions are expected to surge, increasing the risk of preventable child deaths,” UNICEF warned.

Mass displacement has also returned to the enclave, with a full two-thirds of the Gaza Strip now designated as “no-go” zones by the Israeli military or placed under displacement orders. At least 390,000 people have been forced to move in the past three weeks.

Escalating Israeli bombardment of Gaza between 3 and 8 April has killed 287 Palestinians and injured 912, according to Gazan health authorities.

Between 7 October 2023 and 8 April 2025, the same authorities say that at least 50,810 Palestinians have been killed and 115,688 Palestinians injured.

The UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) meanwhile reported that rockets were fired from Gaza on 3 and 6 April towards Israel including one which struck the city of Ashkelon, injuring at least 12 Israelis.

Aid workers under attack

The number of aid workers killed since October 2023 has now risen to 412. In recent weeks, Israeli forces targeted and killed 14 staff on duty in Rafah from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Palestinian Civil Defence and one from the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, prompting widespread condemnation from UN senior officials.

“It is a very, very, very challenging time and evidence would show me that we’re not protected at the moment,” said Luke Irving, Chief of the Mine Action Programme in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).

Speaking to UN News, he appealed for stronger protection measures for colleagues trying to work in an active combat zone “because the people need it, civilians need it.”

Relief supplies run down

Aid partners continue to warn that the nutrition situation is growing more dire by the day as stocks run low. Malnutrition screenings continue across Gaza but “supply shortages and movement restrictions – coupled with active hostilities and other challenges – are hampering their operations”.

In March, for instance, only 50,000 children were screened for malnutrition, a decrease of more than a third, compared to February.

Relief teams are also struggling to access remaining stocks of ready-to-use complementary food in North Gaza governorate, amid ongoing hostilities and displacement orders. “In March, the distribution of these supplies was half of February’s levels,” OCHA said.

Fresh evacuation orders have pushed more families to Al Mawasi and areas west of Gaza City.

“Shelters for displaced people are overstretched: hygiene and sanitation conditions are collapsing, with water lacking and reports of flea and insect infestations,” OCHA reported.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Albania

Source: NATO

On Wednesday 9th April, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, visited Albania and met with the highest political and military leadership. Admiral Cavo Dragone’s visit followed the 16th anniversary of the country joining the Alliance. He also delivered a lecture to the Defence Security College in Tirana.

CMC met with the Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, where the discussions focused on Albania’s valuable contribution to Alliance’s shared security. CMC took the opportunity to praise Albania for “its steadfast contribution to NATO’s multinational forces in Latvia and Bulgaria, to NATO’s KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and to NATO’s mission in Iraq.” CMC highlighted that Albania has continuously expanded its role within the Alliance, increased its contributions, and trained officers and NCOs capable of operating in multinational environments.

Afterwards, Admiral Cavo Dragone met with Minister of Defence Pirro Vengu. CMC welcomed Albania’s efforts to invest more in defence and its continued support for Ukraine, including pledges of humanitarian and military aid.

During his visit, the CMC met with President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama. The conversations revolved around Albania’s commitment to invest more in defence, its engagement to promoting stability and cooperation across the Western Balkans; a region of strategic importance to NATO. Preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague were also discussed.

Speaking at the Defence Security College in Tirana, Admiral Cavo Dragone also thanked Albania for its politico-military role in NATO: “The Alliance needs leaders capable of taking difficult, but bold decisions in challenging times” and “Albania is no stranger to this kind of leadership.”

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Homecoming: Emory S. Land returns to Guam

Source: United States Navy

NAVAL BASE GUAM – The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) returned to its homeport in Apra Harbor, Guam, April 9th, 2025. Emory S. Land’s arrival marked the completion of its expeditionary submarine tender deployment, which began May 17th, 2024.

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Now is the time to generate growth together with India
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Press release

Now is the time to generate growth together with India

£400m of trade and investment wins from UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue set to boost the British economy.
£400m of trade and investment wins set to boost the British economy and deliver economic growth and security for working people.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces joint statement unlocking cooperation across a range of business sectors.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Minister Sitharaman bring together key business leaders from both the UK and India to drive economic growth.

£400m of trade and investment wins are set to boost the British economy and deliver economic growth and security for working people as the government vows to back British business through uncertain global times.

Today (Wednesday 09 April), the Chancellor took part in the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), marking a significant moment in unlocking opportunities as the two countries look to strengthen economic ties and secure a Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

In a changing world, it is imperative we go further and faster to kickstart economic growth. We have listened to British businesses, which is why we’re negotiating trade deals with countries across the world, including India, so we can support them and put more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

Our relationship with India is longstanding and broad and I am delighted with the progress made throughout this dialogue to develop it further.

Today’s EFD was Chancellor Reeves’ first with India. It saw the signing of a joint statement unlocking cooperation across a range of business sectors, including defence, financial services, education and development, and strengthened governmental collaboration across growth, economic resilience and international financial issues.

The government is working to make Britain the best country in the world to do business, already bringing in more stability, offering an open trading economy and creating the right conditions for investment.

At the London Stock Exchange today, the Chancellor and her Indian counterpart set out plans to generate growth, improve our Financial Services ties and deepen policy cooperation on the UK Industrial Strategy, tax, sustainable finance and illicit finance.

The total commercial package from this dialogue is made up of new announcements worth £128m in export deals and investments, as well as recent deals worth £271m. This includes:

Paytm, India’s largest digital payment app, announced plans to invest in the UK to accelerate access to affordable digital payments and credit for small businesses.

Barclays Bank PLC India announced on 18 March a further capital injection of over £210M into its Indian operations, affirming its long-term commitment to India. This capital investment will grow its businesses across the Investment and Private Banking in India.

HSBC Bank will expand its presence from the current 14 cities to 34 cities in India. This significant expansion will enable the bank to cover approximately 95% of India’s wealth market, reinforcing their commitment to India. 

Standard Chartered Bank today announced that it has shifted to larger office premises at GIFT City, reinforcing its long-term commitment to India’s premier international financial services hub.

Mphasis, an Indian tech business, are setting up a quantum centre of excellence in London and exploring an office in Nottingham which will support 100 jobs.

British International Investment Plc (BII) is committing $10m to the agritech start up, Grow Indigo, to pilot an innovative carbon credit programme to promote regenerative agricultural practices in India. 

WNS, a global digital-led business transformation services company founded in India with a $2.7bn market cap, will expand their London HQ presence with a new office and open a state-of-the-art AI design hub to expand the UK’s AI and digital talent pool to drive growth and create jobs.

Revolut announced that they are gearing up for launch in India later this year, following authorisation this week from Reserve Bank of India.

UK firm Wise announces plans to open a new office in Hyderabad, India as part of broader mission to transform the trillion-pound international money movement market.

Prudential’s announcement of launching their first fully owned global services hub in Bengaluru and third joint venture in India establishing a standalone health insurance business.

British International Investment invest $15m investment in vehicle dedicated to investing in India based on inclusion-focused early-stage companies.

The UK welcomes India paving the way to allow Indian companies to list internationally and exploring listing at the London Stock Exchange. The India-UK Financial Partnership published its report ‘Catalysing Bilateral Growth: Connecting India and the UK’s Equity Capital Markets report’. The report aims to lay the foundation for advancing capital account connectivity and strengthening confidence in both markets and will be presented following the EFD.

Coventry University announced today that it is set to become the first English university to be granted a licence to open a campus in India, as UK universities are being granted licences to open a campus in India’s new GIFT city. And the London School of Economics announced that Tata Trusts is continuing its enduring partnership with LSE by awarding a Corpus Grant to support scholarships for Indian students at the School.

Agreement for both sides to continue excellent collaboration as co-chairs of the G20’s Framework Working Group and to work closely together to promote discussion and build consensus around responses to risks to the global macroeconomic outlook.

New ambitions set for joint investments in green enterprises, tech start-ups and climate adaptation building on the success of the UK-India Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF).

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds and Minister Sitharaman also today hosted a business roundtable, bringing together key leaders from the financial and professional business services sectors including Tide, HSBC, Aviva, Vodafone, WNS, and Mizuho International. Attendees recognised the strength of the economic relationship between the UK and India, as well as the opportunity for closer collaboration – including through an ambitious trade deal.

Areas for collaboration on defence were also identified, as both sides looked forward to the finalisation of the India-UK Defence Industrial Roadmap, set to strengthen ties between industrial sectors and integrate supply chains.

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said:

I was delighted to meet with Minister Sitharaman, hear from businesses, and discuss how we can strengthen the strong economic bonds between our two nations.

Both the UK and India are committed to delivering economic growth and giving businesses the confidence and stability they need to expand.

That is why we are continuing to negotiate towards an ambitious trade deal that unlocks opportunities both at home and abroad for British businesses and supports our Plan for Change.

The UK and India have strong economic, cultural, and education links, with India being a key trading partner for the UK with over £40bn worth of UK-India trade last year alone. The UK’s long-standing programme of EFDs with India is the critical forum to deliver continuous economic gains over time.

The EFD follows a recent visit to Delhi by Jonathan Reynolds, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which relaunched UK-India trade negotiations.

Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS said:

The UK and India stand as natural partners, and this re-energized trade and investment relationship marks a pivotal stride in our already strong alliance. The potential before us is immense. By formalizing our collaboration in pioneering fields like AI, we will not only fuel innovation and generate high-skilled jobs in both our nations, but also solidify our joint leadership in this transformative era. This is indeed a thrilling chapter for the UK-India partnership.

Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered said:

In the face of global developments, it is imperative that we think creatively and act in partnership. The UK and India’s focus on strengthening financial ties and deepening cooperation between our governments, regulators, industry leaders and experts, plays an important role in driving economic progress, setting global benchmarks for stability and innovation and paving the way for greater trade and investment in both countries.

The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King,

We had a highly constructive discussion with Hon. Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and The Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds, joined by leaders from across the financial services sector. There is a strong, shared commitment to deepen our economic partnership and drive greater prosperity—particularly in key areas such as green finance, infrastructure investment, and fintech.

Global trade is entering a new era, where strategic alliances and trade agreements are more crucial than ever. As we look ahead to the UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue and continue FTA negotiations, our focus remains on sustaining momentum and delivering tangible outcomes in the months to come.”

David Schwimmer, CEO, LSEG said:

LSEG is honoured to host the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue at the London Stock Exchange as part of our continued support for initiatives that promote collaboration and connectivity between UK and Indian financial markets. Through deepened partnership, the governments and regulators from both countries can help to build an environment which delivers real benefits to their financial markets and economies.

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Published 9 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Iran and US to enter high-stakes nuclear negotiations – hampered by a lack of trust

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ali Bilgic, Professor of International Relations and Middle East Politics, Loughborough University

The announcement of planned talks between the US and Iran in Oman signifies a crucial development – especially given the history of distrust and animosity that has characterised their interactions.

There remains a degree of confusion as to whether the negotiations over Iran’s development of a nuclear capacity will be direct or indirect. The US has said that its Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will meet Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi. Donald Trump has publicly stated that Iran will be in “great danger” if the negotiations fail.

Iran meanwhile has said that talks will be conducted through an intermediary. Araghchi commented that: “It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America’s court.”

This seeming clash in messaging before the talks have even begun is not the greatest omen for their success, even with the threat of US or Israeli military action hovering over Iran. Representatives from Iran, China and Russia are reported to have met in Moscow on April 8.

China’s foreign ministry released a statement reminding the world that it was the US “which unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA [the 2015 nuclear deal or joint comprehensive plan of action] and caused the current situation”. It stressed the need for Washington to “show political sincerity, act in the spirit of mutual respect, engage in dialogue and consultation, and stop the threat of force and maximum pressure”.

This followed messaging from Washington which very much focused on the possibility of force and maximum pressure. Speaking to the press after meeting the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump struck a very aggressive note, saying: “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and if the talks aren’t successful, I actually think it will be a very bad day for Iran if that’s the case.”

The US president’s much discussed transactional approach to diplomacy – as represented at the talks by Witkoff, a former real-estate developer – is likely be pivotal to how negotiations proceed. Trump’s geopolitical ambitions in the Middle East focus on expanding the Abraham accords. These agreements focused on normalising relations between Israel and various Arab countries – including UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

The signing of the accords in 2020 were seen as a key foreign policy achievement of Trump’s first administration, particularly in terms of America’s desire to counter Iran in the region.

The US is now actively working to bring Saudi Arabia into the fold. In that respect, recognising that Riyadh’s participation would mark a transformative shift in regional geopolitics. Additionally, Trump aims to leverage trade agreements and major investment initiatives to create economic dependencies that encourage diplomatic normalisation.

Iran, meanwhile, faces severe economic difficulties. The country’s economy is in a state of crisis, with high inflation, a depreciating currency and widespread poverty. These conditions have been worsened by international sanctions and domestic policy failures. As a result, Iran is in dire need of economic concessions, which could be a significant point of leverage for the US.

Tehran’s geopolitical clout has weakened considerably over the past 18 months. Military setbacks in 2024 – including the loss of key allies and leaders in groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah – have diminished Iran’s ability to project power in its region.

This weakened position will affect Iran’s negotiating stance. It could make it more likely that Iran’s negotiators might seek economic relief and diplomatic solutions rather than pursuing aggressive policies. But pressure from hardliners within Iran could push the country towards a more radical approach if concessions are not forthcoming.

Rocky road ahead

A major issue affecting the talks is the low level of trust between the two parties. The US’s involvement in the Gaza conflict – including Trump’s controversial proposal to clear Gaza of Palestinians to make way for possible redevelopment – has further strained relations. So has the recent US campaign against the Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Further threats of this kind are likely to be seen by Iran as aggressive and coercive – and Trump’s latest rhetoric won’t have helped. This will inevitably undermine the prospects for trust between the parties.

Iranian parliamentarians on the prospect of nuclear talks with the US.

Iran’s scepticism is rooted in past experiences where promises of economic relief were not fulfilled. Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 is a case in point. This perceived breach of trust has made Iran cautious about entering into new agreements without concrete assurances.

The regional context adds another layer of complexity to the talks. American support for Israel’s actions in Gaza is likely to complicate matters. The populations of most Gulf states are fully supportive of Palestinian self-determination and are scandalised at the way the US president has seemingly given the green light to Israel’s breach of the ceasefire and resumption of hostilities.

Iran’s internal politics are also likely to play an important role in shaping its approach to the negotiations. The country is experiencing significant political polarisation between the “hardliners”, spearheaded by the supreme leader Ali Khamenei, and the “reformists”, who are relatively more conciliatory towards the US and Europe. Following the surprise election of Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist, last year, hopes that Iran would be open to negotiations with Washington quickly faltered when he realigned his position with Khamenei’s.

In March 2025, he lost two important reformists in the cabinet, the economy minister, Abdolnaser Hemmati, and vice-president, Mohammad Javad Zarif, forced out by the hardliner-dominated parliament. This factional politicking will complicate Iran’s ability to present a unified front in negotiations — and this could represent significant leverage for the US. But it also strengthens hardliners to make demands that are unacceptable to the US.

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

– ref. Iran and US to enter high-stakes nuclear negotiations – hampered by a lack of trust – https://theconversation.com/iran-and-us-to-enter-high-stakes-nuclear-negotiations-hampered-by-a-lack-of-trust-254106

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025

Category: Military Intelligence

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Now is the time to generate growth together with India

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Rocky road ahead