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Category: NGOs

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: USA: Deployment of military is a ‘chilling preview’ of more human rights violations to come

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to President Trump’s remarks that protesters will be met with “very heavy force”, Paul O’Brien, Amnesty International USA’s Executive Director, said: 

    “Now is a good moment to remind President Trump that protesting is a human right and that his administration is obligated to respect, protect, and fulfil the human rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly – not suppress them.  

    “The militarised response to protests, including the deployment of the National Guard and the Marines in Los Angeles, further escalates tensions and is a chilling preview of even more human rights violations that could be coming

    “The Trump administration must urgently halt the militarised response to protests. The US military is not trained or equipped to police civilians. It increases the risk of excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and other violations of free expression and peaceful assembly.

    “The protests, whether against Israel’s genocide in Gaza or the relentless attacks on immigrant communities, are an urgent outcry against a broader pattern of human rights violations: death and destruction, mass deportations, unlawful detentions, expulsions to dangerous conditions in other countries, suppression of dissent, and the denial of due process. 

    “Make no mistake: President Trump’s response to protests has nothing to do with public safety. This is his administration’s way of stoking fear and suppressing opposition. By sending police, ICE, or the military into neighbourhoods to silence voices calling for justice and human rights, President Trump is continuing to send a clear and chilling message: dissent will be punished.  

    “Across the country, people are showing solidarity with immigrants and taking a stand against authoritarian practices. Together, we are making a powerful statement – human rights belong to all of us.”  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF tackles logistical challenges to vaccinate 500 000 people against diphtheria

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    On a quiet Tuesday evening, an ambulance pulls into Ati provincial hospital in Chad’s central Batha region. Inside are four members of a family with symptoms of diphtheria – an entirely preventable disease that has resurged across the country in recent years. Since July 2024, more than 2,700 cases have been reported, due in large part to low vaccination coverage and limited public awareness of the disease.

    The mother and her three children have travelled 65 km over rough, unpaved roads to reach the hospital. In Chad, motorised transport is scarce and expensive, making a journey of this length is anything but simple. Medical staff from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are able to save the mother and two older children, but the youngest child is in a serious condition and dies a few days later.

    Diphtheria is caused by a bacterium that produces a dangerous toxin. It can cause fever, respiratory distress and a swollen neck, and in severe cases can lead to organ failure and death – especially in children with pre-existing health conditions.

    To help curb the epidemic and slow the spread of this disease – which was long believed to be under control in Chad – MSF has been supporting Chad’s Ministry of Public Health and Prevention by treating patients for the disease, monitoring its spread and carrying out a mass vaccination campaign to prevent more people from becoming infected. The vaccination campaign was a major logistical feat, reaching around 500,000 people across two arid regions where travel is difficult, and health centres are few and far between.

    Maryam receives the diphtheria vaccine during market day in Mantcharné. She and her mother walked more than five kilometres from their village to reach the market. Chad, November 2024.

    Reaching patients early

    In the diphtheria treatment unit at Ati provincial hospital, 11-year-old Daoud Mahadi is slowly recovering from the disease. When his symptoms first appeared, his mother tried to treat him with traditional medicine, as there was no health centre nearby.

    “We tried traditional medicine because we had no other option, but it didn’t help,” says his mother. “I watched my child grow weaker every day – he couldn’t even swallow water.” When Daoud arrived at the hospital, he was severely malnourished, weighing barely 15 kg.

    The response to diphtheria in Chad comes up against a number of serious challenges, including people’s lack of knowledge about the disease, their limited access to healthcare, and the lack of treatment options. 

    MSF teams are also working in Moussoro hospital, in Barh-El-Gazel region, where we have been treating patients and training health workers, as well as supporting peripheral health centres to diagnose and treat people with diphtheria. Since October 2024, MSF teams in Ati and Moussoro have treated more than 1,600 patients, including 700 severe cases.

    Along with our medical response, MSF has rehabilitated 20 wells across Moussoro and neighbouring Chaddra districts to improve people’s access to clean water and help prevent further outbreaks of infectious diseases.

    A group of children learn about diphtheria with the MSF team, who explain how vaccination protects against disease. Alifa, Chad, November 2024.

    Vaccination: a logistical feat

    To address the low immunisation rates that fuelled the epidemic, MSF worked with the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention to run a mass vaccination campaign targeting 300,000 people in Batha region and 200,000 people in Barh-El-Gazel region. The campaign focused on reaching remote and isolated communities, including nomadic people, and aimed to deliver the two vaccine doses required for full protection against diphtheria.

    Reaching these scattered communities was one of the biggest challenges of organising the mass vaccination campaign. With communities often located far apart, in areas without passable roads, MSF deployed around 100 motorcycles and off-road vehicles to get vaccination teams and vaccines to where they were needed.

    Diphtheria vaccines must be kept at a temperature of between 2°C and 8°C.

    “Transporting vaccines while maintaining the cold chain in a desert climate where temperatures can hit 45°C is an enormous challenge,” said Jean Bourges, MSF head of mission. “This was a massive deployment effort, especially in a context where health infrastructure is extremely limited, and power supplies are unreliable.”

    To reach nomadic communities in Batha region and gain their trust, MSF and the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention worked with the Ministry of Livestock to implement a ‘One Health’ strategy. This integrated approach – linking human, animal and environmental health – enabled teams to build up trust with communities and vaccinate people during livestock vaccination campaigns – an initiative which significantly boosted vaccination coverage for diphtheria.

    In remote areas where roads are non-existent or safety is sometimes uncertain, MSF uses motorcycles to send vaccination teams, awareness-raising officers, and the equipment needed to carry out activities. Chad, November 2024.

    The need to remain vigilant

    As early as 2023, we warned of a resurgence of diphtheria across West Africa. Protection against this disease depends on routine immunisation programmes, which were severely disrupted after the COVID-19 pandemic, notably due to lack of funding and loss of priority.

    To prevent future outbreaks, MSF continues to advocate for stronger disease surveillance and more robust vaccination programmes.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Activism Huge protest artwork appears by Trump’s Scottish golf course     Campaigners create sand art with Trump’s face and ‘Fight the billionaire takeover’ on Turnberry Beach  Wednesday 30th April, 2025. To mark the first 100 days of Trump’s second term,… by Graham Thompson April 30, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Wednesday 30th April, 2025. To mark the first 100 days of Trump’s second term, Greenpeace UK revealed a 55m by 40m artwork on the beach outside Trump’s golf course in Scotland, ‘Trump Turnberry’, showing a giant portrait of the US President raked into the sand with the message: “Time to resist – fight the billionaire takeover”.

    Pictures and drone footage of the artwork can be found here

    Areeba Hamid, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, said:

    “During his first 100 days President Trump has been actively working to dismantle and weaken environmental protections and attack those who fight to protect nature and our shared climate, putting the corporate profits of his billionaire friends ahead of people and the planet. It’s time to resist the billionaire takeover of our rights and freedoms.”

    The artwork took several hours to draw out in the sand overnight, by a team from arts organisation ‘Sand in Your Eye’ and Greenpeace UK.

    During the Trump administration’s first 100 days the president has not only left the Paris Climate agreement and offered Alaskan wilderness to oil drilling. He has also opened up pristine marine ecosystems in the Pacific to industrial fishing and wants to launch deep sea mining in US and International waters. And he has ended investments in clean energy and instead boosted coal, oil and fossil gas by weakening regulations and removing obstacles for the fossil fuel industry. 

    Areeba continued:
    “Trump’s biggest allies are a group of unelected billionaires, including the fossil fuel company CEOs who are knowingly burning the planet, polluting our waters, and hurting communities around the world. No one voted for these corporate bullies to end free speech, but they will stop at nothing to keep their oil and gas empire alive – even weaponising the legal system to crush dissent and silence environmental activism.”

    A key weapon being used by the oligarchy against those advocating for a green, just future is SLAPP lawsuits, like the one waged against Greenpeace in the US and Greenpeace International by the fossil fuel pipeline giant Energy Transfer. In a recent verdict, a US jury found Greenpeace International and Greenpeace in the US liable for over $660 million to Energy Transfer — a company headed by billionaire and Trump donor Kelcy Warren.

    Areeba added:
    “For the billionaires and big oil companies this is not just another source of money. They want to silence all critics and any protests against the core issue with their business: fossil fuels that are causing the climate crisis and environmental destruction.”

    Greenpeace UK activists have also been subvertising bus stops around the US embassy in Nine Elms, London, with posters carrying the same messaging. 

    ENDS

    Contact
    Greenpeace UK Press Office: press.uk@greenpeace.org or 020 7865 8255

    Notes
    Pictures and drone footage of the artwork in Scotland, and pictures and video of the subvertising in London, will be uploaded through the morning: https://media.greenpeace.org/Detail/27MZIFJVLMGCJ 

    Greenpeace UK’s previous protest at Turnberry, during Trump’s visit to the UK in 2018: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2018/jul/14/well-below-par-protesting-paraglider-flies-over-trumps-scotland-resort-video

    Today’s protests are part of a global campaign, ‘Time to Resist’. Pictures and footage from other ‘Time to Resist’ protests in other countries will be posted here as they become available: https://media.greenpeace.org/Detail/27MZIFJVLHH00

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Climate change A polluter tax on Big Oil’s billions to help climate-hit communities Commenting on Shell’s Q1 profits, Charlie Kronick, senior climate adviser for Greenpeace UK, said:  “Shell is reporting billions in profits in the same week as the Climate Change Committee has warned the… by Stefano Gelmini May 2, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Commenting on Shell’s Q1 profits, Charlie Kronick, senior climate adviser for Greenpeace UK, said:  

    “Shell is reporting billions in profits in the same week as the Climate Change Committee has warned the UK government isn’t adequately dealing with massively costly floods, wildfires and heatwaves. It’s simply not fair to leave households and businesses to pay for flood damage and taxpayers to foot the bill for emergency response while oil giants are making a fortune. It’s their mess, and they should pay to clean it up. Ministers should bring in new taxes on big polluters and use the funds to help communities recover from extreme weather, boost emergency services and make Britain more resilient against the climate crisis Shell is fuelling.” 

    ENDS

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oil and gas Unions and climate groups demand £1.9 billion of emergency funding for North Sea workers ahead of Spending Review Pictures of the Westminster rally can be found here  Today (Wednesday), a coalition of trade unions and climate groups are rallying outside Parliament to ask the Chancellor for… by Florri Burton May 14, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Pictures of the Westminster rally can be found here 

    Today (Wednesday), a coalition of trade unions and climate groups are rallying outside Parliament to ask the Chancellor for an emergency funding package of £1.9 billion per year for North Sea workers ahead of the Spending Review. A funding package on this scale is urgently needed for oil and gas and supply chain workers to make the transition into renewable energy jobs, ensuring that workers and communities benefit, says the coalition. The group is also joined at the rally by politicians from Labour, SNP and the Green Party.

    The call is endorsed by the largest union representing UK offshore workers, Unite the Union, as well as the National Union of Rail and Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), and Aberdeen’s Trades Union Councils. 65 climate groups including Greenpeace UK, Uplift, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Oil Change International, Global Justice Now, Extinction Rebellion and Platform are also part of the coalition. 

    The £1.9 billion emergency funding package to create permanent, unionised renewable energy jobs and support the country’s oil and gas workers to transition into them is comprised of:

    • £1.1 billion per year to develop permanent, local jobs in public and community-owned wind manufacturing.
    • £440 million of further investment each year for ports, on top of the £1.8 billion already committed through the National Wealth Fund.
    • £355 million per year to develop a dedicated training fund for offshore oil and gas workers, with match-funding from industry.

    As the North Sea basin’s reserves decline, the wider oil and gas sector has lost 227,000 jobs in the past 10 years. This is despite the UK government issuing roughly 400 new drilling licences over the same period, and energy companies making record-breaking profits. 

    The coalition outlines that oil and gas companies consistently fail to invest in renewable energy jobs and retraining for their workers, whilst prioritising shareholder profits and cutting or offshoring jobs that should stay here in the UK. Just last week, Harbour Energy, which has handed £1 billion to its shareholders in the past three years, announced it would cut a further 250 jobs from its offshore workforce, and two weeks ago, multinational Petroineos ceased operations at Grangemouth oil refinery without a transition plan for the workforce. 

    Commenting, Mel Evans, climate team leader at Greenpeace UK, said: 

    “It’s vital that we don’t leave oil and gas workers’ future in the hands of private companies who put their profits above workers’ security and the climate time and time again. 

    “That’s why Rachel Reeves must commit to this emergency package of funding to protect workers and their communities. If she fails to act, she leaves their livelihoods at the mercy of greedy oil bosses and will undermine community confidence in the transition to renewable energy. 

    “We urgently need a renewable energy system fit for the twenty-first century that can bring down bills, helping our energy security and the climate at the same time. But we must bring workers and communities along and ensure that wind manufacturing and renewable energy jobs stay here in the UK, rather than leaving other countries to benefit from the booming green economy.”

    Claire Peden, Unite for a Workers’ Economy team lead, said: 

    “The UK government must deliver a real, robust plan that guarantees good, secure jobs for oil and gas workers as part of the energy transition. So far, that promise hasn’t materialised—yet 30,000 jobs are at risk by 2030. Climate change is an urgent crisis, but it must not be working people who bear the brunt. A just transition needs to be a workers’ transition: no one must be left behind.”

    Ruby Earle, Worker Transition Lead at Platform, said: 

    “No worker should have to wait until crisis point before they get support, like we’ve seen in Scunthorpe. Today, unions and climate campaigners are sending a clear message to the Chancellor. We need urgent public investment that creates permanent, unionised renewable energy jobs and supports the country’s oil and gas workers to move into them. Multinationals have held us to ransom for too long. It’s time we give workers and communities a real stake in our energy industry.”

    Offshore wind energy capacity has the potential to grow by as much as six times in the next 15 years. The groups state that public investment now and on this scale would create thousands of long-term, good quality and unionised manufacturing jobs, which oil and gas and supply chain workers could transition into. 

    The coalition points to huge job losses at Grangemouth and Port Talbot as examples of what happens when the Government leaves the transition entirely in the hands of private companies. Rachel Reeves must step in to provide North Sea workers with the support they need to prevent the repetition of past mistakes.

    Ends 

    Notes to Editors

    1. Contact: Greenpeace UK press office  press.uk@greenpeace.org / Florri Burton on 07971177378 
    2. The coalition has submitted their demands in advance of the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review, their submission can be found here. A full list of signatories to the call for emergency funding can be found here
    3. The rally is currently taking place at Abingdon Street Gardens, 5 Great College St, London SW1P 3SE
    4. Speakers at the rally include Rosie Hampton, Just Transition Campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland; Amy Cameron, Greenpeace Programme Director; Ruby Earle, Just Transition Campaigner at Platform; Chris Hamilton, Unite the Union convenor at Grangemouth oil refinery; Claire Peden, team lead in Unite the Union’s Organising and Leverage department; Darren Procter, RMT National Secretary; John Moloney, Assistant General Secretary of PCS Union; Steven Gray, Aberdeen Trade’s Council Delegate; Kirsty Blackman, SNP Member of Parliament for Aberdeen North; Carla Denyer, Green Member of Parliament for Bristol Central; Brian Leishman, Member of Parliament for Alloa and Grangemouth
    5. Last month, a petition was delivered to the UK Government, signed by more than 1 million people, calling on the UK government to deliver a fair transition to renewable energy. 
    6. North Sea oil and gas firms in the UK are failing to switch their investments to renewable energy, with three-quarters planning to invest solely in continued fossil fuel production between now and 2030. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oceans 28 states have signed the Global Ocean Treaty into law while the UK is failing to get onboard The European Commission and six EU countries, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia, have today submitted their ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations headquarters. Despite… by Alexandra Sedgwick May 28, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    The European Commission and six EU countries, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia, have today submitted their ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations headquarters. Despite repeated promises to sign the Treaty into UK law, the UK government is failing to get onboard. 

    Greenpeace is warning that, while the progress from other European countries is welcome, it is nowhere near enough to ensure the treaty enters into force in 2025, and in time to meet the goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 – agreed by all governments in 2022[1]. 

    The UK was among the first countries to sign the Global Ocean Treaty on 20 September 2023, indicating its intention to pass the Treaty into UK law. The current Labour government has repeatedly said it intends to ratify the Treaty, but has so far failed to introduce the necessary primary legislation to do so or to commit to a timeline. This has prompted calls from the International Development Committee and environmental groups to begin the legislative process urgently. Responsibility for this process lies with Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

    Chris Thorne, Greenpeace UK senior ocean campaigner, said:

    “David Lammy wants the UK to be a leader on climate and nature, so he can’t afford to miss the boat on signing the Global Ocean Treaty into UK law. The Treaty can help to protect a third of our blue planet from threats like industrial fishing. As international action on ocean protection accelerates, the UK risks turning up empty handed at a key UN conference next month. Lammy must stop failing the ocean which all life on Earth depends on, prioritise ocean protection and urgently secure parliamentary time for the UK to join other European countries in signing the Treaty into law. We hear legislation has been drafted and is ready to go, it just needs pushing over the line.”

    The Global Ocean Treaty requires ratification by 60 states to enter into force. Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia have joined the 22 other states that have already deposited their ratification at the UN, making a total of 28 so far, nearly half of the 60 required. Governments had aimed to ratify the Treaty by June’s UN Ocean Conference to ensure that it enters into force quickly enough to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030. This Treaty is the only legal tool which can deliver this target on the high seas[2].

    Lukas Meus, Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe ocean campaigner, said:
    “It gives us hope to see such a large group of European countries ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty, but it’s still not enough. Governments had targeted the UN Ocean Conference as their deadline to ratify the Treaty, but even with this group of countries, that target is set to be missed. More countries must ratify the Treaty at the UN Ocean Conference, and should also confirm their support for a global moratorium on deep sea mining. Only then could we call this conference a success.”

    The UN Ocean Conference is the first high-level meeting after a deep sea mining company submitted the first-ever application to mine the deep sea to the US Government, bypassing the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body set up by the United Nations to protect the deep sea as the common heritage of humankind and decide whether deep sea mining can start in the international seabed[3].

    With this new looming threat of exploitation, countries must make it clear that deep sea mining must not be allowed to start in 2025 and actively work towards securing a moratorium at the upcoming meeting of the International Seabed Authority in July, just weeks after the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). 

    Greenpeace UK is calling on the UK government to:

    • Prioritise ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty by making time in the parliamentary schedule ahead of UNOC
    • Speak out in favour of a global moratorium on deep sea mining and use diplomatic influence to build support for this and the multilateral system
    • Implement a full ban on all forms of destructive fishing, including bottom trawling, in all UK marine protected areas
    • Work with the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and other nations to champion one of the world’s first high seas sanctuaries in the Sargasso Sea. This stunning ecosystem supports a plethora of iconic wildlife including humpback whales, dolphins and sea turtles

    Ends

    Contact

    Alexandra Sedgwick, Greenpeace UK press officer, alexandra.sedgwick@greenpeace.org, 07739 963 301

    Notes to editors

    [1] Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia have joined Palau, Chile, Belize, Seychelles, Monaco, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Cuba, Maldives, Singapore, Bangladesh, Barbados, Timor Leste, Panama, St. Lucia, Spain, France, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Republic of Korea and Costa Rica.

    [2] In 2022, during the UN Biodiversity COP15, states agreed on a target of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, a figure supported by scientists for several years. 2.7% of the global ocean is currently fully or highly protected from human activities, and the figure is just 0.9% for areas of the high seas, which are beyond national jurisdiction. Greenpeace calculates that at the current rate of protection, the 30% target will not be reached until 2107.

    [3] In a media statement, the European Commission has said that it “deeply regrets” the US president’s Executive Order that “circumvents” the negotiations in the ISA, and that “it is crucial to recall that its provisions reflect customary international law and are thus binding on all states irrespective of whether they have acceded to the Convention or not.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Nature and wildlife Water firms panicking over disposal of millions of tonnes of contaminated sewage sludge Water companies are panicking they will be left unable to dispose of millions of tonnes of sewage sludge due to tougher pollution rules, and rising concern over the contaminants sludge… by Graham Thompson June 10, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Water companies are panicking they will be left unable to dispose of millions of tonnes of sewage sludge due to tougher pollution rules, and rising concern over the contaminants sludge contains.

    Read the full investigation with supporting documents from Unearthed, here.

    Sewage sludge is the human faeces and other solids left behind when wastewater is cleaned. Around 90% of the UK’s sludge is treated and spread on farmland as a source of nutrients to fertilise crops. However, concern is rising in the UK that this could be introducing damaging levels of contamination to agricultural land.

    An analysis for trade association Water UK last year found that in a “worst-case” scenario the industry could be left with “3.4 million wet tonnes” of sludge with nowhere to go, documents obtained by Unearthed under freedom of information laws show. 

    The key documents not already in the public domain (available via the Unearthed website) include:

    • National Plan B: water industry analysis of sludge disposal crisis
    • The National Landbank Assessment Report 2024: water industry capacity modelling
    • EA CEO internal briefing: prepared by the Environment Agency 

    Earlier this year, environmental regulators in the United States warned that toxic PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in sewage sludge spread on American pastures were posing a cancer risk to people who regularly ate meat or dairy from those farms. This came after investigations by Unearthed and others found that sludge destined for British farmland also contained a range of harmful contaminants, including microplastics and forever chemicals.

    The water companies fear increased scrutiny of sludge-spreading in the UK could trigger a ‘backlash’ akin to the public outrage they have faced over sewage released into rivers and seas, Unearthed has learned. 

    Reshima Sharma, political campaigner for Greenpeace UK, said:

    “This investigation is yet more proof that we can’t trust the privatised water companies to deal with waste responsibly. So long as they can get away with it, they will just pass any problems on to our countryside and pocket the money they should be investing in solutions.

    “In addition to the national scandal of river pollution, their negligence has led to a cocktail of toxic contaminants being spread on the soil that grows our food. The government must stop toxic sludge from being spread on farmland immediately and water companies must be made to pay for disposing of it safely, without passing the buck to bill payers.”

    Documents obtained by Unearthed show the Environment Agency (EA) has warned internally that British farmers could stop accepting sludge onto their land. A briefing prepared for the EA’s chief executive warned that if farmers or retailers were to lose confidence in the use of sludge there could be “very serious consequences, as the sludge would have nowhere to go”.

    The briefing added that the water industry has “no immediate ‘Plan B’” for the sludge it generates.

    But the industry’s most pressing concern is that the government will tighten controls on the amount of fertiliser farmers can use. The EA and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are under pressure to clamp down on excessive muck spreading, which is the country’s leading cause of river pollution.

    Water companies say this would leave them without enough farmland available to get rid of all their sludge.

    Defra has been reviewing its guidance on protecting water from agricultural pollution, and water companies believe reform of the agricultural pollution rules could result in an outright ban on manure spreading in the autumn, when there is less need for nutrients from crops. 

    According to Water UK, however, around 70% of sewage sludge is spread in the autumn, and “prohibiting or further constraining that practice would introduce very large and unquantified costs” for the water companies.

    Companies are uncertain how much it would cost to deal with a sudden shortfall of this kind, but they estimate it would run to hundreds of millions of pounds. Some have suggested that it could reach billions, potentially resulting in an unplanned increase in household water bills.

    ENDS

    Notes

    Read the full investigation with references, links and supporting documents on Unearthed here.

    Contact

    Greenpeace UK Press Office – press.uk@greenpeace.org or 020 7865 8255

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace and Raja Ampat youth confront nickel industry during conference

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Banners unfurled at Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference demand accountability: What is the True Cost of Your Nickel?

    Greenpeace Indonesia activists, alongside four young West Papuans from the Raja Ampat archipelago, staged a peaceful protest about the impacts of nickel mining while Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference in Jakarta © Dhemas Reviyanto / Greenpeace

    Jakarta, June 3, 2025 – Greenpeace Indonesia activists, alongside four young West Papuans from the Raja Ampat archipelago, staged a peaceful protest today to expose the devastating environmental and social consequences of nickel mining and smelting. While Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arief Havas Oegroseno, addressed the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference in Jakarta, the activists deployed a banner reading, “What’s the True Cost of Your Nickel?” and unfurled others with messages: “Nickel Mines Destroy Lives” and “Save Raja Ampat from Nickel Mining.”

    Through this direct action, Greenpeace aims to deliver an urgent message to the Indonesian government, nickel industry executives gathered at the event, and the wider public: nickel mining and processing are inflicting profound suffering on affected communities across Eastern Indonesia. The industry is razing forests, polluting vital water sources, rivers, seas, and air, and is exacerbating the climate crisis through its reliance on captive coal-fired power plants for processing.

    “While the government and mining oligarchs discuss expanding the nickel industry at this conference, communities and our planet are already paying an unbearable price,” said Iqbal Damanik, Greenpeace Indonesia Forest Campaigner. “The relentless industrialization of nickel – accelerated by soaring demand for electric cars – has destroyed forestlands, rivers, and seas from Morowali, Konawe Utara, Kabaena, and Wawonii, to Halmahera and Obi. Now, nickel mining even threatens Raja Ampat in West Papua, a globally renowned biodiversity hotspot often called the last paradise on Earth.”

    Following an investigative journey through West Papua, Greenpeace exposed mining activities on several islands within the Raja Ampat archipelago, including Gag Island, Kawe Island, and Manuran Island. These three are classified as small islands and, under the law concerning the management of coastal areas and small islands, should be off-limits to mining.

    Greenpeace analysis reveals that nickel exploitation on these three islands has already led to the destruction of over 500 hectares of forest and specialised native vegetation. Extensive documentation shows soil runoff causing turbidity and sedimentation in coastal waters – a direct threat to Raja Ampat’s delicate coral reefs and marine ecosystems – as a result of deforestation and excavation.

    Beyond Gag, Kawe, and Manuran, other small islands in Raja Ampat such as Batang Pele and Manyaifun are also under imminent threat from nickel mining. These two adjacent islands are situated approximately 30 kilometers from Piaynemo, the iconic karst island formation pictured on Indonesia’s Rp100,000 banknote.

    Raja Ampat is celebrated for its extraordinary terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Its waters are home to 75 percent of the world’s coral species and over 2,500 species of fish. The islands themselves support 47 mammal species and 274 bird species. UNESCO has designated the Raja Ampat region as a global geopark.

    Ronisel Mambrasar, a West Papuan youth from the Raja Ampat Nature Guardians (Aliansi Jaga Alam Raja Ampat), said, “Raja Ampat is in grave danger due to the presence of nickel mines on several islands, including my own home in Manyaifun and Batang Pele Islands. Nickel mining threatens our very existence. It will not only destroy the sea that has sustained our livelihoods for generations but is also fracturing the harmony of our communities, sowing conflict where there was once harmony.”

    Greenpeace Indonesia urgently calls on the government to fundamentally reassess its nickel industrialization policies, which have already triggered a cascade of problems. The hollow boasts about the benefits of downstreaming, championed by the previous administration and now perpetuated during the presidency of Prabowo Subianto, must end. The nickel industrialization drive has proven to be a tragic irony: instead of delivering a just energy transition, it is systematically destroying the environment, violating the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and deepening the damage to an Earth already buckling under the weight of the climate crisis.

    ENDS

    Photos and videos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

    Contacts:

    Iqbal Damanik, Greenpeace Indonesia Forest Campaigner +62-811-4445-026

    Igor O’Neill, Greenpeace Indonesia, [email protected] +61-414-288-424

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Toxic Pollution Knows No Borders: Greenpeace Thailand and EARTH Thailand Urge ASEAN Leaders to Adopt a Legally Binding Environmental Rights Framework

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Bangkok, 24 May 2025 — Ahead of the ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN Peoples’ Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taking place from 24–25 May 2025 under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, Greenpeace Thailand, Ecological Alert and Recovery – Thailand (EARTH), and regional civil society networks are calling on ASEAN leaders to collectively endorse a legally binding ASEAN Environmental Rights (AER) framework to address the region’s worsening transboundary pollution and environmental injustice.

    Cases of transboundary pollution illustrate ASEAN’s failure to jointly address and act on the cross-border ecological and health crises. The current key threat in the Greater Mekong subregion, gold and rare earth mining operations in Shan State, Myanmar—only 20 kilometers from the Thai border and 2–3 kilometers from the Kok River are threatening ecosystems, public health, and local economies in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces. Toxic heavy metals discharged from mining activities are likely to accumulate in the environment and risk spreading downstream into the Mekong River Basin. This is not merely an environmental issue, but a serious violation of human rights, particularly those of ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups who deserve stronger protection.

    Meanwhile, the recurring transboundary haze pollution from large-scale agro-industrial burning (e.g., corn, sugarcane, palm oil) in neighboring countries has become a chronic crisis, severely impacting provinces in Northern and Southern Thailand with dangerously high levels of PM2.5 air pollution, threatening public health and tourism.

    Rattanasiri Kittikongnapang, Food and Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Thailand stated:
    “ASEAN can no longer remain silent in the face of public outcry over transboundary pollution, whether it’s toxic haze drifting into our lungs or dangerous chemicals contaminating the Kok River from mining in neighboring states. We must acknowledge today that geographical borders cannot stop the spread of pollution into our air and water. ASEAN must advance the principle of ‘Polluter Pays’ that holds transnational corporations accountable for the environmental damage they cause across borders. This is a matter of justice and shared responsibility to protect our regional commons.”

    Penchom Saetang, Director of the EARTH Foundation, added:
    “Southeast Asia is facing escalating environmental and health risks due to industrialisation, fossil fuel dependency, and mining. Without urgent action, these could spiral into irreversible disasters. For over 30 years, the United Nations has emphasized that sustainable development must be grounded in public participation, access to information, and environmental justice. ASEAN must evolve to promote transparency, resilience, and long-term regional stability, ensuring that all people have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment.”

    Policy Recommendations to ASEAN Leaders:

    1. Promote Sustainable and Responsible Business Practices
      • Establish cross-border corporate accountability frameworks that uphold human welfare and well-being. Enforce environmental and human rights obligations across all levels of the supply chain.
    2. Strengthen Legal Accountability for Transboundary Pollution
      • Mandate Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) and legally binding Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessments (TEIA). Empower home states of parent companies to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction over corporate misconduct.
    3. Enhance Public Participation and Transparency
      • Advocate for an ASEAN Protocol on the Right to Know to guarantee public access to environmental information, participation, and justice. Establish a regional pollutant release and transfer register (ASEAN-PRTR) and promote human rights due diligence (HRDD) throughout supply chains.
    4. Support Peace and Inclusive Coexistence for Equitable Society
      • Prioritize the rights of ethnic minorities, Indigenous peoples, and vulnerable communities. Recognise the critical role of local communities in safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring social cohesion.
    5. Establish a Legally Binding ASEAN Environmental Rights (AER) Framework
      • Develop a legal instrument to address high-risk transboundary environmental threats, such as rare earth mining in Myanmar. Review ASEAN–China Environmental Cooperation Strategies to include robust mechanisms for joint environmental and human rights impact assessments.

    International civil society groups are also calling on ASEAN leaders, particularly the Prime Minister of Malaysia as the 2025 ASEAN Chair to support the development of a legally binding ASEAN Environmental Rights framework encompassing corporate accountability, pollution liability, public participation, and the protection of Indigenous and local communities. It must also foster long-term ASEAN–China cooperation on sustainable environmental governance and human rights protection.

    For more information, please contact:
    Somrudee Panasudtha, Senior Media Campaigner, Greenpeace Thailand
    Tel. 081 929 5747 Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace investigation reveals extent of nickel mining plans in Raja Ampat, Indonesia’s ‘Last Paradise’

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Jakarta, 12 June 2025 – A Greenpeace Indonesia investigation released today reveals the full scale of the threat nickel mining poses across Raja Ampat, Indonesia, an area referred to as ‘The Last Paradise on Earth’ and featuring in prominent lists of top travel destinations for 2025.[1] 

    Nickel mining operations on Kawe Island, part of the Raja Ampat archipelago, West Papua. © Greenpeace

    The ‘Paradise Lost?’ report finds:

    • A total of 16 nickel mining licences issued across the Raja Ampat archipelago, comprising 5 active licences and 11 previously issued but having been cancelled or expired.
    • Two previously cancelled/expired licences were re-issued in 2025. 
    • Three other previously cancelled/expired licenses that are subject to company legal action to reactivate them.
    • A previously issued licence for nickel mining on Fam Islands, including the famous tourist destination Piaynemo/Jokowi steps.
    • Plans for nickel and steel smelters with links to nickel mining in Raja Ampat, to be built at Sorong. Sorong sits at the tip of New Guinea’s Bird’s Head Peninsula, itself a biodiversity hotspot, and the arrival point for tourists visiting Raja Ampat.[2]

    Of the 16 nickel mining licences, 12 are located within the boundaries of the UNESCO-listed Raja Ampat Global Geopark, whilst 4 of the active licenses are on ‘small islands’ as designated by the Indonesian Government, which should mean that no mining can take place. 

    On 10th June the Indonesian Government announced it would revoke 4 active licences covering 3 of these small islands and one additional licence on Waigeo.[3] However, a number of cancelled licences have previously been reactivated in Raja Ampat.[4] Furthermore, the permit for the largest mine, operated by PT Gag Nikel, was not revoked. 

    Commenting on the investigation findings Kiki Taufik, head of Greenpeace’s global Indonesia forest campaign, said: “Raja Ampat is Indonesia’s last paradise. But instead of protecting it for Indigenous and local communities and the diving and  tourism that have helped make this archipelago famous around the world, the government has left the door open to polluting nickel mining. 

    “Raja Ampat is incredible and unique, recognised as a Global Geopark by UNESCO and theoretically protected. The news this week that the Government will cancel four mining licenses is a step forward, but it’s not enough. The President must protect all of Raja Ampat and stop all plans for nickel mining and the plans for nickel and steel smelters in Sorong.“

    Until this week two mines were commercially operating: PT Gag Nikel, a state owned mining company, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining. Both of these mines ship nickel ore to Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park for processing/smelting. PT Tsinghshan, a major shareholder in the industrial park that processes the ore from Raja Ampat, has established a joint venture company, Youshan Nickel Indonesia together with Huayou group. Youshan Nickel makes battery components for electric vehicles in Indonesia. PT Huayou supplies nickel to battery supply chains linked to a number of major EV makers including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes, Tesla and BYD. It is therefore possible that any of these vehicle supply chains could be linked to nickel ore coming from Raja Ampat, though a lack of supply chain transparency makes this impossible to confirm at this time.

    [ENDS]

    Download the ‘Paradise Lost?’ report.

    Images and videos available for media use.

    Notes

    [1] See for example travel articles in National Geographic, The New York Times and CNN.

    [2] Smelters for nickel and steel are planned for Sorong and the project was planned to break ground in 2024, although to date no work has started.

    [3] The cancelled licenses are PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (Pulau Kawe), PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (Pulau Manuran), PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (Pulau Manyaifun and Batang Pele), dan PT Nurham (Pulau Waigeo).

    [4] The two licences reactivated this year (PT MRP and PT Nurham) have both followed legal action by the companies to reactivate previously cancelled licences.

    Contact

    Igor O’Neill, Greenpeace Indonesia, [email protected] +61-414-288-424

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace Indonesia calls for stronger civil collaborations as government ratifies Global Ocean Treaty

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Nice/Jakarta, June 11, 2025 – Greenpeace Indonesia welcomes the Indonesian government decision to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty, also known as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The decision was announced by Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in Nice, France, on June 10, during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) [1].

    Moving forward, Greenpeace Indonesia urges the government to strengthen its leadership to increasingly mainstream a human rights-based approach in all protection and management efforts for the sustainable future of the ocean, both within and outside the national territory, in line win line with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

    Greenpeace Indonesia also encourages the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant institutions to be more proactive in ensuring Indonesia’s readiness for the implementation–especially once the Global Ocean Treaty will be in force within 120 days after at least 60 countries have ratified it.

    Afdillah, Greenpeace Indonesia Ocean Campaign Team Lead:

    “This is a momentum to ensure that the 5 Priority Blue Economy Programs initiated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries are implemented effectively by ensuring meaningful multi-stakeholder participation, transparency, stronggenuine sustainability and fairness.”

    Arifsyah Nasution, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Ocean Campaigner and Global Lead for Beyond Seafood Campaign:

    “Congratulations to Indonesia for becoming the 50th country globally and the 4th in the Southeast Asia region, after Singapore, Timor Leste and Vietnam, to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty. We really look forward to welcoming more countries in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region to follow suit.”

    “Aside from the BBNJ, a number of civil society elements and labor movements have also been urging the government to immediately ratify ILO Convention 188 on Work in Fishing [3]. Ratification of C-188 is urgent so that decent working conditions and the rights of Indonesian fishing crews, both those working on Indonesian-flagged fishing vessels and on foreign-flagged fishing vessels outside the Indonesian fisheries management area, can be increasingly protected. This is also a form of commitment and effort to implement effective and progressive policies, a real manifestation of Indonesia’s exemplary diplomacy in the international arena.”

    Notes for Editors:

    [1] Indonesia’s Declaration at UNOC3 on June 10, 2025, by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries

    Contact Person:

    Vela Andapita, Global Communications Coordinator for Beyond Seafood Campaign at Greenpeace Southeast Asia, +62-817-5759-449, [email protected]

    Afdillah, Greenpeace Indonesia Ocean Campaign Team Lead, +62-811-4704-730, [email protected]

    Arifsyah Nasution, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Ocean Campaigner and Global Lead for Beyond Seafood Campaign, +62-811-400-350, [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace Thailand Statement Thai Oil Public Company Limited must be held accountable for oil spill and take immediate action on environmental restoration and compensation measures.

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Bangkok, 6 June 2025 – Following the crude oil spill at SBM-2 (Single Buoy Mooring No. 2), operated by Thai Oil Public Company Limited, which occurred at approximately 11:54 p.m. on 5 June 2025 in the open sea off Si Racha, near its refinery in Chonburi Province [1], Greenpeace Thailand considers this incident yet another in a series of toxic leaks from the oil industry that have harmed Thailand’s seas, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems.

    Greenpeace Thailand calls on Thai Oil Public Company Limited, the project owner, to take full responsibility for the spill by immediately implementing the following actions:

    • Thai Oil Public Company Limited must take full responsibility for all consequences arising from the incident, following the “Polluter Pays Principle”. This includes bearing the full cost of environmental restoration, compensation, and remediation for affected communities in a comprehensive and just manner. Responsibility must align with the 1992 International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC 1992). Furthermore, the company must implement long-term rehabilitation plans for marine and coastal ecosystems, with clearly defined goals and an appropriate timeframe for restoration to their original state.
    • Thai Oil Public Company Limited must urgently develop a concrete and transparent remediation plan to compensate for the damage caused by this incident. The plan must comprehensively address the impacts on marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and public health. It should be carried out in collaboration with representatives from civil society, community members, government agencies, and academic experts to ensure that the damage assessment and compensation process is fair, inclusive, and accountable. Additionally, the company must continuously disclose information to the public throughout the entire process, in line with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy framework.

    Greenpeace Thailand urges the Thai government to take the following actions:

    • Establish an independent commission to investigate the oil spill disaster at SBM-2. The investigation must be transparent and inclusive, engaging civil society, academic experts, and independent organisations, to identify the causes and ensure accountability. The commission should also develop long-term solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
    • Strictly enforce environmental laws and conduct thorough inspections, ensuring that polluters, especially in cases involving hazardous substance spills into marine environments, face appropriate legal consequences. In addition, the government must implement continuous and systematic safety monitoring of oil transport and transfer operations to prevent future incidents.
    • Urgently review the national energy plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and establish a long-term goal to phase out oil and fossil gas. The government must actively support a transition to a clean, just, and renewable energy system that aligns with Thailand’s commitment to achieving Net-Zero Emissions. This includes halting all plans for the expansion and extraction of fossil fuels, especially in ecologically sensitive and biodiversity-rich areas.
    • Establish a Marine Environmental Disaster Relief Fund, firmly based on the “Polluter Pays Principle,” to ensure Thailand has a strong financial mechanism for rapid and effective response to environmental emergencies, including oil spills, chemical leaks, and hazardous waste incidents.

    As global temperatures continue to rise and the climate crisis intensifies, continued reliance on and investment in fossil fuels not only accelerates environmental degradation, health impacts, and human rights violations but also shifts the burden of risk onto the public, especially vulnerable communities, while allowing industry actors to evade accountability.

    To address this crisis, we must start by protecting fragile ecosystems—particularly biodiversity-rich marine environments—from high-risk industrial activities. The Thai government should establish new shipping routes for transporting hazardous materials, such as oil and liquefied fossil gas, that avoid marine conservation areas and vital fishing grounds. Strengthening protections for ecologically significant areas, both on land and at sea, must be treated as an urgent national priority. In the face of a rapidly escalating climate emergency, delay is no longer an option.

    Greenpeace supports the public’s right to access clean, affordable, and equitable renewable energy, and advocates for meaningful public participation in both energy production and policy-making alongside the government.

    The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is not just a choice—it is essential to slowing global warming and building a sustainable, just, and resilient response to the climate crisis.

    Note:

    [1] Statement from Thai Oil Public Company Limited

    For more information, please contact:

    Manun Wongmasoh, Climate Campaign Communications Officer, Greenpeace Thailand

    Email: [email protected] Tel 091 745 0099

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Worker groups demand polluters pay for lost income, amid deadly South Asia heatwave

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    New Delhi, 01 May 2025 –  As a life-threatening heat wave unravels in South Asia,  more than 10 groups representing at lakhs of workers across Indian, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal have signed a Polluters Pay Pact, calling on governments to introduce new taxes on oil, coal and gas corporations to fund solutions and help communities worldwide. 

    A Greenpeace India’s qualitative research report titled “Ground Zero: Climate Experiences among Informal Workers in Delhi,” released on this occasion found that street vendors suffer from immense productivity loss and health risks during peak summer months. The study noted that for every 1°C rise in temperature, informal workers’ earnings can fall by up to 19%, with income losses reaching up to 40% due to unbearable midday heat and reduced business. Simultaneously, medical expenses increase by around 14%—illustrating the devastating climate-health-economic nexus. The report mentions that street vendor’s daily earnings, once averaging Rs. 1000, now fluctuate between Rs 300-1200 due to climate disruption and market instability. 

    Workers across South Asia observed the International Workers’ Day, in a series of simultaneous events where they wrote messages about the impacts of extreme weather and their demands on sarees, a six-yard-long unstitched cloth draped by women in South Asia. The initiative, titled ‘Sarees for Solidarity’, carries messages of workers union leaders addressing the role of oil and gas corporations and their responsibility for the climate crisis which will be taken to the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP30), scheduled to be held in Balem, Brazil. 

    An event held today in New Delhi also marked the launch of the Workers’ Collective for Climate Justice – South Asia, which emerged as the key outcome of the discussions by worker groups and civil society organisations on growing threats to workers from extreme weather events, fuelled by the oil and gas industry. Participants included the Youth Organization for Democratic Development and Help in Action (YODDHA) and Joint Hawker Action Committee for street vendors, the Basti Suraksha Manch union for waste pickers, the Telengana Gig and Platform Workers Union, Amazon Workers’ Union,  domestic workers, construction workers and indoor-based factory workers. 

    “As temperatures rise, we must do the same. City infrastructure needs to match the adaptation needs of everyone. Vendors, who work outside through the heatwave, are in urgent need of cooling centers, shaded areas, water, and medical care to survive this heatwave season,” said Sandeep Verma of the Youth Organisation for Democratic and Help in Action (YODDHA). “In the scorching heat, Indian workers have nowhere to hide, while the oil executives fueling this crisis are safely seated in air conditioned offices. This injustice must end by applying the polluter pays principle to those responsible for the climate crisis we’re in.”

    “When the heat rises, it’s not the CEOs of oil and gas companies who suffer—it’s the informal workers out on the streets, with little infrastructure and safety net for adaptation. Our Ground Zero report shows just how devastating this is: income drops, health risks soar, and yet no one’s held accountable. That’s why we’re backing the Polluters Pay Pact, said Amruta S. Nair, Climate and Energy campaigner at Greenpeace India. “Governments must impose taxes on Big Oil, the proceeds of which should be redirected for inclusive adaptation measures for vulnerable communities. Climate justice must begin by protecting those who are least responsible for this crisis, but who pay the heaviest price every day.”

    ”As momentum builds up to make oil and gas corporations pay for a crisis fuelled by their emissions, the industry responds with attacks against those calling them out. Emblematic of this assault on free speech is a multi-millions US$ meritless lawsuit by U.S. company Energy Transfer against Greenpeace U.S. and Greenpeace International. The Polluters Pay Pact shows that while polluters engage in intimidation, the climate movement can’t be silenced. Greenpeace organisations worldwide are committed as ever to resist the corporate polluters and the billionaire takeover of democracy.

    Read Report Here

    Notes:

    Find more about the workers group and unions here

    [1] “Weather Status” – India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences. https://internal.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/extended.pdf .  

    [2] “Climate change made the deadly heatwaves that hit millions of highly vulnerable people across Asia more frequent and extreme” – World Weather Attribution https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/climate-change-made-the-deadly-heatwaves-that-hit-millions-of-highly-vulnerable-people-across-asia-more-frequent-and-extreme/ 

    Contacts:

    Nibedita Saha,
    Media Officer, Greenpeace India  ,
    [email protected] 

    Tal Harris,
    Greenpeace International,
    Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign,
    +41-782530550,
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Metro Now Costs More Than a Meal for Many! Bengaluru Metro Protest Demands Reversal of Fares

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Bengaluru, India. 9th March 2025 – A month after the metro hike on 9th February, commuters and citizens in Bengaluru came together, inside the city’s metro today, calling for an immediate rollback of the recent fare hike. The demonstration highlighted growing public concern over affordable and accessible public transport, urging authorities to take action. Bengaluru Metro ridership dropped 13% overall post fare hike, with a sharp  20% drop in February alone, signalling affordability concerns.

    A recent survey conducted by Greenpeace India after the metro fare hike in February 2025, highlights that Bengaluru Metro fare hike has significantly burdened low and middle income groups, students and working professionals as 72.9% of respondents said that their transport costs now exceeds or equal their one-time meal expense. Additionally, women, who depend on public transport more than men, have been disproportionately affected, further limiting their mobility and safety. The fare hike makes daily travel a financial burden for students and working professionals who rely on public transport.

    Key finding of the survey: 

    • 40.4% of respondents use the metro as their primary mode of transport.
    • 62.9% rely on Public transport (metro & buses combined) 
    • 73.4% spent 50-150 Rs daily on transport. 
    • 68% of respondents stated that the fare hike made metro travel expensive.
    • 75.4% cut down on non-essential travel due to rising costs.
    • 38.2% women have reduced their non essential travel due to metro fare hike in Bangalore
    • A majority believe the fare hike is unjust and harms urban mobility.
    • Many commuters demand a rollback of the fare hike to restore affordability.

    Click the link to find the detailed survey report.  

    Greenpeace India urged BMRCL to roll back the Namma Metro fare hike in a letter and called on the government to prioritize affordable, gender-sensitive and disability-friendly public transport over shifting costs onto commuters. The fare hike has led to several changes in the lives of people, with parents looking to shift schools and  people across income groups shifting to other modes of transport. 

    Bengaluru, already battling severe climate impacts like air pollution and heat waves and is vulnerable to high degree of climate change, needs greater investment in efficient public transit to tackle congestion and build climate resilience. Instead of fare hikes, measures like congestion charges and stricter parking policies can help generate revenue while curbing excessive car use. The car centric infrastructure such as the proposed ₹19,000 crore tunnel project will only offer a temporary fix and divert critical funds from sustainable transport solutions.

    Aakiz Farooq, Campaigner, Greenpeace India: “Public transport should serve the people, not profit-driven motives. Bengaluru’s metro fare hike further burdens commuters already struggling with affordability and accessibility. With our cities facing severe environmental crises, investing in affordable and efficient mass transit is essential. There is a need for a dedicated public transport budget and both state and central governments must step up to strengthen the mass transit system.  The Government should  introduce Climate Tickets to incentivise public transport for commuters ”

    Individuals with bold protest messages – Un-Fare Hike, Unfair Cities, gathered at Kengeri metro station in the morning, where they boarded a metro train bound for MG Road while carrying placards and banners advocating for fair fares. Their silent yet powerful visual demonstration represented the burden that fare hikes place on ordinary citizens, amplifying the public outcry and reinforcing the need for affordable, accessible, and sustainable urban mobility.

    With each fare increase, Bengaluru’s metro—once envisioned as an affordable and inclusive public service—has become a system of exclusion, disproportionately affecting students, IT workers, informal workers, women, and lower-income groups,  office-goers among others. Many commuters are now forced to switch to costlier, more polluting alternatives, increasing road congestion and air pollution. Vehicular pollution ranks as the second largest and a highly consistent source of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter. This pollution poses a serious threat to citizen health and is a key driver of climate change.

    Irene Ann Kuttichira,  Metro Commuter “As a daily commuter, I feel every fare hike hits hard. Many depend on the metro for work or college, and higher fares make commuting unaffordable and leave us with tough choices. We are demanding a transport system that serves everyone—not just those who can afford to pay more.”

    About Greenpeace India

    Greenpeace India is an independent environmental organization that campaigns for sustainable and equitable solutions to climate change, air pollution, and urban mobility issues. Through grassroots activism and policy advocacy, Greenpeace India seeks to make cities more liveable, breathable, and accessible for all.

    For more photos and videos click here

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Aakiz Farooq: [email protected]

    Nibedita Saha: [email protected]

    Nimisha Agarwal: [email protected]

    Website: www.greenpeace.org/india

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Citizen Groups Urge 16th Finance Commission to Prioritize Climate Adaptation

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    New Delhi, February 18, 2025:  In response to the sixteenth Finance Commission, headed by Arvind Panagariya, inviting public suggestions on its mandate set for it by the Central Government, a coalition of 12 citizen groups, led by Greenpeace India, has urged the commission to prioritize climate adaptation in India’s financial policies, focusing on climate impacted communities. The commission, constituted in December of last year, is expected to submit its recommendations by October 2025, which will be valid for five years starting April 1, 2026.  These recommendations from the coalition, agreed upon through multiple stakeholder consultations, represent a comprehensive civil society input at this crucial time. 

    The groups sounded an urgent alarm about the escalating climate crisis, revealing that extreme weather events claimed 3,238 lives in the first nine months of 2024 alone—an alarming 18% increase compared to 2022. Data from previous years (2015–2022) also highlights a consistent rise in climate-related human and economic losses, reinforcing the urgent need for climate adaptation. Heat-related productivity losses alone could slash India’s GDP by up to 4.5% by 2030, while inadequate adaptation measures over the years have compounded economic vulnerability.

    Beyond the direct loss of lives and economic damage, the crisis has also led to missed opportunities for climate-sensitive communities. Many who depend on agriculture, fisheries, and informal labor could have experienced greater economic security and resilience if proactive adaptation investments had been made earlier. The lack of preparedness has not only intensified the immediate impact of extreme weather events but has also limited the long-term livelihood potential of millions, highlighting the need for urgent, forward-looking climate action. 

    Ahead of the union budget, India’s Economic Survey(IES) for 2024-25 points out a growing problem: we’re not spending enough to adapt to climate change.  Although spending on adaptation has increased from 3.7% of our GDP in the 2015-16 financial year to 5.6% in 2021-22, it’s still not enough.  India is the seventh most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change, this poses a significant risk.The survey emphasized that effective adaptation strategies require a multi-faceted approach, including policy initiatives, sector-specific strategies, resilient infrastructure, research and development, and securing financial resources. These measures should also be tailored to India’s diverse geographic and agro-climatic conditions.

    “Despite the IES recommendation, the 2025 Budget doesn’t include specific funding for adaptation.  While we appreciate the focus on reducing emissions (mitigation),the urgency of need for climate adaptation cannot be ignored.  This lack of budgetary support for adaptation puts climate impacted communities at a much higher risk, threatening lives, livelihoods, and the economy”, says Selomi Garnaik, Climate Justice Campaigner, Greenpeace India, who led the stakeholder consultations.

    Key Recommendations:

    The coalition’s demands include

    1. The 16th Finance Commission must urge the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to officially recognize heatwaves as a national disaster.
    2. Establish a Dedicated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Fund for Marginalized and Vulnerable Communities:
    3. Devolve funds to state governments for managing extreme weather events, with allocations based on updated epistemological evidence such as the Climate Vulnerability Mapping Atlas. 
    4. Recommend the Center to create provision for Climate Damage Tax (CDT),in order to hold the big polluters accountable. 
    5. India should adopt a national framework aligned with loss and damage principle and provide Adequate compensation for losses and damages due to climate change should be provided to impacted states, with special focus on marginalized and impacted communities.

    A Call for Climate Justice

    The coalition emphasized that these recommendations are not just policy changes but steps toward achieving climate justice for the most vulnerable populations. They urged the Finance Commission to take immediate action to build a sustainable and equitable future.

    The recommendations letter  is prepared by diverse coalition of 12 citizen groups, led by Greenpeace including Poovulagin Nanbargal, RIGHTS, Basti Suraksha Manch, VAN Gujjar Tribal Yuva Sangathan Uttarakhand, Justice in Mining Network, Mukti, Youth For Climate India, Heatwave Action Coalition India, Janpahal, HeatWatch, People for Himalayan Development, and Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union. Together, they represent a wide range of stakeholders committed to advancing climate resilience and justice.

    For more information please free to reach out to

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Pre-Budget Push: Greenpeace India Proposes Climate Tickets in New Urban Mobility Draft Policy

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    New Delhi  – 22 January 2025 

    Greenpeace India along with the Public Transport Forum today launched a Citizen’s Draft Policy for Affordable Public Transport in India. This draft policy, developed through extensive consultations with experts and citizens, aims to transform urban mobility in India. Recognizing the critical role of public transport in the lives of millions of Indians, the draft policy emphasizes the urgent need to overhaul the current system, which is plagued by underfunding and inefficient prioritization of private vehicles. 

    The draft policy outlines a comprehensive vision for a more just, sustainable, and equitable public transport system. Key policy recommendations include the introduction of “Climate Tickets,” encompassing fare-free and subsidized public transport options, to make public transport more affordable and accessible for all citizens. The policy also calls for a significant increase in central government funding specifically allocated to improving public transport infrastructure and services.

    The draft policy outlines a comprehensive approach to public transport, focusing on fairness, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency. Built on citizen recommendations, this policy aims to transform the public transport system into one that is inclusive, sustainable, and efficient for all Indians.

    “This union budget can be an opportunity for the central government to exhibit their commitment towards achieving India’s climate goals by investing more into making public transport accessible, affordable and efficient in India. The policy draft provides a roadmap for creating a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient and more importantly affordable public transportation system for India. For an environmentally friendly, cleaner and sustainable India, the central government needs to adopt policy and financial measures which will make public transport efficient  and affordable in India.” – Aakiz Farooq, Campaigner at Greenpeace India

    Further speaking Aakiz Farooq elaborates “For a country like ours which has immense potential for sustainable growth we need equity in access to opportunities for jobs, healthcare, leisure etc and an accessible public transport for all is a key component of this. This is not about distributing free tickets but about the state’s responsibility towards citizens- especially groups like women, elderly, children who are key to any nation building exercise”.

    The draft policy outlines the challenges faced by current public transport systems in India. These include an overemphasis on road infrastructure, with excessive resources directed towards road expansion, flyovers, and tunnels, while public transport infrastructure remains neglected. Additionally, public bus services are inadequate, with insufficient bus fleets, high fares, safety concerns, and limited accessibility for marginalized groups. Furthermore, there is a lack of dedicated funding for public transport, with operations and maintenance often underfunded. 

    As part of the citizen draft policy for affordable public transport in India, Greenpeace India along with Public Transport Forum propose these solutions:

    • Universal Fare-Free Public Transport: The policy proposes a phased implementation of fare-free public transport through “Climate Tickets” for women, children, elderly, transgender people, and persons with disabilities, eventually extending to all citizens.
    • Resource Reallocation: Shift investments from road, metro, and fossil fuel subsidies to expanding and improving public transport systems.
    • Improving Infrastructure and Services: Double bus fleets in cities, create dedicated bus lanes, modernize bus depots, improve bus stops with accessible amenities, and enhance first/last-mile connectivity.
    • Protecting Workers’ Rights: Ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and gender inclusivity in the workforce. Recognize public transport jobs as green jobs, fostering workforce participation in decision-making.
    • State-Level Public Transport Fund: Create dedicated funding mechanisms through central, state, and municipal contributions. Abolish taxes on public transport to reduce operational costs and reinvest savings into service improvements.
    • Climate Funding Integration: Position public transport as a key climate action tool, leveraging domestic and international climate finance to enhance affordability, operational efficiency, and emission reductions.
    • Citizen Participation and Multi-Tier Governance: Advocate for coordinated efforts between central, state, and local governments, with State Planning Boards managing implementation. Establish citizen user unions and conduct annual reviews for inclusive policymaking.
    • Public Awareness Campaigns: Address stigma around free public transport, particularly for women, and promote the right to affordable, accessible, and reliable mobility through education and advocacy initiatives.

    “Free public transport has recently become a key focus in elections and political discussions, with many states considering ways to introduce such schemes. However, there is currently no clear policy to guide these efforts. Our draft policy is designed to serve as a flexible framework that Governments can adapt to their needs while ensuring a consistent approach across the country. It also highlights how the central government can support this shift, making public transport accessible, safe, and reliable for everyone.” explains Nishant, coordinator of the Public Transport Forum.

    About Greenpeace India:

    Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. It comprises 26 independent national/regional Greenpeace organisations with presence in over 55 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific, as well as a coordinating and supporting organisation, Greenpeace International.

    About Public Transport Forum

    The Public Transport Forum is a collective of civil society organizations, transport experts, and citizen advocates working towards ensuring that public transport in India is accessible, affordable, and sustainable. The forum strives for comprehensive policy reforms and greater public participation in transport planning.

    To read the report – scan here

    Contact:

    Aakiz Farooq : Campaigner, Greenpeace India
    [email protected]

    As Ra : Digital Campaigner, Greenpeace India
    [email protected]

    Nimisha Agarwal: Communication and Media Manager
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Bengaluru’s Air Quality Woes: Over 80% of Days Hit High NO₂ Pollution at City Railway Station

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Bengaluru, India –December 4, 2024: A latest report by Greenpeace India, “Beyond North India: NO₂ Pollution and Health Risks in Seven Major Indian Cities”, reveals alarming levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution in Bengaluru. 

    Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a near-invisible toxic gas closely linked to traffic and fuel burning, common in urban areas. That means vehicles and energy generation from fossil fuel are important sources of NO₂.

    The WHO recommends an annual NO2 concentration of no more than 10 µg/m³, while the NAAQS limit is 40 µg/m³. In 2023, Bengaluru’s 13 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) stations recorded varying levels of air quality. The highest NO2 levels were measured at City Railway Station, which exceeded WHO guidelines for over 80% of the year. Additionally, BTM Layout and Silk Road air quality monitoring stations were among the city’s most polluted. Exposure to NO2 poses a serious health risk to residents, especially with such frequently high concentrations in public spaces.

    Annual average NO2 concentrations for all CAAQM monitors in Bengaluru, 2023. Monitoring stations we classified as roadside are shown in dark blue (Column values are rounded).

    Overwhelming scientific evidence links NO₂ exposure to adverse health impacts such as risk of asthma, airway inflammation, respiratory irritation, and the worsening of existing respiratory conditions. It can impair lung development, intensify allergies and increase susceptibility to respiratory mortality and death from circulatory diseases, ischemic heart disease, and even lung cancer. The report highlights that NO₂ pollution in 2019 could have been responsible for as many as 2,730 cases of paediatric asthma in Bengaluru.

    “This report underscores a crucial truth: air pollution is not limited to Delhi or North India. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to high NO₂ levels across cities in India. As cities grow, the rise in private vehicles worsens air quality and jeopardizes public health. To tackle this, we need a fundamental shift towards a sustainable, efficient public transportation system. Investing in cleaner, more accessible transport options is not just an environmental necessity—it’s an urgent public health imperative. The government must prioritize cleaner mobility solutions to ensure a healthier future, said Selomi Garniak, Climate Justice Campaigner at Greenpeace India. 

    India’s response to the air pollution crisis, particularly NO2 pollution, falls woefully short of global health standards. India’s Air pollution Standards (NAAQS) are far less stringent than WHO guidelines. Despite significant advancements in understanding the health risks posed by air pollution, especially at low exposure levels, India has not updated its NAAQS since 15 years . This outdated regulatory framework fails to protect public health adequately, leaving millions vulnerable to the severe consequences of air pollution.

    Air pollution is a growing public health threat in India, requiring bold, innovative solutions. One such solution is an affordable ‘Clean Air Concession’ for public transportation. By making mass transit more accessible, this policy can encourage people to leave their cars behind, reducing congestion and harmful emissions. This simple measure can significantly improve air quality, public health, and create more inclusive, healthier cities. said Aakiz Farooq, Mobility Campaigner at Greenpeace India. 

    Poor air quality in major Indian cities is a serious public health concern. To address this, Greenpeace India recommends a region-specific approach for cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Pune. In addition to revising NAAQS, the focus should be on strengthening healthcare services to diagnose air pollution-related conditions and implementing a comprehensive health advisory system with public education and timely alerts during high pollution periods. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing conditions, should receive prioritized health interventions.

    Local governments should focus on reducing vehicular emissions by enhancing public transport, including fare-free schemes for women. Increased investment is needed in hybrid air quality monitoring networks that combine low-cost sensors, existing systems, and satellite data. This data-driven approach will help track progress and guide effective interventions to reduce pollution levels.

    Read Report Here

    For More details please contact-
    Selomi Garnaik- Greenpeace Campaigner
    Contact – ph- +91-9691330473
    Mail- [email protected]

    Annexure 1

    Key Highlights  

    • In 2023, annual NO₂ concentrations exceeded the WHO health-based guideline at all 13 government monitored Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring stations (CAAQM) .
    • The highest concentrations were recorded at the City Railway Station monitoring station.
    • Monitoring stations that exceeded the WHO health guidelines in 2023 were located near five schools.
    • In 2023, daily average NO₂ concentrations were higher than the WHO daily guideline at the City Railway Station for 80% of days in the year.
    • Over the last five years, trends in NO₂ concentrations from ground-level monitors show no significant improvement in air quality. In fact, satellite observations suggest that pollution across the city is worsening.
    • Road transport is the second-largest source of NOx emissions in Bengaluru, accounting for 20% of emissions in the EDGAR emission inventory.

    Annexure 2- 

    About Greenpeace 

    Greenpeace India is a part of the global environmental organisation, dedicated to tackling pressing environmental challenges through advocacy, campaigns, and public engagement. Greenpeace India’s Climate Justice Campaign advocates for accountability, equitable policy changes, and climate finance to address the rising climate impacts felt by communities in South Asia.

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  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “Nice Declaration” for an ambitious plastics treaty: the wake up call the world needs

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Nice, France – Over 90 member states at the United Nations Ocean Conference today announced their support to the ministerial declaration “The Nice wake up call for an ambitious plastics treaty” which includes a call for the adoption of a global target to reduce the production and consumption of plastic. 

    In response, Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead at Greenpeace USA, said: “The Nice Declaration, signed by an overwhelming majority of countries, is the wake-up call the world needs. Governments are finally saying the quiet part out loud: we cannot end plastic pollution without cutting plastic production. Full stop.

    “The Nice Declaration tackles the root cause of the crisis, which is the ever-growing, reckless production of plastics driven by fossil fuel giants. The message to industry lobbyists is loud and clear: the health of our children is more important than your bottom line.”

    “We welcome the call for a legally binding global cap on plastic production, and real rules to phase out the most toxic plastic products and chemicals. For too long, treaty talks have been stuck in circular conversations while plastic pollution chokes our oceans, poisons our bodies, and fuels the climate crisis.

    “But this statement only matters if countries back it up with action this August in Geneva at INC-5.2. That means no voluntary nonsense, no loopholes, and no surrender to fossil fuel and petrochemical interests. We need a treaty with teeth—one that slashes plastic production, holds polluters accountable, and protects people on the frontlines.”

    ENDS

    Notes:

    A statement, signed by 234 civil society organisations, was also released in support of the Nice declaration. 

    Contact:

    Angelica Carballo Pago, Global Plastics Campaign Media Lead, Greenpeace USA, [email protected] , +63 917 1124492

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace calls for international action to release the Madleen aid vessel

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Greenpeace calls upon the international community to urgently uphold international law and ensure the immediate release of the Freedom Flotilla humanitarian vessel the Madleen along with its crew.

    The ship was illegally seized in international waters by Israeli forces off the coast of Gaza as it attempted to break the long standing blockade preventing the delivery of life saving aid and food by sea.

    The Israeli Government continues to enforce a full blockade by land and sea of aid and food from international organisations, compounding an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Blocking aid and targeting those who deliver it are grave violations of international humanitarian law.

    While the people of Gaza continue to suffer from the devastating acts of collective punishment, the international community has utterly failed to respond with the necessary moral urgency and integrity. Their inaction is not neutrality. It is complicity.

    The ongoing weaponisation of aid has placed over two million on the precipice of famine with most being considered to exist in either a state of emergency or catastrophic food deprivation and malnourishment. 

    The death toll of bullets and bombs will be lost in the shadows when compared to the innocent lives taken as a consequence withholding bread and medicine! Only by immediately ending the siege and releasing all UN aid convoys amassed on the border can famine be averted.

    Greenpeace demands:

    • An immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire to halt the assault on civilians and the environment.
    • The release by Hamas of all hostages.
    • The  release by Israel of all illegally detained Palestinians.
    • The imposition of targeted sanctions and a comprehensive arms embargo, enforced by the international community.
    • The unhindered delivery of aid by the UN and other humanitarian organisations.
    • An end to the illegal occupation of Palestine.

    Greenpeace supports a future in which Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace, within recognised borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

    If the international community continues to stand-by without taking concrete action as ethnic cleansing, war crimes and crimes against humanity mount, it will have to answer for aiding and abetting a genocide. The time to act is now!

    ENDS

    Contacts:

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: France spent €90,000 to discredit the impact of Pacific nuclear testing – Greenpeace response

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Paris, France – New documents obtained by investigative outlet Disclose suggests that France spent €90,000 to discredit research into the impacts of its nuclear testing in the Pacific. In response: 

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said:

    “This act by France is not just a denial of truth — it is an insult to generations who continue to live with the radioactive legacy of these experiments. From the scarred atolls of the Marshall Islands to the irradiated lands of Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), our people carry the enduring fallout of nuclear colonialism – cancers, displacement, environmental devastation, deaths, and loss of generations. Instead of reckoning with its past, France chooses to fund distraction over accountability, image over integrity. This is not the act of a nation seeking justice — it is the act of a nation running from it. The Pacific does not forget and our people will not be silenced. No amount of money can erase the truth written into our Pacific families’ bodies, our lands, and our histories.”

    Pauline Boyer, energy campaigner and nuclear expert at Greenpeace France said: 

    “This is a shamelessly ramped up disinformation campaign by the CEA [France’s Atomic Energy Commission]. Nuclear proponents continue to defend the law of silence at all costs when it comes to the victims of civilian and military nuclear industries. It’s high time the CEA, as well as the French government, acknowledged the facts with transparency and honesty: they deliberately chose to expose populations and their land to radioactive fallout and contamination from French nuclear bomb explosions. Underestimating the number of victims and the extent of the devastating impact on the health of civilian and military populations, in order to reduce the number of compensation claims and minimize this dark chapter in history, is utterly indecent. All the more that France’s choice of the Pacific islands for these nuclear explosions clearly follows a colonialist logic”.

    Last month, a new study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER) and commissioned by Greenpeace Germany, revealed that US nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands from 1946-1958 had impacted all atolls, but only three of the 24 atolls, all northern and inhabited at the time of radioactive fallout, received medical cancer screening.

    In July, Greenpeace and the Rainbow Warrior will mark the 40 year anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior I by the French secret service, who were attempting to halt Greenpeace’s campaign against nuclear testing in French Polynesia (Maohi Nui) at the time.  

    ENDS

    A collection of archival images of the Rainbow Warrior bombing can be found in the Greenpeace Media Library. Other archival images of Greenpeace protests against French nuclear testing can also be found in the Library.

    Contacts:

    Mary Chevallier, energy and nuclear comms, Greenpeace France, +33(0)614739229, [email protected]

    Shuk-Wah Chung, Communications Lead – Marshall Islands project, Greenpeace International, (+852) 5420 4186, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Asia Pacific programme hosts event on Japanese foreign policy during the second Trump administration

    Source: Chatham House –

    Asia Pacific programme hosts event on Japanese foreign policy during the second Trump administration
    News release
    jon.wallace

    The event, the second in a series held at Japan House in London, discussed the impact of President Trump’s new administration on Japanese domestic politics and foreign policy.

    Ben Bland, Director of Chatham House’s Asia-Pacific Programme, chaired an event at Japan House on 11 February 2025 to discuss Japanese foreign policy at a time of minority government in Tokyo and a new Trump administration in Washington. 

    The event also discussed related issues including the Japan–China relationship, the impact of the ongoing political crisis in South Korea and broader security connections between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

    Speaking at the event were Kanehara Nobukatsu, chief cabinet secretary to the prime minister of Japan from 2012-19; Tsuruoka Michito, an associate professor in the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University; and Kristi Govella, an associate professor of Japanese politics and international relations at the University of Oxford.

    Ben Bland said:

    ‘The return of Donald Trump to the White House has brought added turbulence to an already contested Indo-Pacific, making it an important time discuss the impact on Japan and its relations with key partners in the region. 

    ‘We are grateful to Japan House London for enabling us to host this timely discussion at their venue, and for giving us the opportunity to connect with a new network of individuals following events in Asia.’

    Watch the event in full here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: New Director of Chatham House Africa Programme announced

    Source: Chatham House –

    New Director of Chatham House Africa Programme announced
    News release
    jon.wallace

    Tighisti Amare has been appointed to lead our highly respected Africa Programme.

    Chatham House is pleased to announce the appointment of Tighisti Amare as Programme Director of its Africa Programme. Tighisti will take up the role in August 2025.

    With over 15 years of experience at the Institute, Tighisti has played a pivotal role in shaping the Africa Programme’s research agenda and external engagement. 

    Most recently serving as Deputy Director, she has led major research initiatives, convened high-level dialogues with African and international policymakers, and collaborated extensively with international organizations, civil society, business leaders, media, and academic institutions.

    Tighisti will take over the reins of the programme from Dr Alex Vines OBE who is stepping down this year. He led the programme since 2002, building it up to be a recognized and highly respected name and brand across the continent.

    Director and CEO of Chatham House Bronwen Maddox said: 

    ‘The Africa Programme is a vital part of Chatham House’s global research agenda, contributing important perspectives on the continent’s political, economic, and strategic developments. Tighisti has been instrumental in shaping its development. 

    ‘I am in no doubt that under her able leadership, the programme will continue to deepen understanding of Africa’s evolving role in international affairs and global governance during what is a critical and exciting period.’

    Tighisti’s research interests include Africa in global governance, multilateralism, Africa–Europe relations, geopolitical realignment, and regional integration. 

    Her recent publications explore African responses to multipolarity, the future of the continent’s engagement with the Commonwealth, and the role of soft power in UK–Africa relations.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Africa Programme co-hosts security and natural resources conference in Slovenia

    Source: Chatham House –

    Africa Programme co-hosts security and natural resources conference in Slovenia
    News release
    jon.wallace

    The event explored how to ensure positive, secure resource governance in Africa. 

    Chatham House partnered with the government of Slovenia, the European Union, and the Bled strategic forum to co-host an Africa Day conference on security and natural resource governance on 30 May in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The conference highlighted Slovenia’s prioritization of climate security during its tenure on the UN Security Council and explored how to ensure good, secure resource governance on the continent of Africa. 

    Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign and Security Affairs of Slovenia HE Tanja Fajon highlighted the importance of institutions and partnerships for resource governance, saying:

    ‘Peace and security are essential foundations for sustainable growth, and it is vital to support efforts that strengthen institutions, promote governance and enhance regional cooperation. Only by working together in partnership can we build a safer and more stable future. Slovenia supports and will continue to support emerging partnerships with African countries.’

    During the event a high-level panel discussed how to improve regional collaboration to enable equitable sharing of resources, stop criminal networks whose activities undermine good resource governance, and ensure continuing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.  

    DRC Minister Delegate for International Cooperation and the Francophonie, Bestine Kazadi Ditabala, said: 

    ‘A priority for the DRC is to enhance the performance of artisanal mining, given the sector’s importance for our local communities. We want to reinforce the capacities of artisanal miners to further develop small-scale mining, and improve their technical capacities.’

    ‘Our goal is the promotion of the DRC as a stable and reliable investment destination for external investors. This includes the stabilization of the fiscal regime, guarantees for investors, protection against expropriation, the traceability of minerals, better governance and the continued fight against corruption’.

    The conference also explored the relationship between natural resource governance and human rights. 

    Reflecting on Slovenia’s constitutional enshrinement of the right to clean water, Chatham House Associate Fellow Sheila Khama noted that, for Africa, ‘the intersection between mineral resources and non-renewable resources is fundamental. It is the gap between sustainability or the lack of it. Mining requires a lot of water, but we need to make sure that does not detract from citizens’ rights to access this resource’. 

    Senior Research Fellow Christopher Vandome said:

    ‘Slovenia’s prioritization of water management and climate security, coupled with the extent of engineering expertise, offer significant opportunities for collaboration with African countries, and can make important contributions to EU discussions on responsible sourcing in Africa.’

    The Africa Programme would like to thank its partners and all those who attended for their help delivering this valuable event.

     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: NATO chief Mark Rutte warns Russia could use military force against alliance in five years

    Source: Chatham House –

    NATO chief Mark Rutte warns Russia could use military force against alliance in five years
    News release
    jon.wallace

    In his Chatham House speech the Secretary General said he expects NATO states to commit to spend 5 per cent of GDP on defence, arguing ‘America has carried too much of the burden for too long’.

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Chatham House on 9 June to outline his vision for the alliance’s future funding and priorities, in his keynote pre-summit address before the NATO meeting on June 24 and 25.

    In his speech, Rutte outlined the need to ‘make our alliance stronger, fairer and more lethal’ in order to meet an increasing range of threats, particularly regarding Russia’s capacity to rearm and threaten alliance countries in the near future.

    ‘In terms of ammunition, Russia produces in three months what the whole of NATO produces in a year,’ he said. ‘And its defence industrial base is expected to roll out 1,500 tanks, 3,000 armoured vehicles, and 200 Iskander missiles this year alone…Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years’. He repeated five years for emphasis.