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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Niger: Mosque attack which killed 44 should be ‘wake-up call’, says rights chief

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday condemned the recent attack on a mosque in Kokorou village, in western Niger, in which at least 44 worshippers were killed and 20 injured.

    On 21 March, assailants from the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) – an ISIL affiliate – surrounded Fambita Mosque and randomly shot at worshippers, according to a statement from Niger’s defence ministry. They then reportedly set a market and several homes on fire.

    “The egregious attack on the Fambita Mosque – during Friday prayers in the last 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan – was clearly intended to cause as many civilian casualties as possible”, said Mr Türk.

    This is “in stark violation of international human rights law and humanitarian law,” he emphasised, adding that an impartial investigation should be instituted to bring those responsible to justice.

    Regional insecurity

    The attack came in the context of a general deterioration in the security situation in the wider Sahel region.

    In recent years, the Sahel has seen a major uptick in violence, following the expansion of armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL terrorist groups which took over territory in north Mali following the 2012 Tuareg rebellion there.

    Since then, the violence has spread into neighbouring countries, Niger and Burkina Faso, and more recently into some other coastal West African nations.

    UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed characterised the Sahel as “ground zero” for one of the most brutal security crises in the world.

    Despite efforts by Member States, terrorism-related deaths in the region have reportedly soared past 6,000 for three consecutive years, making up more than half of all global fatalities.

    ‘A wake-up call’

    Mr. Türk said the “calculated assault” on Fambita Mosque should be a wake-up call to all – including the international community – “as to the seriousness of the situation and the widening risks faced by civilians in Niger.”

    Governments in the region have continued to struggle with restoring security. This contributed to two military coups in Mali, two in Burkina Faso and one in Niger between 2020 and 2023 – all remain under military rule despite regional and international pressure to hold elections.

    The High Commissioner called on the Nigerien authorities to take “concrete and meaningful steps” to improve security for civilians and called on them to take effective measures to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

    He said it was essential that authorities involve the affected communities in efforts towards finding a durable solution to the ongoing human rights crisis in the country. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Five months after launch, San Bernardino public safety efforts yield 858 arrests, 66 stolen vehicles recovered

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 25, 2025

    What you need to know: Since Governor Newsom launched the joint San Bernardino operation in October 2024, the efforts have led to 858 arrests and 66 recovered stolen vehicles.

    Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the ongoing joint law enforcement operation in San Bernardino has resulted in 858 arrests, including 140 felony arrests, 66 stolen vehicles recovered, and 28 illicit firearms seized since the operation’s launch in October.

    As we continue prioritizing the safety and security of our communities statewide, the efforts done regionally in the San Bernardino area between state and local law enforcement are helping keep bad actors off the streets and holding them accountable for their actions.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The enhanced operation in the region places additional CHP personnel in San Bernardino to help clamp down on property theft and violent crime, including gun violence. The CHP’s operation adds special law enforcement units on the ground and in the air — targeting sideshow activities and stolen vehicles.

    On March 16, due to an enhanced public safety presence in the area and augmented resources dedicated through the state budget, officers were able to arrest a road rage incident suspect using high-tech camera technology. The suspect had fired at a neighboring vehicle on Interstate 10 using a black semiautomatic handgun. CHP officers were able to arrest the suspect the same day in a neighboring city.

    In an effort to continue combatting criminal activity and freeway violence, this camera network allows law enforcement agencies to identify vehicle attributes beyond license plate numbers, enabling the CHP, local law enforcement, and allied agencies to search for vehicles suspected to be linked to crimes and receive real-time alerts about their movement. Similar efforts have been used to fight crime in the Bay Area.

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    Through a state, county, and city partnership, the CHP saturates high-crime areas, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. The Newsom administration has provided similar CHP support to regional crime hot spots throughout California, including Bakersfield and the Bay Area. 

    In August, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish tough new penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions, and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars.

    California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Proclaims March 25th as North Carolina Equal Pay Day, Celebrates Women’s History Month

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Proclaims March 25th as North Carolina Equal Pay Day, Celebrates Women’s History Month

    Governor Stein Proclaims March 25th as North Carolina Equal Pay Day, Celebrates Women’s History Month
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein proclaimed March 25 as North Carolina Equal Pay Day to highlight ongoing gender pay disparities and to encourage government, business, and nonprofit sectors to close the wage gap for all women.

    Equal Pay Day marks the point in the year that women must work on average, to make equal to what their male counterparts earned during the previous year. Women in North Carolina and across the United States continue to experience a significant wage gap, earning less than men for performing the same work, with women of color facing even larger disparities.

    “Closing the gender pay gap would make our families, our economy, and our state more prosperous,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am committed to making sure that every North Carolinian has an equal opportunity for success in our state.” 

    “Eliminating pay inequities would strengthen our economy and improve quality of life for North Carolina’s women, children, and families,” said North Carolina Department of Administration Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza. “More than half the state’s population are women and many women are the primary breadwinners for their families. We must continue to find and develop creative ways to ensure that North Carolinians receive equal pay for equal work. Your pay should be determined by your skill, your experience and your effort, not your gender.”   

    According to The State of Working Women: The 2023 State of Working North Carolina report, in 2022, women working full-time earned $2.04 less than the median hourly wage for men. The wage disparity was even wider for women of color, with Latina women earning $7.23 less and Black women earning $3.45 less than the median hourly wage for men of all races.

    To help address the gender pay gap for women workers in North Carolina, since 2019, state government agencies no longer use salary history in the hiring process, as relying on past salary history can perpetuate unfairly lower pay for women doing the same work as men.

    Earlier this week, Governor Stein hosted women leaders from across the state at the Executive Mansion for the Women’s History Month Reception, in line with this year’s theme “Women in Leadership.” At the event, Governor Stein signed the proclamation recognizing March as Women’s History Month.

    To attract more women and girls to careers in state government, the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement hosts the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program for high school girls each summer. The program nurtures the girls’ interest in STEM careers within state government by offering practical experience in the field. Fifty-seven girls have completed the program since its beginning.

    Career awareness programs such as Students@Work also help ensure North Carolina youth have equal footing in the professional world, by exposing middle school students to careers they may not otherwise discover.

    Last month, Governor Stein commemorated the 15-year anniversary of the Students@Work program, which offers career awareness opportunities in high-demand professions including biotechnology and construction, occupations that are typically known to have a low percentage of female employees. To improve pay inequities, more programs are needed to get young people, including young women, interested in high-growth and high-earning careers. 

    Mar 25, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Unlawful Expulsions to El Salvador Endanger Lives Amid Ongoing State of Emergency

    Source: Amnesty International –

    In response to the recent unlawful expulsion of 238 Venezuelan nationals from the United States to El Salvador under the allegation that they belong to the criminal group Tren de Aragua, despite a court order barring their removal, Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International, said the following:

    “The expulsion of 238 individuals from the United States to El Salvador, despite a court order explicitly barring their removal, represents not only a flagrant disregard of the United States’ human rights obligations, but also a dangerous step toward authoritarian practices as the Trump administration ignored and is now calling for the firing of a federal judge of the United States Judiciary. This is also a dangerous endorsement of President Bukele’s punitive security agenda.

    The expulsion of 238 individuals from the United States to El Salvador, despite a court order explicitly barring their removal represents not only a flagrant disregard of the United States’ human rights obligations, but also a dangerous step toward authoritarian practices as the Trump administration ignored and is now calling for the firing of a federal judge of the United States Judiciary. This is also a dangerous endorsement of President Bukele’s punitive security agenda

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    “According to available public information, the people expelled include individuals who were in the midst of ongoing court processes, were arrested while complying with their immigration obligations, were already granted protections in the United States including under the Convention Against Torture, and were labeled as gang members for their tattoos or connection to the Venezuelan state of Aragua with no other evidence. In fact, even U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have since admitted “many” had no criminal record at all and some were removed because of a perception they may commit crimes in the future. Importantly, these expulsions are not deportations, a legal process defined in U.S. law. They were expelled without removal orders, seemingly to serve an indefinite prison sentence under a system where fundamental human rights are routinely ignored.

    El Salvador under President Bukele has become emblematic of an alarming trend in the Americas—where mass incarceration, unchecked executive power, and the criminalization of marginalized communities are being touted as solutions to crime. Amnesty International has extensively documented the inhumane conditions within detentions centers in El Salvador, including the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), where those removed are now being held. Reports indicate extreme overcrowding, lack of access to adequate medical care, and widespread ill-treatment amounting to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Additionally, Salvadoran organizations have reported more than 300 deaths of individuals while in state custody, some of them showing clear signs of violence. No individual should be subjected to such conditions.

    There is a clear and troubling connection between President Bukele’s so-called “security” model in El Salvador and recent actions taken by the United States regarding migrants and people seeking safety. Both rely on a lack of due process and the criminalization of individuals based on discriminatory criteria (…) These policies are deeply unjust and violate international human rights standards

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    There is a clear and troubling connection between President Bukele’s so-called “security” model in El Salvador and recent actions taken by the United States regarding migrants and people seeking safety. Both rely on a lack of due process and the criminalization of individuals based on discriminatory criteria. In El Salvador, this discrimination targets people living in impoverished communities, those with precarious jobs, limited education, or visible tattoos. Similarly, in the United States, Venezuelans fleeing hardship and seeking safety are branded as criminals based upon tattoos, their connection to the State of Aragua in Venezuela, and racist lies about associations with transnational criminal groups originating in their home country. These policies are deeply unjust and violate international human rights standards.

    The principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international human rights law, unequivocally prohibits states from returning, removing, or transferring individuals to any country where they would face a real risk of serious human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture, or ill-treatment. By removing individuals to El Salvador under these circumstances, the United States has placed them in grave danger and failed to uphold its obligations its legal obligations. Meanwhile, El Salvador must be held accountable for facilitating policies that violate the rights of migrants and people seeking safety. Any subsequent removal of the individuals from El Salvador to Venezuela would also violate the principle of non-refoulement. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called on States to ensure that Venezuelans are not deported, expelled or forced to return to Venezuela. Amnesty International has called for an absolute ban on all deportations of individuals to Venezuela given that the country is experiencing a situation of massive human rights violations.   

    On 27 March 2025, El Salvador will reach its third consecutive year under a state of emergency, a regime that has institutionalized patterns of abuse that are now being echoed beyond its borders, further eroding the international human rights framework (…) Rather than condemning these practices, other governments, such as the United States, appear to be emulating them

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    What is particularly concerning is that the erosion of due process in El Salvador is now being normalized—both domestically and internationally. Rather than condemning these practices, other governments, such as the United States, appear to be emulating them. This is the dangerous consequence of authoritarian practices becoming systematic and recurring: they evolve from isolated abuses into official state policy. On 27 March 2025, El Salvador will reach its third consecutive year under a state of emergency, a regime that has institutionalized patterns of abuse that are now being echoed beyond its borders, further eroding the international human rights framework.

    Amnesty International urges the government of El Salvador, and all countries throughout the Americas, to resist participation in unjust deportation and removal schemes.

    Amnesty International urges the government of El Salvador, and all countries throughout the Americas, to resist participation in unjust deportation and removal schemes

    -Ana Piquer,  Americas director at Amnesty International

    Salvadoran authorities must urgently restore due process throughout the country and guarantee the human rights, safety, and dignity of all individuals currently detained, including the more than 84,000 people arrested under the ongoing state of emergency. The Salvadoran government must ensure its policies and practices do not facilitate further human rights abuses or place vulnerable individuals at risk.

    We also call on the US government to immediately return those that were illegally removed to El Salvador and halt any subsequent expulsions under this executive order, comply with the decisions of the US Judiciary, and immediately halt all plans for mass detentions and deportations, and reestablish the right to asylum at the United States’ southern border.  

    Amnesty International stands in solidarity with those impacted by this unjust policy and will continue to advocate for the protection of human rights in the Americas and beyond.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: About 290 km of federal highways are planned to be expanded to four lanes in 2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    One of the areas of work outlined in the Transport Strategy for the period up to 2030 is the modernization of federal highways, which includes expanding the busiest sections from two to four or more lanes. In total, Rosavtodor plans to convert 289.4 km of federal roads into four-lane roads in 2025. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “In road activities, one of the important tasks remains the expansion of the roadway. Such work is necessary in the context of increasing motorization and traffic intensity, increasing population mobility, as well as to separate oncoming traffic flows and reduce the number of accidents. The government, together with the Federal Road Agency, monitors this process and systematically deals with this work. Thus, in 2025, it is planned to expand about 290 km of federal highways to four lanes, which will improve traffic safety and comfort for motorists, and also improve the capacity of the road framework of our country,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that converting federal highways to four-lane design will also help increase the share of roads that meet regulatory requirements for transport and operational indicators. 89.4 km will be widened as part of the reconstruction, another 200 km – after major repairs. In particular, key projects are being implemented in Primorsky Krai, the Republic of Tatarstan, Vladimir Region, the Republic of Dagestan and Voronezh Region.

    “Optimization of traffic flows is becoming a particularly urgent task in the context of growing traffic intensity. In addition, the development of domestic tourism in Russia is a significant factor in the continuous improvement of road infrastructure. It is important to ensure convenient access, including to cultural and historical monuments, memorial complexes,” said Roman Novikov, head of the Federal Road Agency.

    Thus, Rosavtodor pays great attention to the modernization of federal highways of the North Caucasus as a center of attraction for tourism. The priority project in the Republic of Dagestan is the major repair of the section from the 739th to the 754th km of the R-217 “Kavkaz” highway with bringing it to four traffic lanes. At present, the section from the 739th to the 747th km has been put into operation. Another major repair section – km 889 – km 905 of the R-217 “Kavkaz” highway – is located in the Kayakentsky District of the Republic of Dagestan. The implementation of these projects will solve the problem of reducing the share of federal roads in the country operating in overload mode, as well as the modernization of the international transport corridor “North – South”. In addition, this will become an additional incentive for economic development, increase the investment attractiveness of the region.

    Strategically important reconstruction of sections of the M-7 Volga highway from the 1061st to the 1155th and from the 1161st to the 1166th km is being carried out in Tatarstan as part of the implementation of the high-speed route Kazan – Yekaterinburg. Work on the construction of the roadbed base is almost complete. 880 thousand tons of asphalt concrete have already been laid out of the 1.2 million tons envisaged by the project. In addition, 11 interchanges and overpasses are to be built and reconstructed on the section, seven of which are ready. In addition, it is planned to build six bridges of different classes. To date, four bridges are completely ready: across the Shilnebashka River in the Tukaevsky District, as well as the Ashpalinka, Menzelya and Daryanka Rivers in the Menzelinsky District. The longest of those built is the bridge across the Menzelya at the 1103rd km of the M-7 Volga highway. Its length is 160 m.

    Another significant project is a major overhaul with expansion to four lanes of the section from the 255th to the 277th km of the R-132 “Golden Ring” highway in the Vladimir region. Modernization of the road to Suzdal will also contribute to the economic development of the city: the tourist flow will increase, new logistics complexes, enterprises and road service facilities will appear.

    Reconstruction of the section km 687 – km 703 of the federal highway A-370 “Ussuri” in Primorsky Krai is an important step in the development of the Far Eastern region. More comfortable movement along the highway will be facilitated by increasing the width of its already existing four lanes. The width of the highway after reconstruction will be 27.5 m. Also, six bus shelters, two rest areas, noise protection screens and new lighting lines will be installed here. The project also provides for the construction of two transport interchanges at different levels, two bridges and an overpass across the Trans-Siberian Railway.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Lending Increased Slightly in February

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The corporate portfolio grew by 0.1% over the month after a 1.2% contraction in January. The dynamics of lending were still held back by large budget expenditures: companies that received compensation for government contracts needed loans less.

    Mortgages increased by 0.2% after a seasonal contraction in January (-0.2%). The consumer loan portfolio continued to shrink (-0.9% after -0.3% in January) amid high interest rates and macroprudential restrictions.

    Household funds in banks grew by a significant 1.9% after a typical January decline (-0.8%). The growth was supported by the retention of attractive deposit rates. Company funds remained almost unchanged (0.1%) after a moderate inflow in January (0.5%).

    The sector’s profit fell by a quarter compared to January’s result, to 214 billion from 286 billion rubles, due to increased operating expenses and negative currency revaluation.

    Read more in the information and analytical material “On the development of the banking sector of the Russian Federation in February 2025”.

    Preview photo: Vladimir Smirnov / TASS

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23485

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Dialogue with Malta, Experts of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances Ask about Efforts to Establish a Stand-Alone Law on Enforced Disappearance and Prevent Disappearances of Migrants

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Committee Experts Commemorate the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice in Argentina and the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

    The Committee on Enforced Disappearances today concluded its consideration of the initial report of Malta on its implementation of the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.  Committee Experts asked questions on the State’s efforts to establish a stand-alone law on enforced disappearance and a national human rights institution, and to prevent disappearances of migrants.

    Several experts raised concerns that the State party did not have a stand-alone crime of enforced disappearance.  Fidelis Kanyongolo, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked about steps taken to establish an autonomous offence of enforced disappearance with appropriate penalties.

    Barbara Lochbihler, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the human rights and equality commission bill, which would establish a national human rights institution, had not yet been enacted.  What parts of the bill were under review and what was the timeline for its adoption?

    Ms. Lochbihler also cited reports of tactics of non-assistance to migrants and refugees in distress at sea, as well as pushbacks to Libya, leading to deaths and disappearances.  Refugees in Libya were reportedly kept in appalling conditions, and exposed to abuse, extortion, abduction and human trafficking.  What measures had the State party taken to prevent disappearances of migrants and dangerous pushbacks at sea?

    Introducing the report, Fiorella Fenech Vella, Office of the State Advocate of Malta and head of the delegation, said Malta had consistently recognised that enforced disappearance was a crime under customary international law, and the State had classified enforced disappearances as inhumane acts under its umbrella provision of crimes against humanity since its independence in 1964.

    The delegation added that Malta had no reported cases of enforced disappearance and the State party criminalised all elements of the crime of enforced disappearance, though it did not have a stand-alone crime of enforced disappearance or plans to create one.

    The establishment of an independent national human rights institution remained a high priority for Malta, Ms. Fenech Vella said.  The equality and human rights commission bill had been previously presented to Parliament; however, the legislative process was halted due to the dissolution of Parliament for the 2022 general elections.  Since then, efforts had been made to develop the bill to ensure full compliance with the Paris Principles and relevant European Union directives.  The delegation could not provide a timeline for its adoption, however.

    The delegation said Malta had saved several migrants at sea.  Maltese authorities acted on distress calls at sea in accordance with relevant international laws and had not engaged in any pushbacks to Libya. The Government signed a memorandum of understanding with Libya in 2020 on setting up coordination centres in Tripoli and Malta to improve the reception of migrants and combat trafficking in the region.

    In concluding remarks, Ms. Fenech Vella said the dialogue was an essential component for further strengthening Malta’s implementation of the Convention and for strengthening protections for rights holders in the State.  The State party would carefully analyse and take into account the Committee’s recommendations in its development of laws and policies.

    Olivier de Frouville, Committee Chair, in concluding remarks, said the State party and the Committee’s common goal was to ensure the implementation of the Convention.  Mr. de Frouville called on Malta and other States that had ratified the Convention to petition States that had not ratified to do so.  The Committee looked forward to continuing to work with Malta in future.

    The delegation of Malta consisted of representatives of the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment; Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism; Office of the State Advocate; Office of the Attorney General; Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Industry; and the Permanent Mission of Malta to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    At the end of the first day of the dialogue, the Committee heard statements marking the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice in Argentina and the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.

    Horacio Ravenna, Committee Vice-Chair, recounted that 49 years ago, the armed forces in Argentina initiated a coup against the State’s leadership and imposed a military dictatorship.  In this era, when many political dissidents were subjected to enforced disappearance, the exiled mothers of victims led the fight and bravely spoke out.  On this day, the Committee honoured persons who had passed away and continued to raise public awareness for the next generations, so that the horrendous crime could be eradicated forever.

    Mr. de Frouville, Committee Chair, said all needed to remember the courageous struggle of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, whose actions had led to the development of the Convention.

    The Committee will issue its concluding observations on the report of Malta at the end of its twenty-eighth session, which concludes on 4 April.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.  The programme of work and other documents related to the session can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Friday, 4 April at 5 p.m. to close its twenty-eighth session.

    Report

    The Committee has before it the initial report of Malta (CED/C/MLT/1).

    Presentation of Report

    FIORELLA FENECH VELLA, Office of the State Advocate of Malta and head of the delegation, said the dialogue was an opportunity to reaffirm Malta’s unwavering commitment to the Convention and its unwavering support to the United Nations human rights treaty bodies.  Malta had consistently recognised that enforced disappearance was a crime under customary international law amounting to torture, inhuman and degrading treatment.  The State had classified enforced disappearances as inhumane acts under its umbrella provision of crimes against humanity since its independence in 1964. It also signed in February of last year the Ljubljana-Hague Convention on prosecuting war crimes and genocide, which would help deliver justice to victims of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, facilitating effective international cooperation in domestic investigations and prosecutions.

    Malta’s 1964 Constitution and Bill of Rights, adopted upon Malta’s establishment as a State, enshrined key rights, including the right to life; protection against arbitrary arrest or detention, and inhuman treatment; the right to a fair hearing; and the prohibition of deportation, among others.  The Constitution stipulated that detention could only occur under lawful conditions.  The International Criminal Court Act incorporated international crimes, including enforced disappearances categorised as crimes against humanity, into the State’s law.  Malta had ratified several international treaties aimed at preventing enforced disappearances and protecting human rights, including the European Convention on Human Rights; had ratified several United Nations human rights treaties and their protocols; and had accepted communications procedures under a number of these.  It was constantly reviewing the Committee’s communications procedure and would keep it updated on any developments.

    Combatting trafficking in persons remained a priority for the State.  Malta had launched a national strategy and action plan on combatting trafficking in human beings in Malta (2024-2030), which aimed to strengthen the necessary national framework required to prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders of this crime.  Anti-trafficking actions were being developed to address root causes, risks, threats, new methods used by traffickers, and demand.  The strategy took a human rights-focused, gender-sensitive, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral approach.  The Police, via the Vulnerable Victims Unit, conducted investigations into human trafficking and collaborated closely with the Financial Crime Investigation Department to effectively target traffickers and prevent them from reaping financial gains from their criminal activities.  In 2024, Malta initiated two prosecutions which combined human trafficking charges with money laundering charges, with legal proceedings currently underway.

    Victims of human rights violations – including heirs of individuals subjected to enforced disappearances – were entitled to initiate court proceedings against the State Advocate in the First Hall of Malta’s Civil Court.  An individual could only be presumed dead when their absence had lasted for a continuous period exceeding 10 years.  The Constitutional Court could issue orders to safeguard affected individuals’ rights and ensure that any law, entity or individual, including all State officials, in breach of fundamental human rights were held accountable.  Even the President could face legal action for acts committed outside the scope of functions of the Office. 

    Malta had incorporated effective remedies for victims of human rights violations in its legislation. The State was in full compliance with article 17(3) of the Convention, which mandated that official registers of individuals deprived of liberty were maintained by the appropriate authorities and updated as necessary.

    The establishment of an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles remained a high priority for Malta.  The equality and human rights commission bill had been previously presented to Parliament; however, the legislative process was halted due to the dissolution of Parliament for the 2022 general elections. Since then, efforts were ongoing to further develop the bill to ensure full compliance with the Paris Principles and European Union directives that established minimum standards for equality bodies’ independence, resources and powers.  The proposed institution was conceived to function as an independent, well-resourced, and effective entity to be endowed with the necessary legal mandate to promote and protect human rights fervently.

    Malta was resolutely committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, including related to enforced disappearances, and ensuring justice and accountability.  The State party’s efforts reflected its moral commitment to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the human rights and equality commission bill, which would establish a national human rights institution, had not yet been enacted.  What parts of the bill were under review and what was the timeline for its adoption? Why had the State party not yet accepted the Committee’s competence to receive individual and inter-State communications?  Had any national courts directly invoked the Convention?  Why had the State party not consulted with civil society organizations in preparing the report?

    FIDELIS KANYONGOLO, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the emergency powers act empowered the President to make necessary regulations for public safety, health and the defence of Malta in states of emergency.  Had the President ever exercised this power?  Which legal provisions specifically guaranteed non-derogation from legislation stipulating the right of every person to be protected from enforced disappearances during states of emergency?

    Was State legislation in line with article two of the Convention?  What steps had been taken to establish an autonomous offence of enforced disappearance with penalties commensurate to the seriousness of the offence in State legislation?  Did the State party have a law which established its jurisdiction over the offence of enforced disappearance committed outside of Malta when the alleged offender was present in the country, including in cases where the alleged offender was not subject to military law and when the crime was not a crime against humanity?

    There was no up-to-date statistical information available on the number of disappeared persons or persons involved in enforced disappearances in Malta.  What challenges was the State party facing in this regard?  What plans did it have to systematically collect data on enforced disappearances in future?  How many cases of enforced disappearance had been investigated by the State?  What measures had been taken to ensure the impartiality of such investigations and that public officers allegedly involved in the crime did not take part in the proceedings?

    Malta’s whistleblower act offered some degree of protection to whistleblowers and witnesses.  However, it did not extend its protection to members of a “disciplined force”, the Security Service or persons employed in the foreign, consular or diplomatic service of the Government.  What measures were in place to protect such internal whistleblowers and witnesses, as well as relatives of victims and defence counsel? Did the Code of Ethics of Police Officers provide protection to police officers who witnessed acts of violence, inhumane or offensive treatment?

    Had the State party concluded any extradition agreement with other State parties?  Had it participated in mutual legal assistance and cooperation with other States in respect to offences of enforced disappearances and abduction? Were there any inter-country procedures in place to govern the search for and release of disappeared persons, and the identification and return of their remains in case of death?

    A Committee Expert asked whether the Convention could be directly enforced in Malta.  The State party did not have a stand-alone crime of enforced disappearance.  What mechanisms were in place to harmonise domestic law with the Convention?

    Another Committee Expert asked about plans to involve civil society in the development of State party reports.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Malta had no reported cases of enforced disappearance and the State maintained a robust legal framework to prevent occurrences of enforced disappearance. The Criminal Code classified enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity.  It was in line with article two of the Convention.  All cases of suspected enforced disappearance and missing persons were treated with the highest priority by the police and promptly investigated.  Authorities immediately checked detention records after reports of missing persons. Investigations utilised a range of forensic techniques and legal electronic surveillance tools.  In cases of cross-border activities, the State party engaged with Interpol in investigations.  The police compiled a centralised system containing all reports of missing persons and disappearances, which was used to track searches and investigations.

    Several oversight mechanisms were in place to investigate alleged human rights violations by State officials, including the police’s internal investigation unit.  The police conducted regular human rights training, which addressed the prohibition of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention. Early warning mechanisms were in place to identify arbitrary detentions at an early stage.  All persons in police custody needed to be registered in the police detention registry.  The maximum period of police detention, which was 48 hours, could be extended for an equivalent period for serious offences when permitted by a magistrate.

    The Criminal Code stated that detained persons had the right to a lawyer and to communicate with consular authorities if they were foreigners.  When detained persons required an interpreter, one needed to be provided without delay.  Police officers were required to follow the Police Code of Ethics, considering the potential effects of their actions.  They were required to take immediate action to protect people and private property from violence.

    Persons subjected to extradition proceedings had the right to engage with lawyers and to appeal extradition decisions.  Malta had the competence to try cases of enforced disappearance that were crimes against humanity committed inside and outside of Malta.  When unable to extradite a person accused of enforced disappearance, the State had the competence to prosecute the person domestically.  Malta had colonial-era extradition agreements with the United States, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.  It was bound by the European Convention on Extradition, which superseded any provisions implemented by bilateral agreements.  There had been no cases of extradition of persons accused of enforced disappearance, but there were cases related to abduction and trafficking in persons.

    Detention services had a central registry of detentions.  All immigration detentions and involuntary admissions to psychiatric institutions were registered.  Persons under arrest could challenge the lawfulness of their detention at any time. The detention of persons in places that were not classified as prisons was an offence.  Police investigations into trafficking cases checked for enforced disappearance.  Persons who had conspired to commit enforced disappearance were prosecuted.  All public officers accused of enforced disappearance or abductions were immediately suspended and were not involved in searches or investigations.

    Maltese law was derogable; Parliament had the power to change national laws, except for the Constitution.  All directives given by the President needed to be in line with the Constitution, which prevailed in cases where domestic legislation conflicted with it.  Parliament could not make amendments to laws without reaching a two-thirds majority, meaning that the ruling party could not impose laws on its own.

    The bill establishing the national human rights institution had been suspended in 2022 due to the general election and assessment of it had started afresh.  Malta was not able to provide a date for the enactment of the bill. There were no civil society organizations active in the field of enforced disappearance in Malta.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    FIDELIS KANYONGOLO, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked about the State party’s jurisdiction over enforced disappearances that did not amount to crimes against humanity.  Suspensions could be imposed by the heads of government departments in cases of allegations against inferiors.  Were there provisions that ensured that heads of departments exercised this discretion from the beginning of investigations and for their entire duration?  To what extent did domestic legislation address concealment of the fate or whereabouts of disappeared persons?  To what extent was the State obliged to investigate when enforced disappearance was perpetrated by non-State actors?  Was the right to be protected from enforced disappearance derogable in Malta?  Could persons be extradited to places where they could be subjected to enforced disappearance?  Were police officers who reported enforced disappearances to persons other than their superior officers protected under whistle-blower legislation?

    BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said enforced disappearances related to issues such as trafficking in persons and migration. Why were civil society organizations that dealt with these issues not involved in preparing the State party’s report?

    Another Committee Expert asked if State legislation addressed the act of aiding and abetting the crime of trafficking in persons.  There were barriers to enforced disappearance being invoked as grounds for an extradition in Malta due to the principle of double jeopardy, which required both the extraditing and receiving States to have the same laws on the crime.  How would the State party address this issue?

    A Committee Expert asked if the Executive, the Attorney General, non-governmental organizations or private individuals had the power to develop legal norms that could be assessed and approved by the legislature.

    One Committee Expert said the Committee was delighted that Malta had never recorded cases of enforced disappearances, but the Convention required that the State party set up legal mechanisms, including a stand-alone offence of enforced disappearance, that would allow it to deal with enforced disappearances that could occur on national territory in future.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party criminalised all elements of the crime of enforced disappearance, though it did not have a stand-alone crime of enforced disappearance or plans to create one. The State party could prosecute all cases of enforced disappearance occurring on its territory.  The emergency powers of the President had never been applied.  The delegation was unable to provide a timeline for the adoption of the bill establishing the national human rights institution.

    There were no bilateral agreements that Malta had concluded that addressed enforced disappearances.  Acts that constituted offences to the laws of Malta were extraditable offences.  Double criminality was adopted in most extradition cases.  When offences listed as grounds for extradition in a foreign State’s extradition request were not included in Malta’s laws, the State party was obliged to indicate an applicable domestic law.  How certain countries interpreted trafficking in persons crimes could differ, which could lead to complications.  The State party needed to do its best to find common ground between jurisdictions in cases of this kind.

    Comprehensive witness protection measures were in place.  Witnesses whose safety was at risk were entitled to identity changes and relocation measures.  Punishments could be mitigated based on witnesses’ cooperation.

    When there were allegations against a police officer, the officer involved was immediately suspended.  When a civil servant under suspicion of having committed a crime was suspended, they could appeal their suspension with the civil service complaints authority.

    Malta was a Westminster democracy, so the Executive could not submit draft laws for consideration, but citizens could.

    State laws addressed aiding and abetting crimes of human trafficking and abduction, including financing and supporting the crime and making use of products obtained through the crime of trafficking in persons.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked about mechanisms applied prior to an extradition to assess whether persons could be at risk of enforced disappearance.  Did registers of detained persons include all the details required by the Convention? Were registers regularly updated? Had the State party revised its legal definition of “places of deprivation of liberty” in line with the recommendation of the Sub-Committee for the Prevention of Torture

    Malta’s policies and practices reportedly increased the risk of enforced disappearances of migrants and victims of trafficking.  Tactics of non-assistance or delay in assistance to migrants and refugees in distress at sea, as well as pushbacks to Libya, violating the non-refoulement principle, had led to deaths and disappearances of migrants at sea.  The widespread use of immigration detention and alleged episodes of violence in pre-removal detention centres also continued to be a human rights concern in Malta.  The State party had been called on to stop pushbacks at sea to Libya, which could not be considered a safe space.  Refugees in Libya were reportedly kept in appalling conditions, and exposed to abuse, extortion, abduction and human trafficking.  What measures had the State party taken to prevent disappearances of migrants and dangerous pushbacks at sea?  Malta had had a Memorandum of Understanding with Libya since 2020 that included the funding of two coordination centres in Libya.  What were the contents of this memorandum and how did it prevent migrant pushbacks? 

    Open centres for migrants in Malta reportedly lacked space, forcing the State party to place migrants in detention centres.  Could the delegation update the Committee on this practice?  Were there migration detention facilities that were not operated by the detention service?  What progress had been made in establishing a central register for detained migrants? How long was the maximum and minimum period of migrant detention?  Could data on the nationality of detained migrants be provided?  What was the timeline for extending the mandate of the national preventive mechanism?

    Did the content of training activities referred to in the reply to the list of issues address the Convention? Was the State party planning on providing human rights training to medical personnel in prisons, members of the judiciary, immigration personnel and social workers?  Would training address illegal intercountry adoptions?

    Did national laws place a time limit on access by victims of enforced disappearance and their relatives to reparation?  Did laws address victims’ relatives’ rights to information and property?

    What policies and measures had been taken to protect children, particularly unaccompanied minors, from enforced disappearances in the context of migration and trafficking?  Could the delegation provide figures on trafficking of children?  How had the State party’s policies on illegal intercountry adoption developed, taking into account international norms on the practice?

    FIDELIS KANYONGOLO, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the State party’s obligations under the Convention still existed, although there were no recorded cases of enforced disappearance in the State.  Were there plans to expand the definition of “victims” in Malta’s victims of crime act to align it with article 24 of the Convention, particularly to include family members of individuals who had suffered harm as a result of enforced disappearances that had not directly caused deaths?  What measures were in place to provide victims’ relatives the right to know the progress of investigations and the fate of disappeared persons, and the right to be returned remains in cases of death?  Did relatives have the right to various forms of reparation, including restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition?  Were there laws that obliged the State to continue the investigation of cases until the fate of the disappeared person had been clarified?  Had measures been taken in law and practice to guarantee the right of people in Malta to establish and participate freely in associations attempting to establish the fate of disappeared persons and to assist victims and relatives?

    Another Committee Expert asked how detained persons were informed of their rights, including their right to counsel? How were women and children protected in cases of enforced disappearance?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said no person was to be subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment during extradition proceedings.  Persons were not to be returned if they could be subjected to inhumane treatment or other human rights violations.  Under European arrest warrant laws, the State was bound by a 10-day surrender period, during which time persons subjected to extradition proceedings could appeal the extradition.  Last year, a judgement was made by the Court of Criminal Appeal deciding to prevent the extradition of a person to Romania due to deficiencies in prison conditions in that State.

    Malta was in the process of amending the whistleblowers act so that whistleblowers who were members of the disciplinary forces and other persons would be protected under the act.

    Malta’s laws on trafficking in persons were in line with international norms and ensured protection for vulnerable groups, including women and children.  The victims of crime act ensured that victims had access to legal aid, psychological support and shelter, and granted them the right to be informed about the progress of legal proceedings. The Malta police had a unit for investigating trafficking and non-governmental organizations provided shelters and support for victims.  Training was provided to police on identifying victims of trafficking.  The State party had ratified several international norms on trafficking, including the Palermo Protocol.

    Records of immigration detention were kept in an online database that relevant State authorities could access.  Data was recorded upon admission to migrant facilities.  Many police officers had participated in training courses addressing human rights, investigating missing persons, and victim and witness protection.

    The judiciary had received training on the rights of victims, including to access compensation and justice.  The definition in the victims of crime act was not the only definition of a “victim” in State legislation.  Victims had the right to be understood, and were informed about the protection and legal aid measures they were entitled to and methods of accessing compensation. There were many avenues to compensation under Malta’s legislation, including provisions in the Criminal Code addressing compensation and a process for obtaining compensation for civil cases. Agencies had been established to ensure victims received timely individual assessments regarding the support measures they were entitled to.  The State party prioritised the protection of vulnerable victims and victims of serious crimes, guarding against intimidation and reprisals against victims.  Child victims testified to magistrates in separate rooms to trial rooms to prevent traumatisation.

    Migration remained a challenge for Malta, as the State was located on a major migration route. It had saved several migrants at sea over the past 20 years.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had assisted the State party to improve its asylum system and to establish services such as migrant health services and return counselling.  The State party was dedicated to meeting its human rights obligations regarding migrants, to providing protection to those who needed it, and to returning other migrants in a safe and humane manner.  Maltese authorities acted on distress calls at sea in accordance with relevant international laws. 

    Malta had not engaged in any pushbacks to Libya and there had been no occurrences of collective expulsions.  The Government signed a memorandum of understanding with Libya in 2020 on setting up coordination centres in Tripoli and Malta to improve reception of migrants and combat trafficking in the region.  Libyan authorities needed to be given the necessary resources to combat migrant smuggling.  The memorandum of understanding had led to reduced loss of life in the Mediterranean region.

    The detention of migrants was enforced on clear legal grounds.  Detention orders were issued following individual assessments and only as a last resort.  Such orders were subject to an automatic review and subsequent reviews every 14 days. Migrants were notified of removal decisions verbally and in writing.  Removal orders provided explanations of the reasons for the order and options for voluntary removals.  All return activities were monitored by an independent monitoring board. Free legal aid and interpretation services were provided in legal proceedings on removals.

    All unaccompanied minors were protected by care orders issued by the courts.  They were cared for by the agency for the welfare of asylum seekers, which collaborated with the police force and reported signs of trafficking and risks of minors leaving the country without consent.

    Overcrowding in detention and open centres had not been a problem since 2021.  Malta’s open centre was closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The centre was reopened in 2021 and an additional centre was constructed, resolving the problem.  The current occupancy rate in detention centres was less than 30 per cent. Violence in detention centres was not an issue.  Independent correctional centre monitoring boards had been appointed as the State’s national preventive mechanism.  These boards submitted regular reports to the State regarding conditions in detention centres.

    The legal status of victims of enforced disappearance was defined in the Civil Code, which specified that the assets of such persons were managed by curators who were appointed by the courts.  There were safeguards on victims’ assets.  Courts ensured the protection and supervision of unattended children. The directorate for child protection services operated a children’s house and had powers to carry out and request investigations into cases of violations of children’s rights.

    The Constitution provided for freedom of association.  Any person was entitled to associate regarding issues of enforced disappearance.  No legislation could restrict the freedom of association of any person.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the State party had formed a further memorandum of understanding with Libya in 2024.  Did it address the prevention of enforced disappearance?  Some persons employed by the Libyan Coastguard were reportedly themselves involved in trafficking in persons.  How did the State party respond to these reports?  How did it respond to reports that Maltese authorities had failed to rescue over 200 migrants whose vessel sank in the Mediterranean in 2013?  Did migrants deprived of liberty have the right to a lawyer?  Did the State party address the situation of potentially disappeared persons in its work on locating missing migrants?  Had the State party referenced the Committee’s general comment on illegal intercountry adoptions in its regulations on the practice?

    FIDELIS KANYONGOLO, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked about amendments being contemplated for the whistleblowers act and the potential timeline for their adoption.  Did registers of persons deprived of liberty include all details stipulated in article 17 (3) of the Convention?  Were the State’s registers interconnected and interoperable?  Did the State’s various definitions of “victims” reflect the breadth of the definition of victims in article 24 of the Convention?  Were victims entitled to compensation and remedies as broadly defined in article 24 (5)?  Mr. Kanyongolo appreciated the details provided by the delegation regarding Malta’s legislation.

    Another Committee Expert said the State party had proceedings to declare absences and deaths. What procedure was used to declare disappearances?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that when a person was charged with a criminal offence, victims could participate in criminal proceedings and could file a petition to claim compensation. The Criminal Code included a compensation scheme.  Under Maltese law, victims could also file actions against the Government before the Civil Court requesting damages.  Damages were timebound and could be renewed after certain periods.  In cases where breaches of human rights were found, courts could grant pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages.  Victims also had the right to file applications for reparation with the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights.

    Adoptions were regulated by State laws and there was an authority that oversaw adoptions, including intercountry adoptions, to ensure that they were legal.

    Migrants were granted the same rights as other individuals in criminal proceedings, including the right to a lawyer, the right to contact family members, and the right to medical assistance as required.  They were given information on their rights upon detainment in a language that they understood.

    The memorandum of understanding with Libya had been renewed in 2024 with the same terms and conditions of the previous one.  It aimed to dismantle trafficking activities and prevent the loss of life of migrants at sea.  When the State party received requests for information on missing migrants at sea, responsible authorities conducted necessary investigations.  Malta abided by its international obligations and had never relinquished a search case for migrants in distress at sea.

    Amendments to the whistleblower act were still in the drafting stage and the delegation could not provide a timeline for its adoption.

    Malta was in full compliance with article 17 (3) of the Convention.  Registers of detained persons were maintained by authorities and updated as necessary.  They included the detainees’ personal details, and the time of and reason for arrest, among other details.  Registers were regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with domestic and international norms.

    The Civil Code defined the process for declaring absences.  Disappeared persons could be declared as absentees.  Presumptive heirs of absentees could file petitions to courts to obtain their assets.  The will of the absentee was opened after 10 years of absence, and courts determined who received assets in cases where the absentee had not made a will.

    Closing Remarks

    OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for the dialogue.  The Committee would prepare concluding observations based on the topics discussed and call on the State party to report on implementation of these concluding observations after a certain period.  The Committee would decide whether or not to hold a follow-up dialogue with Malta based on its assessment of this report.  The State party and the Committee’s common goal was to ensure the implementation of the Convention.  Mr. de Frouville called on Malta and other States that had ratified the Convention to petition States that had not ratified to do so.  The Committee looked forward to continuing to work with Malta in future.

    FIORELLA FENECH VELLA, Office of the State Advocate of Malta and head of the delegation, said the delegation had engaged fully with the Committee in the dialogue.  The Committee had posed pertinent questions related to the implementation of the Convention.  The dialogue was an essential component for further strengthening Malta’s implementation and for strengthening protections for rights holders in the State.  Malta had never implemented policies that had amounted to enforced disappearance, a reflection of its dedication to promoting human rights principles.  The State party would carefully analyse and take into account the Committee’s recommendations in its development of laws and policies.

    Statements Marking the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice in Argentina and the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

    At the end of the first day of the dialogue, HORACIO RAVENNA, Committee Vice-Chairperson, said that 24 March was a special day in Argentina, the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice. Forty-nine years ago today, the armed forces in Argentina initiated a coup against the State’s leadership and imposed a dictatorship.  Several similar coups were also carried out in other countries in South and Latin America. Many political dissidents were killed, arbitrarily detained and subjected to enforced disappearance in this era as part of Operation Condor, and legislation in many countries did not sufficiently address the phenomenon of enforced disappearance.  In this context, the exiled mothers of victims of enforced disappearance led the fight and bravely spoke out, meeting in Paris to discuss the issue, and these discussions led to the development of the Convention, which had been in force for 14 years.  Today, the Committee honoured persons who had passed away and continued to raise public awareness for the next generations, so that the horrendous crime could be eradicated forever.

    OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair, said today was also, in addition to being the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. All needed to remember the courageous struggle of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, whose actions had led to the development of the Convention.  They had spoken the truth bravely to combat dictatorships.

     

     

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

     

     

     

    CED25.007E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Global Cities Hub

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The Global Cities Hub (GCH) connects cities and local and regional governments (LRGs) to International Geneva’s ecosystem, which includes the United Nations (UN), other international organizations, representatives of States, and a wide range of academic and civil society actors.

    The GCH envisages a world in which LRGs are recognized as full-fledged actors in multilateral governance and actively strengthen its overall effectiveness to respond more effectively to global challenges.

    The GCH’s mission is twofold:

    contribute to a more inclusive and effective multilateralism, by strengthening LRG’s influence in Geneva-based multilateral processes
    promote the “urban” on the agenda of International Geneva, by providing it with a space to discuss urban issues. 
    3 core objectives lie at the heart of the GCH’s work:

    becoming the main platform for international urban diplomacy;
    increasing LRG’s influence at the international level;
    identifying future international trends that matter for cities.
    To realize these objectives, the GCH runs activities following the 4Cs: Convening, Connecting, Championing, Capacity-building:

    Convening events to promote the development of a more inclusive and effective multilateralism and to raise awareness about the urban dimension of global challenges
    Connecting LRGs and city networks to the international community. To do so, the GCH identifies entry points into multilateral processes where LRGs can contribute and provides policy advice to that effect
    Championing the role and perspectives of LRGs in multilateral processes, by encouraging States to better acknowledge LRGs and formalize their participation at the international level.
    Supporting Capacity-building for LRGs, by serving as an information hub on key urban topics and actors. The GCH does so through its Mapping, Directory of International City Networks, policy work and its broad network of contacts within International Geneva.
    In terms of thematic engagement, the GCH focuses on the local dimension of specific topics, including:  human rights, urban health, environment and climate change, sustainable urban development and smart cities. In doing so, the GCH engages with selected multilateral bodies, such as the UN Forum of Mayors, the UN Human Rights Council or the UN Environment Assembly.

    By taking part in diverse multilateral initiatives and building effective partnerships and alliances, the GCH builds the foundations to achieve its long-term objective: a dedicated role for LRGs in multilateralism, including a new status for them to take part in the UN in their own capacity.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: BRIEFING: Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction for Cities, Subnational and Regional Governments

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Date: 8 April 2025 (Tuesday)
    Time: 12:00 – 13:00 CEST
    Workshop Language: English

    The issue of disaster risk reduction will be at the heart of the 8th session of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), in Geneva, on 2-6 June 2025. 

    Under the theme “Every Day Counts, Act for Resilience Today”, the GPDRR will feature a wide range of sessions and activities, including several events of relevance to cities and regions on local risk governance, local financing, urban resilience, and localizing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

    This event, co-organized with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and Making Cities Resilient 2030, aims to brief local and regional governments on the upcoming session of the GPDRR. It will be structured around three central topics: 

    • the important discussions relating to cities and urban disaster risk reduction;
    •  the participation of local and regional governments; and 
    • the potential outcomes of the session.

     

    Speakers

    • Elina Palm, Senior Coordination Officer, UNDRR
    • Sanjaya Bhatia, Head of Office, UNDRR ONEA & GETI and Global Secretariat, Making Cities Resilient 2030
    • Marie Brüning, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Switzerland (co-chair of the GPDRR)
    • Lauren Sorkin, Executive Director, Resilient Cities Network and Co-chair, Making Cities Resilient 2030

    Moderated by Anh Thu Duong, Co-director, Global Cities Hub

    Attachments

    Event Flyer 1.9 MB, PDF, English

    Document links last validated on: 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NATIONAL PEST SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:07PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) has been launched on 15th August, 2024 by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to enhance the surveillance and management of pest diseases across the country. The system utilizes latest digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML) to provide quick and instant solution regarding pest attacks, crop diseases, crop damages etc. by issuing real time crop protection advisory to the farmers. It includes a user-friendly mobile app and a portal for identification of pests and disease mitigation.

    NPSS is being used by the farmers across the country for identification of  pests and diseases in 61 crops and pest management advisories for 15 major crops namely cotton, paddy, wheat, maize, pigeon pea, moong, soyabean, sugarcane, brinjal, tomato, apple, banana, grapes, pomegranate. NPSS is currently available in four languages namely English, Hindi, Marathi and Punjabi. So far, 10154 pest management advisories have been issued through NPSS for the benefit of farmers.

    The Government has formulated six point strategy for the welfare of farmers and development of agriculture. Strategies for increasing farmer incomes include improving crop productivity, reducing cost of production, agricultural diversification, adaptation to climate change for sustainable agriculture and compensation of farmers’ losses. Further, Ministry has formulated various schemes and programs to ensure effective coordination between the union and state governments and to address agricultural challenges at the grassroot level and also to incentivize and encourage farmers to grow a variety of crops. The list of schemes/ programmes implemented by DA&FW is enclosed at Annexure-I.

    List of Schemes/ Programmes implemented by DA&FW

    1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
    2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
    3. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)/ Restructured Weather Based Crop  Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)
    4. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
    5. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
    6. Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)
    7. National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)
    8. Namo Drone Didi
    9. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
    10.  Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
    11.   Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE)
    12.  Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
    13.  Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
    14.  Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
    15.  Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F)
    16.  Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
    17.  Agroforestry
    18.  Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)
    19.  Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
    20.  Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
    21.  National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)
    22.  Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)
    23.  Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
    24.  National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oil Palm
    25.  National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oilseeds
    26.  Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
    27.  Digital Agriculture Mission
    28.  National Bamboo Mission

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DIGITAL CROP SURVEY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Digital Crop Survey (DCS) System has been established to collect crop-sown details via a mobile interface, ensuring data is captured directly from the field. This database provides accurate, real-time crop area information for every agricultural plot, which will help to arrive at accurate production estimation.

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has developed the Agri Stack in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other IT laws of the country. AgriStack ensures complete privacy of farmers’ data by ensuring that farmers’ data is collected only with their consent. Farmers have full control over their data, which is only shared with authorized entities based on their consent for a specific purpose. Moreover, Agri Stack has been developed in a federal manner so that states have control over the entire data. The Government of India also ensures robust data security in the Agri Stack, which is fully compliant with the cyber security guidelines of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Agri Stack sends farmers’ information in a secret code so that only the designated system can read it. Secure APIs and token-based authentication govern all data exchanges, ensuring controlled access to data. In addition, the government conducts security audits of all these IT systems and monitors risks.

    Although internet penetration has increased in rural areas, additional steps have been taken to ensure digital inclusion of farmers who do not have mobile phones, they can use existing support structures like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Krishi Sakhis, and Common Service Centres (CSCs), to get them registered on Agristack and access services and benefits. Further, states are organizing the camps so that no farmer is left out from getting the benefits of Agristack. The Government is providing administrative and technical support to all the states for implementation of the Mission.

    The State Farmer Registry under the Digital Agriculture Mission covers all the land holders’ farmers, including women farmers. Farmers Registry application also has the provision to onboard the tenant and lessee farmers. A State can decide to include such farmers in the Farmers Registry as per the state’s policy.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Podcasting was once a rebel medium for diverse voices. Now it’s slowly being consumed by big media

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Corey Martin, Lecturer/Podcast Producer, Swinburne University of Technology

    Shutterstock

    Podcasting was once the underdog of the media world: a platform where anyone with a microphone and an idea could share their voice.

    With low barriers to entry and freedom from institutional gatekeeping, it promised to amplify marginalised voices and allow underrepresented groups to tell their own stories, on their own terms.

    Today, however, this promise seems increasingly strained as corporate interests tighten their grip on the industry. As money flows in, the podcasting space is beginning to resemble the rest of the digital media world – driven by advertising revenues and political polarisation.

    The promise of podcasting

    Six years ago, audio scholars Martin Spinelli and Lance Dann described podcasting as a “revolutionary” medium for its ability to inspire empathy through innovative forms of audio.

    Podcasting was heralded as a format that broke through the barriers of traditional media by offering new ways to engage with underrepresented voices and ideas. Media and cultural studies pointed to the direct-to-ear delivery – free from the biases of visual culture – as a uniquely intimate way to consume content.

    Globally, the industry boomed as a result of pandemic lockdowns, with the number of podcasts on Spotify skyrocketing from 450,000 in 2019, to 1.5 million in 2020.

    Listenership has also surged in Australia. According to a 2024 report by Edison Research, we’ve seen a 20% increase in listenership from 2022 to 2024 – with 48% of the those aged 12 and above having listened to a podcast within the past month.

    From open space to rat race

    In his 2024 book Podcasting in a Platform Age, podcast researcher John Sullivan warns the podcasting space is being increasingly dominated by a handful of powerful media companies that dictate what and who gets visibility.

    Larger podcasts with higher production budgets, celebrity hosts and backing from major networks are attracting larger audiences, with independent creators struggling to get a foot in the door.

    At the time of writing, of the top 50 most popular podcasts in Australia, more than half (52%) come from overseas, and primarily the United States.

    Of the 24 Australian-made podcasts on the list, 80% are backed by a media organisation, with most (64%) connected to major networks such as LiSTNR, which is owned by Southern Cross Austereo. Only 12% of the Australian podcasts on the list come from truly independent creators without any corporate funding or major production support.

    Why does it matter that large-network ownership is on the rise? To understand this, it helps to first understand how ads keep podcast networks in business – and how this can impact content decisions.

    Deepening ideological divides

    Advertisers follow the crowds. In a podcasting context, this means they’re more likely to funnel their dollars into large networks, further bolstering their resources.

    At the same time, networks want to drive as many ears to their ad sponsors as possible. To do this, they focus on producing content they know will get the most engagement.

    The result is a vicious cycle in which attention and advertising power feed each other, making it even harder for independent voices to break through. Over time, this feedback loop can lead to less content diversity and more polarisation.

    According to Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped, American podcaster Joe Rogan took out the top podcast spot for the fifth year in a row globally.
    Shutterstock

    It’s here that we’re seeing an increase of politicians using podcasts to push their views and cultivate ideological loyalty.

    In the lead-up to the 2024 US election, Kamala Harris appeared on Call Her Daddy (the second most popular Spotify podcast in 2024), while Donald Trump was on The Joe Rogan Experience (the most popular). Both interviews were later fact-checked and found to contain false or misleading claims.

    Trump’s interview in particular was flagged by CNN for having 32 false claims. Nonetheless, analysts and researchers pointed to it as a driver behind his success with young male voters.

    The political podcasting trend is also playing out in Australia ahead of the next federal election.

    Late last year, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton appeared on the podcast Diving Deep With Sam Fricker. This was followed by an appearance on Straight Talk, hosted by businessman Mark Bouris, in January.

    More recently, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Greens leader Adam Bandt separately appeared on It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield.



    Read more:
    Misinformation is rife and causing deeper polarisation – here’s how social media users can help curb it

    Diversity in the podcasting space

    According to 2022 Pew Research Centre data, 55% of Americans said their major reason for listening to podcasts was “to learn”, while 29% said they wanted to stay up-to-date with current affairs. But information-hungry listeners may be getting shortchanged, as podcasts are less likely to be fact-checked against the same editorial standards that govern traditional media.

    As platform researcher Michael Bossetta notes, although large platforms such as Spotify have the potential to create a more informed world, they
    are more likely to push content that keeps users hooked (that is, content they already enjoy and/or agree with).

    Recommender algorithms also have a role to play. One 2020 study found that while Spotify’s personalised suggestions increased user engagement by 28.90%, they also reduced the individual-level diversity of podcast streams by 11.51%.

    But platforms do have the power to do better. They could, for instance, use their algorithms to prioritise content diversity. This would help ease the “engagement-diversity trade-off”, in which personalisation increases engagement, but limits the diversity of content consumed by an individual.

    That said, it’s unlikely platforms will voluntarily change the way they operate. If meaningful reforms are to happen, they will more likely have to come from government regulations or through independent governing bodies.

    In the meantime, listeners aren’t powerless. While we can’t stop algorithms from pushing certain content to the top of our feeds, we can disrupt them by actively seeking out independent voices and diverse stories.

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

    – ref. Podcasting was once a rebel medium for diverse voices. Now it’s slowly being consumed by big media – https://theconversation.com/podcasting-was-once-a-rebel-medium-for-diverse-voices-now-its-slowly-being-consumed-by-big-media-252169

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘We don’t have a cultural place for men as victims’: why men often don’t tell anyone about sexual abuse

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vita Pilkington, Research Fellow, PhD Candidate in men’s experiences of sexual trauma, The University of Melbourne

    Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

    In Australia, it’s estimated almost one in five boys (18.8%) experience child sexual abuse. And at least one in 16 men (6.1%) experience sexual violence after age 15.

    However, many boys and men don’t tell others about these experiences. Studies show men are less likely to disclose sexual abuse and assaults than women.

    It also takes boys and men longer to first disclose sexual abuse or assaults. On average, men wait 21 years before telling anyone about being abused.

    This is a problem because talking to others is often an important part of understanding and recovering from these traumatic experiences. When boys and men don’t discuss these experiences, it risks their mental health problems and isolation becoming worse and they don’t get the support they need.

    We wanted to understand what prevents boys and men from telling others about sexual abuse and assaults (or “sexual trauma”). So we conducted a systematic review, where we pooled together evidence from a range of studies on the topic.

    We found 69 relevant studies, which included more than 10,500 boys and men who had experienced sexual trauma from around the world. Studies were published in 23 countries across six continents, with most studies from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Two studies were published in Australia.

    Our new findings offer clues as to how we can break down the barriers preventing men and boys from discussing sexual trauma.

    Many boys and men don’t tell anyone if they’ve been victim to sexual violence.
    gpointstudio/Shutterstock

    Upending masculine identities

    We found across countries and cultures, boys’ and men’s sexual trauma affected their masculine identities. This included feeling as though they are not “real men”, or that they’re weak for having been targeted and assaulted.

    In one study, a participant explained:

    Sexual abuse to a man is an abuse against his manhood as well.

    Almost universally, boys and men suffered intense feelings of shame and guilt about being victimised, and many blamed themselves for years to decades.

    Many boys and men said they were worried others would think they were gay if they disclosed being abused or assaulted. This harmful stereotype reflects widespread homophobic attitudes as well as mistaken beliefs about survivors of abuse and assaults.

    Sexual abuse against boys and men has been long been overlooked, dismissed and misunderstood. The taboo nature of the issue was felt by participants. As a therapist who supported male survivors of abuse said in one study:

    We don’t have a cultural place for men as victims.

    LGBTQIA+ men face additional barriers to disclosure. Some experienced distress surrounding concerns abuse or assaults somehow cause, or contribute to, their sexualities. Many also reported receiving unsupportive and homophobic responses when they disclosed abuse and assaults to others. This includes their stories being minimised and dismissed, or suggestions they must have consented given their attraction to other men.

    Stigma if they do tell

    In many cases, boys and men who tried to tell others about their sexual trauma were met with stigmatising and unhelpful responses. Some were blamed, told they were making it up, or even mocked.

    Others were discouraged from speaking out about their experiences again. In some countries, people tell boys and men not to talk about being abused or assaulted because this is seen as bringing shame on themselves and their families.

    Boys and men who were assaulted by women were often told their experiences can’t be classified as abuse or assaults, or aren’t bad enough to warrant support.

    Understanding why men don’t talk

    Many of these barriers to disclosure are linked to harmful myths about sexual abuse and assaults among boys and men. These include mistaken beliefs that men are not abused or assaulted, and that only gay men are abused or assaulted.

    What’s more, many people believe experiencing sexual abuse or assaults is at odds with socially-held ideas about how men “should” behave: for example, constantly demonstrating physical strength, dominance, self-reliance and toughness.

    These strict ideas about what it means to be a man appear to prevent many boys and men from disclosing sexual trauma, and impact how others respond when they do disclose.

    It can also mean boys and men try to bury their difficulties after sexual trauma because they feel they’re expected to be unemotional and cope with their problems independently.

    If men don’t feel comfortable telling anyone about their experience, they can’t get help.
    Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

    What can we do better?

    We know having experienced sexual trauma is closely linked to significant mental health problems in boys and men. These include substance abuse and addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and even suicide.

    Receiving unsupportive and stigmatising responses when they try to seek help only makes these issues worse, and adds to cycles of silence and shame.

    We must break down barriers that stop boys and men disclosing these traumatic experiences. Doing so could save lives.

    Helping boys and men disclose sexual trauma isn’t just about encouraging them to come forward. We need to make sure other people are prepared to respond safely when they choose to speak up.

    There are many ways to raise awareness of the fact sexual abuse and assault happens to boys and men. For example, television shows such as Baby Reindeer helped put this issue at the forefront of conversation. Public health campaigns that explicitly bring boys and men into discussions about sexual trauma can also be helpful.

    We also need to do more to make sure boys and men who experience sexual trauma have suitable places to go for support. Australia has some services doing vital work in this space, such as the Survivors & Mates Support Network. However, more funding and support is crucial so men across the country have safe spaces to discuss and recover from their experiences.

    The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

    Vita Pilkington led this project and receives funding from the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Margaret Cohan Research Scholarship, both awarded by the University of Melbourne.

    Sarah Bendall has been awarded a NHMRC Investigator Grant to support research surrounding understanding and treating trauma in young people with mental health difficulties. She has previously held a NHMRC Early Career Fellowship and a McCusker Philanthropic Foundation Fellowship. She advises government on trauma and youth mental health policy, including Victoria’s statewide trauma service (Transforming Trauma Victoria).

    Zac Seidler receives funding from an NHMRC Investigator Grant. He is also the Global Director of Research with the Movember Institute of Men’s Health.

    – ref. ‘We don’t have a cultural place for men as victims’: why men often don’t tell anyone about sexual abuse – https://theconversation.com/we-dont-have-a-cultural-place-for-men-as-victims-why-men-often-dont-tell-anyone-about-sexual-abuse-252630

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Seizing Fake Pills | CBP

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    The trade of counterfeit and pirated goods threatens America’s innovation economy, the competitiveness of our businesses, the livelihoods of U.S. workers, and, in some cases, national security and the health and safety of consumers. Protect yourself and your family by avoiding potentially dangerous counterfeit items.

    Trade of illegitimate goods is associated with smuggling and other criminal activities, and often funds criminal enterprises. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and partner government agencies work side-by-side to protect the intellectual property rights of American businesses. Safeguarding them from unfair competition, and loss of consumer trust, while upholding American innovation and ingenuity.

    Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
    Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
    Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
    Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKLumCHPCZ4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Victims of Slavery & amp;Transatlantic Slave Trade & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade
    Detained and Missing Staff
    Syria/Security Council
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    UN Interim Force In Lebanon
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Democratic Republic of the Congo / Mediation
    Burundi
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    Ukraine
    Myanmar
    Ecuador
    Child Mortality

    VICTIMS OF SLAVERY AND TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE
    Today is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly event to mark the Day and said that the transatlantic slave trade is an indelible stain on the conscience of humanity.
    Today, he said, we remember the women, children, and men forced to work in agonizing conditions, savagely punished, and deprived of their dignity and human rights, and we take strength in their resistance and demands for justice.
    The Secretary-General said the obscene profits derived from chattel slavery and the racist ideologies that underpinned the trade are still with us, and he urged everyone to play their part in building inclusive societies free from the evils of racism.

    DETAINED AND MISSING STAFF
    Today is the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members. One hundred and one personnel were arrested or detained last year alone. In total, at least 52 of UN personnel are still in detention globally.
    In his message, the Secretary-General says we stand with all those detained, and with their families and loved ones, as we call for their immediate release and safe return.
    He urges governments to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel, and to continue pursuing accountability and justice for these crimes, while enhancing support and protection.
    And in a video message, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that the rights of all U.N. staff must be fully respected.
    Out of the 52 detained colleagues, 23 as you know are arbitrarily detained in Yemen alone. Eight of those are from the Human Rights Office. “Their continued detention is a grave injustice,” Mr. Türk said.
    On this Day, the UN renews the calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

    SYRIA/SECURITY COUNCIL
    This morning at the Security Council, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, told Council members that Syria stands at a crossroads: either to return to violence or to overcome the conflict and revive the economy. To take the right path, Syria needs increased and continued international support, he said.
    For his part, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, said that we are making progress on the humanitarian front. We are now using more routes to deliver aid.
    He added that the reality is still grim. 16 million people – nearly three-quarters of the Syrian population – lack sufficient food, water, shelter, and medicine. We need to move with greater urgency, while we can – he said.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=25%20March%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8EmEq44Veo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  The continued use of paper-based payments by the Federal Government, including checks and money orders, flowing into and out of the United States General Fund, which might be thought of as America’s bank account, imposes unnecessary costs; delays; and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies.  Mail theft complaints have increased substantially since the COVID-19 pandemic.  Historically, Department of the Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than an electronic funds transfer (EFT).  Maintaining the physical infrastructure and specialized technology for digitizing paper records cost the American taxpayer over $657 million in Fiscal Year 2024 alone.
    This order promotes operational efficiency by mandating the transition to electronic payments for all Federal disbursements and receipts by digitizing payments to the extent permissible under applicable law (but not, for avoidance of doubt, to establish a Central Bank Digital Currency).  
    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to defend against financial fraud and improper payments, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the security of Federal payments.
    Sec. 3.  Phase Out of Paper Check Disbursements and Receipts.  (a)  Effective September 30, 2025, and to the extent permitted by law, the Secretary of the Treasury shall cease issuing paper checks for all Federal disbursements inclusive of intragovernmental payments, benefits payments, vendor payments, and tax refunds, except as specified in section 4 of this order.
    (b)  All executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall comply with this directive by transitioning to EFT methods, including direct deposit, prepaid card accounts, and other digital payment options, and take all steps necessary to enroll recipients in EFT payments, except as specified in section 4 of this order.
    (c)  As soon as practicable, and to the extent permitted by law, all payments made to the Federal Government shall be processed electronically, except as specified in section 4 of this order.
    (d)  The Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take appropriate action to eliminate the need for the Department of the Treasury’s physical lockbox services and expedite requirements to receive the payment of Federal receipts, including fees, fines, loans, and taxes, through electronic means except as specified in section 4 of this order.
    (e)  The Secretary of the Treasury shall support agencies’ transition to digital payment methods, including by providing access through the Department of the Treasury’s centralized payment systems to:
    (i)    direct deposits;
    (ii)   debit and credit card payments;
    (iii)  digital wallets and real-time payment systems; and
    (iv)   other modern electronic payment options.
    Sec. 4.  Exceptions and Accommodations for the Phase Out of Paper Check Disbursements and Receipts.  (a)  The Secretary of the Treasury, shall review and, as appropriate, revise procedures for granting limited exceptions where electronic payment and collection methods are not feasible, including exceptions for:
    (i)    individuals who do not have access to banking services or electronic payment systems;
    (ii)   certain emergency payments where electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship, as contemplated in 31 C.F.R. Part 208;
    (iii)  national security- or law enforcement-related activities where non-EFT transactions are necessary or desirable; and
    (iv)   other circumstances as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, as reflected in regulations or other guidance.
    (b)  Individuals or entities qualifying for an exception under this section or other applicable law shall be provided alternative payment options.
    Sec. 5.  Implementation and Compliance of Electronic Transactions.  (a)  The Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the heads of agencies, shall develop and implement a comprehensive public awareness campaign to inform Federal payment recipients of the transition to electronic payments, including guidance on accessing and setting up digital payment options.
    (b)  Agencies shall coordinate with the Department of the Treasury to facilitate a smooth transition to digital payments, ensuring that affected individuals and entities receive adequate support.
    (c)  The Secretary of the Treasury shall work with financial institutions, consumer groups, and other stakeholders to address financial access for unbanked and underbanked populations.
    (d)  The Secretary of the Treasury and the heads of agencies shall take all necessary steps to protect classified information and systems, as well as personally identifiable information and tax return information, through the implementation of this order.
    Sec. 6.  Reporting Requirements.  (a)  The heads of agencies shall submit a compliance plan to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget within 90 days of the date of this order detailing their strategy for eliminating paper-based transactions.
    (b)  The Secretary of the Treasury shall submit an implementation report to the President through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy within 180 days of the date of this order detailing progress on the matters set forth in this order.
    Sec. 7.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    March 25, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province funds replacement of flood-damaged dikes in Merritt

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    New funding from the Province will allow the City of Merritt to rebuild two damaged dikes to higher standards to better protect against flooding and keep people safe.

    The Province is providing the City of Merritt with $60 million to relocate and rebuild two critical dikes, on both banks of the Coldwater River, that were damaged during the flooding of November 2021.

    “Today marks a significant step forward in the City of Merritt’s recovery from the 2021 atmospheric river event, which was devastating for the community,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Moving and rebuilding these dikes will allow the river to flow more naturally, bringing ecosystem benefits while better protecting Merritt from future flooding. We’ll continue to support communities throughout B.C. as they recover from the 2021 event to keep people safe and better prepared.”

    Intense rainfall caused the Coldwater River to overflow its banks, leading to failure of the dikes and catastrophic flooding in Merritt. Because the flooding changed the course of the river, the dikes could not be rebuilt at the existing locations and must be rebuilt at alternative sites.

    “This $60-million investment is a game-changer for Merritt,” said Micheal Goetz, mayor of Merritt. “The construction of dikes 129 and 130 means our community can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing we are taking real steps to protect our homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure. This funding brings us closer to a safer, more resilient future — one where we can face the future with greater confidence and security.”

    This funding will allow the City of Merritt to reconstruct the dikes to modern standards and acquire land to build the dikes in new locations. These projects are part of the City of Merritt’s flood mitigation plan to restore and protect the community after the 2021 flooding. Other key projects in the plan, being undertaken with support of the local First Nations, include ecosystem restoration, riverbank restoration and armouring to prevent erosion. Relocating and rebuilding the two dikes will also help reduce flood risks to downstream communities and benefit the local ecosystem by preserving the natural flow of the river.

    “The Shackan Indian Band is happy to see our neighbours receive the needed funding for rebuilding these dikes, helping the city mitigate risks from future flooding,” said Chief Lindsay Tighe, Shackan Indian Band. “The flooding in 2021 has been absolutely devastating to our communities; some of our community members remain evacuated as Shackan continues to recover. Our support is a step toward a stronger relationship with the City of Merritt and neighbours, as we all depend on a healthy Nicola Valley. It is encouraging to see various partners throughout the Nicola Valley continuing to work together three years after the devastating flooding, to make our communities stronger and more resilient. ”

    Rebuilding these key dikes is one of several flood-mitigation and restoration projects funded by the Province to support the City of Merritt. Other projects include reconstructing the Middlesboro Bridge, rebuilding dikes and banks along the Coldwater River, road repairs, park restorations and water-well restorations.

    Learn More:

    For information about disaster and climate-risk reduction, visit ClimateReadyBC: https://www.ClimateReadyBC.ca

    For more information about the City of Merritt’s flood mitigation plan, visit: https://flood.merritt.ca/

    To learn more about the City of Merritt, visit: https://www.merritt.ca/

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More than 500 affordable homes open in Greater Victoria

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Chief Ronald Sam, Songhees Nation –

    “qʷɫaʔəléutxʷ (Camas House) represents a new chapter for the Songhees Nation, one of growth, community and home. This long-awaited housing project is a vital step in ensuring some of our members have a place to live, thrive and stay connected to our land, our community and culture.”

    Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care –

    “Creating new child care spaces when we build new homes for working families just makes sense. We are increasing access to child care and also helping parents with the cost of child care. These child care spaces will be part of the fee-reduction program, which is another way that our government is helping lift working people up, especially women, and building stronger local economies.”  

    Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake –

    “These new homes are a vital addition to our community, providing people more affordable housing options that meet their diverse needs. I am grateful to all partners involved who made it possible to open the doors of the new homes and provide safe places for families, seniors and others needing extra support to secure stable housing.”

    Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood –

    “Families, seniors and individuals are starting to move into the 137 new, affordable homes in Esquimalt. These new homes will serve as a great foundation for people looking to establish or maintain roots in the community. It would not have been possible without the generous contributions of partners who demonstrated what can be done when we work together for the community.”

    Carolina Ibarra, CEO, Pacifica Housing –

    “We are proud to be part of this significant step toward addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in our region. The Ferns, with its 88 units, represents more than just a place to live; it’s a community built to support families, individuals and children. We are grateful to the Province for their ongoing commitment to affordable housing and for supporting the delivery of over 500 affordable homes across Greater Victoria.”

    Elin Bjarnason, CEO, Victoria Cool Aid Society –

    “We are extraordinarily proud that Crosstown brings together, under one roof, so many of the services and supports people need to heal. Supportive and affordable housing, health care and a path to recovery, and nutritious meals: all available and without the barriers that prevent people from seeking and accessing care.”

    Kevin Albers, CEO, M’akola Housing Society –

    “M’akola Housing Society is honoured to partner with the Songhees Nation in bringing qʷɫaʔəléutxʷ (Camas House) to life. This project represents more than just housing, it is a beacon of hope, resilience and cultural connection for the community. As the property manager, we are committed to ensuring that qʷɫaʔəléutxʷ becomes a place where individuals and families can build a strong foundation for their futures, rooted in their traditions and identity.”

    Peter Parker, board chair, Dawson Heights Housing Society –

    “Partnered with BC Housing and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and drawing on 60 years of successful affordable housing experience, Dawson Heights Housing Society is thrilled to be opening the third and final phase of our redevelopment project. The Woodlands at Dawson Heights offers 85 much-needed affordable homes for seniors.”

    Virginia Holden, executive director, Greater Victoria Housing Society –

    “With the new Lions at Fleming building, we are responding to community needs with an eye toward the future. By replacing an outdated structure that no longer served our community, we are proud to introduce a vibrant, sustainable space that includes much-needed family units and innovative environmental features. Together, we are building for the future and contributing to thriving communities.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Improvements to the Proceeds of Crime Fund

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Proceeds of Crime Fund will open a new funding round based on new criteria on 31 March Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee says.
     
    “The new criteria will focus on supporting initiatives that will reduce violent crime contributing to the Government’s target of 20,000 fewer victims by December 2029.
     
    “Government agencies are invited to submit using the funding proposal template and we encourage agencies to work with community groups as part of their proposals.  We want to see targeted initiatives that prevent crime before it escalates into violent crime.
     
    “The new template will support clear and consistent assessment of proposed initiatives, and I expect it to also capture information on the delivery, impact, and long-term benefits of each proposal.
     
    “Our expectation is that proposals under the new criteria will be able to demonstrate clear outcomes.  Rather than gangs benefiting through a programme which is yet to present its final report – some nine months after its conclusion – as was the case under the previous government,” Mrs McKee says. 
     
    The Proceeds of Crime Fund is not to be used as an on-going permanent funding source.  Approved initiatives will be for short-term (maximum three year) funding applications that meet the Government’s targeted criteria.
     
    The first funding round will open on 31 March 2025, with submissions due by 1 May 2025 and funding available to be utilised from 1 July 2025.
     
    The terms of reference can be found here and more information on the Proceeds of Crime Fund can be found on the Ministry of Justice website here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment Trends – New Zealand Employers Face a Brave New World with Optimism, Says Beyond Recruitment Report

    Source: Beyond Recruitment

    AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. March 26th, 2025 – The 2025/26 Beyond Recruitment Economic & Labour Report reveals cautious optimism and resilience among New Zealand employers, despite ongoing economic uncertainty and an accelerating evolution of jobs across multiple sectors.

    Beyond Recruitment’s annual Economic & Labour Report provides insights into employer sentiment about the economy, hiring and the state of New Zealand’s workforce.

    The latest report highlights a stabilisation in employer confidence since the post-pandemic recovery, with fewer organisations (58%) describing the past year as challenging, down from 71% in 2023. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and large organisations reported the highest levels of confidence, contrasting with slightly lower optimism among very large organisations (1,001+ employees).

    The economic slowdown emerged as the leading concern (31%) for employers, alongside rising operational costs and regulatory changes (both at 25%). Balancing cost management and growth is a central challenge, with 37% of organisations aiming to keep headcount stable, while 28% are planning headcount expansion. SMEs show the strongest appetite for workforce growth.

    Usage of artificial intelligence has surged, with 83% of organisations either exploring or implementing AI tools, up significantly from previous years. Despite initial fears, employers view AI as predominantly complementary to human roles, with 43% upskilling their employees to meet the demands of an AI enhanced workplace.

    CE of Beyond Recruitment, Liza Viz, said: “While organisations are prudent in their hiring strategies, their resilience is clear. Employers are strategically positioning themselves to capitalise on anticipated market improvements, particularly through workforce development and increased adoption of technology like artificial intelligence (AI).

    “Now is the time for employers to invest in their people and focus on future-proofing their workforce. The competition for talent will heighten once again, making skills development and building future talent pools a key priority for Aotearoa organisations.”

    Hybrid work models are now standard, adopted by 77% of organisations, with flexible work hours and remote options firmly established as key employee benefits. Office spaces continue to evolve, reflecting new norms rather than temporary adjustments.

    Other key insights from the report include:

    Pay rises are levelling at around 3%, with 38% of organisations planning this range of increase.
    Employer satisfaction with local talent is growing, with reliance on international recruitment easing.
    Organisations have increased their focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion within executive teams, which is considerably influencing executive search and recruitment strategies.

    The Beyond Recruitment Economic & Labour Report 2025/26 gathered responses from over 500 employment leaders nationwide, representing various sectors including government, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and professional services.

    About Beyond Recruitment:

    Beyond Recruitment is one of New Zealand’s largest 100% Kiwi owned recruitment agencies. Established in 2003, Beyond Recruitment’s specialist recruiters support sectors including technology, finance, HR, customer experience, marketing, engineering, and construction nationwide from offices in Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, and Christchurch.

    For more information, visit www.beyondrecruitment.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Is This Any Way to Run a Budget?

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    Unlike the federal government, families and private-sector businesses have to keep spending in line with earnings. To do so, they budget, estimating what their income will be and making sure their planned expenditures don’t exceed it.

    The federal government is the largest financial entity in the world. You would think its budgeting would take the most time and effort and involve more detail than any other organization. You would be wrong. 

    I come from the private sector, and I know the time, effort and detail businesses put into preparing budgets. If the numbers are good, a budget review meeting can be a breeze. If not, managers have a lot of explaining to do. When it comes to spending American taxpayer dollars and the money we borrow to cover massive deficit spending, the analysis and oversight by lawmakers is woefully inadequate.

    The 535 members of Congress could be considered the board of directors, and the news media as the watchdog auditor, of a financial entity that spends more than $7 trillion a year. Yet when I asked my colleagues and the media a few years ago during an omnibus spending debate how much the federal government spent in total, no one offered an answer. My guess is most simply didn’t know because we never talk about it and there is no formal process to review total spending. We appropriate less than 25% of total federal outlays in any given year, and the rest, mandatory spending and entitlements, is on autopilot. 

    This lack of attention has allowed spending to soar 63%, from $4,447 billion in fiscal 2019 to a projected $7,266 billion in fiscal 2025. In January on these pages I proposed three options for returning to a more reasonable pre-pandemic level of spending. All used projected 2025 spending for Social Security, Medicare and interest. Other spending in these baseline options was adjusted to account for population growth and inflation. Adjusting Bill Clinton’s 1998, Barack Obama’s 2014 and Donald Trump’s 2019 total outlays results in baseline budgets of $5,496 billion, $6,199 billion and $6,496 billion, respectively. The Senate budget resolution used Mr. Trump’s 2021 budget projection for 2025, yielding a baseline amount of $6,061 billion.

    Since we’ve already accounted for population growth and inflation in all these options, why are we spending $770 billion to $1.77 trillion above these previous years’ population- and inflation-adjusted outlays? In the private sector, that is exactly what business managers would have to explain to upper management in a line-by-line budget review. We should apply the same rigorous examination to federal spending.

    A group of senators representing various factions of the Republican conference and a similar group of House Republicans should join a budget review panel with members of the administration to listen to representatives of the departments explain each line-item expenditure. Spending that didn’t exist before the pandemic or that exceeds previous years should be considered for elimination or reduced. Spending that can’t be defended or has been identified by the Department of Government Efficiency as waste, fraud or abuse should be cut. 

    No one can predict what level of spending would survive this scrutiny, but it would be significantly lower than current levels. Democrats have no interest in reducing spending levels, so Republicans will have to use the rescission process for discretionary spending reductions and budget reconciliation for mandatory spending. 

    This review can be done expeditiously. The 2025 budget has 2,481 individual expenditure line items, which could be reviewed in time to provide congressional committees the information they need to draft legislation for rescission packages and fulfillment of budget reconciliation instructions. Returning to a pre-pandemic spending level combined with enacting pro-growth tax polices and repealing the economy-crushing tax increase scheduled for 2026 could make balancing the federal budget achievable. 

    The election of President Trump and Republican majorities in the House and Senate have given America a historic chance to reduce the size, scope and cost of the federal government. With federal debt totaling $36.4 trillion and interest expense exceeding defense spending, it’s vital that the U.S. seize this opportunity. 

    Mr. Johnson, a Republican, is a U.S. senator from Wisconsin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FCDO statement on Riyadh talks

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    FCDO statement on Riyadh talks

    The FCDO has released a statement following ceasefire talks in Riyadh today: 25 March

    An FCDO spokesperson said:

    “We are in close contact with US and Ukraine following the conclusion of talks in Riyadh today.

    “President Zelenskyy has already shown Ukraine is the party of peace by proposing a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.  We hope that President Putin will agree to this without further delay. 

    “We thank the US for their efforts. We are continuing to work closely with international partners towards a lasting and durable peace.”

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet approves site of new girls’ school

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet has this evening approved the site for a new girls’ secondary school which will also see the much-loved African Caribbean Centre being preserved.

    Following February’s Cabinet meeting, when members approved to release the council-owned land to the Department for Education (DfE) for the Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, the decision was called in and referred to the Culture and Economy Scrutiny Committee for further discussion.

    As a result of that discussion, the scrutiny committee asked cabinet to review its original decision and give a stronger commitment to the African Caribbean Centre to remain on its current site.

    At tonight’s Cabinet meeting, held at Liverpool Town Hall, members heard that previous plans that informed that decision have now been fully reviewed.

    As a result, some additional land, close to the former St Margaret of Antioch School, has been identified that will increase the area of the proposed site. There is also the possibility of using part of the nearby Princes School site, on Selborne Street, for non-teaching uses as there is a plan for this school to be relocated from 2027.

    Consequently, a way forward was approved by Cabinet that will see the African Caribbean Centre building preserved and a substantial amount of the land currently used by the Centre be excluded from any site agreed for the creation of the new girls’ school.

    The council will now seek to hold talks with the African Caribbean Centre’s Trustees and community representatives of the centre following this evening’s decision, which will be led by the Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services, Councillor Liz Parsons.

    Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “I again express the Council’s absolute commitment to supporting a vibrant future for the African Caribbean Centre, for many years to come.

    “The community has sent a clear message that they want it to remain on the current site, and the council has listened and shares that commitment. 

    “The review of the plans has shown it is possible to deliver the girls school and secure a future for the centre on the same site. We now look forward to engaging with the community representatives to explore the options in more detail.”

    The opening of the Eden Girls Leadership Academy, by Star Academies, has been made under the previous government’s Free Schools Programme, and will eventually provide 600 places across Years 7– 11 and 200 places years 12-13. Up to 50 per cent of the school places will be reserved for Muslim girls and the remainder will be available for girls of other faiths and non-faith.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in the Republic of Moldova on fodder plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on beet seed-producing crops and oil plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of beet seed and oil plant seed produced in Ukraine – A10-0043/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council

    amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in the Republic of Moldova on fodder plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on beet seed-producing crops and oil plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of beet seed and oil plant seed produced in Ukraine

    (COM(2024)0052 – C9-0026/2024 – 2024/0027(COD))

    (Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2024)0052),

    – having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 43(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C9-0026/2024),

    – having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 20 March 2024[1],

    – having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A10-0043/2025),

    1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

    2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

    3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

    Amendment  1

    Proposal for a decision

    Recital 3

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (3) The Commission examined the relevant legislation of the Republic of Moldova. It also carried out in 2016 an audit of the system of official controls and of certification of cereal, vegetable and oil and fibre plant seed in the Republic of Moldova and published its findings in a report4. On the basis of the audit, the Commission concluded that the national authorities responsible for the implementation of seed certification in the Republic of Moldova are competent, have adequate facilities in place, and operate appropriately. Those authorities are also responsible for field inspections of seed-producing fodder plants and for the certification of seed of fodder plants.

    (3) The Commission examined the relevant legislation of the Republic of Moldova. It also carried out in 2016 an audit of the system of official controls and of certification of cereal, vegetable and oil and fibre plant seed in the Republic of Moldova and published its findings in a report4. Following the receipt of additional documentation from the Republic of Moldova, the Commission considered that all recommendations made in the audit report had been addressed in a satisfactory manner. On the basis of the audit, the Commission concluded that the national authorities responsible for the implementation of seed certification in the Republic of Moldova are competent, have adequate facilities in place, and operate appropriately. Those authorities are also responsible for field inspections of seed-producing fodder plants and for the certification of seed of fodder plants.

    __________________

    __________________

    4 ‘Final report of an audit carried out in the Republic of Moldova from 14 June to 21 June 2016 in order to evaluate the system of official controls and certification of seed and their equivalence with European Union requirements’ https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit-report/details/3667.

    4 ‘Final report of an audit carried out in the Republic of Moldova from 14 June to 21 June 2016 in order to evaluate the system of official controls and certification of seed and their equivalence with European Union requirements’ https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit-report/details/3667.

     

     

    Amendment  2

    Proposal for a decision

    Recital 7

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (7) The Commission examined the relevant legislation of Ukraine. It also carried out an audit in 2015 of the system of official controls and of certification of cereal seed in Ukraine and published its findings in a report6. On the basis of the audit, the Commission concluded that the national authorities responsible for the implementation of seed certification in Ukraine are competent, have adequate facilities in place, and operate appropriately. Those authorities are also responsible for the field inspections of seed-producing crops of beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean, and for the certification of seed of those crops.

    (7) The Commission examined the relevant legislation of Ukraine. It also carried out an audit in 2015 of the system of official controls and of certification of cereal seed in Ukraine and published its findings in a report6. Following the receipt of additional documentation from Ukraine, the Commission considered that all recommendations made in the audit report had been addressed in a satisfactory manner. On the basis of the audit, the Commission concluded that the national authorities responsible for the implementation of seed certification in Ukraine are competent, have adequate facilities in place, and operate appropriately. Those authorities are also responsible for the field inspections of seed-producing crops of beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean, and for the certification of seed of those crops.

    __________________

    __________________

    6 ‘Final report of an audit carried out in Ukraine from 26 May 2015 to 4 June 2015 in order to evaluate the system of official controls and certification of cereal seed and their equivalence with European Union requirements’ https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit-report/details/3499.

    6 ‘Final report of an audit carried out in Ukraine from 26 May 2015 to 4 June 2015 in order to evaluate the system of official controls and certification of cereal seed and their equivalence with European Union requirements’ https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit-report/details/3499.

     

     

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    The Rapporteur welcomes the European Commission proposal, which aims to update Council Decision 2003/17/EC that grants equivalence to certain non-EU countries as regards field inspections and production of seed of certain species that are carried out in accordance with Council Directives 66/401/EEC, 66/402/EEC, 2002/54/EC, 2002/55/EC and 2002/57/EC. The legal basis of this act is the Article 43(2) of the TFEU. That equivalence system contributes to the maintenance of the continuous supply of high quality seed in the Union.

    The Republic of Moldova has been included in the list of non-EU countries since 2018. Similarly, Ukraine joined this list in 2020 for seeds of different agricultural crops.

    The requesting countries have their seed laboratories accredited by the International Seed Testing Association. This provides additional assurance on the quality of the inspections and the seed produced in those countries and their compliance with Union legislation.

    Moreover, both Ukraine and Moldova have been admitted to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes for the Varietal Certification of Seed moving in International Trade, with respect to the seeds of the requested agricultural crops.

    Lastly, the Commission examined Ukraine’s and Moldova’s relevant legislation, carried out audits of systems of official controls and seed certification, and found them appropriate to the EU legislation.

    The Rapporteur supports the Commission’s proposal and suggest adopting it with the two factual and technical amendments related to the inspections. These amendments aim to ensure, in the long term, products entering single market fully comply with EU production requirements.

    As set out in the Commission’s proposal, all conditions are met in order to grant the equivalence to the Ukraine and Moldova. Given the evolving needs of the agricultural sector and international trade in high-quality seed production, as well as the importance of fostering global collaboration, the proposal should enhance the trade of seeds that complies with the Union regulations.

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Title

    Granting equivalence with EU requirements to Moldova and Ukraine as regards field inspections and production of seed

    References

    COM(2024)0052 – C9-0026/2024 – 2024/0027(COD)

    Date submitted to Parliament

    5.2.2024

     

     

     

    Committee(s) responsible

    AGRI

     

     

     

    Rapporteurs

     Date appointed

    Veronika Vrecionová

    20.11.2024

     

     

     

    Discussed in committee

    3.12.2024

    30.1.2025

     

     

    Date adopted

    19.3.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    30

    13

    1

    Members present for the final vote

    Arno Bausemer, Sergio Berlato, Stefano Bonaccini, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Daniel Buda, Gheorghe Cârciu, Asger Christensen, Barry Cowen, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Ivan David, Valérie Deloge, Salvatore De Meo, Csaba Dömötör, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Herbert Dorfmann, Luke Ming Flanagan, Cristina Guarda, Martin Häusling, Krzysztof Hetman, Céline Imart, Elsi Katainen, Stefan Köhler, Norbert Lins, Cristina Maestre, Dario Nardella, Gilles Pennelle, Alvise Pérez, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Arash Saeidi, Eric Sargiacomo, Christine Singer, Raffaele Stancanelli, Anna Strolenberg, Pekka Toveri, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Veronika Vrecionová, Thomas Waitz, Maria Walsh

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Alexander Bernhuber, Benoit Cassart, Elena Sancho Murillo, Anna Zalewska

    Date tabled

    25.3.2025

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU disinformation on the murders of Christians and Alawites in Syria – E-001094/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001094/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    ‘Streets piled with bodies: Syrians report massacres of Alawite and Christian civilians’.[1] The facts are devastating: reports point to a wave of killings in Syria targeting Alawites and Christians, including ten women and five children. On 10 March 2025, BFMTV reported that 745 civilians, mainly Alawites, had been massacred in the Latakia region between 6 and 8 March 2025 by Syrian regime forces and their allies.

    However, in a statement of 8 March 2025, ‘diplomats’ from the European External Action Service (EEAS) completely ignored these ongoing massacres, attributing the attacks to ‘pro-Assad elements’[2]. This is blatant disinformation that damages the EU’s reputation.

    • 1.Can the Commission verify the EEAS statement that the recent attacks on civilians, including Christians and Alawites, are being carried out by ‘pro-Assad elements’ alone, or does it acknowledge that the new regime is involved in the massacres of civilians?
    • 2.Has the Commission urged the interim Syrian Government to put an end to the massacres by government forces or Islamist factions of children, women, civilians and prisoners from the Alawite and Christian communities?
    • 3.How much financial assistance has the new Syrian Government received from the EU since December 2024?

    Submitted: 13.3.2025

    • [1] https://www.bfmtv.com/international/moyen-orient/syrie/les-rues-pleines-de-cadavres-des-syriens-temoignent-des-massacres-de-civils-alaouites-et-chretiens_AV-202503100384.html, https://www.newsweek.com/hundreds-minorities-including-christians-killed-syria-reports-2041764, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/09/north-west-syria-un-latakia-assad-regime-loyalists-killings
    • [2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/spokesperson-statement-latest-developments-syria_en
    Last updated: 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Welcoming US scientists and researchers to Europe after Trump administration budget cuts – E-001093/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001093/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D), Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D), Christophe Clergeau (S&D), Emma Rafowicz (S&D), Claire Fita (S&D), Aurore Lalucq (S&D), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Chloé Ridel (S&D), Pierre Jouvet (S&D), Nora Mebarek (S&D), Eric Sargiacomo (S&D), François Kalfon (S&D)

    President Donald Trump’s recent decision to cut funding for research on health, climate, diversity, gender and social inequality is alarming. Massive numbers of jobs will be cut at public scientific bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    On 15 February 2025, President Trump signed an executive order slashing the funds allocated to universities by national health institutions, especially for research projects linked to climate change and environmental justice.

    NASA’s chief scientist was barred from attending the 62nd Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) session, and NASA terminated the contracts of her team, which coordinated one of the IPCC working groups.

    Given the massive funding cuts for key research areas in the US, does the Commission intend to offer those researchers specific packages to attract them to Europe, as has been the case for Ukrainian researchers since the war in Ukraine began?

    Submitted: 13.3.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Camden County Company Settles Matter Alleging Receipt Of Improper Cares Act Loans

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Newark, N.J. – A furniture rental company based in Pennsauken, New Jersey entered into a settlement agreement with the United States resolving allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by taking a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to which it was not entitled, United States Attorney John Giordano announced today.

    According to the allegations in the complaint and the contentions of the United States in the settlement agreement:

    In January 2021, American Furniture Rentals, Inc. (AFR) applied for and received a $2 million PPP loan.  Under the eligibility rules in effect at that time, a company was required to have 300 employees or less to qualify for a PPP loan. Despite the fact that AFR had more than 300 employees at the time, AFR certified in its loan application that it was eligible to participate in the PPP program. After receiving the PPP loan, AFR sought and received forgiveness of the total amount of the loan, plus interest that had accrued.

    AFR fully cooperated in the investigation and resolution of this matter. In accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement, AFR will pay the United States $2,907,703. The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties, called relators, to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David V. Simunovich of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Verity Investigations, LLC v. American Furniture Rentals, Inc., 24-7540 (D.N.J.).

    25-086                                                             ###

    Counsel for American Furniture Rentals, Inc.: Brian K. Kidd, Esq., Washington, D.C.

    Counsel for Relator Verity Investigations, LLC: Steven Shepard, Esq., New York, NY

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Camden County Man Admits To Distributing Methamphetamine And Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County man today admitted to distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

    Joseph Watson, 38, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, contrary to 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a) and (b)(1)(C), in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846; with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C); and with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From June 2023 through October 2023, Watson conspired with Ian Dudley and others to distribute crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl in Camden County, Gloucester County, and elsewhere in southern New Jersey.  During the course of that conspiracy, Watson sold approximately 927 grams of crystal methamphetamine and approximately 28 grams of fentanyl to an undercover federal agent.

    The counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and distribution of fentanyl each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 29, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of L.C. Cheeks, Jr., with the investigation.

    Co-Defendant Ian Dudley is awaiting trial in this matter and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane in Camden.

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel: Stanley King, Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Have your say on Upper Smoky land use

    Located in west-central Alberta, the Upper Smoky covers more than 13,000 square kilometres south of Grande Prairie. It contains rolling hills, mountains, forests and glacial valleys, with a wide range of wildlife calling it home. Every day, the area is used for many activities, including energy, forestry, recreation and traditional Indigenous land use. Land-use planning will help direct what activities take place in the future across this unique area.

    Alberta’s government has developed a draft sub-regional plan, along with associated regulatory details, based on discussions with residents, Indigenous communities, local governments, industry and others. Starting on March 27, all Albertans are invited to have their say and help determine how land in the Upper Smoky should be used.

    “The Upper Smoky is a diverse and breathtaking part of our province. It’s also the heart of many of our key industries and Alberta’s economy. We want to hear from anyone living in the area who is passionate about creating jobs, growing rural communities and supporting sustainable conservation in the area, so we can create the best plans possible to meet these demands.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    Sub-regional plans help provide opportunities for Albertans to work and play, improve the overall landscape and enable Indigenous traditional land uses. Part of the Upper Smoky plan includes work to restore caribou habitat, which is a specialized activity that helps create local jobs. The draft plan also identifies conservation areas and potential direction for forestry, grazing, recreation, energy development, tourism and many other activities.

    The plan is not final, and the content proposed in the draft materials is designed to help generate input and detailed feedback from those most impacted. Public engagement opens on March 27 and runs until June 25 and can be completed online.

    The input from Albertans will be used to finalize the plan and ultimately, support economic growth, environmental stewardship and strong communities in the Upper Smoky sub-region.

    Alberta’s government will continue working with Indigenous communities and organizations, local governments, industry and others as the Upper Smoky sub-regional plan is finalized and then implemented.

    Quick facts

    • The Upper Smoky sub-region is located south of Grande Prairie and encompasses Grande Cache, Kakwa Wildland Park and about half of Willmore Wilderness Park. It is adjacent to Jasper National Park and covers 13,216 square kilometres.
    • The draft sub-regional plan and associated regulatory details are not final, and they are designed to help generate input from across the province.
    • The Upper Smoky sub-regional plan is the third of 11 plans covering 15 caribou ranges being developed in Alberta.
    • Significant progress has been made toward caribou habitat restoration in west-central Alberta, particularly in the Little Smoky and A La Peche caribou ranges, where more than 2,600 kilometres of seismic lines have been treated and assessed since 2020, and 1.8 million trees have been planted.
    • The sub-region contains natural resources including timber, petroleum and natural gas, coal, metallic and industrial minerals, sand and gravel, and livestock grazing forages.
    • Approximately $21.2 billion of Alberta’s gross domestic product (GDP) was derived from this sub-region in 2020, which is about 6 per cent of the province’s GDP.

    Related information

    • Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan engagement
    • Sub-regional planning engagements
    • South Saskatchewan regional planning

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Historic Halifax State Historic Site Hosts  ‘Halifax Resolves Days: Prelude to Revolution’ on April 11-12, 2025

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Historic Halifax State Historic Site Hosts  ‘Halifax Resolves Days: Prelude to Revolution’ on April 11-12, 2025

    Historic Halifax State Historic Site Hosts  ‘Halifax Resolves Days: Prelude to Revolution’ on April 11-12, 2025
    jejohnson6

     On April 12, 1776, the 4th Provincial Congress in session at Halifax, N.C., passed a resolution that became known as “The Halifax Resolves.” In this document, North Carolinians declared their grievances against British rule and encouraged their delegates in the Continental Congress to vote for independence. It was the first official action of any of the 13 colonies calling for independence.

    Historic Halifax State Historic Site will commemorate the 249th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves with an exciting two-day event. Immerse yourself in the past as skilled historians bring to life the Revolutionary-era citizens of Halifax. Discover the pivotal role North Carolina and its people played in shaping the destiny of America. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with history firsthand.

    Festivities begin on Friday, April 11. Steven Green will present a lecture about American Indian Patriots at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Room at the Historic Court House. Later that day, at 11 a.m., Tom King will lecture on the life of the Rev. Edward Drumgoole at the First Baptist Church of Halifax. Both lectures on Friday are sponsored by the Halifax County’s A250 Churches, Genealogy, and Cemeteries Committee. At 10 a.m. members of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe will hold a ceremony at Magazine Springs. Guided tours of historic buildings and living history demonstrations are available from noon-5 p.m.

    On Saturday, April 12, the Sons of the American Revolution will host a wreath-laying ceremony at the site of the Colonial Courthouse at 10 a.m., followed by the Historical Halifax Restoration Association’s annual commemoration ceremony at 2 p.m. Guided tours of historic buildings, living history, historic vignettes, and artillery demonstrations will be ongoing from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., the historic Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church will offer a community church service — all welcome to attend. To finish the night, a free concert on the steps of the Historic Courthouse on King Street will begin at 7 p.m. The concert is sponsored by the Town of Halifax and made possible through funding by America 250 NC.

    Special programming by supporting community partners will occur in Halifax on both days. The Bradford-Denton House will offer ongoing hearth cooking, blacksmithing, and other living history demonstrations. The Royal White Hart Lodge #2 will be open for tours. A variety of food trucks will be available throughout the weekend. All activities are free.

    A full schedule of events and a site map will be available online at https://www.america250.nc.gov. For more information, please call Historic Halifax State Historic Site at (252) 583-7191.

    About Historic Halifax State Historic Site
    Located on the Roanoke River, the town of Halifax developed into a commercial and political center at the time of the American Revolution. North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress met in Halifax in the spring of 1776 where it unanimously adopted a document on April 12 that became knowns as the “Halifax Resolves,” the first official action by an entire colony recommending independence from England. A temporary visitor center operates  Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., from the Tap Room tavern (101 N. King St.). The site is  
    closed Sunday, Monday, and most major holidays

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Mar 25, 2025

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